As we approach the season of Lent, we are given this gift of time once again to deepen our relationship with God, to renew our commitment to help others, especially the vulnerable, and to do acts of penance… “to rend our hearts, not our garments,” as the prophet Joel reminds us.
As announced last Sunday, we will have an opportunity this weekend before Ash Wednesday, on the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, to be in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria through prayer and through our second collection in all parishes in the diocese. Our small act of kindness and generosity expresses our closeness to the people of Turkey and Syria affected by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake last February 6th.
According to authorities, more than 35,000 people died in Turkey, and an estimated 5,500 died in Syria. Millions of people have been injured and displaced.
What we will collect this weekend will be sent to Caritas Internationalis, specifically to the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia. The cathedral in this vicariate had collapsed entirely; many people died, and families suffered.
Please be generous to our second collection this weekend, February 17-18.
Thank you for your prayers and your kindness. Have a blessed weekend, and may God bless you and your families this upcoming Lenten season.
