Lent 2025

Reconciliation with Several Priests
Wednesday, April 16, 2-6 p.m. Drop-in childcare available; no reservations needed.

Confession Guide

HOLY WEEK
Thursday, April 17 Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. 
Thursday, April 17 Adoration in the Place of Repose l until midnight

Friday, April 18 Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.
Friday, April 18 Confession (2 priests), 3-4 p.m.
Friday, April 18 Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, 7 p.m.

Saturday April 19 Easter Vigil of the Holy Night, 8 p.m. Sign up to help
Sunday, April 20 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Download Lent Booklet

Can you imagine living in a country that is torn apart by a 12-year civil war? Or working as a cook only to make about $20 a month in a country where accessing necessities can feel impossible? Or needing to go to Church just to charge your phone because electricity is scarce? 

This is the experience of Christians living in Damascus, Syria whom we have chosen to partner with this Lent — offering our solidarity, prayers, and financial support. 
 
What is so beautiful about a partnership is this idea of connection — building a relationship.  Yet, this is not a completely new relationship we are building with Syrian Christians. In fact, the Archbishop of Damascus, Syria (Archeparch Samir Nassar) has personally visited us in 2018 and 2023. He came to maintain and grow a relationship with Catholics in the Twin Cities and in a special way, our parish named after Saint Paul. He will be visiting us again at the 5:30 Mass on Saturday, June 28th.

As the term partnership implies, we can expect not only to give this Lent but also receive from the Syrian Christians who have so much to offer us. Each reflection in our Lenten Booklet includes a description of a Damascus family. These families are personally known by Archeparch Nassar. He asks us to remember the families and their needs, as they pray for us through our Damascus Partnership.

Our goal for our Lenten Collection last year was to sponsor 60 families for one year (for a total of $14,400). In 2024, we exceeded our goal, giving a total of $18,077.33 to the Center for Mission for the families in Damascus.  This year, our goal is $20,000. We are over halfway there, with a total of $11,753 as of April 14, 2025.

Each day in our Lenten reflections, we remember a Damascus family personally known by Archeparch (Archbishop) Samir Nassar. These families face immense hardships, yet they pray for us through our Damascus Partnership, just as we are called to pray for them. In the spirit of solidarity, we can offer not only our prayers but also our material support to help ease their suffering.

One simple way to make this practice tangible is by creating a Lenten Sacrifice Jar or Bowl in your home. Choose a visible place—your kitchen table, prayer space, or another central spot—and encourage your family to contribute throughout Lent. Bring your donation to church before Easter or donate online.

"The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9