A Note From Father Eickhoff

February 25, 2024

During this season of Lent we strive to be better disciples of Jesus Christ.  This often takes the form of taking more time to pray, reflecting upon how we are living our lives, and seeking the Lord’s pardon for the times we have failed to follow God’s teaching.  There are several opportunities here at St. Anne to carry out these goals.

Praying before the Blessed Sacrament is both a holy activity and one that helps to bring disciples together.  Here at St. Anne we have adoration of the Eucharist every Wednesday evening between 7pm and 8pm in the chapel.  The chapel is located just off the Joachim Center doors by the RE office.  Every Wednesday evening a number of men, women, and children come together to pray before the Blessed Sacrament both silently and in common together.  If you have never prayed before the Blessed Sacrament before there is literature available to help.  Or, you can bring along any sort of prayer aid that you might have been waiting for the right moment to use, but just haven’t found the time.  Adoration is also held on Friday morning between 8.30am and 9am in the church.

There will also be a special three hour period of adoration later this Lent on Saturday, March 16th from 2pm to 5pm that you can put down in your calendar.

Confession is also a great way to truly live out our lives as Christian disciples. There will be a special confession service on Sunday, March 3rd beginning at 4pm in the church.  A large number of priests are coming to help hear confessions.  Confessions are also heard on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm and on Saturday afternoons from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Another form of prayer is the Stations of the Cross.  During the Stations of the Cross the Christian disciple is encouraged to imagine themselves walking alongside our Lord Jesus as He carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem to His death.  This can be a powerful example of prayer as we become witnesses to the sufferings of our Lord who endured His torments for our salvation.  The Stations of the Cross are prayed every Friday during Lent at 7pm in the church.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Stephen Eickhoff
Pastor