Dear Blessed Sacrament Families,
In a few short days, our Catholic Church will enter the Season of Lent. Lent is a time of simplicity, reflection, and preparation for the Paschal Mystery – Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection on Easter Sunday. This holy season is a gift from the Church inviting us to step back from the chaos of daily life and focus on our relationship with God. During these 40 days, we are called to engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
On Ash Wednesday, we will stand in Church and participate in the ancient tradition of having ashes placed on our foreheads. Father Chris or one of the other ministers will say, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” or “Remember, that you were dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes, visible to the public eye, symbolize death, decay, and sorrow. It also reminds us of our individual and collective imperfections as a human race.
This imperfection, however, does not win. Our faith teaches us that Jesus’ death on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday transform those ashes into beauty. The phrase “from ashes to beauty” perfectly captures the essence of Lent. Lent is the perfect opportunity for believers to transform their lives, turning away from their sinful ways and embracing a new and righteous path. It is a period of spiritual renewal, a chance to cleanse the soul, purify the heart, and draw closer to God.
This Lenten journey is not meant to be walked alone. Just as we celebrate as a faith community, let us support and encourage one another on this path toward Easter together. We will inspire and be inspired. As a community, we will witness the transformative power of faith in our lives as we go from Ashes to Beauty.
I invite you on our Lenten journey: From Ashes to Beauty. It is an opportunity for us, individually and as a faith community, to identify the areas of decay and sorrow in our lives and use prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to transform those areas into areas of beauty.
I invite each of you to welcome Lent with an open heart, a willing spirit, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Let us not be afraid to confront and heal the areas of decay and sorrow within us. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, may the beauty that lies dormant within us truly flourish, radiating light and hope to all those around us.
In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,
Michael Fierro
Principal