Theme: In the Stillness of Lent
Come, enter into the Lenten journey at our Parish Lent Retreat which will be held February 22, 23, and 24 from 6-8 PM. Join us for 1, 2, or all 3 nights.
Sunday, February 22 – Archbishop Bernard Hebda, The Joy Hidden in Lent
Mass at 6 PM with Archbishop Bernard Hebda; Refreshments & Talk begin at 7 PM after Mass.
Lent is often misunderstood as a season of deprivation as we enter into the desert with Jesus for 40 days. However, at its heart, Lent is a journey toward joy — the deep, durable joy that comes not from ease or indulgence, but from knowing we are loved by God and being drawn back into communion with Him. True joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of Christ. And Lent, though it begins in ashes and self-denial, leads us to the radiant joy of Easter morning. We are excited to have Archbishop Hebda kick off our Lent Retreat series to help us taste the joy that’s hidden in the desert.
Monday, February 23 – Father Brian Fischer, Growing in our Desire for God
As we grow in our desire for God, we discover that this longing is itself a gift – God awakening our hearts to seek Him more deeply. The more we respond with prayer, trust and fidelity, the more our desire is purified and drawn into genuine communion with Him. Father Fischer will offer insights on recognizing those moments when God is reaching out to us and how to respond to Him through spiritual disciplines such as silence and solitude. Fr. Fischer is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He lives in residence at the Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal in Scandia, MN, where he offers spiritual direction.
Tuesday, February 24 – Angie Neumann, Prayer: Conversations with God
“Take it to prayer.” It’s probably a phrase you’ve heard many times, but what exactly does a conversation with God look like? What happens when you don’t have the words to pray, or you can’t hear God’s response? Angie Neumann is currently a counselor at the St. Paul Seminary and will share with parishioners ways to dive deeper in your connection with God in prayer. She has spent the past 20 years serving in pastoral and administrative capacities at the USCCB and the Archdioceses of Washington, DC, and St. Paul & Minneapolis.