Cathedral Family,

This third weekend of Lent we encounter the “Woman at the well,” which is always read during Lent as a primary example of how a life changes at the invitation of Jesus. He meets a very lonely woman who was shunned by her community due to her perceived bad moral choices. The Lord knows she is burdened with no freedom, and “no life.” He asks her for a drink of water. This astounding request from a Jewish man of a woman He was not related too—in public---was revolutionary in those cultural times. It demonstrates the Lord’s willingness to go beyond social categories and expectations in order to offer His life giving discipleship and new life to the most in need. She allowed Him to love her---to see her—and to see who she really was. He did not reject her but invited her to accept “life giving water,” and change her life with His help. The Gospel tells us she left her water jars, after her encounter with Jesus—as a sign of her changed life and went into the city to speak about Him. She became the best example of an evangelist. In a real sense we are all called to drop our water jars and “go into the city” to tell others what Jesus has done for us. Have you told anyone lately what the Lord has done for you? Lent is about getting more and more in touch with our own story---and the need we have for Him. He meets us at the place of our deepest need.
This past week we hosted the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival Retreat---it was led by Array of Hope and Franciscan Friar Fr. Giuseppe Siniscalco. It was indeed an opportunity for each person to experience, in the words of one of the presenters, “our own revival of Eucharistic faith.” It is really true that all revival in the Church starts with one changed heart. Think of all the Saints before us who changed their world---real revival is very personal---and then we affect other people---when we change. May this coming year of Eucharistic Revival change more and more of our hearts to effect one another. I often think God wants to do something powerful with us---each one of us.
I would like to encourage you to find time to come to Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. Here we find the Lord Jesus waiting for us with Love. The chapel is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm.
We are nearing the end of Bishops Annual Appeal for this year. If you have already given to the appeal I am most grateful. I know that the bishop, who has concern for all of the parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions in our diocese and is responsible for so many charitable and mission driven initiatives, is very grateful. We will host our in pew Bishops Annual Appeal campaign next weekend, along with a video of the Bishop and his message. It is an opportunity for all of us to take part in the work of our local Church. I sincerely pray that we all will make some contribution according to your means this year.
Please join us this coming Tuesday night for a night of Lenten Renewal. I will be offering a reflection on the necessity of ongoing conversion in our life. We will have the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and also confession available. Please plan to spend some time in prayer and reflection with us.
I want to the opportunity to alert you that our Principal of St. Francis Cathedral School has made known her intention to retire as of this June 30. Mrs. Ann Major has served well under very difficult circumstance these past five years. The school will be undergoing a self-evaluation and formal search for a new principal in these next few weeks. Please keep Mrs. Major and our school in your prayers.
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved at every moment in all the tabernacles of the world---even unto the end of time.

In Jesus,
Father Christy