Parishes to initiate new Lenten activities
By Tavia Malone, Globe staff writer
Posted March 14, 2002

Lent is a special time of year for those of Catholic faith. To celebrate the season many parishes institute several new activities, Masses and events.

St. John the Baptist in Quimby has several special Lenten activities planned. Linda Linn, president of St. John the Baptist Parish Council, explained several of the events that the parish has planned.

"St. John's has always been a mission parish and has usually had only one Mass per week," said Linn. "During Lent, there is usually one additional Mass each week and Stations of the Cross about every other week."

St. John's Parish also has special events planned in conjunction with their cluster, the Vineyard Cluster, which includes Immaculate Conception in Cherokee and Visitation at Maryhill. Richard Roder, author of the book on the history of the diocese, Frontiers of Faith, spoke at Immaculate Conception and St. John's this Lenten season.

Roder was able to specifically emphasize the history of the three cluster parishes. "All those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Roder's presentation and found him very responsive to questions and comments before, during and after each event," stated Linn.

Linn also mentioned that St. John's is the site for Stations of the Cross during Holy Week. St. John's Parish has been working with Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Holstein, since they share the same pastor. Gretchen Cooney, an OLGC parishioner, has been helping St. John the Baptist with forming a Liturgy and Environment Committee.

OLGC also has Lenten events planned. The Living Stations of the Cross was presented on March 6 by the 7th and 8th graders of the parish. Fifth and 6th grade CCD classes also had a retreat on Feb. 22. The theme of the retreat was reconciliation.

"Adult and high-school students in our parish are participating in the Palm Sunday community cantata, 'No Other Lamb'," said Cooney. "This is the 11th year of the ecumenical cantata that is hosted by St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Holstein."

In addition, OLGC has held Bible study groups, varied Mass times throughout the season, celebrated the World Day of Prayer on March 1 and held a reconciliation service on March 13. "Our Lady of Good Counsel Church is kept heated, lighted and meditative music is played during the afternoons, providing the faithful a peaceful place to leave the world outside," said Linn.

Linn said that the reason for so many Lenten activities has to do with the focus on prayer and connecting with God in various ways. "Hopefully, each person is able to find something that will touch their hearts and bring more meaning to this holy season," she said.

Sacred Heart Church in Boone also has several special Lenten events planned. The parish held an adult retreat on March 10, titled "We Celebrate." Adult faith sharing groups have been meeting regularly during Lent, as well as Scripture classes. The parish has also been participating in Stations of the Cross.

The youth of the parish are also getting involved in Lent through several projects. On March 20, the teens will participate in Youth Lenten Reflection, as well as Operation Rice Bowl.

One unique activity that Sacred Heart Parish is participating in are their Lenten Olympics. "This was the brainchild of Rose Tobin," said Sacred Heart DRE and Youth Minister Julie Bovenmeyer. "It brings the parish together. We are working on mind, body and spirit."

Members of the parish have broken off into groups and will work on each category of mind, body and spirit. There are six groups participating. "You get points for doing certain things each day, as it pertains to your mind, your body and your spirit," explained Bovenmeyer. "You can get points for not smoking, you get points for meditation and you can get points for laughing out loud, because that is good for you."

Participating parishioners were given a packet of the things for which they can earn points. For instance, going to a daily Mass is worth two points and going to a Scripture class is also worth two points.

"At the end there will be a potluck and awards ceremony for the team with the most points," said Bovenmeyer. This will be held after Easter.

Many other parishes in the diocese have special and creative events planned to celebrate the Lenten season. Join in on the spirit of the season and contact your local parish for more information about their Lenten activities.