Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,
This time last year, a wonderful couple reached out inquiring about Catholicism and the possibility of becoming Catholic. I scheduled to meet with them on Saturday, February 1 (a year ago Sunday). In the course of finishing a chore before meeting them, I accidentally locked my keys in the SJF office. Of course! But, the church was still open, so we had our meeting there. My sense is that their hearts were very open as I introduced them to Catholicism by giving them a tour of the church. It was moving and delightful to see things anew through their eyes and their questions.
I am thankful for the profound and humbling experience of ministering to this couple and to so many others through our OCIA program. We have twenty-some people at various stages of preparation who will enter or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church through holy Baptism, Confirmation, and/or first Holy Communion this Easter! That is amazing! I am asking you to please pray for them and offer some sort of sacrifice/fasting for them as they continue their preparation. Please do not be afraid to invite people to Mass, Bible Study, or to any event we have happening. The Holy Spirit is moving in peoples’ hearts!
Monday, February 2, is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day we celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life. Please pray that God will raise up women and men from our Pastorate to respond generously to the invitation to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Pray also for all consecrated religious sisters and brothers and priests as they live out their vows and who through so many charisms make present the heart, person, and mission of Jesus Christ. We especially thank God for Brother Joseph Krondon OFM Conv., Sister Liz Sjoberg DC, Sister Sally Russell SSJ, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and all those who have loved ones in religious life. I apologize if I have missed anyone!
Thank you to everyone for your generosity of time, talent, and treasure in welcoming and serving our friends from Arundel House of Hope during Shelter Week. It is such a beautiful and profound display of Christian love and friendship!
Men of the Pastorate are invited to participate in the Catholic Men’s Conference on March 14, 2026 at St. Louis in Clarksville. This is always an inspiring event for brothers in Christ, married, single, young and old to share in together. Register here: https://www.catholicmensfellowship.com/
We have had a wonderful response so far in anticipation of our Lent program RESTORE. Sign-up is still open. It is a study for all women and men of the Pastorate. There are options for in-person and virtual participation. You can sign-up via the bulletin or online or by contacting pasadenawwp@gmail.com
There will be an introduction to the RESTORE study, distribution of books and a time of prayer in Eucharistic Adoration. All are encouraged to attend one or both of these gatherings: February 7 at OLC at 10am. February 14 at SJF at 10am.
May God bless you and thank you for keeping the Pastorate of the Visitation in your daily prayers!
In Jesus and Mary,
Father John
