Dear Parishioners,

The Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday, March 30th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass, I will be offering the Anointing of the Sick to anyone who wishes to receive God's healing love.  Our church says that the "elderly" can receive the anointing (but the instruction doesn't define "elderly!")  The following people are also eligible to receive the Anointing:  anyone who suffers from chronic pain; those who struggle with addictions; those who have compulsive behavior; people who grew up in abusive, dysfunctional families; people who suffer from mental illness; or anyone who will be having an operation in the near future.   Those who are anointed can expect the following graces from God:  Strength to continue to be spiritually healthy; inner peace, knowing that you are right with God and neighbor; forgiveness of all your sins; and healing, spiritually, mentally or physically.

Starting this Sunday and continuing for the following two, we will be celebrating the Scrutinies with the Elect of our parish.  The Elect are those in our parish who are preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

These are ancient rites but are profoundly rooted in our human experience.  It is part of our human experience to examine or scrutinize the areas of our lives where we are tempted, or sin, in what we do and what we fail to do.

One of the most powerful moments of the Scrutinies is how they begin.  After the homily, the Elect are invited to come forward with their sponsors and kneel.  Then, the whole assembly is invited to pray for them in silence.  This is followed by the Intercessions for the Elect, a prayer of Exorcism, and The Laying of the Hands.  It is during this last act that the priest is calling down of the Spirit of Jesus to be with them and protect them.  The Elect are then dismissed.

Liturgical ministers, please sign up to help during our Holy Week services.  Lists are in the back of the church.

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