News from Faith Formation Director, Sonya Morris

For many households, spring is a time for cleaning. The house has been closed up all winter and needs fresh air. We clean, donate, or throw out that which we no longer need. We also clean or put away that which we will not need until next winter. We open the windows to let the sun and clean air in. As the snow melts and the spring plants start to grow, we wash away the winter grit and grime.
Like nature, we try and start the season fresh and renewed. Cleaning, however, is not always fun. It takes hard work. It is dirty, and smelly. But it is necessary, the end result is always more satisfying than where we started.
Lent can be a time of spiritual spring cleaning. This week’s Gospel helps us to remember that our spiritual lives need a freshening up from time to time. Sometimes we need to let go of past hurt in our lives and forgive those who have hurt us. Sometimes we need to remove obstacles that are standing in our way of having a better relationship with God. Sometimes we need to pray more or differently in order to let the “fresh air” of God’s grace into our lives.
Remember the three pillars of our Lenten journey: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. These three practices are the perfect way to begin our spiritual spring cleaning. How are your Lenten promises going? Have you been successful with them? Has it been difficult for you? If necessary, how can you recommit yourself to your Lenten promises?
It is not too late to participate in Lenten opportunities in your parish. Join a book study, attend Stations of the Cross as a family and partake in the Sacrament of Confession. Make the most of the next 4 weeks of Lent.
Next week faith formation class is Wednesday, March 10^th when our middle school and high school students meet. Class is from 7 PM – 8:30 PM. Middle school will meet at St. John’s and high school will meet at the Cathedral. We will start our night with Stations of the Cross. Families are encouraged to attend with your child.
God Bless,
Sonya Morris