Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today we celebrate the Lord’s Day and mark the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The second lection for today’s Holy Mass is taken from the beginning of the First Letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. We read: “… to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” The Apostle reminds not only First Century Christians of their call to holiness but also 21st Century Christians as well. This call is a universal call, one which is extended to young and old alike.
 
Through the power of God’s grace this call, which is heralded by the Church throughout the year, is answered by those who come forward in the process we know as THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INIT IATION FOR ADULTS, AND FOR CHILDREN. At both Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Saint Cecilia Parish we have children and adults coming forward to receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at this year’s Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter, Saturday-April 14th.
 
Beginning this weekend the formal liturgical rites for this process will begin and will continue throughout the season of Holy Lent. At Sacred Heart Church these rites will be conducted at the Saturday evening Vigil Mass at 5 PM and at Saint Cecilia at the 10:45 AM Sunday Mass. In these public rites we will be able to join the catechumens and candidates in prayer and preparation. Their formation in the faith will be witnessed by us as we look forward with them to the joy of Easter.
 
I am most grateful to Deacon Paul Willson who is the director of the RCIA and RCIC programs at both Sacred Heart Parish and Saint Cecilia Parish. He is assisted by volunteers from both our parishes in this ministry. As a commercial: if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church or has not received all the sacraments, please do not hesitate to call the parish office for information. Deacon Paul, Father Marcin, Father Mateusz and I will be happy to tell you about the process. Remember the Apostle Paul’s words from today’s scripture, “called to be holy.” The R CIA /RCIC is a response to that call to holiness. The sacraments and living the Gospel is the doorway to Heaven. Eternal life is the promise of the Risen Christ to all those who follow in His way.
 
Please join us in the ROCKAWAY RIGHT TO LIFE MARCH which will take place on Saturday. We begin with the Holy Mass in Saint Cecilia Church at 8 a.m. Your participation is a sign that you are on the side of God, the Author and Giver of life.
 
Also on Saturday we wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Father Marcin. May the Lord shower him with His many and great blessings! STO LAT!!

God bless you,
Father Zig