Dear Parishioners:
The crucifix is always given prominent placement in any Catholic Church and Catholic home. But it isn't merely an object of devotion or a piece of beautiful art. The cross is a call to us for conversion to Christ. As our Savior tells us: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Such conversion, we are taught in the Catechism, is done "in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice, by the admission of faults, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, and endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance."
Each of us is called to conversion in our daily lives. Penance and conversion are major themes in the Bible. The prophets, St. John the Baptist and St. Peter preached about the call to conversion. Jesus began his public ministry with the words, "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
The Lord's first words were a call to repent and convert. For Jesus, we are all in need of repentance. We all must recognize our failings and need to place our trust in God's merciful love. We are all called to believe in the Truth of the Gospel of Christ, no matter if it's inconvenient or unpopular. The Season of Lent helps to do so. Lent helps us refocus upon the cross as we take up our own cross with greater prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
We welcome our Parish Lenten Mission Preachers, Dominican Friars, Fr. James Mary Sullivan, OP, and Fr. Justin Mary Bolger, OP. They are here this weekend to begin the Parish Mission. They are preaching a Mission Talk each night on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Confessions begin at 6:00 pm with four priests available, including two Dominican Friars.
I have known Fr. Sullivan for many years, and he is an outstanding preacher and holy priest. He serves as the Pastor of St. Pius V Parish in Providence. He hails from Boston and has a wicked accent!! You may remember him when he preached our St. Joseph's Day Mass a couple of years ago.
Fr. Bolger is a newly ordained Friar who hails from Maryland. He is a talented musician and had a musical career before entering the Dominicans. He is a member of the band called the Hillbilly Thomists. It is a bluegrass band comprised of Dominican Friars. They have several recordings available online, and they are well worth a listen. Father will be playing some bluegrass for us during the Mission.
The Mission is entitled "Living for the Other Side," which is also the newest album by the Hillbilly Thomists. Each night at 7:00 pm, a Mission Talk is offered on faith, hope, and charity. The Mission Talks will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend. I urge you to make the Parish Lenten Mission this week. Come every night or just one night if that's what your schedule allows but do come. It is sure to change your life and help you convert your heart more fully to Christ. Also, I urge you to come to Confession before the Mission Talk.
Please support the Annual Catholic Charity Appeal this year. It is a great way to give alms. It funds the charitable work of our Diocese. Such work includes feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, ministering to prisoners, the sick, dying, and welcoming refugees and immigrants.
Last year due to COVID, OLM did not reach our parish goal. In fact, 137 OLM families who normally support the Appeal did not do so last year. The entire Appeal fell almost $3 million short of its goal. This year I ask every parish family to prayerfully consider a pledge of at least $300 to the Appeal. Such generous support is our almsgiving and directly helps the poor, the needy, and the stranger served by our Church here in Rhode Island. St. Angela Merici teaches: "Reflect that, in reality, you have a greater need to help the poor than they have of your help."
Make the Parish Mission this week and begin "Living for the Other Side!" Stay safe. Be well. Do good. God Bless! Pray, fast, and give alms! Welcome Friars! See you at the Mission!!!!