Dear Friends in Christ,

Perhaps like me, many of you are still flying high with joy and excitement at the Seahawks victory in the Super Bowl. That elation could very well be spilling over to the Seattle Mariners, who are preparing for their annual spring training in preparation for the upcoming MLB season, and hopefully another run at the World Series. Believe it or not, things are about to get even better.

Yes, much better! This coming February 18 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, often called the spring training of the Christian life. Like baseball, it’s a time to drill on the basics by increasing our practice of prayer, fasting, and alms giving to the poor. All of this is in preparation to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord, which is at the very heart of our faith. It’s a faith that grows in our community when we share it with new people who wish to be one with us in Christ. So Lent is also a time of deeper preparation for our catechumens and candidates for reception into our church. Please pray for them! 

Please check our parish communications for the various options we will offer for Lenten growth and renewal, such as the Rice Bowl Program, increased opportunities to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and, of course, the regular celebration of the Eucharist. Lent is a good time to make that a habit of the heart in our weekly lives, if, for whatever reason, it has been far too occasional.

Two final recommendations to enrich our Lenten journey.  Popular author Kathleen Kichline will offer a talk titled “Lent a Feminine Perspective,” open to women and men. It will be on February 22, 7:00 pm at St. Bridget. The other is a series of talks titled “God’s Grace” given by theologian Fr. Michael Rashko on March 2,9,16, and 23, also at 7:00 pm at St. Bridget. Please consider attending these rich offerings for Lenten growth.

A blessed Lent to all! 

Fr. William Heric, Pastor