The 40-Day Lenten Season
Draw closer to Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and giving.
Prayer
Prayer is an essential component of growth in our relationship with God. Prayer is our communication with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a relationship of both listening and speaking. Lent is an excellent time to start incorporating prayer into our daily life. If prayer is already a consistent habit, try adding something such as attending daily Mass, praying a whole rosary or chaplet every day, or spending an extended period of time in silent contemplation.
Stations of the Cross Fridays at 6:30PM
Jesus Wept: A Retreat for Women, hosted by Catholic Daughters: Feb.17 at 8AM-2PM
Day of Reflection: A Retreat for Men, hosted by Knights: Mar.2 at 8AM-1:30PM
What Do I Own & What Owns Me? Lenten Book Study: Thursdays at 6:30PM and Fridays at 10AM
Two 4-week sessions, Feb.15-Mar.8
Adoration: 1st Friday, March 1 at 9:30AM
Rosary: Feb.21 & Mar.20 6:45PM; Mar.8 9:30AM; Mar.9 6PM
Coming Home Prayer Group: 1st & 3rd Thu. at 1:30PM
Fasting
During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women.
Abstention from meat on Fridays during Lent
Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Greener Lent abstention from luxuries; conversion of heart
Fish Fry, hosted by the Knights to benefit LAMB Foundation: Fridays, February 16 and March 15, at 12 noon to 6PM
Rice Bowl family activities throughout Lent
Soup Supper (meatless) hosted by Faith Formation families after Stations of the Cross, February 23 at 6:30PM
Giving
The Lenten call to almsgiving means making the needs of other people our own.
Sharing our gifts with others, donating to a charitable organization, or sharing our time and talents with those in need is a Christ-like way of sharing God's love.
Offertory participation in the weekly Sunday liturgy
Living Our Faith, Building to Serve capital campaign
Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Food pantry and diaper bank donations
PB&J for Homeless March 10 at noon
Spring Grounds Beautification Sat., March 9 at 8AM-12 noon; raindate March 16
Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 -- all in Hampstead
Masses at 9AM and 7PM; 12 noon service with ashes (not a Mass)
Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. While Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, some faithful do take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is usually inappropriate to dine out, shop, or take part in festivities after receiving ashes.
The priest administers ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, from the previous year's Palm Sunday (Bring yours by Sunday, February 4.) Symbolizing penance and contrition, the ashes are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.
Lenten Communal Penance Services
Feb.15 11AM St. Brendan the Navigator, Shallotte
Feb.20 7PM UNCW, Wilmington
Feb.21 7PM St. Mark, Wilmington
Feb.22 11AM St. Mark, Wilmington
Feb.22 7PM St. Therese, Wrightsville Beach
Feb.28 7PM All Saints, Hampstead
Mar.5 7PM St. Stanislaus, Castle Hayne
Mar.6 11AM Basilica of St. Mary, Wilm.
Mar.12 7PM Basilica of St. Mary, Wilm.
Mar.13 11AM Sacred Heart, Southport
Mar.13 7PM Immaculate Conception, Wilmington
Spanish: Mar.14 7PM Basilica of St. Mary, Wilmington
Mar.19 7PM St. Joseph the Worker, Burgaw
Stations of the Cross
Fridays at 6:30PM
Led by different ministries each week with varying reflections:
February 16 - Outreach & Liturgical Ministries
February 23 - Faith Formation (Soup Supper to follow)
March 1 - Hampstead Knights of Columbus #12281
March 8 - Catholic Daughters Our Lady of the Sea #2519
March 15 - Hospitality, Building & Grounds, Stewardship
March 22 - Pastoral & Finance Councils
Lenten Fish Fry
Friday Feb.16 at 12PM to 6PM
Friday March 15 at 12PM to 6PM
Menu: 8 oz. battered codfish fillets, cole slaw, french fries, macaroni and cheese, onion rings, water ($15 adult, $10 child). Rear of church parking lot.
Sponsored by Hampstead Knights of Columbus Harry "Hap" Hansen Council 12281
No reservations required. Your purchase supports charities such as LAMB Fndn.
What is Lent all about?
Why do Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why 40 days?
Busted Halo explains the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal.
Lenten Pillar of Fasting --
During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women.

What should I give up for Lent?
...or What should I
add?
During Lent, many Catholics such as this Franciscan friar, abstain from meat and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In today's world, it is often about giving up chocolate, soda, or something similar.
When you give something up, you're able to add another thing in:
- Add another half hour of Scripture reading (give up some Netflix time)
- Add another half hour of silence (keep the radio off in the car)
Even moments of fun and relaxation with loved ones can be great Lenten practices, even penitential, when relationships aren't quite what you'd like them to be and you commit to add time to work on that.
Perhaps the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi will inspire you.
