“I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!”
These simple words said at every person’s baptism are immensely powerful. Still, sometimes we forget this. Or, more specifically, we don’t fully appreciate the power of sacramental grace we received at our baptism: the same grace that delivers spiritual energy and power right here at OLPH, the grace that grants us admission into the body of Christ, our forever, spiritual family, and the very same grace that transforms each of us into temples of the Holy Spirit. So we may be inspired and encouraged to live according to God’s ways by his constant indwelling in us! We recall this extraordinary gift of baptism every time we enter the Mass or in prayer and when we make the Sign of the Cross, reciting those simple words (out loud or in our hearts).
Did you know Lent was initially the period of intense preparation for those preparing for baptism at Easter? As the Church seasons developed, the annual season of Lent was instituted to remember the graces of our baptism, preparing ourselves to renew the baptismal promises at Easter. All the more reason for you to join me this Lent as we better appreciate the grace of baptism at work in the life of our parish, uniting us in the life of Christ and calling us to share in his ministry of intercession, prophetic word, and service.
That is why this Lent 2022, I invite all of you to read along with me the book; God Dwells in Me: Living in the Power of Your Baptism by Joel Stepanek. As a gift from the parish to you, copies will be available for pick up after Mass starting the weekend of Feb 26 & 27 at no cost. Together, each week, we’ll focus on an aspect of baptism that connects the sacramental rite to our daily Christian lives. (Also, be sure to join Deacon Roch when he deep dives into this book during this Lent on two Monday evenings —details in the Lenten packet).
Our first “homework assignment” is a fun one to those efforts. Take some time and research your baptisms. Dust off a photo album, or locate the digital pics or video of your very first Sacrament. Do you have your christening gown or baptismal garment? Pull it out from storage along with your baptismal candle and give them a place of honor in your home, so these remembrances can center your prayer this Lent or serve as a visual reminder. Consider taking time with your loved ones, family members, or Godparents, and share baptism stories. Or maybe even create a social media post as an appreciation to God for your baptism and an invitation to the world to connect with the God who loves them so much (if you do, be sure to tag OLPH Church). Remember, Pope John XXIII consistently shared that the most important day in his life was his baptism, even more than his ordination or his election as pope.
In parallel, with this group reading as a parish family, we will, of course, embrace the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in our cooperation with God’s grace in the process of ongoing conversion. Our Parish staff has worked very hard to design programs to enhance these Lenten practices, including OLPH’s Lenten Friday night lineup, which begins with Simple Soup Suppers at 6 pm, moves to Stations of the Cross at 7 pm, and then closes with a special event at 7:30 pm.
Finally, during these next few weeks, before Ash Wednesday, March 2, take some quiet time and ask God how He is asking you to grow personally and in your relationships during the forty days of Lent. Recommit to your life at the parish and celebrate Mass with renewed enthusiasm and passion, sharing in the journey into the power of our baptism, and setting aside Friday evening as a time for Christian fellowship, prayer, and God’s grace healing at work among us. I pray that we may enter the season of Lent as brothers and sisters (in the best sense!) and encourage each other to live in the fullness of God’s life.
In the Lord,
Father Mike
Ways to Pray
Daily Mass
“In the Eucharist is all the power that created the universe and all the love that redeemed it!” Join us for daily Mass and receive the Lord’s power & love to help you meet the challenges of each day.
Monday – Saturday
8:15 am (Church & Livestream)
Ash Wednesday | March 2
6:30 am, 8:15 am*, 7 pm* Masses & Distribution of Ashes (Church & Livestream*)
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Mass
Friday | March 25
7:30 pm (Church)
Join us for Mass as we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation, the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he told her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
OLPH Lenten Daily Reflections – 40 DAYS TO GRACE AND GLORY
This Lent, we invite you to journey with Dr. Tim Gray by signing up for Daily Lenten Reflections. Each day you will receive in your inbox a short video that features Dr. Gray commenting on the daily Mass readings, explaining the Scriptures, and providing you with concrete ideas on how to apply them to your Christian life. Available for free on FORMED. Sign up at https://formed.org/lent
Looking for a Great Spiritual Book this Lent?
Fellow OLPH friends have compiled a list of some of their favorite religious and spiritual books to assist your Lenten walk. Our prayer is that before Easter arrives, perhaps one or several of the books shared are now among your favorites as well. Each week in Lent, look forward to Book Reviews offered from these suggestions. Visit OLPHParish.org/books
Fasting & Abstinence
Catholics, age 14 and over, are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during the season of Lent. Adult Catholics, ages 18 through 59, are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting is observed by eating only one full meal and two lighter meals that day and by refraining from eating between meals. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or ill are excused from these norms.
The Benefits of Fasting:
- Fasting awakens the heart to the intimate presence of God in one’s soul.
- Fasting encourages more serious reflection about the priorities in our lives.
- Fasting strengthens our sense of dependence upon God.
- Fasting sharpens our sensitivity to the spiritual dimension of life.
- Fasting strengthens our ability to say ‘yes’ to God and ‘no’ to sin.
- Fasting develops a greater appreciation for the gifts of God, especially food and drink.
- Fasting purifies us, spiritually as well as physically.
Ways to Fast:
- Meatless meals on the Fridays of Lent should be simple, sacrificial, and lead us to reach out in generosity to those who are less fortunate through some act of charity.
- The classic form of fasting involves giving up food or drink. Yet as we choose to give up something that distracts from valuable use of our time, we create room for good habits and we gain control over our lives – the same control that is needed to say “yes” to God. In place of television or video games, take action to spend time with those we love or in quiet prayer with God or in acts of service to others.
Lenten Cookbook
Much more than a cookbook, this first-ever guidebook for mealtimes in Lent features essays from acclaimed biblical scholar Scott Hahn, who reflects on the history of fasting and its integral role in our personal spiritual growth. Filled with beautiful artwork, inspiring Scripture verses, and quotes from the saints to keep you on track this Lent, grab your discounted copy by Feb. 18th clicking HERE.
40 Days for Life
A Special Call to Prayer and Fasting for an End to Abortion
Knowing that “with God, all things are possible,” people of faith and conscience unite in 40 days of prayer and fasting. This Lent, our parish is again joining a nationwide, ecumenical prayer event to help bring an end to abortion. 40 Days for Life is a peaceful, Christ-like prayer vigil with participants committing to prayer for one hour per week. Prayer can take place outside of the Hillcrest Clinic on Rt. 40, or at home or in church. For more information, visit www.40daysforlife.com.
Ways to Give
Almsgiving is not only an offering of money to those in need but an attitude of generosity and a willingness to share in the burdens of others. Almsgiving is closely tied to fasting – whatever we save (money or time) should be offered to the needy. For a comprehensive list of ways to serve, visit https://olphparish.org/our-parish-life/how-can-i-serve/
SALT
Just as salt is a necessary part of life, so is the Christian called to be a necessary part of the world! SALT, an OLPH outreach ministry, is a hands-on ministry in service to the poor and needy of Baltimore City. There are many expressions of SALT and one that fits you! To learn more about SALT and find your perfect place of service in Him, visit www.olphparish.org/salt.
OLPH’s St Vincent – Our Daily Bread Casseroles
Catholic Charities Our Daily Bread is Maryland’s largest hot meal program, serving more than 250,000 meals to the hungry of Baltimore City each year. Casserole pans and recipes can be picked up inside the church anytime and may be returned during Lent on the weekend of April 3rd to the freezer of the Parish Center kitchen prior to Mass.
Lenten Poor Box Collections
Help support those in need by contributing to our Poor Box during Lent. The parish receives numerous requests each day for help. Your donations support the great works of OLPH St. Vincent in meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your continued generosity!
Give at OLPH Friday Night, Soup Suppers
OLPH will host a series of Soup Suppers on several Fridays in Lent in solidarity with our friends living below the margins. The intention is for guests to enjoy a modest meal while donating what would have been the cost for a traditional Friday meal out — such as Pizza or burgers at a restaurant — to the Poor Box.
Meet with Jesus
Eucharistic Adoration
The Church adores the real presence of Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration when the consecrated host is visible in the monstrance for prayer and worship. This Lent, spend some quiet time in the presence of the Lord’s peace, healing and spiritual refreshment. Oh, Come, Let us Adore Him!
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is about the mercy of Jesus Christ. The mercy of the love of Jesus, through this sacrament, breaks the power of shame and hurt of sin and restores our relationship with God. Come, experience the power of the Father’s love waiting for you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Weekly during Lent (Mar 2 – April 8):
Wednesdays: 11 am – 12-Noon (inside the church confessionals)
Wednesdays: 6 pm – 7 pm (outside – backlot)
Fridays: 4 pm- 6 pm (inside the church confessionals)
Lenten Extended Hours
(Inside the Church Confessionals)
Mon., March 28, 4-6 pm
Tues., March 29, 4-6 pm
Sat., April 2, 1-3 pm
Mon., April 4, 4-7 pm
Tues., April 5, 4-7 pm
Tues., April 12, 4-6 pm
Lenten Penance Service
Wed |April 6
7 pm (inside church)
Visiting priests will join Fr. Mike and Fr. Anthony for a Lenten short prayer service followed by opportunities to receive reconciliation. Outdoor Reconciliation will still be offered this evening from 6-7 pm in the parking lot behind the Church.
PLEASE NOTE:
There will be no Confessions on Wed April 13th
Soup Suppers
Each Friday in Lent – 6-6:50 pm
OLPH will host a series of Soup Suppers on several Fridays in Lent in solidarity with our friends living below the margins. The intention is for guests to enjoy a modest meal while donating what would have been the cost for a traditional Friday meal out — such as Pizza or burgers at a restaurant — to the Poor Box.
Stations of the Cross
Each Friday in Lent – 7 pm
Join us for this beautiful Lenten devotional that commemorates Jesus’ last day on earth as we walk with Him on the path to Calvary.
Whatever the time of day on Fridays OLPH Offers Something to Enrich Your Lenten Journey
- 8:15 am – Daily Mass*
- 9:00 am – Eucharistic Adoration*(Through the day/night until 10:00 pm)
- 4:00-6:00 pm – Confessions (Good Shepherd Room)
- 6:00-6:50 pm – Soup Suppers
- 7 pm – Stations of the Cross
- 7:30 pm – Lenten Special Events
Special Friday Night Lenten Events
- Mar 4 – Festival of Praise – 7:30 pm
- Mar 11 – Family Holy Hour – 5 pm
- Mar 11 – Scripture Presentation by Fr. Mike: Jesus Through the Eyes of Luke – 7:30 pm
- Mar 18 – A Journey to Wholeness, presented by Ruth Popp – 7:30 pm
- Mar 25 is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – 7:30 pm Mass
- April 1 – Festival of Praise – 7:30 pm
- April 8 – Taize Prayer Night – 7:30 pm
* Events also available via livestream on Facebook and at OLPHParish.org/broadcast
Begins March 2nd
A Study for Women “Above All” by Elizabeth Foss
Small Groups | Varying Times
Above All is a Lenten devotional journal from Take Up and Read that includes daily Scripture passages, as well as devotional essays, room to journal, and space to organize your time. Designed to help you reflect on all aspects of your life. Seven beautiful calligraphy pages aid in memorizing Colossians 3:12-17 throughout Lent and lovely illustrations are found throughout the book. Small groups are forming with multiple meeting times.
Friday | March 4
Festival of Praise
7:30 pm
Join us as we move from Stations of the Cross into our monthly Festival of Praise, where we pray, praise, and worship our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The evening concludes with an opportunity to receive prayer from a prayer team.
Church & Livestream.
Friday | March 11
Family Holy Hour
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Bring the children for an early Holy Hour in the Church and enjoy a time of rest and quiet reflection. The Holy Hour will include music, Scripture, thoughts to ponder, and quiet reflection. Stay for as long as you are able.
Church & Livestream
Friday | March 11
Jesus Through the Eyes of Luke
Presented by Father Mike
7:30 pm
St. Luke paints a powerful portrait of Jesus as a divine healer and God’s most powerful messenger of God’s forgiveness, mercy, and restoration. Come dive into the Gospel of Luke with a few of the most powerful passages. The hour presentation led by Father Mike from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm will include time to listen and reflect on the Gospel accounts. Let us study God’s word together and deepen the appreciation of this Gospel, which we read throughout this year.
Mondays | March 21 & April 4
Lenten Book Reflection & Discussion
Presented by Deacon Roch
7:00 pm
Join Deacon Roch and explore the book, God Dwells in Me: Living the Power of your Baptism Find out what actually happens in the water of Baptism, how Baptism helps free you from sin, how you are transformed from the inside out, how you are anointed for the mission, and how you are prepared for your ultimate destination…heaven! Your Lent ends with the renewal of your baptismal promises at Easter Mass. Check-in with Deacon Roch for two evenings, where he will share his reflections on the book and lead an open discussion. God Dwells in Us is a gift of the parish to you. Books will be available for pick up after Mass the weekend of Feb 26/27.
Session #1 (Chapters 1-3): Monday, March 21st at 7 PM
Session #2 (Chapters 4-6): Monday, April 4th at 7 PM
Both sessions in the church. No Registration Required.
Monday | April 11
NOTE RESCHEDULED DATE!
Mary’s Way of the Cross
7:00 pm
Mary’s way of the cross. A Special Event for Women – Praying the Stations of the Cross through the eyes of Mary. It is a Catholic tradition to meditate on the Way of the Cross, uniting our sufferings, falls, hurts, and resurrection with the way of Jesus. Mary’s Way of the Cross invites us to accompany Mary as she walks with Jesus to Calvary.
Friday | March 18
A Journey Into Wholeness
A Talk on Trauma Presented by Ruth Popp
7:30 pm
Join our special guest speaker, Ruth Popp, a mother of five, a veteran homeschooler, and author on how to survive and move toward thriving (with God at your side) when navigating difficult, disorienting times.
Friday | April 1
Festival of Praise
7:30 pm
Join us as we move from Stations of the Cross into our monthly Festival of Praise, where we pray, praise, and worship our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The evening concludes with an opportunity to receive prayer from a prayer team.
Church & Livestream.
Friday | April 8
Taize Prayer Night
7:30 pm
Join us for an evening of meditative prayer and song in the Taize style following the Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 8. Our music director Ben-David Warner will lead a small guest choir of students from the Catholic University of America. The service consists of meditative Taize songs, a scripture reading, silent prayer time, and intercessory prayers.
Not familiar with Taize style prayer? Click here to learn more
PALM SUNDAY – April 10, 2022
Palms will be blessed and distributed by Ministers of Hospitality at all weekend Masses
Saturday, Vigil,
4:30 pm (Church)
Sunday
7:30 am (Indoor/Church) (silent- no music)
9 am (Indoor/Church & livestreamed)
11 am (Outdoor & Indoor/Church)
5 pm (Indoor/Church)
HOLY THURSDAY – April 14, 2022
8:15 am – Morning Prayer
7:00 pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by a procession to the Altar of Repose in the Parish Center for quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight. (in-person & livestreamed)
GOOD FRIDAY – April 15, 2022,
(No 8:15 am Mass, No 4:30 pm Confessions)
8:15 am – Morning Prayer
3:00 pm (livestreamed) & 7:00 pm
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, including Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion
HOLY SATURDAY – April 16, 2022
(No 8:15 am or 4:30 pm Masses, No 3:00 pm Confessions)
8:15 am – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Easter Food in Church
HOLY SATURDAY – April 16
Blessing of the Easter Food
With 8:15 am Prayer, in the Church
EASTER VIGIL MASS – April 16/17
8:30 pm – Easter Vigil Mass (in-person & livestream)
*Note: there is no Saturday 4:30 pm Mass on Saturday, April 16
The Easter Vigil begins between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil Mass is held and is the first official celebration of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. This night’s vigil is the greatest and most holy of all solemnities in the Catholic Church.
The Easter Vigil consists of four parts:
- The Service of Light
- Liturgy of the Word
- Liturgy of Baptism
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
EASTER SUNDAY – April 17
Easter Masses celebrated at:
7:30 am
9:00 am (in Church and livestreamed)
Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by OLPH Knights to Follow the 9 am Mass
11:00 am (Church and Outdoors)
*Note: there is no Sunday 5 pm Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17