SUNDAY READING 

March 2  8^th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  1^st reading - Isaiah 49:14-15; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9; 2^nd reading 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Gospel Matthew 6:24-34;  We must commit ourselves fully to God and trust in Him to meet all our needs [Mt 6:24-34] as His servants we trust in Him for our guidance and protection [1 Cor 4:1-5, Ps 62:2-3] He will never forget or neglect us [Is 49: 14-15]

LENT 

Lent is the season when the Catechumens prepare to receive Baptism at the Easter Vigil Mass.  Please join them in prayer and penance to prepare to renew your Baptismal Promises at Easter. For more see web link    [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09152a.htm] 

March 5 - Ash Wednesday - Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. Today we receive ashes on our forehead as a sign of our commitment to repent, convert, fast, pray and do penance. 1^st reading Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17; 2^nd reading  2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Gospel  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.   Let your penance be for internal growth; not external show [Mt 6:1].  Admit your sin [Ps 51:3] with repentant heart [Jl 2:12] and be reconciled to God [2 Cor 5:20]     For more see web link[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01776c.htm] 

March 9  1^st Sunday of Lent Today we approve our Candidates and Catechumens and send them to meet with our Bishop Wednesday night when he will approve them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil this year.  1^st reading - Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17; 2^nd reading Romans 5:12-19; Gospel Matthew 4:1-11;  Our First Parents failed the first test in the Garden [Gen 3:1-7] so Jesus came to resist the Tempter in the Desert [Mt 4:1-11].  While the First Sin brought Death; Jesus restored Life [Rom 5:18-19] and offers us forgiveness [Ps 51:3-6] 

March 16  - 2^nd Sunday of Lent -Today we join in the Penitential Rite (Scrutiny - see below) for our Candidates who, already one with us in baptism, now wish to join us in the full communion of the Catholic Church. 1^st reading Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; 2^nd reading 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Gospel Matthew 17:1-9;  Jesus brings the Father’s Blessing [Mt 17:5] promised to Abraham [Gen 12:1-4] for which many waited [Ps 33:4-5] trustingly, and we receive [2 Tim 1:8-10]  

March 19 – SAINT JOSEPH, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary – [Solemnity] 1^st reading  2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27&29; 2^nd reading Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Gospel Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 or Luke 2:41-51; God’s promises of the world to Abraham’s descendants  [Rom 4:13, 16-18] and to David of a permanent dynasty [Ps 89:2-5, 27&29 and 2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14] was fulfilled in Jesus, son Of Joseph and Mary [Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24 and Lk  2:41-51]  For more see Saints Calendar 

SCRUTINIES

The Scrutinies are ancient prayers of intercession and exorcism which prepare the catechumens for their approaching Baptism.  Let us join them in examining our own lives in preparation for the Sacrament of Penance.  For more see web link.  [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13641a.htm]

March 23  - 3rd Sunday of Lent - 1^st Scrutiny of the Catechumens. - Jesus: The Water of Life -1^st reading  Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm  95:1-2, 6-9; 2^nd reading  Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; Gospel  John 4:5-42.  God supplied His people with water in the desert [Ex 17:6].  He cares for His sheep [Ps 95:7].  From Jesus we obtain all our needs [Rom 5:2] the Water of Life which quenches all thirst [Jn 4:14]. 

March 30 -  4^th Sunday of Lent  known as Laetare Sunday - Laetare or Rejoice for Lent is half over. - 2^nd Scrutiny of the Catechumens - Jesus: The Light of the World - 1^st reading  1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13; Psalm  23:1-6; 2^nd reading  Ephesians 5:8-14; Gospel  John 9:1-41.  Jesus brings light to the world [Jn 9:5].  Samuel brought light to David [1 Sam 16:13] Jesus’ forefather, the first Shepherd of Israel [Ps 23:1].  Now we awake with the Light of Christ [Eph 5:14]