March 15, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope everyone’s Lent is continuing to go well! This can be a demanding season, with lots of ups and downs, but it is worth it. When we commit to calling out by him at every moment, we experience the closeness of God. It’s like today’s Gospel, with the story of the man who was born blind but received healing from Jesus. A lot of people wondered why God waited to do something to help him—had he done something, or maybe his parents were to blame? But Jesus’ answer is a good one: he asked for help, and God gave it to him at just the right time for him to make the biggest impact in the world. Speaking of God’s timing and our missionary impact on the world, let me highlight a couple special items you may see in the liturgy around this time of Lent. First, we are in the season of celebrating the “Scrutinies,” a series of special prayers said at Mass over those in our parish who are preparing for baptism. With 11 people in the process of baptism, and many more preparing to make professions of faith and complete their sacraments, this is a time when we’re all renewed by the example of faith of our new members seeking God with all their hearts. Second, this Sunday at the 8am Mass, Deacon John Gardiner will be making a formal Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in advance of being ordained a priest. In years past, this was a rite mostly done in seminaries, but since Deacon John is with us during his final preparations for the priesthood, we have the privilege of witnessing it at St Thomas. Basically, before entering any key leadership position in the Church above the level of the parish, there’s a requirement that the person formally profess the Creed in public. It’s truly a privilege for us to be renewed by his fervent example of commitment to God, and we offer him our congratulations for the generous gift of his life to the Lord’s service. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by these tremendous witnesses to God’s love and power. Through the intercession of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin and St. Thomas our patron, let’s renew our trust in the Lord’s good purposes and perfect timing, this Lent and always. God bless,

Father Jantz