St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 755 Hwy 49, Tennessee Ridge, TN 37178 US - Home

We have reached the Holy Season of Lent! Lent is such a special season in the Church because it allows us time to step back and see where the last year has taken us. Originally, it was the only feast in the Church. The early Christians felt the most important part, obviously, was the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. It was not until later on they felt His birth, as well as other celebrations in the life of Jesus, were celebrated liturgically in the Church. Lent therefore should not be simply passed over but utilized to help deepen our knowledge of our self as well as knowledge about our Lord. Many people will focus on the obvious traditions associated with Lent and miss the entire message of the season. Our fasting, praying, almsgiving should be for God and for nothing more but deepening our relationship with Him. The reading on Ash Wednesday helps to remind us of this when it speaks of the way to pray and to give alms. We should not do it so others will say, “look how holy he is” or “see how much he gives” but do it in the quiet of your heart without telling, for it is between you and God. Our mission this Lent should be to eliminate whatever is standing in our way of becoming closer to God. Our relationship with Him as well as His Church should be strengthened. We are so blessed to have the Church, what would keep us on track otherwise?

            This brings me to another good point during this blessed season. How can we lend ourselves to helping our parishes more? Many people attend the parishes on Sunday yet so few lend to helping them in the daily work of things. While the times of all volunteer help have gone by the wayside there are still many things which you are needed. I encourage you all to go to your parishes and ask what it is you can help with. Sometimes, we loose track of the big picture, it takes a community and you are part of that community. But, there are others in the community too and we must work, each in our own role and with respect for the others. By lending a hand we do just that. During this special season, volunteer to help your local parish community and help to strengthen your bond with Jesus.

May God bless you my brothers and sisters and may you enjoy the mysteries of this most Holy Season.