Over the next six weeks we are asked to prepare ourselves to participate in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Easter
Triduum). There are some things the church will ask of all her people. They include the following:

Fasting. Parishioners between the ages of 21 and 59, who are in good health, are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means one full meatless meal and two smaller ones may be eaten on those days. Snacking between meals is not permitted although coffee, juice or other liquids are allowed.

Abstaining from Meat. All parishioners over the age of 14 are asked not to eat meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. In addition, each of us is asked to do some form of penance in preparation for the church’s celebration of Easter. Traditional penances mentioned in scripture are prayer, alms-giving, and fasting. To help you with this, the parish has provided copies of the Little Black Book (published by the Diocese of Saginaw) for your spiritual reflection. Rice Bowls are also available for those who choose to fast and donate the savings to feed the hungry. Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday evening during Lent at 5:30 pm.

Confessions will be heard at the usual times. Here at Blessed Sacrament the times for this sacrament are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to 7:45 am and on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Confessions are heard in the confessional room located in the back of the
adoration chapel.

For some, Lent is about giving something up and for others it is about giving something more. Each must decide what will work best for them. I encourage you to take time today to make a plan as to how you will use the season of Lent for your spiritual good. Please don’t put this off. A small penance or reminder, daily prayer, and an honest examination of how one is living their faith, can do much to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Jesus’ death and resurrection.