Dear Friends,
For the first time ever, three parishes administered by Holy Cross priests joined together to reflect on our collective Lenten journey, specifically addressing the powerful symbolism and understanding of the Sacred Triduum, that of the miracle of abundant and everlasting life. Thank you, Fr. Hugh Clearly, C.S.C., for enlightening and illuminating for us the Christ-centered miracle of life experienced by his willingness to die for us on the cross. I am also grateful to Fr. Bob Wiseman and Kathy Murphy from Bennington, VT for coordinating with our technical expert, Gavin Keith, in bringing the mission to life via technology. Thanks to our choir and the many volunteers who worked together to plan a wonderful Lenten Mission. And, finally, thank you to the parishioners of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales in Bennington, VT, St. John the Baptist in North Bennington, VT, and our own beloved St. John the Evangelist in Viera, FL for your participation and generosity.
I take this occasion to heartily welcome Deacon Rick Broderick and his wife Mary to our St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community. Rick was born in northern NJ (the last exit on the Garden State Parkway, for those from NJ) and attended Belmont Abbey College in Belmont NC, where he met his wife, Mary. They have been married for forty years and have two adult children, Richard and Kathryn, both of whom live in the area. Rick began his diaconate studies in the Orlando Diocese while attending Holy Name of Jesus in Indialantic, where he also served as Grand Knight and Deputy Chair of the Parish Council. A job change moved Rick and Mary to Rockford, Illinois, which temporarily delayed his diaconate journey. Thankfully, the Rockford Diocese accepted Rick into its diaconate program, and on September 29, 2018, Rick was ordained a deacon. Recently, he retired from his career in Risk Management, and he and Mary have moved back to the Viera area to be closer to their children and friends. We are grateful to God for the wonderful addition of Deacon Rick and Mary Broderick to the SJE family.
In celebration of the Year of St. Joseph, we will be spending time in reflection on the Patron of the Universal Church. Our Novena to St. Joseph will begin on Wednesday, 10 March 2021, and I encourage all of you to join us during these nine days of prayer to the patron saint of husbands and fathers, unborn children, immigrants, workers, employment, explorers, pilgrims, travelers, carpenters, realtors, against doubt and hesitation, and of a happy death.
I am profoundly grateful to all who have already participated in Our Catholic Appeal 2021. On this Third Sunday of Lent, we are offered a glimpse into God’s heart as revealed through his commandments given to the people of Israel. “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul … rejoicing the heart … enlightening the eye” (Psalm 19). His delight in being our God is unequivocal, and he remains fervently faithful to his covenant. Jesus, consumed by zeal for the house of the Lord, desires to cleanse every obstacle of our obedience to God.
Let us joyfully continue our Lenten journey together, ascending the Mount of Calvary with Jesus to see for ourselves the power and wisdom of God.
Be Blessed!
With love, Fr. John