Saint Matthew Parish

Rev. James B. Flynn, Ph.D., Pastor
______________________________________________________________________________

 Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations for the Diocese of Worcester are as follows:

• Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourtheen (14) years of age and older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent. 
• Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59) years of age on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  
• Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal.  Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.  Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed Lenten penitential practices.  

 “Touching the Hand of God”
  April 1, 2, & 3 at 7:00PM - Lenten Parish Mission at St. Matthew Church
                  Father Flynn has invited Father John Geaney, CSP, a Paulist priest who was until June 30th, the Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, to give a mission at St. Matthew. 
                 “Father G” (as he is more widely known) wants us to know that the Mission is not just for the Sunday Church goer.  The mission is for St. Matthew’s parishioners, yes, but is also an open invitation to family members, neighbors, and co-workers who may have taken leave of the Church, or are looking for a Church home of their own. 
The goal of the mission is to stir up the flames of faith—the presence of God’s life—that too often lie dormant within us.  Father G seeks to inflame the fire burning within the practicing believer, rekindle the fire in the separated believer, and light the fire within the unbeliever. 
 _____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________