The ashes shared at the beginning of Lent are remnants of the palms that were distributed at the end of the previous Lent. We wave and celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and into our lives. Then, we burn that palm and etch the cross onto our foreheads with its ashes as a visible sign of our acceptance to be Christ’s followers. … Read More »Holy Week 2026
Thank you to all who were involved in the recent OLP Drama Production of Willy Wonka Jr. The shows were a spectacular performance by our young students. The set designs, props, and costumes added to a most joyful celebration. Blessings to all of you and thanks to all who attended these performances and for your support of the arts. Nine months until Christmas! Make that… Read More »“The power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
Today, the Ides of March (watch your back), is also Laetare Sunday. The Latin word Laetare is the source of the English word elation, meaning rejoice. Laetare Sunday itself is rooted in the prophecy of Isaiah. In the final chapter of the book, the prophet speaks about the change of course of the holy city of Jerusalem. “Rejoice with her in joy, all you who… Read More »Laetare Sunday
Our Lady of Peace Drama Program’s production of Willy Wonka Jr. will be presented this week. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7pm as well as next Sunday, 15 March at 2pm. We thank all our volunteers and parents who have been working so diligently on this production. We especially thank our children who are showcasing their talents and who have been working tirelessly in preparation for these performances. We are richly… Read More »“The Golden Ticket”
The following is an excerpt of Pope Leo’s Lenten message. The full message may be found at Lent 2026: Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion Dear brothers and sisters, Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal… Read More »“Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion”
On Thursday of this week, we welcome Bishop Keith Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as the celebrant for the Sacrament of Confirmation for 36 of our PREP and Notre Dame de Lourdes students. We thank our teachers, catechists, and all who have guided our students for this deepening of their baptismal grace and for preparing them to receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Blessings to… Read More »First Sunday of Lent
Lent begins this Wednesday 18 February. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at the three Masses celebrated on Ash Wednesday – 8:30am, and 6:00pm at Our Lady of Peace; and 10:00am at Notre Dame de Lourdes. Our parish school students will join us for the 10:00am Mass. Mardi Gras is Tuesday 17 February. Below is a prayerful way, from Xavier University, to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits for the approaching forty days and to celebrate… Read More »Lenten Devotions
Wednesday 11 February is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. It has also been designated as World Day of the Sick. World Day of the Sick was established in 1992 by Pope St. John Paul II. It is a day to remember those who are most in need of God’s healing as well as in need of our compassion and the strength and encouragement… Read More »World Day of the Sick
The snow from last Sunday postponed the opening of our Catholic Schools Week celebration and Open House. Today (Sunday 1 February) we will celebrate Catholic education at our 9:30 am mass at Notre Dame de Lourdes with the Open House of our parish school following from 10:30-Noon. Blessings to our students, staff, faculty, and administration at Notre Dame de Lourdes School as we extend our celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Please… Read More »Blessing of the throats
Blessings to our students, staff, faculty, and administration at Notre Dame de Lourdes School as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The events of Catholic Schools Week begin today (Sunday 25 January) with an Open House at the School from 10:30 – Noon. Please stop by our parish school and explore the wonderful programs and accomplishments of our students. Whether you are a… Read More »Catholic Schools Week