Lenten Practices

Spiritual Works of Mercy
Corporal Works of Mercy
Stations of the Cross

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Every Christian is called to do the Spiritual Works of Mercy:
Converting sinners
Instructing the ignorant
Advising the doubtful
Comforting the sorrowful
Bearing wrongs patiently
Forgiving injuries
Praying for the living and dead

During this Lenten Season, try each day to choose one of these Spiritual Works of Mercy to do.


Corporal Works of Mercy

Every time someone walks into or out of Saint Margaret Mary Church, they pass by the front stained glass window, which depicts the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. Every Christian is called to do these works of mercy in their daily lives. During the Lenten Season, it would be a very spiritually growing practice to do one a day.
Feeding the hungry
Sheltering the homeless
Clothing the naked
Visiting the sick
Visiting the imprisoned
Giving drink to the thirsty
Burying the dead


Stations of the Cross

The religious dream of people in the Middle Ages, and perhaps all people, was to some day walk in the footsteps of Jesus on his way to be crucified. For most people that was and is impossible. Saint Frances of Assisi wanting to care for his people spiritually asked why can't we bring the experience of Jesus' going to the cross to everyone. He created the devotion we now know as the Stations (or The Way) of the Cross. It allows us to walk with Jesus to the cross and experience the suffering of Jesus in an experiential way. Over the years, the “stations” (or the events) have varied in number depending upon the author. Today the church has designated the devotion to have 14 stations in the journey. There are many authors who have reflected on these stations and invited us to journey with them to the saving cross.

Time of Celebration of the Stations of the Cross during Lent

At 7:00 PM on the Fridays of Lent, Saint Margaret Mary Church celebrates the journey of Jesus to Calvary and our salvation with the Stations of Cross. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament immediately follows the Stations of the Cross. The Polish Community will celebrate the Stations of the Cross in the Polish language at 8:00 PM on Fridays.

Click here for a document "Contemplating the Crucified Christ with Mary" by Msgr. Charles M. Mangan
Click here for an audio presentation of the Stations of the Cross.