LAETARE SUNDAY
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is also known as Laetare Sunday because the Introit (opening antiphon) for Mass begins with the Latin word Laetare or Rejoice. This mid-way point of Lent is often highlighted by the wearing of rose colored vestments as a symbol of joy and hope in the midst of our penitential journey. (Retired Air Force Colonels are exempt from this practice.) As we celebrate Laetare Sunday this weekend we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the grace that has been offered thus far in our Lenten pilgrimage and what we yet hope to receive through the disciplines of prayer, fasting and alms giving. Let us continue to pray for one another that as we journey through the desert of Lent we may remain focused on the promise of the Resurrection.
CONGRATULATIONS
I want to offer my congratulations to all of our parishioners who celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation this past week. I pray that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will inspire you to deepen your relationship with Christ and guide you to offer your time and talent in service of the Church. Your sharing in this sacrament is a reminder to all of us that the spiritual growth of conversion is a lifetime endeavor. May God complete the good work that he has begun in you!
THANK YOU
I want to offer my thanks to the parents, sponsors and teachers of our newly confirmed as well as those who have been praying for them. You know better than I do that their journey has only begun. I pray that all of us will continue to live faith-filled lives that will encourage and inspire these newly confirmed members of our community.Thanks also to all who helped prepare and celebrate the liturgy for this great sacrament.
ST. BONIFACE BREAKFAST
Please consider joining the parishioners of St. Boniface for a delicious breakfast in the GA cafeteria this Sunday, March 6.
PARISH COUNCIL WEEK
This week St. Aloysius has a Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, March 8, at 7:30 pm. St. Boniface will have a Parish Council meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 pm. St. Mary will have their Parish Council meeting on Thursday, March 10, at 7 pm. If you have any items of business that you would like your parish representatives to discuss please feel free to let them know or contact me. It would also be a great thing to say “Thank you” to these people who selflessly offer their time and talent in service of our parishes!
ST. MARY’S PARISH COUNCIL
I know that members of the Council are “recruiting” candidates to fill positions that will expire this year. If you are interested in serving the parish in this capacity please call the rectory and let us know. The election is just around the corner! (Don’t worry, there are no scheduled debates for possible candidates!)
LENTEN EVENING PRAYER
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the Third Sunday in Lent for this time of prayer. It is truly inspiring to see so many people make time to come together for this official prayer of the Church. I pray that this brief time “away” has helped you on your journey. I know that your presence and faithfulness have certainly helped me. We will be praying the Divine Office in the context of Eucharistic Adoration this Sunday at St. Joseph’s Chapel at 6 pm. All are invited to join in this liturgical prayer of the Church.
ARCHBISHOP LUCAS WOULD LIKE YOUR INPUT
Over the next couple of months, Archbishop Lucas will be hosting nine listening sessions to hear from as many people in the Archdiocese as possible as he discerns a Pastoral Priority Plan for the future of the Church in Northeast Nebraska. The sessions nearest us will be in March in Wayne (March 15) and Columbus (March 28). Both of these sessions will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm. Registration is required, and you may RSVP by calling (402) 558-3100 or going to archomaha.org/listen. Please feel free to contact the rectory if you would like more information.