Dear Friends,
The lovely season of Lent has begun. What a blessing it is that we can afford 40 days to fast, give alms, pray, deliberate, meditate, and journey toward the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. “The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the rite of election and scrutinies, and by catechesis, areprepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation; the faithful, ever more attentive tothe word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises” (Ceremonial Of Bishops, 249).
Renewal of our baptismal promises is at the heart of this season. The core of Baptismal theology is to be able to die to sin and to rise with Christ to the freedom of the children of God. However, there arechallenges galore; there are humps to overcome; there are temptations to be fought. The devil is activeand prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, be vigilant. Make use of every opportunity to come back to the Lord.
The Book of Sirach says: “Delay not your conversion to the LORD; put it not off from day to day” (5:8).
I urge you, my friends, to take up different spiritual exercises that suit you to go through these 40 days to ultimately plunge yourselves into the unfathomable mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. May the new life of Easter fill us with the joy of having moved an inch closer to Christ!
Today, my heart is heavy with the death of Deacon Don Durden. His death on February 28, 2019, came as a shattering blow. Despite his struggle and tedious hospitalization, I was so pleased to notice his readiness to surrender to the mystery of life and death. As a true believer in Christ, he let go of his spirits to the will of God, and he did it with utmost courage and absolute trust in God’s mysterious plans. Even his last vision of sorts was about heaven.
On the January 5, 2019, Deacon Don turned 75, and he thereby attained the status of a Senior Deacon. Ordained to the Diaconate on the January 30, 1999, he served as deacon for 20 years. We had been blessed with Don and Barbara in our parish for the last seven years. He served us with magnanimity, generosity, commitment, dedication, dignity, and joy. I want to dedicate this page in memory of our dear brother Deacon Don Durden!
Thanks to all of you for making him proud by the way you all rallied together to pray and celebrate the Funeral Liturgies as a family united in love. Thanks to all of you for exhibiting your love and gratitude to God for this wonderful servant. Special thanks to all those who helped make his farewell a meaningful and memorable one.
Fare thee well my brother!
The following words on the cake said it all:
Deacon Don
Thank you for lifting us up to Christ by bending to serve Always in our thoughts
Forever in our hearts Grateful parishioners of SJE
Our heartfelt sympathies and the assurance of prayers to Barbara Durden (wife of 30 years)
Son: Chris Durden (Sheryl) Daughter: Sharrell Powell (Craig) Stepsons:
Mark Muzzio
Matt Muzzio (Tammy) Mike Muzzio (Shawn)
8 Grandchildren
Brother: Jeff Durden (Janet) Nephew: Rustin
Niece: Amy
Have a Blessed Lent!
With love, Fr. John