Unclean: Leprosy is a very uncomfortable disease that leaves people disfigured. Today we hear not only of Jesus coming up to the leper but actually touching him. Leprosy is contagious, but not for Jesus. He doesn’t become unclean by encountering the leper. The same can be said for our sinfulness. Jesus is not afraid to “touch” our sinfulness. In fact, that’s exactly what he wants to do so as to heal us and make us well.
Mercy: In light of Jesus healing the leper, this weekend we begin our three-part series on God’s mercy. This weekend we will preach on Sin and God’s Mercy. Next weekend we will discuss “how to make a good confession.” And the third part will be on “God’s mercy and Evangelization.” We hope you enjoy this three-part series.
Service: In conclusion of our three-part series we will have a presentation and penance service on Thursday, March 1, beginning at 6:30 pm. Fr. Jim Rolph will be the presenter followed by priests available to hear confessions. By the way, we are also having 24 hours with the Lord again on Friday and Saturday (March 10-11). We won’t have confessions for all 24 hours, but ample opportunities to attend during that 24-hour period.
Hungry: This Sunday from 9 am – Noon is the Knights of Columbus breakfast in the parish hall. I’ve said it numerous times—it’s really a great breakfast (especially for the price). All proceeds go to help serve others.
On the way: This Sunday is the Rite of Sending for the Candidates and Catechumens who are attending the Rite of Christian Initiation and who will receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil on March 31.
Dust unto dust shall you return: This Wednesday, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day and I hope you enjoy the day. It’s also Ash Wednesday as we begin the Lenten season. As the prophet Joel announces from the Lord, “Return to me with your whole heart.” We will have Ash Wednesday Masses at 6:30 am, 8 am, Noon, 5:30 pm and 7 pm.
Stations: One of the most beautiful Lenten traditions is the Stations of the Cross. They will be held at 6 pm in the Church on Fridays during Lent.
Fish Fry: Please don’t forget to stop by to the Fish Fry this Friday anytime from 4 – 7 pm (maybe you could stop before or after the Stations of the Cross). All proceeds benefit our youth and Mission Makeover project.
Rings: This coming Saturday, Feb. 17, we are hosting 19 couples from around the Genesee County area for a marriage preparation day. That’s a lot of couples! Please pray for them.
Fraternity: This Sunday afternoon I am heading to DeWitt to meet with my priestly fraternity for discussion and dinner. It’s something I always look forward to.
Promise: This weekend I will be attending the Family Promise dinner and auction. Family Promise provides a wonderful service to struggling families.
Flu: All priests in the diocese received a note from the bishop regarding the widespread flu. He is leaving it up to each pastor the distribution of the Precious Blood and the exchange of the sign of peace. After consulting with others and a doctor, I’ve decided to continue the practice of the distribution of the Precious Blood. However, please don’t consume from the chalice if you are sick or if you are concerned about getting sick. I think that it might be wise if the elderly or children not consume from the chalice, but that’s up to you. As far as the sign of peace, the flu spreads often through the hands. Please don’t shake hands if you are sick. Nor should anyone feel obligated to shake hands during the sign of peace for fear of getting the flu. Someone mentioned to me that when the ebola outbreak occurred in Nigeria they would “bump elbows” instead of shaking hands. That’s a thought!
Our Lady: Feb. 11 is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. We celebrate our Blessed Mother’s appearance to a young peasant girl, Bernadette, in 1858 in Lourdes, France. Through a set of private revelations, Mary revealed herself as “the Immaculate Conception.” February 11 was proclaimed World Day of the Sick by Pope John Paul II in light of the many healing miracles that have occurred at Lourdes.
Have a blessed Lent.
In Christ’s love and service,
Msgr. Jerry
“I am the Immaculate Conception.” – Our Lady’s words to Bernadette at Lourdes in 1858.