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Browsing From the desk of Fr. Tharp

February 16, 2020 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the Desk of Father Tharp

Next Week Sunday Morning Masses     February 23, 2020      Celebrant:   Fr. Schmitz

 

 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA)

At the time this is written, we (St. Ann) have achieved nearly 38% of our target in gifts and pledges, but only about 5% of the parish has donated or pledged.  It is still early, but please remember that the Archdiocese relies on each parish to do its “fair share” so we can fund facilities like the Mt. St. Mary Seminary, Catholic Social Services and Catholic Charities, St. Rita School for the Deaf, Campus Ministries at Public Universities, Catholic Chaplains at public (non-Catholic) hospitals, Prison Ministries, New Evangelization, and retirement for Archdiocesan priests; purposes we could never achieve as individual parishes, but only when we work together as an Archdiocese. 

Please prayerfully consider your donation.

 Ash Wednesday is February 26   (Ten Days from Now!)

 Ash Wednesday is March 6.  It is NOT a Holyday of Obligation.  We begin the 40 days of Lent (six 6-day weeks [6X6=36] and 4 days the week of Ash Wednesday) remembering the forty days and nights Jesus spent in the desert.  We use ashes from burned palms to remind us of the mortality of life in this world, and the endless days of resurrection in Christ. 

Ashes will be distributed at each Mass at both parishes in our Pastoral Region.  We will have the regular 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Ann, 7:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart.  There will be a 7:00 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart. 

Remember that one need not be Catholic to receive ashes, but must receive respectfully and with a sincere penitential attitude. 

 Lenten Dietary Laws

During Lent, Catholics are asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent, and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  Abstinence simply means “abstaining from meat.”  The flesh of mammals and birds (essentially any animal that is warm blooded) is considered meat.  The flesh of reptiles, fish (cold blooded), bird “eggs” and cheese are not considered meat.  The chicken itself is warm blooded and thus is considered meat. Anyone fourteen years of age or older who will not be physically harmed by the diet is asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. 

We define fasting for Lenten purposes as meaning eating only one regular meal and two smaller meals or snacks, with no eating between meals.  Fasting only applies on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and then only to those between the ages of 18 and 59 who have no medical problem aggravated by the practice. 

 

Youth Ministry

The next Youth Group corporate Communion is February 16 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Ann.  Thanks to all who are helping with our youth ministry. 

 

Reflection on Scripture  

 

“To none does he give license to sin.”   Joshua ben Sirach writes these words to remind us that the decision is up to us.  We can choose fire or water; that which generates life or that which destroys it.  Sin destroys.  Love of God nourishes.  Take your pick. 

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells us not to toy with sin.  You don’t play with a rabid dog, do you?  It would be too dangerous.  Similarly, do not play with sin.   It can kill your soul. 

If you play with drugs, they will ultimately kill you.  You cannot drink a little poison each day.  It will accumulate in your system and kill you.  In the same way, you cannot toy with sin and evil.  It’s like playing with fire.  You always end up getting burned!

Next Week:  The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Lv 19:1-2, 17-18

1 Cor 3:16-23

Mt. 5:38-48

 

Theme:  Is Jesus a pacifist? 

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