THIS WEDNESDAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY ~ We will celebrate the Eucharist in the church at 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30  p.m. Ashes are blessed and distributed during the Mass after the homily.  Throughout the day, the blessed ashes will be available in front of the altar for distribution to the homebound.  If you wish to take some, simply bring a small envelope with you to church to secure some blessed ashes.  When you distribute them to the sick or homebound use the formula “Repent and believe the Good News of Jesus” as you place the ashes on the forehead.
 
FAST AND ABSTINENCE ~ Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting (limiting the consumption of food) and abstinence (refraining from eating meat).
 As a sign of our penance, the Diocese of Albany also preserves the custom of not eating meat on the Fridays of Lent. Therefore, all Catholics, 14 years of age and older are obliged to refrain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and the other Fridays of Lent.  All Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59 are obliged to fast.
Fasting refers to the quantity of food eaten.  Traditionally, fasting allows for eating only one full meal per day.  Two additional, smaller meals may be eaten and there is no eating in between meals. 
By retaining these traditions for our Diocese, we do not intend that they be interpreted as laws binding under pain of sin, but as customs from which we will not hold ourselves lightly excused.  They are expressions of our desire to be converted in our hearts, to be reconciled with each other, and to love our neighbor.  It is helpful to remember that the ability to decide how much or little one will eat is in itself a gift.
 
STATIONS OF THE CROSS ​will be held with the children of St. Thomas the Apostle School on the Fridays of Lent at 2 p.m. (in the church); there will also be Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. (also in the church). All are welcome.
LENTEN DONATIONS -  ALMS AND RICE BOWL ~ It  has been our tradition in recent years to focus our Lenten donations on the needs of our sister parish in Mexico. Although we recognize that need and continue to support their mission, there is also a tremendous need to financially support Catholic Relief Services and the wonderful work they do throughout the world.  Annually the Rice Bowl Collection has supported that need, with 75% of donations supporting global programs and 25% helping those living in poverty in our Diocese. So, this Lent we have decided to split your generous Lenten donations between the two programs.  Rice bowls will be available at church entrances during Lent for your contributions to this shared program.  We appreciate your generosity to all those in need.