From the Pastor's Desk

There is still time to make this Lent a Lent to remember 

Release Date: Friday, March 28, 2025

Many of us are procrastinators. We wait to the last minute to get things done such as projects around the house, reports that are due at work and our own personal to do lists. For most of us, this procrastination did not just start when we were well adjusted adults, but it started in the early part of our lives. As children, chores, homework and studying for tests or exams were put off to live in the moment of having fun. As we age, this would continue through our adolescence and early adulthood. There was always something better to do than the task at hand which, most of the time, was boring and only activated a part of the brain that said this is not going to be enjoyable.

I have known lots of procrastinators in my life. Many have told me that an approaching deadline helps them focus and to accomplish the chore well. I am not so sure. As you have figured out by now, I am the opposite of a procrastinator, I am so well organized that my challenge is to live in the moment. Procrastinators do a much better job than type “A” personalities at living in the here and now. Many of our young priests, for that matter, most all our priests in our diocese are procrastinators. I am a rarity. I like that, I am unique.

As you read these lines we are approaching the 4^th Sunday of Lent. It is also known as Laetare Sunday, which comes from the Latin word laetare, meaning "rejoice." It is a day of joy and celebration in the midst of the Lenten season, which is traditionally a time of penance, fasting, and reflection.

Perhaps for some procrastinators, Lent has gotten off to a bad start. You may not be procrastinator, but maybe this Lenten season has been less than stellar. There has not been any fasting, you may have forgot and ate meat on a Friday or two. You might not even have increased your prayer time. Maybe you have not practiced any corporal or spiritual works of mercy. I am telling you there is still time to make this Lent rewarding. Lent is also about God’s mercy. Mercy whether we started the journey on day one or day twenty-one. This weekend we hear the Gospel of the Prodigal Son. It is a powerful illustration of God's loving mercy. It’s not too late to come home. Procrastinators and those whose Lent is faltering; this is a perfect weekend to get back on track. Embrace the joy of reconciliation with God and with one another. Use this moment to renew your commitment to living lives of mercy and forgiveness or even get back on track with your Lenten practices knowing that God’s love will always find us and bring us home.

When you come to Mass this Sunday, Father Daniel and most priests in the diocese will be wearing rose color vestments. The rose color is a visible sign of rejoicing or hope. I will still be wearing my violet vestments because I wore pink clothing in the early 80’s and I will never ever wear pink again; clothing or vestments. I know I do not look ‘pretty in pink’ so my visible sign this weekend will be my smile.

Now is the acceptable hour, now is the acceptable time. The Lord’s mercy is waiting for you!

Father John

2025

2024

2023