Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We continue our journey through Lent as we celebrate Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Laetare means rejoice and is marked by a relaxation of the penitential character of the Lenten season. On this Sunday we look with great expectation to the great Solemnity of Easter. Through anticipation of the joy of Easter it gives us hope and encouragement as we slowly progress towards the Paschal Feast.
St. Paul reminds us that “we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” (Eph 2:10) Each of us have unique gifts and talents that God desires to use for the glory of the kingdom. As we approach spring, let us be attentive to the ways we can be intermediaries of support and encouragement for others. Throughout his pandemic we have had to be creative in our witness of faith. Let us continue that creativity. By taking what we have learned and putting it into practice we can move through the upcoming months with great hope and perseverance in being the handiwork of God. Our lives are ever developing with the environment that surrounds us. Holding firm to our belief in Jesus, we will be examples of good works as we continue to live our lives differently in light of Covid-19.
I mentioned in past newsletters that I will be scheduling opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation. Below are the scheduled times that I will be present in the church sanctuary. Please remember that you can always call for an appointment.
Wednesday, March 24 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Saint Clement
Thursday, March 25 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Saint James
Saturday, March 27 • 9:00 am – 10:00 am at Saint Clement
Sunday, March 28 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at Saint James
Blessed Palms will be available for outdoor pick-up on Palm Sunday weekend.
Saint Clement by the flagpole:
Saturday, March 27 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 28 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Saint James on the front steps:
Saturday, March 27 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 28 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Some of you may be aware that we have had to adjust our livestream Mass times. I apologize for the confusion and appreciated your patience. Due to scheduling conflicts, these adjusts we necessary and I hope still meaningful for those who are watching virtually. Our goal is to livestream the Vigil Mass so that it is available both Saturday evening and Sunday. I do foresee changes in the upcoming months. We will try to have notices posted on the website when changes are necessary. Also remember that there are many resources available to attend Sunday Mass virtually.
Your continued financial assistance to the parish has been greatly appreciated. There are a few extra collections that will be coming up over the next few months. Please consider supporting these special collections. All extra designated collects help particular needs of the broader church community. Many of these causes have been challenged, as we have in funding to support the mission of the church. Please pray for their success. Contributions can be made through our online account, parish collection envelopes, or other identified envelops.
Jesus came into the world to be a light to those in darkness. Through Baptism we have received this light. Let us continue to pray with and for one another during this season of renewal, so that this Easter the resurrected light of the world will shine in even the darkest places and encourage those in darkness to turn to His radiant beauty.
Lenten peace!
Fr. Workman