Dear Parish Family, At the coronation of King Charles III, the Archbishop of Canterbury remarked that “each of us is called to serve.” “Service is love.” With the beginning of Lent, we often think of giving up something as penance. What if we choose to provide service either as an alternative or in addition to that sacrifice? Performing our religious duty as a child of God fulfills one’s moral responsibility of meeting the needs of others. Service is a deep response to our faith. Often we see the face of God in those that are marginalized. Just as Jesus aid in (Acts 20-35) “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Once we develop the habit of serving and putting ourselves at the needs of others, we feel the goodness deep within our own hearts. It is important to encourage children by our example, with a life long goal of serving others. St Vincent de Paul was a French Catholic priest known for his charity and compassion particularly helping the poor. We know that St Vincent de Paul Society is the name chosen by Fredric Ozanam with the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. This is what our SVDP does here at St Mark. St Nicholas is designated as the saint of generosity. Although his feast day is celebrated in December his generosity is prevalent throughout the year. We all have charisms that can help us to implement a service to others. May our loving God encourage us to fast from negative thoughts and actions and live the life Jesus taught us during Lent. Mary Jo