Though I didn't do much sightseeing in Japan while I was visiting my uncle, the times I did go out in the public, I was overwhelmed by the number of people that crowded in their subway system.  In that environment, I didn't sense much, if any, connection between any of the people I saw.  Being connected is what it means for us who are disciples of Jesus Christ.  We are called in a special way in Lent to connect with God in familiar and perhaps in new ways.  We are blessed to have a parishioner, Paula Doyle, who is a certified and experienced spiritual director.  She is prepared and is willing to help anyone who wants, to grow in connection with the Lord.  Please read the insert in this weekend's bulletin to see if you might be open at this time in your faith journey to spiritual direction.  Of course, I am always open to assisting any parishioner in this way as well. Lent is about connecting with God and with others, including those who are in need.  Let's make this a Lent that is memorable in the connections we make.

One of the ways I have been blessed in my experience so far at Sacred Heart, is having five wonderful permanent deacons to assist me in so many ways in the care of this wonderful parish.  One of these, Deacon Wally Gieringer, recently came to me and expressed his need to retire from active diaconal ministry because of family responsibilities.  I listened to his reasons and supported his difficult decision, though selfishly and for your sake, I expressed regrets that he felt the need to retire.  Even so, he will continue to have Benediction at the end of our First Friday devotions, and I left the door open on Thursdays for him to assist at Mass whenever he wants to.  Otherwise, there will normally not be a deacon assisting me for Thursday Masses.  This puts a little caveat on what Deacon Wally said through a bulletin announcement a few weekends ago.  I pray that Deacon Wally and his dear wife, Suzy, will enjoy not "being scheduled" for anything, while continuing to serve The Lord and this parish in some ways.  God bless you, Deacon Wally and Suzy, for your long and devoted service to The Lord in the permanent diaconate ministry.

Get ready to grow in your faith life as we prepare to enter the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, February 22.  On this and every Wednesday of Lent, we will, once again, have our popular soup and sandwich gathering at 5:00 p.m., followed by a presentation on our Catholic faith starting with some videos by Michael Cumby, a Catholic Lay Evangelist who is a former Evangelical minister.  We will then offer Mass at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday during Lent.  Please also mark your calendar for Saturday, March 3, as we will have a Lenten Day of Reflection by Father Herold Brock, a missionary priest who will inspire with reflections on the life of Pope John Paul II.  We will continue the tradition of the Stations of the Cross every Friday in Lent at 6:15 p.m.  I urge you to take seriously these and other opportunities that will be offered during Lent, 2012.  The blessings for your life and the lives that you touch may be many.