Special thanks to Nicki Banbury for taking the time to teach evidence based skills to manage stress.  Nicki shared her time and talents to teach us ways to grow in relationship with God by using different types of stress management, some of which can take on the form of prayer. May we all remember that selfcare is a form of love and that as God’s beloved children we are all worthy of love, compassion and understanding

Drought has become a big problem across El Salvador, making it difficult for farmers to produce enough crops to support their families. But, new farming techniques and a new generation of young farmers are making a difference. What would you do if your livelihood was threatened? How can you support young people in your community and around the world? Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

Please mark your calendars: Our monthly Food Drive is the 2nd full weekend of every month. Suggested donations: Cereal, oatmeal, hearty canned soups, baking supplies, canned meats, canned fruits and toiletries.
Please check that the "Best By" dates have not been exceeded, otherwise the Food Bank will need to dispose of them. The Food Bank does not distribute overthecounter medicines for either adults or children, and so we cannot accept donations of these items. 

For the Home Goods Room: Used items in good condition such as pots and pans, towels, pillowcases, sheets (especially queen), lamps and new bed pillows. 
Please deliver items to the Food Bank at: 30 Wilhenger Dr. Marlborough

Thank you for assisting our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please keep all those impacted by hunger in your prayers.

Online Mass ~ 2nd Sunday of Lent ~ February 28, 2021
Available as of Saturday, February 27, 4:00PM

2^nd Sunday of Lent B21

Road trip! Whenever I hear those two words, excitement and anticipation build within me.

Isaac must have felt the same way. He’s going on a three day road trip with his dad, just the two of them, to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. What could possibly go wrong? We don’t know how old Isaac was at that time but I imagine him to be about 7 or 8 with all the youthful exuberance of that age. As they got closer to the place of sacrifice, it finally dawned on Isaac that they had the wood and the fire but no sheep for the holocaust. And so, he asked his father. Abraham must have struggled with his emotions as he struggled to come up with an answer. The best he could do was saying that God would provide. Abraham is being put to the test.^[1] And that is the focal point of the story, not the presumptive of the sacrifice of Isaac. Abraham passed the test, showing he was obedient to God and trusting that God would in some way be true to God’s promise that his own offspring shall be his heir and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Join the Stations of the Cross
Week 3 of Lent - Friday, March 5, 2021

LENT: Fasting and Abstinence  Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. FASTING means to refrain from eating food between meals and to eat only one full meal with the other two being lighter meals. It is required of those who are age 18 to 59. Liquids are permitted between meals ABSTINENCE means to refrain from eating meat. It is required of those 14 years of age and older..

Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offering caring and practical support to pregnant woman in crisis. Opportunities to volunteer include, friendship counseling and clerical and clothing work.Training is provided. Please call 1.800.550.4900 to find the nearest chapter and to see how you can help. 

BIRTHRIGHT NEEDS gently worn  MATERNITY and BABY CLOTHING. Please call to arrange for a drop off to one of their 7 locations if you can help.

In Madagascar, half of all children are undernourished. That means 50% of kids won’t grow to reach their full potential. But communities are changing this by focusing on improving health
and nutrition. What role has food played in your life? How can you help those who lack access to enough nutritious food? Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

1^st Sunday of Lent B21

“What am I giving up for Lent?” We ask ourselves that question every year.  And it is usually answered by saying we are giving up something outsides of ourselves that we usually eat or drink: ice cream, candy, desserts, potatoes chips (my weakness), alcohol, sugary drinks, coffee or tea, etc. But I would suggest that we give up something that comes from within: foul language, insults, bitterness, undue or unwarranted criticism, losing one’s temper, laziness or wasting time, etc. While curbing our appetites (fasting) is very worthwhile, it is sometimes easier to do in comparison to what I just suggested.

Online Mass ~ The 1st Sunday of Lent

ASH WEDNESDAY

I like Lent. Really, I do. Why would I say something so strange?

First of all, almost everybody gets on board to try to make their lives better. Something about a common effort to improve shows us that being Church is a team effort. We challenge each other; we support each other. We are on this journey to Easter together, even on Sundays – no free days allowed. It has been shown that it takes at least 30 consecutive days to make something a habit, a normal way of acting.

These High School Seniors made, then delivered Valentines around the the Town of Marlborough; To our Town Hall, the Marlborough Health and Rehabilitation Center, the Library, first responders, and the senior center, just to name a few. The yough people are awesome!!!

USCCB – prayers, scripture readings, reflections and videos

  https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/lent

Busted Halo – interactive calendar and informative videos

https://bustedhalo.com/

Fratelli Tutti – view a copy of the Pope’s encyclical on fraternity and social friendship.  This is a beautiful read which can help remind us of our call to see the likeness and image of God in ALL we meet.

https://www.usccb.org/fratelli-tutti

CRS
https://www.crsricebowl.org/

(Rice Bowls available at church)

Dynamic Catholic – Best Lent Ever

https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/lent/best-lent-ever.html

Loyola Press 3 minute retreat

https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer/

Hard copies of the calendar, CRS Rice Bowls and activities and the 40 Days of Love challenge are also available by both entrances to the church.

For Lent For Life - CRS Rice Bowl
DOWNLOAD Calendar