Dear Alexis,

Peace and all good! Welcome to our monthly newsletter highlighting news and events of the Franciscans in the Western United States.

Most of us would have trouble naming the ten richest people in the world or the last five Olympic gold medalists, Academy Award winners, or even Nobel Prize recipients in any given category. Naturally, we want to honor people who achieve real excellence in their fields. But after the newspapers get recycled, the applause dies down and the dust gathers on tarnishing trophies, we tend to forget.

On the other hand, we easily remember some who are less famous—those we enjoy spending time with and who make us feel special and appreciated, the friends who’ve gone through difficult times with us, the ones who inspired us and taught us something worthwhile. The people who make a lasting impression on us often aren’t those with the most money, credentials or awards. They’re the ones who, by their great care and generosity toward us, have touched us in mind, heart and soul.

This Lent may be a good time to reflect on the special people in our lives. What do they teach us? What qualities do they have that we’d like to strengthen in ourselves? How can we show our gratitude, both directly to these people and by passing along to others the gifts they’ve given us?

Wishing you and your family a blessed Lenten season.

- Brother John Summers, OFM

For more information about St. Francis Retreat Center please visit their website, www.stfrancisretreat.com

Oceanside, CA: Echos of Faith
Echoes of Faith is a weekly series of presentations on various topics for ongoing Catholic Faith Formation. This series is held Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at San Luis Rey Parish. For more information...

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Phoenix, AZ: Soup and Study : The Spirit of Vatican II
All are welcome to join this educational/ spiritual opportunity to “enrich your Lent!” Join Father Vince and Sister Anthony every Wednesday of Lent at St. Mary's Basilica at 6pm. For more information...

Tucson, AZ: Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross are sacred stories about the Passion and death of Jesus. Gather every Wednesday of Lent at 7pm for the Stations of the Cross at the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. For more information...

Sacramento, CA: God, Grace & Growth– Not Guilt: St. Francis of Assisi Parish presents a Lenten Journey with Fr. Ben Innes, OFM. “Lent is a time for us to reconnect with our spiritual self and to grow,” says Fr. Ben Innes, O.F.M. Fr. Ben has served 9 years as retreat director for Mission San Luis Rey and 6 years at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ.
Through his retreats, Fr. Ben seeks “to free people from guilt, to open them up to God’s unlimited love” so that they can “love not fear God” and “be open to God’s plan for each of us.” Please join Fr. Ben for a joyful Lenten experience!
This event is free of charge. For more information and to register online...

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