Lent commemorates the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert praying and fasting. Jesus spent His prayer time coming to know what He was called to do. Jesus spent His prayer time in preparation for His ministry.
Along with fasting or sacrifice during Lent, we are also called to enhance our prayer life. It is through prayer that we grow closer to God. It is through prayer that we come to understand what God is expecting from us.
Prayer can be as simple as a morning thank you to God for another day of life or an Act of Contrition in the evening asking God to forgive our failings. Prayer could be meditating on a daily Bible verse or sitting in quiet contemplation in the Adoration chapel.
As with any relationship the key to prayer is to spend time with God, speaking from the heart... and listening intently. When you listen to God and follow His desire, you are truly showing your Attitude of Gratitude.

During Lent we are called to abstain from meat on Fri­days and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fur­thermore we are encouraged to fast as a spiritual exercise to more closely align us with Christ. Typically when we fast, we give up a type of food, a practice or a behavior.
Fasting is intended to be sacrificial. Fasting is sup­posed to be a practice where we willfully give of ourselves with the intent of drawing closer to God. In Isaiah 58:6, 7 we read "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke, Set­ting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke, Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own."
Each of these actions are examples of how God wants us to treat our neighbor. As you fast this Lent, develop your Attitude of Gratitude by applying your sacrifice to the benefit of another.

Have you thought about what you and your family want to do for Lent? We are offering you the opportunity to do some­thing creative this year and our idea includes children of all ages. We support the concept of "giving to" rather than "giving up" for Lent and are inviting you to bring items for the Feeding the Homeless barrel (giving to the poorest of the poor, as Je­sus directed us to do). What a simple and effective way to teach your children about obeying God's command of caring for the poor and living Jesus' teaching. Contributing your time by working with us can be fun and can also help you earn vol­unteer hours for school.

We currently have 4 women (Mary, Sara, Theresa, Joyce) and 11 men (Phil, Elton, Mike, Gary, Jim, Mark, Wilson, Clay, Vinnie, Lloyd, Rusty) we are feeding. We go Tuesdays around 4:45 and Saturdays around 1:00 and you are welcome to join us. They also have 3 dogs and last week they rescued 3 four-week old abandoned puppies. They have become our friends with Jesus.

Needed items:
· socks, t-shirts (medium or large-gently used is fine), shoes & jeans; travel size toiletries
· individual serving size of any food; canned food: soup, spa­ghetti-o's fruit, tuna, cup-o-soup, etc.
· canned fruit & applesauce; cereal & powdered milk; bottled water & juice
· beef jerky, cereal, crackers, fruit& snack bars; puppy & dog food & toys
· spiritual reading material
· The ONLY thing they ask for is prayers and smiles!

If you wish to donate perishable items, please call first so we can immediately pick it up to keep it the right temperature. If you're not sure about an item, please call us: 255-8705 / 565-3455. You may drop off items in the Narthex at SJV, at our home- 1201 Abbey Rd. or if needed, call us to pick up items-255-8705 / 565-3455.

Help stock the PSM "Household/Personal Hygiene" Pan­try:

The pantry serves Round Rock families who are on Food Stamps or their monthly income is at the federal poverty level. Please bring these items when you come to Mass next week­end according to the first letter of your last name: A-H: Laun­dry detergent (29 loads), bar soap, deodorant (men or women), baby powder; I-P: Shampoo and conditioner, paper towels, dish detergent, baby body wash; O-Z: Toothpaste, liquid cleaning products, baby wipes, baby shampoo. Thank you for your generosity in the name of the poor in our com­munity.

Today in the first reading we hear how God created man and how man repays Him by sinning. We then hear the psalmist pleading for God's mercy. In the second read­ing, we hear how God grants us His mercy in the person of Christ. Finally in the Gospel we hear Christ quote three scriptures, "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."; "You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test" and finally, "The Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve."
Today's readings are particularly meaningful to Chris­tian stewards. First we recognize that God has given us all things. We see that we have sinned against Him yet he has granted us mercy.
On Ash Wednesday, we hear "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel, remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." Lent is the perfect time to practice your Attitude of Gratitude by heeding Jesus' words, live by the word of God, take care not to test God, and worship and serve Him.

It is really wonderful to see the children growing as stewards. They really enjoy first Sundays and the effort that Father puts in to make it special. The props and the messages speak directly to the children. The children show their appreciation by attentiveness and participation. The children clearly use this time to build their relationship with Jesus.
What would be your answer if you were asked about your relationship with Jesus? Some would answer that Jesus is God; others would say teacher, father, priest or friend. Jesus should be every child's best friend. Like a best friend, we can talk to Jesus at home, at church, anywhere. Like a true friend, we can share with Him our joys, difficulties, plans, and ask Him for help.
As you prepare for church or RE, think "I am going to see my best friend, Jesus." Church should be spending time with your best friend, Jesus, always there waiting to see you. Be excited, come to church with a smile and show an attitude of gratitude to your best friend, Jesus.