Father's Reflection 3.17.24

During this season of Lent and penance, I’m always happy to find an excuse to celebrate and take a break from the usual sacrifices. Here’s an opportunity!

This is going to be a controversial statement: on Sundays and solemnities during Lent, it is not required for us to do the usual penances that we have taken on during Lent. The Church invites us to more celebration on these days, but of course, you are welcome to continue your sacrifices through all of Lent if you so choose! 

For example: if the Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19) or the Annunciation (March 25) falls on a Friday during Lent as it has in years past, we don’t even have to abstain from meat like we normally do…pretty cool! 

That being said, the Solemnity of St. Joseph falls on this Tuesday, so I’m proposing that we use this as opportunity to celebrate together. In Italy, the feast of St. Joseph is also Father’s Day, so we are going to have the usual 6pm Mass at St. Augustine on Tuesday, and then you are welcome to bring potluck “dad food," whatever that means for you! I think some of the best ones start with “B”: BBQ, burgers, brats, ballparks, bacon, beans :)

After that, if you’re able, bring a glove and/or a ball, and we can play catch, one of my favorite things to do with my dad growing up.

As G.K. Chesterton said, life is too important to be taken so seriously. We need more time to celebrate and play together!

Rejoice in hope,

Fr. Joel