Lent: Hope your Lenten journey is going well. We begin with encouraging words from Pope Francis: “Jesus’ attitude is striking: we do not hear the words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversation. ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.’ Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God’s face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God’s patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. ‘Great is God’s mercy,’ says the Psalm.”
Reconciliation: Just in case you didn’t get a chance to go to reconciliation during the “24 hours with the Lord,” there are more opportunities available. On Tuesday, March 9, we are having confessions available from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. The time is especially available for seniors who don’t like to drive at night or for those who work in the evenings. We are also having our regional Lenten penance services: St. John’s in Fenton on Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m.; Holy Redeemer Parish on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m.; and Holy Family Parish on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. And, of course, we still have confessions Monday through Friday at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at our parish.
2nd graders: Speaking of reconciliation we congratulate all our second graders from our school and Religious Education program who recently celebrated their first reconciliation. Parents, thank you for bringing them! Saturday 5 p.m.
Mass on March 12: Next weekend our parish is hosting the diocesan Middle School Rally. Because of this, approximately 300 extra people will be attending the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass. Bishop Boyea is celebrating the Mass; I plan on concelebrating. We welcome the youth from all over the diocese to our parish.
D.C. Trip: On Thursday, March 10, our 8th graders from our school, along with a few teachers and Fr. Gary, will be heading to Washington, D.C. for their annual trip. What a great learning experience!
Day of Reflection: On Thursday, March 10, I will be spending most of the day with a lot of our priests and our bishop for a Lenten Day of Reflection at the retreat center in DeWitt. Then on Friday, March 11, the priests from our region are meeting with Bishop Boyea in Flint.
Water Crisis: The water crisis in Flint continues to be in the news, as it should be. Here are ways that we can help: 1) Catholic Charities Center for Hope (517 East Fifth Avenue) distributes water from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are looking for additional volunteers during the week and also for volunteers so they can distribute water on the weekends. Please call (810) 232-9950 if you are able to help. 2) The North End Soup Kitchen (735 East Stewart Avenue) distributes water from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (810) 785-6911 if you can volunteer. 3) Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (2316 West Coldwater Road) distributes water Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 9:00 am – 6:00 p.m. Please call (810) 787-5701 if you can help.
DSA: Thank you to all who have generously contributed to the Diocesan Services Appeal. We still have a ways to go. Hopefully we can reach our goal soon. Thanks in advance for giving.
Please be assured of my prayers and love for you.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint Quote of the Week: “If we stop to think how great is the mercy of God, we would never cease doing all the good we can.” From St. John of God, whose feast day is March 8.