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RELIGIOUS WEB SITES
Mission Intention for February That the goods of the earth, given by God for all people, may be used wisely and according to the criteria of justice and solidarity. THE FIRST VALENTINE: In Medieval England, it was commonly held that birds chose their mates on the feast of St. Valentine. As this date approached, a young woman sent a letter assuring her suitor that if he could be content with her small dowry, I would be the merriest maiden on the ground, a good, true and loving Valentine. Ever since, similar hopes have been in the minds and on the lips of countless lovers. BE A HOST FAMILY: Seton Catholic (and formerly MAI) has a long-running tradition as a resident school for International Students. Over the years resident students have come from a wide variety of foreign countries and from different states. The presence of these students gives an added dimension to the educational and cultural fabric of Seton Catholic. The International Students are fully integrated in the academic and social life of the school. These students are encouraged to participate not only academically, but also in social and athletic activities available to all students. Seton is inviting families to be a Host Family to these students. A monthly stipend fo $500 is provided to these families. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Lynn Gilbert, 561-4031 ext 109. More information about the program is available on the Seton Catholic web site: www.setonchs.com. LENTEN REGULATIONS 2007 LENT this year begins on with Ash Wednesday, February 21. Lent is the holiest season of the year for Christians, especially Catholics. There are certain sacrifices we make and certain traditions that we observe: ABSTINENCE: All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain totally from meat on the following days: Ash Wednesday (February 21), all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (April 6th). FASTING: All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are bound also to observe the Law of Fast on the following days: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting, that is, eating less, involves limiting oneself to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals. Lighter nourishment may be taken on two other occasions during the course of the day. The days set aside for fast and abstinence are special ways of doing penance and are an expression of unity with all Catholics. EASTER DUTY: All Catholics, after they have made their first Holy Communion, must confess their sins in the Sacrament of Confession at least once a year. They must also receive Holy Communion at least once each year during the Easter season, which this year extends from February 25, the First Sunday of Lent, until Trinity Sunday, June 3. PRAYER AND PENANCE: The entire season of Lent should be observed in a spirit of prayer and penance. All Catholics are obliged by God’s law to do penance.Spending extra time in prayer, attending daily Mass, making the Stations of the Cross in St. James Church on Fridays of Lent at 7:00 pm, voluntary sacrifice and self-denial, combined with works of charity and service to others, are all excellent ways to obey the Lord’s command to reform our lives and to prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter. SPECIAL NOTES: Funeral Masses may not be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. When a marriage is celebrated during Lent, it is to reflect the special penitential nature of the season.
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