During this liturgical season, we devote ourselves in a special way to the intimate relationship we want to have with God, and the healthy and holy life we want to share with one another. During Lent, the Church explicitly calls us to pray, to fast, and to give freely to those in need (almsgiving). During this time. we prioritize what we know is of ultimate value: our faith in Jesus Christ.
- Prayer - For those who do not pray regularly, the Church encourages making the commitment to pray at least once a day during Lent. For those who do pray regularly, many incorporate additional prayers during Lent. Some popular additions are praying additional decades of the Rosary, saying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and reciting the Litany of the Hours. Common Lenten prayer themes center around rebirth and baptism, renewal, rededicating oneself to God and family, and returning to simplicity.
- Fasting - AmericanCatholic.org describes the need for fasting during Lent well: "Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God." Fasting is as old as the Church itself, and gives Catholics the opportunity to take on an ancient tradition in physical form.
- Almsgiving - Although the corporal works of mercy are important throughout the year, they are particularly in Lent. Providing for those less fortunate is a lifelong mission of the Church, and Catholics are asked to focus on almsgiving during Lent - from giving donations to making food, all giving reiterates the love of Christ in all Christians.
Rules of Fasting: There are two official days of fasting during Lent: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On days of fasting, Catholics (between the ages of 18 and 59) should only eat one full meal. In addition to the two days of fasting, the Church calls for Catholics to abstain from eating meat on Fridays. Honoring abstinence during Lent is one way Catholics remember the simple lives of the people in the early Church.
Throughout Lent, our school classes will talk about how we can walk closer with Jesus during these 40 days. Together, as parents and catechists, we can help our children better understand the simple practices of prayer by inviting them to pray in any moment throughout the day. We can point out that just as our bodies get hungry for food, our souls get hungry for Jesus. And we can model almsgiving for our children by asking them to join with us in the special giving we do at this time of year. These 40 days give all of us the opportunity to help our children celebrate the true meaning of Easter.
To benefit the St. Viator School Scholarship Fund
Announces our Title Sponsor The M Hotel
St. Patrick's Day, March 17th 2010 at 8:00 AM
The Legacy Golf Club
Shortgun Start, Best Ball, St. Patty's Day Lunch
$10,000 Hole in 1
2011 VW Jetta Hole in 1
For reservations, please contact svsgolf@cox.net
or call 702-499-4999. Visit our webpage.
South Point Hotel and Casino
- Sponsorship, Auction and Spotlight Ads deadline
is March 15th, contact Maddie Gugino at 497-6546. - Auction Items needed. Questions call Diana Mercurio at 378-9422.
- All donation items can be dropped off at the office or call Pat Ellis at 499-4999 for a pick up
- Wine Auction—drop off your donation of a bottle of wine to the school office.
- All donations are tax deductible and are greatly appreciated.
- Please join us for the next Foundation meeting on Wednesday, February 10th at 8:30 AM in the parish center. Chef Patrick Ballinger will be serving "Waffles". Please bring a friend. We will be approving the invitations!
Check out our webpage!
