“Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.”
Pope Francis, Message for Lent 2014
Through our Lenten preparations we contemplate the events leading up to the Passion of our Lord. And when we commemorate Holy Week, we deepen our focus on His sacrifice and His glorious triumph over darkness. To help you, we have created opportunities to bring you closer to Christ and spend more time in the sacraments as we take our journey toward our Easter celebration.
During Lent - March 5 thru April 19
Prayer
40 Days for Life - Our society has accepted norms that are hostile to and destructive of human life. Abortion has killed millions of those who could not defend themselves. But Lent gives us an opportunity to reflect and to renew ourselves, a time to pray for a better world. The "40 Days for Life Campaign" asks that we joinDays for Life website to download daily devotional prayers for each day of Lent up to Holy Week. You can also help end abortion and help change the minds of women seeking an abortion by praying at abortion clinics in the San Fernando Valley during Lent. More information is available on the San Fernando Valley 40 Days for Life website.
them in daily prayer to help curb and eliminate the evils caused by abortion and other anti-life practices in our society. Visit the 40
#40dayscount - This Lent join the San Fernando Pastoral Region and the faith communities of Our Lady of Lourdes, Northridge, St. Mel, Woodland Hills, and St. Euphrasia, Granada Hills, in “#40dayscount” by using social media to share how you are making every day this Lent count for your faith. Using whatever form of social media you prefer, you’re invited to share photos, events and updates giving examples of how you are engaging in faith every day of this Lent by using the common hashtag: #40dayscount.
Fasting
Fasting and Abstinence - As Catholics we observe special rules of fasting and abstinence during Lent to help us focus on the meaning of this period of spiritual renewal and rebirth in preparation for Easter.
Almsgiving
Rice Bowls - Catholic Relief Service’s "Operation Rice Bowl" is a special Lenten collection program that helps feed the poor around the world. You are asked to collect your loose change in "Rice Bowls" that will be collected at all Palm Sunday weekend Masses and during Holy Week at the parish office. The Rice Bowls are available in the church narthex.
Together In Mission - During Lent we are called to help others by giving alms to those in need. In giving alms, we are preparing ourselves spiritually for the coming of Easter and are giving a part of ourselves to others. You can make a very special Lenten offering by helping to support Together In Mission. Together In Mission is an important program that keeps many of the needy parishes and schools in our Archdiocese open to serve their communities and fulfill the important mission of the Church. Please consider what you can give to Together In Mission and make a pledge or donation today. Pledge envelopes are available in the church narthex or parish office. Please help Together In Mission keep the hope of Christ alive in all the parishes in our Archdiocese. (Note: Donatons to Together In Mission are dedicated solely to help needy parishes and not used for any other purpose, except that any donations in excess of our goal will be returned to our parish for local needs and programs.) Read Archbishop Gomez’s special message about Together In Mission.
Partners of Hope Food Pantry - Help families in need during Lent by donating a can of fruit. A container will be available in the church narthex in which to leave your donation.
In addtion to the above suggestions there are a number of other Lenten devotions and practices that you might want to consider. You can download these by clicking here.
Wednesday - March 5 (A Day of Fast & Abstinence)
Ash Wednesday - Our Lenten journey begins today as we receive ashes to remind us of our mortality and need for repentance and forgiveness. While not a Holy Day of Obligation, there are a number of services planned which you may attend to help you begin your Lenten observance. The schedule is available in the bulletin.
Friday - March 7 (A Day of Abstinence)
First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Spend some time in adoration and meditation of the Blessed Sacrament and reflect on the meaning of Lent in respect to this great gift from God. Beginning after
the 8:30 am Mass and concluding with Benediction at 6:00 pm in the church.
World Day of Prayer - Lent calls us to recognize justice and equality for all of God’s people. Join Christian women of many traditions as they come together on this special day to pray for the fair treatment of women all around the world.
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the church.
1st Sunday of Lent - March 9
Sandwich Sunday - This regular parish activity takes on a special meaning during Lent and allows you to personally give of yourself to the poor and hungry in our area. Setup begins at 12:30 pm. Sandwich making starts at 2:00 pm. In Grill Hall.
Thursday, March 13, thru Sunday, March 16
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress - This annual event is certain to make your Lenten journey special. It is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world. The four-day event is sponsored by the Los Angeles Archdiocese Office of Religious Education and is open to people of all vocations and faith traditions. A special Youth Day is held on March 13. At the Anaheim Convention Center (registration required).
Friday - March 14 (A Day of Abstinence)
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the
Saturday - March 15
Los Angeles March for Life - This expression of support for our unborn brothers and sisters is particularly appropriate during Lent. A peaceful march will be conducted down Ventura Blvd. to show the world the increasing number of those who support a culture that recognizes the sanctity of life. 9:00 am at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Encino.
Sunday - March 16
St. Joseph’s Day Dinner - St. Joseph was the educator and guardian of Jesus, and as such played a vital role in assuring that the Lenten mission of Christ would be fulfilled. We are invited by a neighboring parish to celebrate a special dinner in the Italian tradition in honor of St. Joseph, sponsored by the Columbiettes Woman’s Auxillary to the Knights of Columbus Council 3148. 3:00 pm at St. Bridget of Sweden Church Hall in Van Nuys.
Wednesday - March 19
Men’s Council Retreat - The men of the parish are invited to break from their regular routine and spend a few hours focusing on their spiritual journey during Lent. The retreat will begin at 5:30 pm and include dinner, instruction, meditation and other events. Conducted at the house of the Sisters Devoted to the Sacred Heart on Winnetka Ave.
Friday - March 21 (A Day of Abstinence)
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the church.
Friday - March 28 (A Day of Abstinence)
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the church.
Saturday - March 29
Profession of Vows - The Sisters Devoted to the Sacred Heart invite us to witness the consecration of
several of their members as they make their Perpetual Profession of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience. The sisters ask for our prayers and to share in their joy on this special occasion which embodies the focus of the Lenten message. 11:00 a.m. mass at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.
Sunday - March 30
Red Cross Blood Drive - Giving the "Gift of Life" during Lent is a special way to become truly personally involved in the Lenten message. Your gift can help many that are sick or injured - and may help save multiple lives. 8:00 am - 2:00 pm in Montal Hall (call Mary Melton (818) 346-0927 to make an appointment).
Friday - April 4 (A Day of Abstinence)
First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Spend some time in adoration and meditation of the Blessed Sacrament and reflect on the meaning of Lent in respect to this great gift from God. Beginning after the 8:30 am Mass and concluding with Benediction at 6:00 pm in the church.
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the church.
Friday - April 11 (A Day of Abstinence)
Soup & Stations - Join us for Soup at 6:00 pm in Grill Hall and then Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm in the church.
Additional Lenten and Easter events will be posted when scheduled. Check back soon.
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