"I PRAY GOD MAY OPEN YOUR EYES AND LET YOU SEE WHAT HIDDEN TREASURES HE BESTOWS ON US IN THE TRIALS FROM WHICH THE WORLD ONLY THINKS TO FLEE."

ST. JOHN OF AVILA

May the peace of the Lord Jesus be with you! This saint's quote is an interesting bit of advice for us, especially in Lent. Do we really believe that the Lord holds our ENTIRE life in His hands, and that all things truly work together for the good? Our personal response to the different trials we experience may be very revealing as to how much we really think God is in control. Let us pray for the grace to truly recognize and cooperate with His providential care in our lives.

We have now seen the official ordination and installation of our new Bishop. Lansing has a new shepherd and we can rejoice and praise God for the man of God that has been sent to us to govern our local Church. It is an interesting time for us to have a new Bishop-there being so many significant issues to consider as a Parish, including building questions, school questions, etc. We would do well to pray for our new Bishop that he would be understanding of our unique situation and would encourage us to remain faithful to the charism of the Holy Spirit that is His special call on Christ the King.

During this time we also rejoice that the Lord Jesus continues to bless and guide us as a people. There are many clear signs of His inspiration and blessings in our life. We have just celebrated the First Communion of so many of our young brothers and sisters. Their reception of this Holy Sacrament is not only a sign of their faith and the vitality of their families' faith, but it is a sign of the health and continued growth of our Parish. In a few short weeks, at the Easter Vigil, several folks will also join their lives to ours as they become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. We have several dozen folks currently involved in the Life in the Spirit Seminar that is being sponsored by Christ the King. We have had a good turn out of folks coming to our Education Commission series on the Third Millennium. We also continue to have a good turn out of folks to our monthly talks on Carmelite spirituality. There is indeed much to be encouraged about during this time, as folks continue, notwithstanding very busy lives, to seek to grow more deeply in the Faith and in the Power of the Spirit. During this Holy Season of Lent, let's each of us continue to prayerfully seek the Lord Jesus' direction for us, both individually, as families, and as a Parish. May He Who is always faithful, find us ready and willing to respond to His call on our lives!