Dear Friends in Christ,
Our Lenten Journey has begun! As we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent, I would like to especially offer prayers for the Catechumens of our parish family. Catechumens are those who have been undergoing the Christian Initiation (RCIA) process and will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. I am thankful to the team of Catechists and Sponsors who have been guiding the Catechumens through the beauty of the Christian Initiation process. At the 10am Mass today, they will be sent forth with a special blessing to attend the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of St. James. Bishop Noonan will greet the Catechumens and their names will be presented in a special celebration. If you are ever interested in more information about the process of Christian Initiation or would like to assist with the Team or be a Sponsor, please let me know. Many who participate gain a whole new understanding of the beauty of our Catholic faith.
On Ash Wednesday we were blessed with wonderful attendance and hosted many visitors. I am grateful to all who assisted in the planning of our liturgies and celebrations and ensured a warm welcome and hospitable environment. Now that Lent has begun… are you using your Daily Prayer Journal entitled 40 Days: A Journey to the Heart? Please bring your journal to Mass on Sunday and write down a particular phrase from the Scriptures or Homily or consider writing a few thoughts on a part of the Mass or regarding a particular grace that you received from participating in the Eucharist. Journaling is an excellent way to grow closer to God as it helps us to ponder and express our thoughts in a concrete way.
I am pleased to inform you that we have received pledges so far of $405,000 towards our goal of $597,000 for Our Catholic Appeal. I appreciate your generosity thus far and ask that if you have not yet completed your pledge card and shared your gift, please do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration!
When you come before the Lord this week, please whisper my name (and the names of our Clergy and Religious Sisters) to the Almighty. Know that we will pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
P.S. As part of our Lenten Journey together I have set up a Twitter account (@frstephenparkes) and I am posting a spiritual thought for the day. If you do not use Twitter then you may access the thought through our website (www.annunciationorlando.org/twitter). I look forward to sharing with you 40 Days, 40 Tweets from your Pastor!