Church of the
Annunciation

March 14, 2023 

Dear Friends in Christ:

Our Gospel Readings for the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Sundays of Lent are taken from the Gospel according to St. John. The Church has chosen these Readings as a source of spiritual enrichment for the assembly and for catechumens, the Elect, who are preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. On this 4^th Sunday, March 19^th, the Gospel of the Man Born Blind will be proclaimed. Jewish belief at the time of Jesus assumed that being blind or any physical affliction was a result of sin committed by the person or by his or her parents. A person with such misfortune would live with foreboding of God’s judgment. It was a life with little hope, despite the best efforts of the afflicted to live righteously. Jesus, through this sign, a miracle, changes this misperception of God’s justice. In curing this man’s blindness, Jesus bestows God’s mercy, and after seeking him out, Jesus restores his sense of belonging to the community. Jesus is the Light coming into the world that dispels darkness of ignorance and sin. We can see how appropriate this Gospel text is for the Elect, like Dixie Andrews, from our parish, who will be baptized during the Easter Vigil, and for all of us on our Lenten Journey. 

March 19^th is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary but this year, since it occurs on a Sunday, the feast is celebrated on Monday March 20^th. When Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Roncalli, welcomed a delegation of Jewish rabbis, he quoted the patriarch Joseph in the Book of Genesis 45:4, “I am Joseph, your brother.” Earlier in his diplomatic career, Roncalli played a pivotal role in saving the lives of thousands of Jews while serving as the papal representative to Turkey during World War II. Saint Pope John XXIII had a special devotion to St. Joseph. His middle name was “Giuseppe.” I share his prayer to San Giuseppe or St. Joseph. 

Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, and their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor, and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God’s Son entrusted to you, and, with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done. Amen.

Join us on Tuesday March 21^st and March 28ths for 6:00 PM Lenten Soup and Scripture. Attendees bring homemade soups and breads. Before the sharing of food, there is a reflection on the Sunday Gospel. It is a special occasion to break open and be nourished by the Word, and then sharing good food and company. Come for Stations of the Cross on Fridays of Lent after 9 AM Mass and at 7 PM. On Good Friday, there will be a Taize Prayer Service at 7 PM. 

Our Lenten Family Penance Services will take place in St. Vincent de Paul Church at 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM on Monday March 27^th.  Priests from neighboring parishes will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, to hear confessions and to share the peace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This is an example of one of the blessings to come as we establish our Family of Parishes. 

Fr. Gene Ulrich