This is the second Sunday of Lent and it focuses on the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals his divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a mountain, affirming his identity as God’s beloved Son. This event strengthens faith for the journey ahead, encouraging us to listen to Him, overcome fear, and embrace our own identity as beloved children of God.
With them on the mountain are also Moses and Elijah. Moses’ mountain trip gave him the Ten Commandments, a set of directions to help form a people to be faithful to God. Elijah’s mountain trip came as a call and an escape from persecution, and at first it was pure frustration, no arranged meeting with God in the wind or fire, just waiting. Then in the silence there was the God of his life.
As we travel on through Lent, let us recall hearing the voices from the mountain top: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” This is our destination, the work of repairing our inner beings, our world of family and friends known and not yet known to us, our natural world which we have treated so badly. Let us continue to travel together in good company with the God of our very being.
This year our diocesan wide Evening of Reconciliation will be on Wednesday, March 4, from 5 to 8 PM in all the churches throughout the diocese. Our parish Communal Penance for Lent will be on Monday, March 9, at 7 PM in the church. Do not be afraid to approach Jesus in confession. He is waiting for you, and He is calling you to come to Him with all His love. Immerse yourself in His ocean of mercy just as He told St. Faustina.
During the season of Lent, we pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday afternoon at 2:30 PM with the school children (double check the bulletin for a changes). We also pray the Stations with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday evenings at 7 PM in the church. The Stations of the Cross are a very sacred tradition in the Church and a very prayerful way to remember the sufferings and death of Jesus, which He endured for love of us.
Lenten Mission: Julie Carrick will lead our two-day Lenten Parish Mission, drawing from her book Savior & Sustenance. Through inspiring talks and original sacred music woven throughout each evening, Julie will guide us into a deeper understanding and love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This mission is for the whole family engaging, heartfelt, and practical, offering real ways to live and share our Catholic faith in everyday life. Julie’s music, written specifically for Savior & Sustenance, lifts the soul and deepens reflection. During the mission, you will not only encounter the wondrous details of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection, but also hear powerful, modern-day testimonies of Eucharistic miracles and transformations that flow from receiving Holy Communion. Each of us is invited into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who gives Himself to us completely in the Eucharist. If you know someone who has grown lukewarm in their faith, please invite them. This mission is a beautiful opportunity to rekindle hearts and reignite a love for Christ and His Church.
Monday & Tuesday, March 2 & 3 Evening Sessions at 7:00 PM
As members of a living Church, our faith must be personally experienced and then shared. Through the grace of the sacraments and especially in the Eucharistic embrace Christ draws us closer to Himself and invites us into eternal life.
We are very happy to have Julie Carrick return to Sacred Heart Parish during this holy season of Lent. Julie has been with us in the past for a few concerts. We will be able to listen to her beautiful voice again and she will share her faith and insights into the Eucharist. Please make plans to attend and spread the word.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Holy Hour in honor of St. Faustina and Divine Mercy on Thursday, March 5, from 6-7pm. There will be nine relics to view, including the Holy Cross of Christ, after the Holy Hour. Only a priest can handle the Holy Cross of Christ relic.
