Divine Grace Parish Hosts A Lenten Morning of Reflection

A Lenten Morning of Reflection was coordinated by the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Name Society (HNS) on Saturday, March 1st.

Appropriately, that service was held four days prior to Ash Wednesday March 5th which marks the beginning of the Lenten season and the first day of the liturgical season of Lent.

Frank Aloi, President of the Holy Name Society gave the welcome and explained the purpose of the Lenten reflection program which was to reflect on Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days and forty nights to prepare for his public ministry by resisting temptation by the devil thru prayer and sacrifice. Jesus provided a perfect example of how, we too can, resist temptation to sin by the power of prayer and sacrifice. Mr. Aloi also accented the fact that, Jesus gave us a perfect example and opportunity to appreciate the sacrifices that He made by making our own sacrifices based on the three pillars of Lent; prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Father James Wehner, Pastor Divine Grace Parish HNS

The reflection service began in Holy Redeemer Church at 8:30 a.m. with the recitation of the rosary, led by Betsy Petti, President of the Ladies of Charity, and a prayer by David Manzo, 2nd V.P. of the HNS prior to the celebration of the holy sacrifice of Mass at 9:00 a.m. by Pastor Father James Wehner.

Immediately following Mass, the Lenten Morning of Reflection program began in the Holy Redeemer Catholic Center starting with a continental complimentary breakfast, chaired by Joseph Mancini, 3rd V.P. of the HNS.

After breakfast, master of ceremonies, David Manzo introduced Hank Glogowski, 1st VP of the HNS, who invited us to pray the Holy Name Prayer Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Deacon Joseph Ross, HNS Spiritual Director offered the opening prayer and Frank Aloi, president of the HNS, welcomed the keynote speaker Pastor, Father James Wehner who spoke on the central theme of the reflection program; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”.

That topic, in part, prompted us to focus on, and to embrace God thru prayer, fasting, sacrifice, resources, and reflection during the 40-days of Lent, preparing us for Easter and the rekindling of our own spiritual growth.

The closing prayer was led by Father James Wehner.