The Rev. Monsignor Vincent Krische, senior associate, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway:

Lent is a wonderful season called the Springtime of the Church. Spiritually, we prepare our minds, hearts and souls to grow closer to the Lord Jesus. We choose works of penance to discipline ourselves and join Christ Jesus in His physical pain, suffering and death. As we become identified with Him in death we then become identified with Him in Resurrection. Our Lenten prayer enables us to discipline ourselves through acts of self-denial and works of charity that we may become stronger in our faith, re- commit ourselves to the mission of the Church in the world, and to look forward to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ which carries with it the promise of our own future Resurrection.

Lent is also a special time to make final preparations for new growth in the Church. Since September, the Church throughout the world has been teaching, forming, leading through a process of discernment those who wish to enter full communion in the Catholic Church. Thousands of people are going through this process which will culminate in their entering the Church at the Easter Vigil. The Church literally grows with new life as she welcomes new Catholics and proclaims in them the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During Lent, all of the Church faithful pray for and encourage through works of penance those who seek full communion with us.

Yet another important work happens during Lent. Catholics who have become lax in their practice of the faith, some even having left the Church for years, choose to return and take up their life of faith once again. The Lenten penances, sacrifices, prayers of all of the faithful of the Church are offered also for them, asking the Holy Spirit to inspire them to return to the fold. We sacrifice because we want them back with us. Through the reception of the Sacrament of Penance and the Rite of Reconciliation they return. All of this makes Lent a beautiful time of life and growth in the Church.

— Send email to Vincent Krische at vkrische@petrusdevelopment.com.