Dear Friends,
Roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work on this First Sunday of Lent! The season of Lent offers each of us the opportunity to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Master. Let us not regard this time as drudgery but, rather, as an occasion to enjoy the grace it offers. How do we experience Lent joyfully? Knowing that Jesus desires to enter into your life, simply choose to be silent for a few moments each day in this terribly noisy world. “If there were a little more silence, if we all kept quiet … maybe we could understand something.” Allow him to enter into your life. Life is too short to encrust our hearts with hatred, anger, animosity, and division. Lent is the time to reach out to the world with Christ in our hearts and to make positive, life-affirming changes by decluttering our heart and minds. Make room for Jesus to enter into your house. Make time for prayer. Begin reading the love letter written by God himself just for you, the Bible. Change will happen. Jesus is telling us again, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
I am indebted to Ken and Toni Donavan for leading the Grief Support Group Ministry. It is our goal to walk with those who are grieving the irreparable loss of their dear ones, so please reach out Ken or Toni to participate in the video-based “GriefShare.” The program offers well- renowned speakers and time-tested, Christian encouragement during a difficult phase in life, reinforcing faith in Jesus Christ who accompanies you.
Remember the TEST I’ve spoken of to be given on our journey through presentation of and journey through that exquisitely beautiful encyclical by St. Pope John Paul II, “Ecclesia de Eucharistia?” The questions are ready beginning this weekend, 20/21 February. You will find them on our website for online submission, or you may pick up a paper copy in the narthex of the church or at the parish office. The final date for submission is Wednesday, 3 March. Test results will be announced the weekend of 6/7 March. All participants in the exam will receive a memento of the study, and the top three will earn grand prizes. So, please accept the challenge, take the test, and prepare to shine!
Be Blessed!
With love, Fr. John