Fr. Greg

This weekend, we are addressing the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign that we have begun here at Prince of Peace. Every parish of the Archdiocese is participating in this effort and this is now our time.

This weekend we celebrate First Eucharist with the children of our parish. We know, and our Catholic theology has taught that in His constant love, God the Father always intended to save us through Jesus. The Old Testament prefigures and prepares the way for the Eucharist to be the unique way that Jesus would offer us Himself totally so that we can offer ourselves to one another. He is the Passover lamb and the Bread from Heaven.

There is a popular song by Andra Day entitled “Rise Up”. I can’t help but think of it as we celebrate the Resurrection, the rising up of Jesus from the dead. The lyrics could easily be words from our Lord to us and why the resurrection is so important and necessary.

This is it – the holiest week of the year. Only one man could turn a week of betrayal, intrigue and murder into the holiest week of the year. Jesus turns this week into an amazing experience of participating in it all and more – at least that is what is possible if we afford ourselves the time to enter with Him into these days.

We’ve been mentioning it every Sunday since the beginning of Lent and trying to encourage all to receive the beautiful sacrament of Penance before Easter. It is getting closer and closer, and we really need to plan ahead, so whatever might be keeping you away from the grace, let’s kick it away!

Where’s the turning point in the parable of the two sons (Luke 15:11–32)? Is it the moment when the young rebel “comes to himself” in the pigsty?

 It seems we are always hearing about issues of sexuality; whether within our Church or within society, what is right or wrong, what is acceptable or unacceptable. How do we handle the unique situations that come up? Human sexuality expresses a very important part of our humanity and so deserves our attention and learning.

You might notice we are doing a different Penitential Rite at Masses here during Lent. This is an option that is seldom used, but is another way to focus on mercy.

Lent is a good time for self-evaluation and looking at our life choices. One of the greatest challenges I see in pastoring today and for our mission at Prince of Peace is how complicated lives have become.

In the opening prayer for next Sunday, we pray: “Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.” The Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar (27) states “Lent is ordered to preparing for the celebration of Easter, since the Lenten liturgy prepares for celebration of the Paschal Mystery, both catechumens, by the various stages of Christian Initiation, and the faithful, who recall their own Baptism and do penance."