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Lent is the principal penitential season in the Church year. All the Christian faithful are urged to develop and maintain a voluntary program of self-denial (in addition to the Lenten regulations which fo llow), serious prayer and the performing of deeds of charity and mercy, including the giving of alms. Prayerfully consider what your prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will include this year.

1. ABSTINENCE - Everyone 14 years of age and over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. 

2. FASTING - Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 is required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is permitted. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength may be taken according to each person’s needs, but together these two should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids (including milk and fruit juices) are allowed.

3. To disregard completely the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful.  

WANT TO HELP AT MASS? 

We’re looking for more ushers & greeters at all 3 Masses, as well as for more lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at the Saturday 4:30 Mass. We’re also looking for some of our most friendly and welcoming parishioners to help with a new greeting effort that we’re hoping to launch soon. If you’re interested in helping with any of these needs, please call or email Bret in the parish office. Thank you! 

Join a transformative Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s Rice Bowl from the Gathering Space beginning this week. During the 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on the impact of global hunger and climate change on vulnerable communities around the word, and we will pray, fast and give alms to help our sisters and brothers in need. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE 

We still have some time slots available for prayer partners at the abortion facility in downtown Granite City. Our parish’s adopted day is Monday, March 20, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Join us in prayer outside the facility that day. For more information or to sign up for a time, call Bret in the parish office.

 

FATHER ALFRED NEEDS HELP 

Father is seeking a volunteer to help with light housekeeping at the rectory. This may or may not be a permanent volunteer position, depending on the return of his regular housekeeper. Vacuuming, light cleaning and dusting, and other small basic tasks are on the agenda. Looking for someone to visit every other week and help. If you are interested, please contact the parish office.

We’re starting to pull together our team for Vacation Bible School this summer. It’s going to be totally STELLAR this year! We can use all kinds of help, working with the kids AND behind the scenes. If you’re interested in joining the team this summer, email Deacon Michael at mhalbrook@stelizabethgc.org

LEARN ABOUT OUR FAITH 

Join us any Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Parish Life Center Library to learn more about our faith with our RCIA team & candidates. Upcoming topics include: - - Feb. 23: Election / Saying “Yes” (Deacon Neil) - Mar. 2: The Creed (Deacon Michael) - Mar. 9: The Lord’s Prayer (Cheryl Mangi) - Mar. 16: Christian Moral Living (Deacon Michael) - Mar. 23: Dignity of Life / Ethic of Life (Deacon Neil) - Mar. 30: The Meaning of Holy Week (Deacon Michael)