What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Parishioners Reflect at a Soup Supper

When I was growing up, Lent was that time of year that meant more rules and sacrifices added to my life; no meat on Fridays and no candy until Easter. We spent so much time trying not to break the rules, that I never took time to reflect on the true meaning of Lent. As an adult I now realize that Lent is more about spiritual reflection. For me it has become a time of year where I examine my relationship with God, and try to do a better job of developing that relationship and incorporating it into my everyday life.

At a recent St. Joan of Arc Soup Supper, I asked the people who shared a table with me, how they celebrate Lent and how Lent is different for them now as adults, versus when they were children.

Sue Fecarotta(gray sweater,right, with the author and SJA visitor Jan Page) joined St. Joan of Arc within the last year and has already made a ton new of friends through her involvement in the Gardening Club and other collaborative ministries. Sue says she celebrates Lent by trying to do a good deed every day for another person. She also likes to attend the Wednesday night Soup Suppers to eat simply and donate to a good cause. When Sue was a child Lent meant giving up candy. But now that she’s an adult she enjoys a spiritual awareness of Lent’s true meaning and purpose.

Rick Klehr(plaid for a farmer, of course) affectionately known around St. Joans as “Farmer Rick”, likes to celebrate Lent by taking time to slow down and evaluate his true spirit. Lent, for him, has grown to be more spiritual in adulthood, than when he was a child.

Dean Stynsberg’s(white shirt in center) family was Baptist when he was growing so he did not celebrate Lent as a child. But now he appreciates the special “theme” of the Wednesday night services that St. Joan of Arc has to offer.

Kurt Rentschler(sweater to the right in above picture and a St. Joans visitor) also likes to celebrate Lent by attending the Wednesday night Soup Suppers and the service afterward. He said that he remembers celebrating Lent in the same way as a child.

Roni George(with husband John) celebrates Lent by reading “good stuff” and sitting in a rocker to just think about the world for other people. Roni doesn’t remember thinking about Lent as a child.

Margaret Voigt perceives Lent as being much more joyful and reflective than the rigid Lent of her childhood.

Tom Milbert likes to practice the gift of forgiveness during Lent and drop any expectations of others. Tom says that Lent was never really explained to him when he was growing up. But he remembers that he was told to “be quiet” and “don’t eat meat”.

Linda Freemon has been a member of St. Joan of Arc for approximately 10 years. She is a mother of 3 grown boys (including identical twins) and will soon be a grandmother. Linda likes to spend her free time with friends, family, volunteering in the community, and running.

Obviously, the way in which we understand Lent has grown and changed since we were children. But the way the Catholic Church has encouraged us to practice or “celebrate” Lent has also grown and changed. Today less emphasis is placed on the rigidity of “giving something up”. Instead the emphasis seems to be more on internal reflection, nurturing our Spirituality, and reaching out to others. Happy Lent and pass the chocolate!!

Paul Oman is a software engineer and compulsive barefoot waterskier who skis in shows with the Twin City River Rats. In winter, Paul plays hockey and sings in St. Joan's choir. He hosts some events with the St. Joan Singles group and lives in Brooklyn Center.