Fr. Mike's Message - 03/21/2021

Let me begin this week with an unfortunate topic that seems all too common these days.  In the last couple of weeks, several people have received a text message or email allegedly from me that asks for a favor.  I did not send that nor will I ever send you an email or text asking you for anything.  As sad as this is, it can be a good reminder to be aware of potential scams and threats to identity that are out there.  The FBI has a site online that offers a lot of information to help educate all of us about these threats:  https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.  Take a look.  Be careful.
 
It’s hard to believe that next Sunday is Palm Sunday.  Because of the pandemic and not being able to have missalettes in the pews, we will have a 4th reader at our Masses who will speak the parts reserved for the congregation.  If you have a missalette and want to bring it with you to Mass, you are welcome to participate by reading the parts assigned to the congregation.  We would ask that you take your missalette with you as we cannot leave those in pews.
 
Congratulations to our 2nd graders from our Grade School and PSR who will receive their First Communion on Saturday.  We are so excited for them!  Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for their big day on Saturday. What a blessing it is for all of us to see their excitement and anticipation as they prepare for First Holy Communion! 
 
Looking forward to Holy Week and the Triduum: Mass on Holy Thursday will be at 7:00 p.m. Church will remain open for prayer until 11:00 p.m. with Night Prayer at 10:45 p.m. On Good Friday, our day will begin with Morning Prayer in Church at 8:00 a.m. The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and Death will take place at noon and the Stations of the Cross will be held at 7:00 p.m. On Holy Saturday morning we will offer Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m. The Easter Vigil will take place at 8:00 p.m. On Easter Sunday morning, Masses will be at the usual times of 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. All of the Masses and Holy Week Liturgies will be livestreamed as well.
 
As we proceed through the Season of Lent and head to Holy Week, we are seeing (thankfully!) an increase in Mass attendance.  While that is great news, we need to continue to be safe and keep each other safe.  Please continue to wear your mask (bring one with you to Church), sanitize/wash your hands frequently, and maintain a safe distance from those who are not members of your family.  Let’s continue to exercise hospitality and joyfully welcome all who are coming to Church in person. If you see someone who needs assistance, please offer to help or direct them to an usher.  Overflow seating is available in the Choir Loft and in the Choir Room where the Mass is televised.
 
Fr. Tony and I have really enjoyed the live streaming of Evening Prayer and our Chat with the Priests on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. We pray, laugh, and talk about issues of faith.  Join us if you are able to do so on the Sundays of Lent ( www.facebook.com/borgiaparish).
 
Finally, if I may, I ask for your prayers.  On Thursday of this week I am scheduled to have a minor procedure done to remove basal cell carcinoma which has developed on my nose.  This is a very routine procedure and I have every confidence in the medical staff who have detected this and are treating it.  Nonetheless, I ask for your prayers that all will go well.
 
Many thanks for your prayers and support. And know of my prayers for you and your loved ones. If there’s anything Fr. Tony, our staff, or I can do for you, please contact us.