During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice self-control through fasting. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season.
Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God's gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.
Please see our offerings below to engage you this Lenten season.
Regulations on Fasting and Abstinence
Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments
Lenten Book Club
Tuesdays from February 13 to March 19, 2024
Choose a meeting time: 9:30 AM or 6:30 PM
(6 meetings only)
Rather than turning away from death, great saints such as Robert Bellarmine, the author of "The Art of Dying Well", use it as a lens through which to view life from the right perspective — God's perspective. Seen this way, death becomes for them — and can become for you — a source of spiritual liberation rather than a reason for fear, enabling you to love the world as it ought to be loved and to answer your final summons with joy. Learn more or sign up HERE.
Scripture Study - Holy is His Name
Thursdays from February 22 to May 16
Two meeting times to choose: from 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the MultiPurpose Room. Please RSVP by February 18th.
Tracing the meaning of holiness first through the Old Testament and then the New, Holy Is His Name unpacks how God gradually transmits his holiness to his people—through creation, right worship, and more—and ultimately transforms them through the sharing of his divine life. Learn more or sign up HERE.
Almsgiving Opportunities
During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on "almsgiving," which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).
At St. Andrew we offer opportunities to practice almsgiving. Please consider one or all as part of your Lenten sacrifice:
1. Donate Blood: The Knights of Columbus Council #10632 are partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive in the Family Center on Sunday, March 10. Our goal is to collect 35 units. Blood donors are needed now more than ever. Please consider donating blood to save one life or perhaps several lives.
Make an appointment at redcrossblood.org using sponsorcode standrewcatholic. Thank you for your generosity!
2. Give to Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP): The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization of laymen and women inspired by the Gospel to provide direct service to the poor. It serves in 5 continents and 152 locations with over 800,000 volunteers creating a vast network of charity throughout the world.
Here at St. Andrew, we have a local conference that serves families in need in our own backyard. To donate to St. Andrew's St. Vincent de Paul conference, click here (you will be directed to our outreach section on our giving page).
3. Give to St. Martin de Porres Ministry: This is another parish outreach ministry. St. Martin de Porres Ministry's mission is to fulfill the Gospel message of seeing Christ in those who are needy, suffering or lonely. This ministry works closely with St. Vincent the Paul to assist St. Andrew families and beyond. To donate to St. Andrew's St. Martin de Porres Ministry, click here (you will be directed to our outreach section on our giving page).
(Bilingual) Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent from Februray 16 thru March 22 in the church at 7 PM.
And on Good Friday at 12 PM indoors and outdoors.
Download the Bilingual Stations of the Cross program and prayers HERE.
Recordings Available:
Reconciliation Times
This Lent, we are offering the opportunity for Reconciliation at St. Andrew during the times below:
Reconciliation (Confessions) Opportunities
Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:45 PM (except on March 5 & 12)
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00 PM (except on March 14)
Fridays 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Reconciliation by Appointment
To make an appointment with Fr. Juan, please call Marcela Crowe at 770-641-9720 ext. 240
Penance Service on Monday, March 18 at 7 PM
Several priests from other parishes will assist our priest in hearing confessions. Please make plans to attend.
Penace services in neighboring parishes:
Lenten Fish Dinners
Every Friday from February 16 thru March 22 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Inside dinning and take-out available.
Price: $15 for adults | $8 for children (pizza) | $40 for family (parents and their children)
Menu: Fried or baked fish, vegetables, cole slaw, french fries, and desserts. Cheese pizza for children. Beer and wine available for a donation.
Taizé Service Prayer
Friday, March 15 at 7:30 PM
Join us during this service of prayer, song and contemplation by candlelight.