From the Pastor’s Desk: April 7, 2019

     As the time of Lent slowly comes to an end, Jesus encourages us to take full advantage of the time that is still left. In today’s gospel, Jesus arrived bright and early in the morning in the Temple area to continue to preach and to teach, and to give hope to those who followed Him. Ever since His invitation for people to repent, more and more people followed Him. His message of love, mercy, and forgiveness- they never heard it before. In Jesus’ words, they have found someone who gave them hope, who brought them light and meaning and purpose into their lives. They were genuine people, followers who wholeheartedly embraced Jesus’ teaching. This is what is meant of us during this holy, joyful season of Lent.
 
     “Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery.” In their wickedness, they hoped to put the rabbi who eats and drinks with sinners on a collision course with the Sacred Law and Tradition. They hoped to condemn Him and to do so quickly. They knew that the situation had very little, if anything, to do with an adulterous woman. They used her as a forfeit to trap Jesus as the proof for breaking the law. This story is not just an isolated incident of false accusations, condemnations and lack of forgiveness, but rather it represents our lives in today’s society. We all sin in many different ways. We all are guilty of either indulging our desires at someone else’s expense, or by placing ourselves on the top and better than others. In just this past week, how many people did we trap or condemn in our hearts, or even in our words? How many people did we pass judgment on? Or on the other hand, how many people have we extended a hand of love and compassion?
  
     Dear friends, in the time that is left to us during this Lent, let us truly find ways to imitate Christ in our daily life. To look at people with love, compassion, and to extend a hand with peace, help, and forgiveness. We are all sinners pardoned by God through the death of His Son. We are forgiven, so we can be forgiving, and be able to entrust our lives into the hands of God’s perfect will. So with forgiven hearts, let us make a new start, a new beginning, having peace in our hearts, knowing God as our friend and guide forever, and to possess the power to live for Him and one another always.
 
     In the spirit of joy and gratitude, our parish community, together with parents, siblings, relatives and friends, celebrate Mason Wiggins who was ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, April 6, 2019, by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.  Our prayers, support, and thanksgiving surround Deacon Mason and his family. The Diaconate, with its own distinct identity, is a step on its way to the priesthood. The ministry of the diaconate finds its fulfilment in an office at the service at the altar, assisting at Mass, baptisms and weddings; an office of preaching and evangelization; and an office of service to the holy people of God. It is my prayer that God- our All-Powerful Father, will bless you and strengthen your desire to fulfill His Will in your gift as an ordained minister of His Holy Church.
 
     I feel very blessed to share with you that after many years of unsuccessful attempts to repair our church roof, we finally made it right! Your patience, generosity, support and perseverance brought us to this time and place where we thank God for His love and guidance and for each other! As faithful stewards we make our parish such a strong community of faith, love, compassion and evangelization. I am humbled by your commitment and truly blessed to serve you as your pastor.
 
    As we enter the last full week of Lent may we remain open to the Lord’s blessings to benefit from this holy season.
 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy