Now that Lent and Holy Week are over we have changed the look of our website and have added a new "News and Video" page. To check out some of the events recorded and posted on the web go to the new page or visit the link to the Our Lady of Sorrows press page.

www.sacredhearts-ststephen.com

Gently tear or snap off a palm blade off the palm stalk. The type of palm doesn't matter provided it bends easily; just test its give before snipping and keep testing until you find blades that are adequately flexible.

Hold the palm blade pointy side up.

Fold the blade to the right to make a 90 degree angle.

Fold down once. Then, fold down again. You should now have a small square shape.

Push the pointy end around the back of the square and fold over.

Take the pointy end on the left, and loop it towards you without making any turns. Then: Push then pull the pointy end through the square until it comes out of the square.

Pull through all the way.

Hold onto the square with one hand and tug on the fat and pointed ends to secure it. You should now have a locked 90 degree angle.

Take the pointy end and turning it towards yourself, push through the square. This is the head and base of the cross.

Turn 45 degrees to where the pointy end is facing downward and the fat end is facing to your right.

Flip it so that the fat end is now on your left.

Take the fat end and loop it towards you into the square. Pull it until it reaches about the same length as the head.

Turn it over to where the straight fat end faces left again.

Take the fat end and loop it towards you back into the square. Pull until it is about the same length as the other two parts. Be sure to tuck it inside the other loop so that you can't see it. You're done!

Days of Fast (eat less) and Abstinence (no meat):

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Limit one full meal without meat and two lighter meals on those days for all who have completed their 18th year and have not reached their 60th year.

Days of abstinence (no meat):

All Fridays during Lent for all who have completed their 14th year.

Weekdays of Lent:

There is no obligation to fast. However, voluntary acts of self denial are recommended. These may include prayer, participation in daily Mass, spiritual readings, works of charity.

Easter Duty:

After they have been initiated into the Holy Eucharist, Catholics are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. This precept should be fulfilled during the Easter Season (First Sunday of Lent to Holy Trinity Sunday). Catholics are also bound to confess serious (Mortal) sins at least once a year, but this is not confined to the Lenten/Easter Season.

Welcome to the Sacred Hearts - St. Stephen Parish Blog! This blog is meant to keep the family of faith informed of the latest happenings and upcoming events within our parish, our diocese and the global Church as it relates to Carroll Gardens. I encourage you to sign up to receive our blog updates and share them with your friends. Peace always with you.