Saturday for Teens: Music!

Speaking personally, modern Christian music changed my life of faith forever. While the Holy Spirit did all the hard work on my heart, for me, music was the vehicle of conversion that helped me to fall in love with Christ, and launched me into an adult life in which I wanted to live boldly as a Catholic Christian! My husband chuckles, but music continues to be a way into my heart today.

So, I humbly share with you a piece of my heart!  For the teens at Saint Agnes, maybe you will find a new artist who inspires you, a song that is relevant, or a hymn that reminds you to pray during a difficult moment.  Only the Holy Spirit can know what difference it might make to you!

Easter is almost here!  But first, the great story of Holy Week has yet to unfold. This week is filled with beautiful liturgies of the Church which are not held during any other time of our calendar. The Mass of the Lord's Supper and Easter Vigil are two amazing Masses that tell the story of our faith in a unique way.  If you have never been - consider going this year with an open heart!  And, if you haven't yet been to confession in Lent, take seriously a chance to go before Easter arrives.  Saint Agnes has confessions on Tuesday, March 22nd at 3:30 pm, and again Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm.  In fact, every church in the diocese has confessions on Wednesday evening as part of the Light is On for You program!

Pope Francis has given our Universal Church a great gift by stressing the reality of God's mercy, and with it, the abundance of His forgiveness.  No one can call themselves a Christian without a very real understanding of themselves as a sinner, as well as the ocean of God's mercy which is extended in a very personal way to each one of us. This self-awareness of receiving God's mercy is what motivates Christians to love others as God has loved them, including extending forgiveness and mercy in abundance of 70x7 (Matthew 18:21-22). Confession often intimidates people, but enjoying the freedom of God's mercy is unmatched!

Here is an article speaking a bit more about Pope Francis' encouraging words to make a good confession.