Parish Update | February 9th

Dear St. Margaret Mary Parish Family,

I hope this update finds you doing well and getting ready to start Lent. It doesn't seem possible that we begin the Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday in just five days. We read in the Book of the prophet Joel that we are to "return to the Lord, to rend our hearts, and return to the Lord."

The forty days of Lent provide an opportunity for us to reflect on our relationship with Christ and one another. Our active participation in the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will help us grow spiritually while extending ourselves to others in need. Know that I will be keeping you all in my prayers during these coming days as we look to begin the holy season of Lent.

Now for some events this past week and those coming up this week.

Thank you for your participation in and support of our Parish Service Weekend! The Parish, Care, Outreach, and Mission (PCOM) Committee leaders were excited and grateful to see parishioners of all ages who stopped down to help with the assembly of the Care Kits this past Sunday. The donations of socks, hats, granola bars, travel toothbrushes/toothpaste by so many school families and parishioners resulted in 285 kits! Families took kits to share and many will be distributed at local agencies, such as The Stephen Center and Holy Family Community Center. May God bless your generosity and those who will benefit from it. If you want to connect with a ministry leader or learn more, visit our website here.

This past Tuesday, eleven of our 8th graders received academic scholarships to three Omaha area Catholic high schools. The scholarships were awarded by Creighton Preparatory, Duchesne Academy, and Marian High School. This achievement is a reflection of their efforts, the support of their parents, and the outstanding work of St. Margaret Mary teachers. Congratulations to all!

There is still time to sign up and participate in Live Lent Together 2024. Fr. Jeremy Hans, from St. Cecilia's, and I invite you to spend Lent growing in your spiritual life and your Catholic faith in this wonderful program. Through small group gatherings of friends, family, parishioners, and neighbors, we will pray, read Scripture, and make a focus of the Eucharist as our Lord presents to us.

Watch the video here.

Groups will begin meeting the week of February 18th. Click here to register for a small group, or you can email our Director of Religious Education with questions.

Join us this Sunday before your Super Bowl festivities for our last episode of Season 2 of The Chosen series at 1:00 p.m. in the Suneg Center. Please note the time change from our usual 6:30 p.m. viewing time.

Thank you for your overwhelming support of our Founders' Day 2024 celebration. The big day is approaching next Saturday, February 17th at The Design Center. If you have questions about the event, visit the FAQ page. The silent auction is now available to preview on the website and will open February 11 - 17. This year's auction is filled with exciting experiences, themed dinner parties, opportunities for school children, and more!

https://one.bidpal.net/smmfoundersday2024

I'd also like to extend my congratulations to Abby and Matt Hager, one of our four Founders' Day Chair couples, who welcomed their second child just yesterday! He joins his big brother and many cousins during a busy and exciting time for their families!

On a final note, please see the Ash Wednesday Mass schedule listed below. There are a variety of times at either St. Margaret Mary's or St. Cecilia's to hopefully fit everyone's weekday schedule.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Ralph O'Donnell

February 11th Bulletin

The Catholic Voice Online

St. Margaret Mary Parish

6116 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE 68132

(402) 558-2255