Fourth Sunday of Lent
Dear Parishioners,
Laetare Sunday is March 27th. Laetare is a Latin word which means praise. We give praise that we have made it halfway through Lent. If we have not been too conscientious about our penance so far, we can always get a fresh start. It is never too late to begin our spiritual exercises.
Another reason to be glad about Laetare Sunday is that we will be starting to have congregational singing again. Maybe some of us have been singing along the last two years, but now we can let our voices ring out. We have tried to play it safer during the pandemic in our church services. Singing was considered one of the most dangerous activities we could engage in. But now, with infections down we lift our voices.
Singing is a huge part of our worship. We have all heard the saying from St. Augustine, “The person who sings prays twice.” I would agree. Singing releases endorphins like laughter does. These chemicals in the brain give us a sense of wellbeing.
We hope to return to choral singing in the fall. The plan is to try and recruit music ministers through the spring and summer. Please watch our bulleting for more information. We thank all the music ministers who have soldiered on during the pandemic, especially Cheryl Bolt.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for our violent world today.
Fr. Mark