Into the Desert with Jesus

02-26-2023Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The words from Ash Wednesday still echo in our souls: “Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” Recalling that our time on earth is limited can help us be about the business of discipleship in the here and now. For a disciple, there should always be a certain sense of urgency. We marked ourselves with ashes as a “new beginning,” allowing the life of Jesus Christ to make us whole and new again, and to fill us with renewed purpose for living His life through our own.

As we go with Jesus into the desert this Sunday, we notice some liturgical changes to the liturgy. The Church alters the liturgy somewhat in order to help us enter more deeply into this most penitential of seasons. First, you’ll notice more silence. This is meant to help us enter more deeply into contemplation and to meditate on the Word of God and the Sacrament we are receiving. There is no Gloria for the Sunday Masses. This hymn of joy along with the Alleluia we forgo until we joyfully bring them back again at Easter. We do, of course, live today on the “other side” of the Resurrection. Our fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is done in joy because we already know the supreme happiness that awaits Christ’s faithful in heaven. It has already been won for us through the Passion, Death, and glorious Resurrection of Christ.

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Unto Dust We Shall Return

02-19-2023Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We stand again on the brink of the holy season of Lent, forty days of grace to prepare us for our great feast of Easter. This Wednesday, Feb 22, is Ash Wednesday. While not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is nevertheless an immensely important day in the life of every Catholic seeking to be a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Masses for Ash Wednesday: 8:20am, 12noon, & 5:30pm in English; and 7pm in Spanish.

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New Beginnings

02-12-2023Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In case you missed my announcement at the Masses last weekend: The Bishop has asked and I have accepted a new assignment. On Mar 9, I will take on the position as rector of the cathedral parish in Charleston. (Some have asked what the title “rector” means. Traditionally, the priest in charge of a cathedral parish is called “rector” since the bishop is considered its proper “pastor.” It is also where we get the word “rectory” to designate a house where priests live.)

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