The Way of The Cross

Each Friday in Lent

After the 12:05 & 5:15 Masses

On the Fridays in Lent, we will not have the

Padre Pio Novena or veneration of the relic

after the 12:05 and 5:15 PM Masses.

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Every Parish, Every Wednesday

Cardinal Rigali invites all of us to experience the love and mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  On Wednesday evenings during Lent, in every parish throughout the Archdiocese, priests will be available to hear confessions, to forgive sins, to grant absolution. Please see the following schedule for those who wish to take advantage of this special sacramental opportunity.

Confessions at St John’s

Wednesday-Friday

3:30-5:00pm

&

Wednesdays

7-8:00 p.m.

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Fasting during Lent

In the fifth century, St. Peter Chrysologus wrote:

"Fasting is the soul of prayer;

mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast;

if you fast, show mercy;

if you want your petition to be heard,

hear the petition of others.

If you do not close your ear to others,

you open God's ear to yourself."

We take the initiative during Lent to curb our desires and exercise an opportunity to put aside what we may want so that we can be reminded of God.  Every time we desire that from which we are fasting, we are reminded of why we chose to give it up: to think about God. And, when we give something up, we have more to give away, to help a brother or sister in need because we are not using something for ourselves. Our Lenten fast is intimately connected to our Lenten sharing.

The more earnestly and deeply you observe Lent the more benefit spiritually.

Easter will have more meaning and more joy for you!!