Dear Friends,

The holy season of Lent is almost upon us with Ash Wednesday starting us off tomorrow. Joan Chittister tells us that Lent is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now. Have we let relationships with family members or friends go by the wayside? Have we let care for ourselves go–exercising regularly, eating in a more healthy way, reaching out beyond ourselves, Sister Joan asks.

Catholics have in the past, often looked at Lent as a time to “give up” something with the intent of becoming a stronger, better person. In more recent years, we all have been encouraged to “give to” rather than, “give up” something and I would suggest that we look at what is needed within us as individuals and do something to make that a reality. We have been invited to use the Lenten calendar from Habitat for Humanity as a way to help those who have less. Maybe you have wanted to do some regular spiritual reading….And in the end, do what is most meaningful for you!

Friends, when we meet for our Zoom Mass this month, February 28, at 10 A.M. CST, we will do an “Ashes Ritual” as we won’t be meeting in person on Ash Wednesday–tomorrow. You are probably already thinking about what you might want to do to better yourself during this next 40 days and I will share readings for tomorrow and Sunday at the end of this.

If you can’t be with us for the Zoom Mass on the 28th of this month, you can perform the following ritual tomorrow. If you can be with the community via Zoom, we will do this together then.

Take some of last year’s palms and place in a fire-proof container. To this, take a small piece of paper and write on it something that you want to do this Lent to help make you a better person. If more than one person is in your home, you can use the same container. We will burn the contents together at the Offertory time and then sign ourselves with the ashes after Communion. If you can’t be with us on the 28th, do the ritual when best for you. I give my sister-priest Alice credit for this idea.

Wishing each of you peace and love, stay well and safe as we all await our vaccinations! Pastor Kathy

P.S. Call me 507-429-3616 or email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com if you need me or just want to chat, if I don’t get to you first!

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Readings for Ash Wednesday:

• Joel 2: 12-18
• 2 Corinthians 5: 2–6:2
• Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18

Readings for 1st Sunday of Lent

• Genesis 9: 8-15
• 1 Peter 3: 18-22
• Mark 1: 12-15

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NO MASS THIS SUNDAY IN PERSON, 2-14-21, BUT SAVE 2-28-21 FOR OUR NEXT ZOOM MASS!

Sunday is “heart” day!

The holy season of Lent begins this next Wednesday, February 17, 2021. We will have a special ashes service at our next Zoom Mass on February 28th.

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Dear Friends,

We continue in this [Extra] Ordinary Time being challenged to follow our brother Jesus–to say as he did in this week’s gospel– “I am willing” to do what is needed. In these difficult times, let us be clear on what being Jesus’ follower means–doing what in our hearts and minds we know is the right thing.

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Peace and love, Pastor Kathy

P.S. If I can be of any help, or you would just like to chat, please be in contact, aaorcc2008@gmail.com or by phone, 507-429-3616.

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Readings:

• Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46
• 1 Corinthians 10: 31-11: 1
• Mark 1: 40-45

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NO MASS IN PERSON THIS WEEK, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Mark your calendars for February 28, 2021 for next Zoom Mass–special ashes ceremony at this Mass–Lent begins February 17, 2021.

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Dear Friends,

We continue these next two Sundays in [Extra] Ordinary Time–moving ever closer toward the holy season of Lent of which Sister Joan Chittister says, quoting the prophet, Joel, “Rend your hearts, not your clothing.” In other words, Lent is a call for each of us to live anew–with a new heart.

But, we leave that for now and continue in the journey which is ours today. This week’s readings are very much about walking in faith, trusting that our loving God knows what is best for each of us, calling us to new ideas, perhaps.

Wishing each of you peace and love–stay safe and well….Pastor Kathy

P. S. As I reach out to you during each month, I become aware of your needs and of how I might help. In between my calls, if needs arise, or you would just like to have an ear and a heart to share with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch–aaorcc2008@gmail.com or 507-429-3616.

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Readings:

• Job 7: 1-4, 6-7
• 1 Corinthians 9: 16-19, 22-23
• Mark 1: 29-39

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Dear Friends,

NO MASS IN PERSON THIS SUNDAY–January 31, 2021.

Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 28, 2021 for our next Zoom Mass–consider inviting a friend!

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We continue on this week with [Extra] Ordinary Time–always a challenge! We will have the good fortune of a homily from Pastor Dick Dahl this week which I will send out on Saturday.

This week’s readings encourage us to follow “the prophet[s]” in our midst and “harden not our hearts” when we hear and see them, the psalmist instructs. Paul suggests that “married people” can’t give their full attention to God, but I beg to differ–it is all in one’s perspective! Jesus, through his good actions for one in trouble in today’s gospel shows us the way we are to be in our world, comforting where we can.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

P.S. Call me, 507-429-3616 or email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com if I can help in any way.

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Readings:

• Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
• 1 Corinthians 7: 32-34, 35
• Mark 1: 21-28

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Dear Friends,

ZOOM MASS THIS SUNDAY! January 24, 2021 at 10 A.M. CST. Watch for the link tomorrow.

Winona Volunteer Services, WVS has a volunteer program this year that will try to match a volunteer with someone who needs their snow shoveled. If you are over 60 and could use such a “snow” angel, please call WVS, 507-454-5212 or email, Marite at molmstead@ci.winona.mn.us.

The Catholic Worker house has an on-going needs list if you would like to help out. Any donations can be taken to 832 W. Broadway, Winona, MN. between the hours of 3:30-5 P.M. weekdays. If what you are donating is non-perishable, you can leave anytime in a convenient tub on the porch. If you want to send them a monetary gift add their P.O. Box 102. List of needs below.

• reusable or disposable masks
• bottled water
• tooth brushes/toothpaste
• razors, deordorant, feminine products
• fresh fruit, butter, frozen ground beef
• cheese/cheese sticks
• ramen noodles
• pop-top microwavable meals
• canned fruit, mustard, ketchup
• pasta/pasta sauce
• KWIK Trip gift cards-$5 & $10
• Add to CW balance at Bluff Country Co-op–used for necessities and packing for meal deliveries

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This has been a momentous week in many ways–new leadership in Washington with the possibility of some truth-telling, other-centeredness, and care for all the people. There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday with the anticipation and promise of so much good coming forth.

We are all challenged anew to do our part. We pray with the psalmist this week, “Make me know your ways, O God.”

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

P.S. Please don’t hesitate to be in contact if I can be of help to you, 507-429-3616 or aaorcc2008@gmail.com.

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Readings:

• Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
• 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31
• Mark 1: 14-20

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