Mardi Gras & Ash Wednesday This Week!

Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,

This weekend, we celebrate the final Sunday in Ordinary Time before we begin our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday. In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus reminds us that he has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The law and the prophets were given to the people as a sign of their covenantal relationship with God as well as to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah. They gave guidance on how the people were called to live with one another. Those who follow the teachings are drawn into a deeper relationship with the Lord, while those who break them are distancing themselves from the Lord. Jesus goes on to interpret the law by stating: “you have heard that it was said… but I say to you…” This is not a change in the law but instead a deepening of its meaning, which includes a call to us for a change in heart so that we are not just living up to the “letter of the law,” but allowing it to change us and conform us more closely to Christ. As we prepare this week for the season of Lent, may the message from this weekend’s scripture readings begin this process of conversion within each one of us.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Masses will be offered at the following times: 

• St. Jane Frances: 8:30am, 12:00pm and 7:00pm
• Our Lady of the Chesapeake: 8:30am and 7:00pm

Please come and join us for Mass as you begin your Lenten journey. Stations of the Cross will be offered on Fridays during Lent: 12:00pm at OLC and 7:00pm at St. Jane. We are also beginning our Lenten group study based on the book Restore: A Guided Journal for Prayer and Meditation. Please keep our pastorate in your prayers as we take these early steps toward preparing ourselves for the celebration of our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection at Easter (which is April 5th).

On Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 17th, we will be offering two opportunities to celebrate before the start of Lent. One is our annual Mardi Gras celebration at the Rumor Meal (Mountain Road). Dine in or Carry Out (no delivery) and tell them you are with OLC and we will receive a portion of your proceeds for our Youth Ministry Program. Fr. Steve will again be guest bartending from 6:00pm to 8:00pm that evening. We also have our Pancake Dinner in the St. Jane Parish Hall from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. Tickets are $10/ adults, $8 for kids 3–12, or $30 for the entire family. This will also support Youth Ministry. We hope you can join us!

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the 2026 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. The theme for this year’s appeal is “Lift Up Your Hearts.” This theme calls us to “Lift Up Our Hearts to God, Unite in Hope as a faith community, and embrace our shared mission of Service.” There is still time for you to make your donation to the Appeal which supports many social ministries programs throughout the Archdiocese. The Catholic Church is the largest private provider of services to people in need in the state of Maryland. Please offer what you can to assist our Church in this corporal work of mercy by making a gift to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. Thanks! 

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!

God Bless,
Father Steve