A LENTEN REFLECTION
Dear parishioners,
So far Lent has been not at all like we were expecting, as we are compelled to fast from a lot more than we had planned. Most saddening, there is no Mass, no Eucharist. Yet the Church is not primarily the physical building that we go to every Sunday. It is the spiritual and organic Body of Christ, meaning that wherever we are, we are still united with Jesus and with each other.
Understandably, many of us our fearful during this challenging time. How long will this go on for? When will things go back to normal? Will I have everything I need for myself and for my family. While we can't predict the future, we know with certainty that we can trust our Heavenly Father to provide all that we truly need. In Matthew 6, Jesus comforts us: "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear." As long as we focus on doing the right thing today, there is no need to worry about tomorrow.
A few verses earlier, Jesus is talking about giving to the needy. Giving? Really? Yes, really! While many of us are tempted to go into self-defense mode right now, we do well to remember that there are always many people with a lot less than us. In this strange season, you have been given extra time- time to love, time to give, time to forgive, time to heal, time to befriend, time to pray, etc. Let's get busy with that.
And remember, you might be shut-in, but God doesn't quarantine himself from us, ever!
We pray you are faring well and that your family is healthy and safe. Although we are not celebrating Mass at this time, below are few resources to help you stay spiritually connected:
KEEP SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED:
Daily gospel readings and prayer intentions will be emailed to parishioners.
Our church will remain open for individual prayer and reflection every day a week from 9AM
to 5PM
.
Confessions are being held at church:
Father Tony, Father William along with the Missionaries from the Legionaries of Christ will
be presiding.
Saturdays 3:30-4:30PM
Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm (Beginning on March 23rd.)
Please note: Confessions will not take place in confessionals, but in a space that is suitable
and respectful to the penitent. We ask that people waiting observe the proper spacing for social
distancing.
TO GET HELP
:
Spiritual and Mental Health support:
The therapists can speak with you over Zoom Conferencing, Telahub or in person.
St. Vincent de Paul Society:
Please call 2-1-1 for information about L.A. county services. Please
click on this link
to see
a resource list for food, clothing, cold weather shelters and more. Parishioners with other needs
SUPPORT SAINT PHILIP THE APOSTLE:
You can support our parish by making your offertory contributions online or bring or mail your donations to the the parish office.
Parish office hours: 9AM-5PM
St. Philip the Apostle Church
151 S. Hill Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106
We are dependent on your donations to keep the staff paid and to keep the lights on. Your support is more vital than ever before. Please consider signing up for weekly automatic online donations by going to
Faith Direct
to register.
Please call the parish office at (626) 793.0693 with any questions.
May God guide us faithfully through this unusual time in our lives.
God bless you and your loved ones!
Father Tony
