2023 Spiritual Opportunities for Lent

What is Lent?

Lent is a new opportunity to examine our relationship with God and each other and to follow the example of Jesus, who remained true to the end. If we are ever to change our behavior, we have to first allow for God to change our hearts. Lent is a season of repentance, prayer and fasting. During this solemn and expectant time, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made in giving his life for all humanity. We invite you to share in our Catholic traditions as well as special activities that are offered here at St. Matthew Church.

 

 

Lenten Mass Schedule
Monday – Friday: 12:10pm Mass & Live Stream
Saturday: 9:00am; 4:00pm Vigil & Live Stream

Sunday: 7:30am; 9:00am; 10:30am & Live Stream; 12:00noon; 5:00pm

 

Confession Schedule
Saturdays: 3:00pm-3:45pm
First Tuesday, March 7: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Reconciliation Monday of Holy Week, April 3: 6:00pm-9:00pm

 

Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday, March 3: begins after the 12:10pm Mass through 7:00pm
First Tuesday, March 7: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

 

Family Stations of the Cross
Every Friday: 7:00pm
Good Friday, April 7: 12:00pm Outdoor Stations
Good Friday, April 7: 7:00pm Indoor Stations


Stations and Soup Supper
Friday, Feb 24: 7:00pm Stations, with Soup Supper to follow in the Great Room

Lenten Reflection Booklets & Resources
 On Ash Wednesday, stop in the Vestibule to bring home material to accompany you on your Lenten journey.  

 “A Seat at the Table” Digital Cookbook, contributions by Parishioners, link will be on website & emailed.

 

Youth Lenten Coin Boxes
Take a box home at the beginning of Lent, and collect coins during the Season to benefit families of Blessed Sacrament Parish.

 

First Week of Lent, Feb. 25-26: “Preparing Your Heart for Lent”
Fr. Jack  Rathschmidt, O.F.M. Cap, will speak at all Masses except 5pm

 

Second Week of Lent: Anointing of the Sick Mass
Saturday, March 4: 11:00am Mass, with Fr. Frank and Fr. Ignacio

 

Third Week of Lent: Olivewood Gifts from the Holy Land
March 11-12 Weekend: Hand-carved religious articles from Nina Ganim, for purchase after all Masses

 

Fourth Week of Lent:Cultivating the Garden of Your Heart” a 1-hour Guided Scripture Study for Women on Luke’s Gospel, offered by Mallory Moyer, Walking with Purpose Lead
Tuesday, March 21 at 9:30am OR Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30pm, with Mallory Moyer, WWP Lead

 

Fifth Week of Lent: “See How Jesus Loved Him,” Reflection on the Raising of Lazarus offered by Fr. John P. Mulreany, S.J.,  Sunday, March 26 at 9am & 10:30am Masses

 

Palm Sunday, April 1-2: Delivering Easter Flowers to our Parish Homebound
After all Masses, deliver one of our Easter plants to our homebound parishioners (names/addresses provided), along with a smile and bulletin to let them know we love them and are praying for them. Easter flowers symbolize God’s promise of rebirth and we share that promise with  homebound parishioners at Easter.  

Youth Lenten Service Project for the Troops
 “Project From the Heart” where youth, PreK-Gr 5  create “WE CARE” packages for our Troops during the Lenten Season
      

New Horizons Senior Retreat
Day of Reflection at St. Birgitta’s in Darien (date pending)

Youth Lenten Coin Boxes
Youth pick up an empty Coin Box on Ash Wednesday and collect coins to fill their boxes. On Easter morning, youth return their filled coin boxes to give to the families in-need at Blessed Sacrament Parish.