Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish Sisters and Brothers! I hope you enjoyed the parade yesterday. The Feast of St. Patrick will be celebrated throughout the Archdiocese of New York on Monday. Many blessings to you!

We are at the Second Sunday of Lent and the Gospel is traditionally about the Transfiguration of Jesus. He travels with Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. What a better place to get away and gain perspective. It is easy to lose sight of what is important and how God is part of our lives. Some retreat centers are on a mountain and there is nothing better than to take time to get away; it is interesting how you begin to think clearly and rearrange some priorities when you are on the mountain. Moses and Elijah appear to the disciples and then a voice is heard: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” If Jesus’ followers remembered anything of the experience after that came down from the mountain, hopefully was “Listen to Him.” This is a good message for us: listen. It’s not easy.

In just a few weeks on Friday, April 12 the program “Encounter: From the Heart of Pope Francis” will take place here in the church. This is an evening with song, story and prayer meant to lead us into a deeper relationship with the Lord. There will be special music from noted church composers throughout the service adding to the message of the evening. Click here for more information and for tickets. Perfect for Lent!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.