St. Serra Club announces contest winners; annual dinner set for Jan. 9

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Fifth Week of Lent

NEW YORK. Four and a half decades on from the bicentennial year in which it premiered, the “Rocky” franchise is still a cinematic gift that keeps on giving. Thus “Creed III” (PG-13, United Artists), the ninth film in the series, is a thinking-person’s sports drama that will appeal even to those with no particular interest in well-choreographed slugfests.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Benedictine Sister Mary John Thomas died Feb. 26 at age 90. A vigil will be held March 20 at 6 p.m. at Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Bene Lane, 80921. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Benet Hill.

February and March are the months when we participate in the discipline of Lent. Fasting, praying, giving alms, confession, adoration — all good activities anytime — find even more purpose when we observe them in Lent. Though we are deep into Lent at this writing, there may be some ways that we can invest even more in our observances, and sometimes a good book can direct our thoughts.

Oh, the luck of the Irish! They say there are two kinds of people in the world: the Irish, and those who wish they were. But whatever our Catholic heritage, we all have gotten to experience a little St. Patrick, Emerald Isle magic, shamrocks, and corned beef (thanks to the blessed dispensation) on March 17.

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Fourth Week of Lent

OMAHA, Neb. Jean M. Golka, younger sister of Bishop James Golka, died Feb. 28 in Omaha, Nebraska due to complications from a heart attack. She was 54 years old.

"To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. (Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 919) Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1387.

PHILADELPHIA. About 10 years ago, Peter Piotti was anything but a fan of Valentine’s Day.

“I hated it,” he admitted.

So did his wife, Gae, who dodged the observance by hosting what she called “non-romantic family dinners.”

COLORADO SPRINGS. The House of Hope Single Mothers’ Home has provided love and support for pregnant and unwed mothers in Ukraine for decades, but now more than ever it fills a critical need.