The Steeple Returns
During the next nine months, Stephen led efforts to straighten, repair, and structurally-reinforce the bell tower so the steeple would no longer sway. He also aided with getting a proper place to store the steeple during the repairs. Aspen Group, our construction partner during the City of God expansion project, provided critical assistance to replace the bell tower roof and drill mounts into the wall foundations for cables to help secure the steeple once it was restored to its original location. Stephen worked with a structural engineer to create a new design for the bell tower to secure the steeple in place and installed cross-braces between the wall framing. He also coordinated the removal and reinstallation of the steeple with help from Mark Keys, City of God project liaison. Dan Chillemi, Holy Family Junior Warden, assisted in a variety of ways during this project.
On February 26, 2016, the steeple was returned to its proper place atop the bell tower. Several financial gifts were donated to the steeple repair and contributed greatly. A donation from ProCLAD, Inc. helped ease the financial burden of equipment expenses. This steeple repair was a true team effort from our holy family. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this project.
![Steeple 1](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Steeple-1.jpg)
Meals for the PourHouse
![Pour1](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Pour1.jpg)
Firefighters, Flames, and Forgiveness
This weekend members of our Youth Group gathered to cook and deliver pizzas to firefighters at Station 91 in Fishers. As part of their Lenten lock-in, students wanted to serve those in our community who typically serve others.
![Gathering](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Gathering-1024x675.jpg)
Meet Larry
![Acolytes](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Acolytes.jpg)
Snacks for Miracle Place
![Group](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Group-1024x658.jpg)
Explanation of Changes in the Church and Liturgy During Lent
![Lent changes](https://www.holyfamilyfishers.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lent-changes-1024x406.png)
Liturgical Colors -The altar hangings are purple, a color of Jesus’ royal kingship and of his royal priesthood, as he embraces suffering and finally death on the cross for his people.
Processional Cross -The regular shiny brass processional cross is replaced by a plain, wooden processional cross, reminding us of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on a tree. His sacrifice defeats death and makes us whole.
Flowers – There are no flowers on the altar during Lent, reflecting the focus on repentance over celebration.
Penitential Order – There are changes in the liturgy during Lent as well. The service starts with the Penitential Order, which focuses on confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness from the very beginning of our worship.
Music – The music used for the regular parts of the Eucharist changes; it is more in a minor key and in a more transcendent style.
Eucharistic Prayers – During Lent we will use Eucharistic Prayer C which is more penitential and requires greater participation from the congregation.
Post Communion Prayer – At the end, the post-communion prayer is different, demanding our attention to the actual words of what we are praying.
Alleluia – All Alleluias are dropped during Lent, reflecting that Lent is again about penitence over celebration.
Hymns – The hymns during Lent are different in character, with words that draw us to the holiness of God and our need for God’s forgiveness and grace.
All of these changes to the liturgy during Lent are designed to get our attention and force us to engage the experience in a more present way. Hopefully our Lenten Services will help to take each of us out of our comfort zone and truly reflect on our lives and relationship with Christ.
Many Blessings My Friends,
Fr. Mike