February 12, 2023, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time To My Spiritual Family of Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony, Our Lenten Mission: The beautiful season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. You and I have a mission this Lent: Growth in holiness! The fact is - if we are not drawing closer to the heart of Christ, we are necessarily falling away. To assist in this mission, we are having . . . well . . . a Mission! The days from March 13-15 at Holy Redeemer Parish are extremely important days for us. God willing, they will be days of grace. God willing, you and I will feel our hearts blazing with love for Christ, for his Church, and for the Eucharist. Hopefully, you are excited that Fr. Ben Daghir will be leading us on this journey. Our Lenten Mission is only a month away! Mark your calendars, cancel your other commitments, and let’s pack the house for Jesus! And oh by the way . . . I’m kind of excited for this! Catholic Services Appeal: I’m convinced that one of these years, Punxsutawney Phil is going to wobble out of his burrow and declare: “It’s time for the CSA again!” After all, that furry rodent’s prognostication and the beginning of the annual bishop’s appeal always coincide. You know the drill. You’re generosity never ceases to amaze me. As I wrote in my CSA letter, this year’s parish project is the Holy Redeemer baptismal font. We are not sure what exactly we are going to find underneath as we tear it down, but replacing it will probably not happen without a large price tag. So thanks in advance for your willingness to give. It is very much appreciated! Pastoral Council Seeking New Members: Up to five of our long-time Pastoral Council members are coming to the end of their terms. Actually, they are coming to the end of several terms! I want to take time to thank them in a future writing, but for now, please consider volunteering to serve on the Council. Last year, four new members took up Council seats and they have brought a wonderful joy and energy to our deliberations. Maybe God is tugging at your heart to join them? Please let Fr. Steve or the office or any Council member know if you are interested. Thank you! Pre-Lent Vacay: There is a lot of good going on in our Catholic community! The women’s bible study has 70 participants! Toby “the Tobinator” Miller’s study on the spiritual life is bringing dozens closer to Christ! Eucharistic Revival is happening! Monday movie matinees are bursting at the seams with viewers! We will be welcoming half-a-dozen new Catholics who are preparing to enter the Church this April! And Lent is almost here! With all this happening, I want to be at the top of my game for you. A little R&R will assist me to be ready for the weeks ahead! So please count me out on vacation next week. And I will see you again for Mass on February 18. God bless and be assured of my prayers! Mary, Mother of the Holy Redeemer – Pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us! St. Anthony – Pray for us! St. Joseph – Pray for us! Fr. Steve