This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I spoke about Lent in my bulletin column last week I will say just a bit more about almsgiving, one of the main things that we are all called to do each Lent. In the First Letter of Saint Peter, we read that “charity covers a multitude of sins”. This means that God overlooks the sins of the person who is charitable to others. God would rather look at our good works than our sins.
If our Lenten penance does not make us kinder to others, it is false. Traditionally Lent is a time to share, particularly to share one’s wealth with the poor and the Church. In the US Catholic Church, and at Saint John’s, we support Operation Rice Bowl, a Lenten collection for the poor of the world. A quarter of the money collected is given to Catholic Charities to care for the poor and hungry in our region. The rest goes to Catholic Relief Services for the poor of the world. Our Operation Rice Bowl collection will be on Palm Sunday.
Consider also making an extra generous donation to Saint John Church this Lent. Keeping Saint John’s open and vibrant is a charitable deed. Over the past few months, we have had an extraordinary number of small repairs (roof leaks, plumbing problems, ceiling fixes, electrical issues), adding up to about $40,000. We are in deficit spending in the current fiscal year. I humbly ask you to help me to sustain our ministry at Saint John’s.
Stations of the Cross
Clarification: We will have Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent after the 12:05 and 5:15 Masses.
Lenten Laudato Si Gathering
Mark your calendars for March 19 after the 10:30 AM Mass. The Laudato Si Circle will sponsor a Meager Meal with a viewing and discussion of the “Letter” on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. This is an excellent way to observe Lent. More specific information will be available in next week’s bulletin.
Firefighters’ Mass
Thank you to all who helped to make the Firefighters’ Mass a success. It is always risky to mention names because inevitably someone is overlooked, but I want to especially thank Carolyn Murray and many others for the delicious lunch (special thanks to Caroline and Lucy for cookies), Annette and TJ for the music; Dave Kearney for the program; John Taylor for the bag pipe music and thanks to all who attended and joined us in prayer.
Black Catholic Congress
The Black Catholic Congress will be held July 20-23, 203 at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Maryland (near Washington). If any Saint John parishioners are interested in attending, please contact Father Tom. We hope that some of our church members will attend this Congress and bring back ideas to enrich our church life. Check out the Congress web site:
https://www.nbccgathering2023.org/
Events at Saint John’s
The Firefighters’ Mass and luncheon was an awesome gathering of our Saint John’s family. Those who attended were inspired. We need to offer more events, more opportunities for us to gather as a church community. Not all need to follow a church service; we can have events that are social and community building. Anyone interested in working with Father Tom to plan and execute events for Saint John Parish, please contact Father Tom.
Historical Preservation Endowment Fund
$554,078.00