Second Sunday of Lent

Please pray 

• For the folks who are overlooking the Lenten Season due to ‘business’.
  
• For the folks who only come to Church on Ash Wednesday, Easter and Christmas.
  
• For greater awareness of those Christ calls us to serve.
  
• For the successful completion of the Chapel and Organ projects and their fundraising campaigns.
  
• For families in the parish that struggle with addictions and mental illness.

 
Do you need the parish community to pray for your intentions?  
            Email office@icjax.org and let us know.
 

1. Readings for this weekend are here
   
2. Bulletin for this week is attached or viewable online here
   
3. Worship Aids / Homilies are posted online: 

 
Renovation & Repair – Updates:

1. Adoration Chapel – Work has begun. Planned completion date – April 21, 2023
   
2. Organ – Planned completion date – March 2023. Fundraising continues
   
3. Rectory / Office – Work completed. Fundraising continues.

 
Thank you to parishioners and ‘Friends of the Basilica’ for your continued material and prayerful support.  We benefit from the sacrifices, prayers, and material support of past generations.  Future generations of Catholics will benefit from yours!

And in this corner...

Cerith Gardiner - published in Aleteia on 03/30/22

When Lent kicks off there’s a bit of a buzz as you decide to do something meaningful to mark this special period of time in the Christian faith. However, all those good intentions start to wane as the weeks go by and the realities and stresses of everyday life take over. 

With the global situation creating uncertainty and anxiety, it seems doubly hard to not succumb to temptation and head to that cookie jar, but hold your horses, you can do this! There are less than three weeks to go until we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection, and just think how satisfying it will be to know that you held on for those 40 long days.

MAKE ACCESS DIFFICULTIf you’re giving up a certain snack or drink, place any that have left in an area that’s hard to reach. If things get drastic you could lock it up and get someone to hide the key. 

If you want to reduce screen time, try putting your phone or laptop in a drawer so you won’t be tempted to look it every few minutes.

BE INSPIRED BY JESUSYou could add an image of Jesus, or maybe a crucifix, next to any temptations so that you’ll have a physical reminder of why you are making this effort.

NOTIFY OTHERSIf you’re finding it hard to stick to your guns, make sure your loved ones are aware. By telling friends and families that you’re giving up something important to you, they can offer you encouragement and support. Also, kids are great at being your support squad. 

CHOOSE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVEInstead of thinking about what you’re giving up, think more about what you are gaining. Whether it’s a healthier diet or a greater understanding of the power of temptation, use this opportunity to embrace the whole 40 days as a beautiful spiritual journey bringing you even closer to God.
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SEEK A LITTLE HELP FROM ABOVEJesus faced temptation by the devil, yet he resisted, using the Word of God to guide Him. Lean on Him for inspiration and follow his example to offer your temporary suffering to God our Father.