Let's Look Forward to Lent!

Looking ahead on the calendar, we see that Lent is approaching quickly.  Before we know it, it will be Ash Wednesday.  I wonder if we are giving any thought to how the days of Lent will be different from any other day of the year.  Many of us embark on a new prayer ritual for Lent.  Others would rather "deprive" themselves of something they enjoy.  (Be sure that you give up that high cal treat for the right reason!) For me, Lent is all about serving others in a way that is sacrificial.  That is, give up something for the benefit of another. Give up time to visit a sick person, or serve a little time each week at the nursing home.  Give up lunch in a restaurant and give the money saved to a homeless ministry, or to the Haiti project, to be used for people who couldn't comprehend going to a restaurant for lunch. Give up buying that new pair of shoes that you don't need and give the money to the poor who have no shoes.  Be creative in how you will sacrifice.  Each of us has something that we think we can't get along without.  That's the thing to give up, if we are being truly sacrificial.  And remember that if you fail one time, you can always begin again.  Lent is an opportunity for spiritual growth, a time to become more Christ like.  Read the gospels and take in how Jesus lived and try to be more and more like Him.  On Easter morning you will present yourself at the altar a new person in Christ!



I returned to Kay Timoun at Ste. Marie Madeleine Parish, Bondeau about a week ago, having spent a month at my home in Florida tending to a broken tooth, visiting friends and family, and "catching up" with the happenings.  I especially enjoyed and was blessed serving as deacon in my home parish, and attending a clergy retreat, where I reunited with many clergy friends.  While I love being here at Kay Timoun and serving the people of Bondeau, I do miss my friends in my home parish. 

The children at Kay Timoun greeted me with excitement and lots of hugs and kisses.  It took me a couple of days to get back into the rhythm of life here.  As I settled in, I continued where I left off teaching and training the kids to be excellent students, orderly in keeping their things, and pitching in with the work it takes to keep Kay Timoun running efficiently.  They are excited about the new computer games that I loaded onto a "tablet" that was given to me by a good friend.  Their reward for completed homework and tidy bedrooms is time playing their new games.

I look forward to two mission trips next month, one a medical mission, the second a pilgrimage led by Father Andrew Sherman of St. Gregory's.  I pray that all "pilgrims" are moved by what they see here in Bondeau, and return to their home ready and eager to do something to improve the lives of their sisters and brothers in Christ.  It takes love to make changes!