January Schedule

January 6         Class                                                                                       

January 13       Class 

January 16       First Reconciliation Celebration            7:00 p.m. Church

January 20       PSR 9:30AM Mass - Church followed by gathering in Memorial Hall                               Progress Reports sent home                           

January 27       Class

December Schedule

December 2                Class, Reconciliation (1st Week of Advent)
December 9                Class, Reconciliation (2nd Week of Advent)
December 16              Class (3rd Week of Advent) 

December 23              No Class, Christmas Break (4th Week of Advent)
December 30              No Class, Christmas Break

Help Needed!!! 5th Grade Service Project

To PSR students and parents,

Our Diocese has chosen as our mission territory and assistance project this year the inner cities of our Diocese. In conjunction with this mission we at St. Joseph PSR are going to undertake a service project.

Below is a list of needed supplies to be collected on November 18th, in keeping with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving for what we have. You can bring donated items to the 5th grade class of Mike Dischar who will organize them.

Ideally the student him/herself will use personal resources or somehow earn the money to collect donated items. If this is not possible perhaps they could accompany a parent to a store to assist with choosing what to donate. This is not intended to be an expensive endeavor. If everyone gives a little it adds up to a lot.

Thank you in advance,

Mike Dischar
5th Grade PSR instructor

Paper Products:
paper towels
paper plates
napkins

Cleaning supplies:
glass cleaner
furniture polish
toilet/bathroom cleaners
floor cleaners

Plastic gloves for handling food

School supplies: (we currently have plenty of notebooks)
Pens
Pencils (maybe some "fun" ones- think Dollar Tree, Big Lots, etc.)
Glue Sticks
Crayons
Markers

Trick or Treat with the Saints.....

Halloween was in the air for our Kindergartners and boy were they in for a special treat.  Today was an opportunity to have fun by going trick or treating, dressing up like their favorite character.  As with anything there is always something to learn.  Today they weren't going to their neighbors house, but to the gym where they will get a treat from a saint.

The 8th grader's are well under way for their preparation for Confirmation.  Part of this preparation is picking a saint name, one that relates to them.  Remember the saints were ordinary people that did extraordinary things. They lived the faith and our 8th grader's did that today.  Just like the saints they were ordinary people, but what they did today was extraordinary because they taught the faith to others.

They shared a little bit about their saint and what they did.  Since teachers typically are known for apples, that is exactly what St. Elizabeth Ann Seton gave out to her trick or treaters along with some homework.

 

The remaining saints continued to share their story and passed out some candy to the trick or treators.  The children knew where to go by the lighted jack o'lanterns.

 

The children heard the story of about fourteen saints, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton all the way to St. Joan of Arc.

Click on the following link to hear more about The tale of Jack O'Lantern

Don't forget that November 1st is a holy day of obligation - All Saints Day.  

Mass times are 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM or 7 PM

November Certification/Maintenance/Adult Faith Formation Courses

Church: Vision, Mission, Ministry (Our Holy Mother Church)

The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Church: Vision, Mission, Ministry (Our Holy Mother Church)”, with Rev. Ryan Maher, on November 3^rd and 10^th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at All Saints Church.  Learn more about the major features of the Catholic understanding of the Church during what has been declared by the Holy Father as a Year of Faith. The course is one of the requirements for religion teacher certification, but is open to all interested adults. The cost for the entire course is only $25. To register, visit www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org to download a course registration form, email catechesis@covingtondiocese.org, or call 859-392-1533.

Ecumenism

The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Ecumenism (The Many Faces of the Church)”, with Rev. Ronald Ketteler, on November 8^th, 15^th, and 29^th from 6:00 to 9:45 p.m. in Room 317 of the Thomas More College Library. During this Year of Faith, learn more about ecumenism within the context of the previous Ecumenical Councils of the Church including Vatican II.  This course is open to all interested adults and qualifies as maintenance for certified religion teachers. The cost for the entire course is only $25. To register, visit www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org to download a course registration form, email catechesis@covingtondiocese.org, or call 859-392-1533.

Prayer Workshop

The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Prayer Workshop”, with Rosanne Thomas, on November 6^th, 13^th, and 20^th from 6:00 to 9:45 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church. Learn more about making your life a prayer by finding ways to explore the sacred in the ordinary during this Year of Faith. This course is open to all interested adults and qualifies as maintenance for certified religion teachers. The cost for the entire course is only $25. To register, visit www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org to download a course registration form, email catechesis@covingtondiocese.org, or call 859-392-1533.

Parents and Teachers in the School of Grace and Virtue

The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Parents and Teachers in the School of Grace and Virtue” on November 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Church in Taylor Mill. Join Fr. Jeff VonLehmen for a supportive and practical, hands-on course to aide parents in these times when the family is in crises with everything from internet challenges, bullying, addictions, anger, envy, hostility, and doing what everyone else is doing, to secularism, relativism, and the forces of the culture of death. While affirming the vocation of parenthood as a key to changing society and essential to the Church, the course offers parents tools to build up their children with the “spiritual muscles” necessary to cooperate with grace so as to grow as children of the light and to handle and overcome the wound in the human family, temptations, and/or trials of the world which pull them away from God, the Church and from their own true vocations.  Based on Father Edward Flanagan’s Boy’s Town Model for raising children to be responsible, productive, virtuous adults, the course will affirm parents as the primary educators of their children and give parents and teachers alike some spiritual skills to help children, adolescents and teens mature in Christ, in virtue, better behavior, better choices and good character. The course is open to all interested adults and qualifies as maintenance for certified religion teachers. The cost for the course is only $25. Enrollment is limited to sixteen persons. To register, visit www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org and download a course registration form, email catechesis@covingtondiocese.org, or call 859-392-1533.

Liturgy and Rites

The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Liturgy and Rites”, with Rev. Daniel Schomaker, on November 29^th and December 6^th from 6:00-9:45 p.m. and December 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Church. During this Year of Faith, learn more about the liturgy of Holy Mother Church by studying the foundational principles and historical developments in her liturgical tradition.  The course is one of the requirements for religion teacher certification, but is open to all interested adults. The cost for the entire course is only $25. To register, visit www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org to download a course registration form, email catechesis@covingtondiocese.org, or call 859-392-1533.

November Schedule

November 4                Class
 
November 11              Class
 
November 18              Class 
                                      Closing of 40 Hours (3^rd and 8^th grade)  4PM CHURCH
                                      Everyone is encouraged to attend
 

November 25              No Class – Thanksgiving Break

Did you see our flying World Mission Rosary?

This Sunday we used the Columban Father's Mission Education program for elementary and middle school students, titled Journey With Jesus, which is an exciting, informative DVD series with related curriculum that will teach your students about Catholic mission today and the call to mission all baptized people share.

Journey With Jesus teaches your students about different cultures, the importance of peace-building, care for the environment, respect for other faiths and understanding and respecting all of God’s people.

Since the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary we took advantage of lifting our prayers to the mission.  If you were looking out your window, like Fr. Gerry you may have seen our Rosary being lifted up to God. That's right, a flying rosary.

Fr. Gerry shared this idea, and it was amazing seeing it in action.  We prayed the rosary in the library, a rosary which was made out of balloons.  Then after we completed the rosary we took the rosary outstide so we can let our prayers fly to heaven.

Each decade of the World Mission Rosary calls to mind an area
where the Church continues her evangelizing mission:

WHITE – Symbolizing EUROPE, the seat of the Holy Father, shepherd of the world

YELLOW – The morning light of the east, for ASIA

BLUE – For the ocean surrounding the ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC

GREEN – For the forests and grasslands of AFRICA

RED – Calling to mind the fire of faith that brought missionaries to the AMERICAS

October Schedule

October 7             No Class – Fall Break (CCS* Fall Break Oct 8-12)

October 14           Class

October 16           First Reconciliation Parent Meeting      7:30 p.m. Church

October 18           Confirmation Parent Meeting                7:30 p.m. Church

 
October 21           Class, Mission Sunday  
                               Confirmation Commitment Mass           9:30 a.m. Mass
                               After mass the 8th graders will return to PSR for Mission Rosary
                               Parents are encouraged to attend.
 
October 28           Class

 

Location Change for September 23rd

Attention all parents.  The school is having their book fair September 22 and 23rd.  Instead of meeting in the Library we will be meeting in the Gym.  I will have signs up as a reminder.  Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

PSR OPENING MASS

Today was a very special day.  It was the first ever PSR Opening Mass and I want to thank all the families that made it a priority to make sure your kids were here and on time to be able to sit with their class.  It is so powerful to see the youth active and involved in mass.  The eighth graders were greeting the parishioners as they entered mass and they would love to do this each Sunday.  

 All of the children were very reverent and I know that sitting in the front they were able to see everything taking place on the altar. It was awesome to see the younger children looking at the older children that were setting the example.  This is a tradition we will need to continue. 

Our servers were students both past and present taking part in this ministry. 

In a very special way we want to thank our Catechists.  Their dedication and time to our parish is truly impressive. A catechist is a person who reflects to others what God has spoken to their hearts.  You can see how each of us could be called a catechist.  First and foremost, parents have a critical role as the primary teachers of the children in the ways of faith.  However, this weekend we draw attention to those who take up the catechetical ministry on behalf of our parish.

As Fr. Gerry mentioned in the bulletin, "remember them in prayer and commit ourselves to helping them when they need our assistance.  Our catechists are essential to the overall mission of our parish.  A special word of gratitude and appreciation to them will be a great encouragement to them as well."

PSR OPENING MASS – September 16th

REMINDER:

We would like to try something new this year by having an Opening Mass to start off the year.  By now we have everyone registered, and this is a time for us to be with our Parish family and pray for a successful year.

We ask that you meet in the Kelley Hall at 9:10am so we can take attendance and then be in the church by 9:20am.  The students will sit with their class towards the front of church.  Parents may sit anywhere and if you happen to be running late your child is more than welcome to find their way up to their class.  Or they may sit with you.

September Schedule

September 2               No Class – Labor Day 

September 9               Class
September 16             Class
September 23             Class (2nd and 5th Grade - BIBLES)
September 30             Class

          

New Parent Orientation

Thank you to all that parents that joined us at our very first New Parent Orientation.  During this time we went over the program, the parent handbook, websites, and took a tour of the campus.  We visited some of the classrooms and the convent.  This is a very exciting year for us with the start of a kindergarten program and also a very active eighth grade.

There is something always going on and we couldn't do this without the support of the parish and of course our parents.  The home is the "first church", and we are so grateful for the sacrifices you make to allow your children to be part of our program.  If you have any suggestions or comments please let me know, because we are always looking at ways we can enhance our program.

PS. Remember to add your email address on the main page so that anytime there is an update on the blog you will receive it.  Just another way for you to keep informed on what is going on with our Parish School of Religion.

Steven M Fischer

Attention all Confirmation Parents

There will be a short parent meeting on Sunday Sept. 9^th at 9:35 in the Library, to discuss our curriculum for this year.

New Parent Orientation

This Sunday, August 26th we will have our

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION!

This will be held in the Library from 9:30-10:30am

For returning parents, you are more than welcome to come since this of course is something new that we are incorporating into our program.

Hope to see you there!

It's not too late to register!

Thank you to all the families that joined us during our Open House/Registration on August 12th. If you didn’t make it, it’s not too late.  Classes start August 19^th.  It is an exciting year with the start of our Kindergarten program and a lot of enthusiastic catechists ready to start the new year.

Our theme this year is ““We hold a treasure, not made of gold”.  Many may recall this from the song Earthen Vessels which reminds us that we have a treasured gift from God; and that gift is life, life that is contained in the earthen vessels we call our bodies. Our unique life is THE most precious gift we’ve been given.  It makes all other gifts possible. It makes us a Child of God, able to live our lives, love as the Spirit urges, and be the active force of Jesus in and to the world.  This starts at home and is reinforced by our faith we live everyday of our lives – not just on Sunday.

May we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in us as we build the kingdom of God and become a true Disciple of Christ.   I look forward to another year full of many blessings.

 

Classes Start August 19^th

and are held Sunday mornings from 9:30 am – 11 am.
Kindergarten - 8th Grade

If you would like more information or to register a new student call (859) 240-8207 or E-Mail stjoepsr@hotmail.com

Open House/Registration Letter

Dear PSR parents,

Blessings! It is the mission of St. Joseph Parish School of Religion to inspire students; to embrace the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, to be and to do their best, to be lifelong learners and to live their Catholic faith. We seek to fulfill this mission with the help of Christ, who leads us to oneness with God.  In order for this program to serve its mission, it is essential that the administration, catechists and parents all partner together for the sake of the children and their families.

The entire Diocese of Covington will be using the Blest Are We: Faith and Word Edition which has been revised with the New Roman Missal.  This is a comprehensive Spiral Thematic Curriculum based on the Four Pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  (What Catholics Believe, How Catholics Worship, How Catholics Live, and How Catholics Pray).  During this open house take a look at the books that your child will be using.  After reviewing these books I have no doubt the Diocese has made the right decision.  Many parents asked about music and your children will be learning new songs which are built into the program. 

Secondly, we have some new catechist’s this year and we would like for you to keep them in your prayers as they bring our Catholic Faith to the youth of our parish.  We would like to welcome; Amy Mardis (K), Katherine Turner (6^th), and Rachel Rottman (7^th) as Catechists for the PSR program.  Susan Stewart will be our 8^th grade catechist and Kari Fischer will be organizing the service projects for PSR throughout the year.  Lord we ask for a special blessing on all the catechists both new and returning for their stewardship to our parish.  We are so grateful to them for all they do in your name. 

 

Furthermore; this year’s theme is ““We hold a treasure, not made of gold”.  Many may recall this from the song Earthen Vessels which reminds us that we have a treasured gift from God; and that gift is life, life that is contained in the earthen vessels we call our bodies. Our unique life is THE most precious gift we’ve been given.  It makes all other gifts possible. It makes us a Child of God, able to live our lives, love as the Spirit urges, and be the active force of Jesus in and to the world.  This starts at home and is reinforced by our faith we live everyday of our lives – not just on Sunday.

May we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in us as we build the kingdom of God and become a true Disciple of Christ.   I look forward to another year full of many blessings.

Disciple of Christ,
Steven M. Fischer, CRE

WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILD ATTEND PSR?

·          Do you have a child attending a public or non-catholic private school between Kindergarten and 8^th grade?

·          Does your child plan on receiving a sacrament next year?

·          Does your child attend Covington Latin or Villa and is of age to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

·          Do you want your children to continue the faith traditions that have been passed onto you by our Catholic family?

** If you answered yes to any of these questions then your child needs to attend PSR! **

PSR OPEN HOUSE/Registration

August 12, 2012
9:00AM – 11:00AM

Kelley Hall

If you would like more information or to register a new student ahead of time call (859) 240-8207 or E-Mail stjoepsr@hotmail.com

Classes start August 19^th, and are held Sunday mornings 

from 9:30 am – 11 am.

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

August Schedule

August 12                    PSR OPEN HOUSE

9am-11:00 am Kelley Hall
** This is a change which reflects in the Church Bulletin.  
         

August 19                    Class

August 26                    Class

St. Joseph Parish Festival

There will be an email sent out later on this month for volunteers. 

If you are available and would like to help us sponsor a booth for Saturday or Sunday please email me at stjoepsr@hotmail.com

Thanks again for all you do to support our parish and our PSR program.

SAVE THE DATE

PSR OPEN HOUSE 

August 12, 2012

9:30AM - 11AM

Activity Center

Meet the catechists and register your child!

Classes are held on Sunday Mornings from 9:30am – 11am, 

starting August 19, 2012, and going through May 19, 2013.

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Catechist Needed

Do you love your faith and want to share it with others?

Our PSR program is seeking enthusiastic people who want to set younger hearts on fire with the love of God by sharing their faith. Classes are held on Sunday Mornings from 9:30am – 11am, starting August 12, 2012, and going through May 19, 2013.

Volunteers are currently needed for the following positions for the 2012 - 2013 class year:

GRADE 7:  1 Catechist

We are also looking for assistants for all grade levels.  Remember all that take part of this important ministry must be Virtus trained.

For those who may not be able to commit to every Sunday, but would still like to be a catechist, we are also in need of substitutes throughout the year. 

Please pray and see if God is calling you to be part of this very important and rewarding ministry.
For further information or to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Steven Fischer. 

Call (859) 240-8207
or
E-Mail: stjoepsr@hotmail.com

We are happy to announce that we are starting our Kindergarten Program for this upcoming school year.  If you would like to enroll your child K-8 or would like more information please contact Steven Fischer via email or phone.

2012 Parent Survey

ST. JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION

2012 PARENT SURVEY

Please respond by June 15^th.

There was an email sent to all PSR families today that were part of the PSR program during the 2011-2012 school year.  If you did no receive the email please let me know via email or phone so I can make sure that I have everyone's feedback. Thank you, in advance, for completing the 2011-2012 PSR survey.  Your responses will be used in planning for the next school year.

May Schedule

May 6................Class


May 10...............First Communion Practice 7:00 p.m. Church

May 11...............First Communion Retreat

May 12...............First Communion 11:00 a.m. Church

May 13...............No Class – Mother’s Day

May 14....................May Crowning 7:00 p.m. (2nd and 8th Grade)
..........................All PSR Families are invited!



May 20...............9:30 a.m. Mass (ministries) PSR Closing (GYM)

Prayer for Vocations - Traveling Cross

Prayer for Vocations

Year of Religious Life

This week our parish gratefully acknowledges the

Fischer Family

As they host our Traveling Cross

_____________________________________

Prayer of Thomas Merton

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me
Nor do I really know myself,
And the fact that I think I am following your will
Does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you
Does in fact please you.
And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road
Though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though,
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. * I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
And you will never leave me to face my struggles alone.

Stations of the Cross for Vocations

This year for our program we centered the stations on vocations and invited Sr. Dennise and Sr. Ruth to join us. Since Bishop Foys announced this; The Year of Women Religious, I felt that it was appropriate to invite the Sisters to join us. Our PSR family over the past few months have been participating and continues to participate in the Traveling Cross for Vocations.

Today we walked through each station reflecting on Jesus and how we can reflect on our own vocation in life and pray for others to answer the call.

Below is the reflection for the 1^st Station:

Jesus,

you were publicly condemned to death.

Jesus, we ask that you call young men and women today to publicly accept your invitation to follow you in spite of what others may think or say. Give to them a passion for reaching out through your love to the needs of your brothers and sisters.

After our service we allowed the children to ask questions. Both Sr. Ruth and Sr. Dennise shared their call to vocation. One of the children asked how long will you be a sister, and Sr. Ruth replied that she will be one until she dies. We are so blessed to have the Sisters in our lives. They will continue to pray for us and ask the same in return.

My hope is that this service is for you and your family, a time of reflection and prayer. May it enrich each of you with a deeper sense of love and understanding for our vocation in life. We are invited to pray as a family for all of our young people that they may be open to hear and have the courage to answer God’s call in their lives. We also pray for those who have already settled into their state of life, that they may have the strength to persevere and be open to God’s continued guidance in their lives.

Prayer for Vocations - Traveling Cross

Prayer for Vocations

Year of Religious Life

This week our parish gratefully acknowledges the

Angst Family

As they host our Traveling Cross

___________________________________________

God, the source of creation and love,
You invite each of us to serve you through the life which is your gift.
May your grace encourage men and women to heights
of holiness through service to the church
as priests, sisters, brothers, and lay ministers.

Make me an instrument to encourage others
to give of themselves and
challenge me to do the same.

Amen

April Schedule

April 1......................... No Class – Spring Break (CCS Spring Break April 2-6)

April 8......................... No Class – Easter Sunday

April 15....................... Class

April 17........................First Communion Meeting 7:00 p.m. Church

April 22........................Class

April 29........................Class

Prayer for Vocations - Traveling Cross

Year of Religious Life

This week our parish gratefully acknowledges the

Heck Family

As they host our Traveling Cross

________________________________

GOD our FATHER,
WHO wills that all men be saved
And come to the knowledge of YOUR Truth:
We beg you to send
Laborers into YOUR harvest,
And grant them grace to speak YOUR Word
With all boldness; so that YOUR Word
May spread and be glorified,
And all nations may know YOU,
The only GOD, and HIM WHOM YOU have sent,
JESUS CHRIST YOUR SON, Our LORD. Amen.

Our Lady, Queen of the Americas,
And Mary, Mother of the
Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word,
Pray for us.

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/Vocations1.htm#ixzz1qYWCxMzk

Prayer for Vocations - Traveling Cross

Year of Religious Life

This week our parish gratefully acknowledges the

Gamble Family

As they host our Traveling Cross

________________________________

Loving God, you have given us the privilege as well as the responsibility of being loving parents. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to guide us as we invite our children to hear your call to service and leadership in our church.
May our children respond with deep faith and generosity to the needs of God’s people. Help us to be a source of encouragement to our children by our own desire to be commited people who serve with love and enthusiasm.

Response to Tornado Relief

St. Joseph Parish is responding to the hardships of our brothers and sisters in southern Campbell and northern Pendleton Counties whose homes have been lost or damaged by the recent tornado and storms in the following ways:

Bishop Foys has directed that a second collection be taken at Masses on Saturday and Sunday, March 3 – 4 to provide immediate relief to those affected here in Northern Kentucky. Checks should be made payable to St. Joseph Parish with “storm relief” in memo. These funds will be distributed by pastors and parish life collaborators of the effected parishes as they respond to emergency needs such as food, shelter and medical care.

Supplies can be dropped off at the garage next to the convent from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 6th, 7th & 8th. Supplies can also be brought to school by students. All supplies collected will be sent to Sts Peter and Paul Parish for distribution to those in need.

Supplies needed are:

• Non-perishable food items


• Cleaning supplies


• Bleach


• Personal care items: tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, deodorant


• Work gloves


• Paper towels


• Toilet paper


• Bottled water


• Boxes


• Storage containers


• Laundry detergent


• Cash


• Gift cards (E.g. WalMart, Krogers)
  

Please do not donate anything other than from this list.

Prayer for Vocations - Traveling Cross

Prayer for Vocations

Year of Religious Life

This week our parish gratefully acknowledges the

Moloney Family

As they host our Traveling Cross

___________________________________________

Father you call each one of us by name

and ask us to follow you.

Bless your church by raising up dedicated

and generous leaders from

our families and friends who

will serve your people as

Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons, and Lay Ministers.

Inspire us as we grow to know you, and open

our hearts to hear your call.

We ask this in Jesus name

Amen.

Practicing Penance

When I sprain my ankle, part of the healing process will involve physical therapy. It's tender, and perhaps it is swollen. It may be important to put ice on it first, to reduce the inflammation. I may want to wrap it an elevate it and stay off of it. Then I will need to start moving it and then walking on it, and eventually, as the injury is healed, I'll want to start exercising it, so that it will be stronger than it was before, so that I won't as easily injure it again.

Penance is a remedy, a medicine, a spiritual therapy for the healing I desire. The Lord always forgives us. We are forgiven without condition. But complete healing takes time. With serious sin or with bad habits we've invested years in forming, we need to develop a therapeutic care plan to let the healing happen. To say "I'm sorry" or to simply make a "resolution" to change a long established pattern, will have the same bad result as wishing a sprained ankle would heal, while still walking on it.

Lent is a wonderful time to name what sinful, unhealthy, self-centered patterns need changing and to act against them by coming up with a strategy. For example, if the Lord is shining a light into the darkness of a bad pattern in my life, I can choose to "stop doing it." But, I have to work on a "change of heart" and to look concretely at what circumstances, attitudes, and other behaviors contribute to the pattern. If I'm self-indulgent with food, sex, attention-seeking behaviors and don't ask "what's missing for me, that I need to fill it with this?" then simply choosing to stop the pattern won't last long. Lasting healing needs the practice of penance.

"Taken from the Praying Lent pages of Creighton University's Online Ministries web site:
www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html. Used with Permission."