FORMING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
IN COMMUNITY AND
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL
IN COMMUNITY AND
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL
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Fr. Pfeiffer's Weekly Message--Culture of Encounter
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February 3, 2024Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ,
His Church, and All PeopleDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thanks for the Great Feast!
Thanks to all for celebrating a great Feast Day last week. It was so wonderful to pray our Novena, and have Solemn Benediction after the Masses along with the Eucharistic Miracle Display! I hope the graces God gave us will continue to bear fruit over the coming months. I know it is six months away, but I would like to plan again for a “Feast Day 2.0.” Last summer in late June in honor of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, we had a great parish Mass followed by a potluck and even a juggling show! I know it is it tough to do as much at this time of year, so we try to spread it out.
Blessing of Candles and more
A few days ago was Candlemas Day, where at Mass candles are traditionally blessed. In the past we have done a candle procession along with the blessing. I was out of town this time, but it is quite acceptable to bless candles throughout the year. Feel free to schedule a time with me to bless candles or other religious items.
Early Easter Means Early Lent &Catholic Charities Appeal
Ash Wednesday is right around the corner, February 14. I know it’s Valentines Day, but remember obligation of fasting from food and abstinence of meat is still in effect that day. Rather than seeing it as a negative, perhaps rejoice that day spending time with your beloved united in prayer and penance. While I am on that subject, if you are a married couple and are not praying as a couple every day, then use this Lent to build the habit and grow in love with God together. To get to the point, I encourage us all to look forward to being changed through the season of Lent. This change should not be my excuse for something else like losing weight so I feel better about myself Lent needs to be God focused: serving Him better is the goal; that’s the change we want to see happen.
This is the context for any prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three traditional practices which are not relegated to Lent. We should do them all year round, but in Lent we intensify them. Today we will focus on almsgiving.
But the question always is, How? How do I help others who are in financial need? This is the more specific purpose of almsgiving. Like all virtues, this must be applied using our reason and prudence. As always go to God in prayer. How is He calling you to give alms this Lent. Perhaps examine your attitude when you see a person in need. What do you do when you see the person begging on the street corner? What are your finances like? Are you tithing an appropriate amount that does not endanger your family’s reasonable security, but is still generous? There are many factors to discern but also many opportunities the Lord offers for us to be generous if we are willing to see them.
Next weekend is the Annual Diocesan Catholic Charities Appeal. Perhaps you have already given in the mail, but we will hear a brief message from the bishop at Mass. I know times are tough. Our parish bills are going up just like everyone’s. So, let’s take a breath. I invite everyone to take the step back and discern how God is calling you to give alms. Don’t be afraid to bring Catholic Charities into that discernment as well.
Ash Wednesday Services
Regarding Liturgical services for Ash Wednesday, we will have a distribution of ashes service (no Mass) at 7am. There will be Mass with distribution of ashes at 8:30am. Then at 6pm will be a “Traditional format” (meaning more Latin and Gregorian chant) Mass with the distribution of ashes.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr
