First Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioner,

I would like to congratulate the members of our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults class who are participating in the Rite of Election. This ceremony marks the time when the Catechumens ask that they may come into the church at Easter. The church community accepts their request and promises to help them through the final preparations.

During the six weeks of Lent, the persons seeking the sacraments of initiation try to live the most authentic Christian life possible. They do this by praying, practicing charity, by fasting and living a simpler life. All of this helps them to know what it will be like to live their Christian vocation out the rest of their lives.

Our Baptismal Area will be a point of focus in the days ahead. We take the water out of the fount and we seal it. We set it up like a desert to remind us that this is a time of self-denial and prayer for us all.

Lent is not just a time to meditate on the Passion of Jesus. It is a time to participate in it in some small way. Self-denial is not a burden that we carry. In many ways, it is an entering into a healthier way of living.

I hope we can all make good use of these six weeks so that we grow in our relationship with the Lord. If we stick to our penance it will bear fruit. Please pray for our Catechumens by name. We will be listing those names in our various publications. If you meet them in church encourage them.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark