The OLG DIFFERENCE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

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We have been living through the challenges of the coronavirus for the past three years. In that time, we have faced lockdowns, quarantining, illnesses, deaths of loved ones and more. I bring to your attention that our Catholic Tradition holds that the length of time for the public ministry of Jesus was also three years. And look at all He accomplished in that amount of time!

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Over the last three years, we have not only survived as a parish, but might I suggest we have flourished. These challenges, in a strange and mysterious way, have brought about the best in us, helping to define our parish as a vibrant, welcoming parish family dedicated to growing disciples and making Church matter.

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The Passion of Christ was the definitive act of love in the life of our Lord. His courage and strength through his suffering is a model to us all. Just as the sacrifices of Lent pave the way to Easter, so too our strengths are born of our suffering. Keep Christ in mind this Lent as you endure occasional inconveniences and distress associated with this post-pandemic time. Rather than obstacles, these are opportunities to join your sufferings to His and thus personally participate in the redemptive act of Christ on the Cross. Saint Paul in his letter to the Colossians (1:24) wrote, “Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the church.” Remember that He is always beside you, helping you carry your cross. We have firm faith that the eternal joy promised to us in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus also is prefigured right here and now in this life. It helps to see this life through the eyes of Faith.

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“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all.” In his message for Lent last year, Pope Francis echoed these words of encouragement from Paul to the Galatians (6: 9-10), and they still hold true today for all of us.

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Please take the opportunity during Lent to renew and refresh your relationship with God. We encourage you and your loved ones to gather with us by participating in the many spiritually uplifting and nourishing opportunities that will be taking place at our parish as you prepare your hearts and souls for the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord.

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We look forward to seeing you as we approach the important liturgical celebrations of Lent and Easter. We assure you that you will be refreshed and renewed through your personal observances and participation with us as a parish family.

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Devotedly Yours in Christ Jesus,

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Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili

Deacon Robert F. Brady

Deacon Kenneth Omeke