Only 1.5 weeks left of the Lenten Season. It ends on Holy Thursday with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the beginning of the Sacred Triduum (the Sacred 3 days) culminating in Easter Sunday. Please continue to pray for your fellow St. James parishioners each day during this Lenten Season!
Throughout Lent, we are praying an Our Father, Hail Mary, and a Glory be for our fellow parishioners. Continue to offer these prayers for them that they might have the fortitude and grace to persevere in their Lenten exercises of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We are in this together as one parish family of faith. Let us assist each other with our prayers.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Thursday, March 25th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This feast celebrates that moment when the Archangel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary and announced to her God’s plan for salvation and redemption. Mary’s consent was needed. She had been prepared from the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Anne. Now, she had to answer – yes or no. The whole world waited. God revealed to her His plan but needed her consent. All creation, the heavens and the earth resounded with joy and praise as she gave her YES! She gave her Fiat – “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according your word.” At that moment, the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and the 2nd person of the Most Holy Trinity, the Word, became flesh and dwelt in her womb. Almighty God took on human flesh.
Mary has a unique mission in human history, in the universe, in the Church. So do you and I. What is God asking of you? What is your role in the history of the Church? What is your role in our family of faith here at St. James? What is God asking of you?
We are here to assist you in discerning that. Please let us help if you have questions. You may see a need and have the gifts to fill that. Whatever it might be, follow Mary’s example and give your YES to God’s plan for you, His mission for you.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of the Holiest Weeks of the year. Come and join us for our celebrations. Bring someone with you – a fellow parishioner who hasn’t been to church in a while, a friend, a family member, a colleague. Invite someone to spend these Holy Days with you and with your St. James family.
May the Lord bless you and your families abundantly these last days Lent!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin