Pastor’s Message – Church of Saint Benedict

February 13, 2026

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Collect for the Mass on Ash Wednesday

Brothers and Sisters,

Invite at least one

In a few days we will begin again the Season of Lent, the six weeks of renewed prayer, fasting and works of mercy preparing us for Holy Week and Easter. We will start this sacred time on Ash Wednesday. Once again, we will be reminded of our mortality and with it the call to repentance and fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The hearts of many are more open to the movement of the Holy Spirit during Lent. This includes those who, for whatever reason, are no longer active in the Catholic faith. It also includes those who have no church home but are moved to seek Goodness, Beauty and Truth, that which leads to God.

I believe that every one of you knows at least one such person, family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor. I ask that during the Lenten Season that you invite at least one such person come to St. Benedict with you. Invite them to Mass on Ash Wednesday, to Stations of the Cross, Mass on the Sundays and weekdays of Lent, Adoration and other Lenten devotions.

Do not underestimate how the Holy Spirit can use such a simple act to change lives. It was an invitation to come to a Sunday Mass when I was fifteen years old that opened to door to me becoming Catholic nearly six years later. Through hospitality and welcome each one of us can be an agent of the Holy Spirit to bring souls to encounter Christ.

Invite at least one.

Ash Wednesday & Stations of the Cross

Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 18, will be at 6:30am, 8:30am and 7:00pm. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses. You are welcome to bring the palms for last year’s Holy Week to Mass this weekend. They will be burned with ashes used on Ash Wednesday.

You should have received by regular mail a card listing our parish’s Lent and Easter schedule. Additional cards are available in the church commons. You are welcome to give them to those who will be inviting to St. Benedict during Lent. Lenten devotional booklets will be available in the church commons this weekend.

The Lenten devotion of the Stations of the Cross will be held on the Fridays of Lent at 6:00pm in the church. A meatless Lenten meal will be served afterwards in McGuire Hall. A are welcome.

Fasting & Abstinence

Fasting during Lent is not about skipping meals. It is a spiritual discipline that mirrors our Lord’s fasting and prayer for 40 days in the desert. The intention is to foster self-control, humility, and reflecting on our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is to emphasize prayer, repentance and spiritual renewal.

The fasting is not limited to food. It should include anything that distracts us from being faithful disciples. For example, reducing or giving up completely from using social media could be the fasting God is inviting you into this Lent.

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence concerning food for adults ages 18 to 59. This type of fasting is defined as one regular meal with two smaller ones. Abstinence is defined as not eating meat (beef, chicken or pork). Children, the elderly, women who are pregnant or nursing newborn infants and any with a medical condition are dispensed from fasting and abstinence.

Devotional Fair

In the church commons this weekend there will be displayed information for various devotional and prayer opportunities offered at our parish. This include Adoration, Adult Bible Study, Invitation to Personal Prayer, the Legion of Mary, the Liturgy of the Hours, That Man is You, and number of others. These devotional practices are more than joining a social group. They are opportunities, especially during Lent, to join with other disciples to pray together and deepen our love of Jesus.

Our Parish

Congratulations to Carol Samuels, Koby Cox, Gary O’Mealey, Andres Gonzalez and Kandance Morrell, who were received into Full Communion at last Sunday’s Noon Mass. A second group of adults will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

God bless and keep you safe.

Fr. Bryan