Dear Brothers and Sisters,

"We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God." St. Vincent de Paul

Our Lord gives us three essential opportunities for spiritual growth during the Lenten Season--prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In my own Lenten observance I was focusing on almsgiving this Lent when a friend reminded me that almsgiving and fasting are two sides of the same coin.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We at St. Joan of Arc Preschool are making plans for the start of a new school year. Already the classrooms are beginning to fill up with eager students ready to learn about God and the things of God.  We offer a variety of classes based on the age of your child, along with a Before Care/Lunch Bunch program that extends the day from 8AM-1:30PM for working families:

• 3 Year olds & Mini 4's (3 day program, Mon/Tues/Wed) 9am-12pm… the child must be 3 by 9/1.
• 3 Year olds & Mini 4's (4 day program, Mon - Thurs) 9am-12pm… the child must be 4 by 12/31.
• Pre-K (M-Th) 9am-1:30pm… the child must be 4 by 9/1.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“The season of Lent during this Jubilee Year should be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience God’s mercy. How many pages of Sacred Scripture are appreciated for mediation during the weeks of Lent to help us rediscover the merciful face of the Father!"
—Pope Francis Misericordiae Vulus, 17

As we have perhaps experienced during former Lenten seasons, Lent is a time of conversion and also a time to grow in one’s faith. This Lent, Pope Francis is urging us to put our faith into action by living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy--helping our neighbors in body and spirit.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

"Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead." –Pope Francis

Each year we are given the chance to Share the Light of Christ. Through the annual Charity and Development Appeal, you are able to make a difference in many people's lives. Here are some ways you can make a difference: