Immaculate Conception, Glenville

March 21, 2010

From the Pastor:

Our Lenten journey nears its conclusion today. This season of penitence and reconciliation teaches us that it is never too late to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. In today’s Gospel, we witness God’s unconditional forgiveness in Jesus Christ; God’s love and mercy are greater than any sin we can imagine.  In his encounter with the woman caught in adultery, we are reminded that we are all sinners; all of us are in need of God’s mercy.  Therefore none can point the finger at another, or they’ll find it pointing right back at them.

Last Tuesday, the Immaculate Conception Staff met at the Dominican Retreat Center for our annual day of reflection. Sr. Kitty Hanley, CSJ, Associate Dean and Director of St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry was our facilitator.  It was a good opportunity for all of us to know each other better, to share our hearts and feelings, to recognize our gifts as individuals and as a ministry team. We also got to consider the gifts we bring to our ministries and how we can renew our vision in supporting the parish and the people we serve. Our community has been blessed with a dedicated and generous staff.  If you happen to see some staff members, please take a minute to thank them for their service. met at the

Next Sunday, the Church throughout the world begins the holiest of all Christian weeks, Holy Week. This begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday. Next weekend, at the 5 PM and 8 AM masses, you will be invited to take a palm with you as you walk into the church.  We will bless the palms in your hands at the beginning of mass.  The 11 AM mass will begin in the hall at the parish center.  The palms will be blessed, and then we will process to the church.  The ritual says: “On this day the Church celebrates Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery.  The memorial of this event is included in every Mass, with the procession before the principal Mass.”

Please note the time schedule for the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil) by clicking here.

God gives us the opportunity to be set free from that which traps us and blocks our route; we call this Reconciliation.  In this Sacrament, God’s mercy is given to us and we are set free to continue our journey to the Promised Land.  The Reconciliation service for our cluster will be held here at Immaculate Conception next Tuesday, March 23 at 7 PM and I hope that you will take advantage of this sacrament.  Please note that here are no Reconciliation Services scheduled for Holy Week.

Diane Bigos, the coordinator for 40 Days of Prayer for Life, continues to ask us to fast and pray for an end of abortion.  She, along with many others from our community and communities throughout our country, are keeping a silent prayerful vigil near places where abortions are taking place.  If you would like to join in this important cause, Diane can be reached through the parish office.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb! LK 1:41

Our Parish Easter letter and schedule of events for Holy Week has been mailed and you should have received this letter in your mailbox by now. (It is also available to read and print on the parish website).  Included with the Easter letter is an Easter offertory envelope which I hope you will all use for the Easter collection.  Please ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as you prepare your sacrificial gift for our parish.

From our children’s envelopes we read the following good deeds done: I’m keeping my room clean and making my bed everyday: I helped carry my grandfather’s luggage up the stairs to his room; I cleaned my room (must be catchy!); and, I helped with den meeting instead of skiing.  Keep up the good deeds, kids!

Till next week, be well, do good works and say your prayers!                    

Fr. Jerry