Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Listen! Begin by listening to the word of God. Let it dwell richly in your hearts. And listen to one another in the way God listens to us! Always with concern for the most vulnerable among us.

Fast! Not only from food and drink, but from any attachment that keeps you from making God the center of life! Fasting points us to what we truly hunger for in this life. Fast "from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities."

Together! That's how our Lenten journey can unfold. Our "conversion refers not only to one’s conscience, but also to the quality of our relationships and dialogue."

These come from the Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026 called "Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion." He offers practical advice for our Lenten season. You may read his short message at the link above.

May the Lord guide our Lenten journey together!

Peace and blessings,

Father Gil

Last weekend, Archbishop José H. Gomez invited all Catholics to participate in the 2026 Together in Mission annual appeal. If you and your family have made a gift – thank you! If you have not yet had the opportunity to make your commitment, please prayerfully consider a gift today by filling out the parish donation envelope located in the pews or by going online at TIMGIVE.org. Your support of Together in Mission ensures that struggling parishes and schools remain open and vibrant and that Catholic school education is accessible to undeserved communities throughout the archdiocese. This Is the Hour for Love!

For our immigrant sisters and brothers living in fear of deportation, may the Lord accompany them through the ministry of the Christian community:

For the healing, comfort, and peace of the sick, for Victoria T. Picard, Amparo Haber, Bruno Raineri, Shirley Ruess, Sister Irene Wright, Melinda Nadres, Greg Tinsley, Jack & Vicki Phillips, Tel Ramon, Mary Pat Cooper, Todd Wiench, Bernadette Tee, Estrella and John Monzon, Charles Candel, Marisa Kavanau, Carol King Wolcott, John Wolcott, Angel Appleton, Clark Gassan, Lohriena Lohrie Counts, Nora McCormick Heinen, Weldon Tilley, Paul Lannan, Eileen Gaffney.

For the eternal rest of our beloved departed, Terry Casey, Darrel Bengry, Joan Doyle, Cristina Mirendolf, Elaine Vucelich, Marietta Lavin, Jeffrey Graham, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Robert J. Burns, John 'JJ' Goldrick, Dellie Abad, James Kennedy, José Fernandez, Terry O'Malley Seidler, Rich Puppione, Christie Farmer, Alfred Ruess, Christohper Hudlin, Alan Culver, Laura James, Anne Marie Hannick, Father Greg Goethals, SJ, Ron Schuster, Bobby Burks, Father Jack Lynch, CSP, Arlene Havel, Phil Duncan, Michele Kearin, Father Brad Schoeberle, CSP, Mary Tokuza, Haruko Hiromura, Donny Kie, Cesar Robeniol, Nellie Scholar, may they rest in peace.

For peace in every nation: may the light of the Holy Spirit transform hearts so that all may seek the way of peace together and comfort the wounded and grieving, let us pray to the Lord: