Lent began on Ash Wednesday. As Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, the Church traditionally fasts during Lent. A form of bodily prayer, fasting and abstinence in union with other Christians reminds us of our total dependence on and love for God. Please remember that Wednesdays and Fridays are days of abstinence from […]
The Holy Season of Great Lent Read More »
Holy Week is the last week of Lent, the week immediately preceding Easter or Resurrection Sunday. It is observed in many Christian Churches as a time to commemorate and enact the suffering (Passion) and death of Jesus through various observances and services of worship. While some church traditions focus specifically on the events of the
Holy Week in the Christian world Read More »
Saint Blaise was a physician, and bishop of Sebastea, Armenia (modern Sivas, Turkey). According to his Acta Sanctorum he was martyred by being beaten, attacked with iron carding combs, and beheaded. He is known as San Biagio in Italy, and San Blas in Spain. In iconography, Blaise is often shown with the instruments of his
February 3 – St. Blaise of Sebastea, Bishop & Martyr Read More »
Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a relatively ancient celebration. We know that the Church at Jerusalem was observing the feast as early as the first half of the fourth century, and likely earlier. According to Jewish law, the firstborn
February 2 – Presentation of the Lord Read More »
All are invited to join us in worship at Holy Ghost or St. John the Baptist Parishes. Holy Ghost Parish, Shenandoah, PA St John the Baptist Parish, Frackville, PA December 24, 2009 – January 6, 2010 Thursday, December 24th, 2009 – CHRISTMAS EVE SHENANDOAH: 7:00PM – Mass of the Shepherds (Pasterka), and Benediction of the
Schedule of Services during the Christmas Season Read More »
The Ecclesiastical Year begins on the first Sunday of Advent and ends on the Saturday following the last Sunday after Pentecost. Advent is composed of four weeks during which, with the patriarchs and prophets, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of our Lord in a Bethlehem stable. During Advent the approved liturgical colors are