Transfiguration: On this second Sunday of Lent the Gospel is on the Transfiguration of Jesus. Our Savior had talked to his disciples about the cross—not only His cross but taking up their cross as well—and they must have been afraid. So Jesus does something beautiful. He takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain and is transfigured before them. This is a glimpse of heaven. It helps to know our destination. Trials, tribulations, crosses, and even our Lenten observances are paths that are upon us. But if we know where we are going it makes it all worth it.
Witness to Hope: WE DID IT!!! We have surpassed our four million dollar goal. Thank you everyone for your generosity and sacrifice for our Church. There are some others that are still willing to contribute, so we will keep moving forward. We especially want to make come capital improvements outside, including work on the Outreach Center so we can still use all the help we can get. We still want to reach the 700-participant goal.
Quest: Recently I met with a staff member of Quest. This organization leads virtue-based sports camps during the summer. We are hoping to host volleyball, basketball and football camps. More details to follow.
Healing: This evening, March 12, I am talking about the two Sacraments of Healing, Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation, to our RCIA group. I love these Sacraments! They are encounters with Jesus, who is alive, is God and is with us! You are welcome to attend the talk. It’s at 6:30 pm in the St. Joseph’s Center.
Heartbeat Dinner: Before speaking at RCIA I will be attending the fundraising dinner in our parish hall for Heartbeat, which provides support in cases of crisis pregnancy. It’s a wonderful organization and I’m glad to support them.
8th grade Living Stations: This Wednesday evening, March 15, our 8th graders will be doing the Living Stations in our Church at 7 pm. Hope to see you there.
First Communion Interviews: This week Fr. Gary and I will be conducting First Communion interviews with our second graders. I always enjoy seeing the children’s joyful anticipation in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.
St. Patrick’s Day: This Friday, March 17, is a lot of people’s favorite day! I will be attending a 12:02 pm Mass at St. Michael’s in downtown Flint to celebrate the day. Sometimes we forget the story of St. Patrick. As a youth Patrick was carried off as a slave from Britain to northern Ireland, where he tended his master’s pigs. After six years he escaped and returned to his family. But one night in a dream he had a vision that encouraged him to go back to Ireland. He did and established the Catholic Church in Ireland. In his twenty-nine years he transformed Ireland, replacing an ancient paganism with a vibrant Christian Church.
Daylight Time: Don’t forget to put your clocks forward!
A First: Friday, March 3, the school had a pep rally. One of the events is the faculty and staff taking on the 8th grade boys basketball team. Fr. Gary made a layup. He was so happy and told me afterward that it was the first basket he’s scored in a game. I was happy for him too, but told him to stick with his day job just in case he wanted to try out for the NBA.
Blessings on your Lenten journey.
With love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.”
― St. Patrick