Reflections on the Stations of the Cross based on a talk given by Steven Ray, will be presented & discussed at the Holy Conversations meeting on Thurs., April 4, in the Parish Center (lower level), following morning Mass. This conversation is biblical based & filled with things you may have never realized. All are welcome.

The following is a listing of Confessions that will be held at our neighboring parishes on the following dates: + Sun., Apr. 7 -St. Bernard Church, Hastings, 2 p.m. ~~~ + Mon., Apr. 8 -Immaculate Conception Church, New Germany, 7 p.m.  ~~~ + Tues., Apr. 9 -Queen of Peace Church, Patton, 7 p.m. ~~~ + Wed., Apr. 10 -St. Nicholas Church, Nicktown, 7 p.m.  ~~~ + Thurs., Apr. 11 -St. Benedict Church, Carrolltown, 7 p.m.

“Um, Fr., is today something special? That’s an interesting vestment...” These are just a few of the comments regarding the vestments worn last weekend. No...I didn’t make a mistake. I wore *Roman Purple.* +++ Tyrian purple (aka Royal purple or Imperial purple) is a dye extracted from the murex shellfish which was first produced by the Phoenician city of Tyre in the Bronze Age. Its difficulty of manufacture, striking purple to red colour range, & resistance to fading made clothing dyed using Tyrian purple highly desirable & expensive ... & was adopted by the Romans as a symbol of imperial authority & status. (Please click on the above title to read more.)

Come & experience forgiveness and mercy of God given to those who humbly repent of their sins. Father Ananias, O.S.B., from Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Patton, PA, will be the guest speaker for a Lenten Mission. +++ All are welcome. +++ Locations: *Tues., March 26--Protection of the BVM Catholic Church, 560 Cambria Ave., Revloc, PA and *Wed., March 27--St. Mary's Catholic Church, 3713 Campbell Ave., Northern Cambria, PA

At the Queen of Peace Parish Center (upper level) on Holy Thursday, April 18, & on Good Friday, April 19. Please click on the above title for details about the specific times of the Bake Sale.

A video series & the Stations are hosted on the below two websites (starring Fr. Ananias, O.S.B.) +++ * Stations of the Cross: https://www.catholicbuzz.org/stations_on_the_go +++ * Monkify your Lent: https://www.catholicmatch.com/institute/?s=monkify +++ By clicking on the above title, you will find active links to the individual websites.

Lenten Vespers & Benediction will be held on Palm Sunday, April 14, at 5 p.m. at Queen of Peace Church.* Vespers is the fourth "hour" of the Divine Office consisting of a Hymn, Psalms, an Old Testament Canticle, a short Scripture reading, the Magnificat, Responsories, & Intercessions, lasting approx. 30-35 minutes. +++ *Please note that because of a scheduling conflict for the choir, Lenten Vespers which were originally scheduled for every Sunday in Lent, is now scheduled only for Palm Sunday, April 14.

Very special birthday wishes to Agnes, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Tuesday, March 12. Your Queen of Peace Church Family wishes you a very Blessed day.

Reminder to “Spring Ahead” ... Before going to bed on Saturday evening (March 9), remember to turn your clocks *ahead* one hour. Then you will be on time for Mass in the morning!

Special Anniversary Wishes to Jay & Patty who recently celebrated “40 Ruby Years” on February 28. Your Queen of Peace Church Family congratulates you & wishes you many more blessed years.

This Wednesday, March 16, is Ash Wednesday, when the Church begins the forty-day journey towards the Triduum (The Three Days), with the annual discipline of fasting, praying, & giving alms. +++ Ash Wednesday & Good Friday (April 19) are days of fast & abstinence. All Fridays of Lent (March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, & 19) are days of abstinence. Fasting refers to only one full meal, with two small meals & not eating otherwise for the day. Abstinence refers to not eating meat at all during the day. +++ The Church directs the Holy Fast to all those in their 18th year until their 60th year (Canon 1252). The ancient practice of fasting & abstaining can occur throughout other days in Lent. This is not obligatory & can take a variety of forms distinct from food.

Ash Wednesday is March 6. Mass times are 7:30 a.m. & 7 p.m., with distribution of ashes at both Masses. +++ In addition, the second collection will benefit the people of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. As you begin your Lenten journey, please consider making a sacrificial gift to help those who live in one of the poorest countries on Earth. An envelope is provided in your packet.