High School students who come to the sacrament of Confirmation after their time of formation and preparation, are often told by the bishop confirming them, that this is not really an end, but instead, a new beginning of their life in Christ. I say, as we have completed our Lenten journey, that we now experience a new beginning with the advent of Easter and the Easter season.  We are called to reflect on what it means to be a "new creation in Christ" through our dying with Him and rising to new life with Him in the sacrament of Baptism.  Having just renewed our baptismal promises (as do our high school students before their Confirmation), we are now called to give an even stronger witness to our crucified and risen Lord.  Living our lives in the "joy of The Lord" no matter what happens, good or not so good in our lives, tells everyone that the victory of Jesus is my victory and the victory of everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him.  A Blessed Easter to all who continually give their lives daily to The Lord.  You will be blessed indeed!

I write this pastor's column BEFORE our Lenten Reconciliation Service on March 20.  You are reading this pastor's column AFTER the Reconciliation Service has happened.  Sadly, you may be among those who did not, for whatever reason, receive the healing sacrament of Reconciliation before Holy Week.  Fortunately, you have the opportunity to be touched by the reconciling Hand of God and the Church before Easter Sunday.  Firstly, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Benton has their Lenten Reconciliation Service (with individual confessions) this Tuesday, March 26, at 6:00 p.m.  At our church on Good Friday, I will make myself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m.  Last year I was kept busy on Good Friday celebrating God's mercy and forgiveness with quite a few humble sinners.  I hope this will be the case this year as well.  If these times don't work, I will offer one final chance for the Sacrament on Holy Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.  What a beautiful way to come to the feast of new Life (Easter) by being cleansed and renewed in the Life of The Lord.  Please come!

I must say that I have gone back and forth as I contemplate what time to have our Good Friday Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion on March 29.  There are good reasons to have it at 3:00 p.m. (the hour that the Scriptures tell us Jesus died) and at 6:30 p.m. (the same time as our Holy Thursday Mass).  I appreciate those who expressed their preference when we took a poll before the Masses last weekend.  My hope is that everyone who raised a hand is committed to participate not only in the Good Friday liturgy, but in all that takes place in Church from Thursday evening (including the parish meal) to Easter Sunday evening (with evening prayer).  I pray that we will back off from most of our secular activities on these days and give this time to The Lord to grow in appreciation and thanks for what Jesus did for us through His passion, death and Resurrection.  The blessings that flow from such a commitment of time and effort will continue well beyond the Easter Triduum and Easter Season to the rest of our lives.  (By the way, our Good Friday Liturgy will be at 6:30 p.m. this year).