Messages from the Pastor - Archive

February 15, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Oh Lord, Lent’s almost here! I write about it this weekend, for if I’m tardy, some of you may not receive it in time for your contemplation for Ash Wednesday. That day, far from the usual go-about-our-business day, is one that scripture calls us to “Blow the trumpet, proclaim a fast, call an assembly….† It’s the great time of year for us to unload our selfishness, stand before our Lord in sincerity, and make the great effort to change for the better. Ash Wednesday is like working in the yard all day and coming in for that shower or bath that cleanses us and makes us say “Aah.â€

Some years ago the Bishop of Helena, Montana, Alexander Joseph Brunett, sent a letter to his people prior to Lent. He focused especially on reconciliation with God and with others. This is always the great aim of Lent. First of all, he says that reconciliation (or confession) can be tough. It begins with us, the individual, and he says, “Do I see in the mirror of self the image of the Crucified Christ…the supreme image of patience, love, and humble meekness?† If I see anything less, I must set about changing my heart to find His likeness in me and seek forgiveness from God and those I have harmed. For example, the dignity of all human life is clearly a serious issue. Intolerance to any of God’s children or violence in the home or elsewhere that mitigates against life has no place in our activities. Remember, Jesus treated everyone in the same way, so we turn in our examination of conscience to the way we treat our family and the family of our world—race, liberal, conservative, heterosexual, or homosexual—we are to heal long term hurts. The confession is where you lay intolerance, ugly thoughts, and violent and uncharitable words and behavior.

We also need to examine questions about repentance—like in our families. Are we rampant consumers, do we fall in with those who march to prevailing sexual mores? Do we fail to make firm commitments and demands to maintain our family, vows of marriage, intention to give moral leadership to our children?

I was shocked a bit last week when I received such reaction after my homily to my saying that I know of Catholics who go to Communion knowing that they have sinned seriously. I said one should not go to Communion before first going to confession. Well, I guess we live in a non-informed world, but my daddy and religion taught me that.

Are we no longer informed, are we forgetful of our teachings and, perhaps, even more serious, do we let our children or selves succumb to the prevailing social sexual mores? For example, are we seeking pleasure for the sake of pleasure, labeling people, giving in to excuses and rampant consumerism, or failing to make commitments demanded to maintain our family….I grieve for the children and the hurt to relationships. Some cannot be restored because of individual selfishness.

I see Lent for all of us as less a time to give up candy and sweets and more a time for finding family in prayer and duty, for finding time for more spiritual energy for restoring oneself and creating boundaries to self-indulgence, looking for God in our work, friends, and good works of kindness. The inner strength to do all of this comes through prayer, so isn’t that recommended for Lent? Fasting and almsgiving, isn’t that recommended for Lent? Oh, how wise your church is!! Do this and let God accomplish something wonderful in you this Lent! These forty days can turn life around for anyone serious enough for Christ.

On a different note, I compliment Sacred Heart School for the excellent advertisement campaign following Christmas. It is a great school and has turned out some of my best friends. I went there for one day when we moved from New Orleans, but I put up such a fuss (I was a true “brat†) that Daddy hauled me out and sent me to third grade at the Brothers. He said, “They’ll shape you up.† I guess they did, but Sacred Heart has had a splendid reputation all these years. They probably could have made me an honor roll student if—do not fear recommending anyone to Sacred Heart School!

I may have been a “brat† in the past, but I never wish to be ungrateful to all who sent me cards and gifts this year at Christmas. Always I try to write a note of thanks to you who so flatter me, and I have written many, but my organization was faulty this year, and I may have messed up with some dear and loving friends. If I have neglected writing, please know that I tried hard to keep things straight, but when a simple act of knocking all the answered and unanswered cards off the desk in a pile together makes for errors. Know that I dearly appreciate, love, and pray for you.

Please remember in your prayers Mrs. Vida Broussard, Francis “Elton† Cazes, Doucette Pascal, and Rita Scallan, all of whom passed away during the last two weeks. We pray for their families also during their loss.

Fr. Jerry Young