Lent 2025: Awake, O Sleeper...

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Lent 2025: Awake, O Sleeper...
Our focus this Lent is “Awake, O Sleeper.” This focus is determined by a committee of folks from the Waterloo parishes, Waterloo Catholic Faith Formation, and Cedar Valley Catholic Schools. “Awake, O Sleeper” came forward because the committee recognized a continuing thread in the Sunday Scriptures of Lent of “coming fully awake” or “coming to [our] senses.” This is mentioned explicitly in the Gospels of the Transfiguration this weekend and is mirrored in many other Sunday Scripture readings.

We become spiritually drowsy for so many reasons: busy-ness, apathy, complacency, resentment, over-consumption, the list goes on. When we allow ourselves to fully awaken to the Lord’s love and presence, everything changes. This Lent, let’s focus on Jesus alone. Let’s come to our senses to experience and share the fullness of life God seeks for us!
Awake, O Sleeper…
- 1st Week of Lent: Trust in the Lord
- 2nd Week of Lent: Listen to Him
- 3rd Week of Lent: Repent and bear fruit
- 4th Week of Lent: Return to Me
- 5th Week of Lent: Sin no more
- Holy Week: Come to New Life
Awake, O Sleeper: Listen to Him
This year’s focus comes particularly from this week’s Gospel reading. At the transfiguration of Jesus, the disciples are overcome by sleep. Then, “becoming fully awake,” they realize Jesus’ true glory.

That’s what we’re aiming for this Lent: to become fully awake to Christ. If/when we are fully awake, our perspective of everything changes, tinted with the glory of Jesus.
What keeps us from being fully awake? Sin, distraction, lethargy—we don’t even really care for the person next to us. When overcome by sleep, we are not fully alive.

Once we are fully awake, we can fully hear/listen to Jesus. “This is my beloved Son—listen to him.”
- What keeps you from being fully awake or being fully alive in your faith?
- Can you think of a time you felt fully awake to Jesus’ glory? What was that like?
- How can you wake up and listen to Jesus with your heart this Lent?
Common Song: "Amen. Let It Be Done"
Prayer
Regular Mass Schedule
- Saturday: 5:15pm
- Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am
- Monday: 7:30am
- Tuesday: 7:30am
- Wednesday: 5:30pm
- Thursday: 9:00am (School Mass) or 7:30am (No School)
- Friday: 7:30am
Exceptions to Regular Mass Schedule
- Thursday, Mar. 20: 7:30am (No School Mass)
- Thursday, Mar. 27: 9:00am (School Mass)
- Thursday, Apr. 3: 9:00am (School Mass)
- Thursday, Apr. 10: 7:30am (No School Mass)
Holy Week Mass & Liturgy Schedule
- Palm Sunday Vigil, Apr. 12: 5:15pm
- Palm Sunday, Apr. 13: 8:00am & 10:30am
- Monday of Holy Week, Apr. 14: 7:30am
- Tuesday of Holy Week, Apr. 15: 7:30am
- Wednesday of Holy Week, Apr. 16: 5:30pm
- Holy Thursday, Apr. 17: 7:00pm (No School Mass)
- Good Friday, Apr. 18: 12:00pm Stations of the Cross & 5:30pm Liturgy
- Holy Saturday, Apr. 19: 8:00pm Easter Vigil (No 5:15pm Mass)
- Easter, Apr. 20: 7:30am, 9:00am, & 11:00am (Special Easter Schedule)
Open your eyes to the extraordinary grace of Christ’s forgiveness.
- Saturday: 4:00-4:45pm
- Monday: 7:00am
- Wednesday: 5:00pm
- Friday: 7:00am
Additional Reconciliation Opportunities
- Sunday, Mar. 30: 3:00-4:00pm (Communal Reconciliation)
- Saturday, Apr. 12: 9:00-11:00am (Confessions in Church) & 4:00-4:45pm (Confessions in Confessional)
- Sunday, Apr. 13: 3:00pm (Sacred Heart)
- Monday, Apr. 14: 7:00am & 6:00pm until all are heard
- Friday, Apr. 18: 1:00pm until all are heard (following 12:00pm Stations of the Cross)
- Friday, Mar. 28: 5:30-6:30pm (Holy Hour of Hope)
- Wednesday, Apr. 2: 4:55pm
- Thursday, Apr. 17: 8:00-9:00pm (following 7:00pm Holy Thursday Mass)
- Wednesday, Mar. 19: 6:00pm (following 5:30pm Mass)
- Wednesday, Mar. 26: 6:00pm (following 5:30pm Mass)
- Wednesday, Apr. 2: 6:00pm (following 5:30pm Mass)
- Wednesday, Apr. 9: 6:00pm (following 5:30pm Mass)
- Good Friday, Apr. 18: 12:00pm (followed by 1:00pm Reconciliation until all are heard)
Small Group Lenten Study Opportunities Men of the Word—A Bible Study for Men
- Saturdays, 8:00-9:00am, Mar. 15-29, St. Edward Church Hall.
- Sundays, 9:00-10:00am, Mar. 16-30, St. Edward Church Hall.
This study series, developed by the Knights of Columbus, offers men of any age an opportunity to step back from the busyness of everyday life, see the big picture of the Gospel, and allow the Good News to speak into their lives.
This is a foundational study which will help men understand their place in God’s story and see the world through the eyes of faith. In order for Catholic men to fully live out what God is calling them to be and to do, they must have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, encountered in the written Word of God.
Sessions and Topics
- "Fallen Through Sin" (Mar. 15 & 16)
- "God’s Divine Rescue" (Mar. 22 & 23)
- "The Fallen Man" (Mar. 29 & 30)
Sponsored by St. Edward Parish Knights of Columbus. Open to all men in the metro area.
- Contact: Deacon Rick Lynch (319-240-4909 & [email protected])
- Trailer: bit.ly/men-of-the-word
- Registration: bit.ly/mens-bible-study-25
The Search evangelization series leads people to the deepest questions of the human heart, exploring the meaning and purpose of life with a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating approach.

All are invited to participate in this evangelization series hosted by St. Edward Parish on Mondays from 6:30-7:30pm in the Church Hall. We will skip Mar. 10 due to the parish mission.
Sessions & Topics
- "Who Are You?" (Mar. 17)
- "Why a God?" (Mar. 24)
- "What's Our Story?" (Mar. 31)
- "Who is Jesus?" (Apr. 7)
- "Am I Saved?" (Apr. 14)
- "Why a Church?" (Apr. 21)
More Information
- Contacts: Becky Hargreaves (319-290-6005), Mary Pedersen (319-290-5488), & Linda Paar (319-232-1760)
- Trailer: watch.formed.org/the-search/videos/the-search-promo
- No registration required.
The best way to get plugged into the rich life of your Catholic community is to become involved in a small group. It is here where the larger Church is lived out in intentional community. It is here where you as an individual will be most known and cared for.

Get started at Scripture Tea from 5:15-6:15pm in the Faith Formation Office of the New Live Center, led by Ellen Kuchera. Enjoy some tea while reflecting on the upcoming Sunday readings.
Sessions & Topics
- 2nd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 17)
- 3rd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 24)
- 4th Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 31)
- 5th Sunday of Lent Gospel (Apr. 7)
- Palm Sunday Gospel (Apr. 14)
More Information
- Contact: Ellen Kuchera at 513-316-1122 (text/call) or [email protected]
- Website: waterloocatholics.org/small-groups
- No registration required.
"Have you ever wondered why Jesus went into the wilderness? Some believe it was to reveal his divinity or to restore humanity’s relationship with God. In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine Garrett, a mental health counselor and popular speaker, reflects on the belief that Jesus went into the wilderness to rescue us—to rescue us!"

All women are welcome to attend this Women's Lenten Bible Study in the St. Clare Room of the New Life Center.
Sessions & Topics
- 2nd Week of Lent (Mar. 18)
- 3rd Week of Lent (Mar. 25)
- 4th Week of Lent (Apr. 1)
- 5th Week of Lent (Apr. 8)
- Holy Week (Apr. 15)
More Information
- Contact: Kathleen Allers (573-480-3153)
- Book Information: Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
- Purchase Book ($13.95): avemariapress.com/products/wilderness-within
- No registration required.
People called it "the Super Bowl for Haters"—how is it that we live in a society where there is so much cruelty and hatred, where people celebrate the destruction of their "enemies" and threaten violence on those with whom they disagree? What was the mistake Adam and Eve made which was redeemed by Jesus but is repeated by humans over and over ever since?

These weekly Lenten discussions will explore where we are and how we got there through the lens of the Sunday readings.
Sessions & Topics
1. 2nd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 17)
2. 3rd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 24)
3. 4th Sunday of Lent Gospel (Mar. 31)
4. 5th Sunday of Lent Gospel (Apr. 7)
More Information
- Contact: Dave Cushing ([email protected])
- Website: waterloocatholics.org/small-groups
- Registration: bit.ly/KYF-registration
Busy Catholic's Virtual Lenten Retreat
Mar. 17-21 via Email
"Hope Does Not Disappoint" is the theme for the 2025 online Lenten Retreat which features daily reflections from Pope Francis’ proclamation of the Jubilee Year 2025.

Participants will receive a daily scripture reading, reflection and prayer by email for personal meditation at any time during the day.
- Info: waterloocatholics.org/online-lenten-retreat
- Registration: bit.ly/25-lenten-retreat
Small Group Lenten Study Schedule
2nd Week of Lent
- Saturday, Mar. 15, at 8:00am: Men's Bible Study, "Fallen Through Sin" (Church Hall)
- Sunday, Mar. 16, at 9:00am: Men's Bible Study, "Fallen Through Sin" (Church Hall)
- Sunday, Mar. 16, at 6:00pm: 13 Hours with Fr. Tom McDermott (Immaculate Conception Church, Gilbertville)
- Monday, Mar. 17, at 5:15pm: Scripture Tea, 2nd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- Monday, Mar. 17, at 6:00pm: 13 Hours with Fr. Tom McDermott (Immaculate Conception Church, Gilbertville)
- Monday, Mar. 17, from 6:30-7:30pm: The Search, "Who Are You?" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Mar. 17, from 7:00-8:00pm: Weekly Lenten Discussions (Online)
  - Info: waterloocatholics.org/lenten-discussions
  - Registration: bit.ly/KYF-registration
- Tuesday, Mar. 11, at 9:00am: Women's Lenten Bible Study, 2nd Week of Lent from Wilderness Within(St. Clare Room, New Life Center)
- 2nd Week of Lent (Mar. 17-21): Busy Catholic's Virtual Lenten Retreat (Email)
  - Info: waterloocatholics.org/online-lenten-retreat
  - Registration: bit.ly/25-lenten-retreat
3rd Week of Lent
- Saturday, Mar. 22, at 8:00am: Men's Bible Study, "God's Divine Rescue" (Church Hall)
- Sunday, Mar. 23, at 9:00am: Men's Bible Study, "God's Divine Rescue" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Mar. 24, at 5:15pm: Scripture Tea, 3rd Sunday of Lent Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- Monday, Mar. 24, from 6:30-7:30pm: The Search, "Why a God?" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Mar. 24, from 7:00-8:00pm: Weekly Lenten Discussions (Online)
  - Info: waterloocatholics.org/lenten-discussions
  - Registration: bit.ly/KYF-registration
- Tuesday, Mar. 25, at 9:00am: Women's Lenten Bible Study, 3rd Week of Lent from Wilderness Within (St. Clare Room, New Life Center)
4th Week of Lent
- Saturday, Mar. 29, at 8:00am: Men's Bible Study, "The Fallen Man" (Church Hall)
- Sunday, Mar. 30, at 9:00am: Men's Bible Study, "The Fallen Man" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Mar. 31, at 5:15pm: Scripture Tea, 4th Sunday of Lent Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- Monday, Mar. 31, from 6:30-7:30pm: The Search, "What's Our Story?" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Mar. 31, from 7:00-8:00pm: Weekly Lenten Discussions (Online)
  - Info: waterloocatholics.org/lenten-discussions
  - Registration: bit.ly/KYF-registration
- Tuesday, Apr. 1, at 9:00am: Women's Lenten Bible Study, 4th Week of Lent from Wilderness Within (St. Clare Room, New Life Center)
5th Week of Lent
- Sunday, Apr. 6, at 2:30pm: Agnus Dei Ministry in Concert
  - Featuring Bosco Catholic School System, Middle School and High School Choirs; Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Choirs.
- Monday, Apr. 7, at 5:15pm: Scripture Tea, 5th Sunday of Sunday Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- Monday, Apr. 7, from 6:30-7:30pm: The Search, "Who is Jesus?" (Church Hall)
- Monday, Apr. 7, from 7:00-8:00pm: Weekly Lenten Discussions (Online)
  - Info: waterloocatholics.org/lenten-discussions
  - Registration: bit.ly/KYF-registration
- Tuesday, Apr. 8, at 9:00am: Women's Lenten Bible Study, 5th Week of Lent from Wilderness Within (St. Clare Room, New Life Center)
Holy Week
- Monday, Apr. 14, at 5:15pm: Scripture Tea, Palm Sunday Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- Monday, Apr. 14, from 6:30-7:30pm: The Search, "Am I Saved?" (Church Hall)
- Tuesday, Apr. 15, at 9:00am: Women's Lenten Bible Study, Holy Week from Wilderness Within (St. Clare Room, New Life Center)
Octave of Easter
- Monday, Apr. 21, at 6:00pm: The Search, "Why a Church?" (Church Hall)
Fasting
Almsgiving
Almsgiving involves all kinds of acts of charity that engage us in self-sacrifice to join others in their need, just as Jesus joined us in ours.

One's alms can take the form of finances shared with those in need like:

Our sister parish of St. Therese in Grison Garde, Haiti;

Our mission at St. Theresa and Excel Commons in Okolona, Mississippi;

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque who helped over 19,000 with various needs in the past year;

Catholic Relief Services in their efforts to alleviate suffering worldwide.

Catholic Relief Services Update

It can also take the form of sacrificing our time to help with our Social Outreach Committee efforts:
Habitat for Humanity
As Catholic pilgrims of hope, we journey through life carrying the light of Christ into the world. Our faith calls us to act with compassion and justice, responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters.

This is why our parish is continuing to partner with Habitat for Humanity. By volunteering to help build homes, we provide more than just shelter; we offer hope, stability, and a brighter future for families in need.

Please join us on the 2nd Saturday of April. Registration is required.
- Saturday, Apr. 12
Habitat Registration
St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA harnesses the power of community and partnerships to feed, clothe, house and heal individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn for help. SVDP is looking for more volunteers out of their Waterloo
- Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm
- Volunteer Inquiry: 319-232-3366 or [email protected]
Food Pantry Ministry
Deacon Tom Lang and Fr. Greg Lambert are offering weekly conference on Friday mornings to provide an opportunity to further our understanding of the impoverished in our city.
- Friday, Mar. 21 at 8:30am
- Friday, Mar. 28 at 8:30am
- Friday, Apr. 4 at 8:30am
And supporting financially other organizations that care for those in need:
Knights of Columbus Fish Fries
- Dates: Mar. 28, Apr. 4, & Apr. 11
- Time: 5:00-7:00pm
- Location: Blessed Sacrament's Sulentic Parish Center
Holy Week & Easter Triduum Schedule
All are invited to join in the celebration of Jesus’ saving cross and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday Vigil (Apr. 12)
- 9:00-11:00am Reconciliation
  - Confessions in Church
- 4:00-4:45pm Reconciliation
- 5:15pm Mass
Palm Sunday (Apr. 13)
- 8:00am Mass
- 10:30am Mass
- 3:00pm Communal Reconciliation (Sacred Heart)
Monday of Holy Week (Apr. 14)
- 7:00am Reconciliation
- 7:30am Mass
- 5:15pm Scripture Tea, Palm Sunday Gospel (Faith Formation Office, New Life Center)
- 6:00pm Individual Reconciliation until all are heard
- 6:30-7:30pm The Search, "Am I Saved?" (Church Hall)
Tuesday of Holy Week (Apr. 15)
- 7:30am Mass
- 2:00pm Chrism Mass, St. Raphael Cathedral, Dubuque (livestreamed at dbqarch.org)
Wednesday of Holy Week (Apr. 16)
- 5:00pm Reconciliation
- 5:30pm Mass
- 6:00pm Agape Meal (Registration required.)
Holy Thursday (Apr. 17)
- 7:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
  - Followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 9:00pm
Good Friday (Apr. 18)
- 12:00pm (Noon) Stations of the Cross,
  - Followed by Individual Reconciliation until all are heard
- 5:30pm Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Saturday (Apr. 19)
- 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass
  - NO 5:15pm Mass
Easter (Special Schedule, Apr. 20)
- 7:30am Mass
- 9:00am Mass
  - No social distancing at 9:00am Mass. Livestream option and overflow seating available downstairs.
- 11:00am Mass
What to do with blessed palms?
As we enter into Lent, you may be wondering how to reverently dispose of palm branches you have from previous Palm Sunday celebrations. Since they are blessed items, these branches or fronds serve as a sacramental, an item meant to draw us closer to the celebration of the Sacraments. These branches can be used in reverent decoration in the home, or they can be disposed of by being buried in the ground or reverently burned, with the ashes committed to the ground.

You can also place palms in the baskets at church entries and the liturgy committee will reverently dispose of them for you.
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- Agape Meal Registration Form
  Following 5:30pm Mass Wednesday, April 16
  The Agape meal, deeply rooted in Christian history, is filled with Scripture, song, witness talks based upon our Lenten theme, and discussion—all while enjoying a meal together. Register below.
  This year's free will offering will help our sister parish in Haiti. Fr. Rénal Benjamin wrote to us last week, "I hope that you and your family are well...I am writing to thank you for the sum of 8332 dollars that you deposited into the parish account on February 25, 2025. God will repay you a hundredfold."
  Please keep the people of Grison Garde in your prayers, and please continue to prayerfully consider any donation you can make to our sister parish in Haiti by:
  donating money in your monthly Haiti giving envelope,
  writing a check to St. Edward Parish with “Haiti” in the memo line,
  giving online at sted.org/giving and putting “Haiti” in the comment line,
  providing a monthly gift using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (sted.org/eft-electronic-funds-transfer).
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Lent 2025: Awake, O Sleeper...

Awake, O Sleeper…

Awake, O Sleeper: Listen to Him

Regular Mass Schedule

Exceptions to Regular Mass Schedule

Holy Week Mass & Liturgy Schedule

Additional Reconciliation Opportunities

Small Group Lenten Study Opportunities Men of the Word—A Bible Study for Men

Sessions and Topics

Sessions & Topics

More Information

Sessions & Topics

More Information

Sessions & Topics

More Information

Sessions & Topics

More Information

Busy Catholic's Virtual Lenten Retreat

Mar. 17-21 via Email

Small Group Lenten Study Schedule

2nd Week of Lent

3rd Week of Lent

4th Week of Lent

5th Week of Lent

Holy Week

Octave of Easter

Habitat for Humanity

St. Vincent de Paul

Food Pantry Ministry

And supporting financially other organizations that care for those in need:

Palm Sunday Vigil (Apr. 12)

Palm Sunday (Apr. 13)

Monday of Holy Week (Apr. 14)

Tuesday of Holy Week (Apr. 15)

Wednesday of Holy Week (Apr. 16)

Holy Thursday (Apr. 17)

Good Friday (Apr. 18)

Holy Saturday (Apr. 19)

Easter (Special Schedule, Apr. 20)

What to do with blessed palms?

Agape Meal Registration Form