At all Masses Feb. 20/21, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.   It is appropriate that this Sacrament be celebrated with the community present.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sign of the presence of Christ and the Church to those who are critically ill, have suffered a serious accident or are debilitated by old age.  The sacrament brings the total care of the Church to the sick person.  It incorporates him or her into the prayers of the community for their temporal and spiritual well-being.  It also invites and encourages the community to serve the sick by lovingly caring for them.  In turn, the sick witness to the community by their faith, patience, acceptance of God's will and rearrangement of life's priorities.

The Sacrament is not exclusively for those who are at the point of death but more for those who are seriously ill.  Those who are encouraged to receive the Sacrament are those who are at the point of death because of sickness, accident or old age; those who are seriously ill but death is not imminent; those undergoing major surgery; elderly who are debilitated by old age; people with serious heart conditions; people with severe psychological problems; and those with alcoholic and other drug additions.

If you are someone for whom the Sacrament is intended, plan to attend this celebration.  If you know of someone who is usually unable to attend Mass, make an effort to accompany them.  If you need transportation to Church for this celebration, call the office and arrangements can be made.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. There are two Masses that day at Holy Cross, one at 9:15 a.m. (with St. Andrew School) and one at 7:00 p.m.

Parishioners are invited to return the palms
received last year on Passion Sunday to be burned and used for our Ash Wednesday liturgy.

The days of Lent are at time of prayer and penance.  Based on the message of the Gospel, the Church encourages its members to fast, give alms to the poor, pray and perform works of mercy.  In the Penitential Spirit of Lent, Ash Wednesday and

Good Friday are designated by the Church as days of fast and abstinence from meat.  As well, it is suggested that all Fridays in Lent be observed as days of abstinence.  The law of abstinence binds those who are 14 and older; the law of fasting binds those 18-59.  Fasting is a penitential discipline intended to open our hearts to God, as a means of purification and spiritual liberation, and a
witness of the depth of our faith.

Lenten Reflection Booklets are available at both entrances.  A donation of $2.00 is requested to offset the cost of the books.