2026.02.22 1st Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners,

We find ourselves in the Season of Lent, and Lent is a special time of renewal for the entire Church; it is especially a time of preparation and renewal for all those who are preparing to receive the sacraments during Easter. This Sunday, the First Sunday of Lent, our 10 RCIA candidates and their sponsors will join Bishop Vincent Nguyen and other RCIA candidates from the Eastern Region of the Archdiocese at St. Barnabas Parish for the Rite of Election and a Call to Lenten Renewal. It is always a beautiful liturgy. Then, later in our Lenten journey, we will welcome our RCIA candidates and their sponsors for the Scrutinies at Masses here at St. Rose of Lima Parish. Scrutinies are celebrated to pray for those who are to be baptized that they may be given strength in Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I invite the Parish community to keep our RCIA candidates in your prayers as they prepare to be welcomed into our community at the Easter Vigil on April 04. May the Lord who has called them to follow Him closely give them the grace to be faithful to that call.

As we begin our Lenten journey, we are invited to renew our hearts and deepen our relationship with God. Lent is a sacred time to slow down, reflect, and allow Christ to transform us through simple, faithful actions. Take up this Lenten Challenge:

• Pray intentionally every day.
• Give up one comfort and offer it to someone in need.
• Perform one hidden act of kindness daily.
• Forgive quickly and love generously.
• Choose simplicity, gratitude, and compassion.

 May these small daily sacrifices draw us closer to Christ, renew our faith, and lead us to the joy and hope of Easter.

Fr. Vijai, CSC ~ Pastor