In the early medieval years, Lent originated as a period of final preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter. In the beginning, Lent only lasted three weeks, but then it was extended to a six week period. It was a period of intense fasting and prayer by the catechumens who had been preparing for baptism for several years. This reflects the baptismal character of Lent.
Lent also has a penitential character. In the early medieval church, those who had sinned seriously went through a penitential process and were brought back to the church at Eastertime. This was the beginning of the different forms of penance that we engage in during Lent.
Since Vatican II, we emphasize both the penitential and the baptismal aspects of Lent. While we pray, fast and give alms as is traditional, we also support those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. As they prepare for their baptism, we reflect on our own baptismal call and promises and what it means to live them out in the world in which we live.
Next Sunday, February 18, we will celebrate the RITE OF SENDING with our catechumens at the 10 am Mass. The parish, who has duly prepared them, will send them forth to be accepted in San Diego by the bishop as the Elect for the Easter Vigil.
Our catechumens this year are Edgar Bijon, Noelle Brown, James Finks, Maritza Galan, Wendy Galan, Leticia Hernandez, Nereyda Hernandez, Ricardo Hernandez, Greg Martin, Juanita Morales, Esteba Ortiz, Andrew Ramos, Caricia Sixto, Frances Sweeney, Veronica Vidaurri
As we journey through Lent, let us remember them in our prayers and ask God that they be filled with the power of His Spirit as they prepare to become fully initiated Catholics.
(Thank you to Patty Mann, our Director of Faith Formation, for the clarification about Lent. I hope everyone found it as interesting as I.)
Next Sunday, February 18, is the First Sunday of Lent. Our parish offers many opportunities to support you on your Faith Journey during this time. Please refer to the back page of today’s bulletin for a full listing of these services and events.
Next weekend, on the back page, you will see a self-study: Reflecting on My Relationship with Christ as His Disciple. This self-study is broken into three sections, keeping in touch with our parish’s Stewardship theme: Getting to Know Each Other, Ourselves, and the Lord. For the following three weeks, I will address each of these sections here in Barbie’s Corner. You will not return this to church. It is meant to keep at home for your reference throughout Lent (and hopefully the year).
COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICES (with Private Confessions) in Neighboring Parishes
Wed, Feb 21 @ 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret, Oceanside
Sunday, March 4 @ 4:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More, Oceanside
Monday, March 5 @ 7:00 p.m. at St. John, Encinitas
Tuesday, March 6 @ 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. at Mission San Luis Rey
Wednesday, March 7 @ 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick, Carlsbad
Tuesday, March 13 @ 7:00 p.m. at Nativity, Rancho Santa Fe
Friday, March 16 @ 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Oceanside
Tuesday, March 20 @ 12 noon at St. Francis, Vista
Tuesday, March 20 @ 6:30 p.m. in English, Spanish, Vietnamese at St. Francis, Vista
Wednesday, March 21 @ 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, Carlsbad
Thursday, March 22 @ 6:30 p.m. at St. James, Solana Beach
Friday, March 23 @ 6:30 p.m. in Spanish at St. Mark, San Marcos
Monday, March 26 @ 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark, San Marcos
Tuesday, March 27 @ 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter, Fallbrook
Our parish will continue to hear private confessions every Saturday during Lent, beginning at 8:00 a.m.