This week will bring Ash Wednesday. It is the next most popular Mass to be attended after Easter and Christmas. It speaks well of God’s people in that it is one time when we seem to universally acknowledge that we are sinners and need the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness and we do it with an outward sign and demonstration by receiving the black ashes on our foreheads. Next Wednesday will bring our parish penance service for Lent in preparation for Easter. I want to encourage you to put this on your schedule and participate. Please keep in mind that in Confession we receive more than just the forgiveness of sin. We are given grace. This grace is like a spiritual filter that cleanses our mind and soul enabling us to better understand spiritual truth. Yours in Christ our Lord, Fr. Sid.