This is a time of year when many things are happening. We have a parish mini-mission going on this week, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings. Father Jim Sullivan, a priest of our own diocese of Oakland, is preaching at all the Masses today. I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity of grace. In this season of renewal, the mission can help you to live a better lent and a better life.

St. Joseph School is being evaluated by the WASC committee this week. The faculty have prepared for many months for this event, which happens every five years. In these days when schools are in so much trouble, it is reassuring to know that our Catholic schools subject themselves to this form of accountability on a regular basis.

The annual School Casino and Auction night, Saturday, March 20, is just around the corner, as you are aware from seeing the ticket-sellers at our doors. The support of efforts like this enables the school to keep tuition at a minimum, so that parents are better able to meet the considerable cost of providing a Catholic education for their children. I am pleased that the new collection for children and youth faith education is also receiving a generous response, so that the parish can continue to help our young people in school, faith formation, and youth ministry programs to grow in their faith.

The Easter letter will go out soon to all the parish. Please pray that many will be moved by God's grace to return to church this Easter time. A recent poll revealed that the younger a Catholic is, the less important religion is in his or her life. More and more have decided that they can be "spiritual" without the inconvenience of religion. Without the discipline of a faith tradition, however, and the support of a faith community, perseverance in any meaningful kind of spiritual life is questionable. God doesn't need us, but we need each other and God. Otherwise, we fool ourselves and become prey to the changing winds of fashion and selfishness. We need to redouble our efforts to form our children and youth in authentic religious practice, so that they are not swallowed up by the godless culture around us. Without the Eucharist we wither and die.

The Feast of St. Joseph, Friday, March 19, will soon be here. Preparations are being made for the St. Joseph table. We have also scheduled an extra Mass at 7:30 pm, instead of Stations of the Cross, so that more of us will be able to honor our Patron Saint.

On Wednesday, March 24, we are invited to participate in a Deanery Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Callistus Church. Our parish has been asked to take the hour of 10:00 to 11:00 am. I hope that many will be able to be present.

On Friday, March 26, at 8:00 pm, students from Salesian High will again present their Passion Play. Plan to attend this inspiring event - if not here, at one of our neighboring parishes at which it is being given.  It is a memorable experience.

A busy March indeed - one rich in opportunities.