Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Laetare Sunday! Rejoice! We have reached the halfway point of Lent! You will notice the rose-colored vestments at Mass. Also, in Lent the church requires less use of the organ with our singing at Mass, but today more (but still moderate) use of the organ is allowed. Today teaches us that even in the midst of the desert there is an oasis. As we journey with our Lord for forty days, He gives us consolations to carry on toward the goal of Easter, toward our ultimate goal of Heaven.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, How’s your Lent Going? Hopefully we are all learning to trust in the Lord more. Keep persevering through the desert. It is the perseverance, even through failure and struggle, that helps us trust - that gives God more of an opening to work his grace in us. Remember too that Lent leads us to deeper charity. How about spiritual and corporal works of mercy? Let’s make sure those are on our list too as we journey together through this holy season.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, How’s your Lent Going? Hopefully we are all learning to trust in the Lord more. Keep persevering through the desert. It is the perseverance, even through failure and struggle, that helps us trust - that gives God more of an opening to work his grace in us. Remember too that Lent leads us to deeper charity. How about spiritual and corporal works of mercy? Let’s make sure those are on our list too as we journey together through this holy season.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, New Process for Distribution of Holy Communion - Trial Period We are experimenting with this for Lent. Again, this is a trial period. As people come to receive Communion, I notice that sometimes people seemed rushed, not because of an inattentive disposition, but simply the practical matter of going up in a line. There is a person in front and behind which naturally “pushes one through the motions.” Some people prefer to kneel as well. This too can feel a little rushed. Also, there are some who find it difficult physically to walk and receive unhurried (perhaps having a cane or walker or carrying a child). Receiving Holy Communion is a privileged encounter with the Lord so we want to make sure people can be prepared and comfortable.