"You want forgiveness when you seek it; forgive anyone who seeks it from you." ~St. Augustine

This Sunday’s gospel contains the most famous of the parables that are unique to the gospel of Luke, the Prodigal Son. What sometimes gets looked over is the conversation that leads Jesus to share that parable. He is accused by the Pharisees and scribes of spending time and eating with tax collectors and sinners, in direct opposition to the very strict purity laws which pre-occupy the daily lives of these accusers. In response Jesus shares three parables of things that are lost – a coin, a sheep, and the prodigal son. Each parable demonstrates the joy of a loving God when one who is lost returns. The great joy of the woman who finds the coin, the shepherd who finds the sheep, and the father who welcomes his son home are symbolic of the great joy and extravagant love that God has for any sinner who “returns” to him. As we near the end of our Lenten preparations for Easter – this is a good time to reflect on what we are doing in an effort to “return” to him.

This coming week is one of our busiest at the parish with many weekly and special Lenten programs. Discover how enriching it can be to participate in any or all of them! For a full listing of our Lenten programs and activities please visit our Lenten web page or view the parish calendar .

Join us for a special viewing of the 1916 silent film Christus, by Giulio Antamoro. Filmed in Egypt and painstakingly colorized by hand in the 1920's, it depicts the life of Christ from the Annunciation to the Ascension. This dramatic movie will be accompanied by our organ featuring Patrick Valentino, Director of Music/Organist at St Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Beverly. Suggested donation: $10, children are free.

Fish Bake - Friday, April 5th, 4:30-6:30 PM Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus This is the final fish bake this Lent so don't miss out on a delicious dinner (fish provided by Hometown Seafood!) and live musical entertainment. $10/adult, $5/child, free/under 5. Fr. Smith Hall in the parish center.

Next weekend... Parish-wide food drive to benefit Lazarus House - please bring donations to the truck in the parking lot. See details... At all Masses - Daniel Oberreuter of the Catholic rock band The Thirsting, will play and sing at all Masses culminating in a concert on Monday night, April 8th.

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