A Message from Liz Rutz 2/13/2026

NewsLent & Easter 2026

Feb 13

Written By St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church

Dear St. Peter’s community,

Last Lent was transformative for me. I entered it in chaos — caring for three children ages 3 and under, finishing a kitchen renovation, facing an impending family loss, and job hunting as the newly unemployed sole provider for our family. Though there were many blessings (as our Corporal Works of Mercy theme gently reminds us), exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed weighed me down.

I thought I needed more time and sleep. But Lent revealed that I just needed more Christ in my life. Our parish’s Lenten opportunities led to a few small steps that gradually opened a depth of faith I had never known.

Ash Wednesday renewed my hope. The Hallow prayer challenge – fit into daily routines like folding laundry or nursing the baby – significantly grew my prayer life. It wasn’t perfect, but the Holy Spirit met me where I was.

My 4-month old daughter became my Lenten companion as I carried her to occasional daily Mass, experienced the deeply moving Stations of the Cross, and participated in one night of the Parish Mission — a highlight of the year. I’m really looking forward to hearing from Sister Pia Jude at this year’s mission!

Looking back, adding MORE prayer and spiritual practices during an already demanding season brought unexpected stability and peace. I learned that Lent is not about feeling deprived, but about making room to be filled with God’s love.

This Lent, my husband and I are helping each other attend small groups. (Bless you, Kevin, for agreeing to put two wild boys and our little mama’s girl to bed on Thursday nights!) We’re learning that supporting each other’s prayer life is actually one of the most loving things we can do for our marriage and our family.

If you haven’t yet, please pick up a Lent-at-a-Glance sheet in the Gathering Space. Hang it on your refrigerator or in your workspace. Prayerfully consider what God is inviting you to surrender and receive this sacred season. And choose one small step to take this week. Our Communications Ministry would also love to meet you after upcoming Masses and hear how you hope to grow closer to Jesus this Lent!

May this be a season of letting God meet you where you are.

Sincerely,

Liz Rutz