Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2021
The following is the text of the Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2021, entitled: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem “ (Mt 20: 18). Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.
In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
To read the full message, please click here.
The following is the text of the Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2021, entitled: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem “ (Mt 20: 18). Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.
In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
To read the full message, please click here.
Lent - Resources in English
The Office of Communications and Msgr. Ryan, Vicar General for the Diocese of Stockton would like to share the following article with you.
"When You're Having A Spiritually Dry Lent" by Andrea Bear What are the things that hold you back from having a fruitful Lent? Andrea Bear provides practical tips for finishing the season strong. To read the article, please click here. |
Diocese of Stockton's Week 6 Lenten Reflections hosted by Msgr. John Armistead, Vicar for Priests for the Diocese of Stockton.
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Formed
This Lent, we invite you to journey with Dr. Tim Gray by signing up for FORMED Daily Lenten Reflections at formed.org/lent. Each day you will receive in your inbox a short video which features Dr. Gray commenting on the daily Mass readings, explaining the Scriptures, and providing you with concrete ideas on how to apply them to your Christian life.
Sign up today for free by visiting formed.org/lent!
Not yet on FORMED?
May God bless you during this special season!
Sign up today for free by visiting formed.org/lent!
Not yet on FORMED?
- Visit http://signup.formed.org/.
- Enter our parish’s zip code or name.
- Enter your name and email.
May God bless you during this special season!
You can also search the FORMED site for additional resources such as stations of the cross, and more!
RESOURCES FROM Our Parish
MEN'S FAITH FORMATION WITH FR. MATTHEW
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This 7-week video series will take us through Lent and prepare us for Easter and for Life! The program is entitled, “The Search.” It is produced by the Augustine Institute and hosted by Chris Stefanick. The video can be streamed for free if you download the app FORMED (the parish has paid for this service.)
We will meet each Saturday at 6:30 am by Guadalupe Hall for coffee and the video will begin at 6:45 am. Please make sure to wear a mask. Social distancing will be maintained. Small groups will then meet for half an hour. A Participant Guidebook will be used for the discussion. Mass and confession are available after each meeting. Don’t forget to bring a friend. |
40-DAY LENTEN RETREAT WITH FR. JOE
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A DO-IT-YOURSELF 40-DAY LENTEN RETREAT FOR FREEDOM FROM THE DEVIL
Do you want to call upon the power of God to release yourself, your families, parish, diocese, nation and the world from all demonic influences and oppressions through acts of reparation, fasting, penance, charity, and prayer (both personal and sacramental)? If you say “YES” -- meaning you are both INTERESTED & AVAILABLE -- then come to this free & non-livestreamed 40-DAY LENTEN RETREAT FOR FREEDOM FROM THE DEVIL. WHEN: From February 16, 2021 (the Tuesday evening before Ash Wednesday) to March 28, 2021 (Palm Sunday; the beginning of the Holy Week). |
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NOTE:
THANKS FOR YOUR GOODWILL
- Each participant is expected to get/buy his/her own copy of the book, "LET FREEDOM RING: A 40-DAY TACTICAL TRAINING FOR FREEDOM FROM THE DEVIL," by Fr. James Altman, Fr. Richard Heilman & Fr. William Peckman, which will be used as a guidebook for the retreat.
- This 40-DAY LENTEN RETREAT begins on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6pm. There will be a daily Holy Hour, outdoors at 6pm -- with the Blessed Sacrament exposed -- for the next 40 evenings, plus related input by Fr. Joe Maghinay, to prepare for the following day. This part of the retreat will be held at Presentation Church. Each participant is expected to bring his/her own chair.
- The flow of this Do-It-Yourself 40-Day Lenten Retreat goes beyond the stated daily Holy Hour. This retreat focuses on tactical training/formation for freedom from the devil, with the use of the powerful spiritual weapons/tools in the 2000-year Tradition of the Church, as shaped by and determined with one's own daily activities.
THANKS FOR YOUR GOODWILL
RESOURCES FROM THE DIOCESE OF STOCKTON
Bishop Cotta's Lenten Reflection #2 (March 16, 2021)
Conversion - “to turn”
Lent is about turning our lives in the right direction. Is the direction of our lives leading us and our loved ones toward eternal life? Are we heading in the right direction? Are we choosing to turn toward that which is true, ordered, and life-giving? Are we choosing that which is God-intended and guided by the Holy Spirit?
To read the full reflection, please click here.
Conversion - “to turn”
Lent is about turning our lives in the right direction. Is the direction of our lives leading us and our loved ones toward eternal life? Are we heading in the right direction? Are we choosing to turn toward that which is true, ordered, and life-giving? Are we choosing that which is God-intended and guided by the Holy Spirit?
To read the full reflection, please click here.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Lent is here! For Lent this year Bishop Cotta invites us all to join him in the diocesan Lent Campaign: “Harden not your Hearts”. We kick off the Lenten season with a video from Fr. Juan Serna from Holy Family Church in Modesto, followed by the weekly video. Share or view the videos with your family, friends, co-workers, or use them for your own reflection. The videos are both in English and Spanish. Enjoy, and may this Lenten season bring you and your family into a deeper relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
After the Lenten season, we will continue with videos for the Easter season.
Peace & Blessing
Lent is here! For Lent this year Bishop Cotta invites us all to join him in the diocesan Lent Campaign: “Harden not your Hearts”. We kick off the Lenten season with a video from Fr. Juan Serna from Holy Family Church in Modesto, followed by the weekly video. Share or view the videos with your family, friends, co-workers, or use them for your own reflection. The videos are both in English and Spanish. Enjoy, and may this Lenten season bring you and your family into a deeper relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
After the Lenten season, we will continue with videos for the Easter season.
Peace & Blessing
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Fasting During Lent
Christian tradition can name at least seven reasons for fasting:
- From the beginning, God commanded some fasting, and sin entered into the world because Adam and Eve broke the fast.
- For the Christian, fasting is ultimately about fasting from sin.
- Fasting reveals our dependence on God and not the resources of this world.
- Fasting is an ancient way of preparing for the Eucharist—the truest of foods.
- Fasting is preparation for baptism (and all the sacraments)—for the reception of grace.
- Fasting is a means of saving resources to give to the poor.
- Fasting is a means of self-discipline, chastity, and the restraining of the appetites.
Confession
Jesus Forgave Sins
Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the dead to reconcile sinful people with God through the forgiveness of sins and the gift of new life with the Triune God. Even on the Cross, he forgave those who were killing him and had mercy on the repentant thief.
The Sacrament of Penance involves a conversion of our hearts to God, a confession of sins to a priest, the forgiveness of our sins, a penance to make some amends for sin, and reconciliation with God and the Church. For those who commit mortal sin after Baptism, this Sacrament is necessary for being reconciled to God and the Church.
Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the dead to reconcile sinful people with God through the forgiveness of sins and the gift of new life with the Triune God. Even on the Cross, he forgave those who were killing him and had mercy on the repentant thief.
The Sacrament of Penance involves a conversion of our hearts to God, a confession of sins to a priest, the forgiveness of our sins, a penance to make some amends for sin, and reconciliation with God and the Church. For those who commit mortal sin after Baptism, this Sacrament is necessary for being reconciled to God and the Church.
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CONFESSION (inside the church)
“Peace be with you!” With these words, the Risen Lord greeted his frightened Apostles in the Upper Room on the day of his Resurrection. They were troubled, anxious, and fearful—much like each one of us at some point in our lives. Christ repeated the words, “Peace be with you.” But then he added, Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:19-23). |
Use our smartphone app to find resources on the sacrament of Confession. There is even a helpful examination of conscience and next confession reminder! After you open the app, click 'Confession.'
Download our app today by clicking here, at myparishapp.com, or search your phone's app store for "myparish". 
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Examination of Conscience
By Father Larry Rice Every year around this time, we are bombarded with lists. The top movies of the year. The best and worst dressed. Something about the ending of one year and the beginning of another prompts us to review and assess the year just past, and evaluate the high and low points. |
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This tendency to evaluate and make lists is deeply ingrained in us. In the Catholic spiritual tradition, we have a method of self-evaluation that might be a valuable spiritual exercise at this time of year. It’s called an “examination of conscience.” Although there are lots of different forms of this exercise, all of them are comprised of a structured list of questions to ask yourself, designed to help you determine where you might have gone wrong, what your spiritual weaknesses are, and even what you should have done that maybe you neglected to do.
If you’ve never done a formal examination of conscience, this might seem like a big downer. But this is a list that’s just between you and God. There’s no need to sugarcoat it. If, after going through the exercise, you’ve discovered some serious issues needing reconciliation and forgiveness, then you’re well prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or confession. At a minimum, you’ll be able to base your Lenten sacrifice on something concrete.
If you’d like to locate an examination of conscience to reflect on, I recommend going to Google or your favorite internet search engine, and searching for the phrase “examination of conscience.” You’ll find several different versions you can try.
Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
If you’ve never done a formal examination of conscience, this might seem like a big downer. But this is a list that’s just between you and God. There’s no need to sugarcoat it. If, after going through the exercise, you’ve discovered some serious issues needing reconciliation and forgiveness, then you’re well prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or confession. At a minimum, you’ll be able to base your Lenten sacrifice on something concrete.
If you’d like to locate an examination of conscience to reflect on, I recommend going to Google or your favorite internet search engine, and searching for the phrase “examination of conscience.” You’ll find several different versions you can try.
Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
Cuaresma - Recursos en español
Para leer la segunda Reflexión de Cuaresma del obispo Cotta, haga clic aquí.
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Reflexiones de Cuaresma de la semana 6 de Grace Garza-Ayala, Directora de Evangelización y Formación de Fe de la Diócesis de Stockton.
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Formed
La temporada de Cuaresma se acerca rápidamente y estamos emocionados de ofrecer un gran recurso para ayudar a que esta Cuaresma sea una temporada llena de gracia y fructífera. Lo invitamos a viajar con el Padre José Román Flecha inscribiéndose en FORMED Daily Lenten Reflections.
Regístrese hoy gratis visitando formed.org/cuaresma
Regístrese hoy gratis visitando formed.org/cuaresma
RECURSOS DE NUESTRA PARROQUIA
Grupo Para Hombres cada Sábado
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Todos los hombres Hispanos son invitados a participar en nuestro grupo parroquial para hombres que va a empezar Sábado, 13 de Febrero, 6:30- 7:45 AM.
Seria para los que entiendan ingles porque cada Sábado vamos a tener una breve película y una breve platica en Inglés. Enseguida los hombres serán divididos en grupos pequeños para discusión y mutuo apoyo. Habrá grupos pequeños separados para los que prefieren platicar en Español. |
Recursos de la Diócesis de Stockton
Queridos hermanos y hermanas,
¡Llegó la Cuaresma! Para la Cuaresma de este año, el obispo Cotta nos invita a todos a unirnos a él en la Campaña de Cuaresma diocesana: “No endurezcáis vuestros corazones”. Comenzamos la temporada de Cuaresma con un video del P. Juan Serna de la Iglesia Sagrada Familia en Modesto, seguido del video semanal. Comparta o vea los videos con su familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o utilícelos para su propia reflexión. Los videos están tanto en inglés como en español. Disfrute y que esta temporada de Cuaresma lo lleve a usted y a su familia a una relación más profunda con nuestro Señor, Jesucristo.
Después de la temporada de Cuaresma, continuaremos con videos para la temporada de Pascua.
Paz y Bendición
¡Llegó la Cuaresma! Para la Cuaresma de este año, el obispo Cotta nos invita a todos a unirnos a él en la Campaña de Cuaresma diocesana: “No endurezcáis vuestros corazones”. Comenzamos la temporada de Cuaresma con un video del P. Juan Serna de la Iglesia Sagrada Familia en Modesto, seguido del video semanal. Comparta o vea los videos con su familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o utilícelos para su propia reflexión. Los videos están tanto en inglés como en español. Disfrute y que esta temporada de Cuaresma lo lleve a usted y a su familia a una relación más profunda con nuestro Señor, Jesucristo.
Después de la temporada de Cuaresma, continuaremos con videos para la temporada de Pascua.
Paz y Bendición
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Ayuno Durante la Cuaresma
La tradición cristiana puede nombrar al menos siete razones para ayunar:
- Desde el principio, Dios pidió algún ayuno y el pecado entró en el mundo porque Adán y Eva rompieron el ayuno.
- Para el cristiano, el ayuno es finalmente una cuestión de ayunar del pecado.
- El ayuno revela nuestra dependencia de Dios y no los recursos de este mundo.
- El ayuno es un modo antiguo de prepararse para la Eucaristía—el alimento más verdadero.
- El ayuno es preparación para el Bautismo (y todos los sacramentos), para la recepción de la gracia.
- El ayuno es un medio de conservar recursos para dárselos a los pobres.
- El ayuno es un medio de disciplina, castidad, y el refrenar los apetitos.
confesión
Jesús perdonó pecados
Jesús murió en la Cruz y resucitó de entre los muertos para reconciliar con Dios al pueblo pecador mediante el perdón de los pecados y el don de la nueva vida con el Dios Triuno. Incluso en la Cruz, Jesús perdonó a aquellos que lo estaban matando y tuvo misericordia del ladrón arrepentido.
El sacramento de la Penitencia requiere la conversión de nuestros corazones, la confesión de nuestros pecados a un sacerdote, el perdón de nuestros pecados, una penitencia para compensar de alguna forma por nuestros pecados y la reconciliación con Dios y con la Iglesia. Para aquellos que cometen un pecado mortal después del Bautismo, este sacramento es necesario para reconciliarse con Dios y con la Iglesia.
Jesús murió en la Cruz y resucitó de entre los muertos para reconciliar con Dios al pueblo pecador mediante el perdón de los pecados y el don de la nueva vida con el Dios Triuno. Incluso en la Cruz, Jesús perdonó a aquellos que lo estaban matando y tuvo misericordia del ladrón arrepentido.
El sacramento de la Penitencia requiere la conversión de nuestros corazones, la confesión de nuestros pecados a un sacerdote, el perdón de nuestros pecados, una penitencia para compensar de alguna forma por nuestros pecados y la reconciliación con Dios y con la Iglesia. Para aquellos que cometen un pecado mortal después del Bautismo, este sacramento es necesario para reconciliarse con Dios y con la Iglesia.
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Confesión (en la iglesia)
“¡La paz esté con ustedes!” Con estas palabras el Señor Resucitado saludó a sus asustados Apóstoles en el Cenáculo el día de su Resurrección. Estaban confundidos, ansiosos y temerosos, muy parecido a como nos sentimos nosotros en algún momento de nuestras vidas. Cristo repitió estas palabras, “La paz esté con ustedes.” Pero entonces añadió, “Reciban el Espíritu Santo. A quienes ustedes perdonen los pecados, queden perdonados” (Jn 20:19-23). |
Utilice nuestra aplicación para teléfonos inteligentes para encontrar recursos sobre el sacramento de la Confesión. ¡Incluso hay un útil examen de conciencia y un recordatorio de la próxima confesión! Después de abrir la aplicación, haga clic en 'Confesión'.
Descargue nuestra aplicación hoy en myparishapp.com o busque "myparish" en la tienda de aplicaciones de su teléfono. 
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Examen de Conciencia
Por el Padre Larry Rice Todos los años, alrededor de este tiempo, nos bombardean con listas de todo tipo. Las mejores películas del año. La mejor y la peor vestida. Alguna cosa relacionada al final del año y al inicio del siguiente que nos hace revisar y analizar el año anterior y evaluar los puntos altos y bajos. |
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Esta tendencia a evaluar y a hacer listas está profundamente arraigada en nosotros. En la tradición espiritual católica, tenemos un método para la auto-evaluación que puede ser un valioso ejercicio espiritual en este momento del año. Se llama “examen de conciencia”. Aunque existen mucha formas diversas para hacer este ejercicio, todas ellas se componen de una lista estructurada de preguntas que debemos hacernos, diseñadas a ayudarnos a determinar en qué hubiésemos podido equivocarnos, cuáles son nuestras debilidades espirituales y hasta lo que debimos haber hecho y tal vez no hicimos.
Si nunca has hecho un serio examen de conciencia, esto pudiese parecerte algo desalentador. Pero ésta es una lista solo entre tú y Dios. No hay necesidad de cambiar la figura o de dorar la píldora. Si después de hacer este ejercicio descubres algunos asuntos serios que necesitan la reconciliación y el perdón, entonces estarás mejor preparado para el Sacramento de la Reconciliación o confesión. Como mínimo, podrás basar tu sacrificio cuaresmal en algo concreto.
Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Todos los derechos reservados.
Si nunca has hecho un serio examen de conciencia, esto pudiese parecerte algo desalentador. Pero ésta es una lista solo entre tú y Dios. No hay necesidad de cambiar la figura o de dorar la píldora. Si después de hacer este ejercicio descubres algunos asuntos serios que necesitan la reconciliación y el perdón, entonces estarás mejor preparado para el Sacramento de la Reconciliación o confesión. Como mínimo, podrás basar tu sacrificio cuaresmal en algo concreto.
Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Todos los derechos reservados.
