Dear Parishioners,

    “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” These words challenge us to imitate God in our actions. The word “holy” embraces the concept of wholeness, as opposed to being divided. Leviticus illustrates this meaning: “You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart.” Instead, follow the command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

    In Matthew’s account of the Gospel, Jesus clearly builds on this passage from Leviticus. “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

    He advises the following approach: Find a way to respond that avoids violence. Rise above these insults. Use your imagination to discover how best to overcome the insult in ways that rise above it and beyond violence.

    Lent is coming!  Wednesday, February 26th is Ash Wednesday.  Our Mass will be at 5:30 p.m., with the distribution of ashes after the Homily. St. Mary’s Mass times are 9:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. and St. Anthony’s is 7:00 p.m.

    Many thanks. God Bless You,  Fr. Paul J. Alciati