Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of Saint Benedict:

Although this had been my third time in the Holy Land, I must say that visiting and praying at the various historical and traditional sites of the events of the life of Jesus, the apostles, and the ancient Israelites never ceases to amaze, awe, and inspire. It is a pilgrimage that I believe every Catholic should endeavor to make at least once in a life time. It is impossible to ever listen to the Gospels the same old way again once you have walked the land, viewed the mountains and valleys, and entered the waters of the Jordan River.

Yes, some even ventured into the Dead Sea, but that’s another adventure altogether!

Deacon Steve and his wife, Peg, participated in the pilgrimage, along with ten others from our parish. I think they all enjoyed the experience and found it enriching as well. And yes, it really is safe to travel there right now.

The First Sunday of Lent has Jesus in the Judean wilderness fasting for forty days and forty nights. While we were in the Judean wilderness just over a week ago, its starkness is a strong yet subtle reminder of the wilderness in which so many people find themselves either emotionally or spiritually. As the days grow longer and we advance to the vernal equinox just a couple of weeks ahead, please take the time to work on your spiritual and emotional health and well-being. If you need assistance, there are many resources available through the parish and the diocese.

This Sunday is the Rite of Election for catechumens. Although we have one catechumen she is unable to participate in the rite as she is scheduled to deliver twins this weekend! She, along with the twins, will be baptized at the Easter Vigil (April 15th).

We do have others who are entering the church from other Christian denominations, but we are finding now that there are many who are baptized Catholics who never completed their Sacraments of Initiation for one reason or another. Now, given whatever life circumstances and faith journey they are on, they are seeking Confirmation and even in a few cases, even First Communion. This is an awesome testimony to the witness of faith and the movement of the Holy Spirit, and we are thrilled to welcome these people back home to the faith. The situation where people desire to complete the Sacraments is calling us as a parish to inaugurate a program specifically for this situation. If you or a member of your family is over the age of sixteen and has never completed the Sacraments and desires to do so, please make contact with Denise Contino in the Faith Formation office. We are happy to work with you and to move forward so that you can fully and actively participate in the life of faith.

This brings up the issue of marriage convalidation as well. If you desire to have your marriage recognized as valid by the church, and to receive the grace of the Sacrament, please make contact with Lori McCahill, Director of Marriage Ministry, to make those arrangements.

The Holy Spirit is always at work in the world. We can either participate or resist, but resisting is always a losing proposition.

Have a blessed, holy and happy Lent! Father Garry