Season of lent
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully.
How to Live Lent
Reconciliation
Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) this Lent.
In this sacrament we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church.
A priest is available to hear confessions:
- Every weekday from 7:30 - 8:15 am
- Every Saturday from 4 - 4:45 pm
- Every Friday during Lent from 6 - 6:45 pm
- Friday, March 6 from 9 - 11:45 am
- Monday, March 30 from 9 - 11 am & 4 - 5 pm
- Tuesday, March 31 from 6 - 7 pm
- Wednesday, April 1 from 6 - 7 pm
- By appointment, call the parish office: 415-453-2342
If it has been a while since your last Confession, click the button below for Reconciliation resources, including a step-by-step guide to preparing for and receiving this sacrament.
Eucharistic Adoration
Consider committing at least one hour each week before the Blessed Sacrament. The miracle of Adoration is not that life becomes easier, but that the soul becomes anchored in God. Keep watch with Jesus this Lent.
Every weekday, Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 7:25 - 8:25 am. A priest is available to hear confessions from 7:30 - 8 am.
Each Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 6 pm - 7 pm. A priest is available to hear confessions during this time.
On the first Friday of the month, Eucharistic Adoration will be at both 7:25 am and also at 9 am. A benediction will conclude Adoration at 12 noon. A priest is available to hear confessions during First Friday Adoration.
On Monday, March 30 Eucharistic Adoration for suffering children around the world will begin at 9 am and conclude at 5 pm. To commit to an hour (or more), please signup.
Stations of the Cross
Fr. Gabriel prays the Stations of the Cross with parishioners and guests in the church each Friday during Lent at 7 pm (except for March 20 when we will have Solemn Vespers at 6 pm). The praying of Stations is preceded by an hour of Adoration starting at 6 pm. To preview how the Stations of the Cross are are prayed here at St. Anselm, click on the button below.
Reading Scripture with Others
- Each Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm, a group of adult parishioners meets over Zoom to study a particular book of the Bible. The Gospel of Matthew is currently being studied.
- Each Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm, Deacon Bob Meave explores the readings for the upcoming weekend Mass.
- Every other Wednesday, young adults from across Marin County gather to study the upcoming readings.
Rosary
We pray the rosary at 8 am each weekday before Mass.
All are invited to participate. To preview how the Rosary is said each weekday here at St. Anselm, click on the button below.
Personal Prayer
Improve you prayer life by using Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app.
Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday (Feb 18) and Good Friday (April 3) are days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence.
Read a reflection on Lenten fasting.
Already Completed opportunities
Ash Wednesday Mass
Participate in Mass and receive ashes on Wednesday, February 18. Mass times: 8:00 am, 11 am and 5:00 pm
Food Drives
On February 21 & 22, and on March 21 & 22, St. Anselm parishioners were invited to bring non-perishable food to help feed our Marin county neighbors in need. Volunteer staffed the truck we use to receive food brought by parishioners.
Solemn Vespers for Peace in the World
Lenten Solemn Vespers is the Church’s official evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, celebrated in song during the penitential season of Lent. On Friday, March 20th at 6 pm, all three choirs - parish, children, and chant choirs - will join together to guide us through the beauty and simplicity of sung prayer.
A reception will follow in Centennial Hall and Fr. Wankar will give a short talk about the situation of Christians in Nigeria for those interested.