FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners:

During Lent, we accompany our Catechumens (non-baptized) and Candidates (baptized Christians) as they make their final preparations for full initiation in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Last weekend, the Rite of Election was celebrated during the 5p Sunday Mass for our Catechumens and Candidates. Usually, the Rite of Election is presided by Bishop Soto at the Cathedral in Sacramento. But, this year, on account of the COVID-19 virus, Bishop Soto gave pastors delegation to carry out the Rite of Election in our parishes. Please continue to keep our Elect and Candidates in your prayers throughout this Lent.

In addition to those preparing for full initiation into the Church at Easter time, we want to also pray for the following:

• Our religious education children making their first Confession in the coming months followed by their First Communion the weekend of June 5th

• Our youth preparing to celebrate Sacrament of Confirmation on August 28th

• Our couples preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony in the coming months

This year, our religious education program has transitioned to family catechesis in the home. I express my gratitude to all the parents and catechists who are working hard to make this new way of passing on the faith a success. The Church has always taught that parents are the primary educators of their children. Now, we are encouraging, equipping and supporting our parents to carry out their teaching role. We give thanks to God for the gift of grace and pray that these celebrations of the sacraments bring much grace to the life of those celebrating them and to St. Mary’s Parish as a whole!

In Christ Jesus,

Father Berg