Lenten Theme
We mark time in many ways. We use it to usher in the future, saying things like, “It’s time to eat, time to go to work, time to go to bed,” and many more times for…
Our Lenten theme this year gives the ushering in of the future a sense of urgency. You will be hearing Now is the Time for … A LOT this Lent.
This statement comes from the second reading proclaimed this Ash Wednesday from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (6:1-2).
Paul appeals to us not to receive the grace of God in vain, assuring us that God hears us in an acceptable time and helps us on the day of salvation. For greater emphasis and grounding all that we should prepare for, Paul continues, “NOW is the very acceptable time; NOW is the day of Salvation.”
The sub themes of each week of this coming Lent will complete the initial statement:
NOW is the time for CHANGE
NOW is the time to LISTEN
NOW is the time to turn from greed to SOCIAL JUSTICE
NOW is the time to BELIEVE
NOW is the time to be SERVANT LEADERS
Beginning NOW, this week, with urgency for change, we are challenged to go deeper in experiencing change, to retrieve its original meaning. The type of change Paul is speaking of is Metanoia, indicating a truly transformative change, a change of heart, a spiritual conversion.
Lent is a season calling us to this type of change. Let us share a deep spiritual journey together this Lent because… NOW is the time.
Solidarity
As we have done in recent Lents, we will be highlighting the importance of Catholic Social Teaching and in particular this year the principle of SOLIDARITY. We are one human family, whatever our differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers. At the core of Solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.
As always, scripture guides us in Solidarity as Psalm 122 tells us, “Peace be with you! For the sake of the Lord I will seek your good.”
In his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis says, “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family…There are no frontiers or barriers, political or social, behind which we can hide, still less is there room for the globalization of indifference.”
This year we will extend SOLIDARITY to and with our neighbors at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly and The Little Sisters of the Poor in Palatine. St. Joseph’s Home has been a partner of ours for many years and beginning in week three of Lent we will hear more specifics of how we can help the Sisters and more fully live the principle of SOLIDARITTY.
Please see Sue Geegan’s article in this bulletin for more details on SOLIDARITY and our Lenten Social Justice projects.
Service of Remembrance and Light
Join us this Sunday at 6:00pm in the west parking lot and pray from your car, via your radio for the many who have died from Coronavirus. Our good friend, Dawn Mayer, will offer a reflection during the short service.
Job Opportunity – Bookkeeper
We have an opening for a part-time bookkeeper here at Holy Family. The position is for 24 hours per week that can be scheduled over 3-4 days. Please see our website under Employment Opportunities for more details.