Dear Friends,
Last month, we had a number of events that helped different segments of our parish experience God’s grace and blessings. Let me make a comment on some of those:
Youth Lock-in/Retreat: Our Teen Leadership held an overnight Lock-in/Retreat on March 21-22. There were some 25 young people and adult supervisors. The theme for this lock-in/retreat was ‘Food insecurity.’ Local leaders from the Franklin Food Bank came and shared with them about food insecurity in our own area, and how so many generous people are giving their time, treasure, and talent to remedy this situation. They had many spiritually enriching sessions and fun activities throughout the night, without much sleep. This lock-in/retreat would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our Deacon John Radvanski who is truly a tireless advocate for our youth. He, together with Sue Lenczewski, our Youth Coordinator, will give us all a fuller report of this event and acknowledge the many who deserve our gratitude.
Mass of Anointing: This annual Mass with Anointing of the Sick was held on March 22nd. Some 75 people attended and they had a truly positive experience of God’s anointing and healing. This Sacrament is often misunderstood or undervalued by many. The Biblical basis for this sacrament is James 5: 14-15: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” But this original practice of anointing the sick fell into disuse and was used only when a sick person was close to death. That’s why we hear this sacrament misnamed as “Last Rite.” But the Second Vatican Council restored it to its original intent. Hence, we can use this Sacrament any time we are sick, or before going for any procedure or surgery. Let us have a proper understanding of this Sacrament of Anointing for the healing of the sick.
40 Hour Adoration: Our Parish just completed a 40-Hour Adoration during this final year of the Eucharistic Revival – thanks to a very dedicated group of men and women of our parish who organized this first ever event in our church so meticulously. The 40-hour devotion has been observed in the Catholic Church for many years. The response to the sign up to adore for each of the 40 Hours was tremendous. One participant emailed me: “It was my first time to experience serving as a guardian during the Eucharistic Adoration late last night. It was an experience like no other. Thank you for bringing it to St Matthias.” So many others joined to pray without signing up – a clear sign of the thirst many have to experience Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The culmination of all such devotions and liturgical services is experiencing the Holy Week. Beginning with Palm Sunday, we will be entering into days of solemn celebration of the most significant events of our salvation. Our music ministry has been preparing for these annual celebrations, in particular for the Easter Vigil. The exceptional way we celebrate the Saturday night service is something that many of our parishioners look forward to. Though some may feel that the length of the Easter Vigil is challenging, the reality is what so many attendees have expressed: “It flowed so beautifully that I didn’t feel the length;” “It was not as long as I had thought;” “The music and the ceremonies were so heart-warming that the time just went by;” I invite you to make a special effort to attend the Easter Vigil this year, especially if you have not experienced it. You are in for a treat for your soul– no doubt ☺
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Abraham Orapankal