Dear Parishioners, As I’ve mentioned in a previous column, we have waited a long time for Lent. Doesn’t it sound strange to say that? How many of you have been waiting for Lent? Over the years, I have found myself waiting for Lent. For me, Lent is a time I can improve. I can look at myself in an intense way through prayer, through spiritual reading, through time spent in retreat, or before the Lord in the Eucharist. All these things help me on my journey of faith to become a better person. On this first Sunday of Lent, we look ahead to our Lenten journey. We think about the conclusion of Lent: the Lord’s Passion and Crucifixion. But we all know that the journey doesn’t stop there. All of Lent points towards the Lord’s Resurrection. I want to invite you to our Friday night Lenten talks at 6:00 pm, followed by the Stations of the Cross. Each week, a priest or deacon will give a short talk, followed by the Stations of the Cross. We also have additional Lenten activities available soon. Let us all use these upcoming days of Lent to come closer to the Lord. Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark