I'm sure that you've heard about the November Synod that is being organized by the Archdiocese. I've mentioned it a couple times in this column. Every parish has been asked to arrange for a special listening session to garner ideas and concerns about the synod topic: evangelization. I am still working out a time for this meeting, likely to be scheduled in the early spring. Laura Dutton has agreed to facilitate the meeting, and Suzanne Grden, who does such a fine job on the pastoral council minutes, will be taking notes to send back to AOD. Both have attended a training session for their roles.
Have you begun your spring cleaning yet? Don't forget that we have a place to bring your unused clothing right here on our parish property. The St. Vincent de Paul Society maintains a drop-off bin on the large church parking lot. Clothing donations make their way to the thrift stores run by the Society.
Our Lenten reconciliation service will take place on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00 pm. Several other priests and others from nearby parishes will also be joining us. In his Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis has this to say about the sacrament of reconciliation: "So many people, including young people, are returning to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; through this experience they are rediscovering a path back to the Lord, living a moment of intense prayer and finding meaning in their lives. Let us place the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the center once more in such a way that it will enable people to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands. For every penitent, it will be a source of true interior peace."