WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 23rd – Fr. Thomas
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Someone once asked me what I think about the practice of “Drive-through” administration of ashes on Ash Wednesday. This fad gained attention some years ago and seems to have increased in notoriety. People who seemingly don’t have time to actually go to mass or make a confession, simply remain in their cars and get a smudge of ash on their foreheads in route to work, school, their favorite fast food restaurant or coffee shop. If that wasn’t enough, according to the Wall Street Journal, some years ago there was the fad of taking “Ash Wednesday Selfies.” Some individuals apparently gathered together and took a group picture with ashes on their foreheads and posted the photo on their social media site. There seems to be divergence of opinions on this practice. One priest was quoted as saying that, “Any way we can encourage people to think about their faith, we support.” Others believe it’s narcissistic; i.e. antithetical to the whole Lenten message of “self-less-ness.”
I suppose some would even be content with “drive through Holy Communion,” if it didn’t interfere with their already frantic schedules. (Or drive through confessionals. It could be called “Toot and tell or go to . . . .) But where is the act of contrition? Where is the intention to transform and renew one’s behavior and attitude? What value is in the sign: ashes, a wedding band, the water of Baptism, without the necessary act of faith and commitment which gives meaning to the sacramental act in the first place?
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but there is something to be said for “shared experiences.” With the advent of Netflix and digital movies, cinemas were worried that they would be the next victim of technological advance. Just the opposite has happened. Movies theatres are still standing. Athletic events continue to be well attended because people want to cheer together for their team. Our sacramental worship provides something one cannot receive from sitting at home in front of a TV – specifically the Bread of Life, absolution, fellowship and the shared experience of worshipping together and being edified by God’s Holy Word. Perhaps there’s something to be said for what our Church has to offer, because “All Change is not growth, and all movement is not forward.”
Please take advantage of the traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting, study and almsgiving during this holy season; and here’s wishing you a holy season of Lent.
This Week at St. David’s
Congratulations – to those children who have completed their First Communion preparation and will be receiving the Sacrament for the first time: Mia Hogan, Jackson Hogan, Tristan Barreca, Wyatt Barreca, Caleb Stepp.
Hospitality Hour – Episcopal Church Women
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
No mass Tuesday morning, February 25th
Men’s Bible Study – No meeting – please join us at the Pancake Supper
Rummage Sale – sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – today
Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group – meets next Sunday, March 1st, at 11:15 a.m. in the big Classroom.
Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th 1-4:00 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
Stations of the Cross & Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 2/28, 3/06, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.
Please Pray – For the sick: Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Anne Guillaume. For wedding anniversaries: Dennis & Yvonne Wright. For our expectant mothers: Sofia and Dani.
Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
