The Final Stretch

As we reach the final weeks of Lent, I find that my Lenten vigor wears thin. My penances finally feel like penances, a busier schedule of events throughout Lent leaves me feeling worn, and as we approach Holy Week with all its planning, I find it daunting to know that we are so close to the height of the liturgical year. Yet the Lord is Lord, and I am not. Thank the Lord for that. But I also see that even amid exhaustion and difficulty, the Lord continues to work something in my heart. For me, it is a surrender that, even if I fail, He still loves me, and He will still call me son. I do not need to be perfect, but I do need to desire to please Him first. My prayer is that this will be your desire as we approach the Paschal Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday).

The Lord does so much for us! He continues to work the salvation He wrought by His Cross and Resurrection. For example, at our Day of Grace, we had around 150 people receive the Sacrament of Penance (Confession)! What a gift the Lord’s mercy is! I have also seen an uptick in the number of people coming to daily Mass. The Lord continues to work in the souls of so many people at Holy Angels and our Family of Parishes.

Please check the Bulletin for the Holy Week Schedule. There will be some extra opportunities for Confession. Holy Week is a time to enter into the mystery of our salvation and give thanks to God for all His benefits to us, His children. Despite the hardness of the hearts of many, and the failure of a number to recognize the coming of the Lord, Jesus goes to the Cross for those who reject Him. We too can fail to see the coming of the Lord. Take the opportunity to see the Lord at work in your life by looking at it through the lens of the Paschal festivities.

Please come to a Family of Parishes Holy Hour next Sunday, April 10, at 7:00 p.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Newport. We will take the opportunity to pray for our Family of Parishes and for a future filled with hope within our Family of Parishes. We have much to be grateful for: We have four priests, four vibrant parishes, religious sisters, and parishioners who love our Eucharistic Lord, desiring to serve God and their neighbor. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Thank you to everyone who helped with the St. Joseph Brinner and Donut Sunday. Your help is deeply appreciated. The heart of service present at Holy Angels is truly wonderful and beautiful. I am grateful to the Lord for each and every one of you.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn