Lent Calls: Springtime of the Soul. Lent heralds the Springtime of the Soul. To prepare for the full bloom and abundant graces of Lent, we engage in three traditional Lenten disciplines: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. In this issue, you will find Prayer Resources, Fasting Practices and Almsgiving Prompts including CMHM, PACT, and SCC NAMI.

To help Catholics live this special liturgical time and deepen their knowledge of the faith, the following are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about fasting and abstinence.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the mission and ministries of our parish. For the month of January, our average weekly collection was $17,855. You also generously donated to various essential causes in our second/special collections at $11,000 ($2,750/week). This brings our weekly JANUARY average to $20,605.

The words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, which we hear every Ash Wednesday, go far beyond how we should engage in our Lenten practices; they challenge us to recognize the disordered ways we relate to our Lord. 

Our annual family Lenten retreat has become a treasured tradition for my husband and I and our five children. It’s a practice I recommend to all families: a perfect opportunity to connect, pray and play together.

Spring Campaign 2025 - March 5th to April 13th - Calendar of Events

How to Lent is a new series from the Augustine Institute that aims to equip Catholics with the tools to understand and practice the pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

The season of Lent has traditionally been the time when the community of Christians makes its annual retreat. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God and renew our faith. Imagine it like spring cleaning when we throw open the windows to let the fresh air of springtime into our homes.

Some years ago, I served as the chairman of the bishops’ Committee for International Justice and Peace. In that capacity, I traveled each year to parts of the world facing some of the gravest hardships in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The purpose of these pastoral trips was to express solidarity on behalf of the church in the United States with those suffering hardship.

We pray that Mental Health Ministries will become an integral part of every Catholic parish and community, and we continue to pray for all those affected by mental health challenges, whether it is their own lived experience, or a challenge experienced by someone they love.

After consulting with our St. Nicholas School Board and Parish Finance Committee, consistent with our commitment to Catholic Education, the parish will make a significant investment in St. Nicholas Catholic School’s “Four-Year Promise.”

After further review of the dozens of entries, no one predicted the correct score of Super Bowl LIX. The final score was Eagles 40 - Chiefs 22. The Parish thanks you for your support.

Are you a young person in grades 6–12? We want to hear from you! The Diocese of San José is hosting a Youth Assembly to shape the future of youth ministry, and your voice is essential. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts on faith, community, and what inspires you. Your feedback will help the Church better serve you and your peers. Survey Deadline: February 7, 2025. Take the Survey Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STWMZZX

Pope’s February prayer intention: ‘For vocations to the priesthood, religious life.’

The Diocese of San Jose has two upcoming Cursillo retreats that will be held at St. Clare’s Retreat Center in Soquel, CA. Cursillo is a Catholic-based short course in Christianity. The Women’s weekend is March 20-23, and the Men’s weekend is April 3-6, 2025.

The plenary indulgence has been a key feature of Holy Years for centuries within the Church. It is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, obtained by adhering to the norms established for a given Jubilee Year. In the Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence During the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025 issued by His Holiness Pope Francis.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families affected by the devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C. May they find strength and comfort during this unimaginable time. We ask that you join us in prayer for all those impacted.

Thank you to the individuals and the families in the communities we are privileged to serve. You are the face of Christ. Your courage, resilience, and trust in us as we walk alongside you on your journey of hope are truly inspiring.