Bulletin for March 12

Dear friends in Christ,

Are you missing something? There’s something absent at Mass these days. One of the hallmark liturgical aspects of Lent is the lack of the “Alleluia” before the Gospel is proclaimed. Did you notice it wasn’t there? The “Alleluia” falls silent in the season of Lent as we remember the penitential nature of these 40 days.

The “Alleluia” is central to the season of Easter, of course, and that’s what makes the Easter Vigil so powerful. When we first hear the “Alleluia” sung after being dormant for 40 days, it really strikes us. Christ is truly risen! For now, however, the absence of it can speak an equally powerful message. So listen for what you hear and what you don’t hear. The experience can be one that offers us a keen opportunity to walk closely with Jesus through the desert of Lent to the promise of the glory of Easter.

In this second week of Lent we are invited up the mountain with Peter, James and John as we hear the stirring account of the Transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of Moses and Elijah. This is always one of my favorite biblical passages, and you can see it depicted in one of the stained-glass windows in the church. It shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah), yet fear strikes the disciples and they don’t quite grasp what is happening. What fear is keeping us from recognizing the Lord in our own lives? Do we hear God’s voice? What might we need to let go of in this Lent to be able to recognize Jesus at work in our lives?

Almsgiving, along with prayer and fasting, is one of the pillars of Lent, and a great way to practice that is through CRS Rice Bowls that were distributed on Ash Wednesday. (If you need one, we have extras in the narthex and in the office.) We invite you to save your extra change, perhaps contributing the money you would have spent on that which you “gave up” for Lent. We’ll collect those once Lent is over and all the proceeds will go to support Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS tries to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to those in need in nearly 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.

Another great way to give alms is through your pledge to the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF). If you haven’t yet done so, please remember to return your pledge card to the office or in the collection basket, or better yet, make your pledge on-line. Your DSF pledge goes to support the more than 60 ministries of the Archdiocese bringing God’s mercy to those most in need. Thanks for your support of this yearly initiative that does much good for many in our Archdiocese.

You can actually practice two of the three pillars of Lent at the same time when you pledge online. By registering with our automated electronic giving program, Faith Direct, you can fast from envelopes not only for Lent, but forever. We’re inviting parishioners to “give up” offertory envelopes during this season and make your weekly tithe online. It saves the parish money (less envelopes to print and mail) and makes it easier for you (no more checks to write or envelopes to remember to bring). Visit www.faithdirect.net and enter our parish code of TX150. It’s easy, fast and secure.

Please keep our Catechumens and Candidates in your prayers as they journey to Easter and full reception into the Catholic faith. Over the next three Sundays of Lent, beginning next week, the Catechumens (i.e., the Elect) will undergo what is known as the “scrutinies” at the 9 a.m. Mass. These are small liturgical “check points” to prepare them for baptism at the Easter Vigil. It’s a powerful reminder for them and for us of the need of conversion throughout our lives. We join with the Elect in scrutinizing our lives and pray for the grace to overcome the power of sin that infects our hearts.
    
Let me quote from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as it is good theological lesson for all of us: “The scrutinies, which are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and are reinforced by an exorcism, are rites of self-searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the Elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all.

“In order to inspire in the Elect a desire for purification and redemption by Christ, three scrutinies are celebrated. By this means, first of all, the elect are instructed gradually about the mystery of sin, from which the whole world and every person longs to be delivered and thus saved from its present and future consequences. Second, their spirit is filled with Christ the Redeemer, who is the living water (gospel of the Samaritan woman in the first scrutiny), the light of the world (gospel of the man born blind in the second scrutiny), the resurrection and the life (gospel of Lazarus in the third scrutiny). From the first to the final scrutiny the Elect should progress in their perception of sin and their desire for salvation.”

That last line should speak to us all, not just the Elect – we are to “progress in (the) perception of sin and (the) desire for salvation.” Amen! Speaking of the Elect, thank you to all who helped last Sunday with the Rite of Election for our Catechumens (that’s the ceremony where the Church, through the bishop, accepts them for this final stage of preparation). We had a great turnout of folks from CtR to serve as hospitality ministers to our more than 1,500 visitors. What a great testament to the spirit of Christ alive in our parish. Thank you all who gave up a few hours of your Sunday evening to assist us.

Remember you are invited each Friday in Lent to join us for the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church. The Knights got off to a great start on Week 1 with more than 1,600 dinners sold. Thanks to all who helped make it a special event for the parish and community. And Stations were attended by more than 300. It’s a great way to wrap up the week by walking with Jesus on the way to Calvary.

Peace, Fr. Sean
 
P.S. Next Sunday, March 19, we'll host our annual St. Joseph’s Altar, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Make plans to join us for a wonderful Italian meal, and see (and taste!) the beautiful altar of food items that the ladies of the parish have prepared. Lunches will be served continuously from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Cypress Assistance Ministries.