Weekly Pastor's Corner

 Fourth Sunday of Lent

3/14/26-3/15/26

Last week each parishioner was invited to our annual Lenten Retreat, three evenings celebrated on March 9, 10, and 11 during which were offered a

first night talk by Sister Marie Paul, a second night celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a third night celebration of the Mass. Each year we look forward to these retreats offered during Advent and lent providing an opportunity to step back and pray in preparation for the anticipated holy days. This year my office and I failed in the communication and anticipation of the Lenten Retreat by failing to ensure that nothing else was scheduled during our special time. On the first night of the retreat, the office had erroneously scheduled Haitian Choir practice which provided a conflict with our scheduled prayer. Luckily, we caught the clerical error in time before the second and third nights and so were able to pray rightly with the whole community on those nights. I apologize to Sister Marie Paul for our error and assure her of a future invite. We thank those who came each night of the Retreat and hope that we will be better informed in the future.

Lent is a Season of preparation for the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and the joy filled announcement of Jesus’ victory over death at Easter. Once again, this week John in his gospel uses the images of water washing us clean and light encouraging us to see to describe what is in store for us as we are baptized by the Holy Water of Baptism, washing us clean from sin and offering us the great gift of faith. Jesus sends the man born blind to

wash in the pool at Siloam and so to be changed by the light of Christ into one who can see what truth, goodness and moral right is. The man is symbolic of everyone who accepts Jesus in faith and recognizes Him as the true offer of salvation.

Now is the time and Season to reaffirm our profession of faith in Jesus commit to Him again as we unite our sacrifices to the sacrifice He has made

for us on the Cross. Our commitment announced as “Amen” unites us to all those who accept Christ in the pages of the gospels and beyond! Prayer,

almsgiving and sacrifice united to this recommitment changes us as does God’s invitation to grace.

Have a great week!

God Bless

 Fr. Joe