Pope Francis is inviting all of the world’s Catholics to participate in a consultation about how the Church journeys with them, invites their authentic communication, listens to their concerns, and promotes their participation in the full life of the Church. This consultation will bring together the people in the pews, clergy, religious and those living on the margins, in a process the Church calls a “synod.” This synod is focused on how the Church engages all of these groups. Our parish is participating in this process at the direction of the Vatican and Bishop McElroy. Parishioners are welcome to attend the parish session on March 20th from 6-8pm in the parish hall. We will pray together, and then in small groups, we will share a little about our joys, disappointments, and hopes regarding the Church. Notes will be taken from the session and forwarded to the Diocese for inclusion in a diocesan report to the Vatican. You must register in advance. Please click here to register.

Last weekend, the clergy invited you to participate in the Annual Catholic Appeal, which supports the mission of our local church. You can listen to Fr. Anthony’s homily on this topic here and you can get more information and donate here.

You will notice that four kneelers have been placed at the front of Communion lines. The normative posture for reception of Holy Communion in the United States is standing, but individual Catholics can rightfully choose to receive kneeling. As an increasing number of parishioners are choosing to kneel, we decided to provide these kneelers. You are free to receive Communion standing or kneeling, in your hands or on your tongue. No judgments should be made about a person based on their chosen way of receiving Communion in accordance with these recognized options.

For many years, Martha Perez served as OLMC’s Director of Parishioner Involvement, which was a staff-level, volunteer position. She helped organize and revitalize parish ministries and helped individual parishioners find the best way to use their time and talents at the parish. She has stepped down from that position but will continue to play an active part in parish life in many ways. I am very grateful for all that she has done in this capacity.

Next Wednesday we begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. For the schedule of Ash Wednesday services and a list of important activities during this holy season, make sure to visit the front page of the parish website and click the “Lent & Easter Schedule” button.