March 19, 2023
Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent. In this year’s cycle of readings (Year A), the Gospels we read are especially geared to help those in their final stage of preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman at the Well last week and the offer to her of Living Water is a reference to Baptism. In today’s Gospel of Jesus healing the man born blind, we see another valuable lesson. Not only is it a story of Jesus’ power to restore sight, but an encounter with the One who opens the eyes of those who live in spiritual blindness and gives them internal sight. As candidates and catechumens hasten to become members of Christ’s Church these lessons are valuable reflections to what life with Jesus offers them. For us, already initiated they are also valuable reminders of the life we share as His disciples. Today’s Gospel and our first reading from the Book of Samuel challenge us to see as God sees. We’re reminded that, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” As we began Lent we were challenged, “Rend your hearts not your garments.” As the Father of Mercy, and our Good Shepherd, looks into our hearts this Lent may He see, “a heart, contrite and humbled, O God, You will not spurn.”
I am happy to announce that we have two young boys, Sebastian and Quincy, who have been preparing to make their First Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. Baptized in another faith tradition, they will make their First Reconciliation before joining us on Easter to make a profession of faith as we renew our baptismal promises and then receive our Lord’s precious Body and Blood at the 10:00am Mass on Easter. Please pray for them in these final weeks of their preparation.
A special thank you to our Women’s Guild for their “Soup Drive” this Lent to benefit our St. Vincent de Paul Society. The women chose to have this drive in lieu of their annual Simple Supper which was not well attended last year. Their drive this year has helped us to use the Lenten discipline of Almsgiving to benefit the clients served by our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Thank you ladies.
We are currently inviting you to join in our annual Easter Flower Campaign. Much like Christmas, the flowers decorating Church will be loving memory of deceased loved ones and in honor of those dear to us. Names of those being remembered and honored will be published in the bulletin. There is no set amount for this campaign in order to allow all parishioners to participate. Envelopes are in your monthly packet in addition to those at the doors of Church. You may also donate online.
Finally this week, if you enjoyed the fun of Trivia Night, Immaculate Conception is hosting a Trivia Night next Saturday, March 25th. There are still tables available if you’re interested. I’m sure they would love to see you there. Contact the Parish Office at IC for more information: (314) 645-3307.
God Bless! Happy Lent!
Please continue praying 3 Hail Marys. Fr. Pete