From the desk of Fr. Mike

 

 We are happy to welcome Father Paul Walsman, OFM, on behalf of Food for the Poor.  I pray that his message and the good that Food for the Poor affords the destitute will bring us to a heightened awareness of those suffering so close to our borders off Florida.  I have been associated with Food for the Poor for many years, and am familiar with the work they do.  Your support for their ministry will be appreciated.

 

                     Deacon Ernie, Virginia, and I are attending the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim this weekend.  This is the largest gathering of Roman Catholics in the United States, which occurs at this time every year.  The number of attendees has grown to over 40,000 persons attending.   Youth Day was this past Thursday, March 17, when 15,000 young people gather to celebrate Mass with their new Archbishop.  This year will be the first time Archbishop José Gomez, the new Archbishop of Los Angeles with preside over the congress.  Cardinal Mahony, who has led the congress for the last 25 years, will not be around so as to give his successor  breathing room to enjoy this great event.  Don't be surprised if you have a 'cardinal sighting' around town in the next few weeks.  If so, wish him well on his retirement.

 

As the season of Lent continues, we hope that all our parishioners take advantage of the opportunities to participate in the many spiritual exercises offered: such as daily Mass, Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays,  Holy Hour every Friday evening, Lenten meals every Friday night, as well as making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament during the week.  The church generally is opened daily from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday through Thursday, and of course,  on the weekend.

 

We owe a great deal of gratitude to the Art and Environment Commission for the extraordinarily beautiful environment created in our three churches.  Thanks to you all.  Ash Wednesday liturgies were beautiful and prayerful, thanks to those who provided ministry that day.

 

We also extend our prayers and congratulations to Chuck and Danielle, De and Donna who celebrated the Rite of Sending this past weekend, and will celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on March 28th at St. Anthony's Church in Fresno with Msgr. Myron Cotta, Diocesan Administrator.