From the Pastor - 4th Sunday of Lent

April 1, 2019

From the Pastor – 4th Sunday of Lent

All of the readings for this Fourth Sunday of Lent deal with reconciliation and forgiveness. There is a strong suggestion relating to our Sacrament of Penance (Confession, Reconciliation).

An important characteristic of stewardship is to faithfully follow our beliefs. As Catholics we are called to Confession at a minimum annually, and in reality more than that. Canon 989 states: “All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once a year.”

Reconciliation/Confession is one of the least understood of the Sacraments of our Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and we are encouraged to take advantage of it often. The Church strongly recommends that, in preparation for fulfilling our Easter Duty to receive Communion, we go to Confession.

The Gospel from Luke, the parable of the Prodigal Son, is filled with forgiveness and reconciliation. The son’s actions and his desire to be reconciled follow the requirements each of us must follow for our own reconciliation/confession to be valid.

We are called to be a forgiving people. Just as the father in the parable, who, of course, represents our own Heavenly Father, completely forgives his son and welcomes him and celebrates his return, we must reach out to those around us — perhaps family or friends with whom we have some dispute, and forgive and seek reconciliation. Lent is a perfect time to do that.

Pastoral Pondering

Stained Glass Windows — St. Peter (Clergy Window) $18,566.92/$3,433.08; Scourging (F3 Window) $17,150/$4,850

Diocesan Support Appeal — The most recent report from the Diocese indicates that for St. Mark they have received $133,382.13 in cash donations; $115,118.13 in outstanding pledges; leaving a remaining balance to reach the goal of $22,978.74. The Diocesan office has not yet tabulated all of the cards collected during our two appeal weekends, so these numbers will be modified as that information is updated.

A matter of faith — Questions commonly arise surrounding Catholic funeral practices. Most often than not these occur in the time of need when someone has just died or when it is clear that someone is quickly approaching death. This week I will address the importance of planning and will address additional topics next week.

Death is a reality that everyone of is must face. Memento mori (Remember death) is an often quoted phrase among many saints. On a very practical level, pre-planning the arrangements for our funeral and burial is a great help to those who survive us. Doing so also provide clear direction at a time when emotions can be high and conflicts can easily occur. Planning should be done in a number of ways:

(a)  Live a Catholic sacramental life – we do not know the day or the hour of our death; therefore, we should always be prepared for the moment it comes.

(b)  Develop a Catholic understanding of life and death – we should not fear death. We are not made for this life but for the life to come.

(c)  Seek out the Sacraments - If you become seriously ill or are preparing for surgery, make a good confession and ask for the Anointing of the Sick.

(d)  Make advanced plans with the parish for the funeral rites and save for the expenses of a proper Catholic funeral.

(e)  Communicate - Make sure that your family members are aware of your desire for Catholic funeral rites – this is especially important in cases where your children or grandchildren do not practice the faith and do not understand the importance of these rites for Catholics.

(f)  Funeral Service and Burial - Make arrangements with a funeral director and make provision for a burial site. Ideally, Catholics should be buried in Catholic cemeteries; however, when this is not available, the burial site should always be blessed.

(g)  Financial Provision – The expenses of the funeral and burial should be planned for just like anything else. We save for college or a dream vacation. We should also plan for our death and burial in a manner that conforms to our belief in the resurrection of the Body and the teachings of the Church. Insurance policies are often a very good way to do this.

(h)  Praying for the Dead – One of the spiritual works of mercy is to pray for the Faithful Departed. Hence, a Catholic should make provision in his or her will to have Masses offered for the repose of his or her soul after – the Mass is the most perfect prayer that can be offered for the living or the dead because it is the Holy Sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary made present in the here and now.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • January 30, 2026
The Gospel Reading for today is what is popularly called the Sermon on the Mount. Many think it is the absolute epitome of Jesus’ teachings. To be sure it tells us how we are to live our lives, the attitudes we are to have. We must remember that those who were waiting and hoping for the Messiah expected a military leader, one who would lead them in battle against their oppressors. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives a more accurate perspective of Who He is. He begins what we call the Beatitudes (the word means “blessings”) with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In a sense we are all “poor in spirit.” Without the guidance and strength provided us by the Lord there is no way we can escape this poverty of spirit, of spirituality, if you will. That is why we often say that living God-centered lives is at the very core of stewardship. Being a disciple of Christ translates into being a steward of our many gifts and blessings. Some scholars believe that Jesus may have given this sermon often during His ministry. Those who followed Jesus and became the earliest Christians, the first members of the Church, were fond of quoting and referring to what the Lord said on this occasion. As stated, Jesus provides us with the secret of living a good life. If we rely on Him and follow Him, we will be blessed. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering In the spirit of Christian stewardship, we are called to recognize that all we possess—our time, talents, and treasures—are gifts from God, entrusted to us for the building up of His Kingdom . Legacy giving , also known as planned giving , offers a profound way to extend this stewardship beyond our lifetime by including our parish in your will, estate plans, or other charitable arrangements. Legacy giving is more than a financial decision; it is a spiritual act of gratitude and faith. Through a bequest or other planned gift, you ensure that the ministries, sacraments, education, and outreach that have nurtured your spiritual life continue to serve future generations. Such gifts provide enduring support for our parish's mission, helping to maintain our facilities, fund essential programs, and sustain pastoral care even in times of need. The Church teaches that generosity is a reflection of God's abundant love. As stewards, we are invited to share the blessings we have received, aligning our material resources with our faith values. A legacy gift allows you to express profound thanksgiving for the parish's role in your life—through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and daily worship—while creating a lasting impact that echoes the Gospel message of hope and service. Many parishioners have discovered that including the parish in their estate plans brings peace of mind, knowing their values and faith will endure. These gifts, whether modest or substantial, combine to strengthen our community and secure its future.  If you have not yet considered a legacy gift, we encourage you to reflect on how you might continue your support in this meaningful way. Resources and guidance are available through our parish office or trusted advisors. Please contact us for more information or to discuss how your legacy can help preserve our shared Catholic heritage.

From the Pastor - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • January 23, 2026
Today’s readings remind us that stewardship is not just a thing we do — rather, stewardship is at the core of who we are as disciples of Christ. Our first reading, from Isaiah, contains this prophecy of Christ and what His saving message would mean to all who embrace it. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” We are among those blessed people on whom the light of Christ has shone. By virtue of our Baptism, we, who were once in the darkness of original sin, have been reborn into the great light that is God’s grace in us. We are cherished members of God’s family. What a privilege! Yet, with this privilege comes the responsibility to actually live for God and to bring His Good News to all those we meet — at work, at school, in our community and right in our own home — in other words, to live as His good stewards. And there is a certain urgency that comes with the call to a stewardship way of life as we see in our Gospel passage from Matthew. Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words, turn away from selfishness, turn towards God and live as His disciple now — don’t wait! In this same passage, the very first disciples give us examples of a good steward’s prompt “yes” when the Lord called to them. Our Lord invites them to “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” They did not hesitate but “at once they left their nets and followed him.” They put our Lord and His will first. This is the essence of a stewardship way of life — to be always ready for the ways that our Lord is calling us to bring His light to others. It’s more than something we do — it’s who we are. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025. Pastoral Pondering  This past Thursday was the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. Even though that decision and the one that followed have been overturned by the Court, the work of defending life continues. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion regulation to the states, the Catholic Church's commitment to the sanctity of human life remains unchanged and multifaceted. From a Catholic perspective, grounded in scripture, tradition, and teachings like those in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (e.g., CCC 2270-2275), advocacy for life isn't solely tied to one court ruling or legal framework—it's a holistic moral imperative that extends beyond abortion to all threats against human dignity. The key reasons why Catholics are called to continue this work: 1. Abortion Remains Legal and Accessible in Many Places Including NC The Dobbs decision didn't ban abortion nationwide; it simply decentralized the issue. As of 2026, abortion is still legal in over half of U.S. states, often with few restrictions up to viability or beyond in some cases (e.g., California, New York). Millions of abortions occur annually, and access has expanded through measures like mail-order abortion pills (e.g., mifepristone). Catholics are urged to advocate for protective laws at the state and federal levels to safeguard the unborn, as the Church views direct abortion as intrinsically evil and never justifiable. Beyond legislation, this includes supporting crisis pregnancy centers, adoption services, and policies that help women facing unplanned pregnancies, aligning with the Church's emphasis on mercy and practical charity. 2. Ongoing Cultural and Political Challenges Pro-abortion initiatives continue to gain traction, such as ballot measures in states like Florida and Arizona that have sought to enshrine abortion rights in constitutions, or federal proposals to codify Roe-like protections. The Church teaches that Catholics have a duty to participate in the public square (e.g., via voting, lobbying, and education) to counter these efforts and promote a "culture of life," as articulated by Pope St. John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae (1995). Globally, abortion rates remain high, and issues like international funding for abortion providers (e.g., through U.S. foreign aid) persist, requiring advocacy on an international scale. 3. The Broader Pro-Life Ethic Catholic pro-life advocacy isn't limited to abortion; concern for life issues encompass all stages of life. This includes opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide (now legal in 10+ U.S. states and parts of Canada/Europe), promoting alternatives to the death penalty, embryonic stem cell research, human trafficking, poverty, war, and environmental degradation that harms the vulnerable. Overturning Roe was a milestone, but it doesn't address root causes like economic inequality, lack of family support, or societal pressures that lead to abortion. Catholics are called to build a society where life is welcomed and protected through social justice initiatives, echoing Pope Francis's calls in Fratelli Tutti (2020) for integral human development. 4. Spiritual and Moral Witness Ultimately, the Church's stance is rooted in the belief that every human life is sacred, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and that protecting the innocent is a core Gospel mandate (e.g., Matthew 25:40). Laws may change, but moral truth doesn't—Catholics are to witness to this truth through prayer, education, and personal example, fostering conversion of hearts rather than relying solely on legal victories. Organizations like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) emphasize that the fight for life is ongoing, urging parishes to engage in initiatives like Walking with Moms in Need to provide tangible support. In summary, while Dobbs was a significant win, it's not the end of the road. The Catholic call to "stand up for life" is perpetual, driven by faith, compassion, and a vision for a just society.