Dear Friends in Christ:
As we approach the celebration of Ash Wednesday on February 10th, I invite you to make Lent 2016 a special journey of faith. During Lent and during this Year of Mercy, we will be focusing on Living the Gospel and the teaching and life of Jesus. How do we live the Gospel each and every day? Lent is a wonderful time to focus on this question and to embrace a continued relationship with God as His disciples.
The collection on Ash Wednesday will go to local charitable outreach efforts. I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity. We will provide a listing in upcoming bulletins of local opportunities to Live the Gospel in service at some of these outreach facilities.
Included in a recent mailing to parish families was a Lenten spiritual guide entitled: The Living Gospel. The daily reflections are short and hopefully, will inspire you to be more engaged in our universal call to discipleship and holiness. If you did not receive one, they will be available at the back of our church starting Ash Wednesday. Please take a moment each day to read the reflections and ponder how you are Living the Gospel. Throughout the season of Lent, we will offer additional times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to communally reflect on the Stations of the Cross. Please consult the bulletin or our website (www.annunciationorlando.org) for specific times.
Please know that your presence, prayers and support are a true blessing to me. Thank you for embracing the call to Live the Gospel. Each day I commit to praying for you, your loved ones, and your intentions. We may not see each other each day, but may we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
