Pastor&#039;s Letter -- February 14, 2021

by Fr. Terry

I would like to give a renovation update, as it has been a number of weeks since I have done so.

Our initial hopes were that the renovations would be complete or near complete for Easter. It is now clear that this is no longer going to be possible, due to various complications with fabrication times for our custom stone cuts for the steps of the sanctuary and for the lights. Things have been moving slowly, as we are mostly at a stand-still awaiting these necessary parts of the project.

Another misfortune is that due to these delays, the pews will probably not be installed until around early May, because we would prefer to not move them multiple times for the installation of the lights and new carpet that will be (hopefully) late April. Early May is also the tentative time-frame when we will see the marble installed in the sanctuary, including the donated statue of St. Thérèse in the devotional area. I am not sure about when they plan to install the glass divider for the chapel area (including a door), but think that might be done during Lent.

We are also receiving another statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but I don’t intend that to go in the sanctuary or devotional area. I am not 100% certain where it will end up, but I like the idea of where the relics currently reside, as they should probably move to where St. Thérèse’s statue will be and thus be more visible for veneration and prayer. Sorry if that was a lot to imagine and process, but I wanted everyone to be aware of how things are moving along.

“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.” This cry from the prophet Joel echoes in our churches every Ash Wednesday.

Speaking about the heart, the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us the following in paragraphs 2518-2519: The sixth beatitude proclaims, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." "Pure in heart" refers to those who have attuned their intellects and wills to the demands of God's holiness, chiefly in three areas: charity; chastity or sexual rectitude; love of truth and orthodoxy of faith. There is a connection between purity of heart, of body, and of faith: The faithful must believe the articles of the Creed "so that by believing they may obey God, by obeying may live well, by living well may purify their hearts, and with pure hearts may understand what they believe.” (St. Augustine) The "pure in heart" are promised that they will see God face to face and be like him. Purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of God. Even now it enables us to see according to God, to accept others as "neighbors"; it lets us perceive the human body - ours and our neighbor's - as a temple of the Holy Spirit, a manifestation of divine beauty.

We have many opportunities for this most important work during Lent in our parish. Please refer to this bulletin and the parish website for a full list of events. Our Friday Stations of the Cross will be at the same time as the past (5:30pm), and we are replacing the soup suppers (which are not feasible with the current COVID precautions) with videos from the Chosen series (two short episodes each week). When we watched these last Spring they were a hit with those who came. I highly encourage attending, or watching on your own if you cannot come join the parish viewing.

Our parish is offering a book for your Lenten journey as well. At the entrance of the church (or in parish office Mon-Fri) you can take a copy for your reflection and growth in faith. St. Teresa of Kolkata (“Mother Teresa”) will be a sure and inspiring guide for us this Lent!