A Message from the Pastor…………………….

VISIONING DAY was a very exciting day, one of our best parish days, as I’ve seen elsewhere. About a hundred parishioners were in our double-room hall downstairs, to reflect on the strong areas of the parish, and those that may need improvement (our facilitator Vince Estrada calls these “opportunities”.) Tables made lists of these on large sheets, which were then taped to the wall so everybody could go to the others’ sheets and “vote” on the strengths and opportunities. Throughout the day, longtime parishioners, and those not so long, came up to thank me for this opportunity. I’m well aware that with a succession of pastors in a brief time, many found it hard to sense priorities or direction for the parish. That’s just what this has start- ed. All will have a chance to complete a survey in church after Easter based on the priorities produced this day, and there will be more participatory days to complete a plan. Stay tuned and keep your voice in this process. Great thanks for this powerful parish day go to our Visioning Day Committee: Lynn Barnes, Vicki Westall, Sara Peters (soon Anastacio), Heather Martin Cooper and Jim McCullough.

CONFIRMATION was another strong parish day this past Tuesday. We had young people from our grade school, from PSR, and homeschooled. It’s great for me to see people at this critical age choose to live their life in Christ, and in the church. Educators say this is the age that we can first envision a true life future ahead of us, and make choices. Their names will be in the bulletin next week, and I ask you to pray for them. Bishop Rivituso was, as always, a very kind, warm, and spiritual leader of this service.

Today we conclude our mini-seminar on conversion with The Raising of Lazarus. It’s so deep I’m some- what at a loss to interpret it. But I know it has to do with hope—not only the hope of Lazarus getting a new life, but the hope of his sisters. They were angry with Jesus, disappointed that he hadn’t prevented this terrible loss in their life. But Jesus’ intent was to lead them, not around it, but through it. So, he said to her, right in her grief: “I am the Resurrection. Do you believe this?” Her answer can be ours.

At this late time of Lent, then, evaluate if you’ve had movement on the harder things of Lent—prayer, trust in God, confidence, courage , love. Monday night (tomorrow) is our communal Lenten Penance Service at 7:00 P.M., with several confessors including monks from St. Louis Abbey (St. Anselm’s).

Confession is a great way to examine yourself and set your direction on an even more faith-filled, loving direction.

Fr. Tim Foley has come in as a retired priest in residence. St. Monica was his choice to continue his retirement at. I will enjoy his company. There is no change to our daily Mass schedule while he settles in and rests from the move. This will continue till after Easter.

We received a very generous gift from the Living Trust of Harold J. Bauer. WE thank her and parishioner Jean Chartrand for remembering the parish.

Next week is Holy Week, and the Easter Triduum. I can sense I’m clearing space as always to enter the Paschal Retreat, with a priority on reflecting on the Death and Resurrection of Christ more than busi- ness as usual. This will be my entire focus starting next Sunday. Please support Fr. Tim and me to be where we can be best for you and the parish from here to Easter, let’s begin to hold off the non-essential things and be fully present to the greatest week of our faith.

Fr. Sebastian

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