3rd Sunday of Lent, MARCH 8, 2026 – (pic from Wikimedia) Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42 – Jesus refers to water as both a drink and a symbol of life. He communicates clearly and patiently, guiding us toward a deeper understanding. Jesus uses the word “water” not only as a source of drinking water but also for the sustenance of life itself. It always amazes me how Jesus speaks in the Gospels to everyone, using simple language and imagery. He patiently guides us, allowing time to awaken the deeper meaning of His words and to become aware of a sense of life. The Gospel is long but worth reading slowly and pondering about God’s love for you! God bless you, MK

“Jesus answered and said to her,
‘If you knew the gift of God
and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink, ‘
you would have asked him 
and he would have given you living water.’” (JOHN 4:10)

Please pray for the women who will join us next weekend for a Come and See Weekend, March 13, 14, and 15, 2026. The women will experience our daily monastic life, including prayer, community meals plus a few conferences. It will be a time to discuss discernment, ask questions, and explore if they are called to a Benedictine vocation. St. Scholastica, Pray For Us!

Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of March 2026: The Pope’s prayer intention for March 2026 is for disarmament and peace. Pope Leo XIV calls on nations to pursue effective disarmament, specifically targeting nuclear weapons, and urges world leaders to choose dialogue and diplomacy over violent conflict.

Bishop James S. Wall’s March 2026 intention is for workers and those seeking employment.

“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality