Dear Parishioners:

In St. Mark's Gospel, we learn that the apostles gathered with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught to the people. Jesus responds to this report of all this activity with this invitation: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." The Lord wasn't inviting them on vacation at the Dead Sea or to go to Florida! Jesus called his followers to take time from their busy lives to recollect themselves with prayer and reflection.

This week, the Lord calls us to do the same at our Annual Parish Lenten Mission. It is a venerable tradition of the Catholic Church to have Parish Missions during Lent. It is a way for the parish to come together and listen to the Mission Preacher. A Mission is an occasion of grace as we take time away from our busy schedules and make our relationship with Jesus a priority.

Just as Jesus and His Apostles went from town to town preaching the Kingdom of God, a Mission Preacher also comes to our parish. He preaches to strengthen our relationship with Jesus, bolster our Catholic Faith, and refocus our spiritual vision on our Savior. I welcome Father Justin Brophy, OP, in your name, to OLM as our Mission Preacher. I have known him for several years, and he is an outstanding priest and a dynamic preacher.

A member of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican Friars, he is a Professor of Political Science at Providence College. Fr. Brophy is preaching at all the Masses this weekend and preaching a Mission Talk at 7:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. His theme is "Our Relationship with Jesus: the Pearl of Great Price." Before the Mission Talks each night at 6:00 pm, four priests will be available to hear Confessions.

The Parish Mission is a great opportunity to reflect, pray, and regain zeal if our Faith has grown tepid. It helps to support us in our good resolutions to serve God and our neighbor. So put the Mission on your schedule. I know you will warmly welcome Fr. Brophy this weekend and certainly find his Mission fruitful.

Invite your spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow parishioners to join you in coming to the Mission. You might even invite a fallen-away Catholic or someone who hasn't returned to Mass since Covid to join you at the Mission. It's a great way to get them to return to the practice of the Faith. Make the Mission this week, and you will benefit greatly!

We are celebrating First Confessions for our First Communion Class this Saturday and next. It is an occasion of grace as these children receive God's mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession. Please pray for them as they prepare to receive our Lord in Holy Communion in May.

This Lent, we will hear some slightly different words from the priest in the confessional. The Order of Penance has been updated, and a new English translation has been issued. The change in the priest's prayer was allowed to begin on Ash Wednesday but must be used after Divine Mercy Sunday in April. The translation of the prayer of absolution, said by the priest, has changed slightly. Only the words in bold are new: "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Even if a priest says the old version of the prayer of absolution, it is still valid, and your sins are forgiven. This new translation is a more precise translation of the original Latin text. In reality, most people won't notice the change in the words of absolution, but most priests need time to memorize the new words. St. Pope John Paul II said: "Confession is an act of honesty and courage - an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God."

This week at the Mission and all during Lent at OLM, there are ample opportunities to make a good Confession before Easter. I hope and pray you will do so! Pray for Fr. Brophy and the success of our Parish Mission. Then make the Mission and go to Confession. Be well. Stay safe. Do good. God Bless! Pray, Fast, and Give Alms

Make the Parish Mission! It Will Make Your Lent!!