Next Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. There has been a tradition to veil all statues in purple on this Sunday, ushering in the two weeks of Passiontide. So, when you arrive next Sunday, don't freak out when you see our statues veiled in purple. We will fast from even our most sacred images.

I want to use this space in these next three Sundays to encourage everyone to set aside time to celebrate the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the shortest and most important three day Liturgical Season. It runs from Holy Thursday evening until Easter Sunday evening. This week, let's focus on Holy Thursday.

Thanks to all of you who took advantage of our participation in the Diocesan program last Tuesday, "The Light Is On For You." Many of you took advantage of the invitation and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Your response was heartwarming. Thanks also to Deacon Mel and Annie for leading prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Thanks also to Wendy Summers, our Sacristan, who did all the behind-the-scenes work. I hope to make the Sacrament more available. In particular, we will offer the Sacrament after the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, and also after the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday.

Our parish got off to a good start into Lent with the 6:00 evening Mass on Ash Wednesday. On the night before, we had a great celebration of Mardi Gras. The gumbo was great, the company was very encouraging, and the fundraising effort supported those who are working for the canonization of Father Augustus Tolton. Many thanks to all who prepared the feast, cleaned up, and participated.

Please join us on Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 7:30 for our annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser. It will be a fun evening, and the proceeds will benefit the ongoing cause for sainthood for Fr. Augustine Tolton. We will celebrate Mass on the following day, Ash Wednesday, at 6:00 to begin the Forty Days of Lent together. Every family is welcome to take a copy of the Little Black Book from the Diocese of Saginaw. Reading the daily meditations is a great way to help us through this Sacred Season.