Dear Brothers in Sisters, We are now entering our first full week into Lent. At this time, we should always examine, what is the one thing necessary. The unum necessarium, and we know, the answer to the question is a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you know, the book of the Acts of the Apostles ends “abruptly” in the 28th chapter. Why? Because we are living in the 29th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. We share in Christ’s mission, and so as deepen our Lenten journey, please remember to examine in your private prayer: First, am I living for God and for others? Second, sometimes we will suffer for the sake of the Gospel, how well do I “cling” to the crosses of my life? Third, am I docile to the Holy Spirit? (Meaning, do I ask for the grace to abandon my personal “wants” and “desires” for the sake of the Gospel?)
This weekend, we will reflect on the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus on Mt. Tabor. The blessed disciples hear the voice of God the Father say, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.” Constantly in our life, we must ask for the grace to “listen to the voice of the Lord” which is alive in our minds and hearts and as we listen, we must ponder what we hear in the silence of our hearts in a serious way. To do this, we must be “close to Jesus.” Each time, a sister or a deacon or a brother, a priest, or anyone who prays the Liturgy of the Hours, begins with the solemn words, “O God, Come to My Assistance” and then immediately the following words are said, “Lord, make haste to help me.” Let us enter into this second week of Lent by asking for the grace to repeat those words, O God Come to My Assistance and indeed the light of the Transfiguration that shined 20 centuries ago, will shine in a new way into our minds and on our hearts.
On a “business note,” many of you have seen previous messages that our church roof is in need of repair. (Thankfully, that work will begin in the Spring/or Summer of 2023 depending upon the availability of the workers who will be hired.) The other issue our church is facing is that the concrete in the courtyard/main entrance into the church is in rough shape and I will begin to work with our Parish Finance Council to begin to determine the best way to address this issue. (Please pray, we find an affordable solution.) In Christ’s Peace, Fr. Craig
Readings
2nd Sunday of Lent / March 5, 2023
SUNDAY'S READINGS - EXCERPTS TO PLACE IN YOUR COMMUNICATIONS First Reading: I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (Gn 12:2)
Psalm: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. (Ps 33) Second Reading: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life. (2 Tm 1:8-9)
Gospel: Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun. (Mt 17:1-2)
Prayers of the Faithful
Second Sunday of Lent – (Year A) – March 5, 2023
Let us pray for the Church: That this season of Lent may inspire souls to fervent prayer and devotion. We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for the Leaders of our Church: especially our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and our Archbishop, Allen Vigneron, that as our shepherds, they may strengthen each of us in our Lenten journey, and our prayers may assist them. We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for the nations of our world: May justice flourish in our time and the fullness of peace forever. May world leaders be transformed by a deeper vision of justice and peace? We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for our brothers and sisters preparing for Baptism and their Profession of Faith: Make a covenant of love with those who will receive their baptism or make a profession of faith at the Easter Vigil. Renew our entire parish family in your Spirit. We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for the sick of our parish: Loving Lord, show your mercy to all who suffer and yearn for healing. We pray especially for: Allie Rose Frazer Michael Soliz Walter Talley Jess Singer Arian Minson John Jenks Kathy Mersino Marcy Klamka We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Norm Thomas, the long-time pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan; and let us also pray for the parishioners who mourn the loss of their long-time pastor. We pray to the Lord…
And let us remember all of the dead: Give a new form to this lowly body of ours and grant heavenly peace to our beloved dead, especially: (4:00 MASS) – Rachael Urshalitz (8:30 MASS) – Mathew Mersino (and) Margaret Anne Scavone {Fr. Craig’s aunt} (10:30 MASS) – Allen Baumgart (and) Margaret Anne Scavone {Fr. Craig’s aunt} We pray to the Lord…
Announcements
Attention High School Seniors: Applications are now being accepted for Knights of Columbus 2023 scholarships. Applications are on the Knight’s Bulletin Board in Hardy Hall or available on the St. Anne's Website. Please submit your application by March 31, 2023.
Teens, please join us Sunday at 7 p.m. for Sundaes and Scripture in Hardy Hall.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed this Friday evening at 7:00 PM. And members of the Knights of Columbus will lead them. After the stations, please join us in the hall for soup and bread.
Our Lenten soup dinner is next Saturday, March 11th after the 4 p.m. Mass. Our speaker is Fr. Tom Slowinski. There is a sign-up book in the gathering area near the doors.
Please join us Monday, March 13th at 9 a.m. for Morning Prayer. This form of prayer is also called “Lauds”. Morning prayer hails the rising sun, and the image of Christ triumphant. We will have a light brunch after the prayer service.
Holy Land Carvings are available for purchase in Hardy Hall this weekend.
Next weekend we will have a Eucharistic Miracle Display set up for a self-guided tour – 1 weekend only, don’t miss out!
(Saturday) Please join us for our potluck dinner after Mass.
(Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts, and fellowship.