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Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season
Just a remind that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. According to Universal Norms, tomorrow is a day of Fast and Abstinence. The Law of Abstinence means that those who are age 14 and older are required to abstain from meat, along with all Friday in Lent. The Law of Fasting means that those between the ages of 18 and 59, unless some other grave reason exists (i.e. extreme illness), are only allowed to take one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal the large meal. When Fasting, one should not eat or drink (except water) between meals. If you have not yet thought of your Lenten Penances, or what your Spiritual Plan is, now would be a good time to start. Remember that Christ Himself asked us to Pray, Fast, and practice Alms giving.
Also keep in mind, that from the First Sunday of Lent through Trinity Sunday, one is obligated to receive Holy Communion once, while in the State of Grace. This is known as the Easter Duty. It is Church Law that everyone should confess at least once a year, and so Lent is a good opportunity for that as well. Old St. Mary’s has the Sacrament of Penance everyday.
As we enter Lent, and again make that journey to the Cross with Christ, may we find our strength in the Crucified Lord. And in finding our strength in the Cross, be comforted by Hope in the Resurrection. As we prepare to make the penances we will make, may we be reminded of our own failings and sinfulness, so that they may be healed by Christ and we may be stronger than before through His Grace. Because it is only in Christ, and Christ Crucified, that we find our purpose and our strength. May this Lent be a fruitful and holy season to draw all of us closer to the Lord of Life.
Candlemas
The Community-in-Formation and Old St. Mary’s will have a special Mass tomorrow at 1 o’clock in the afternoon for Candlemas. This day commemorates both the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, as well as the day Our Lord was presented in the temple. Before Mass, the Candles used for the year will be blessed and a procession will follow. Please join us…
Immaculate Conception
Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception from the Community in Formation…
Picture from the St. Anne Altar at Old St. Mary’s this morning…
Where did the the Feast of Christ the King come from?
The Feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in the Encyclical Quas primas. Even during his lifetime, he saw the rise of growing secularism and materialism, which is a direct threat against the reign of God in the world. The Pope desired to remind everyone that the true ruler of our hearts is Jesus Christ, and that his Kingdom knew no limits. It was a reminder that true peace and harmony, as well as the desire of our own hearts, can only be found in Jesus. On the Calendar for the usus antiquior (Traditional Mass), this Feast is celebrated on the last Sunday in October. On the revised calendar of Pope Paul VI, this Feast is celebrated on the Sunday before Advent.
All Soul’s Day Mass
Remaining faithful to the tradition of the Church, Old St. Mary’s and the Community-in-Formation celebrated All Soul’s Day on November 2nd with a Solemn Ordinary Form Mass. We prayed for all the Faithful Departed, and in a particular way for those parishioners of Old St. Mary’s who have passed marked with the Sign of Faith. All Soul’s Day finds its origins in early Christianity, with Masses for the Faithful Departed already the norm by the Sixth Century. On this day, we pray for the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory so that they may be cleansed of their imperfections and the effects of their sins, so as to enjoy the Beatific Vision in Heaven. On this day, every priest is concede the right to say three Masses. One for his own intention, another for all souls, and a third for the intention of the Holy Father. See more pictures in the Community’s Photo Gallery…
Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace…
