A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people who are all close to my heart
Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.
Understanding The Lent discipline of Fasting…
Let us try to understand. First, all Catholics are called to fast for at least two important dates. One is Ash Wednesday and the other is Good Friday. Let us try to understand the details. Fasting, prayer, and helping the poor are the three spiritual disciplines of Lent.
How to Fast for Lent
Images Courtesy of St Joan of Arc Catholic Church Hershey, PA
Why Fasting
Prayer, fasting and giving work as a three-fold conversion practice as we prepare for the joys of the Easter season. Fasting adds a serious edge to your prayer life. It is a prayer practice that involves denying yourself something in order to increase your spiritual awareness, strengthen a commitment, or petition God for something you or another person needs.
Fasting is also about detachment – separating yourself from something that you have become overly attached to. It’s a way of reclaiming your spiritual strength and regaining some balance in your life.
Practicing some denial of our wants and needs in small ways can help us grow in self-discipline and the ability to put off momentary comfort for a larger more important goal.
Fasting should not be misused to gain praise or sympathy, to manipulate, or to harmfully affect the body. Done correctly, it can be a spiritual practice that can take your prayer to a new and different level! It is all about you and your relationship with God.
Who Should Fast
Lenten Fasting
Catholics ages 14 or older do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. Instead of meat, many Catholics choose to eat fish – which is why many parishes around the country have fish fries on Fridays during Lent. These are great opportunities for a parish community to come together to pray and fast.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Fridays, Catholics aged 18-59 also limit the amount of food they eat. The exemption is allowed for pregnant women and those who need regular meals for medical reasons.
May you all have a meaningful and spirit-filled Lent
Please continue to pray for me. I continue to hold you in my prayers.
God bless you all.
With lots of love and blessing.
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service.
—Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 26, 2023
Preparing for Advent. Make Ready For the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Advent is a period of special preparation.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 19, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Let us thank the Lord for the blessings and graces that he bestows upon us. “Thank you!”
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 12, 2023
Get Ready to Celebrate Thanksgiving. Remembering all our blessings. In two weeks, we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The whole of our blessed nation, America, is getting ready for all the celebrations.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 05, 2023
Understanding Purgatory + Praying for the deceased. The custom of praying for the dead is rooted in the very nature of heaven. The custom of praying for the dead is rooted in the very nature of heaven. The Bible indicates that there can be nothing imperfect in heaven…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 29, 2023
You are part of the Saint Gabriel Community. Full-time or Seasonal Resident – you are a vital part of the St. Gab’s community. Register or Update Your Registration at St Gabriel Pompano Beach, Florida + Get involved! Join a group or ministry. Invite a friend.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 22, 2023
Welcome back seasonal parishioners. Encourage all your friends & neighbors to come back to in-person mass. Please read this important message about our Parish finances.