A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people who are all close to my heart!
Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.
First Sunday of Lent
As we just began the season of Lent, I wanted to propose a few of the practical ways to make this a meaningful Lent. As the catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully puts it, there are three important means:
1. Prayer
2. Fasting
3. Almsgiving.
“Prayer it’s the elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God. Through prayer, the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church”.
Fasting: “Refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance, and imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert. Fasting is an ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers; it is sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent.”
Almsgiving: Money or goods given to the poor as an act of penance or fraternal charity. Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of internal peace.
Here are some practical ways we can make this Lent into a meaningful season.
1) Consider fasting from some form of noise or media this Lent. We are so uncomfortable with silence. – get comfortable with silence
2) Fast for someone particular each day. Offering your sacrifice for a specific person will bring new meaning to the Lenten fast.
3) Let your fast financially support your almsgiving. So often we give up items that are treats, perhaps, it is a weekly cup of coffee from Starbucks or an evening of entertainment. Save that money to give to a cause of your choice.
4) When you give alms, do not judge the intention of the recipient. Often time, it is easy for me to judge the people to which I am giving. I fall into a trap of wanting the poor to be deserving of my generosity.
5) Consider adding in addition to subtracting. So often we only think of what we are giving up during Lent, but the addition of spiritual practices can also be available. This Lent consider adding a devotional practice to your daily life.
God bless you all.
With lots of love and blessing.
Ever at your service.
—Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
Give
Set up Online Giving.
You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts.
Join
Join our Parish Family
Register in the parish, so that it’s easy to become a confirmation sponsor or Godparent.
Volunteer
Want to Lend a Helping Hand?
Find volunteer opportunities and share your talents.
Get Help
Need a Helping Hand?
We are here to help. Request home visits, send a prayer request. For urgent needs call 954.943.3684
Past Messages from Father Nathan
Memorial Day | Ragged Old Flag
Ragged Old FlagI walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I Said, “Your old courthouse is kinda run down.” He said, “Nah, It’ll do for our little town.” I said, “Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And That’s a Ragged...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | Plan to Return to Worship
Father Nathan St Gabriel | Welcome Back To Worship A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! CHURCH OPENING There is light at the end of the tunnel! St. Gabriel Church, like all other churches in our country, has been closed due to the...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 24, 2020 Spiritual Communion
What’s the Eucharist?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1324-1327), states, I take pride in quoting it all the time. Each and every word has to be underlined. Every word accentuates the importance of the Eucharist: “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit’…
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 17, 2020
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 17, 2020 A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! I hope and believe you are doing great and staying safe. My prayers are always with you. Please be assured of it. Beginning to Plan for a safe Reopening ...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 10, 2020
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 10, 2020A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! Daily Prayers For Each of You I hope and believe that you are doing great and staying safe. My prayers are always there for you. Please be assured...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | 5.03.2020
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 3, 2020A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! The month of May always a special month to me. There are two reasons. Month of Mary First. As a child and still today, it’s a Marian month. The month of...