Fr. Craig’s Contemplations

First Sunday of Lent

We now enter into the sacred season of Lent. In our Lenten Journey, we are each called to consider our fasting (“giving up”); almsgiving (“giving to others”); prayer (“giving to Jesus.”) Why, do we do this each year, especially during Lent? Because everything is possible to one who has faith!!
The mystery is this- when we fast, when we participate in almsgiving, and when we pray, we STRENGTHEN our faith. Many times, it’s an “invisible” strengthening, yet in other moments it’s apparent.

A good way for each of us to begin our Lenten journey is with the sacrament of reconciliation. When we go to confession (reconciliation) we empty ourselves of any sin that “prevents us” from receiving [and sharing] all the graces the Lord so desires each one of us to have within our minds and our hearts. Confessions are heard at St. Annes every week on Saturday from 3:00 pm - 3:45pm. If you would prefer a priest you do not personally know, Our Lady of the Lakes in Waterford offers confessions during the Lenten season each Tuesday evening from7:00 pm to 8:00 pm 8:00 pm. St. Daniel’s in Clarkston will offer a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, and St. Anne’s will offer a Penance Service here on Thursday, March 23, 2023 both beginning at 7:00pm.

Let us hold each other in prayer so that our 2023 Lenten journey will prepare us in an entirely NEW way for the joy of Easter.
May God be with you!
Fr. Craig 

READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2023

1^st SUNDAY OF LENT
 
1^st Reading—Genesis 2: 7-9; 3:1-7—The Lord God created Adam and Eve and set them in the garden of Eden. They had all they needed, but the serpent tempted them, and they disobeyed God’s command.

Responsorial Psalm:  — “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned, be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”

2^nd Reading—Romans 5: 12-19— Just as through Adam’s disobedience all became sinners, through Christ’s obedience all shall become just.

Gospel Acclamation—Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory! “We do not live on bread alone, but we live on every word from our God.” Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!

Gospel—Matthew 4: 1-11—After Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the desert, the devil tempted him in three ways. Through all these, Jesus resisted temptation and remained faithful to the Lord God. When the devil left, angels came and ministered to Jesus.
   

ANNOUNCEMENTS – February 26, 2023

 

1. There are still a few little black books in the gathering area.

 

2. This year we have giving boxes and our charity is St. Anne’s Care & Share fund. Please stop and pick one up and bring it back with your donations during Holy Week.

 

3. Attention High School Seniors: Applications are now being accepted for Knights of Columbus 2023 scholarships. Applications are on the Knight’s Bulletin Board in Hardy Hall or available on the St. Anne's Website. Please submit your application by March 31, 2023.

 

4. Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Friday night at 7 p.m.  This Friday, March 3^rd, the Youth Group will lead the stations. A meatless dinner will be served in Hardy Hall after the Stations.

 

5. Teens, join us Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in Hardy Hall for Sundaes and Scripture.

 

6. Next Saturday, March 4^th is our monthly potluck dinner, all are welcome.

 

7. A support group for women with autistic partners meets twice a month at St. Daniel's. If you are looking for a small group of caring women with similar experiences, please join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. Please see the bulletin for more details

 

8. Holy land carvings will be available for purchase next weekend, March 4^th & 5^th.

 

9. Our Lenten soup dinner is Saturday, March 11^th after the 4 p.m. Mass. Our speaker is Fr. Tom Slowinski. There is a sign up book in the gathering area near the doors.

10.  (Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall where the Knights of Columbus have prepared a delicious pancake breakfast.