Into Lent We Go...Together

02-27-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Masses for Ash Wednesday, Mar 2, 7:00 am, 8:20 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:00 pm in Spanish.

“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” – St. Matthew 9:15

Into the desert we go with Jesus once again to fast and pray. Why bother? Well, Jesus did it (that should be enough reason), and He gives us instruction on how we should do it (see Matt. 6:16-18). Also, all the great Saints practiced it. “Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety. In war it fights bravely, in peace it teaches stillness” St. Basil the Great. We get the most out of things we prepare for.

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Parachuted into Lent

02-20-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The Lord God then called to the man and asked him: ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:9)

Several years ago, I read an excellent article about preparing for Lent. This great season is an ideal time to reassess where we truly are in our faith. It is a much-needed time when we allow God to ask us the same question He asked Adam, “Where are you?” The article mentioned that, not that long ago, the Church had three weeks of preparing for Lent. Our Eastern Catholic and Orthodox brothers and sisters still retain this time of preparation. Because of it, you could almost feel Lent on the horizon so that, when it finally arrived, you were prepared and could hit the ground running.

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Here I Am to Worship

02-13-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the omicron variant of the coronavirus finally begins towane and ensconce itself as endemic, I’d like to offer thisexcerpt from an article by Bishop Robert Barron, written inthe midst of the pandemic. As always, let us pray for eachother! – Father Wilson

“[In the book of Exodus], … first, God teaches Israel to trustin his power; secondly, he gives Israel a moral law; andthirdly, he instructs his people in holiness through rightpraise. …

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Bishop's Annual Appeal

02-06-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Mark your calendars! Ash Wednesday is March 2. Begin thinking how you will mark the forty days in ways that will increase your desire for and love of God, and how a good penance during the holy season of Lent can help you turn away from sinful habits, placing God firmly in the center of your life and heart. Masses on Ash Wednesday will be 7am, 8:20am, 12noon, 5:30pm, and 7pm (in Spanish).

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