On this weekend's 2nd Sunday 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, one of my favorite biblical passages. It shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah), yet fear strikes the disciples as they can’t quite grasp what is happening. What fear keeps 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 Lenten season to be able to recognize Jesus at work in our lives?
Thank you for your warm reception of Fr. Rafael Garcia last weekend as part of our Lenten Almsgiving initiative to assist his parish of Sacred Heart in the Diocese of El Paso. He was truly touched, and I think a bit surprised, by how many of you have a connection to El Paso. You can view his homily further down in this Flocknote as well as on our website. To give alms toward this project, make a donation anytime in Lent at www.ctrcc.com/catholicextension or use the designated envelopes in the narthex. For those who give electronically, you’ll find an option on your Faith Direct account, but for those writing a check, please indicate Catholic Extension or “El Paso/Sacred Heart” in the memo line.
This week, we welcome Deacon Greg Kandra to our parish for our Lenten Mission, “Giving Up Dessert and Entering into the Desert.” He is a deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn now living in Florida and gives parish missions throughout the country. He’s in the middle of six consecutive missions over the next six weeks in six different parishes so we’re honored to have him join us. In addition to preaching this weekend, he’ll give a talk each night this week, Monday through Wednesday, at 7 p.m. in the church, with a reception following on the last night. There is childcare available for the weeknight sessions; please register online. We hope you will join us for one or all of the mission talks this week. It will be a great spiritual boost for us on our journey through the desert to the cross in these 40 days.
Let me remind you to please make your pledge to the annual Diocesan Services Fund that we spoke about a few weeks ago. Return your DSF pledge card to the office or in the collection basket, or better yet, make your pledge online at www.archgh.org/dsf. Your DSF pledge goes to support the more than 60 ministries of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston bringing God’s mercy to those most in need. Thanks in advance for your support of this yearly work of our local church that does so much good for so many throughout our archdiocese.
Please keep our catechumens and candidates in your prayers as they journey to Easter and full reception into the Catholic faith. Beginning next week and continuing for three consecutive Sundays of Lent our 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 for 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.
Fr. Vincent and I are extending Reconciliation hours during Lent on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m., and on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:50 p.m. In addition, you are welcome to make an appointment for confession at any time by emailing us at [email protected]. One of us will respond and get it scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Unfortunately, we will not hold a parish-wide Reconciliation service this year as it is difficult to secure enough priests to assist us. I’m trying to get a few more to join us on Saturday mornings to help move the line along, but this is one of the sad realities of the shortage of priests, and reason even more to pray for vocations!
Finally, remember our Lenten Family Day of Service is next Saturday, March 2. We have a number of projects and initiatives that day, both here on campus and in the greater community, for individuals and families of all sizes to partake in. One of the most frequent requests I hear is, “Is there any service project I can do?” or “We want to be able to do a project as a family.” In a way, you’re giving alms of your time to help others and that’s a very good thing, especially in Lent. If you are physically unable to help, there is an option to donate to cover the cost of materials we’ll use at the various work sites. Visit www.ctrcc.com/family-service-day to learn more and sign up to help. Most of the on-campus tasks are filled, but there are a number of openings on our off-site projects that are in need of a few hours of your time. Check it out and join in!