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Lenten blessing to y’all - new and old parishioners and non-parishioners as well, This is Padre Wilfredo. Our Lenten journey has begun, and we have wonderful opportunities for you to pray, fast and almsgiving.
Fr. Jeff is away serving the wider Church as Vicar General; it’s a good moment to reflect on leadership and service. We are called to support those who shepherd us, acknowledging that their ministry often requires sacrifice and “being away” to strengthen the larger community. We look forward to his return on Wednesday, much like we look forward to the “return” of the Alleluia at Easter. Am I right?
It is wonderful to hear the Fish Fry was such a hit—and we just started! There is a unique spiritual beauty in the “holy chaos” of a parish hall, where pull tabs, kids’ game rooms, and shared meals transform a simple Friday abstinence into a true community celebration. As you look forward to the next one, you might reflect on how the joy found in these Friday nights can fuel your more solemn Lenten commitments during the rest of the week.
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 25, we will offer a family-friendly Stations of the Cross. This is an invitation to walk the path of the Passion physically. Here is something to reflect; How can you "walk" with someone in your life who is currently carrying a heavy cross?
Lastly, Saint Patrick hosted the Rite of Election with Archbishop Shelton Fabre. It is a powerful reminder that Lent is not just a solo journey, but a communal “yes” to God. Seeing approximately 900 people gather, reinforces that the Church is a living, breathing body, constantly being renewed.
As these newly Elect prepare for the Easter Vigil, we can reflect on our own “election.” Just as the catechumens transitioned to the “Elect” on Sunday, how are we transitioning our hearts this week? A special thank you to everyone who attended and to all who were involved in the planning and hospitality that made this a memorable event for the Elect, their families and the Archdiocese.
The success of the Fish Fry and the hosting of the Archdiocesan Rite show that hospitality is a form of prayer. We at Saint Patrick’s are proud to consider ourselves a welcoming community. Sharing is caring. May God continue to bless you as we walk together on our Lenten path. Amen.
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