LENT 2024
This Lent, St. Patrick invites you to walk with intention, focus, and vision during these 40 days of preparation. To help with this, we are offering many opportunities to discern together Jesus' call to follow Him. All are welcome! Bring a friend!
Days of Fasting
Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024) and Good Friday (March 29, 2024)
On these two days, fast, as well as abstinence, is obligatory for those between the ages of 18-59. Abstinence means refraining from meat. Fast means one full meal a day, with two smaller meals and nothing between meals (liquids are permitted).
Days of Abstinence
Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024), Good Friday (March 29, 2024), and all Fridays in Lent (February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29). Abstinence from meat for all Catholics 14 years of age and older. If there is a serious health problem, this obligation would not apply.
MASS SCHEDULE
Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are sharing the same date for the first time since 1945. It happened two other times in the last century — 1923 and 1934. It will happen again in 2024 and 2029, but that will be it for this century.
Ash Wednesday, February 14
6:30 AM, *8:00 AM, 9:30 AM
5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM (Bilingual Mass)
St. Patrick's Day
Sunday, March 17
7:00 AM, *9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM (Spanish) Mass
^No 5 PM Mass
See information below about our annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
Join us in-person and online - *Mass will be livestreamed
PARISH DAY OF REFLECTION
Sat, March 9
Due to insufficient signups, we've canceled the Lenten Day of Reflection scheduled for Saturday, March 9. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
PREPARING OUR HEARTS
Lenten Reconciliation (Confession)
During Lent, Fr. Brian, Fr. Skillman, and/or Fr. Joe will be present to hear confessions on:
- Wednesdays, February 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7:00-7:30 AM
- Thursdays, February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21 at 5:00 PM (two priests available)
- Evening Reconciliation Service, TBD (in addition to Fr. Brian, Fr. Skillman, and Fr. Joe, other priests will be present to hear confessions that evening)
- Saturdays, February 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23 from 4:00-4:45 PM
Confession is an excellent way to prepare our hearts for the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord. All are encouraged to come and experience the healing mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
No confessions on Holy Thursday (Mar 28) or Holy Saturday (Mar 30).
Examinations of Conscience
Click the link above to view a few examples of Examinations of Conscience provided by the USCCB that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.
Forgiven
You're invited to an at-home, self-guided program, Forgiven, as it communicates God’s invitation to each one of us to come experience his indescribable love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Whether you haven’t been to Confession in a long while or you go regularly, you don’t want to miss this series. Go to formed.org and search for Forgiven and then CLICK HERE to download the at-home study guide.
LENTEN GROUP STUDIES
There are no Lenten group studies scheduled at this time.
Have you ever thought about hosting a small group study? If so, we can help! We have many resources available. Contact the parish office or email cyndi@stpatsch.org.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
The Rosary
Sunday, March 3: 8:30 & 10:30 AM, Church
Tuesdays: 7:40 AM, Church
Wednesday, March 6: 3:45 PM, Chapel
Wednesday, March 13: 9 AM & 5 PM, Chapel
Thursdays: 11 AM, Chapel (no rosary Holy Thursday)
Thursdays: Spanish, 7 PM, Chapel (no rosary Holy Thursday)
Saturdays: 7:40 AM, Church
Stations of the Cross
Fridays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22: 7:00 PM, Church
Good Friday, March 29: 12:00 PM, Church
The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations can be a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day. Specific prayers are recited, and then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration is held Monday through Friday, 7 AM until 8 PM in the chapel. Code 9876.
Holy Thursday, March 28: Adoration will take place in the social hall after the 7 PM Mass until midnight
There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel during the Easter Triduum, Thur, March 28 through Sun, March 31. Exposition will return Monday, April 1 at 7 AM in the chapel.
Palm Sunday Vigil, Sat, March 23
5:00 PM - Vigil Mass
Palm Sunday, March 24
7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM (Spanish), 5:00 PM Mass
Monday-Wednesday, March 25-27
6:30 AM, 8:00 AM - Daily Mass
Wednesday, March 27
7:30 - 8 AM - Reconciliation
Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper, March 28
8:00 AM - Morning Prayer
7:00 PM - Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
* No 6:30 AM or 8:00 AM Mass; No reconciliation
You are invited to follow the procession to the social hall to continue Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight, just as the disciples were invited to stay up with the Lord during His agony in the garden before His betrayal by Judas. Please keep a reverent atmosphere of silence as you leave, including in the gathering space.
Good Friday - The Lord's Passion, March 29
8:00 AM - Morning Prayer
12:00 PM - Stations of the Cross
7:00 PM - Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
* No 6:30 AM or 8:00 AM Mass
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil, March 30
8:00 AM - Morning Prayer
10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Easter Chalk Drawing & Egg Hunt
8:00 PM - Easter Vigil Mass
* No 8:00 AM Mass; No reconciliation; Must pre-register for the Egg Hunt
The Easter Vigil is the greatest liturgy of the entire year in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The Roman Missal guides the celebration of this great night and even refers to the Easter Vigil as the “mother of all vigils” which is quoting St. Augustine from the 5th Century. So, the Easter Vigil has real history. To learn more, click here.
Easter Sunday, March 31
7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM (Spanish) Mass
*No 5 PM Mass
Holy Week & Easter Servers Needed. CLICK HERE to volunteer. Thank you in advance for serving at St. Patrick Parish.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass. Servers, if you have questions or would like to schedule directly with Fr. Skillman, contact him at frskillman@stpatsch.org or 636-332-9225 ext. 223.
Lectors, Ushers, and Greeters: You may sign up for your roles through our online Ministry Scheduler. If you have questions or would like to schedule directly with Marie, contact her at mariehuellewig@hotmail.com or 636-262-2319.
Read a message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2024
DEEPEN YOUR FAITH
Little Black Book
Six-minute meditations on the Gospels. Books are located in the gathering area.
Lent Collection of Resources
To help you and your families celebrate Lent well this year, Catholic Formation has put together an amazing list of over 50 Lenten resources and even categorized them for an easy search. Visit https://formationreimagined.org/lenten-resources/.
Online Lent Reflections
FORMED - Receive a daily reminder to dive into the depths of God’s Word. You may also opt-in to receive children’s reflections to include the whole family. Sign up at formed.org
HALLOW - Let Hallow guide you through the most meaningful Lent you’ve ever experienced. Visit hallow.com
HOLY HEROES - Fun, faithful, and free activities for ages 5-12 for every day in Lent. Sign up at holyheroes.com/pages/lenten-adventure
DYNAMIC CATHOLIC - A free daily video program, sent straight to your email, that will help you prepare for Easter like never before! Sign up at dynamiccatholic.com/lent
WORD ON FIRE - Spend your time with Christ in the Gospel this Lent alongside Bishop Barron and the Word on Fire community at wordonfire.org/calendar/lent/
REAL LIFE CATHOLIC - A 7-week video series will accompany you on your Lenten journey. Sign up at reallifecatholic.com
I AM HERE - Join us for a daily trivia game to dive deeper into the Mass — turning learning into an adventure! Visit iamhere.org/lent
OSV - Reflect, pray, and live this Lenten season with My Daily Visitor at mydailyvisitor.com
GET INVOLVED
Family Activity for Lent: Rice Bowl
Take a box provided in the gathering area of the church and give your loose change to Catholic Relief Services to help others around the world. This change also assists with local hunger and poverty. Inside are activities to complete as a family this Lent. Turn in your Rice Bowl the week of Holy Week.
40 Cans for Lent Food Drive
February 16-March 29, 2024
Please donate one can of food for each day of Lent as a reminder of the penance we should be doing as we prepare for the Lord’s passion. We are accepting your generous donation of canned meat, soup, vegetables, and fruit, as well as other non-perishable food items such as cereal, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, rice, & beans. Your donations will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Thank you so much for your generosity! You can drop your donation in the gathering area of the church or the parish office. Monetary donations are also accepted. Envelopes are available at the 40 Cans for Lent display in the church gathering space or you may give online here.
40 Cans for Lent Food Drive-Thru Food Drive
Saturday, March 23 | 10 AM-1 PM | St. Patrick School Parking Lot
Stop, Pop, & Go! The Knights are hosting a drive-thru food drive on Sat, March 23 from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Patrick Church. Have your trunk or back doors unlocked/open (similar to Shredding event) and the Knights will remove your donations from your vehicle. Any non-perishable items that aren’t severely damaged, expired, or used can be donated. Produce can be donated, but not refrigerated or frozen foods. Non-food items can also be donated, including money or checks (made payable to St. Vincent de Paul). All donations will go to SVDP. Envelopes are available at the 40 Cans for Lent display in the church gathering space or you may give online here.
Blood Drive
Tue, April 2 | 3:00-7:00 PM | St. Patrick Social Hall
Appointments are required. Sorry, no walk-ins. You can schedule the same day if appointments are available.
To schedule an appointment, call the Blood Center at 866-448-3253 or schedule online. Use sponsor code 10741. If you can't attend our drive, find a location near you.
www.stpatrickwentzville.org/donateblood. All presenting donors will receive a gift! Limit 1 per donor If 20 or more units are collected, St. Patrick School will receive a $250 Grant with an additional $1 for every unit of blood donated!
Spring Church Cleaning
Wed, March 27 | After 8 AM Mass
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO HELP! “Many hands make light the task.”
Your cleaning talents are needed and appreciated. Bring a friend to help! No need to call, just come. For questions, call Frann Kintz, 636-332-2747.
EVENTS
Knights of Columbus Fish Frys
Every Friday: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fried catfish, fried cod, fried and baked whitefish, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, homemade chips, hush puppies, potato salad, bread, and ice cream. Soda, tea, water, or coffee. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Adults (12+): $17.00
Seniors (60+): $16.00
Children (5-11): $6.00
Carry Outs (3 pc fish): $15.00
www.stpatrickwentzville.org/fish
Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
March 17 | Dine In | Parish Social Hall | 12-5 PM
March 17 | Carry Out | School Cafeteria | 12-6 PM
*No 5 PM Mass, Sunday, March 17
Meal includes corned beef, ham, parsley potatoes, carrots, cabbage, corn, applesauce, cornbread, horseradish, and homemade dessert. This authentic, kettle-cooked meat dinner is $17 for adults (13+) and $5 for children (4-12). Carry-out dinners are available in the St. Patrick school cafeteria from 12 - 6 PM for $15.
www.stpatrickwentzville.org/cornedbeef
Volunteers for the Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
March 16 | Set Up and Prep | 7 AM-2 PM
March 17 | Dinner | 12-6 PM
It takes over 600 volunteers to have a successful dinner! Saturday, March 16 is a big prep day with meals being served on Sunday, March 17 from two locations.
For volunteer opportunities and dessert donations, visit our website, www.stpatrickwentzville.org/cornedbeef
Corned Beef & Cabbage Quilt & Afghan Raffle
We would like to have ticket sales open following all Masses beginning on Saturday, February 24, 2024. However, we require volunteers to operate the ticket table. If you're available to assist, please consider signing up online at bit.ly/cbcQUILT. Tickets may also be purchased in the parish office (cash or check only).
$1 per ticket • $5 for 6 tickets
Winners to be drawn at the CBC Dinner on March 17. First prize is a queen-size quilt, second prize is an afghan. Tickets may also be purchased in the parish office.
Easter Chalk Drawing & Egg Hunt
Sat, March 30 | 10:00 AM | Church
This is an annual event sponsored by the Home and School Association. Families join together on Holy Saturday to decorate all the sidewalks leading into St. Patrick Church. It is a wonderful way for our parishioners to be greeted on Easter morning with drawings from our children. So bring your chalk, and your creativity, and join us! You do not have to sign up to draw on the sidewalks. In case of rain, we will not draw and the Egg Hunt will be held in the school gym.
There is also an egg hunt for children, divided up by grade levels between preschool and eighth. PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER by 3-22-24.
For questions or to volunteer, contact Home & School at homeandschool@stpatsch.org.
RAIN OR SHINE! The rain location is St. Patrick Parish Center Gym.
Note: We DO NOT need plastic Easter eggs for our annual egg hunt at St. Patrick Parish this year. Thank you.
Easter Flower Altar Dedications
Each year, St. Patrick church decorators bless us with glorious, beautiful flower arrangements of colorful spring flowers with pungent floral scent throughout the worship space as we praise God that Jesus is Risen.
If you wish to dedicate flowers for Easter (in honor of, in memory of, or in thanksgiving of), please fill out an Easter flower envelope, put the money in the envelope, and place it in the offering plate now through Palm Sunday. Please write legibly so we can list the names in the bulletin. You may also give online here.
DID YOU KNOW?
Blessed Palms
After Palm Sunday Mass you will likely come home with some palm branches and may ask yourself, “what do I do with these?” Or, as we approach Palm Sunday, you have dried-out palms from last year tucked behind a crucifix or other religious picture that you are not sure what to do with.
Whatever you do, don’t throw them away!
According to the Code of Canon Law, blessed items are to be treated with respect and reverence and not discarded in the trash. At Mass these palm branches were blessed by a priest and became a “sacramental,” which is an object that is meant to draw us closer to God. These sacred signs bear a resemblance to the sacraments (cf. #1171). Throwing them in the trash overlooks their sacred purpose and treats them like any other object we no longer need.
So, if you can’t throw them away, what should you do with them?
Decorate
Many of the faithful have used palm branches to decorate their homes. You could tuck them behind a religious picture or crucifix or get a little more creative or crafty and make a palm rose or cross. Search the Internet for ideas and instructions or search the related links below.
When we use the palms as decoration in the house, it serves as a constant reminder of Palm Sunday and is a beautiful way to stay connected to Holy Week throughout the year.
Burn, Bury, or Bin
We live in a society where most things are disposable. However, sacramentals, such as palm branches, should be treated with special reverence. Therefore, the normal “rule of thumb” is that anything that has been blessed should be burned (and then the ashes buried) or simply buried.
This type of disposal honors their sacred purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way. Anyone can do this, but if you don’t have the ability to burn or bury them, simply drop off your palm branches in the bin in the gathering area at church or at the parish office.
Related Links
Disposal of Religious Items | Catholic Herald
Blessed Palms in the Home | catholicculture.org
10 Things to do with Palms from Palm Sunday | catholicicing.com
Feast Days during Lent
What is the hierarchy when a feast day occurs on a Friday during Lent?
The laws of the Catholic Church provide for the occurrence of Feast Days during Fridays in Lent. Canon 1251 from the 1983 Code of Canon Law addresses this situation:
Canon 1251: Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
When a solemnity falls on a Friday in Lent, the celebration of the Solemnity takes precedence over the requirement of fasting from meat or some other food. Because this is a Solemnity, when this feast falls during the Lenten season, our Lenten penance obligations are lifted. It is right to celebrate with a special food or dinner.
In other words, celebration of the solemnity overrides the Lenten requirement.
The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates God’s entrance into the human world through Jesus and Mary’s willingness to accept God’s command. The story of the Annunciation has also produced three important liturgical texts: the Ave Maria, the Angelus, and the Magnificat.