The season of Lent is much more than giving up stuff. It can and should be a time of great spiritual renewal for each of us and it offers us a great opportunity to be transformed and come closer to the Lord. The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of two things: firstly, our earthy mortality and secondly, that it is sin which causes our death.

As there is no Easter glory without Lenten sacrifice, neither is there Lent without Easter. Throughout the penitential days of Lent, we look with hope to the Resurrection of Christ which conquers both sin and death. Therefore, we reflect on our own sinfulness, not in a despairing way, but with the hope of overcoming our sinfulness through the power of Christ. Lent is a time we humbly and honestly recognize that we need to be saved; and it is Christ - by his passion, death, and resurrection- who saved us. It is within this framework that we carry out our Lenten fast. All of our Lenten penance, self-denial, fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the means by which we turn away from sin and back towards the Lord and open ourselves up to his mercy. When we strip away from ourselves all those excess things that surround us we can more easily see that it is the Lord and the Lord alone who brings us completion and happiness.

So when we choose not to have that piece of chocolate cake or box of Cheez-Its, or when we abstain from meat on Fridays, or when we make the effort to pray more, come to Mass during the week or to come to Adoration or Stations of the Cross, do it with an intention.
Say to the Lord,

 “I make this offering to you Lord, in love, to enable me to open my heart to the vast power of your love and mercy, transform me into your likeness. Help me to see that union with you is my goal and you alone can help me reach it. Help me to see the needs of others and be willing to give of myself for them.” 

I urge you, my friends, to take every opportunity this Lent to come closer to our loving God. I look forward to making this wonderful spiritual pilgrimage with you as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s glorious resurrection at Easter.
God Bless you,
​Father Joseph Byerley

The Lord loves us and is always ready to welcome us back no matter what we’ve done or when we’ve done it. We, the priests at Holy Angels are happy to help you to reconnect to the Lord. Please reach out to us at [email protected] . Or call and leave a message at 856-845-0123 and we will get back to you. It’s never too late to come back to the Lord.

​Helpful Catholic Links
Examination of conscience before Confession: https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/
https://formed.org/  
The rosary: https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/pray-with-us-the-holy-rosary/
Bible in a year: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/
Catechism in a year:  https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/catechisminayear/
Fr. Mike answering your questions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeXS0cAkuTPpJ6j3eH59WudJhJ4q1tpwH
Scott Hahn Lenten reflections: http://catholicproductions.com/blogs/blog/tagged/lent
Bp. Barron Lenten reflections: https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/sign-up-for-bishop-barrons-free-daily-lent-reflections/ 
Science of Sainthood Lenten reflections: https://www.scienceofsainthood.com/