LENTEN PARISH MISSION

I am delighted that Father Charles Samson will lead us in this year’s Mission. Father will preach the Sunday Masses on April 2nd and 3rd. On Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m., we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with a homily by Father Samson, concluding with Benediction. Holy Mass will be offered on Monday, April 4th, at 7:00 p.m., followed by an opportunity for the Sacrament of the Anointing. Then on Tuesday, April 5th after the 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass, the Sacrament of God’s Loving Forgiveness will be offered with four priests available.

Father Charles Samson was ordained a priest in 2013. Fr. Samson’s home parish is St. Clement of Rome in Des Peres. He graduated from St. Louis University High School in 2005, and then entered Cardinal Glennon College seminary. After graduating from Glennon in 2009, Fr. Samson was sent to Rome to undertake advanced studies in theology. He received a Bachelor’s in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2012, a License in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 2015, and then a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Gregorian in 2022. His areas of expertise are the Book of Exodus and the Gospel of Matthew, and he specializes in ancient biblical languages and biblical archaeology. Fr. Samson leads the seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary to the Holy Land every year after Christmas for a three-week long course on biblical archaeology, which he teaches, and pilgrimage. Fr. Samson presently teaches on the faculty at Kenrick-Glennon, and he resides at the Old Cathedral downtown. Fr. Samson loves being a priest, and he enjoys young adult ministry and leading marriage preparations. Fr. Samson has a twin brother, with whom he shares a passion for running, ultimate frisbee, and Star Wars.

PRAYER and OFFERINGS for UKRAINE

Pope Francis called for a Day of Fasting and Prayer on Ash Wednesday for the people of Ukraine and peace in the world. Throughout Lent may we continue our prayers for world peace, and especially for the brave people of Ukraine who are suffering so much. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.

The Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be an opportunity for us to help the people of Ukraine who have lost everything. Every offering we receive through Sunday, March 13th, will be sent in its entirety to Catholic Relief Services.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

On this Wednesday, March 9th, we offer an opportunity for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 7 p.m. in Church. We will conclude with Benediction at 7:45.