The season of Lent is the sacred time in our liturgical calendar in which we remember Jesus going out to the desert to prepare for his public ministry. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent 40 days in prayer and fasting. During those days, he was tempted to satisfy his needs and abandon his spiritual preparation. The Catholic Church around the world has various customs and traditions in how to observe this time of conversion. All Christians are invited during Lent to look outwardly towards others and not simply think selfishly of ourselves. For this reason Christians are encouraged to pray, practice fasting and give almsgiving as a means to transform our inner self and improve our service to others. A parish mission serves the purpose of helping Christians strengthen their Lenten practices and reflect more deeply on Jesus and His redemptive death and resurrection.
 

The speaker that directs a mission invites participants to engage more deeply in this season of conversion by strengthening their relationship with God and others. This year with have Joan Patten as our mission director. She is a member of the Apostolic Oblates with the Pro Sanctity Movement. Please come with an open heart and join us as we prepare during this time of inner growth that will lead us to celebrate the joy of Easter together.

Blessings,

Fr. Miguel Hernandez, Pastor

Joan Patten, AO is an Apostolic Oblate, a consecrated laywoman with the Pro Sanctity Movement. She is a native of Omaha, NE, and has now served in California for ten years. Joan is the current director of the Pro Sanctity Spirituality Center in Fullerton, CA where she leads retreats, faith-sharing groups, young adult activities, and children's programs. She is also the Delegate for Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Orange and works to promote vocations and discernment opportunities while supporting the various religious communities and consecrated persons in the diocese. She received her Masters in Pastoral Theology from Ave Maria University's Pastoral Theology Program. Joan loves her vocation, working with people, reading, and a good cup of coffee!