Sunday, March 7th - The Third Sunday of Lent
CHEERS! - A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Cheers!
It’s March! There are many important dates in these first few weeks of March to put on your calendars:
Sundays, March 7, 14 & 21: the celebration of the “Scrutinies” at all of the weekend Masses. To scrutinize means “to search deeply”. This rite is most important to those who are the “Elect”, those ready to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 3. These elect are challenged to search their lives — before Baptism — and rid themselves of all that might stand in the way of a closer walk with Jesus. But, all of us need to “scrutinize” our lives as well and root out, as best we can, all that is sinful and selfish. So, we will all kneel during these rites, examine our consciences and try to become more Christ-like in all our words and actions. The “Scrutinies” are meant to make us uncomfortable because we are looking at our faults — never a good feeling doing so; some of us remember kneeling in the Gorman cafeteria on the hard floor: that was a little bit uncomfortable— physically speaking!
On Thursday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m., we will celebrate our Lenten Service of Reconciliation. The evening will begin with some Scripture, prayer and music; then, there will be eight priests available for the individual hearing of confessions. Because of “social distancing”, we will need to keep priest and penitent six feet apart; so we are using most of the rooms in the church building to guarantee privacy and confidentially, as well as following Covid-19 protocols: wearing of mask by both priest and parishioner, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. Since, we have not been able to hold individual confessions on Saturdays, I hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity.
Then, next week I’ll talk/write about the ominous anniversary we will be celebrating: one year of a pandemic! Of course, the highlight of next week will be the celebration of that great and awesome saint — everybody’s favorite: St. Patrick. More on this in the next bulletin: I’m sure you can hardly wait. Lol!
Have a good week! God bless you.
Fr. Bill