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Pastor’s Letter: March 15, 2026

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family

A joy-filled 4^th Sunday of Lent be with you all! As we will mention at our Masses, the Rose vestment this weekend carries a note of joy. According to the Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist, “The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, so-called from the first word of the antiphon at the Introit.  Laetare (“Rejoice”), taken from the Latin translation of Is 66:10-11, sets a tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery, as does the permitted use of rose-colored vestments…”

I have been feeling especially joyful this Lent…perhaps because the weather has started to feel more spring-like…perhaps because of the many wonderful fruits of our life here at St. Philomena! Continuing our series on Reconciliation, we have more to feel joyful about this weekend, including the gift of the Lord’s mercy for us in this great Sacrament. This week, we have a few more questions about the Sacrament of Forgiveness to help grow our understanding:

What are the two main parts of the Sacrament?

1. Conversion through the help of the Holy Spirit (contrition, confession, and satisfaction)
2. God’s action of forgiveness and restoration through the Church.

What are the effects of the Sacrament? That is, what will it do for me?

1. Union with God
2. Reunion with fellow members of the Church (we are the Body of Christ…if one member suffers, all the members suffer…if I am hurt by my sin, we are all hurt by it. If I hurt another by my sin, all the members of the Body suffer the injury).
3. Merits of good works are revived

What is the Sacramental Seal? What is said in the Sacrament is sealed there; no priest can ever reveal what is said. There are no exceptions and there are very severe penalties for breaking the seal. Contrary to what you may have seen..