"Living a life that is praiseworthy includes begging pardon for things that are blameworthy." ~ St. Augustine
In this Sunday's readings , we have the famous and moving story of Jesus coming upon the burial place of his friend, Lazarus. Isn’t it consoling for us today to hear that Jesus wept? God is united with us even in that human and inevitable experience of grief. People wondered why he didn’t just prevent his friend from experiencing suffering and death. The Gospel tells us that he did not hasten to make sure that Lazarus did not die, but rather he came to raise him from death. Standing at the door of the tomb, first Jesus prays “Father, thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me…” How often, especially in these difficult times, do we wonder if God is hearing us? Throughout Lent we are called to pray….pray more than we usually do. In this time when we are experiencing a separation or quarantine from each other, we are called to pray for so many things, but to do it while physically separated. It is important that we remind ourselves we are never quarantined from God nor from our faith! (read entire homily from Deacon Mike Curren in this week's bulletin…)
Dear Parishioners,
 
As you well know due to the pandemic our church services are on hold. This does not mean that our Faith is also on hold. As Pope Francis and Cardinal Sean have reminded us, we always have the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin at our disposal. Let us join our prayers with the Pope and Cardinal, that we all be safe. The admonition for us to stay at home can also be an opportunity for us as a time to strengthen family bonds. It may also give us time for reading. Maybe we can use this time to pick up our bibles and read Scripture, especially the Gospels, to remind us of the teaching of Jesus.
 
As I offer Mass in private, know that you are all in my prayers - that you are healthy and safe and that this will end soon. I hope we will all be mindful of one another in our prayers and remember we are a community in Christ. I also hope that we will call our elderly parishioners who we know and see if we can help them in any way.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Art
St. Augustine Church remains open from 8 AM - 5 PM every day for private reflection. Though the parish center is closed, our clergy and staff are working remotely and are eager to minister to you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 978-475-0050 or info@staugustineparish.org. Additional staff contact info...
In recognition of the difficulties of procuring specific grocery items, Cardinal Sean has released Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston from the Lenten obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays. He does, however, encourage those who are able to abstain to continue to do so and to offer it up for those who are suffering from the pandemic.
Read more in our weekly bulletin
Resources :
There are a lot of great resources for keeping the faith while we are unable to physically participate in the celebration of Mass. Here are some recommendations, continued from last week's listing:
Live-stream Mass

Stations of the Cross:

At home retreats from RCC Spirituality - create a free login to access all retreats.
The upkeep of our facilities and the salaries paid to our staff are dependent upon your generous donations to the regular offertory. While Mass is suspended, we are still working to serve you. Your offertory can be sent in by mail to St. Augustine Parish, 35 Essex St., Andover, MA 01810 Attn:Offertory or sign up for online donations here . Thank you, as always, for your generous support!
Visit our website at  www.staugustineparish.org

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