I would like to thank our youth director,
Betty Alilovic and her assistants, Stewart Tansen and Alison Milan for organising our Salt and Light Youth
Ministry coffee house last weekend. Under Betty’s direction, our youth group
numbers have increased to at least 30 students every Friday evening. It is
wonderful to see them working as a team and also alongside the Knights of
Columbus. Thanks to all of you who were able to support our youth and our
Knights. Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus for holding their book sale
too! I understand that both ventures were successful.
Just to let you know that I am still here
awaiting another test, a final appointment with my surgeon and the first
surgery at Trillium. While I was thinking about my Pastor’s Corner for this
week, I came across some words of inspiration about our Lenten observances. I
thought I would share them with you:
This is a different approach to fasting.
Fasting has a tendency toward self-denial, giving up our favourite foods or
pastimes. These all being good things to do of course, there are other creative
ways of fasting in order to experience Jesus’ healing touch. Here are some
suggestions that we all might consider:
s
Fast from anger and
hatred.
Give our family, friends and fellow parishioners an extra dose of kindness this
Lent.
s
Fast from judging
others.
Before making any judgments about any other person, recall how Jesus overlooks
our own faults.
s
Fast from
discouraging others or feeling discouraged ourselves. Hold on to Jesus’ promise. He has a perfect
plan for our lives.
s
Fast from
complaining.
When we find ourselves complaining about something or someone, we should close
our eyes and recall some of the many moments of joy that Jesus has given to us.
s
Fast from resentment
and bitterness.
We need to work on forgiving anyone who may have annoyed us or hurt us in some
way.
s
Fast from spending
too much money. Try
to reduce our spending just a little and give those saving to those who are
needy.
The final suggestion for us all is perhaps
the most important one. Spend a little more time in prayer and preparation this
Lent.
Fr.
Phil
