As we move through Lent, and as the pandemic situation slowly improves, we strive to invite Catholics to worship with us at mass, for devotions and prayer, and for confession. We did see a rise in the number of people who joined us for mass on the last Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent. We had a total of 318 people join us for the three masses, the highest attendance since the first weekend of December. Recently, Archbishop Vigneron has announced that as of the weekend of March 13-14, the “general” dispensation for mass attendance for Catholics on Sundays and holy days will end. It will then move into a “particular” dispensation. This means that healthy and able bodied people who can get to mass are expected to participate as before the pandemic. However, we know that there remains the concern for the spread of infection. So, the Archbishop is granting particular dispensation for people in certain circumstances, including the ill ,those who care for people at risk, and people who would experience significant anxiety or fear of getting sick from being in public. We ask people to form their conscience before God in making this decision at this time. Please know that we, the parish clergy are happy to help anyone who seeks guidance in forming their conscience on mass participation. Meanwhile, we continue to be committed to providing a safe environment for prayer in our churches, and accommodating all who come to mass. Also, we will continue to live stream masses for all who are not able to be physically with us for mass. Please consider inviting someone you know back to mass. Your invitation may give them the support that they need to reconnect to the community in this difficult time, and to be able to receive our Risen Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. For those who are unsure of their spiritual readiness to return to mass, please come to the sacrament of reconciliation to receive the gift of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. The archbishop’s note about the mass obligation can be found at www.aod.org. We continue to prepare for and pray for our parish mission March 15 through 18 with Richard Lane. Please mark your calendars and join us for morning or evening sessions. The evening sessions will be live streamed. PRAY FOR OUR ELECT AND CANDIDATES This weekend, we have the rite of election for Courtnie, who is preparing for baptism and full initiation into the Church. We also have a ritual of continuing conversion for Randi, Amy, and Kevin, who are already baptized and are preparing for entering into full communion with the Church. Pray for them as we move together with them to Easter. THIS WEEK I will have open office time on Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the St. Mary office for anyone who would like to stop by to talk. No appointment is necessary. On Thursday night at 6:30 pm in the PLC we will have the second of four sessions discussing the importance of the Scriptures, based on the archbishop’s pastoral note. Please call the St. Mary office to let us know you are coming if you did not come to the first session.