The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time; February 14, 2021
FROM FATHER CARLOS...
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Lent is right around the corner. As we prepare to begin this special season in the Church, we keep in mind the reason why we have Lent (and Christianity for that matter) and that is the risen Lord. The celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is ultimately what motivates us to begin the season of Lent with much fervor and enthusiasm.
Lent is right around the corner. As we prepare to begin this special season in the Church, we keep in mind the reason why we have Lent (and Christianity for that matter) and that is the risen Lord. The celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is ultimately what motivates us to begin the season of Lent with much fervor and enthusiasm.
It might sound “early” to talk about Easter, especially days before Ash Wednesday, yet it is important that we connect the celebration of Lent to the Lord’s own Death and Resurrection. “If […] we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Romans 6:8) proclaims the Apostle Saint Paul. Life in the risen Lord is the end goal of the Christian life, and Lent and the cross are the way to this life in Him. Such has been God’s design and, again, as Saint Paul says this time in his letter to the Corinthians, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1: 18.)
A couple of days ago, I heard the Archbishop recall a time when someone wished him a “happy Lent.” The Archbishop, then, explained why Lent should truly be a happy season. The many Lenten practices are designed to lead us to develop a closer relationship with the Lord, he said. A closer relationship with the Lord will lead us to live the things He lived, including his Death and his Resurrection. As we die with Him we also hope to live with Him, and this hope of everlasting life in the risen Christ is the reason why Lent is truly a “happy” season in the Church.
Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the main practices that the Church proposes for the Lenten season. When we pray, we talk to the Lord whom we love and want to remain close to. When we fast, we recognize that nothing on this world will give us the joy that only the Lord can give us. Lastly, we do almsgiving because we believe the one we love, the Lord, who once said: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40.) Lent is thus a more intentional way to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and, indeed, to configure ourselves with Him so that we too may live as He lives.
As we prepare to begin this season of Lent, I invite us to keep in mind the reason why we begin this sacred time in the Church; this reason is Jesus Christ the Lord. It is Christ the one we want to grow close to, to the point of sharing in His own dying and rising. Then we will live with Him and enjoy the gift of His salvation and the gift of eternal life with Him.
Have a Happy Lent everyone!
Readings for the week of February 14, 2021
Sunday: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46/Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11 [7]/1 Cor 10:31—11:1/Mk 1:40-45 Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25/Ps 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 [14a]/Mk 8:11-13
Sunday: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46/Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11 [7]/1 Cor 10:31—11:1/Mk 1:40-45 Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25/Ps 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 [14a]/Mk 8:11-13
Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Ps 29:1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10 [11b]/Mk 8:14-21
Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 [cf. 3a]/2 Cor 5:20—6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [Ps 40:5a]/Lk 9:22-25
Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [Ps 40:5a]/Lk 9:22-25
Friday: Is 58:1-9a/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 [19b]/Mt 9:14-15
Saturday: Is 58:9b-14/Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [11ab]/Lk 5:27-32
Next Sunday: Gn 9:8-15/Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 10]/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15
• Ashes will be distributed at all Masses at our parishes.
• Per the Vatican’s instructions, the priest will say aloud only one time to the entire congregation the formula for the giving of ashes.
• Following this, the priest and other ministers will invite everyone present to come forward to receive ashes.
• The priest or minister will sprinkle a very small amount of ashes over the bowed head of each person, without saying anything.
• Other than this change, the Masses for Ash Wednesday will be celebrated without any other liturgical adjustments.
• Per the Vatican’s instructions, the priest will say aloud only one time to the entire congregation the formula for the giving of ashes.
• Following this, the priest and other ministers will invite everyone present to come forward to receive ashes.
• The priest or minister will sprinkle a very small amount of ashes over the bowed head of each person, without saying anything.
• Other than this change, the Masses for Ash Wednesday will be celebrated without any other liturgical adjustments.
Reminders About The Norms for Fasting and Abstinence:
• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fasting as well as abstinence in the Universal Church.
• This means that anyone 14 years and older (without a maximum age cut off) is to abstain from meat on these two days.
• It also means that anyone 18 years to 59 years old is to fast from extra meals. This means eating only one main meal on these two days, or, ensuring that any other food that is taken during the day does not amount to more food than one would eat at only one, main meal.
• All Fridays of Lent that are not Solemnities (this year, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19th lands on a Friday) are days of abstaining from meat for those 14 years and older.
• As Catholics we understand that these are more than “recommendations” or “encouragements.” These are theological norms pertaining to the substance and discipline of our faith. No one is to excuse themselves from these norms lightly.
• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fasting as well as abstinence in the Universal Church.
• This means that anyone 14 years and older (without a maximum age cut off) is to abstain from meat on these two days.
• It also means that anyone 18 years to 59 years old is to fast from extra meals. This means eating only one main meal on these two days, or, ensuring that any other food that is taken during the day does not amount to more food than one would eat at only one, main meal.
• All Fridays of Lent that are not Solemnities (this year, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19th lands on a Friday) are days of abstaining from meat for those 14 years and older.
• As Catholics we understand that these are more than “recommendations” or “encouragements.” These are theological norms pertaining to the substance and discipline of our faith. No one is to excuse themselves from these norms lightly.
THE GIFT OF SUNDAY
Two of the main priorities discerned at the 2014 Archdiocesan Synod were Evangelization and the Sunday Mass. The Gift of Sunday, theological reflection along with the study guide, connect directly to these priorities.
The Gift of Sunday is a theological reflection published with the ecclesiastical approval of Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, for use in catechesis and prayerful reflection with the People of God in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
The theological reflection is accompanied by a study guide that can be used for personal study or for a small group discussion. It includes outlines for five sessions.
The Gift of Sunday is a theological reflection published with the ecclesiastical approval of Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, for use in catechesis and prayerful reflection with the People of God in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
The theological reflection is accompanied by a study guide that can be used for personal study or for a small group discussion. It includes outlines for five sessions.
Want to dive deeper in "The Gift of Sunday"?
There is still room in Father Nathan's Sunday Small Groups. Click the sign up sheet below or call the parish office to register.
We'd love to have you join us!
SIGN-UP NOW FOR THIS SERIES BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE ABOVE!
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The Knights of Columbus believes the foundation of the family is the marriage bond between the mother, father, and God. They will be facilitating a Marriage Prayer this weekend during all Masses. For more information CLICK HERE
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Rice Bowls are being handed out this weekend!
Extras are on the kiosk in the Parish Lobby.
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SCRIP is AVAILABLE NOW!
Stop by our table after Masses on Sunday.
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Our next church cleaning will be
Saturday, February 27 at 7am
Saturday, February 27 at 7am
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Simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/39-0813413 to confirm "Immaculate Conception Congregation" as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to us!
We have openings for all "little saints" in several of our rooms! CLICK HERE
We are also HIRING!! CLICK HERE FOR JOB DETAILS
Check out our latest addition to our playroom!
Families and single persons 18 years and older are encouraged to be registered at the parish in order to receive the services the Church offers to all members of our Parish Family. To register, please download a registration form from our website or contact the parish office.
In the first reading, How are Moses and Aaron related?
Father & Son
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cousins
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brothers
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friends
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Catholics started the tradition of Lent during the Council of
Trent
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Nicea
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Constance
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Ephesus
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ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS...
- The GLORIA is omitted during Lent.
- The World Day of the Sick is observed on Our Lady of Lourdes.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS ADORATION CHAPEL
Adoration takes place in the main church of Holy Angels on Tuesdays for 12 hours, from 8:00am – 8:00pm. A minimum of two people per hour are needed. If you would like to sign up for a time to adore, please contact Jody at 262-343-3486
or go to www.hawb.org/adoration and send an email.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter-
Adoration takes place in the main church of Holy Angels on Tuesdays for 12 hours, from 8:00am – 8:00pm. A minimum of two people per hour are needed. If you would like to sign up for a time to adore, please contact Jody at 262-343-3486
or go to www.hawb.org/adoration and send an email.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter-
REMOTE RETREATS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
Promotes experiences for couples who want to
make their good marriage even better. Visit http://www.wwme.org/ for details.
Promotes experiences for couples who want to
make their good marriage even better. Visit http://www.wwme.org/ for details.
Wisconsin Catholic Youth Rally 2021: Fiat
In-Person or virtual experience offered!
visit www.arisemke.org/wcyr
In-Person or virtual experience offered!
visit www.arisemke.org/wcyr
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Normal Mass Schedule
Sundays: 7:30am, 9:30am
12:00pm (Español)
Monday through Friday: 6:15am
Sundays: 7:30am, 9:30am
12:00pm (Español)
Monday through Friday: 6:15am
Normal Confessions and Adoration
Thursdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm
Thursdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm
Normal Parish Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30am-12noon
Monday through Friday
8:30am-12noon