Dear Friends in Christ,
This holy season of Lent is a privileged time to experience spiritual renewal through uplifting talks, ministry and liturgy. We’re delighted to have Al Smith, a layman from Welland to lead our Parish Mission. Al has spoken across Canada in parishes, seminaries, and at Catholic conferences highlighting the life and works of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and the theme of his talks will be "The Cross through the Wisdom of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen."
As you can see from the schedule, Al and I have arranged the talks to make it as convenient as possible for you to attend all/most of the Mission. I am asking every person who calls SHJ/SHM/St. B's their spiritual home to participate in some way, and to come to confession.
It starts tonight (Friday) with at talk at 6:30pm at SHJ, "Where is the Cross in your life?" followed by 7:15pm Stations of the Cross, composed by Archbishop Sheen.
Saturday, the Solemnity of the Assumption, come an honour our Blessed Mother by attending Al's talk on her, "Behold, Your Mother" at 4pm at SHJ, and maybe stay for the 5pm Vigil Mass.
On Sunday, come early for the 8:30am Way of the Cross before the 9am SHM Mas and stay for the Toonie Breakfast hosted by SHM's Catholic Women's Leage over at O'Neill Parish Hall and listen to Al's talk, "Lord, Teach us to Pray".
And finally, return to SHJ on Sunday at 3pm for Al's final talk, "The Remedy for Overing the 7 Deadly Sins and the Art of Practicing the Virtues" and then make a good Confession to one of the five local priests who will be here.
Al will also bring a relic of the Holy Face from 1888 to be displayed. The engravings of the Holy Face are the reproduction of the veil of Veronica at the Vatican, which have touched the wood of the true Cross and the iron of the spear, which transfixed our Lord. During the mission he will give a short presentation on the Holy Face of Jesus and anyone in attendance can venerate the relic that will be on display if they wish.
Al will also bring a good supply of books, gifts, rosaries, pictures, etc. that will be available for purchase.
In your pews this weekend is an envelope where I ask that you prayerfully discern making a special gift for to offset the cost of this Mission. Please spread the word to your friends, family and neighbour and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our parish throughout this mission.
Fr. Justin