Greetings from Fr. Dave

Lent is just about here with Ash Wednesday this week. I have to remind myself each year that the word “Lent” means “spring” (not the coiled up kind, but the season of the year!). We are blessed in this part of Oregon to witness the season of spring make its appearance  —  with flowers, birds, lawn, and weeds all making quite an appearance. May the liturgical season of Lent be a time of new growth, clarity, and focus.
 
Crucial in entering into this season is taking God seriously, knowing that our relationship with him matters. As followers of Jesus Christ we take sin seriously and we take death seriously. Both require us to depend entirely on God for forgiveness, and for eternal life in heaven. Both are real. Both are universal, affecting each and every one of us. Ashes then at the very beginning of this season are a stark visual reminder of both sin and death — and of our eagerness to surrender more fully to God.
 
Our homily series this Lent will focus on different aspects of personal prayer.  Fr. Hans, Brett, and I will each be speaking about practical and down to earth ways we can all grow in our friendship with the Lord.  Weekly topics will be: Form Prayers; Morning Offering; Aligning our Will with God’s Will; Listening to God; Silence.
 
This weekend we are distributing our Lent devotionals: The Little Black Book for adults, and The Little Purple Book for our young children. We also have additional opportunities for Small Faith Groups if you wish to meet with other parishioners for
inspiration, sharing, and accountability. And, our parish mini-retreat is coming up on Saturday, March 14 ^th from 8:30-12:00pm. “Faith of Champions” will be our theme, with three accomplished athletes sharing with us how their faith has shaped them in their success and in their struggles. This will be family friendly; children are most welcome to participate!
 
Our final set of readings prior to Lent call us examine our attitudes and actions towards forgiveness, resentments, carrying grudges: all so very common among us all. Here are some important clarifications that are often misunderstood.

• Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. As such it requires renewing and repeating frequently.

• Forgive and forget is nearly impossible. To forgive does not mean amnesia!

• Forgiveness does not “excuse” the wrong of another. It does not deny the hurt or damage done.

• Forgiveness requires prayer, surrender to the Lord, asking for the desire to “Let God and let go”.

 
A Town Hall Meeting with Archbishop Sample will be here on Friday, March 6 ^th at 4:00pm in the Fireside Rooms. All are welcome to give your input to the Archbishop in this informal setting.
 

Blessings to Jonathan Fantl, Anthony Flores, Juniper Lisac, and Ivy Nguyen, who were baptized this weekend!