Being a Bishop has its good times and its not so good ones, like any other job. Last weekend and this coming weekend were examples of the really good times.

Of course the ordination of six fine men to the transitional diaconate was a real joy, the other is the fact that we have nearly 2000 new Catholics who will be baptized or make a profession of faith at the Easter Vigils in their parishes.

At a time when the Church is undergoing serious tribulations resulting from the sinfulness and weakness of human nature, it is heartening to know that, in spite of that sinfulness and weakness of its members, the Church is still recognized by many as the continuing saving presence of Jesus Christ in the world.

As we make our Lenten journey, let us reflect upon the witness of our lives. Does our witness proclaim the healing and forgiving love of Jesus or does it obscure it?

We ask God’s blessing on all those Elect and Candidates as they near the conclusion of their preparation for baptism and profession.