From the Desk of Father Jason - March 22, 2027

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his preaching with these words, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Why these words? It goes back to the reason that Jesus, the Son of God, became fully a human being. He came to rescue us and to reestablish our friendship with God.

We had been created good by God for an intimate relationship with Him. That relationship was broken by the original sin. We were captured by sin and death and the Devil. But God loved us so much that in the fullness of time He sent His Son to rescue us. That rescue is the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this rescue, Jesus restores our friendship with God.

Repenting means turning our lives around. To turn from something or somebody to another. In the case of Jesus Christ, He calls us to turn from sin back to Himself. Mortal sin breaks our friendship with God. Even venial sin damages that relationship.

Jesus has given us a Sacrament to repent. That is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession. The precepts of the Church says we are to celebrate this Sacrament at least once a year, but a disciple should do so regularly.

Have we gone to the Sacrament recently?

We have a number of opportunities throughout Lent. There are the usual times on Saturday: 8-9 am and 3-3:45 pm. During Lent there are Confessions on Tuesday: 5-6 pm. 

Finally, on March 26 at 6 pm,  we will have a communal penance service. What is that? It is a service where we begin as a group, hearing the word of God and reflecting. Then we go to individual Confession. There will be four priests to go to. It is a great celebration of repentance and God’s love. Please consider coming.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason