Our parish got off to a good start into Lent with the 6:00 evening Mass on Ash Wednesday.  On the night before, we had a great celebration of Mardi Gras.  The gumbo was great, the company was very encouraging, and the fundraising effort supported those who are working for the canonization of Father Augustus Tolton.  Many thanks to all who prepared the feast, cleaned up, and participated.
We will join all the parishes of our diocese on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 to participate in the program, "The Light Is On For You."  Intended to invite people to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially for those who have been away from the Sacrament for some time.  I will be in the Reconciliation Room for the entire two hours.  During that time, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the Monstrance on the Altar for Eucharistic Exposition.  There will be praise and worship music, along with reflections by Deacon Mel.  Because prayer is the first of the three disciplines of Lenten observance, please come and spend time together with the Eucharistic Lord that evening.
Finally, please mark the times in your calendar for our celebration of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the shortest and most important of our Liturgical Seasons.  We will enter into the Triduum by celebrating the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening (April 17) at 6:00, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  We will celebrate the Lord's Passion on Good Friday afternoon (April 18) at 1:00, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We will celebrate the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening (April 19) at 9:00, and Easter Sunday Mass at 9:30.  Hopefully, the entire Saint Augustine community will celebrate the Sacred Paschal Triduum together.
Fr. Bill Schooler