Dear friends in Christ,

     This, That & the Other ... Our Gospel for this weekend’s 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the last before we enter into the 40 days of Lent, contains perhaps the most difficult words to hear in the entire bible: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” … Of all the teachings of Jesus, those words are perhaps the toughest for us to act upon. I mean, how many of us really do that? It’s hard, no doubt. But just because it’s hard is no reason for us to shy away from the task. In that regard, the timing of these words this Sunday could not be better. As we prepare to come forward for ashes next Wednesday, let us strive to love as Jesus commands us.

     ... Let’s take a look ahead to Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26. Recall that Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation but it is an important day for us as we begin Lent with our foreheads marked. It’s a call to conversion and a sign of our mortality – “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” … If you have old palm branches from past years, bring them to Mass this weekend and we’ll burn them to help create the ashes that will be “branded” upon us on Ash Wednesday.

     ... We will have six liturgies on Ash Wednesday. We begin with a 6:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Word service for those on the way to work or school. We will offer two Masses on Ash Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. We will have additional Liturgy of the Word services (all with distribution of ashes) at 12 noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. All services will be in the church. There are no confessions on Ash Wednesday. In past years the two late services at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. have been our most crowded, so I would advise you to come earlier if possible. This is the first year we’ve offered the 6 p.m. Mass (in the past it has been a Word service), but I expect it too will be very well attended.

     ... Recall as well that Ash Wednesday is also a day of fast and abstinence from meat, and all Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence. The norms on fasting are obligatory from the age of 18 until 59. See this link for additional for guidelines for fasting and abstinence. You can also sign-up for a daily Lenten reflection e-mail from Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire apostolate These are brief, but powerful reflections to help us focus each day throughout Lent. I get them and always find them to be a wonderful boost to my prayer. Try it out at this link.

     ... We are once again participating in Operation Rice Bowl for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) during Lent. We’ll distribute the bowls this weekend and we encourage you to make it a family penitential practice throughout Lent. Collect your extra change (perhaps that saved from what you “gave up”) over the 40 days of Lent. Then in the Easter season return the bowl and all proceeds will go to the benefit the good work of CRS throughout the world. CtR has always been one of the top parishes in supporting Operation Rice Bowl and I pray that we will once again use it as a Lenten reminder to help those most in need.

     ... Have you ever thought about fostering a child? Are you wondering what it “looks” like? If so, we invite you to join our Respect Life Ministry next Monday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Community Center as we welcome CtR parishioner Maria Eugenia Pruneda and the good people from Casa de Esperanza de los Niños – the House of Hope for Children. Casa, as it’s known, is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of the HIV virus. It provides residential, medical, and psychological care according to the needs of each child. … Maria and her husband, Gerardo, are current foster parents for Casa and she’ll be joined by other representatives from the agency to share with us about the vital pastoral support that Casa offers children most in need. Even if you aren't thinking of fostering, there are many other volunteer opportunities. Come see how the Lord is working in amazing ways within our Archdiocese.

    ... My thanks to everyone who supported our CtR School efforts in the Steps for Students 5K race last Saturday. It was a great day downtown with more than 10,000 runners and walkers. CtR had the second most registrants (563) and our team tent won the Most Creative spirit award (thank to Kristen Rovall for her great work). Two CtR parishioners, Holly Strapulous and Carlos Rodriguez won medals in their age groups, too. Best of all, we raised more than $18,000 for scholarships and other initiatives for our students. All of you who donated or participated helped make that possible, so thank you very much. My thanks to Katie Griep of our school who coordinated the CtR efforts along with a dedicated team of parents and parishioners. Great job by all! ... Lastly, and most importantly, God loves you! See ya’ at Mass!