Lent is a time to share the “good life”

Dear Friends,

These days of winter are so filled with challenging issues. As we all waited for the annual Super Bowl to unfold in Houston and arranged comfortable chairs to view, we were barraged with words from our candidates for public office. It is a fascinating, if not confusing, activity of democracy. I’m sure the world looks on with amazement and also envy as the issues are so publicly debated. It strongly invites all of us to get involved. One of those issues is the drive to have a constitutional amendment defining marriage

This is also the time of year when so many of our young people are preparing for sacraments. Over 140 students are receiving instruction for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In a few weeks they will approach the Lord to receive the grace of absolution of their sins and failings. In that process they will observe their parents and older family members as they too are made more aware of God’s love in confession. I am grateful for all who give of their time and talents in preparing our youngsters. In addition there are over 180 students in preparation for the wonderful Sacrament of Eucharist. They will receive Jesus in Eucharist for the first time in five ceremonies to be celebrated in May. I ask all our parishioners to pray for these young people as they continue their journey of faith to the altar of the Lord.

Life is a series of challenges. Each decade seems to bring more and varied ones. As people grow older or become more aware of how delicate life truly is, they frequently enrich their attitudes and put values in perspective. Many men and women who return from war or from working in third world countries are horrified at Americans who complain about small things. I mention this because every once in a while we get complaints about the timing of Mass, or kids who can’t come to CCD because of hockey or soccer or Mass is too long. Too often we forget that there are many places even here in this country where there is no Mass or religious education - or soccer! As Lent approaches we will find good space to reorder our priorities and perhaps discard empty complaints. God bless us all.

Our STEWARDSHIP continues to occupy our discussions both at Finance Committee meetings and Pastoral Council gatherings. As I mentioned last weekend in presenting the ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT, our income decreased last year over $90,000 from the previous year. I know that this is due mostly from the poor state of our economy but it is also due to our understanding of stewardship. So many of us have been so blessed in life - but good stewardship involves "returning to the Lord what the Lord has given to us." Last year the average gift per active family was $8.00 a week! For many this may be a true sacrifice, for others it may not. Over 1,000 registered families give nothing. I ask everyone to reflect on what their sacrificial gift is each week and whether it truly reflects "sacrificial giving."

Many parishes in the country are approaching parish support with automatic deductions from their accounts. Our finance committee is presently discussing this approach. If you have any ideas, give us a call.

Our Parish staff prays daily for your peace and good health.

FATHER PAUL