Changes in both our liturgical environment and some of our practices during the liturgy are helpful reminders to help us focus on the journey and help us to further appreciate and more deeply enter into the mysteries of the Faith.

• Vestments and altar cloths are purple, except on Laetare Sunday (the 4th Sunday of Lent).
• The purple is suggestive of penance and solemnity.
• We omit the Gloria and the Alleluia.
• Crosses and images will be veiled beginning the 5th Sunday of Lent through Good Friday.

We should be mindful that while we are encouraged to fast during Lent, we should not be fasting from the Church’s sacraments or sacramentals.

• Attend Mass.
• Do penance in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays.
• Pray the Rosary.
• Give alms to our parish and community.

“Fasting” is the word used when the amount of food eaten is limited.

“Abstinence” is when you completely give something up, like meat, for a set period of time.

Both "fasting" and "abstinence" play a role during Lent.

Catholics age 14 and older ABSTAIN or do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. Instead of meat many Catholics choose to eat fish.

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics age 18 to 59 also FAST or limit the amount of food they eat. Only one full meal, and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal, are eaten. For example, eat smaller meals than what you would eat on a normal day and avoid snacks.

*Exemption is allowed for pregnant women & those who need regular meals for medical reasons.*

Father in Heaven, the light of your truth bestows sight to the darkness of sinful eyes.

May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of Your light.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Youth & Teens (6th-12th grade/ EDGE & HSYG) are invited to enjoy an evening together this Friday, March 7th, 5:30-8:30pm.

This will be an opportunity for the Youth & Teens to join our parish community for a Simple Supper (a potluck of meatless meals held each Friday during Lent) and attend Stations of the Cross (led by the Youth & Teens with Father Aiden), with Social Time to follow.

Please bring a MEATLESS dish to share.

Use the link below to RSVP by 3/7/25.

We began by sharing dinner together and watched a video to learn why we celebrate Saint Valentine's Day (see video below).

We then reviewed OCIA, OCIC, Confirmation, Catechumen, and Confirmandi. (see slides below 1st video).

For our service project the Youth & Teens made Valentine Cards for the St. Nicholas Catechumen and Confirmandi, and Father Charles. We also prayed for all Catechumen and Confirmandi as they prepare to receive the Sacraments.

We then returned to the Youth Room for the drawing of our January First Friday prize winner! Congratulations to Meckenna!!

We finished our evening with FUN! Some assisted in decorating the Youth Room for Valentine's Day while the rest chose Free Time! (See the SNYM Youth & Teens in the last video below.)

Special thanks to Shannon & Rob Blackburn!

This month EDGE completed Encounter Lessons 5 & 6 and enjoyed another session of Visio Divina. We will now move on from the books of the Old Testament and begin with the New Testament when we resume classes on March 23. (See slides below)

We played fun games related to our Bible Timeline lessons (David & Goliath and the Maccabees), made Valentines for Father Aiden, and they got their favorite... FREE TIME! (See video below)

To view the videos that accompany each lesson:

1. open the lesson link
2. click in top right to play as a 'Slideshow"
3. click anywhere on the slide
4. video will open to play in a new tab or browser window

Video links are embedded on the following slides for each lesson:

• Part 2 - Lesson 5 - Click anywhere on Slide #2 and #7
• Part 1 - Lesson 6 -Click anywhere on Slide #3
• Part 2 - Lesson 6 - Click anywhere on Slide #10
• The Town of Assisi - *no video*

We are very grateful to Mrs. Andie and Mr. Youngbird for joining us in EDGE!

Special thanks to Mr. Kyle and Mr. Clay for subbing for Mrs. Beth!

This month HSYG completed Venture Lessons 5 & 6 and the Chosen In Christ Gospel Study. We also began our next Gospel Study, Kingdom Living, and a new 4 session collection, Set Apart.

(See slides below)

We played games, celebrated Mrs. Shannon's birthday, made Valentines for Father Aiden, and the Teens got lots of FREE TIME! (See video below)

• Part 2 - Lesson 5 - Click anywhere on Slide #3, #5, and #7
• Part 1 - Lesson 6 -Click anywhere on Slide #3
• Part 2 - Lesson 6 - Click anywhere on Slide #4 and #6
• What is a Saint? - Click anywhere on Slide #4, #7, and #10

We remain grateful to The Blackburns!

Special thanks to Jack's Dad!' (aka, Rob Blackburn) and Mr. Clay for subbing for Mrs. Beth!

AGES: 6-17 years old

DATES: June 9-13, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
TIME: 9am - 3pm
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Catholic Church - North Pole
FEE: $30 per child *up to $100 maximum per family*

1:30-3pm in the Great Room.

• Lesson 10 - Sunday Mar. 30th

1:30-3pm in the Youth Room.

It is mandatory for both the Catholic parent

and candidate to attend the sessions.

***NO ORATORY MARCH 8th AND 15th FOR SPRING BREAK***

Ages 5-17 years old are invited to Oratory at 1pm every Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Learn more about Oratory (including the schedule) at https://sacredheartak.org/oratory.

While we have had quite a few wonderful parishioners volunteer to assist in EDGE & HSYG, their schedules do fluctuate and it would be very helpful to have more who are willing to assist.

Per the Diocese policy for the safety of everyone, a minimum of 2 certified adults are required to be present for all Youth Ministry activities.

Please prayerfully consider completing your certification, and/ or asking individuals who you think would be a willing volunteer. Or, you can submit suggestions for me to contact. Thank you. -Beth

All youth ministry volunteers must have current certification for the course of Serving Vulnerable Populations and a Criminal History Record Check on file with the Diocese. More information can be found by visiting Adult Training on the Diocese of Fairbanks website. Diocese of Fairbanks - Adult Training - Fairbanks, AK

Call or Text 907-978-4786

Email stnicksym@cbna.org

Sundays 10am-7pm

Please call, text, or email for

appointments Monday-Saturday

It is a privilege to work with St. Nick's Youth!

As always, please never hesitate to contact me for any reason.

In Christ's love, Beth