St. Boniface Catholic
by Sue Beams

On the First Sunday in Lent, members of St. Boniface witnessed the Baptism of Victoria and Haley Barnes. We are proud and happy to receive them into our community. In his homily, Deacon Steve Curry said the readings for Sunday were the best for a Baptism!

In the first reading we heard the account of the creation of man and see the reason why we have Baptism. He created us to live with Him for eternity, but then sin came into the world. Baptism is the first Sacrament we receive. "A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give us grace" as we learned from the Baltimore Catechism. The action of the Passion gives us the opportunity to be baptized where we receive the Grace of God.

In the Gospel readings we heard of the forty-day fast of our Lord. In this time of fasting Jesus was preparing Himself spiritually for the temptations that were presented.

Deacon Steve went on to say that we all face temptations. At the age of reason we learn the difference between right and wrong. Before that we have our parents to guide and direct us. As we get older and we know the difference between right and wrong, we must make the decision to follow Christ. We must help one another. When we are helping each other and as others help us, remember that it is in love that we do so. It is our responsibility to correct each other - lovingly!

Pray for the gift of discernment! Whom will you serve? At the end of Mass, Deacon Steve had a time of prayer and a special blessing for the parents, Travis and Trisha Barnes.

We welcomed several visitors and invited everyone to join us for the refreshments that were served following Mass. It was especially wonderful to see Frank and Priscilla Doherty back with us. We missed them so much!

Fr. Jesse has announced that the Holy Mass will be celebrated in Spanish on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity opened to everyone, most especially our Spanish-speaking friends and neighbors. Also, on Fridays during Lent, the Stations of the Cross will be said beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Holy Mass celebrated afterward.

Iris Mamo, DRE, invited everyone to join in a time of Lenten Devotion following the weekend Masses. On Saturday evenings during Lent, a brief (15 minute) film will be shown immediately following Mass in the community room. On Sundays, the children in CCD will say the Stations of the Cross at 11 a.m. with the showing of the Lenten Devotion film immediately following. These films will highlight ways in which we can prepare spiritually for Easter. Topics will differ from week to week. The films will be shown throughout the Lenten season. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Passion Play practices continue on Monday and Thursday evenings. The stages are in place and the actors are learning their parts. This production promises to be a beautiful tribute to the passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The performances of the play will be March 15th and 16th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Boniface. Admission is free and open to everyone.

God bless each of you this coming week.