‘Return’ this Lent
Lent, beginning on Feb. 18, is a time of renewal and conversion; a time we are called to return to penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Throughout the season of Lent, which lasts approximately 40 days, all of these actions prepare us for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter during which we recall Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
Invite a friend, family member, or coworker back to Mass this Lenten season!
Lenten Schedule, Regulations, & Faith Opportunities
Please use the tabs to view the Lenten information.
- Parish Service Project
- Parish Lenten Night
- Confession
- Stations of the Cross
- CRS Rice Bowl
- K of C Fish Fry
- Lenten Regulations
Parish Service Project: Sack Supper Packing for Kids’ Food Basket
We invite you to ‘return’ to almsgiving this Lenten season by participating in our parish-wide service project.
For thousands of children in West Michigan, a Sack Supper (healthy evening meal) ensures they have increased access to healthy food each day! You can help us supply the contents of these meals by assembling “Supper Packs” right here at St. Anthony.
How to Participate:
Supply any of the following:
- Pudding Cup
- Fruit Cup or Pouch (no foil tops please)
- Pretzel, Cheez-it or Goldfish bag (1.5 oz. or smaller)
- Meat sticks – either two 0.28 oz sticks or one 0.5 oz. stick
- Quart Size Bag – Please use quart size zipper lock bags as Supper Packs will be packaged into the Sack Suppers.
Buckets to drop off any of the items are available in the gathering space before March 25 – our assembling date.
Help us assemble the Sack Suppers!
Please join us on Wednesday, March 25, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the gathering space to assemble as many Supper Sacks as possible to directly support Kids’ Food Basket!
Questions?
Please contact the parish office at 616-453-8229 or parishoffice@saparish.com.
Parish Lenten Night
Join us on Friday, March 27, for a beautiful evening of prayer, fellowship, and simple Lenten traditions with our parish family. This is a wonderful opportunity to slow down together before Holy Week.
Bring the whole family – children are absolutely welcome! We love seeing families pray and grow in faith side by side.
Schedule:
- 5 – 7 p.m.
Confessions available near the chapel - 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Grilled Cheese & Soup Dinner in the cafeteria - 6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross in the church
Individual Sacrament of Reconciliation
The sacrament of reconciliation is a beautiful gift, offering us the chance to confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and experience the boundless mercy of Jesus Christ.
Lent is the perfect time to step into the loving embrace of God’s mercy. As we prepare for Easter, let us take this opportunity to free ourselves from the weight of sin, restore our relationship with Christ, and walk forward in His grace. No matter how long it has been or what is on your heart, Jesus is waiting for you in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Come and be renewed!
Confession times:
• Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
• Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
• “The Light is ON for You: An Evening of Penance” on March 19
During “The Light is ON For You,” individual confession will be available from 5-8 p.m.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross invite us to journey with Jesus in His final hours, from His condemnation to His death on the cross. This powerful Lenten devotion allows us to meditate on Christ’s immense love and sacrifice as we reflect on His suffering, His mercy, and His call to follow Him.
Through prayer, scripture, and reflection, the Stations help us enter more deeply into the mystery of our salvation. Whether you have prayed them for years or are experiencing them for the first time, this is an opportunity to quiet your heart, unite your suffering with Christ’s, and grow in faith this Lent.
Come walk with the Lord and let His love transform you.
Stations of the Cross during Lent:
• Fridays at 11 a.m. followed by a soup & salad lunch
• Living Stations of the Cross on Tuesday, March 31, at 2:15 p.m.
CRS Rice Bowl
Through CRS Rice Bowl, we share the journey with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need. Pick up a rice bowl in our gathering space, or order for free online, and share what you’ve been given with those in need through CRS Rice Bowl.
Please return your CRS Rice Bowl in the offertory collection or to the parish office no later than March 29.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s letter to parishioners
Additional Rice Bowl Resources
Daily reflections | Family activities | Lenten Recipes
Knights of Columbus #3104 Fish Fry
Our parish Knights of Columbus Council #3104 is hosting its own Fish Fry Fridays!
- Location: Knights of Columbus Council #3104 – West Leonard Banquet Facility (1140 Muskegon Ave NW, Grand Rapids)
- Dates: Feb. 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3
- Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
- Price: $15 for adults; $7 for kids
- Meal: Fried fish (Pollock) including french fries, coleslaw, garlic bread
- Flyer
K of C #3104 phone contact: 616-451-4411
More fish fry and Lenten meal locations can be found on the Diocese of Grand Rapids website.
Lenten Regulations
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics, ages 14 and older, on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics, ages 18 years of age but not yet 59, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted, if necessary, to maintain strength according to one’s needs. The two smaller meals combined should not be greater than the single full meal. Eating solid food (snacks) in between is not permitted.
Those that are excused from abstinence and fasting (outside the age limits) include the physically and mentally ill, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant and nursing women.
Source: USCCB Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence; USCCB: Fast & Abstinence