From the Pastor
The Call to Continuing Conversion
Next Saturday February 25th, three of our parishioners will be presented to Archbishop Myers at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark for acceptance to receive the Easter Sacraments at the Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion. This step in the journey recognizes our candidates for having participated in our parish preparation program of formation in the Catholic faith as well as their personal desire to be a full member of the Catholic community. Congratulations to Krista Bugenhagen, being sponsored by Jo Kornberger, and Kelly Wojcik, being sponsored by Stephen Yacykewych, both one with us in baptism, who are completing their initiation with the reception of Confirmation and the Eucharist. Jeremy Davis, being sponsored by Joe Altavilla, has been baptized in another Christian tradition and will be received into the Catholic faith and will be receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. Thank you also to the entire RCIA team for their witness and work and support on behalf of the candidates.
While all three will be receiving these Sacraments in the Easter Season, our prayer intensifies for them at this time as they make their final preparations in anticipation of their becoming fully one with us. This ceremony also acknowledges that Continuing Conversion is necessary. No program, no matter how thorough or well presented, can ever contain all the answers and inspiration we need to live the Christian life. That is an ongoing process. We pray they will be led to continue their pursuit not only of knowing information about the faith, but also of living the faith.
With that in mind, Lent begins this week for all of us with the observance of Ash Wednesday. See the schedule for Masses and prayer services on that day. It is also a time for all of us to reflect upon the role of faith in our busy lives. Recently, I had an opportunity to take some time for reflection and know that I personally need to work on some things and so do we as a parish community. The life of faith is never finished but always calls us to examine ourselves and seek the wisdom and power of Christ. I would invite you, everyone, to this important time of reflection this year! There are, of course, many opportunities for participation in spiritual programs throughout the Lenten Season. Take advantage of them. There are different things for varying lengths of time and interest. May I ask all, young and old alike, to devote some portion of each of the next forty days to prayer? Use the Little Black Book being passed out today or decide to pray as a family at meals or as the day begins, whatever you find works. Lent prepares us to celebrate our salvation in Christ, yet so many have turned away, turned off, tuned out to the good news. Time to change that! Are you ready? Let’s begin Lent seeking renewal! We all need it!
In God's Peace and Love,
Fr. Michael
