Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Stacy Daub. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
This week's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI certainly took me by surprise as he renunciates his position as Pope, so that someone more able bodied may lead the Church. Certainly, at the age of 85 and having seres the Church so well, it should not be a shock. Even before his election in 2005, he had expressed interest to retire from his position and to live the rest of his days in prayer and study. Certainly not a decision that he made lightly, he made it with profound humility and love. As we witness a conclave begin to elect his successor, we pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the cardinals to the right candidate who will boldly proclaim our faith. As of 1 pm on the 28th, we will no longer refer to Pope Benedict in the Eucharistic prayer, and with Catholics across the world, pray for the election of a new Pope.
Perhaps it is most appropriate that we enter the season of Lent with this prayer intention in addition to our 'normal' Lenten prayer. This is a season of self-denial and penance, when we, like Jesus Christ enter the desert of fasting and prayer. What will we find there? Perhaps a new temptation against which Christ is strengthening us; perhaps a new awareness of His love for us; it might be growth in a virtue. Whatever it is that Christ has prepared for us, let us walk boldly through this desert of Lent!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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