Dear family of St. John the Evangelist,

As we begin this Lenten Season of Prayer and Penance, we are reminded of our calling in Jesus Christ to reform our lives. The Christian Life is a pilgrimage of faith that requires constant growth in the love of our Lord and God, Jesus the Christ. This can only be achieved if we are aware of the things in our life that prevent us from deepening our Faith, Hope, and Love of the Lord. Like a vine that always needs pruning in order to mature and bear good grapes, so too, we must cleanse ourselves of any sinful ways that are contrary to our Christian way of life.

“In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of Salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of Salvation.” (Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 6:2).

During these forty days of Lent let us take a spiritual Journey of Prayer, Fasting, and deeds of Loving Service. In doing so we will truly be able to celebrate our Salvation in Jesus Christ when we proclaim the Glory of His Resurrection and our hope of New and Everlasting Life on Easter Sunday.

Rev. Philip J. Caruso