Our Lenten study is entitled, "Forgiven: Transforming Power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation." I pray that you will participate in this five-week study starting this week in one of our group sessions (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning at 9:45, OR Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m.). I am inclined to also ponder "The Transforming Power of the Lenten Season." It has that potential for individuals who take seriously this 40-day season when we follow the example of Jesus in the desert (where He fasted and prayed) and through almsgiving practices (especially Operation Rice Bowl as sponsored by Catholic Relief Services). When Catholics from all over the world (and some other Christians) join in these and other Lenten practices, the potential is there for the Church, and even the whole world, to be transformed in ways that give honor and glory to God. I would like to encourage ALL OF US at Sacred Heart to join together each day of Lent in praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy which Jesus gave to St. Faustina in Poland many years ago, and which was promulgated by Pope John Paul II for the whole Church to pray. Please come to church at least 15 minutes before Mass for the weekend Masses and join with others in the pews in praying the Chaplet. Try then, on the other days of Lent, to pray the Chaplet at home or in our Eucharistic chapel, either alone or with others. For those who still don't know how to pray it, here's a guide.
Start with the Lord's Prayer, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. Using a rosary, say the following on the "Our Father Beads:" "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and the Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." Then on each "Hail Mary bead" on the string of 10 beads (a total of fifty times) pray this: "For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." At the end pray the following three times: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us and on the whole world."
With all of us throughout Lent praying the chaplet (which takes no more than 10 minutes), I truly believe that the transforming power of God will do marvelous things for us as a parish community and for each of our individual lives.
PLEASE JOIN IN!
Start with the Lord's Prayer, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. Using a rosary, say the following on the "Our Father Beads:" "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and the Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." Then on each "Hail Mary bead" on the string of 10 beads (a total of fifty times) pray this: "For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." At the end pray the following three times: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us and on the whole world."
With all of us throughout Lent praying the chaplet (which takes no more than 10 minutes), I truly believe that the transforming power of God will do marvelous things for us as a parish community and for each of our individual lives.
PLEASE JOIN IN!