All Fridays of Lent are Days of Abstinence:   This form of penance involves not eating meat of any kind from any warm-bloodied animal.     It obliges all who are 14 years of age and over.   However, persons whose health would be seriously effected by not eating meat are dispensed; but they should do some other form of penance.  Personal dispensations can be obtained from the Pastor or from your Confessor for a good reason, but anyone doing this must do some other form of penance.

During the Great Season of Lent we are encouraged to meditate on the Mysteries of the Paschal Mystery of our Faith: the Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and Glorification at the Father's right hand.     One very good way to do this, is by making the Way (Stations) of the Cross.     Any manner of prayer may be said while walking the Way of the Cross.     Some read passages from the Gospels while walking the Stations.

Friday Evenings at 7:30 p.m. during Lent we will make the Way of the Cross together at 7:30 p.m. in the church.

Mark you calendars now.      We will have a Parish Mission the week of April 9^th to 13^th.     Plan to come now and bring a non-practicing Catholic with you that week.    Monday thru Thursday there will be a short homily after the 8:00 am Mass and after the 12:05 pm Mass, and a little longer homily during the 7:30 pm Mass.   Prayerfully consider coming yourself that week to the Parish Mission.   Also, prayerfully consider bringing some guests with you to the Parish Mission.

The Readings this week remind us that the Blessing promised by God is always accompanied by suffering.     However, God makes it quite clear that He never leaves our side in times of trial.     The promise of blessing made to Abraham reaches its fulfillment in Christ. However, unlike Abraham, we are no longer promised numerous descendants but rather eternal life.    For our part, we are called to follow Abraham in his obedience to God's Will, to obey the voice from the cloud and to listen to Jesus.     In this Jubilee Year, it is easy to focus solely on the blessing that comes to us, most especially the Gifts of Baptism and Eucharist.     But, as Children of God, we must adhere to His Will, reform our lives, and seek the path of righteousness.     Following such a path requires sacrifice and struggle, but God is always with us to strengthen and to console us.

Today our Candidates baptized in other Christian Communities, who will make a Profession of Faith as Catholics and receive Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, have a special Penitential Rite (Scrutiny) after the homily.     Because of this rite's emphasis on adherence to the Baptismal Call, the entire Gathered Assembly participates in this Penitential Rite (Scrutiny).

Rance Bevan  Laurie Gibbs
Carol Nickolson  Debra Papageorge
Suzanne Ricci  Stanton Ricci
Kelly Verstynen   Todd York

On Sunday, April 2^nd, our parish is having a Bundle Sunday for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.    Please bring your useable clothes and useable household items to their truck that will be parked near the Media Room.     Help them in their endless efforts to assist the needy.     They have a desperate need for furniture and large appliances.     

Call them to pick-up heavy items at your home:  800 - 97 - HELP.