Louise Haight
Valentine’s Day is one of the most widely honored unofficial holidays of love and joy, and centuries after its beginnings, it is still celebrated. A day for lovers, there’s nothing better than enjoying decadent chocolate desserts, exquisite gifts of gorgeous flowers, and sharing a bottle of bubbly with your sweetheart.
But it’s really our children who have kept the fun and festive spirit of this day alive. Grade school boys and girls have continued to write and create precious messages of love using colored paper and Elmers glue, child-size scissors and great big hearts that shyly speak words of love, “Be My Valentine,” “Will You Be Mine?” “I Love You.” And don’t forget, love is truly a gift of God.
For Christians, Mardi Gras, the French words meaning Fat Tuesday, signifies the last day of feasting before the Lenten fast, beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb.14, and it begins the forty-day season of Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday.
This Lent, let us look into our hearts and reflect upon our relationship with God and others, praying for His forgiveness as we forgive those who have hurt us. In quiet prayer may we be renewed by his Spirit and be blessed to have confidence in his salvation for all of us, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Birthday blessings to Vikki Kusumoto, the lovely daughter of Lola and Dick, who celebrated her special day, February 7, surrounded in the love of dear family and wonderful friends. We wish you an amazing year of good health, much happiness, and always share your amusing sense of humor. Happy beautiful birthday!
Town of Newburgh Recreation Department invites you to join them on March 12, St. Patrick’s Day at Aqua Turf, to enjoy a Corned Beef & Cabbage or Baked Cod Dinner. Great entertainment is by The McClean Ave Band & Irish Step Dancers.
This event fills up quickly. Resident Fee is $79; Non Resident Fee is $89. Bus departs approx. 9:30 a.m. Bus returns approx. 5 p.m. Pre-register at the window or online at townofnewburgh.recdesk.com. (845-564-7815) Town of Newburgh Rec. Dept. 311 Route 32, Newburgh 12550.
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are hosting an Unbound Conference: Healing & Deliverance - Five Keys to Freedom in Christ, on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 to 4:15 p.m., with Mass at 5 p.m., St. Mary of the Assumption Friary, 180 South St. in Newburgh.
“Come learn how to talk to God, and receive power from the Word; Unleash the gospel with freedom in Christ; Unbound-God’s Gift of Freedom in Christ; 5 Keys Prayer Model teachings and prayer activations.”
Facilitator: Fr. Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi, CFR. How do I experience Joy and Freedom? The model is also available for private 90-minute Unbound prayer. In the session you share your story or what you desire for prayer, in a confidential session led by a leader and intercessor trained in Unbound. This is powerful liberating prayer. Registration is required: 21724.eventbrite.com.
Free will donations will be accepted at the event. For any questions please email us at unboundnewburgh@gmail.com or call the Friars (914) 963-0250. Bring your own lunch, and invite and bring friends.
May you always have an angel at your side.