St. Ignatius Martyr Parish

ASH WEDNESDAY: Ashes are an ancient symbol of penance predating Christianity. They remind us of our mortality. We come from dust and unto dust we shall return.They are made from the burned palms of last year. Placing ashes on the head was an ancient penitential custom, as is evident in the Bible (e.g. Jonas 3:5-9). From about the fifth century, sinners, confessed their sins on Ash Wednesday. They did not receive absolution but were enrolled in the "order of penitents," signified by placing ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads. They were then assigned public penance to be performed throughout Lent and on Holy Thursday morning they received absolution.

RECOMMENDED READING FOR LENT: Sacred Attention: A Spiritual Practice for Finding God in the Moment by Margaret D. McGee (Skylight paths, 2007); Reconciliation by Bishop Robert Morneau (Orbis, 2007); The Tradition of Catholic Prayer by the Monks of St. Meinrad (Liturgical Press, 2007); A Time for Leaving by Mary Fahy (Paulist Press); Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2008 by Jesuit Communications Centre (Ave Maria Press, 2007).

Lenten Fish Dinners: The Knights of Columbus will again be selling their delicious fish dinners every Friday during Lent-----beginning this Friday, February 8----from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. in the Family Center. Both fried fish and baked fish will be available. Take out orders will also be available. The cost is $7.00 for a regular plate; $6.00 for a child's plate or a senior's plate. Come and enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow parishioners. No tips. No sales tax. Drink and dessert included. Where else can you get a deal like that????

"Women Following the Cross" Lenten Series. Walk in the steps of the women who followed Christ to Calvary, in his life on earth, as well as in the centuries that have followed. Come discover how you can follow Christ more closely, this Lent, and become one of the women at the foot of the cross, in your own life. This 5-night series will be on Thursdays, from 7:30 to 9:00pm, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, starting on February 7th. We will use the book "Women Shaping Church History," for study and reflection. Call Pam at 892-2426, x.17 for info or to register. (Childcare available upon request.)