It was wonderful to see so many people at the Evening of Spiritual Awakening! Many people commented not only on the good crowd, but also on the evening itself. It was a prayerful and inspiring experience – and a good thing to do for Lent.

I want to thank the choir members and music ministers who provided such inspiring music for the evening. It really helped to set a prayerful tone. Thanks also to all the people who took time out of their normal schedule to spend extra time in prayer.

Remember that we will have our parish Lenten Penance Service this Monday, April 1, at 7 PM in Church. Many priests will be on hand to hear Confessions and help you experience God's loving mercy. While a lot of people went to Confession at the Evening of Awakening, I know that a lot more still need to make a good Confession this Lent. Coming to the Penance Service is another good thing to do for Lent.

To help you prepare for Confession, Examinations of Conscience have been placed in this week's bulletin. You may also look for the pamphlets entitled "How to make a Good Confession" that are around the Church. Taking time to prayerfully examine your conscience not only prepares you for Confession – but helps you get the most out of it. If you cannot make the Penance Service, remember that Confessions are held every Saturday from 9 – 9:30 AM and 3:15 – 4:15 PM. Two priests will be on duty at those times from now until Holy Week. Making a good Confession is one of the best things you can do for Lent!

We will continue our Lenten Wednesdays this week. It has been nice to see so many people at them up to this point. Each evening includes exposition, prayers and singing, a Lenten Homily, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Coming to the Lenten Wednesdays is yet another good thing to do for Lent!

Special thanks are due to everyone who made a visit to the Church during 24 Hours for the Lord this past Friday. Since I had to write this before that date, I can't say too much about how it went. I do know that a good number of people signed up for adoration at the late night and early morning hours – and I want to thank them for doing so. Spending quiet time with our Lord is a great way to grow in friendship with Him – and to speak with Him about everything on your mind.

While you're speaking with our Lord, please remember to say a prayer for me. I really appreciate that so many of you say a Hail Mary for me daily! Our prayers are a great gift we can give each other, and are always pleasing to God. Let's also pray for the converts who are getting ready to enter the Church this Easter, for those Christians who are being persecuted for their faith, and for all victims of violence and tragedy. Finally, let's all say a prayer for peace!

Have a great week!
Fr. John

BACK TO LIST