From the Vicar — February 15th, 2026
ASH WEDNESDAY, FASTING AND BURNING STUFF
Last year, for the first time, I got to help make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. I took all of the old palm branches from last Palm Sunday (or for some of you, the ones you have had laying around from several Palm Sundays ago), and I had a big bonfire in the rectory driveway until they all turned to ash. It was a powerful image: these once living palms, once used to praise the Lord, are now turned to ash, to remind us of the shortness of life here on this Earth.
Lent is full of such powerful reminders. From the ashes, to the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, to abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday. We do things in Lent that we don’t normally do. And this is good! It’s meant to wake us up. To get us out of our normal routine and challenge us. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t normally think of myself as dust, and yet, that is the reality: life is short; eternity is long. This life, and its pleasures and its sorrows, are passing away, and we are not meant to stay here forever. All these reminders are trying to point us to God, and to lift up our eyes from our normal, day to day, and to look at Him! To remind us that we are made for life with our Heavenly Father!
But are we ready? Ash Wednesday is coming up on February 18th. Take some time to prepare this year and to consider: how is the Lord inviting me to pray, fast, and give alms this Lent? How is this Lent going to be different? Even just picking one thing from each category and committing to it. And remember, the point of this is that each of these things would be a reminder to us of how life is short, and that we are made for life with God. My other encouragement is not to compare with others. Maybe for you, 15 minutes of prayer each day is a huge step in the right direction, or giving up alcohol or desserts is a major breakthrough. That’s between you and the Lord: what is He inviting you into this Lent? Take a step in faith, and let this Lent be different.
LITURGICAL MINISTRY SAINT WALL
You may have noticed some new saint images in the gathering space. Each of these saints is the patron of our various liturgical ministries: Lectors, Musicians, Sacristans, Altar Servers, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Check out the insert in the bulletin this weekend for a little backstory on each of these saints!
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: NOURISHING FAITH IN EVERY CHILD
Here is a word from Michelle Rooney, our CGS Coordinator:
Our parish is blessed to offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a Montessori-based approach to faith formation that helps children encounter Christ in a deep and personal way. Rooted in Scripture and the liturgy of the Church, CGS invites children to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd who loves, calls, and cares for each one by name.
CGS takes place in a prepared sacred space called the atrium, where children engage with hands-on materials that reflect the life of the Church—Scripture, the Mass, prayer, and the seasons of the liturgical year. Guided by trained catechists, children work at their own pace, allowing time for wonder, silence, and prayer.
A Welcoming Space for Children with Special Needs
One of the great strengths of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is how naturally it supports children with special needs. The atrium environment is calm, consistent, and respectful of each child’s individual abilities and learning style.
- The hands-on materials support tactile and sensory learners.
- The quiet, orderly space can be especially comforting for children who are easily overwhelmed.
- Lessons do not rely heavily on verbal responses, allowing children to express understanding through work rather than words.
- Children are free to repeat works as often as they wish and are never rushed or compared to others.
Most importantly, CGS is grounded in the belief that every child is capable of a meaningful relationship with God. In the atrium, children with special needs are not singled out or accommodated as an exception—they are welcomed as full participants in the life of faith.
Our CGS program reflects our parish’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of all children and supporting families at every stage. We are grateful for our catechists, assistants, and families who make this ministry possible, and we continue to grow in wonder as we watch God work in the hearts of our children.
To expand our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program to better serve all children additional help is needed in our atriums. Please contact Michelle Rooney, our CGS Coordinator, to learn more at mrooney@stpatchurch.org or 810-229-9863 ext. 216.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Joshua