Around the Parish – March 2, 2025

In these challenging and uncertain moments, we are called to unite our hearts in fervent prayer for our beloved Pope Francis. As many of you have heard, his health is in a critical state—battling severe pneumonia and early signs of kidney failure—and his condition has prompted many to pray at the bedside of a dying father. We are reminded that even the strongest among us are not immune to the frailties of our human existence. Now, more than ever, let us come together as a community, lifting up our Holy Father in our prayers, asking God to grant him renewed strength, healing, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Whether we long for his miraculous recovery or prepare our hearts for what may come, our prayers are an act of love and solidarity with the one who has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and reform in our Church. Let us pray that the grace of the Holy Spirit guides the hands of his caregivers and that, in these final hours, our prayers may be a source of comfort and inspiration—not only for Pope Francis but for all who call him our spiritual leader. May our united intercessions help him find strength, and may they be a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of life’s most profound challenges.

Rosary for Pope Francis

Beginning Ash Wednesday, March 5, in union with Rome and the rest of the world, our parish will pray the rosary for Pope Francis at 5pm in Church. (4:30pm on Saturday) Please consult the parish bulletin and website for specific days.

Entering the Season of Lent

This Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Throughout these next several weeks, our liturgy will focus on repentance and preparation for Easter. Let’s ensure that our hearts and homes reflect the same spirit of conversion we embrace at Mass! During Lent, we have additional opportunities for prayer and reflection. Beginning this Friday, we will hold weekly Adoration and Confessions from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to join in this beautiful devotion.

24 Hours for the Lord – March 21-22

As I’ve been sharing over the past few weeks, our parish will host 24 Hours for the Lord, an extended period of Eucharistic Adoration. I encourage you to sign up for a time of prayer during this special 24-hour period. A highlight of the event will be Praise & Worship Adoration on Friday, March 21, at 7:00 PM. This time of prayer will include praise music, vocal prayers, Scripture readings, and a short reflection—a truly moving and joyful experience. If you’ve never attended something like this, I highly encourage you to come. Following adoration, we will have refreshments and social time in Gallagher Hall. Additionally, a full list of Lenten Confession times is included in this weekend’s bulletin. Take time this season to encounter the Lord’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Upcoming Parish Events

On Friday, March 14, the Knights of Columbus will host their annual St. Patrick’s Day Bingo in Gallagher Hall. Doors will open at 4:00 PM, and the first game begins at 6:00 PM. This event is always a fun-filled evening with great prizes and fellowship. Unlike the past two years, we will not be having a bake sale during Bingo. Instead, we are excited to bring back our Palm Sunday Bake Sale in preparation for Easter. More details about the bake sale will be shared in next weekend’s bulletin.

As part of our Palm Sunday Bake Sale, we will also be raffling off two trellises filled with lottery scratch-off tickets! We need your help to make this raffle a success. If you would like to contribute, please drop off any unscratched lottery tickets at the parish office by Sunday, March 6. Raffle tickets were mailed out a few weeks ago, but if you need more, they are available in the parish office.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

“Return to me with your whole heart.” – Joel 2:12 As we enter into Lent, consider what it means to truly turn back to God with your whole heart. What distractions or burdens can you set aside to draw closer to Him? Lent is a time to fast from distractions and feast on God’s presence. Instead of focusing on what you are giving up, focus on what you are gaining: deeper prayer, a stronger relationship with Christ, and a renewed spirit.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.