Dear Parishioners,

After the evening Mass on Ash Wednesday, I went to the RCIA to teach about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a timely topic, given the penitential nature of this season, and one that those in the class were eager and somewhat anxious to learn about. I mentioned to them that night that my own experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation when I was in high school and college helped me discern my call to the priesthood. Reconciliation is a Sacrament of truth, honesty and humility as it calls us to confess our sins, recognize our need for God and see how abundantly God blesses us with grace. This Sacrament can give us real clarity and help us listen to and cooperate with God more readily. That’s my experience.

Our parish celebrates a Communal Reconciliation service on Thursday, April 11 at Holy Family. There are times the Sacrament can also be celebrated here at Good Shepherd every week: Fridays 8:40-8:55am, Saturday 4:30-4:45pm, Sunday 7:00-7:15am, 10:00-10:15am, or by appointment with Fr. Greg. If you aren’t able to celebrate the Sacrament during Lent, now would be a good time to memorize the Act of Contrition if you forgot it or never learned it. It’s a great prayer just to have “in your pocket” to say through the day. It’s posted on our website. Under “Inspiration,” click on “Prayers” and scroll to the bottom of the page. A penitential season calls us to be reconciled, to walk in truth, honesty and humility before God and neighbor, and to be comforted, healed and encouraged by God’s mercy and grace. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the ways our Shepherd shows such love for us.

Peace,

Fr. Greg

Lenten Events:

Stations of the Cross: Wednesday evenings beginning March 3,
Friday mornings after 9am Mass

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry: Every Friday evening during Lent through March 26 (no Fish Fry on Good Friday)

Weekday and Sunday Mass


OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Good Shepherd Parish is a prayerful community of believers who joyfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We follow the example of our Shepherd, caring for one another and all those in need. Nourished by the Eucharist and guided by Scripture, we welcome all and share our blessings through worship, education and service.