Lent: A Time to Come Home

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which this year is Feb. 18. A day of fasting and abstinence, it is not a holy day of obligation, but is one of the top three solemn occasions in the church that draws the biggest crowds. For Catholics, the season of Lent is a period of 40 days of intense fasting, increased prayer and generous almsgiving. In decades past, Lent has been about giving up something. Yet this year, we challenge Catholics to begin something new!

For so many people in the greater St Louis area, going to Church has become something of their past. Whether they feel excluded, rejected, outcast or unwanted, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, an independent Catholic community, is striving to show Catholics there is an alternative.

Founded on the principles of the Second Vatican Council, St. Catherine’s strives to make modern the ancient traditions of the Catholic faith. Embracing diversity and inclusion, St. Catherine’s welcomes all people to celebrate their Catholic faith. With married clergy, female priests, full gay and lesbian inclusion, same-sex marriage, and lay-governed parishes; St. Catherine’s has become the answer to many people’s prayers.

No longer will Catholics leave Church upset by what is preached and taught. No longer will Catholics have to justify the hypocrisy and corruption. No longer will Catholics have to yearn for change only to wait decades. St. Catherine’s offers St. Louis a much needed alternative. With inclusive liturgy, dynamic preaching, and Spirit-filled liturgies, St. Catherine’s is becoming the destination for fallen away Catholics.

“We are everything you loved about the Catholic Church without the politics, discrimination, hatred nor corruption,” commented Fr. Phillip Lichtenwalter, pastor of St. Catherine’s. “During this season of Lent, we invite all Catholics to come and experience a new and welcoming expression of their Catholic faith.”

St. Catherine of Siena Independent Catholic Church worships at the chapel of the Church of the Holy Communion located at 7401 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO on Sundays at 1pm. All are welcome!

For more information, please call Parish Office at (314) 329-8207 or visit the church’s website at www.SaintCatherineSTL.org