February 26, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue our Lenten observance, this period marks the start of an annual purification and renewal that we as baptized Catholics experience, often by praying more, fasting weekly and taking steps to serve our brothers and sisters. But for six people connected with our church, this Lent marks the final weeks of a journey many of them started last fall – the last few steps in their catechetical and spiritual journey to become full members of the Catholic Church.
This Lent, these individuals are preparing for their full entrance into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children. Last Saturday, I celebrated the Rite of Sending for two catechumens, who received blessings alongside their sponsors. The following day, Director of Social Concerns and Adult Faith Formation Tony Bosnick represented all the catechumens and candidates at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception during the Rite of Election, in which all the names of those who will enter the Church throughout the Archdiocese of Washington this Easter were inscribed in the Book of Elect as a pledge of fidelity. These ‘elect’ are now in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment – the last, intense period before they receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Ultimately, the RCIA process is a communal one when we, as a community of faith, welcome the candidates and catechumens into our church, model Christian love and rejoice when they can finally join us as full-fledged members. During COVID-19, it is obviously difficult to share more than a supportive glance and a friendly wave. But we can support them with our prayers. So, I ask you to please pray for the six men, women and children who will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil -- may their journey in catechesis and spiritual renewal continue as Jesus Christ rises once more.
Have a blessed and wonderful week!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Friday, February 26, and Saturday, February 27:
Friday, February 26:
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7 pm. Led by Deacon Jim Datovech. (Note: During Fridays in Lent, the time of Evening Prayer will be at 7 pm each week).
- In-person Stations of the Cross at 7:30 pm in the church. Led by Fr. Jim Datovech. Download the Stations of the Cross meditation.
- First presentation of the Lenten Parish Mission at 8 pm. Presented by Fr. John Dillon. Sign up on Flocknote. (Note: You will receive the Zoom link and passcode after you have registered for the virtual event).
Saturday, February 27:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Led by Deacon Jim Datovech.
- Confession from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St. Clare Chapel of the Rectory.
- In-person Mass at 5 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Tom Weinandy. Mass Readings and Mass aid.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Led by Deacon Jim Datovech.
How Can I Fast Well This Lent?
Fasting does not only have to be about giving up certain foods – it can include abstaining from habits and practices that distract us from having a close relationship with God. These can include abstaining from:
- Using foul language
- Gossiping
- Procrastinating
- Complaining
- Impulse shopping
Adapted from Finding God 2021 Family Catechesis Program from Loyola Press