The penitential season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017 and lasts until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 13, 2017.

The bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons over 14 years of age are gravely obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.  All persons over 18 years of age and up to the beginning of their 60th year are gravely obliged to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, while the other two meals are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged at attend Mass and to receive the Most Holy Eucharist daily, to use frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to attend parish Lenten devotions and Lenten educational programs.

Ashes will be distributed on Ash Wednesday at the 9:30am Mass at St. Joseph Church and at the 6:30am and 7:30pm Mass at 1:30pm Scripture Service at Presentation BVM Church.

On Sundays during Lent, we will pray the Stations of the Cross at 9:30am at St. Joseph Church.  A video will be shown in the Parish Community Room following the 10am Mass each Sunday.

All are encouraged to participate in the annual CRS Rice Bowl, which has aided countless hungry persons here in our Archdiocese and throughout the world.