Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Editor
Dear Diocesan Family,
This day of Fast (Ages 18-59) and the holy season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5th, with the observance of Ash Wednesday. of Abstinence (No Meat) (Age 14 and above) embarks us on a journey into the depths of our souls to meet up with the God who comes to save us. Every one of us is an earthen vessel created by God and in which God dwells through the grace of Baptism.
With that in mind, the Church from her earliest days has invited her members to use the forty days ahead to reconnect with God, neighbor, and self. This is the meaning behind the Lenten practices of Prayer, Fasting, and Charitable Works. Prayer waters the Holy Ground from which our lives arise from the earth. Fasting connects us with this Holy Ground helping us not to take it for granted or to abuse it. Charitable Works till the Holy Ground and makes it fruitful in its produce, especially through the call to be Christ’s ambassadors in the world (2 Cor 5:20).
To be “Ambassadors for Hope” (our diocesan theme for Lent 2025) is to be entrusted with his Gospel and to make it come alive in our world today so that his Kingdom may come. That is what I want to invite us to do this Lent as a family…discover anew the meaning of the gift of life and the difference that can be made when you and I take seriously the call to represent (re-present) Christ to our neighbor.
The Lenten season offers us the opportunity for different spiritual exercises through which our faith life can be developed and in which we can discover anew the love of God for you and me. Two special Lenten activities are Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Both help us to focus on the Eucharistic Mission we have been invited to be part of for the life of the World. Our experience of God’s grace (gift) in the Eucharist isn’t meant for you and me alone. Like the fire that is lit at the Easter Vigil, we are called to “stir into flame the gift of God” that we possess (see 2 Tm 1:6) and pass it on to others. The mission of Christ in the world today depends on inviting every Catholic to a deeper encounter with the Eucharist.
The reading of Sacred Scripture and other spiritual books also enhances one’s spiritual life and daily reflection. Lent is also an excellent time for family prayer: Take time to say grace before meals or choose one night a week to pray the Rosary together or to read a Bible story. A particularly moving Lenten devotion is the Stations of the Cross through which you and I re-live Jesus’ journey of love for us.
Most important are our efforts to turn away from sin and radiate Christ anew to others through the Sacrament of Penance (Confession). This Sacrament of Renewal will be available throughout the Lenten season, but especially when “The Light is On” for you on Monday of Holy Week in our parishes from 4 to 7 pm.
Finally, our annual Diocesan Lenten Retreat focusing on the invitation to Eucharistic Mission will be both live and virtual on March 31, April 1 & 2. Look for more details on the Diocesan website and in your parish bulletin.
Pope Francis in proclaiming this Year of Jubilee invited us to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” I wish to call our entire diocesan family to do so by carrying hope to those who surround us on the road of life. Be assured of my prayers for a fruitful Lenten season and together let us, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15).
In the Name of Jesus,
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia