Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This weekend we are kicking-off the Annual Catholic Appeal as I discussed here last weekend. I am speaking about it more extensively after Communion, and we will see the video at that time. Again, I ask that you prayerfully consider your gift, and want to thank you for your generosity in the past to this campaign.

Of great importance to our life of faith is the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday this week. Given the number and the times of the services available on that day, hopefully everyone is able to receive ashes during one of those opportunities. Please make every effort to attend a service during the day.

Our Lenten commitment is certainly much more than mere ashes. We published the Bishop’s Letter regarding the obligations to Fast and Abstinence during Lent. We are asked also to think and live in terms of simplicity of life especially during the Season. We have many opportunities for devotions, prayer, faith formation, and fellowship during Lent.

The Soup and Scripture series this year is focusing on the Psalms, especially those related to the spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land which we will hold here on Saturday, March 28th. That day, in a format similar to the one we did on the Eucharist in October, will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the places associated with the life and ministry of Jesus, and especially the Paschal Events Stations of the Cross is always a wonderful way to spend some time reflecting on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus by making the pilgrimage with him on the way to the cross. We offer stations on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. The Last week of Lent the students from the school celebrate the Living Stations instead of the traditional service at other times.

Thursday, March 5th will be another opportunity for Adoration and Benediction in anticipation of First Friday. Although we always have the availability of Adoration in the Our Lady of Victory Chapel, these monthly evenings allow us an opportunity for a community to pray in the presence of the Lord and to receive the grace of Benediction as well.

Through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, they are reviving the tradition of a Fish Fry this coming Friday night. Check the bulletin and the fliers for more details. Not only are we building community by breaking bread, we are supporting the school as well.

On Sunday, March 22nd we will have the penance service. Father Tom Maher, pastor of St. William the Abbot in Howell will be the prayer leader and preacher. As we have done before, some fifteen priests will be available for confession during the afternoon.Lent is a time to grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord. Hopefully there are opportunities presented here that will help to serve that need for each one of us.

Journeying together as a parish community through the dark days of Lent will enable us to together celebrate with joy the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.

Until the Easter Vigil when we can chant it again –ALLELUIA!
Father Garry

The next Holy Hour will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. in Church.