Reflection for First Sunday of Lent

As you reflect on this Gospel, consider how these temptations of Jesus resonate within your own life. Imagine that the Devil has decided to turn his attention to you this coming week, to test you, tempt you, to try to stop you from following Jesus. He is going to approach you in three different ways. What might those ways be for each of us? Wrestling with this question is an important task of our Lenten journey and our commitment to Come, Walk with Me.

 

This first Sunday of Lent, we invite each of us to take one of these key chains which tells us who we are called to become. Let this Lent be a time for us to respond.

ASH WEDNESDAY REFLECTION – February 18, 2026

 As we leave tonight and begin our Lenten journey, let each of us commit ourselves to the invitation to “Come, Walk with Me.” In these next five weeks, let us seek opportunities to encounter Christ in a deeper more committed way.
 
Please check the bulletin this weekend for a complete list of our Parish Lenten opportunities. May our parish be blessed with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we enter this Lenten journey of faith.

 

Calling All Former Alum Passion Play Participants, School & Faith Formation

As we prepare for our upcoming Passion Play, we find ourselves reflecting with gratitude on those who have helped bring this sacred story to life in years past. Your involvement as a 7th and 8th grader a few years ago or many, many years ago as a Passion Play participant at St. Valentine left a lasting mark, and it would be a true blessing to welcome you back on Good Friday, April 3rd as part of the “crowd”.

We warmly invite you to join us again—The Passion Play is not only a performance, but an opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and shared faith, and your presence would mean a great deal to us.

If you feel called to participate or would like more information, we would love to hear from you. Please email Bonnie Danic at bdanic@stvalentineschool.com

Prayer for the New Year 2026

Heavenly Father,
as I stand at the threshold of this new year,
I come before You with a heart full of hope and trust.

Thank You for the gift of another year,
for the grace You have given me,
and for Your faithful presence in my life.

I place this new year into Your hands.
Guide my steps, protect my heart,
and help me grow closer to You each day.

Bless my family, my work, my relationships,
and all the intentions I carry in my heart.
Give me strength in trials,
wisdom in decisions,
and peace in uncertainty.

Lord, may this year be one of grace, renewal, and deeper faith.
I trust in Your providence and surrender all to Your will.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.