A well-known evangelical preacher recently pointed a finger at the Haitians, declaring that their own sinfulness had brought down upon them the wrath of God in the form of an earthquake. It's such a bad explanation. That's what Jesus figured people were thinking when they reported to him about those whom Pilate murdered and the people who were killed when a tower fell on them.

There may, indeed, be sinful causes behind these events, but not on the part of the victim.

In the gospel, Jesus does not answer the more complex question of why bad things happen to good people, but he does clearly dissociate untimely death from sin and guilt.

Those who enjoyed our panel on the season of Lent will enjoy our next Adult Ed session, I'm sure. the subject will be the Triduum (Tri-doo-um). The Triduum is the Latin word for three days commemorating Christ's passion, Death and Resurrection. We celebrate the three days, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, which are essential to our faith. Please mark your calendar for Monday, March 22nd.

Next Weekend the Second Collection is for Catholic Relief Services. The pontifical council Cor Unum on January 14th designated the US-based Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as: coordinator of the Catholic Church's response to the emergency in Haiti. The 300-plus on-the-ground personnel, who have long been active in Haiti, and the past experience, expertise and resources of CRS will enable prompt and effective coordination of the Church's efforts, the pontifical council said. CRS is part of Caritas Internationlis (CI), the Church's multi-billion-dollar aid and development operation, which is second only to the International Red Cross in providing relief assistance to people across the globe.

On the Third,, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, we will celebrate the Scrutinies with the R.C.I.A The readings for these Masses will be from Cycle A in the Missalette. The purpose of the Scrutinies is to uncover, then heal, all that is weak, defective, or sinful, in the hearts of the Elect and to bring out and then strengthen all that is upright, strong and good.

This year's Elect and Candidates are:

Baskets by the doors contain the names of our RCIA elect and candidates. Please take a name and pray for that person during Lent. Pictures of each of them may be seen here and are displayed outside the: church. Introduce yourself and get to know them. Welcome them to our parish. Thank you.

The recent economic downturn has been devastating for many people in Petaluma. The Outreach Committee was established to help people of our community get through these tough times and to help parishioners live out their Christian faith through acts of charity. Click here to find out how you can help.

It is time again for the Annual Ministry Appeal. Its purpose is to support the ministries which are run directly by the Diocese such as: Department of Religious Education; Department of Catholic Schools; Deacon Program; Detention Ministry; Department of Youth Ministry; Seminarians Program; Matrimonial Tribunal; Catholic Centers at Humboldt State & Sonoma State Newman Retreat Center

I hope that as many as possible can participate because all these ministries are very important to the well-being of all parishes in the Diocese. We all benefit in some way.

Our parish goal this year is $54,239. Please consider a onetime gift or a gift over a period of 10 months to this year's campaign. Your gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.

Bishop Walsh has also sent a letter about the importance of Lent and you may read it by clicking here.

The Lenten Schedule and guidelines are available by clicking here.