Consider this … Conversion
Over the next three weeks our Gospel will lead us into a deep sense of conversion. If we had elect for RCIA, these three weeks would each focus on a scrutiny rite that asks the person to look at sin in their life and make a commitment to turn to Jesus. Each of us is invited to pray for the elect, and ask God to work in the life of those seeking Baptism at the Easter Vigil. This beautiful rite is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the power of God’s grace in our lives. All of us are encouraged to look at our lives and see the need for conversion. All of us have things we need to turn away from to be drawn closer to Jesus. Lent is the perfect opportunity for all of us to look at who we are as Jesus’ disciples and acknowledge that we can be better. Each of us has sinned, and we need to turn away from that sin.
As we begin our ‘Family of Parishes’ in the renewal, this is a perfect opportunity for our parish to also look at what we need to do to turn from our old habits or attitudes, that do not lead us into deeper communion with Christ. As part of our Family, we will have two opportunities for all of us to avail ourselves of the Mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Tuesday, March 21, at St. Aloysius in Springville and on Wednesday, March 29, at The New St. Mary’s in Arcade, our ‘Family of Parishes’ will have Reconciliation Services, with the opportunity for individual confession, at 2 and 6 pm at both services. Please mark your calendars and take advantage of these conversion moments. It is a wonderful opportunity to be reconciled before our celebration of Holy Week.
In addition, we are mailing a letter to all registered parishioners sharing our Holy Week Schedule along with a note from Fr. Dan, our Pastor, and myself. If you do not receive a copy, please give Debbie a call in the office and she will take care of getting you one and inviting you to register with the parish. Please note the Holy Week schedule and make sure you make time for Jesus during this most sacred week of the year.
Lastly, our parish has been blessed to have a ‘Needy Fund’ that is available to help people in need for various reasons throughout the year. Over the past few years, money has not been spent from this fund and has simply accumulated in the account to the tune of almost $13,000. I spoke with Fr. Dan, and we want to make sure we honor the intent of those funds in helping those most in need. Therefore, after talking with our Finance Council, we are recommending the following:
- We want to made sure the parish is aware that this funding exists for those who may need assistance. This is not a long-term solution, but something to help in the short term if needed. If someone needs assistance they need to contact the parish office during business hours and inquire about help.
- To spend some of the reserved money, the Finance Council has agreed with the recommendation of contacting the food pantries in our area and making a $1,000 donation to each of them.
- With further review of the fund in conjunction with the Finance Council, we will study how we want to spend our monies in the future.
So much continues to happen in our parish. Don’t forget about the St. Joseph’s Table, next Saturday (March 18, 2023) after the 5 pm Vigil Mass. Please feel free to invite your neighbors and friends to this wonderful event!
Keep Smiling :) Fr. Bryan
Based on Fr. Bryan’s letter in the bulletin of March 12, 2023. Date & year indication added in italics.
