We are seeing some positive signs of coming out of the worst part of the pandemic, though we certainly cannot let down our guard. As you know, next weekend we will return to daylight savings time so that gives us a sense and hope that Spring is on the way.
While some of you have expressed concerns about receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and the other two as well, once again I remind you that the bishops have given their encouragement for us to receive the vaccines, holding that the rewards of receiving the vaccine outweigh other moral questions.
As Lent is a time to do some deeper reflection on our lives and to grow in our faith, I invite you to come and join us on Wednesday evenings for our abbreviated soup and scripture following the Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. We have a good group of speakers and I am looking forward to hearing what they have to offer.
In order to assist us with our growth during Lent and to offer the opportunity for confession so that we can begin our Easter duty we will be hearing extended confessions on the weekend of March 20th and 21st. Confessions will begin on Saturday evening at 4:00 p.m. and will continue as long as necessary and then will be available after Mass as well. On Sunday confessions will begin at 7:30 a.m. and we will go until after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Confessions will be heard in the Adoration Chapel and in the old Choir Room. Both have outdoor access only and therefore we will be able to maintain our social distance and to keep things clean and safe.
Thank you again for your generous response so far to the Annual Catholic Appeal. We are off to a good start. Hopefully we can meet our goal soon.
You might notice a new addition in our Narthex this weekend as there is a new lighting fixture hanging above the baptismal font. This addition which is salvage from an old church in Philadelphia fits well in our Narthex. It also greatly improves the ambience of the room.
Once again, I remind you that if you are interested in enrolling your children in Saint Benedict's school for the coming school year that you should move on that as soon as possible. There is an open house scheduled for March 26th.
Our students are prepared and ready for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation which will be celebrated in our parish on March 25th and 26th. Due to the pandemic, current restrictions and the size of the classes, we need to have four ceremonies over 2 days. Once again, I will be celebrating the sacrament myself.
Overall, things are going well in the parish and we are looking forward to being able to celebrate Easter and the preceding Triduum in a more normal fashion than we were last year.
Blessings and peace to all of you as we continue our Lenten journey.
Fr. Garry