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Lent

Pentecost

LENT

ABOUT LENT

The word Lent has an obscure origin, and is probably a corruption of similar terms in ancient Anglo, Saxon, and Germanic languages, all of which referred to spring, new life, and hope. Although it is generally considered to be a time of mourning and repentance, it is also designated as a time of new life and hope because by means of the death of Christ, we receive new life.

The Lenten period is calculated to extend from Resurrection Sunday back for forty days, not including Sundays. Sundays are not included because they commemorate Christ's glorious resurrection on “the day after the Sabbath, the first day of the week, the Lord’s day.”

The forty days commemorate the significant “forty” periods in Scripture (although forty is not always significant), including the forty years the Jews wandered in the desert after they had been rescued by God from Egypt, and which did not end until they repented. Jonah preached to Nineveh that God’s judgment would come on them in forty days. During that time, the people repented and thus were spared God’s judgment. Jesus was tested by the devil in the desert for forty days before He began His public ministry, announcing salvation to the repentant and judgment to those who continued to rebel against God. Jesus prophesied that God’s judgment would come against Israel for rejecting Him as Messiah within the time of His own generation (Matt. 24; Luke 21; Mark 13). Within forty years of His death, burial, and resurrection, Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple was so ravaged that “not one stone [was] left here upon another” (Matt. 24:2). The Jewish Christians, however, escaped this judgment of God by fleeing to Pella before the final Roman siege, just as Jesus had warned them to do (Matt. 24:16-21).

During Lent Christians are to contemplate their sinfulness, repent, ask God’s forgiveness, and realize the infinite sacrifice God made on their behalf. It is to be a time of quiet contemplation, but not a time of despair, since it culminates in the commemoration of the resurrection. Traditionally, those who are joining the church spend this period in special instruction regarding Christian doctrine, practice, and responsibility. Historically, prospective members (“catechumens”) did not participate in the Lord’s Supper portion of the Sunday services until they were received into full membership on the Sunday of the Resurrection of Our Lord. For them, this first experience of Ash Wednesday and Lent has special significance as God’s eternal plan of salvation is applied to them personally.

Some Christians abstain from a normal part of their daily routine during Lent to remind them of the sacrifice of Christ. Some might refrain from eating certain favorite foods, or from frivolous entertainment, etc. Some churches encourage members to commit to a sacrifice that can benefit the less fortunate, such as not eating out during Lent and then donating those unused dining funds to a local soup kitchen or food bank. Some churches dedicate the Saturdays of Lent to a congregational volunteer community project, such as refurbishing senior members’ houses, or cleaning up a local park, or serving meals to the needy. Many churches have mid-week Lenten services, sometimes preceded by a simple fellowship meal. Services focus on the events leading up to the Last Supper, Christ’s betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, burial, and finally, His triumphant resurrection.

The final week of Lent is called Holy Week. It begins the day after Palm Sunday, which memorializes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11). Holy Week commemorates the events immediately preceding the crucifixion. This is the most solemn time during the church year.

O Loving God, we come to the Holy Season of Lent truly sorry for our sins that have often separated us from you. We confess that we need to repent of our offenses against you which we have committed by thought, word, and deed. We humbly pray for your mercy and forgiveness. We pray for a new quest for holiness on our part that we may become faithful and righteous servants of Christ. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Along with faithful attendance at Mass on Sundays and during the week, if possible, each Wednesday offers the opportunity to walk the Way of the Cross with Jesus after the 12:10 PM Healing Mass. This devotion is open to everyone and can be a life-changing experience.

The priests of the parish are available anytime during the year to celebrate reconciliation but especially during Lent (Lenten season: Wednesdays between 11:45 AM and 12:10 PM and Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 8:15 AM (or call for an appointment with one of the priests). Never made a confession? Just ask a priest for guidance. Look up the "Reconciliation of a Penitent" in the Book of Common Prayer. Unsure what to confess? Some use the Ten Commandments, but perhaps the best examination of conscience can be made using the Baptismal Covenant found in BCP pg. 292. Remember, the absolution given a good confession unleashes a deep spirit of freedom and joy!

Participate in the Holy Eucharist during the week and come to Morning and Evening Prayer. You may want to partake in other Saint Michael's weekly services as well as the Sunday Mass.  Look for other Lenten opportunities in the schedule of events.

We are asked especially at this season to give of our treasure for the needs and wants of others. One practical way to "cut back" and also give is to take a sack lunch each day to work instead of going out, and to donate the difference in cost to one of the St. Michael's outreach programs. And comes to the church and volunteer yourself! Watch this page for opportunities.

BIBLE STUDY

Lenten Bible Study will be presented by Fr. Joel Ireland on Monday evenings, March 6th through April 3rd, immediately following the 5:30 PM Mass in the Parish Center.   This Lenten exercise will focus on the post-Apostolic writings of the New Testament, based on the books of Timothy, Titus etc.  Participants are encouraged to attend the Mass prior to the study.  Light refreshments will be served.

Some Church Events and Feastdays by Season:

Advent

Christmas

Epiphany:

Candlemas

St. Valentine's Day

Lent:

Ash Wednesday

Palm Sunday

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter
Ascension

Pentecost
Trinity Sunday

Ordinary Time:

Michaelmas: Our Patronal Feast of St. Michael

the English Faire

Feast of St. Francis