From the Pastor's Desk (2/22/26)

From the Pastor's Desk
2/22/26

Lent: Walking with Christ Toward Easter
Lent is a sacred season, a time set apart for renewal of heart and soul. Each year, the Church invites us to step away from distractions and walk with Christ in a deeper way. For forty days, we trace his footsteps – entering the desert with him, learning to listen, pray, and trust. This sacred journey mirrors the rhythm of our own lives: season of challenge that prepare us for new life in God. The practices of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – are not burdens but pathways. Prayer deepens our friendship with God, opening our hearts to his voice. Fasting teaches us that we are not ruled by our appetites but created for something greater – communion with God himself. Almsgiving lifts our gaze outward, reminding us that love of neighbor is inseparable from the love of God. These disciplines work together to for us, to free us, and to awaken us to the life of grace already present within us. Lent is not simply about what we “give up.” It is about what we receive: mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. By offering small sacrifices and acts of love, we allow God’s Spirit to reshape our hearts. In this way, conversion becomes not a single act but a daily turning – away from sin and toward Christ. We do not walk this road alone. The entire Church journeys together, nourished by Scripture, strengthened by the Eucharist, and inspired by the Saints who have gone before us. Even in our struggles, God is near, leading us through the desert to the joy of Easter morning. Ultimately, Lent prepares us for the Resurrection. By walking the way of the Cross with Jesus, we come to know more fully the life that only he can give. And when Easter dawns, our Alleluia rings out with deeper joy because we have been renewed in heart and spirit. May this Lent be a season of grace for you, a time of prayerful return to the Lord, and a journey that leads you into the radiant light of Easter. (All Saints Press)
 
A Prayer for the First Sunday of Lent
Almighty and ever living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give. Amen.
 
Lenten Wednesday Evening Mass Guest Homilists
This week, we welcome Father Christopher Mannerino, Parochial Vicar at St. Luke Parish, as our first Celebrant and Homilist of our Wednesday Evening Lenten Mass Series. Father Mannerino will be preaching on Lent as a Path of Hope on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Fatima Church.
 
Monday Evening Confessions in Lent
In addition to our Saturday confessions, we are offering one hour of confessions on the Monday evenings of Lent (February 23 – March 30) at 6:30 PM at St. Frances Cabrini Church. 
 
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be prayed this Friday, February 27, at 7 PM, in St. Titus Church.
 
Thank You, Farewell and Best Wishes
I want to offer thanks to Joshua Kilmer, who recently served our parish as Director of Adult Faith Formation. Joshua had been discerning a return to graduate school to further his education and decided to depart our parish earlier this month. His last day of employment was February 6. We thank Joshua for his service to our parish, and we send our prayers and best wishes to accompany him on his new journey. 
 
Lectors Needed
Are you interested in becoming a Lector? Do you feel called to proclaim the Sacred Scriptures at Sunday Mass? We are currently seeking additional lectors for our parish and would like to invite you to consider becoming part of this important liturgical ministry. New lectors will be trained and invited to exercise their ministry at any of our four churches. Please contact me today at [email protected] for more information.
 
MQSP Finance Council Members
I want to introduce the newly installed Mary, Queen of Saints Parish Finance Council Members: Anthony DeFerrari, Christine McClure, Joseph Sawinski, David Wytiaz and Joseph Zanella.