The First Sunday of Lent.

My Dear Parishioners,
 
On this first day of the week, the Lord’s Day, we observe the First Sunday of the Holy Season of Lent. We commence our Lenten journey by hearing the Gospel account of the Lord Jesus being tempted by the devil as he fasted and prayed in the desert following His baptism in the Jordan. This was the Lord’s retreat which prepared Him to begin His public ministry for the salvation of the world.

This afternoon we will be sending off catechumens to the Rite of Election which will take place at Saint Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton. His Excellency, Bishop Arthur Serratelli will enroll their names in the Book of the Elect which will formally accept them for the sacraments of initiation at the Vigil during the Great and Holy Night of Easter, Saturday, April 15th. We have catechumens from both Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Saint Cecilia Parish which is a great blessing for Rockaway. During the Sundays of Lent we will have the opportunity to join with the catechumens and candidates for the various rites which will be performed over them as they make their way to Easter, the Lord’s Passover.
 
As we journey with our brothers and sisters “for the ascent to the holy mountain of Easter,” we are reminded of the Lenten call to conversion and renewal.  This week you will be receiving in the mail information regarding the INCREASED OFFERTORY PROGRAM which is being launched in our parish and throughout the parishes of the Diocese of Paterson. I ask that you take the time to read the brochure regarding our parish and the important points which are addressed.  You will also find a COMMIT MENT CARD which I ask that you bring with you to church next Sunday. Please review the card, fill it out, but before you do that, stop and say a prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for guidance as to what your offertory gift should be for the glory of God and the support of His Church. I will briefly speak about the commitment card at all Masses next Sunday so that everyone in the parish may be able to participate in this invitation to review our offerings. We do so mindful of the blessings which God has given us and acknowledge that everything belongs to God, for we are only the managers of His blessings.
 
Your faith and the love which you have for Christ and His Church always inspire me! I know that the renewal of our offertory commitment will assure that our parish will continue to excel in witnessing to the Gospel of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Happy Lent!
Father Zig