As we journey along during this Lenten Season, we have been having confessions for the children of our religious education program. The last two Saturdays we had morning and afternoon session so that we could offer all the children the sacrament.

We have also scheduled our annual parish Penance Service for Sunday afternoon, March 22 at 4 p.m. This year parishioners from Immaculate Conception in Marlboro will be joining us along with Fr. Marc Bishop, the new administrator. Fr Tony and Fr Adriano (the priest with the Brazilian Community) will also be available for individual confessions.

Every year during this penitential season, this service is a highlight. This year we hope to have even a larger group of people with the added parish. It is a wonderful time to ritualize what has been happening throughout the Season of Lent. Please mark your calendars!

This weekend we also began our retreats for the children preparing for First Communion in May. For the next few Saturdays they will get together for tours of the church, instructions in the sacristry and all the liturgical vessels. They also have lessons in how to receive communion and in ‘tasting’ the unconsecrated hosts so there are no surprises on the day of First Communion.

Pat Conte has organized catechists as well as many helpers who volunteer their time and energy to make these retreats a reality and to better prepare our children. I am grateful to all of them for their dedication.

Please keep our little ones in your prayers as we approach these important days on their spiritual lives.