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Pastor Weekly Message for February 27, 2022
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February 27, 2022Jesus Is Lord!
Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week begins the Holy Season of Lent as we gather on Ash Wednesday. Our parish theme for this holy season is “Return to the Lord.” Lent is a wonderful time of spiritual cleansing and renewal. In the weeks between now and Easter, by withdrawing ourselves a little from our busy lives, we will find greater fullness in our life as we spend this time to encounter Jesus.
Lent is a special time at Saint Mary’s with many opportunities to “Return to the Lord” in a new or deeper way. Many parishioners use the season of Lent to attend Daily Mass. Saint Peter Julian Eymard would encourage the faithful, “Hear Mass daily; it will prosper the whole day. All your duties will be performed the better for it, and your soul will be stronger to bear its daily cross. The Mass is the most holy act of religion; you can do nothing that can give greater glory to God or be more profitable for your soul than to hear Mass both frequently and devoutly. It is the favorite devotion of the saints.” Daily Mass is celebrated at 8:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
A great way to withdraw from the busyness of life is to visit Saint Mary Chapel and spend quiet time in prayer in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Saint Mary Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are at least two people at the Chapel every hour of the day. Jesus invites us: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) Come visit, encounter and be refreshed in the Lord this Lent. If you would like to become a “permanent adorer” by committing to a weekly hour at the Chapel, please call our parish office or visit www.stmarychurchnj.org/adoration.
Fridays in Lent, parishioners are invited to share a “simply supper” of soup and bread in the Bulman Center from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. As in years past, this is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, holy conversations, and prayer. The simple supper is a penitential offering and reminds us to pray for the hungry in the world.
Also, on Fridays in Lent, the Stations of Cross will be prayed at 6:30 pm. As a community, we follow the steps of Jesus as we journey with Him to the hill of Calvary – a very moving and powerful experience.
A Lenten parish mission, “Return to the Lord” will be held from Monday, March 28th to Wednesday, March 30th at 7:00 pm. We are blessed to have Father John Gordon, Director of the Office of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Newark who will present the Mission. The Mission is designed so all who attend will experience the grace and mercy of the Lord.
As you can see, there are many opportunities to “return to the Lord” this Lent at Saint Mary’s. As we begin our Lenten journey, please be assured of my prayers for you and your family.
In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor