This past week we had a very lively and engaging “Cluster Commission Meeting” gathering. Normally what happens before we break up into our various commissions, I address the very active volunteers who are part of our leadership. Usually I try to do a little formation, speak on the state of the parishes, and ask each commission to focus on a particular part of their mission. I believe God works in everything and God took us on an interesting journey that night. As almost an afterthought, the folks were informed that this year on Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral we are going to do something new. When they heard about it, the conversation got very, very animated and almost everyone in the room began to share, ask questions, and speak passionately about this new event on Ash Wednesday. They were very excited. “We HAVE TO get the people in our cluster to attend!” Therefore, they asked me to write about it and we are asking you to sign up and reserve a spot for yourself and family for this interactive event.
What is this event? The day will begin and end with Holy Mass (the evening one presided over by Archbishop Vigneron). There will also be a noon Liturgy of the Word with distribution of ashes. But in between these three things, we will offer something that will hopefully engage you in a new and profound way.
Last year I wrote this in my article: “ Lent should raise our awareness of the things we take for granted. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes us realize that what we possess is even more powerful than what we are giving away. In this year of Mercy, we should remember that the abundant nature of God’s love outweighs sin, selfishness and even death.”
I believe that this year’s Ash Wednesday event will help us raise our awareness and redefine the sacrifice Christ made for each of us. It is called ‘The Invitation’. It will help you rediscover the love story between you and God through a personal, reflective, interactive program uniquely created to allow us to profoundly experience the life of Christ. You will travel along a path of narrated (thru an mp3 player), interactive displays while the Spirit of God speaks to your heart. Your path will begin with Christ leaving His throne in Heaven to live among us, and it continues through the years of His ministry, passion, death and resurrection: You will experience more fully how this was all done out of intimate love for you! You will walk beside Jesus and immerse yourself in His story so He can show you how very much He cares about yours.
I invite you to visit www.cathedral.aod.org to find out more information. This is open to all in the Archdiocese and we are expecting many to attend. Therefore, we are asking you to sign up after Mass this weekend so we can get a read on who will attend and be well prepared.
God Bless, Fr. J.J.