I can imagine that many of us have thought or said at times that the younger generation overall has it easier than we did when we were growing up in so many areas of life, including "Church life". Think about Lenten seasons of long ago. Catholics were called upon to be "vegans" during Lent as all forms of meat, fish and animal products were excluded for the entirety of Lent. Back then, it was considered a penitential practice, and yet some dieticians of today certainly recommend eating such a diet some or all of the time as healthiest for our body. People were allowed one meal a day AFTER 3:00 p.m., until the 1400's when it was revised to noon. Eventually a small snack was permitted to sustain energy. Over time, Fish, meat and eventually dairy products were allowed. Fasting, though, was required all 40 days. It was not unitl 1966 that fast days were lessened to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (for those 18-59 years of age). The days of abstaining from meat have lessened to only the Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent and Good Friday for those 14 years of age and older. These "disciplines" of Lent back then and now are, among other things, calling us to the humility of giving over our wills, in these instances, to God through the Church for our benefit. Given the age of most of you who are reading this pastor's column, it may seem that the Church expects much less from us (with regard to fasting). The reality is that there are many choices of earthly things that can and do occupy our time and attention, which could be given to God and works of the Gospel (especially compassion, charity, and service to others), I would challenge everyone (including myself) to "fast" from some aspects of this world like television, social media, and some forms of food if not strictly, at least in cutting back on some or all of these and ocnsciously replace them witth the things of God. Make the commitment to read and reflect on what is found in the "Little Books" that are being given out this weekend and spend some time (or for some, more time) in prayer and reflection on what God is telling us to be and to do. 

In this time of Eucharistic revival stronly consider participating in Mass at least one time during the week and be fed by God's Word and Jesus's Body and Blood. Practice almsgiving through the use of the "Rice Bow;s" and calendars that are being given to use and consider other ways to help "God's poor". 

This year, we will be preparing two people for entrance into the Church trough the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Include them by name (Kyle Carter and Barbara Meyers) in your prayers and plan to participate in the ENTIRE Easter Triduum which, your Lenten practices will ensure will be a truly BLESSED three days! On Ash Wednesday we will also hear the call for repentence which, if taken seriously, will lead to the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially toward the end of our Lenten journey. ENTER THE JOURNEY and be transformed and/or renewed in the Lord! Many people over the ages will tesify that observing 40 out of 365 total days of the year turned toward and attuned to the Lord has made a hugh difference in their life and the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ.