Welcome to the 1st full week of Lent. How are those Lenten disciplines going? I often think we can learn a lot about ourselves the first week of Lent such as when we give something up and it is not as easy as we thought it would be. Or maybe we forgot it was Lent and did it out of habit. Every year I hear a few, “I had meat on Friday, I just forgot it was Lent.” When we have those moments of change in our lives, we sometimes have slips.

Also, sometimes the change is asked for by the Universal Church, some things may change that are Local traditions, and some are those personal things you may have taken on. You will notice the change to the beginning of the Mass at St Luke’s. 1) We are entering in si- lence. This can throw some people off. As we start to enter in, ALL should stand. When we get to the front and I kneel on the steps, ALL should kneel (if able, if not able please sit). There will be a short moment of silent prayer. I will then chant the short version of the penitential rite. Stand, ALL stand, I will reverence the Altar and go to the chair. Gloria is dropped for Lent, so I will go right into the opening prayer. 2) the bells fall silent and are not rung for Lent. This is both the bells to start Mass and the bells at the consecration.

Personally, I have found these changes for the new season can be a nice reminder that something is different about this time of year. I love on Ash Wednesday being out and about and being able to “Spot a Catholic in the Wild.” But only those who have gone to Mass in the morning. I remember one year watching the Evening News to see the news anchor with ashes on his forehead. I always wondered if he had to put up a fight to not let the make up people cover his ashes. How many of you had someone point out “You have something on your forehead.” And were able to explain Ash Wednesday to someone? I know I always struggle to see how long I can keep my ashes on, I find that I have a habit of touching my head. I don’t know why?

I pray your Lent is off to a good start. However, if you have slipped on something, don’t just give up, take it up again. Sometimes when something is hard, we need to keep trying to gain the strength to change the habit. Not just give up and go back to it. Same with some- thing you may be trying to start, if you miss a day, don’t give up, do it the next day. One more thing to remember for Lent. Penance. There are so many opportunities to go to confession during Lent. Here at St Luke’s and other places too. I know in the next few weeks my schedule will get very busy. Our Parish Service is March 20th. It is the same day as the Clergy Study Day for Lent, so it will be a full day for me. It can be a busy time for priests, but I can think of no greater gift than being able to bring someone back to Christ through a good confession. Try and make a good confession this Lent. Spend some time really reflecting on what you need to confess.

One of the other challenges I have in embracing Lent, other than the busyness of confessions, is the planning for Holy Week. Holy Week and Easter have very different focuses and as you plan for and talk about it, it can sometimes take away from being present in Lent. You may have your own busyness in life that makes it hard for you to take time to reflect. Please remember we need to make good choices about what is most important in our lives or the lives of our children. I hope and pray that Lent is a season you will practice in your homes. Lent leads to Easter, but don’t just think of Easter, without first having that journey of Lent. Practice Lent, plan to attend Stations of the Cross, and the amazing liturgies of Holy Week. I know it will lead you to a greater Easter Joy!!

Blessings, Fr. Backer