Lent is a sacred season of forty days in which we prepare our hearts for Easter through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a time of renewal — a time to turn back to the Lord, reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, and deepen our relationship with Him. As we begin this holy season, our parish offers several meaningful opportunities to gather in prayer and fellowship.
40 Hours Devotion
Sunday, February 15 – Tuesday, February 17
We begin with 40 Hours Devotion, a beautiful tradition of extended Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Whether you can spend an hour or simply stop in for a few quiet moments, we encourage you to come and place your intentions before the Lord as we prepare for Lent.
Sunday, February 15
7:00 p.m. – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Guest Speaker: Fr. Andrew J. Fisher, Pastor, St. Ambrose, Annandale, VA
Monday, February 16
7:00 p.m. – Guest Speaker: Fr. Michael T. Nugent, Parochial Vicar, St. Ambrose, Annandale, VA
Adoration continues through Tuesday, concluding at 4:00 p.m.
Shrove Tuesday Dinner
Tuesday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Shrove Tuesday Dinner as we gather in fellowship on the eve of Lent. This joyful parish tradition brings us together before we enter the more penitential season of prayer and sacrifice.
An Evening with Mark Forrest
Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
We are honored to welcome Mark Forrest, an internationally acclaimed Irish tenor known for his powerful voice and moving presentations of sacred music. Mark has performed throughout the United States and Ireland, sharing not only beautiful music but also heartfelt reflections that draw audiences deeper into prayer.
This is more than a concert — it is an evening of spiritual renewal through song. His music offers a unique opportunity to prepare our hearts for Lent and to experience the beauty of our faith in a profound and uplifting way.
We strongly encourage families to attend and invite friends. Even those who may not regularly attend parish events are often deeply moved by his presentation. Come and allow the gift of sacred music to enrich your Lenten journey.
The Light is On for you this Lent
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful way to prepare our hearts for Easter. Parishes throughout the Diocese of Arlington are making the Sacrament of Reconciliation accessible during Lent. At our parish, Confessions are available:
- Weekdays at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Sundays, 30 minutes before each Mass
We encourage you not to wait until Holy Week, but to make Confession part of your Lenten journey.
Lenten Observances
As we enter Lent, we encourage every parishioner to make a plan for the season — to commit intentionally to prayer, reconciliation, and participation in the life of the Church.
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we receive ashes as a visible sign of repentance and our desire to turn back to the Lord. We invite all parishioners to begin the season by attending Mass and entering fully into this sacred time of grace.
Mass times: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (Spanish) & 7:30 p.m.
Lenten Soup Suppers
Fridays during Lent
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Mercy Hall
Our Lenten Soup Suppers are hosted by various parish ministry groups throughout the season. These dinners are free of charge, and monetary donations are gratefully accepted to benefit designated charities.
The first Lenten Supper on Friday, February 20, is hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary and the Women of St. John’s. They will serve soup, salad, child-friendly options, and offer a craft table for children. Donations from this evening will benefit St. Vincent de Paul.
Join us for a simple meal, parish fellowship, and an opportunity to support those in need.
Stations of the Cross
During Lent, we invite you to join us for Stations of the Cross. This beautiful devotion walks us through the final moments of Jesus’ journey to Calvary, inviting us to reflect prayerfully on His suffering and sacrifice for us.
Fridays during Lent
6:30 p.m. – Spanish
7:30 p.m. – English
Followed by Vespers
After Stations of the Cross, we will pray Vespers together. No experience is needed, and a handout will be provided.
All are welcome to participate in this beautiful prayer of the Church.
May this Lent be a time of renewal, deeper prayer, and lasting grace for our parish family. Let us walk this journey together as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
