President's Message: Lenton Reflections

Dear Friends,
                The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday on February 17.  Lent provides us with a time of prayer and penance to grow and see the power and healing of God in a new way.  However, to think of Lent as just a time of penance and fasting is to do it an injustice. During Lent the Church calls us to a fundamental transformation of mind and character; a spiritual conversion.

                For older Catholics such as myself, Lent brings to mind giving up something.  Chocolate, for me, is difficult to live without.  It reminds me of another story however:  “A parent urged his children to move beyond giving up candy and to instead give up a habit of sin.  About half way through Lent he asked his children how they were doing on their Lenten promises.  One of his young sons had promised to give up fighting with his brothers and sisters during Lent.  When his dad asked him how it was going, he replied:  “I’m doing pretty good, but I can’t wait until Easter!”

                Obviously the young man missed understanding the purpose of the Lenten practice of “giving up”.  Lent is about conversion, turning our lives more completely over to Christ and His way of life.  The goal is not to abstain from sin for the duration of Lent but to root out sin from our lives forever.  It involves testing our values and discerning how they stack up against the values Jesus offers His followers.  We are called to atone, to take responsibility and open our hearts to the sacred.  John Paul II puts our commitment in this way:  “Lent is a season of intense prayers, fasting and concern for those in need.”

                We are grateful for all the prayers and support we receive from the St. Joseph High School family.  May God continue to bless you on your Lenten Journey and grace you with His peace.

Sincerely in Christ,

William H. McArdle, Jr.

President

“God has planned a time for everything and every action.  Our choices should reflect what we value.”