NEW YORK. Four and a half decades on from the bicentennial year in which it premiered, the “Rocky” franchise is still a cinematic gift that keeps on giving. Thus “Creed III” (PG-13, United Artists), the ninth film in the series, is a thinking-person’s sports drama that will appeal even to those with no particular interest in well-choreographed slugfests.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Benedictine Sister Mary John Thomas died Feb. 26 at age 90. A vigil will be held March 20 at 6 p.m. at Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Bene Lane, 80921. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Benet Hill.

February and March are the months when we participate in the discipline of Lent. Fasting, praying, giving alms, confession, adoration — all good activities anytime — find even more purpose when we observe them in Lent. Though we are deep into Lent at this writing, there may be some ways that we can invest even more in our observances, and sometimes a good book can direct our thoughts.

Oh, the luck of the Irish! They say there are two kinds of people in the world: the Irish, and those who wish they were. But whatever our Catholic heritage, we all have gotten to experience a little St. Patrick, Emerald Isle magic, shamrocks, and corned beef (thanks to the blessed dispensation) on March 17.

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Fourth Week of Lent