Dear Academy families and friends,
On my desk I have a prayer card given at the 200th Anniversary Eucharistic Celebration of the establishment of the Society of the Sacred Heart in the United States (and the founding of our school). It reads from a letter sent by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: “I am where God wills me to be, and so I have found rest and security. His wisdom governs me, His power defends me, His grace sanctifies me, His joy sustains me and all will go well with me.” Philippine knew in the depths of her soul that she was loved by God. Her faith is an example to each of us and the confidence that we associate with her comes from that absolute trust.
During this Lenten season we are given an invitation to grow in grace, to grow in trust, to grow in faith. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat said that if she “had her life to live over again, I would seek to live in complete openness to the Holy Spirit.” As we embark on our Lenten journey, may we dedicate ourselves in a special way to being open to the Spirit dwelling within and may, at the arrival of Easter, we more closely share Philippine’s understanding that all will go well.
On a practical note:
Next week we begin our Lenten journey with the observance of Ash Wednesday. I wish to share with you how the ashes will be distributed this year, as due to COVID-19 precautions, the practice will be modified. Fr. Dotson will be our celebrant on Wednesday. When I inquired of the changes Fr. Dotson offered the following:
The bishops have instructed that, instead of drawing a cross with the ashes on the forehead, the ashes should be sprinkled on the top of the head. In this way, we don’t end up touching everyone. Additionally, the admonition “Remember you are dust and to dust you will return” is said once over the entire congregation rather than individually for each person.
Our Ash Wednesday liturgy will be live streamed beginning at 2:00 p.m., we welcome you to join us online.
United in Mission,
Dr. Susan Dempf
