Last week I had a birthday surprise, when Deacon Dan and his wife Nancy made an unexpected visit the rectory. They came to celebrate my birthday and wish me well. It was wonderful to see them and to share the afternoon. Dan wasn’t able to see any other staff members that day as he still has to be very cautious about germs and catching any respiratory illnesses. He continues to use his oxygen and has other restrictions but both he and Nancy were in good cheer and seem to be getting along pretty well.

Last Saturday, we began the retreat days for our first communion children. For three consecutive weeks we will have small groups of them touring the church, the sacristy, and practicing receiving the host in preparation for their big day!

We also celebrated the Sacrament of Penance for all the children in grades two to five. This is our tradition in helping them to observe Lent and get ready for Easter.

As a parish, we also have a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance each year. We have scheduled this for next Sunday afternoon, April 6 at 4:00 p.m. We will have both English and Portuguese confessors available at the end of the service for individual confessions.

Again, during this penitential season of Lent a formal celebration of the sacrament is a wonderful way for all of us to observe this season.

It is hard to believe that this weekend is the Fourth Sunday in the season. It is not too late to make this time special in your spiritual life and to turn your hearts closer to the Lord.