First Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners,

     I would like to congratulate the RCIA candidates who went through the Rite of Enrollment at last weeks 11 a.m. Mass.  They are:

• Michael Eddy, Elysa Groepper (Candidates)
•  Brooke Klein, Amanda McLean, Kayla Ochs, Fran Ryan and Julie White (catechumens)

     The RCIA candidates remind us of two very important things.  One is that as they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation during Lent we are to do the same.  They will fast, pray and do charitable works.  We are to do Penance as well. We are to act like we are getting ready to enter the church.

     The focus of Lent is not the cross.  This is the focal point of Passion Sunday and the Good Friday.  Preparing for the renewal of our Baptismal promises Easter morning is our concentration throughout Lent.  Can we remind ourselves what it means to live like a Christian and can we live that way?  This is the primary emphasis of Lent.

     The second thing that our RCIA candidates (the elect) remind us of our need to bring others to Christ.  The elect desire to enter our church.  They desire something that we take many times take for granted, our Roman Catholic Faith. 

     During the weeks ahead, we will introduce the elect in our bulletins.  Each one of them has a different story. The Holy Spirit has worked in their lives leading them to the Sacred Heart faith community.   May their stories inspire us to keep Lent well so that we can grow in our commitment to Christ.

     We see a desert has been set up in our Baptismal area.  The baptismal font is sealed.  All of this is a reminder that the living waters of Easter are more meaningful if we prepare prayerfully to experience them.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark