On Monday of this past week we celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph and on Saturday, March 25th, we celebrated the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing to her the plan that she will become pregnant with Jesus and bear Almighty God made flesh in her womb. In the middle of Lent, the Church draws our attention to the mystery of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh by becoming man in the womb of Mary. Because of our sin and our disobedience, Jesus came into this world to save us, to free us from sin. He was born in a manger and placed in the care of Joseph and Mary. During Lent we focus on our sin and our need for a savior. We rejoice because Jesus our Savior came. Isn’t it beautiful to reflect in the midst of this season of penance on the great light that shone in the darkness, the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us? Isn’t it glorious to reflect not just on our sin, but on the beautiful plan of redemption? Even in the midst of our sin and brokenness, Almighty God cared for us so much that he became flesh and dwelt among us. He did this for one reason: to die for us. He gave his life as a ransom for many. He died so that we might live. In the middle of this Lenten journey, the Church reminds us that there is hope and that there is life. Life conquers death and light shatters the darkness. In light of this, I want to point our attention to our Penance Service on Thursday, March 30th, at 7:00 PM. This will also be our First Reconciliation Service for our 2nd graders. We all need the mercy and the forgiveness of God. Come to the font of love, the fountain of mercy. I hope to see you there as we encounter our Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Peace in Christ, Fr. Dan