Father Daniel had been the priest at St. Mary’s Parish for over twenty years, but scheduling was never his strong suit.
One Sunday, during announcements, he said, “Just a reminder—Lent begins this Thursday, so please prepare your hearts, your homes… and possibly your freezers.”
The choir director raised a hand, whispering, “Father… Lent already started last week.”
A gasp moved through the congregation.
Father Daniel blinked. “Wait… we’re already in it?”
The altar server nodded. “You gave up chocolate three days ago. You made us all witness it.”
Silence.
Father Daniel coughed. “Well, then. That explains my mood.”
He straightened up. “Okay, then I’ll change today’s homily title from ‘Getting Ready for Lent’ to ‘Catching Up on Holiness.’”