Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This week we begin the Lenten Season. It is hard to believe that it was Lent a year ago when we went into the lockdown. To some extent it seems that our Lenten journey continues. This is the time when we take stock of all things in our spiritual and moral lives, and open ourselves to the challenges and growth where the Lord is calling us. It is a time to heal our brokenness, and to deepen our love of God, neighbor, and self. We will be providing many resources through our website to assist in this journey. We will also be offering Stations of the Cross (Wednesday evening) followed by a reflection in Scripture. Lent is our time to enter the wilderness with Jesus, allow ourselves to be tempted, and pray for the grace to overcome the weaknesses which beset us and cause conflict in our lives. We pray for healing for all of us, that we might come to know the Lord’s loving mercy and compassion in our lives.

The Lenten journey begins, of course, with Ash Wednesday. The schedule of services can be found here in the bulletin. Please do not feel “obligated” to attend and receive ashes. We have reduced the number of services due to the pandemic, but will be able to accommodate those who desire to receive this noble sacramental. Lent is about our interiority, not the wearing of ashes for one of the days of the season.

Today we observe World Day of Marriage. Lori and Mike McCahill are speaking at all of the Masses about our marriage ministry and the need to strengthen marriage. During this time of pandemic the rhythm of all of our relationships, and especially of our families and those most dear to us, has undergone stress, change, and – hopefully – growth. As the marriage and family are the core unit of society, and an important element of our sacramental lives, we need to continue to strengthen and enrich our marital relationships. We are happy here that we have seen a dramatic uptick in the number of couples who are preparing for marriage in our church. This is a testimony, I trust, to the Spirit working in and through our marriage ministry to lead many to seek the sacramental union of marriage and not just the civil union. We are also able to celebrate many marriage convalidations for those who were married in venues outside of the church, so that they, too, can grow in the grace of the sacrament.

You should be receiving through the mail this week the details of the Annual Catholic Appeal. This year, building on a quote of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; but together we can do great things” the appeal assists the diocese in serving the needs of the most vulnerable, in preparing our seminarians for priestly service, and in tending to the needs of our retired and infirmed priests. Your generosity to this appeal is always impressive, and I am asking that everyone consider carefully a donation.

You don’t need to go big, and you can pledge over time, but a gift to the campaign helps both the work of the diocese and of our parish. Carol DeMuria, parish coordinator of the appeal, will be present at all of the Masses next weekend to address any concerns and answer your questions.

We are also very pleased to announce that the school registrations from our Open Houses are well beyond our expectations. We have already filled several grades and others are nearing maximum levels. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please encourage them to make contact with the school office as soon as possible. We offer strong academic, religious formation, and extracurricular programs, and we are always growing. “Thank you” to all of the SBS families who have encouraged your friends and neighbors to join us.

As we begin Lent this week, may the Lord in his goodness hear your cry and grant you the peace and consolation you seek.

Fr. Garry