ENTER INTO THE SEASON OF LENT…2016

Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians:  Chapter 3: verse 20 and 21 and Chapter 4 verse 1:   “Our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.  Therefore brothers and sisters….in this way stand firm in the lord.” 

 Enter this Lenten Season with prayer and hope that the Lord Jesus will work his wonders once again in our hearts.  Stand firm in the ways of the Lord this Lent. Accept the invitation of the Spirit of God and enter this Lent and build a closer relationship with God and our brothers and sisters.

FAST – The church asks us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

ABSTAINENCE – also Abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent

PERSONAL PRACTICES – of prayer and penance are encouraged for all so that we purify our hearts to be better able to reflect upon the Suffering and Death of Jesus and it meaning for us in our live.

The following events are taking place at St. Mark’s during the forty days of Lent

ASH WEDNESDAY – February 10^th Ashes are placed on our foreheads during mass or at the prayer service

8:45 a.m. Mass   – 4:30 p.m. Prayer Service. –  7:30 p.m. Mass

LENTEN MASSES ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 7:30 P.M. —

 Ash Wed. Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, Mar. 2, Mar 9

With Jesus to the Cross: A Lenten Guide on the Sunday Mass Readings – This Lenten Program is presented on 5 Wednesday evenings of Lent Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 2, 9, 16*  @ 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. following the 7:30 p.m. Lenten mass… *except on Mar 16 it will follow the 7 p.m. Parish Penance/Reconciliation Service.  This program looks at the scripture readings for the week and see how we can incorporate their lessons into our lives. There is a book for each participant and it is very user friendly. Make a commitment to be part of this program.

BEST LENT EVER… if you are unable to join us on Wednesday night consider signing up for a FREE

On line Lenten program.  Each day you will receive a video and reflection and prayers on your computer/phone. This is an ideal way to give yourself some prayerful time at home and do something positive for Lent.  Just go to www.BestLentEver.com and sign in.   Presenter is Matthew Kelly well known Catholic Speaker and write.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION…The Sacrament of reconciliation is offered each Saturday in the confessional room at 4:45 p.m.

DIOCESE OF PATERSON SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION INITIATIVE…WELCOME HOME

On five (5) Mondays of Lent the Diocese of Paterson has a special Reconciliation initiative – a priest is available in any church of the diocese of Paterson from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The Dates are:  Feb. 15, 22, 29 Mar. 7, 14.    Please let others know.

SAINT MARK’S SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION…

We will have a parish celebration of Reconciliation on Wednesday March 16^th at 7:00 p.m. There will be at least three (3) priests available for individual confession and the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with you.

SAINT MARK’S WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF MASSES:

Saturday:  5:30 p.m.  Sunday:  8:00 a.m.  9:30 a.m.  11:00 a.m.

SAINT MARK’S WEEKDAY MASS:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:45 a.m.

Wednesday – during Lent 7:30 p.m. – Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, Mar. 2, Mar 9

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES   “OPERATION RICE BOWL”

This project offers up an opportunity this lent to again help support their efforts to feed the hungry in our world. The Rice Bowls are available at the doors of the church.  Please take one and put your donations in the Rice Bowl.  It is suggested that each family eat a lesser meal each week and put the saving into the rice bowl as you think of those who are hungry in our world. See articles in the bulletin about the work of Catholic Relief Services throughout the world.

LONG VALLEY CROSS WALK – GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 25

The Long Valley clergy association invites you to be a part of the Cross Walk on Good Friday.  The walk begins at 12 noon from the Presbyterian Church (near Ort Farm) Bartley Road. We walk to Ort Farms to Rt. 517 into the business section and end at the Zion Lutheran Church at the bottom of Schooleys Mt. Road. Each church takes a turn carrying the cross and stops for a brief reflection along the way. This is an excellent family activity to walk together and join with members of different congregations outwardly showing our belief in the power of the Cross. You can park in either church parking lot.  Some like to bring two cars and park one in each.  We really would like you to join us.

FINAL WORD…

MAY GOD OUR LOVING FATHER WHO SENT JESUS AMONG US AS OUR SAVIOR BLESS US THIS LENT AND HELP US MAKE GOOD USE OF THE TIME WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN…