Last Sunday we celebrated Laetare Sunday rejoicing in this Lenten season that we are coming all the closer to the true joy of the Resurrection. It was also a joy to gather as a larger community of faith at St. Stephen for our parish mission with Fr. Sakowski who led us deeper into the main themes of Lent as heard on Ash Wednesday; repent, believe, and the Gospel itself. As we do all kinds of things in the Lenten season to help us grow in the faith such a Mission reminds us that we are not on this journey of faith alone and is a call for us to reach out when we need it to keep going on our pilgrimage of life and faith that leads us to our eternal home.
One of the ways that we prepare ourselves, and not just in Lent, is through the
sacrament of reconciliation. As Holy Spirit and St. Peter parishes collaborate in this aspect of mercy, there will be a communal penance service hosted by Holy Spirit parish on April 8th at 6:30 pm. I invite you to make time for God’s mercy in this sacrament for you and your family. Please note in the bulletin other places and times for confession if that doesn’t work for you. Blest Art is here this weekend, considering the news from that region of the world, there is great need for your support and prayers. I encourage your generosity.
Friday April 11th will be the last time we have the Stations of the Cross here at St. Peter at Noon, how quickly the season has gone. Then Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Tuesday is the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. If you are hoping to go and be on the deanery bus, I encourage you to contact St. Joseph parish who is hosting this activity on behalf of the Deanery, please do so as soon as you can. If you have not been to the Chrism Mass before I highly encourage you as it is a powerful time of prayer and unity with our Bishop.