We enter into the middle part of the Lenten Season as we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is unique because like the third Sunday of Advent ("Gaudete Sunday"), the fourth Sunday of Lent is a break in an otherwise penitential season. The vestment is rose, as it is on Gaudete Sunday in Advent, and flowers may adorn the Altar. This day is called "Laetare Sunday" or "Rose Sunday" and takes its name from the Latin word, which begins the entrance antiphon of the Mass, the Introit's "Laetare, Jerusalem" meaning Rejoice Jerusalem.
 

Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. (Psalm) Laetatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. Gloria Patri.

Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Psalm) I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.

We rejoice because our expectation to the great Solemnity of Easter for which we have been preparing ourselves during the Lenten season is getting nearer and it give us encouragement to continue with our journey as we slowly progress towards the Paschal feast.

The invitation to devote more time to God in prayer, offer sacrifices and do charity for others are still there and the parable of the prodigal son in the gospel this Sunday helps us to see who God is through the Father who welcomed his prodigal son with open arms. Here we see the image of God as forgiving and loving to His children. He sees not our faults but our efforts. He sees our goodness and not our weakness.

This is encouraging for us. As we begin our Regional Penance Services this week, may we not let the opportunity pass by for us to encounter the love and forgiving heart of God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

St. Mary in Yatesboro is scheduled on Tuesday, April 2nd, at 7:00 P.M.
St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Kittanning will be on Saturday, April 6th, 12:00 Noon.

Our parish is scheduled for Holy Monday, April 15th, at 7:00 P.M.