We will gather together for three evenings in a row -- March 8th, 9th and 10th -- to focus intensely on our life as followers of Christ. In a way, we will be following Christ "into the desert" for three evenings away from our usual activities. We will hear inspiring talks from our two Mission leaders: Monsignor Larry Hinch and Father George Cowan, whom we know and love from his weekend celebration of Mass here at St. Francis Xavier. They are a great team.

Several years ago we had just such a parish mission in which two hundred of our parishioners took part. Through that mission, many people you see in the parish today became more deeply committed followers of Christ, as well as good friends to each other.

The overall theme of our mission will be, "God Promises to Give You A Future Full of Hope." The themes of the individual sessions will be: "Come Follow Me," "God Wants to Give Something to You," and "Called by God - Called to Forgive and Be Forgiven."

Your spiritual community and pastoral team at St Francis Xavier are giving you a spirit-filled way to renew yourself during Lent. You will be glad you took advantage of these gatherings to discover for the first time or to remind yourself of the power of your Baptismal call and of your part in the building of the Kingdom of God. Save the dates; you won't be disappointed!