This will be the only Mass on Tybee next weekend.  There will be no other Masses.  Our regular Mass Schedule for next weekend will not be in effect.  There will only be one Mass on Tybee next weekend and it will be on Sunday, March 31 ^st on Tybee Pier at 10am.
 
We’ve tried our best to get the word out but of course I won’t be surprised if someone shows up on the Church doorsteps next weekend wondering why there isn’t Mass.  With the support of the Pastoral Council, I wanted to try this experiment so that we all have a better sense of our faith community.  With three Masses on the weekend and most of us in the habit of going to Mass at the same time every week, we are really three different faith communities.  A public Mass will also give us an opportunity as a parish to let our light shine and perhaps draw a few folks to our regular Sunday Masses.  I’ve heard that word of this Mass has reached some of my old parishioners in Augusta who occasionally spend a weekend here.  They are excited and looking forward to attending Mass next weekend at 10am down at the Pavilion on Tybee Pier.  Did I mention, it will be the only Mass on Tybee next weekend?
 
Of course there are picnic tables there, but I’d suggest that you bring your own beach or lawn chair, so that there might be seats for visitors.  We will sit and stand for the Liturgy but no kneeling.  So, whatever chair you bring, hopefully it will be easy to get up out of.  At this hour (10am) in the morning there should still be public parking spaces available near the pier.   We will have a couple of golf carts available on the North side of the parking lot between the Hotel Tybee and the beach to shuttle anyone who has difficulty walking to the pier.  And hopefully most of you will be able to stay for coffee and donuts after Mass.  I’m excited.
 
The Gospel for next Sunday focuses in on the infinite mercy of God.  It is the story of the prodigal son.  No matter how sinful, how terrible, how heartbreaking the actions of the prodigal son, God’s compassion is stronger.  I’ve been impressed by the number of folks who have humbly come to experience God’s mercy and compassion during our communal penance services during Advent and Lent.  I hope this year will be the same.  Our Lenten Penance Service will be on Monday, April 1^st starting with Adoration at 5:30pm.  Msgr. Jim Costigan and Fr. John Lyons will be helping me hear confessions.  I hope the following Examination of Conscience will help you prepare.  If it has been awhile and you’re nervous about the “how” of confessing, know that we can easily walk you through it, just as long as you have the humility and courage to name your sins:
 

• Have I developed ways to make God’s presence active in my life?
• Do I take time for God by participating in Sunday Eucharist and setting aside moments to pray or read the Scriptures?
• Do I treat other people with respect, not with abuse, prejudice, or manipulation?
• Do I share what I have with those in need and reach out to suffering persons with support?
• Do I reverence all human life, do whatever I can to help life thrive, and avoid actions that harm life?
• Do I try to develop myself as a person, making full use of my strengths and talents?
• Do I let fear stand in the way of doing what I think is right?
• Do I take care of my health - eat well, exercise, and get enough rest and relaxation? 

 
And finally, if you don't think you have anything to confess, just ask the person sitting next to you at church, at home, or at work or school. They'll be more than happy to clue you in!
 
In addition to celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, almsgiving is also a traditional Lenten practice.  And good golly how you practiced almsgiving so very well last week in response to Lilla Gillen’s appeal.  Her appeal brought in over $4,100 for her mission trip which is organized by Mustard Seed Communities and sponsored by Go Fish Outreach.  I was unfamiliar with these two Catholic organizations but as I’ve looked at their web pages I am amazed at the good work they are doing in the name of Christ.
 
Giving to the BAA is also a very good almsgiving practice.  For a gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is a way to serve as the “hands of Christ” here in our Diocese by helping to fund many important ministries and services.  Please prayerfully consider helping Bishop Hartmayer by making a gift to his important appeal.  I am grateful to Deacon Robert Phillips for making the appeal on this BAA Commitment Sunday
 
Fr. Jerry Ragan