Lenten Regional Reconciliation Services

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Lenten Regional Reconciliation Services
The pastors of the Lansing Vicariate are sponsoring four
Penance Services with individual confession in Lent. Take
these opportunities to confess your sins.
Sunday, March 27 at 2:00 pm - St. Jude Parish, DeWitt,
MI and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing.
Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 pm, - St. Thomas Aquinas
Church, East Lansing, and St. Gerard Church, Lansing.
(St. Mary Parish in Williamston will offer a Penance Service
with individual confessions on Tuesday,
April 19 at 7:00pm). God is so good to
us to offer these opportunities for the forgiveness of serious sin. - Fr. Clark
ST. MARY CHURCH
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
March 20, 2011
Monday, March 21st
8:00 a.m.
+Deceased Members of the Welling FamilyReq. Duane & Marie Welling
Tuesday, March 22nd
6:30 p.m.
+Audrey White-Req. Judy Recchy
Wednesday, March 23rd
9:00 a.m.
+Richard Phelps-Req. Mack Phelps
Thursday, March 24th
6:30 a.m.
+Carol Thornton-Req. Dexter & Margaret Thornton
Friday, March 25th
8:00 a.m.
Special Intention Grace WigtonReq. Hahnenberg Family
Saturday, March 26th
4:30 p.m.
+Matthew Dexter-Req. Grandma
Sunday, March 27th
9:00 a.m.
+Tom Moore-Req. Ken & Marilyn Malkowski
11:00 a.m.
Special Intentions Haley BingmanReq. Stiles Family
Sunday Offertory Budget July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011
Year to Date Budget Goal—Week 37
Year to Date Income
Year to Date OVER/UNDER Budget Goal
465,494.00
331,216.87
327,280.77
-3,936.10
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
Donations (Envelopes Not Used)
178 Adult Envelopes Used
7 Children’s Envelopes Used
876.00
6,021.00
12.00
Weekly Total
Weekly Operating Expenses Goal
Weekly Over/Under Goal
Weekly Average Donation Per Adult Envelope Used
6,909.00
8,951.81
-2,042.81
33.83
Second Sunday of Lent
“Bear your share of the hardship for the Gospel,” St. Paul tells Timothy
in today’s second reading. What sacrifice is asked of me for the sake of
the Gospel? How willing am I to bear my share?
Dear St. Mary parishioners,
One of the characteristics of our parish
noted by me and many Sunday visitors, is the way
families stay around after Mass to talk to and enjoy
each other. There is no rush to the parking lot. Our
children sense this love and revel in their friendships and fun with the
other little ones. This happy dynamic is God's gift to us.
When the tabernacle was limited to the small chapel, much of
this post-Mass chatter took place in the nave of the church as well as the
narthex. Those who wished to stay and pray after Mass would retire to
the chapel and not be disturbed. Now that the Eucharistic presence of
Jesus is central in our church, we have had to adapt our behavior in the
church before and after Mass. Most of you have noted the reverent silence in the nave prior to Mass, especially when the doors to the narthex
are closed. The brothers and sisters are praying or reading, not chatting
with each other. Praise God!
Parishioner behavior after Mass (and the prayer to St. Michael
the Archangel) has not yet adapted to the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle. The particular sanctity of our church is being reestablished. Yet,
families and couples are still inclined to begin contact and chatter in the
pews after Mass as they were accustomed to. Some make valid attempts
to move to the narthex in order to socialize, but the gathering area soon
fills.
Parishioners who have worshipped in churches with the tabernacle in the sanctuary are accustomed to maintaining a reverent silence
in the nave. With the recent change in our church interior, we will need
to more sensitive to the holy presence in our midst and move conversations and chatter to the gathering area or (as the weather improves) to
outside the church. This change will improve our sense of the Sacred in
church and allow peace to those who stay to pray in the nave. As with
any positive behavior modification, this will allow God to take His place
in our midst and improve not only our interpersonal relationship but our
love of God. Thank you for your solid support of the parish.
In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Peter J. Clark
2nd Sunday in Lent
A School Roof Update (again)
Workmen from Spartan Roof in Lansing attempted more repairs to the
old portion of St. Mary School roof last Monday. We are waiting for a
heavy rain to assess the effectiveness of this last fix. Their assessment
points to the need for a new roof over that ancient and now fragile area.
We anticipate a directed fund-raising campaign to finance the replacement roof together with the financial need for initiating a new 6th grade.
We appreciate your concern for maintaining our educational facilities.
- Fr. Clark
LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 26th, 4:30 PM
Reader Ardith Lee
Servers Vincent Subrizi, David Berger, & Alexis Miller
E.M.
Marie Wilson**, Sheila Salisbury**, Ben Strasz
Deacon Perotta & Emily Spangler
Sunday, March 27th, 9:00 AM
Reader Bernie Kazyak
Servers Patrick Foster, Emily Sleight, & Christian Stiles
E.M.
Dorothy O’Connor**, Prox Kazyak**, Dcn. Perrotta, Tom
Chernick, Steve Kennedy, Mary Zalewski, & Lynn Pitlanish
Sunday, March 28th, 11:00 AM
Reader Al Nowak
Servers Owen Tuckey, Megan Nowak, & Max Hilker
E.M.
Becky Muzer**, Rob & Sue Strouse, Dan Dailey,
& Deacon Perrotta
St. Mary School 6th & 7th grade Go-ahead
Our move to expand St. Mary School to the 6th grade in 2011 and
the 7th grade in 2012 continues to be evaluated by the Parish Finance Council, the Pastoral Council, the Holy Family society and
the teachers. We feel blessed to have recently received a large
undesignated bequest from the estate of a deceased parishioner
that provide the seed money for this endeavor. Our Finance Council wants to avoid any drastic increases to the parish's subsidy to
the School.
God is good! Christ-centered Catholic Education builds up the
Church and is a positive leaven to society and culture. Since God
has blessed us with such a fine school we want to extend the benefits of our school to more children and age groups. Pray for continued divine guidance and resources to see this plan prudently implemented. You can anticipate public meetings in the future to
discuss this move. - Fr. Clark
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDIES employ various helpful study aids to
learn about Sacred Scripture. Please call the contact person for details.
This is DSA Commitment Weekend!
For the Greater Glory of God is this year’s Diocesan
Service Appeal motto. Bishop Boyea has given our parish a goal
of $41,837 for pledges during Lent Last year in 2010. St. Mary
exceeded our goal of $45,435. Recall that 50% of contribution
over that goal were returned to our parish coffers.
This weekend we have the opportunity to respond to the
many needs and ministries within our Diocese that cannot be
funded or staffed by St. Mary’s alone. We need to work with
other parishes under the direction of the Bishop through the
D.S.A. to see these opportunities for sharing the gospel and
God’s gifts are fulfilled. Our common efforts through D.S.A.
benefit those in need and give glory to God, from whom all good
things come.
Tuesdays 9:00 AM
St. Francis Room Adelita Theis
Started January 4th
Church
655-9632
Studying Introduction to Mary by Dr. Mark Miravalle
Wednesdays 10:00 AM
St. Mary Room
Mary Zalewski
Started January 5th
Church
655-2016
Studying Common Ground by Fr. John Riccardo
Wednesdays 6:45 PM
St. Mary Room
Starting March 23rd
Church
Studying The Seven Last Words of Christ
John McAuliffe
655-1136
Saturdays 7:30 AM
St. Joseph Hall
Fr. Clark
Started January 8th
Church
655-2620
Studying John 1-10: I am the Bread of Life, Six Weeks with the Bible
Would you like to start your own group? Training is provided. Please
call Fr. Clark at 655-2620.
March 19 & 20 – Please listen to the bishop’s message. Review the DSA brochure and fill out a pledge envelope, either the
one received at home or found in your pew.
PERSONAL STUDY – CD’s Books and Pamphlets on Catholic topics
are available through Lighthouse Catholic Media and the Catholic
Truth Society. Please check out the display in the Narthex after Mass.
March 26 & 27 – Follow-up Weekend when more pledge en-
EPIC - A Journey through Church History: A multimedia video
presentation, followed by individual discussion groups continues on
SUNDAYS 5:00 - 7:00 PM, ending March 27th, 2011.
velopes are accepted.
April 2 & 3 – Second follow-up Weekend allows more time to
consider your pledge.
This year’s parish DSA representatives are Al Nowak, Donna
Crawford and Harry Smith. Thank you in advance for the financial support of our diocese. –Fr. Clark
Accept the Challenge
The Diocese of Lansing
Men's Catholic Conference
Please join men from nearby parishes at the Lansing Center
on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm to hear
inspiring Catholic speakers and our Bishop Boyea. Tickets are
$45 per person or $30 for students. For more information or to
order tickets visit: www.acceptthechallenge.org. Descriptive
brochures are also in the Gathering area. - Fr. Clark
SENIOR PARISIONERS: The Lansing Area Catholic Council on
Aging is sponsoring a Day of Reflection on Wednesday, April 13th
at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Fr. Larry Delaney will be
the presenter. The presentation is entitled “Good Night/Good Morning: A Look at Loss in our lives.”
Gather for coffee at 9:30 AM first, the presentation is at 10:00 AM,
followed by Mass, lunch, and a closing presentation. The cost for
the day is $10.00. For registration contact Margaret Thornton at
655-1696 by Wednesday, March 30th. Do plan to attend, you’ll be
glad you did!
The Catholicism Project -A six week Lenten study of a new film series
will continue on Fridays at 7 PM in St. Joseph Hall.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Alcoholics Anonymous will meet every Thursday at Noon in the St.
Mary Room. Open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking. Questions,
please call A.A. Central at 377-1444.
QUILTERS
Attention St. Mary Quilters. Quilting workshops will be held every
Saturday morning during the month of March in St. Joseph Hall from
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM to create this year’s raffle quilt. Anyone interested in helping with this project is welcome. For more information
please contact Maureen at 468-3680.
Weekly fish fries began Friday, March
4th and will be held weekly until &
in cluding Good Fri da y, April
22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in St.
Mary Activity Center. Proceeds help
Knights of Columbus Council #7545
fund charitable works. Dinners include
baked or fried cod, baked potato or
French fries, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, rolls, beverage and desserts. Take outs available. Contact
Mike at (517) 349-3178 for additional information. Cost is $8.50
for adults, $8.00 for Seniors (62+), Children 5 to 10 yrs. $4.00,
and under 4 free.
ST. MARY CHURCH
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
March 20, 2011
40 Days for Life
Abortion is one of the most controversial and emotional topics in our political sphere. It is one of the few
non-negotiables the Church has set for voting Catholics, and it is at the forefront of many legislative battles
today. For Catholics though, there is no controversy – we know that abortion is among the most grave
problems facing society today. There is no doubt that Catholics fully embrace a culture of life and love, not
death.
Our parish will be involved in the international campaign to end abortion in the world through 40 Days for Life. On April 4 we are asking everyone in
the parish to pray outside the Lansing abortion clinic with other people of good will – but do not limit yourself only to April 4. We specifically chose
this day because it is spring break and difficult to get people there, even though the clinic is open and is receiving women for abortions. The youth
group will be going from 11-12 PM. The point is not to make a scene, or cause a disturbance, only to be there to pray and to let the women going into
the facility know that someone does love them and they do have a choice. Bring your children with you and allow them to pray and play – this serves as
an incredible witness in itself. This impact of prayer at these clinics has shut down 9 abortuaries and saved over 3,500 lives. Yes, it is difficult the first
time you go, but it is your witness for Christ that love, not violence, should reign in our community.
Youth Group Update
Our youth group program continues to thrive this year, even at times when we expect low numbers we still have more attending than could ever fit into
our former youth group room. We invite all interested 7th-12th graders to join us for any of our events. Our next meeting is on March 27 at 2:00 PM. Our
core team is now evaluating the structure and times for youth group for next year. As a new core team we continue to learn about running a youth ministry together, certainly making some mistakes along the way, growing together and continually improving the program each week. I wish all of you
could have been there to see our teens praying right next to the tabernacle this past Sunday, offering up all of their sufferings to be united with Jesus on
the cross. It was truly inspiring. Thank you for your support of our youth ministry program.
Lenten Giving Tree
Thank you for your continued participation in our Lenten Tree!
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the
educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials
they use to help them absorb the most essential proclamations of the Christian faith. It takes an entire parish to open an atrium, and we are inviting you
to assist us in this process through our Lenten tree. Your gift will help us prepare a lasting legacy of faith and love by rooting the youngest of our children in the awe and wonder of God through the mysteries of the faith in a way that is approachable to them. See Amanda Venema, Lori Mourey, or
Adam Janke for more information.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Take any tag from the Lenten Tree.
Purchase or prepare the item on the tree.
Return the item to the Lenten Tree or the parish office by the first week of Easter.
If you have a specialized skill in wood working or crafts that you can use to assist us in making advanced materials in our atrium, please see
the Office of Religious Education.
5. We hope to open our atrium to our children fall of 2011.
We will also need to raise about $1,000 for training and for materials for our more complex projects like the model of the City of Jerusalem and miniature sanctuary. Donations can be made out to St. Mary, write “CGS Gift” in the memo line.
Eucharistic Minister Training This Weekend
For all parishioners that serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the
Eucharist, please come to the remaining training session that the
parish puts on every two years. Deacon Jonathon Perrotta will be the
instructor. Join us in the church for one hour.
Sunday, March 20, at 1:00 PM
Thank you for your service. - Fr. Clark
Lenten Schedule of Services and Devotions
Stations of the Cross in the Church: Fridays 5:15 PM. (Consider the K.
of C. Fish Fry, 5:00 – 7:00 PM).
(The School children pray this devotion at 2:15 PM except April 8th).
Rosary: Tuesdays 7:00 PM (chapel), Wednesdays 8:40 AM (church).
Parish Penance Service: Tuesday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM with individual confessions.
Individual Confessions: Saturdays 3:30 – 4:00 PM. (Also on Tuesday,
April 19th at various times).
Solemnity of the Annunciation Mass: Friday, March 25th at 8:00 AM.
We are continuing our Lenten tradition of participating in the Catholic Relief Services “Operation Rice Bowl”. Bowls are available in
the back of the church. When you fill a bowl with your generous
donation or loose change, please return it to the parish office (during
the week), or place it in the barrel in the back of the Church before or
after weekend Masses. We will continue Operation Rice Bowl
through the end of Lent, but please return them by the first week of
Easter. Children in the Religious Education Program and St. Mary
School will also receive rice bowls to go home with them, and instruction on how to use them.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about human solidarity
in terms of going beyond material goods. We share in solidarity with
our human brothers and sisters by spreading spiritual goods of the
faith as well. Principles of Catholic solidarity are practiced by our
sacrifices and generosity for our brothers and sisters who are poor.
“International solidarity is a requirement of the moral order; world
peace depends upon this part.” (CCC 1939-1942) - Adam Janke
ST. MARY CHURCH
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
March 20, 2011
ST. MARY CHURCH
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
March 20, 2011
Practicing PENANCE in Lent
There are several closely related meanings for the word penance in the Catholic Church.
Penance is a good habit (a virtue) of attitude, thought and behavior that inclines us to be sorry for our sins. This sharpening of
our conscience and acting upon it, helps us to avoid sin in the future, to repair (as much as it is possible) the consequences of our sin, and
to turn wholly to God for mercy.
The Sacrament of Penance (or Reconciliation) happens through the ministry of a priest who acts in the person of Christ. It is
that channel of grace through the Church by which sins are forgiven for a person who confesses them with true sorrow and the firm intention of turning away from them.
Penance is also the name given to the action or discipline assigned by the priest-confessor to the penitent in that sacrament.
"Doing our penance" shows our sorrow for sin and the clear intent to turn a corner, make a change or even make reparations for the consequences of our sin (when this is possible).
More generally penance refers to the many concrete ways in which we show sorrow for our sin by turning away from temptation, repair its consequences and detach ourselves from the attitudes and things that compete with God for our love. This ongoing turning
more fully to God, yielding to His grace in Christ, is called repentance. "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." - Mark 1:13
Lent is the season we practice penance.- Fr. Clark (with help from Paul Thigpen)
The Divine Mercy Devotion on May 1st includes:
The Annunciation of the Lord,
Friday, March 25th
•
Mass: 9:00 AM in the church. See you there with your family.
94. What is the meaning of the expression “conceived by the
power of the Holy Spirit...”? This expression means that the Virgin
Mary conceived the eternal Son in her womb by the power of the
Holy Spirit without the cooperation of a man. The angel told her at
the Annunciation that “the Holy Spirit will come upon you” (Luke
1:35). [From the Compendium, Catechism of the Catholic Church.]
•
•
The Divine Mercy Devotion in the church at 3:00 pm on
Sunday, May 1, 2011 which is the 2nd Sunday of Easter. Fr.
Gordon Reigle will preach.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (individual confessions) will be offered by a number of visiting priests during
and after the devotion.
A Polish Dinner will be served from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in
the Activity Center. Leo Balcer will provide accordion music
and song. Watch the bulletin for ticket information.
A Spiritual Communion
When at Mass and unable to receive communion, it is fitting to make a spiritual communion, asking Jesus to come into your heart. The following prayer from St. Francis DeSales is helpful.
I believe that You, O Jesus, are in the most holy Sacrament. I love You and desire You. Come into my heart. I embrace You. Oh, never leave
me. May the burning and most sweet power of your love, O Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech You, absorb my mind that I may die through love of
Your love, who were graciously pleased to die through love of my love.
Lenten Devotional Booklets Available
As part of your daily prayers please consider reading a seasonal devotion, the Saginaw "Black Book" or The Magnificat Lenten Companion.
Both devotional booklets are available in the literature rack for a $1 or $2 donation. Please place the cash in an envelope and slide it under the
parish office door. Thank you.
What about Lenten Sacrifices on Sunday?
Q.: "On Sundays during Lent are Catholics allowed to continue their sacrifices? For example, if someone gave up television for Lent and
he did not want to watch television on Sundays either, would it be canonically incorrect for him to continue abstaining from this amusement? Or by the laws of the Church, should he make a point of watching television in order to show the observance of Sundays as not
being days of fasting and penitence?"
A. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university. Again we
must distinguish. One thing is that historically the Church never classes Sunday as a penitential day; another thing is the range of healthy
and wholesome voluntary sacrifices that many Catholics offer during Lent. Among other reasons, these sacrifices prepare for Easter,
make reparation for failings and constitute an act of inner freedom from the attachments toward worldly things.
Because of the voluntary nature of sacrifices, a Catholic is under no obligation to leave them aside on Sunday and may freely observe
them during the entire Lenten season.
Indeed, ascetically this is often the best thing to do, since interrupting these sacrifices can weaken the resolution to make it to the end.
Some people, however, especially those imbued with a more liturgical spirituality, might find a Sunday interval to be helpful in living
the spirit of Lent. It very much boils down to what each person considers as being most spiritually beneficial to his soul and for the good
of others.
ST. MARY CHURCH
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
Rick Wagner, Sharon Rupp, Phyllis Lankford, Stephanie
Dunckel-Harrist, Marilee Miller, Chris Blaxton, Tom
Drolett, Dan Brannan, Kevin Christesen, Cameron Lewis,
Daniel Murphy, Ed Tuckey, Joe Drumm, Michael Dyer,
Kyle O’Connor, Martin Ford, Karen Diehl, Nora
Bradshaw, Mary Elam, Sue Habba, Eileen Strahan, Cecil
Butler, Klaus VonDaggenhausen, Robert Rathje, Diane Klausing &
Janice Klanecky.
IN THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Vernetta Miller, age 99, a resident of Riverwind Assisted Living here in Williamston, died on March 9, 2011 among
family after a short illness. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 12, 2011. Fr. Peter Clark presided. Two of her
grandchildren served as Readers. Interment was at Leek Cemetery in Okemos.
Vernetta was born in Lily, PA to a large Catholic Family
and moved to Michigan after her marriage to husband John W.
Miller who preceded her in death. She was a quiet, gentle soul
who loved to go to Mass and prayed the Rosary twice-a-day.
She is survived by daughter Francine (Ted) Minnick of
Okemos; 7 Grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; sisters
LaVerne Thompson and June Mader and brother Clem Smith.
Eileen "Stacy" Barnett, age 84, of Okemos, died on
March 13, 2011 at Family Affair AFC after a long illness. Mass
of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 19, 2011. Fr. Peter
Clark presided. Interment was in our Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Stacey grew up in Detroit and met her husband, Richard
Barnett, while attending MSU. The two owned the Barnett Insurance Agency in Williamston for over 20 years. Stacy loved attending Mass at St. Mary's even after moving to Okemos.
Here husband Dick preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters, Lisa Battaglia and Annie Stephens; son
Christopher Barnett and 8 grandchildren.
May Perpetual Light Shine upon them.
March 20, 2011
Monday, March 21st
3:20 p.m.
Children’s Choir
Music
Tuesday, March 22nd
7:00 p.m.
Rosary & Novena
7:15 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Meeting
Chapel
St. Joseph
Wednesday, March 23rd
8:40 a.m.
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
REP
7:00 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Meeting
Church
School
St. Joseph
Thursday, March 24th
12:00 Noon
AA Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Finance Council Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Adult Choir Practice
7:30 p.m.
Charismatic Prayer Group
St. Mary
St. Mary
Music
Chapel
Friday, March 25th
2:15 p.m.
School Stations of the Cross
5:00 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
5:15 p.m.
Stations of the Cross
Church
Activity Cntr.
Church
Saturday, March 26th
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Quilting
3:30 p.m.
Reconciliation
4:30 p.m.
Mass
St. Joseph
Chapel
Church
Sunday, March 27th
9:00 a.m.
Mass
9:00 a.m.
REP
10:00 a.m.
Coffee & Donuts
10:15 a.m.
REP
11:00 a.m.
Mass
12:00 p.m.
Confirmation Rehearsal
12:30 p.m.
Adult Volleyball
2:00 p.m.
Youth Group
Church
School
St. Joseph
School
Church
St. Joseph
Gym
St. Joseph
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
GIVE LIFE A CHANCE
ALTERNATIVE TO ABORTION
LENTEN FASTING REGULATIONS
Abstinence on Ash Wednesday, on all the Fridays of Lent, and
on Good Friday.
No meat may be eaten on days of abstinence. Catholics 14 years
and older are bound to abstain from meat. Invalids, pregnant and
nursing mothers are exempt.
Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fasting means having only one full meal to maintain one's
strength. Two smaller, meatless and penitential meals are permitted according to one's needs, but they should not together equal
the one full meal. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Catholics over 18 but not yet 60 years are bound to fast.
Again, invalids, pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt.
When we fast and abstain, we do it together. The practice of
the Lenten fast and Paschal fast is a practice of the whole community. Though the fast is carried out personally, we are united in
our action through Jesus Christ. Our united fast and abstinence
are our prayers to the Father through Jesus.
Our sponsors bring us this bulletin cost free each week. Please consider them when in need
of goods and services. Tell them you saw their ad at St. Mary Church.
The Stations of the Cross: Via Dolorosa When we walk along the 14 stations in the church, praying, the object is to make a spiritual pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's
sufferings and death in Jerusalem. Stopping at each station we lift up
our hearts, and with the help of prayers and devotional books, meditate on each incident. We are considering God's love for us in Christ
and what he endured to forgive our sins and set us free to love him
(and others) in return. When the devotion is prayed publicly, it is
common to sing a stanza of the Stabat Mater while passing from one
Station to the next. Prayer booklets are available in the gathering
area for your use. All are welcome on Fridays at 5:15 PM in the
Church during Lent. (The School children pray the stations on Friday
at 2:15 pm except April 8th.)