Dear friends,
With the celebration of Ash Wednesday, we have entered the season of Lent, committed more vigorously with mind, body, and soul to fight the demons of our lives that tempt us to stray from relationship with God. As we reflect on the readings of the First Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of Luke describes to us how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. The temptations came when Jesus was most vulnerable, having not eaten for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry and, precisely at that point, the devil comes to tempt him with promises of comfort (bread), authority and power, and false glory.
In the deserts of our lives, our adversary “the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), making every effort to keep us from confessing with our mouth that “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10: 9). Lent is a time to imitate Jesus in his battle with the devil. Let us intentionally accompany Jesus as he prepares for the Paschal mystery and resolve to make a concerted effort to stay close to Jesus in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
We heartily welcome Fr. Jeff Cooper, C.S.C., Director of Novices, United States Province of the Brothers and Priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, who will lead us in our Lenten Mission this year.
During the three-day Lenten Mission, we will reflect on the theme “Out of Egypt: A Lenten Pilgrimage.” Please join us as we journey together at 7 p.m. on the following days:
Day 1 of the Mission: Sunday, 6 March 2022
Day 2 of the Mission: Monday, 7 March 2022
Day 3 of the Mission: Tuesday, 8 March 2022
Please reserve every Tuesday of Lent for a variety of spiritual offerings. Note, also, that we will have an additional Mass on every Wednesday of Lent at 6 p.m. Fridays of Lent bring with them ample opportunities to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by evening prayer at 5.30 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.
I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Bill and Peg Bruty, recipients of the Family of the Month for February 2022, for their loyalty to our SJE family and their service in a number of our parish ministries. They are truly a blessing to our family.
Thanks to those of you who have already responded to the call to support the numerous ministries of the Diocese of Orlando through Our Catholic Appeal 2022. OCA not only benefits the various parishes and missions supported by our diocese but also our schools and faith formation programs, vocations, building projects, thousands of people in need, and so much more. I urge those of you who have not yet participated to please do so, as every gift is a great blessing and a way of showing our love for our parish.
Have a blessed week!
With love,
Fr. John