What a wonderful forty days we celebrated during Lent. This is a true story and it really did happen at St. Clare. It all began on Ash Wednesday when we started our Lenten journey by receiving the blessed ashes.  These past forty days were marked with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It was encouraging to see new faces at our weekday Masses as well as an increase in attendance on Sundays. The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation provided a real source of healing for many. Adoration, devotions, Stations of the Cross were beautiful signs of our seasonal reflection. Simple Suppers, Operation Rice Bowl and St. Leo’s project provided opportunities for us to meet and serve others. The annual Act of Mercy to bury the dead was a wonderful expression of charity in action.  Our Faith Formation initiatives and materials for the season of Lent were excellent and many have shared how they enjoyed them this year. The faith journey of our RCIA candidates was an inspiration to many. After their Lenten preparation, 17 young parishioners are ready to celebrate their First Reconciliation April 27 ^th, and First Communion May 5 ^th.  25 Confirmation Candidates will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit April 28 ^th. Yes indeed, it was a good Lenten Season, and now our Christian community begins the celebration of the Easter Season, 40 days of fasting ends—50 days of feasting begins! Alleluia!