Beginning of Lent (Feb 25 - Apr 11)

Feb 14: Valentine's Day

Feb 16: President's Day

Feb 25: Lent Begins

Feb 27: Fr. Jim Birthday

Candlemas - It celebrates what is now called the Presentation of the Lord, when the infant Jesus was taken to the Temple by his parents according to Jewish custom. Candlemas Day occurs 40 days after Christmas.

The name Candlemas comes from the traditional observance of blessing candles and distributing the candles to worshipers. The candles recall the lights of Christmas. The candles also symbolize Simeon's words to Mary and Joseph in Luke 2:32 that Jesus would be "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Noted as a distinguished theologian of the early church, he was born (313A.D) just about the time the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. He became bishop of the Holy City of David about 349 A.D.. He died about 386 A.D. shortly after the First Council of Constantinople which completed the Creed known as the Nicene Creed.

The author of the Gospel of Luke records that Saint Matthias was the Apostle chosen by the remaining eleven Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, following Judas's betrayal of Jesus and his suicide.

This day marks the first day of Lent (40 days excluding Sundays), of prayer and self-examination leading to Holy Week. Ashes are placed on the heads of the faithful as a sign of penitence (also reminds them of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of changing their lives).

Lent is the 40 day period before Easter and is observed by fasting, prayer, & Bible study (to prepare spiritually).