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Parish Lenten Mission To Promote A Timely Message During This Penitential Season
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on our ability to come together for the celebration of Mass, as well as for all parish activities that bring us together as a family in Christ. But our traditional Parish Lenten Mission, scheduled in March, will be an opportunity for us to safely gather to build our connections and move forward with renewed faith.
Msgr. Braaten chose the theme in 2019 before the virus struck — “Strengthening Our Faith When It’s Stormy.” The speaker for the mission, Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, appreciates this serendipity.
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“We need to reconnect to the Church,” Dr. Burgwald says. “Whenever difficulties arise, at some point we have to be able to ask, ‘What is the Lord doing in this? What is there for me in this?’”
Dr. Burgwald will speak during each of the three days of the mission, which will begin at 3 p.m. on March 7 and continue over the evenings of March 8 and 9. His message will build on the understanding that the Lord reminds us that we are not in control of our lives and that we must turn back to Him amid this loss of control.
“That is my plan,” he says. “I intend to spend all three nights looking at the different ways we can strengthen our faith amid difficulties, hardship, the loss of a loved one, or anything.”
Dr. Burgwald acknowledges that the loss of celebrating Mass together would fall under the definition of “hardship and difficulties.”
“We found that absence makes the heart grow fonder,” Dr. Burgwald says of missing in-person Mass. “This was a re-awakening of how we value the participation in Mass to receive our Lord in Communion. At our parish, when we resumed with Mass, I saw a return to our parish. Some aren’t ready to return, but we also know we have to reach out, as well.”
During the mission, attendees will have a prime opportunity to experience growth as disciples and in stewardship. With the overall theme of building one’s faith in the face of difficulties, Dr. Burgwald plans to offer concrete takeaways.
“There are two central aspects,” he says. “These are growing in your relationship with God and using all the gifts He’s given to you in your life. The people attending usually see a deeper understanding of their faith. Their faith is awakened and they want to learn more. They receive an understanding of how faith can help in their daily life.”
Dr. Burgwald’s talks will be geared to adults, but high school and junior high school students will be able to appreciate the messages.
Those attending will be able to practice social distancing and most likely will be required to wear masks.
“We are fortunate that we have a large worship space and we can adequately space everyone out,” says Beth Kathol, Ascension Parish Business Manager. “Even though we will not be able to have refreshments afterward, being together for this Parish Mission will be fruitful. Our sacramental life is based on material elements and spiritual elements. It’s important to stay true to it and be connected in-person if we can.
“We now have the capability to livestream which will be a nice bonus for those who are physically unable to attend,” she adds.
While those who have attended past Lenten Missions know the benefits it has to offer, those new to the mission this year will find that it is a good spiritual refresher.
"I strongly encourage parishioners and teens to attend all three evenings. This is an opportunity for serious spiritual reflection and growth. Many people are feeling disconnected and lost, especially amid this recent pandemic, and this Lenten Parish Mission will help us re-focus and ground ourselves in the paschal mystery and redemption that we are preparing for during Lent."
Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, will speak during each of the three days of the mission, which will begin at 3 p.m. on March 7, and continuing over the evenings of March 8 and 9. His message will build on the understanding that the Lord reminds us that we are not in control of our lives, and that we must turn back to Him in the midst of this loss of control.
