Saint Ann's By the Sea Marshfield MA

Today we celebrate the THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT. I have
included the Lenten regulations just below my column. In Lent,
our Liturgy is more somber and reflective; the music is somber, we
do not sing the alleluia, while the other Mass parts are shorter and
simpler. Also during Lent we do not include the Gloria in our
prayers, as we prepare for the great Easter Celebration.

Perhaps we can as a parish move into this somber period prior to the celebration of Mass by praying in the pews prior to Mass, rather than
catching up with old friends; for those who do not sing with the
assembly, perhaps we will make our sacrifice one of singing.
I would also ask you to commit to participating in the SACRAMENT
OF RECONCILIATION during this liturgical and penitential
season. We will be hearing Confessions this Wednesday
night in the Chapel between 6:30PM and 8:00PM. During this
time we will also have ADORATION AND BENEDICTION,
and a Scriptural Rosary will be recited. This is a tremendous way
to enhance your spiritual experience of Lent.

There will be COFFEE AND DONUTS after the 10:00AM
CHILDREN’S MASS, and we will once again resume our free
raffle prizes. I think you’ll really like this week’s prizes! Because
Sunday is a feast day, as we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection, we
are free to enjoy the treats we have given up for the forty days of
Lent. So I hope you enjoy the treats, and perhaps we can enhance
our Lenten Social by committing to introduce ourselves to one
new person each week.

FALL REGISTRATION is underway for our Religious Education
-CCD program. We have held to last year’s fees, and encourage
families to avoid the $25.00 later fee by registering soon (the deadline
is May 31st). Early registration affords us an ability to get
deeper discounts on books, manuals and supplies.
Father Carmichael

LENTEN REGULATIONS:
Abstinence: Catholics over 14 years of age are bound to this obligation.
On Fridays throughout Lent and including Good Friday,
meat and poultry may not be consumed. On Good , Catholics
over the age of 18 are called to FAST, which dictates that one
full meal is allowed, along with two other meatless meals, which
are sufficient to maintain strength. Eating between meals is not
permitted but liquids including milk and fruit juices are allowed.
Senior Citizens can be exempted from these obligations, but are
encouraged to practice them if they are healthy & able.