February, already? The new expression, “Really?” Yup, February, already. Really! But not without a thank you to January. The St. Juliana Falconieri community requires, in fact demands a HUGE THANK YOU to January. Lots of them! The end of Christmas, its gifts and good wishes for the New Year – THANK YOU. We began our Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary Year — celebration and hospitality; Thank YOU. During January, THANK YOU, to those who had pictures taken for what will be a spectacular directory. You must do this under pain of mortal sin – there are still dates left – then it becomes an un-forgivable sin if you do not have your picture taken. And the end of January, the Golden Gala for St. Juliana Grammar School, THANK YOU! The co-chairs, Victoria Muffie and Becky Kenrick with their team put on a fantabulous evening for us! WOW, Thank YOU, everyone for so much for so long. It’s about participating in a living faith commu- nity. When we encounter one-another, we encounter the joy of being a Catholic Christian. Your support, your participation is the growth of the Body of Christ in the Catholic community of East Fullerton. It’s the way we live our faith, Proud to be Catholics.
Other important words: “I absolve you of all of your sins. Remember all the good that you do and rely on the grace of God to lead a life that is holy and filled with His joy.” First Penance was celebrated on Saturday, 7 February. The parish penance service will be celebrated at 7:00PM on Wednesday, 25 February.
Still more important words: “Turn away from sin and return to the Gospel.” Good glory, Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, 18 February. Friday Fish Frys are coming soon! To give up or begin doing? That is the Lenten challenge. What good is it to give up during Lent only to begin again at its conclusion? If you give up a treat – would you consider giving the money of the treat to a good charity? Could your Lenten resolve be to convert yourself more deeply and aim at pleasing the Lord by doing something and creating a new good habit that will be a lasting change in your life? Perhaps say a kind word, develop a habit of prayer or Scripture reading with a friend or as a family, reading a spiritual book or one of a deeper spirituality using Scriptures, picking up litter, the list is endless. What-ever you do let it give your faith life and your life faith. (Borrowed from Thomas Groome.)
One more important word: “AMEN.” Remember being told not to say some four letter words? AMEN is a four letter word and an important one at that. Let each of us say “AMEN” at a prayer’s conclusion. Most importantly, let us say “AMEN” as we receive the Holy Eucharist. Often times we ministers of the Holy Eucharist don’t hear “AMEN” or we do hear a well-intended “thank you!” With faith acknowledging the presence of the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, AMEN is an acceptable four-letter word! We are proud to use it in when we receive Christ our Lord.
To all that is promised in February, Thank You and Amen!