1 Thessalonians 5:11
In these final days of Ordinary Time, as we prepare for 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we take time to enjoy and be thankful for the blessings we have been given. One of the most valuable blessings is our school and parish community, and that camaraderie was on full exhibit Saturday evening at our Annual Crusader Benefit, whose theme was Carnevale. Guests donned exquisite costumes; dined on sumptuous food; imbibed signature cocktails; “rode” in a life-size gondola; enjoyed entertainment by a juggler, a stilt walker, an accordionist (our own Derian from ESS), and a violinist; and danced the night away. While the event’s primary purpose was to raise funding for campus security, spending time gathering together with friends, other parents, and school and church staff, facilitated mutual support and community-building, all elements of lifting up Christ’s Kingdom on Earth.
Tomorrow, students will join other Catholic faithful around the world and celebrate Mardi Gras by wearing the traditional green, gold, and purple beads and clothing, and some may even be brave and dye their hair (temporary dye only please!). We will feast (on donuts!) and be merry before we enter the more reflective period of Lent, which begins on Wednesday. All students will attend Mass, where we will receive the mark of ashes on our foreheads, reminding us of our call to discipleship.
Many parents find it hard to deny their children of anything, and we certainly never want to see our children be in pain or suffer. However, there are valuable lessons to be learned during this Lenten Season for all of us, as it is a dedicated time for us to strengthen our relationship with God, and enhance our spiritual journey by focusing on these three important pillars:
PRAYER – Prioritize extra time as a family praying at the beginning of the day and/or end of the day. Make a concerted effort to attend Mass each weekend as well as Stations of the Cross on Fridays.
FASTING – By abstaining from food, video games, social media, or other distractions, we have a deeper appreciation for how fortunate we are, and how many blessings we have.
ALMSGIVING – Donating our time, talent, and treasure to those less fortunate is also a way to recognize our abundance and help those in need.
Let’s make the most of this Lent because we are all “Saints in the Making,” and our ultimate goal is to make sure we all meet up again one day in heaven for one gigantic Carnevale!
In Mission, Kathy