Dear Folks,

3 things this week connected with Lent coming soon.

1. Parish Lenten Mission

Back by popular demand is Fr. Jack Riley, the director of the diocesan retreat house and previous retreat master for or Lenten series. I hope you can join us, mark your calendars for our retreat Mon/Tues/Wed Feb 23, 24, & 25. Details in the bulletin.

2. Catholic Schools Week 2.0.

With concrete masquerading as ice and rendering many side streets impassable for a week, we had to push back many of our Catholic Schools week celebrations into this past week. I am often edified by the sacrifices that parents make to be able to provide a Catholic education for their children. And I am doubly edified by the support from all of the parishioners in the pews for our parish school, Holy Cross Academy! The generosity of the entire parish makes possible our works in Catholic education!

3. BLA!

Finally, this weekend we have our lay speakers for the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal as the appeal is kicking into gear. This year the emphasis is on parish participation, with the hope that all practicing families might be able to give something, according to thier capacity.

So many diocesan ministries are supported through funding generated by this annual appeal. The bulletin details some of these works, and speakers at Mass will encourage you to read the BLA materials and do what you are able!

pax,

Father John Mosimann