Dear Parishioners,

We have entered Lent. This season is many things, but one thing it calls us to do is to simplify our lives. It is a time to refocus. It is a time to get back to basics. It is a time, especially considering everything that we have had to deal with in this last year, where perhaps we’ve allowed different habits to develop, Lent takes us back to what really matters in life.

To make Lent a special time we need to do things differently. In all our lives, we know if we want to change something, then we need to change our routine and habits. That is why there is fasting and days of abstinence in Lent. We change our regular eating habits to be more mindful of sacrifice and repentance. After all, repentance is the bottom line purpose of Lent - “Reform your lives and believe in the gospel,” as Jesus says.

Lent’s refocusing includes prayer. That is essential. If our prayer routines have waned during the pandemic, Lent is the perfect time to help us put that priority back into place. With vaccinations now being administered, we hope there can be more comfort soon with returning more people returning to in-person Mass. Still, this Lent, we will continue to have our Lenten Stations of the Cross and our Lenten Retreat with Sacred Art.  series. To assist you in deepening your prayer this lent, he parish has also provided copies of the Lenten Companion available at the main entrance of the Cathedral.

Besides prayer and fasting, our refocusing efforts for a good Lent calls us to go outside ourselves. That means using our time, talent and treasure for others. While “almsgiving” is the traditional term used for this component of Lent, what is behind this is our concerns for our brothers and sisters, especially those who are in need and less fortunate than we are. One example of this is the Rice Bowl project, which we take home and fill up through the season with our coins and dollars, then return at the end of Lent to support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services, helping those in need throughout the country and our world. Another option is our participate in our St. Patrick Center warm clothing drive.

Recently, I cam across this quote:  “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” I think that’s an appropriate description for a good Lent - to get out of our comfort zone and grow closer to the Lord.

May this Lent be that special time for us.

With the beginning of the Lenten season, many opportunities and special events exist for our parishioners to explore different aspects of their faith, such as the “Best Lent Ever” daily reflections, weekly Stations of the Cross, Operation Rice Bowl, and the Archbishop’s annual Lenten Day of Recollection.  Details for these and other Lenten resources may be found in your bulletin.

The beautiful Easter lilies and spring flowers that adorn our Cathedral are a special part of the celebration of Easter at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. This year, we invite parishioners to share in the experience through a memorial or thanksgiving gift in memory or honor of your family members and friends.  Please see your bulletins for additional information.

The weather may be breaking a bit this coming week, but St. Patrick’s Center still has a great need for stocking caps, mittens, gloves, and pocket handwarmers to distribute to the homeless.  Donations may be dropped off in the designated receptacle located in the vestibule of the Cathedral.  

Finally, the Cathedral Basilica Parish has adopted Sunday, March 21, as the parish's day of prayer, fasting, and peaceful witness to the dignity of all human life in this spring's 40 Days for Life campaign. At least two parishioners must be present on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood each hour from 7 am to 7 pm on our adopted day. Please see your bulletin for details on how to sign up.

Just a quick reminder that masks are to be worn at all times while in the Cathedral Basilica (except for the reception of Holy Communion).  It is important that the mask covers both your nose and your mouth to prevent the spread of a virus.