Repent and believe in the Gospel

The Holy Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Last year we entered Lent not knowing how our lives would be disrupted because of the novel Corona Virus. We have made many adjustments to stay safe and avoid contracting and spreading the virus, including social distancing and other precautions. With the availability of vaccines, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and a brighter future.

My prayer for you as we begin this Lent is that you re-engage in the practice of your Catholic faith as never before. Open your heart to the Lord and ask him to renew your faith. Make coming to church for the celebration of Sunday Mass a priority once again and if you cannot safely do so, please pray that will change for you soon. The celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic life together. Nothing is more important for our spiritual health. I invite you to deepen your hunger for the Eucharist during this Lenten Season and join me in praying that we can all soon be together for Sunday Mass.

Please check your parish bulletins and websites for a listing of Lenten opportunities to practice your Catholic faith. Carve out some additional time for prayer and engage in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as best you can. Let this Lent be a time for a deep renewal of the practice of your Catholic faith. Hear the Lord’s call to conversion once again: “Repent and believe in the Gospel!”

+Bishop Peter