Ash Wednesday in 2023 falls on February, 22nd. The Schedule of Masses for this solemn day will be, as follows:
For parishioners who use our Mary, Queen of Saints Flocknote App, on each weekday morning of Lent 2023 you will receive a brief message containing a suggested task for the day related to the spirit of the season — a Lenten Challenge. It is hoped you will draw inspiration from this daily note that will, in turn, make for a more meaningful Lent in preparation for the Easter Triduum.
If as a MQS parishioner you would like to join the MQSP Flocknote, visit the Flocknote page for further information by CLICKING HERE.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. The obligation to abstain, meaning to refrain from eating meat, begins at the age of 14. Fasting, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter ones, obliges all between the ages of 18 to 59. Those for whom fasting is harmful are not obliged to fast, but should perform some other act of penance or charity. Minors, though not bound by fast and abstinence, are to be educated in an authentic sense of penance and encouraged to do acts of penance suitable to their age.
Additionally, all Catholics are encouraged to perform acts of penance and charity during Lent beyond the above prescribed obligations.
Our parish will pray the Stations of the Cross throughout Lent on Fridays according to the following schedule:
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As our Lenten journey continues in preparation for the Easter Triduum, the following are opportunities to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance):
Weekly Confession Schedule
Rediscover the healing power of God's love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our parish "The Light Is On For You!" confession time on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 will be from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at our church locations of St. John the Baptist, Monaca and Our Lady of Fatima, Hopewell Township. His love, mercy and forgiveness awaits you.
As part of the spiritual practices connected to the season, a Lenten Penance Service will be offered on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 6:30PM in the Church of St. Frances Cabrini, Center Township for our parish community. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:30PM in order to fully participate in this service consisting of scripture, a homily and a communal 'Act of Contrition' as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation (better known to some as 'Confession').
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Please note that on Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023
our parish will follow the weekly confession schedule.
If it has been a while since your last confession and would like some direction, for your convenience you can view a copy of "A Short Guide for Confession" by CLICKING HERE. To read/print the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) handout "God's Gift of Forgiveness", CLICK HERE.
In preparation for participating in the Sacrament of Penance, an examination of conscience is a sound practice to perform. This involves prayerful consideration of your thoughts, words, and deeds in order to bring to memory any previously unforgiven sins. To access a selection of Examinations of Conscience guides as offered on the website of the USCCB, CLICK HERE.
Available for download is a Lenten activity page for children of reading age. The publications are a resource to help younsters further understand the message and season of Lent as well as prepare them for the coming of Easter.
(courtesy LPi, the printer of our weekly parish bulletin.)
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Stations of the Cross
from St. Paul Seminary with Bishop David Zubick
Stations of the Cross
Reflections with Bishop Robert Barron
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR,
President of Franciscan University
of Steubenville,
offers short reflections on
Jesus’ final words spoken to us
from the cross.
This type of meditation
is often referred to as the
Seven Last Words.