Thank you to all who welcomed Fr. Paul Walsman, OFM this past weekend as he spent the weekend talking to you about the ministry Food for the Poor. To those who transported him to and from the airport, transported him to the weekend liturgies and to and from his hotel (he was so disappointed that he couldn't spend the weekend at our parish house at Bass Lake, however the weather made that impossible); hosted him for breakfast, brunch and dinner. Truly a great reality of hospitality. Fr. Paul is hoping to be able to join us again when he makes his annual retreat later this year. Again, my sincere thanks.
The weather in the mountains this past weekend and, indeed this past week has caused havoc in many ways to many people. Please keep in your daily prayers those who have been adversely affected by the winter storms: the now homeless and hungry and all whose lives have been negatively impacted by the storms. As well, continue to pray fervently for the victims of the devastating Tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
Our journey of Lent is well underway, and it is my sincere hope that everyone will take full advantage of the hard work that has been done to prepare this annual journey for our parish community. Consider attending daily Mass if you are not a regular weekday mass attendant; consider attending Marian Devotions or Stations of the Cross on Wednesday mornings after the daily Mass; Holy Hour every Friday night, or a Lenten meal every Friday night. Allow this Lent to make a great difference. The opportunities are there, and they are for the community.
This weekend as we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent, we begin the Scrutiny Rites for those preparing for the Easter Sacraments. We include the Elect (those who are going to be Baptized) as well as those who are going to complete their Sacraments of Initiation by celebrating their First Eucharist and Confirmation. The Scrutiny Rites are a wonderfully empowering experience and have been modified so that the entire worshipping Assembly can participate and be moved by them. The beautiful and moving Gospels of the next three weekends (The Samaritan Woman, the Man Born Blind, and the Raising of Lazarus) will be proclaimed in a slightly different fashion so as to be able to experience a new empowerment from them. The Rite of Election will be celebrated Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Church with Msgr. Cotta, the Diocesan Administrator. Please continue to keep Chuck and Danielle, De, Donna, Matt and Sara in your prayers as they continue their journey.
The Parish-sponsored Lenten Retreat is just a few weeks away, and we are hoping to have a minimum of 50 retreatants (plus staff and guests). Please sign up today to avoid missing this wonderful opportunity.
I am now well into the catechetical and preparatory sessions at many of the parishes throughout the Diocese of Fresno as we prepare to welcome in the Third Edition of the Roman Missal this next November. This causes me a great amount of travel and some additional time away from the parish; however, it is required by my responsibilities as Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Fresno. I appreciate the continued prayers and support as the Diocese prepare for this new direction that the Church will be taking this coming Advent.
It is, indeed, a very interesting, challenging and empowering time. May we all be blessed as we continue to bless others.
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