The OLG DIFFERENCE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

​

Grace and Peace of God Our Father and of His Son our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! As we continue to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our parish, we have so much to be grateful for.  I encourage everyone to watch our 25th Anniversary video which is on our website and to pick up a copy of “Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, A Brief History”. They both clearly tell the story of our humble beginnings, the many struggles we encountered and the thriving parish we are today. I am forever grateful to all our parishioners who were here at the beginning and those who later joined who contributed to our mission of being "a vibrant welcoming parish family, dedicated to growing disciples and making Church matter.”

​

Pope Leo XIV has designated this year as a Jubilee Year of Saint Francis to mark 800 years since his death. His decree links acts of devotion to concrete intentions so that hearts may be moved toward Christian charity and authentic desires for peace among all families and peoples. This present age is not unlike Francis’ own: a time when charity grows cold, social conflict becomes habitual, and peace appears increasingly fragile. The Franciscan message, far from being obsolete, requires renewed urgency especially in this tumultuous climate that we live in.  “Lord, make me a channel of your peace…”.

​

The theme for our Lenten preaching series is: Becoming Missionary Disciples - a Journey through Lent: Fasting, Prayer, Almsgiving, Reconciliation and Peace. Our goal is to focus on how parishioners can strengthen their faith, hope and love by practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, as well as helping to evangelize and bring people “back to church.” Recently, there has been a resurgence of so many people, especially famous stars and sports figures, discovering and rediscovering their Christian faith. I do not think this is a mere coincidence, but an opportunity afforded to us through grace.

​

What can you do this Lent to join in this movement? Begin your journey by receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday. This marks you with the sign of the cross letting everyone know you are Catholic. Attend Mass. Go to Confession. Pray. Join us for a weekday Mass in person or watch via livestream. Attend Stations of the Cross and help those in need by volunteering or contributing to a charity that is important to you. Experiencing a good Lent can really be that simple. You may find many other opportunities at our parish on the reverse side of this letter.

​

May this time of renewal and conversion help you encounter the power of God’s Spirit. May it help you enter into a deeper relationship with our Lord so you are prepared to celebrate with great joy and a true sense of peace the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at Easter. May our Blessed Mother, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, continue to hold you and your loved ones in the mantel of her care. To that end, be assured of our continued support and prayers.

​

​Devotedly Yours in Christ Jesus,