On March sixth, we entered into a journey of the cross with Christ once again.  This Lent, a season of repentence and also of hope, let's recall the three ways in which we can experience the fullness of Lent: 

• in Prayer, frequent, fervent and humbly,
• in Almsgiving - to the poor, thru the Rice Bowl, with our time-
• and in Fasting. We think of fasting as going without meals or without chocolate or other "treats". How about small sacrifices each day, perhaps differnt ones this year?  

Or maybe instead of those "fasts", we enter more deeply in Prayer.  Perhpas we plan on attending Tuesday evening Faith Formation?  Think about your usual lenten habits, and do something different.  What does God call you to do this year?

Just as Jesus was driven into the desert for 40 days, so are we taken into a time of change- resisting temptations of materialism, immediate gratification, alsohol or drugs. Use the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often to clean our souls.

Be close to the Lord God; Know well the Word of God to counter temptations, and be ready to resist those temptations, challenges and struggles. 
Peace ....