COLLECTION TO AID CHURCES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: The theme for the collection to aid churches in Central and Eastern Europe draws on the Holy Father’s first encyclical, God is Love. Pope Benedict wrote, “Love is the light—and in the end, the only light—that can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working” Your generosity and support is needed for today’s collection . This collection is scheduled for Ash Wednesday. Your donations support seminaries, social service programs, youth ministry, church construction and renovations of the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe. 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. LENT 2007: Lent is the penitential season of the year. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 21 with Masses scheduled for 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Blessed ashes will be distributed at both Masses. All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain totally from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Also, Catholics over 18 and up to the beginning of their sixtieth year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the days of fasting. On these days, only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. The entire season of Lent should be observed in a spirit of prayer and 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.