There is plenty going on here at Old St. Mary’s during the Season of Lent. We hope you will join us for some or all of our Lenten offerings! A full list and description of events can be found here.
Lenten Devotionals
Available in our commons! For adults, Not By Bread Alone is written by Mark Villano, CSP, a Paulist priest, and offers daily reflections for the Lenten season. For children, Jesus Is Always With You is an engaging activity book designed to help young hearts enter into Lent. A suggested donation of $5 per book is appreciated to defray costs and can be made by tapping on our giving kiosk.
Lenten Small Groups
Small groups are welcoming spaces where real conversations happen, about faith, hope, questions, and where God may be stirring in our lives during this holy season. Whether this is your first time joining a group or you’ve participated before, you’ll find a place to belong, to listen, and to be heard. Groups meet weekly starting March 2 throughout Lent and are open to all. Come as you are, and feel free to invite a friend to join you along the way. Click here to sign up.
Friday Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper
Join us at 6:00 PM in the Church every Friday of Lent (except Good Friday) for Stations of the Cross. A simple soup supper follows afterwards. Sponsored by various ministries in our community!
Lenten Fish Fry | Friday, February 20 after Stations of the Cross
Our local Knights of Columbus chapter hosts our annual Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, February 20 after our 6:00 PM Stations of the Cross. $20 per person, and includes Fish & Chips, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese! Pre-register here.
Lenten Parish Mission | February 23 – 25, Morning and Evening Sessions Available
This Lent, we invite you to step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. Our three-day Parish Mission is an opportunity to deepen your faith, reconnect with God, and grow together as a community as we prepare our hearts for Easter. We are especially grateful to welcome back Fr. Frank DeSiano, Paulist priest and former pastor of Old St. Mary’s, who will lead us in prayer and reflection around the theme of hope – a hope rooted not in wishful thinking, but in the transforming power of God at work in our lives. Each day will include a presentation offered both in the morning and evening (with the same content at each session), allowing everyone an opportunity to participate. All are welcome — parishioners, friends, neighbors, and anyone seeking encouragement and renewal this Lent. Come for one session or join us for all three days. Childcare available during evening sessions. Note the special stand-alone sessions for young adults and school parents!
Day 1 — Monday, February 23
9:15 AM & 6:30 PM
“We Cannot Live Without Hope”
Day 2 — Tuesday, February 24
9:15 AM & 6:30 PM
“Hope is the Power of Easter”
Day 3 — Wednesday, February 25
8:30 AM (within Mass) & 6:30 PM
“Hope is God’s Transformation of Our Lives”
Special Session for Young Adults
Sunday, February 22 after the 4:00 PM Mass
Special Session for School Parents
Monday, February 23 at 1:30 PM
The 7th Annual OSM Chili Cook Off! | Saturday, February 28 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Whether you’re simmering a secret chili recipe or baking a crowd-pleasing dessert, we want you in! Enter your best chili or your favorite brownies and see how they stack up. Email chili@oldstmarys.com to sign up your chili and/or brownie, or to volunteer for the event!
The Path of Discernment | Sunday, March 22 at 9:45 AM
No matter where we are in life, discernment is an everyday reality. Join us as we dive into Matt Kresich’s debut book which provides a practical approach to hearing God’s call and reflect on how Lent is a perfect to time hear the Lord’s voice anew. Matt Kresich is an international speaker, author, and retreat leader. In addition to his role within the Archdiocese of Chicago, he is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, and along with his wife Carissa, just welcomed their first child.
Parish Reconciliation Service | Monday, March 23 at 6:30 PM
This Lent, we are invited to return to God with honest and open hearts, trusting in God’s mercy and love. Our Parish Reconciliation Service will take place on Monday, March 23 at 6:30 PM, beginning with a communal prayer service and followed by opportunities for individual confession with several priests available.
Taize Prayer Service | Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM
On Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM join us for Taizé Prayer, a simple and meditative service of candlelight, silence, scripture, and repetitive sung prayer drawn from the Taizé community in France. As we begin Holy Week, this gentle, contemplative experience will offer a quiet space to slow down, rest in God’s presence, and prepare your heart for the sacred days ahead.