The Third Sunday of Lent: the Parable in the Gospel is about the fig tree which has not yielded fruit in three years. Should it be cut down? How does this relate to the way Jesus deals with those He meets along the way?

Welcome Fr. John Anglin, OFM! Our Parish Mission and Retreat begins this weekend with Fr. John preaching at all the Masses. This Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Evenings at 7 PM, he will preach and lead a Prayer Service each evening. Monday evening theme is God’s Love for Us. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, there will be a talk, and the service will conclude with Benediction.  Tuesday’s theme is God’s Forgiveness. There will be a talk, followed by a Penance Service during which confession will be available. Wednesday’s theme is "God's Healing". This evening begins with a talk, followed by an Anointing Service. Fr. John will also preach at the 12:10 Mass each of these days. Plan now on attending these three evenings; this is a wonderful way to enter into the Lenten spirit.

Beginning at this Sunday’s 9 AM Mass, we will be celebrating the Scrutinies with our elect who are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. These are the final ceremonies leading up to the Easter Vigil. They are prayers that ask the Lord to free our elect from anything that might lie in their way before they celebrate the Easter Sacraments. We continue to pray for all those who are preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments.

An improvement that will be taking place in the church soon is the addition of new hymnal racks. In many pews the hymnal racks are broken or not even there. New, sturdier racks are being made so that both hymnals can easily fit into the racks. They will look good and are a needed addition.

Our latest report from the Annual Pastoral Appeal Office shows that there are $20,492 in pledges and donations so far. This represents 88 gifts or an average of $232.86 per gift. Remember our goal is $179, 437 and we are slowly moving toward that goal. We have nearly 2,000 registered individuals/families in the parish, so I encourage everyone to consider making a pledge or giving a gift. Many thanks to all who have pledged or given a donation to this worthy cause. Pledge envelopes are available on the table in the lobby of the church. Donations may be sent to Annual Pastoral Appeal, Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0200. Mention Sacred Heart Church, Tampa.