Almsgiving , Prayer and Penance: The Three Pillars of Lent
Almsgiving is the practice of giving some of our resources to those in need. This year we will have a Penny War to collect money for the Ashes to Easter Diocese project. Each week during Lent, bring in your spare change to RE and have your child put the pennies in their grade-level canister and the silver coins in others’ canisters. The pennies count as 1 point each and the silver counts as minus 1 point. Each week I will tally the points so everyone can see who’s “winning”. The grade with the most points will get a special surprise at their Easter Party on April 11.
Prayer during Lent should point us toward Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. Adding to or replacing your regular prayers with some that may help you focus more on this is a good way to incorporate it into your Lent. You can also go to Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 6PM in the church, volunteer to Stand and Pray for the 40 Days for Life campaign (coalitionforlife.com), pray the Sorrowful Mysteries or the Miserere, meditate on the daily readings, attend daily Mass, add special intentions for those whom you know in need of prayer.
Penance is the practice of giving up something for Lent. “What did you give up for Lent?” is the common question asked today. Some people will tell you, others will not. If you need accountability because you know you will “cheat”, then tell someone your Lenten sacrifice. If not, then you may want to keep it to yourself. Jesus warns us not to make ourselves stand out when we make sacrifices. Remember the Pharisees? They would publicly repent and make themselves generally obnoxious to show the people that they were “following the Law”, when what they were actually doing was Vanity in the worst way.
Jesus tells us that when we fast we should get dressed and clean ourselves up like normal and go about our business as usual. When we give alms, we don’t shout out how much we just dropped in the collection basket. And when we pray, close the door and our Father in Heaven will reward us for our efforts. (Mt. 6:1-8, 16-18)
Going to Confession during Lent is a good practice, too. Father Patrick will be available to the Elementary students in grades 2 – 6 on Wednesdays during Lent. Regular Confession times are Thursdays 4-5PM and Saturdays 4:15-5:15PM in the Church. Several Penance Services will be held throughout Lent, also:
March 8, 7:00PM – St. Mary’s, Caldwell
March 22, 7:00PM – St. Mary’s, Bremond
March 26, 7:00PM – St. Francis of Assisi, Franklin
March 27, 7:00PM – St. Mary’s, Hearne
March 28, 7:00PM – St. Mary’s, College Station
March 29, 10:00AM & 6:00PM – combined St. Anthony, St. Joseph, St. Teresa @ Christ the Good Shepard Chapel, Bryan
April 2, 7:00PM – St. Thomas Aquinas, College Station
I pray that your Lenten practices bring you closer in relationship to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!