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Our Lenten Journey
 Lent, a sacred time in which we walk with those preparing for
Baptism at Easter, gives each of us the
opportunity to renew our own commitment
to the gift of our Baptism and the responsibilities for witness that
come from it. Through Baptism, we hear the words of Jesus, “Come,
Follow Me!” How have we responded? How will we respond in the days to
come? The following parish opportunities for Prayer, Fasting and
Almsgiving are just a few ways we may be able to enter more deeply into
the love God offers each of us, so that we might grow as stewards and
witnesses to the saving presence of Jesus Christ.
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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
8:30 AM - Mass with distribution of ashes
12:00 Noon - Liturgy of the Word with distribution of ashes
7:00 PM Mass - Mass with distribution of ashes |
"From dust you are made and to dust you will return."
The Living Symbols of Lent
The Faithful
- Our Lenten renewal prepares us to recommit ourselves through the
proclamation of our Baptismal Promises at Easter.
Praying
- Prayer begins with listening. In Lent we retreat in prayer, not as
an escape from our world, but to see the finger of God alive in our
world.
Fasting -
Fasting is an ancient sign of conversion, the undertaking of a new
“viewpoint.” We fast from food, bad habits, selfish ways, and apathy.
Fasting (and abstinence) from food is especially observed on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday. The minimum requirements call for Fasting to
be practiced by all those 18 years of age and older, who have not
celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day, one full meal is
allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken
according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal
another full meal. Eating between meals in not permitted, but liquids,
including milk and juices, are allowed.
Abstinence between meals
is observed by all those 14 years of age and older. On days of
abstinence no meat is allowed. Note that when health or ability to
work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige fasting and/or
abstinence.
Our Parish Alms
Project:
“The Christian Sharing Center”
Each year during Lent,
Nativity Catholic Church engages in a parish-wide almsgiving
project. This year our project will be to support
The Christian
Sharing Center whose mission is to share the reality of God’s
love by providing material assistance and promoting Christian
generosity. We have chosen as our goal to provide funds for a
desperately needed replacement of the commercial walk-in freezer
and cooler that are used in The Christian Sharing Center
pantry. The estimated cost to replace these units is $25,000.
The freezer and cooler
were purchased used in the late 1980’s and can no longer be
repaired. Frozen foods, baked goods, fresh produce donated
by local farms as well as meat, butter, and eggs obtained from
the USDA are stored in these units. The
refrigeration unit is also used to store rice, pasta, and other
grain products. The pantry manager at the Center estimates that
nearly 20,000 pounds of food moves through the freezer and
cooler each month, and each day the staff and volunteers at the
Sharing Center pray that the units will not fail and cause a
loss of valuable food items!
Parishioners of
Nativity are invited to Share the Care this Lent in the
following ways:
-
Set aside a weekly
amount of money to be offered at the end of Lent in the
support of the replacement of the commercial walk-in freezer
and cooler at The Christian Sharing Center. A special
processional offering will be made on PALM SUNDAY at all
masses in which parishioners will present to God the fruits of
their Lenten sacrifices.
-
Participate in a
food drive
to collect nonperishable items for The Christian Sharing Center
pantry the weekend of February 24, 2008.
-
Pray for those in
poverty, the staff and volunteers at The Christian Sharing
Center, and the success of our parish almsgiving program.
Be a Witness To
Hope Alive in Christ . . . Share your Heart, Share the Care
Lenten Events
 PRAYING
ALL WAYS
- Monday Evenings:
February 11, 18, 25, March 10, 17 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.
Join us on a Lenten journey through the varied prayer
forms and styles that are part of our rich spiritual Catholic
heritage. Each week
we will first Pray, then share and learn about the form
of prayer we have experienced. Whether you are a beginner,
a "seasoned pray-er," or someone whose prayer life needs a "jump
start," this series is for you!!
OUTDOOR STATIONS OF
THE CROSS - Friday evenings beginning February 15 at 6:30
PM.
ANOINTING OF THE
SICK - Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 AM. All
parishioners are invited to participate in a Mass that will
include a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of
the Sick. A luncheon hosted by the youth of Nativity
Church will follow. This is an opportunity to pray
together as a community with and for those who are suffering and
are seeking God's comfort and consolation. Sign-ups will
be held during mass, or you can call the parish office if you
with to attend.
LENTEN LOCK-IN FOR YOUTH
- February 29 - March 1. All High School students are
invited to participate in our
next High School
lock-in. The lock-in will start at 9:00 PM on Friday,
February 29 and end at 7:00 AM on Saturday, March 1. Come and
enjoy games, music, activities, lots of food, and an exciting
experiential event looking at our Catholic call to justice.
Everyone in grades 9-12 is invited and can bring a friend!
2ND ANNUAL DIOCESE OF
ORLANDO RECONCILIATION WEEKEND - Friday, March 14 from
7:00 - 9:00 PM, Saturday, March 15 from
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Nativity Church will be a host church
for the 2nd annual Lenten Reconciliation weekend for the
Diocese.
Read More
Holy Week
Schedule
The
Easter
Triduum: Three Holy Days
Your Guide to Lent
Lent: Call to Conversion
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