Our Lady of Peace Drama Program’s production of Willy Wonka Jr. will be presented this week. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7pm as well as next Sunday, 15 March at 2pm. We thank all our volunteers and parents who have been working so diligently on this production. We especially thank our children who are showcasing their talents and who have been working tirelessly in preparation for these performances.
We are richly blessed to have so many individuals who are dedicated to our Drama Program. The Creative and Performing Arts are essential aspects to the growth of an individual. Far from being pure imagination, the arts open our hearts, minds, and souls to the beauty that surrounds us and challenges us to respect the “golden ticket” of grace and chew every ounce of goodness that our loving God invites us to unwrap. Enjoy the show!
This weekend, and on 15 March (at 7:30 am) and 22 March (at 11:30 am), our elect in the OCIA program will enter into the final period of preparation to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This final stage of preparation is officially called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. Part of this period is three Sundays of Scrutinies which commence today at our 9:30 Mass. The three Scrutinies each focus on a particular aspect of our relationship with Jesus – trust in his truthfulness, embracing the light of hope, and rescue from despair to the promise of redemption. Thank you for your prayerful support and encouragement of our elect as we prepare to welcome them fully into the Roman Catholic Church and our parish community. The following prayer is from the ritual of the First Scrutiny.
Lord Jesus, who in the marvelous plan of your mercy converted the sinful woman that she might thereafter worship the Father in spirit and truth, now, by your power, free the elect from Satan’s wicked cunning, as they draw near to the fountain of living water. In the power of the Holy Spirit, convert their hearts, that they may come to know your Father in sincere faith, which expresses itself in charity. Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
The Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) for 2026 is underway. Prayer cards, as well as posters and pamphlets – filled with information about the CCA are at the entrances of both churches. Our parish goal for the CCA is $50,000. Thank you for all who already made generous donations to the CCA that supports the many pastoral and liturgical initiatives of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Heavenly Father, you give us your Son as the fount of all hope. May He inspire us in Giving Hope to All with the aid of your Holy Spirit. Through acts of service and love, may we support those growing in faith, promote the gift of Catholic education, care with gratitude for our retired and infirmed priests, bring joy to the sorrowful, and share Christ’s light and hope with all who are in need. Strengthen us to follow Christ, who came not to be served but to serve all with compassion. By our generosity and witness, may your Church shine with joy and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third Sunday of Lent – Readings and reflection questions, Cycle A / 8 March 2026
Exodus 17:3-7 – What quenches your physical thirst? Your spiritual thirst? / How much water do you drink daily? / What is your favorite beverage? / Have you ever questioned if the Lord was in your midst? What answers did you get?
Responsorial Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 – R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – What / Who causes you to harden your heart? Who/ What softens your heart?
Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 – St. Paul speaks to the Romans about faith, hope, love, and the gifts given to us to be at peace with God. What comfort do you find in this reading? What challenges?
John 4:5-42 – What refreshes you when you start dragging at midday? / Do you “know the gift of God?” How frequently do you receive it? / Do you persevere when things are more challenging than expected, or do you back away? / Why does Jesus compare doing the will of God with food? / Do you like to work in a garden? Cook? What fruits have you sown? What fruits have you reaped? / Who has helped you to believe?