There were many Masses scheduled in the parish today, Ash Wednesday. Students attended the 8:15AM Mass, as usual, and received their ashes afterwards. The St. Viator Church site was particularly full, with many parishioners joining to receive ashes.
Father Ben presided over Mass, and Edward and Odalis, from the 8th Grade, were Altar Servers.
The Ash Wednesday service was an excellent way to help students embrace the Lenten season, offering context for the ashes and a positive challenge to the Congregation.
In preparation for the blessing, Father Ben explained that the practice of putting ashes on one's head or face dates back before Jesus' time. It was an act that showed a person recognized that they had sinned.
Father also explained that the ashes were a way of asking for help, and sent the message, "I have sinned, and I want to do better, but I need help...please pray for me."
Father Ben encouraged everyone to see unity in the ashes, in all of us praying for one another and working together to live more justly.
After Mass, Father Ben stopped by the school to bring ashes to the preschool students and the faculty & staff who were not able to attend Mass.
Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday. Receiving ashes humbles us, reminding us that we can live better. May we all ask for help from one another, and lend prayers to one another. And may we all stay open to the help, the salvation, given by Jesus and his Passion.
We are Peace Builders; We are Eagles; We are St. Viator!
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