Giving things up, surrendering, is not easy. Maybe your Lenten journey has included your difficulties being entrusted to the Lord? I hope the Surrender Novena has been a source of grace for those who have read my column as I have highlighted it over the past number of weeks. We come to the last day today. Here is Day 9 of the Surrender Novena.
“Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance and love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it.” Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless My name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this.”
(After that prayer say 10 times) O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!
Looking back, I think we can give thanks for the Parish Mission. I have heard from a number of people that it was a great spiritual boost. His message and witness are powerful examples of faith in action. Relating to his stories hopefully inspired all of us to personally examine our approach to prayer and relationship with our Father. Please keep Deacon Keith Strohm in prayer as he continues his work of writing and preaching around the country.
Saturday, March 9th was the retreat for the First Communicants. They also, welcome your prayers while they prepare and look forward to receiving Jesus for the first time in May. The virtual Men’s Conference was Saturday too, another reminder of how we need to support each other in our life of faith. This is essential in building up the Kingdom of God.
Moving forward in our Lenten journey… there are a number of opportunities to go to confession in the Lenten season. A clean heart is a great way to celebrate Easter, so please check the bulletin for times and places to coordinate with your schedule.
Next Sunday is the Pancake Breakfast and Basket Raffle. I invite you to please come & enjoy a wonderful breakfast and fellowship. Speaking of fellowship… this Monday and Tuesday I will be with my priest group and we will be in Milwaukee. Each year we try to get to St. Francis de Sales Seminary to spend time with our Seminarians. Prayer time and meals with them are a great support as they continue their efforts towards ordination to the priesthood. We were surprised a few years ago when they mentioned how few people reached out to them or priests stopped in to encourage them. Kindly pray for our Seminarians. Booklets are in the back of the church listing their names and on which day you can pray for them. Pray that young men from our Parish step forward to respond to God’s call in their life.
Fr. John Potaczek