Lent

My dear friends in Christ,

“He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards He was hungry” (Matthew 4:2).
The forty days of Lent for most of us are rarely anticipated as an extended period of quiet introspection like that found by a desert hermit in ascetic contemplation. They are more likely approached as a time for girding oneself to do battle with a heightened schedule of devotions, novenas, and preparations for the Easter dinner. Ministers and liturgy members find themselves immersed in rehearsals, planning, deadlines, and specific times to meet. The hunger we feel at the end might be simply for a less frenzied life. This is a true occupational hazard if, because of our taxing, conscientious, and valuable work, we miss a true opportunity to walk with our catechumens and our communities as they encounter the Word of God in these next forty days. May we all find the will and time to make room for the Word of God to be planted firmly in our hearts.

Today we have the Rite of Election which includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect. Today we journey with Samson, Monroe, Eva, and Michael as they are sent forth from this community to celebrate with Bishop O’Connell the Lord’s choice that they be one of his elect. May the peace of Christ be with them.

May God bless you all!
Fr. John