Ecumenical effort for Lent (above): About 100 people from the Christian community in Franklin attended a Lenten Luncheon Series at St. Jude, Franklin, March 26. The series is part of an ecumenical initiative with other churches in the area. Each Wednesday during Lent, a different church presents a devotional and lunch. Father Emmanuel Mensah, pastor of St. Jude, spoke about the examination of conscience. Most of St. Jude’s parishioners pitch in by making sandwiches, soups, and desserts; serving food; or helping with music and decorations. Donations are given to the Franklin Cooperative.
Gift for ‘The Least’ (below): Roanoke Catholic School donated more than $800 to The Least of These Ministries, a local organization dedicated to aiding the homeless in the Roanoke community with spiritual, physical and emotional support in the name of Christ. This contribution stems from the school’s Ash Wednesday observance, when students and staff participated in a simple bread-and-broth lunch, with all proceeds directed toward this important cause. A formal check presentation took place on March 28 at Roanoke Catholic.
Students encounter God in first reconciliation (below):
During this Lenten season, Sacred Heart, Richmond, celebrated first reconciliations for 81 children on March 22.
In addition to confessions, various stations were set up for the children, including a singing and drama station, activities promoting good behavior, and a communal recreation space.
There was also an intercession room with a Charismatic Renewal Group. One group member named Alex said, “It was a beautiful experience of love, faith, and joy. The Holy Spirit touched our hearts.”
Mireya Sandoval, a volunteer catechist, was pleasantly surprised to find the prayer group. “I felt an unexplainable peace. That’s when I understood why my nerves were gone. That kind of calm can only come from God,” she said.
Some attendees said one of the most moving moments that day was the Living Rosary, in which the children reenacted the Joyful Mysteries. Rosita, a catechist, led the children’s choir in singing “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.” The children prayed in Spanish, guided by their catechists, while their Spanish-speaking parents watched from the pews.
A documentary was shown about how Communion hosts are made by religious sisters in Yucatán, Mexico, one of whom is from El Salvador. The documentary sparked instant reactions in Maria de Lourdes’ catechism class. One girl exclaimed, “I thought the priest bought them at a candy store!” Another child said with excitement, “From El Salvador! That’s where my parents are from!”
Jesuit priests from Sacred Heart heard the children’s first confessions that day: Father Shay Auerbach, pastor; Father Josué Salguero Cortez, parochial vicar; and Father Donald Ward, senior priest. Father Jonathan Goertz, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Richmond, also heard confessions.
“It was all for the honor and glory of God,” said catechist Kleer Rodriguez.
Ruth, another catechist, commented, “That’s our faith. When we unite, anything is possible.”
Yenni León, director of religious education at Sacred Heart, Richmond, contributed to this report.