Here we are Lord. Sometimes, there is much in our lives which can distract us from the core of our faith and our relationship with God. This in itself is a kind of desert and desolation that fits the Lenten season. St. Ignatius - founder of the Jesuit order - has a beautiful prayer fittingly called the First Principle and Foundation which calls us into focus. Here is a translation: The goal of our life is to live with God forever. God, who loves us, gave us life. Our own response of love allows God’s life to flow into us without limit. All the things in this world are gifts of God, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily. As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God insofar as they help us develop as loving persons. But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives, they displace God and so hinder our growth toward our goal. In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice and are not bound by some obligation. We should not fix our desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in us a deeper response to our life in God. Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening his life in me. David Fleming, S.J. May we all be able to respond to the deeper calling of God in our lives. And opportunities for almsgiving. So much goes on in a parish this size – but so much needs the participation and response of you – the People of God – the Body of Christ – to flourish. Please consider being part of a parish ministry or outreach this Lent and beyond: Lunches for the Hungry, hospitality assistance, bringing Holy Communion to the homebound or nursing homes. See the bulletin or website for more details, or please contact me and I’ll help to get you settled! Amen! Mary Swindal, Pastoral Associate, [email protected], 412-833-0031 x239 Mary Swindal, Pastoral Associate