Some parishioners reminded us (thank you) that it’s been a while since we’ve celebrated the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during weekend Mass. I like to do this at least twice a year and it’s actually been over a year since we last did this. So this Sunday we will offer the sacrament during the 11am Mass. Next weekend it will be offered during the 4pm Mass (March 14th) & the following Sunday during the 8am Mass (March 22nd). If you are experiencing a serious illness, or would just like to be anointed due to "advanced age" (your call, not mine!), the Church invites you to receive this sacrament whereby we pray for healing in whatever way God chooses to give it to us, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Many people ask me to anoint them at other times after Mass when they are facing a surgery or serious medical procedure and I am very happy to do that as well whenever requested. So feel free to ask so that the Church's prayers and God’s sacramental grace may accompany you.
Our first Fish Fry went very well. We had about 1⁄2 take out and 1⁄2 eat in. The menu varies slightly from year to year so as to provide both stability but also variety. But due to popular request, we are now offering the opportunity to pay by credit card. You can swipe (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) or tap (using Apple Pay or Google Pay) or insert (for a card with a chip). So all the options available with a credit card. This will be in addition to checks or cash. So be sure to join us this Friday for a great meal and enjoyable company. And don’t forget the Lobster meal that will be offered on Friday, March 27th. You must purchase tickets for this in advance through our rectory office.
A few years ago the Diocese began to offer an “Evening of Confessions” which takes place at every parish of the Diocese to make it convenient for people to take advantage of this sacrament of forgiveness. The Evening of Confessions for this year is this Wednesday, March 11th, from 5-8pm. Again, that should be offered at every parish, and of course will be available in our own. I will be here along with Father O’Grady and perhaps Father Vesely as well (at least for part of the time). Please enter through the doors by the chapel where there will be handouts you are welcome to use to help you prepare for your confession. There are 2 reconciliation rooms in the hallway off of the chapel and the name of the priest inside is on the door. As always you can choose to sit face to face with the priest or you can sit or kneel behind the screen. The Act of Contrition (prayer of sorrow) is always displayed so you need not worry about remembering it. We especially welcome those who have been away from the sacrament and for some that may have been for several years. Remembering what Jesus said about there being “more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner,” we are truly happy to receive with joy anyone who has been away from the Church and/or sacrament for some time. This is the time to return!