Lent 2017 : Ash Wednesday , March 1
tvc . dsj . org | February 21 , 2017 in the diocese 3
Lent 2017 : Ash Wednesday , March 1
Lent focuses on two aspects of Christian life . First , we remember our Baptism and prepare those to be baptized . Second , we practice more intensely Christian penitential disciplines in order to live more faithfully the vows we made , or will make , at Baptism . In these two ways , Catholics prepare for the great Easter season when those who are not Christian are baptized and those who are already Christian renew their baptismal promises .
Because we often fail to live out our baptismal call , we sin in ways that weaken our relationship with God , each other , and the world . Through our Lenten penance , we strive not only for inward conversion but also for outward reconciliation with the Church , those around us , and creation . Thus , we practice more intensely three penitential disciplines : prayer , fasting , and works of charity .
Saint Joseph Award – Bishop Patrick J . McGrath poses with Michael and Bonnie Hope after awarding Michael Hope the Saint Joseph Award on behalf of the Diocese of San Jose . In presenting the award the Bishop said the Diocese owes Michael Hope “ deep gratitude to you for doing what no one else could have done in carrying us through the death of Bob Serventi until the hiring of Brian Mooney as our new Chief Finance Officer . I present you with the Saint Joseph Award – for your service to the Diocese and to me , service above and beyond .”
Saint Vincent de Paul Lunch with Bishop McGrath and Monsignor Cilia
As part of the Saint Vincent de Paul Fall Fundraiser donors were entered into a raffle for various prizes . One of the coveted prizes was lunch with Bishop Patrick J . McGrath and Monsignor Francis V . Cilia and the winners were Mike and Beth Connor . The luncheon was held on January 24 at Il Fornaio restaurant in San Jose . Also in attendance were Saint Vincent de Paul board members Donna Beres , Vice President , and Rose Mary Becker , President of the Santa Clara County Council .
Rose Mary was elected President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Council of Santa Clara County in August and began serving on Oct . 1 , 2016 . She replaces Helene Stewart who vacated the position when she retired to Arizona .
“ I have been an active member of Saint Vincent de Paul for over 25 years and I ’ m honored to be the new President ,” said Becker . “ I love this organization and all of the volunteers that dedicate their time and talent to make it a success .”
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County was started in 1946 and has played a major role in helping the needy of our community . Last year SVdP was able to help more than 92,000 individuals and families with rent , utilities , food , clothing and healthcare .
The Society is made up of 25 conferences located throughout the Diocese of San Jose . With over 700 volunteers they are able to work closely with the needy to provide support and outreach services to anyone in need . These men and women do amazing work . They are able to see the face of God every day , be it the beaming smile on someone ’ s face whom they are able to help or the utmost sorrow they see as tears run down someone ’ s face as they tell their story .
Prayer and Works of Charity
During Lent , Catholics participate more often in the Eucharist not only on Sunday but also on traditionally penitential days , such as Friday . We also celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and other liturgies , such as Evening Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament . To deepen our prayer life , we participate in other devotions and works of service , including Stations of the Cross , daily prayer , Scripture reading , spiritual reading , alms-giving , self-denial , forgiveness of others , and increased care for those in need .
Fasting and Abstinence
We practice the traditional penitential discipline of fasting by denying or limiting certain food . During Lent , Catholics age 18 or older , until the beginning of their 60 th year , are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday .
Fasting means eating only one full meatless meal per day . One may also eat two other meatless meals that are sufficient to maintain strength but together do not equal a full meal . One may also drink liquids , including milk and fruit juice , between meals . If your health or ability to work is affected , you are not obligated to fast . If possible , fast on other days of Lent as well .
We practice abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday , Good Friday , and all Fridays of Lent . On these days , from the day after one ’ s 14 th birthday , all Catholics are bound by Church law to abstain from meat . For children younger than 14 , pastors and parents should form them to have an authentic sense of penance , conversion , and reconciliation .
Easter Duty and Holy Communion
All the faithful , after they have participated in First Communion , are obligated to share in Communion at least once a year . This law must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year . In the United States , with regard to this law , the Easter season is the period from the First Sunday of Lent until Most Holy Trinity Sunday ( the Sunday after Pentecost ).
Sacrament of Penance
After Baptism and a diligent examination of conscience , members of the Christian faithful who are old enough to understand what they have done are obligated at least once a year to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance if one has consciously committed a serious sin . The Church encourages us also to confess less serious , or venial , sins .
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" From Wounded To Wonder : A Story Of Conversion and God ' s Gift " Thursday , March 9 , 2017 Monthly Speaker Series | September – June
Join us for Morning Mass & special Speaker Presentations the second Thursday of each month . Mass : 7:00am | Speaker Presentation : 7:30am Members : $ 15 | Non-Members : $ 20 Three Flames Restaurant – 1547 Meridian Avenue , San Jose RSVP for events at : www . sjcatholicprofessionals . com