SOON we will begin the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is just around the corner on February 18.

This weekend, we will have speakers at all Masses at both parishes. They will share information about F.C.N., Foundation for Children in Need. The Lenten season gives us the opportunity to reach out to those in need in a special way. The mission and vision of F.C.N. is to provide opportunities for Catholic communities in the United States to reach out and bring hope to the poor and needy in India. They also ask for our prayers and financial support for education and health care. F.C.N. sponsors more than 1,500 children and college-age students, and 100 elderly.

I first came to know this organization when the founders, Tom and Geetha Chitta visited me in my last parish. They spoke at the parish, and we became friends. This began my support for their amazing work. What really sealed my care and strong support for their mission was my visit to their mission in India in 2016. I saw the schools being built along with the student residences, a home for the elderly and a community health center. Most of all what touched me personally and deeply were the faces of the children who were cared for and who otherwise might be on the street. You will hear more about their work, and how you can help in the bulletin this weekend and each week during Lent. You can also see more information by visiting their website at: www.fcn-usa. org.

I hope that during this Lenten season you will consider making a sacrifice of almsgiving and prayer so that a child or senior in need in India might experience your gift of care and love; a gift that renews hope. Please support Foundation for Children in Need as part of our Fasting, Almsgiving and Prayer for this Lent.

Saturday, February 14, is Valentines Day! Valentine was a third century priest who courageously lived the gospel; by serving others and witnessing to Christ. We remember him as a sign that true love is faithful, sacrificial, and rooted in God.

It is fitting that next Saturday, February 14, we will celebrate our African American Heritage Mass with our joined choir members under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jefferson. This celebration highlights the deep faith and trust in God that our African American brothers and sisters showed during times of great injustice and persecution. Today they still remind us how to walk together through challenges, how to care for the vulnerable and how to trust in difficult times that God is leading us forward. Please plan to join us for this spiritually uplifting and important celebration at the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday, February 14, at our Saint Giles Church site. A light reception will follow at the back of church.

Next weekend is Commitment Weekend for this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal when we will hear a recorded homily from Cardinal Cupich. The theme is “Together We Bring Light.” Through your support of the appeal, the archdiocese is able to bring light to so many who are struggling in our community, city, country and world. Please CLICK HERE for more information and be as generous as you are able.

With you a Christian. For you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello 
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish