On the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, members of St. Boniface through the readings learned that despite our offenses, God will remain faithful.

In his homily, Fr. Luke told us that sometimes we all are paralyzed - because of guilt, perhaps, or our anger, or even in our lack of forgiveness. In today's Gospel, we hear of Jesus Christ forgiving the sins of the paralytic. What is the relationship between illness and sin? In those days it was believed that illness of any kind was a direct result of sin If the cursed one was not forgiven he could not be healed! Physical illnesses often are a result of `inner' illnesses (i.e. Psychological).

A deep, spiritual wound can cause many physical ailments. The reality is that Jesus wanted to heal the paralytic and He wants to heal us. Those carrying the paralytic had such deep faith that they went to extreme lengths to bring him to Jesus. To what length are you willing to go? How deep is your faith? God assured the Israelites that he forgave them their sins and remembers the sins no more. What we are doing now is more important than what we have done in the past. When we fall we are a burden to others. Our life affects the whole church. Reconciliation is reassurance that we are spiritually healed. The promises that God makes are fulfilled.

Refreshments were served in the community room following Mass. Once again, we thank the ladies of the parish who provide us with baked goods to enjoy during fellowship. Reminder: Please show your appreciation by placing a little something from time to time in the `blessings' jar.

The bulletin is full of information and upcoming Lenten services. A copy of the Holy Week schedule was included.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, is Ash Wednesday. A reminder: this is a day of fasting and abstinence (no meat at all) as well as all the Fridays in Lent.

On each Friday during Lent, Stations of the Cross will be at 6:30 pm, preceded by Mass.

You may pick up your contribution statements for the year 2008 for your tax deductions from the community room.

All existing Altar Servers and those who would like to join, please sign up on the sheet in the community hall. There will be an instructional class for ALL the servers as well as for the parents on Sunday, March 8th at 2:30 pm. This is a MANDATORY meeting.

The Mass of Thanksgiving for the life and friendship of our beloved Condradita Sanchez on the occasion of her 90th birthday was celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Alvaro Corrada. The Bishop's message to those in attendance was a simple one. God created us and loves us - eternally. God is filled with love. Humans must choose to live by faith. The Bishop congratulated Condradita on this special occasion and thanked her for the beautiful inspiration her life thus far has been to all who know and love her. What a privilege and honor it was to welcome Bishop Corrada to St. Boniface once again.

Congratulations and best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. We pray for those who are sick and suffering. We remember, too, the faithful departed; may they rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the men and women in the Armed Services.

May God bless you!