T H E M O T H E R C H U R C H O F T H E R O M A N C A T H O L I C D I O C E S E O F C O L U M B U S

Since 1878 nourishing by Word and all who enter this holy and sacred place. 212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 + Phone: (614) 224-1295 + Fax: (614) 241-2534 www.saintjosephcathedral.org + www.cathedralmusic.org

SECOND SUNDAY IN THE SEASON OF LENT ~ 17, 2019

Man’s existence is a journey towards , our dwelling place. It is a journey which is, at times, harsh and laborious because we often have to go against the current of opinion and we will have to struggle against many enemies both inside and outside of ourselves. But God wants to strengthen us with the hope of Heaven, in a special way at the more difficult moments or when the weakness of our condition makes itself more felt. At the time of temptation think of the Love that awaits you in Heaven: foster the virtue of hope – this is not a lack of generosity. ¶ Our life in Heaven will definitively be exempt from any possible fear. We will not want to have anything different. Then, truly, we will be able to say with Peter: “Master, it is good that we are here!” The glimpse of that the Apostle had will be fully ours in eternal life. ¶ The thought of the glory that awaits us should act as a spur in our daily struggle. Nothing is of such value as gaining Heaven: and always bearing in mind this determination to die rather than to fail to reach the end of the way, if God ever causes you to suffer from thirst as He guides you through this life, it is because He will give you drink in plenty in the next life, without any fear of it ever failing you. ¶ Now on the cloud overshadows , and the powerful is heard coming from it: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” And speaks through Christ to men of all ages. His voice is heard in every age, in a particular way through the teaching of the , who continually seeks ways of bringing this mystery of her Master and Lord to humanity – to the peoples, the nations, the succeeding generations, and every individual human being. And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. and were no longer there. They only see our Lord. They see the Jesus they know. ¶ We must never forget that the Jesus whom those three privileged men [Peter, James and John] were with on Mount Tabor, is the same Jesus who is daily at our side. When God grants you the grace of feeling His presence, and desires that you should speak to Him as our most beloved friend, tell him about your feelings with all freedom and confidence. ¶ Other friends, those who are friends in the world, have times that they spend talking together and other times when they are separated, but between God and yourselves, if you want, there need never be any time of separation. [EXCERPTED FROM “IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD”]

MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION OF FRANCIS: MARCH SAINT CATHEDRAL 212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 Evangelization – Christian Communities Phone (614) 224-1295 + Fax (614) 241-2534 That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, www.saintjosephcathedral.org feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected. www.cathedralmusic.org SCHEDULING INTENTIONS

Check us out on www.facebook.com One of the greatest acts of charity is to pray for the living and the

+ Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell dead, and the greatest and most powerful prayer we have is the Apostolic Administrator, of Columbus Mass since the fruits of the Mass are the very fruits of Jesus'

+ Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan redemption. Mass stipends (offerings) are $10.00 each; only one Bishop-designate, Diocese of Columbus offering per Mass. All Masses are scheduled by calling the Office; intentions will be listed as below. + Most Reverend James A. Griffin Bishop Emeritus of Columbus MASS, LITURGY, SACRAMENT AND DEVOTION SCHEDULE;

PRIESTS AND MASS INTENTIONS

Very Reverend J. Lumpe Vigil Mass ~ Saturday, March 16 Cathedral Rector; Vicar for Priests, Diocese of Columbus 5:15 p.m. Josephine Ficci Reverend Cyrus M. Haddad Sunday, March 17 ~ SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Parochial Vicar Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3: 17 — 4: 1; : 28b-36 Reverend A. Streitenberger, OFS 8:00 a.m. Edna Waring Parochial Vicar 10:30 a.m. People of the Diocese Reverend Hilary C. Ike 12:30 p.m. Living and Deceased Members of the Cathedral In Residence; Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal; 5:15 p.m. Addison Grundy Chaplain, Nigerian Community Monday, March 18 ~ Saint Cyril of Reverend Michael J. Kelly 9: 4b-10; : 36-38 Pontifical College Josephinum 7:30 a.m. Steven Nicholas Prunte Very Reverend Robert J. Kitsmiller 12:05 p.m. Civility in our Government In Residence; Judicial Vicar and Judge, Diocesan Tribunal; Administrator, Vigil Mass ~ , Husband of Mary Saint and Sacred Heart Parishes Bi-Monthly Mass of Healing and Healing Service

6:30 p.m. For all who seek Christ’s healing Reverend Mr. James Gorski Permanent ; [email protected] Tuesday, ~SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY

2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mat 1:16, 18-21, 24 Reverend Mr. Christopher Yakkel 7:30 a.m. Daniel Smalley Transitional Deacon; Saint Joseph Cathedral Confessions: 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Reverend Mr. Thomas Johnston 12:05 p.m. Elizabeth Funk Permanent Deacon (Retired); [email protected] , March 20 STAFF 18: 18-20; : 17-28 Mr. Michael Agriesti 7:30 a.m. Special Intention Business Manager; [email protected] 12:05 p.m. Infant Daughter, Hayden Noelle Thompson Ms. Carol Stollenwerk 5:15 p.m. Bishop Griffin, Bishop Campbell and Bishop Brennan Administrative Assistant; [email protected] Holy Hour and Confessions follow Mass; Benediction at 6:40 p.m. Ms. Bobbie Meyers

PT Administrative Assistant; [email protected] Thursday, March 21 Jeremiah 17: 5-10; : 19-31 Mr. Jake Neal 7:30 a.m. Governor Mike DeWine Director of RCIA and Religious Education; Holy Hour, Confessions at 10:45 a.m.; Benediction 11:45 a.m. [email protected]

12:05 p.m. Joanie Dugger Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald Director of Music; Friday, March 22 [email protected] 18: 21-28; : 20-26 7:30 a.m. The Souls in Purgatory Ms. Nicole Simental 12:05 p.m. Carlos Delez Rodriguez Principal Organist and Assistant Director of Music

Mrs. Carrie Boor Saturday, March 23 Wedding Coordinator; [email protected] Vigil Mass

Mr. Phil Renico 5:15 p.m. Living and Deceased Members of the Cathedral Maintenance

Mr. Devan Kline

Maintenance

REGULAR SCHEDULE OF MASSES, LITURGIES, Sunday Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:15 p.m.; Sunday Masses: 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.; also Wednesday evening at 5:15 p.m. Masses on Holy Days of Obligation and on Holidays will be listed, as they occur, on the previous page.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Tuesday 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Wednesday 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Thursday 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ADDITIONAL TIME DURING LENT: Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Friday following the 12:05 p.m. Mass

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ~ TWO WEEKLY HOLY HOURS Wednesday, 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Thursday, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and on major holidays

NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION Welcome to Saint Joseph Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Columbus! We are glad that you are here and invite you to become part of our parish family to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament, and also to become involved in one or more of our parish ministries. To become a registered member you can pick up a form by the main entrance of our historic church, stop by the Sacristy after Mass, visit our web site, or contact us through the parish office. Welcome! THE SACRAMENTS , Reconciliation/Confession, First Communion, , Matrimony, , . Please read the information provided in this bulletin about all seven Sacraments available at Saint Joseph Cathedral, including contact information, necessary preparations, and scheduling.

OUTREACH TO HELPING THE HOMELESS AND NEEDY IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS Twice-Daily Food Distribution at Saint Joseph Cathedral ~ (614) 224-1295 Saint Lawrence Haven, on the grounds of Holy Cross Church ~ Heather Swiger at [email protected] Joint Office for Inner-city Needs (J.O.I.N.) ~ (614) 241-2530

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL MUSIC Cathedral Concert Series: JONATHAN DIMMOCK, ORGANIST~ Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

OFFICES, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS For Diocesan offices, please call (614) 228-2457 during regular business hours, or visit www.columbuscatholic.org.

OF NOTE THIS WEEK

Sunday, March 17

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT  9:00 a.m. PSR BI-MONTHLY MASS OF HEALING  9:00 a.m. Vocations Committee, Crypt area AND HEALING SERVICE  11:30 a.m. RCIA  1:30 p.m. Baptismal Class, Undercroft MONDAY, MARCH 18, 6:30 P.M. Monday, March 18 SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL  6:30 p.m. Mass of Healing, Cathedral Tuesday, March 19 Following Mass the Healing Service will begin with No events or meetings scheduled Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Wednesday, March 20 of a Relic of the True Cross of Christ,  Following 5:15 p.m. Mass: Holy Hour, Stations of the Cross and Confessions followed by individual Prayers by Priests  6:30 p.m. RCIA, Undercroft & Cathedral for those who seek Christ’s healing, Thursday, March 21 the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, No events or meetings scheduled concluding with Benediction. Friday, March 22 All are welcome,  Following 12:05 p.m. Mass: Stations of the Cross & Confessions especially the ill and infirm, caregivers and  6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal: Felkner - Schubert Saturday, March 23 family members, and members of  2:30 p.m. Wedding: Felkner - Schubert the medical community.

Daily Server / Lector 7:30 a.m. 12:05 p.m. Wednesday 5:15 p.m. for the week of March 18 Steve Hoying Beth Florence Jim Desmond

THIS SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT ~ MARCH 16 & 17 Vigil ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. MC Brett Adema Altar Servers Dave Simmons Steve Peishel Brendan Elchynski Jessica Buck Jim Desmond Lisa Dalton Sherri Dembinski Brendan Elchynski Michael Elton Bonnie Maupin Christian Haryanto Lisa Emrich Dan Jurgens Lector – One Bill Pickens Bert Doddroe Tom Boor Mark DelAguaro Peggy Frank Lector – Two Michele Kenefick Mary Beth Gallant Jim Desmond Devan Kline Josie Gonot Cristina Alvarez Helen Leppla Carrie Boor Michael Elton Peggy Frank Al Rogers Still Tom Boor Bobbie Meyers Josie Gonot Michele Kenefick Mary Beth Gallant Sharon Reichard Betsy Decillis Clementine Mpyanga Sandy Stover Michael Elton Ann Pizutti Jim Desmond Laura Wagner Evelina Horner Steve Horner Lead Hospitality Al Rogers Helen Leppla Pam Jurgens Michael Elton Joe Mann Hospitality/Ushers Cristina Alvarez Angel Still Judy Bateman Betsy Decillis Clementine Mpyanga Trish Kehl Frank Ruddy Aureus Griffith Michael Elton Steve Horner Ruth Baird/Jim Baird

NEXT SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT ~ MARCH 23 & 24 Vigil Mass ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. MC JP Pacis Altar Servers Dave Simmons Steve Peishel Tom Boor Jessica Buck Christian Haryanto Lisa Dalton Lisa Emrich Roger Djagli April Griffith Taylor Sherri Dembinski Ed Hueckel Jim Desmond Dan Jurgens Christian Haryanto Ed Hueckel Lector – One Al Sorichetti Mary Beth Gallant Nico Franano Lynn Broussard Josie Gonot Lector – Two Devan Kline Bert Doddroe Sharon Reichard Mark DelAguaro Juliet Williams Kathleen Tourgeman Helen Leppla Carrie Boor Bobbie Meyers Al Rogers Eucharist Cristina Alvarez Angel Still Sandy Stover Betsy Decillis Clementine Mpyanga Al Sorichetti Angela Smalley Evelina Horner Jim Pierce Josie Gonot Steve Horner April Griffith Taylor Caroline Rankin Christian Haryanto Sharon Reichard Peggy Frank Susan Franano Nico Franano Lead Hospitality Kathleen Tourgeman Helen Leppla Pam Jurgens Ken Broussard Gordian Igwilo Hospitality / Cristina Alvarez Angela Smalley Judy Bateman Jim Pierce Clementine Mpyanga Ushers Trish Kehl Grace Smalley Frank Ruddy Betsy Decillis Aureus Griffith Angel Still Steve Horner Al Rogers

ON THIS SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT we would do well to remind ourselves of the message on that mountain in today’s , the Mountain of the Transfiguration: “This is my chosen Son, Listen to Him.” We must remember this message. We must consider how well we have listened, and how well we are listening. Because if we are going about our daily lives without listening to Christ, or choosing not to listen to Christ and His teachings, then we need to ask ourselves some more important questions – (1) where is my faith life; (2) if I’m not listening to the teaching of Jesus Christ, my Lord, Savior and , the , who am I listening to and why have I chose to listen to him/her/them over the Son of God; and (3) since I am not listening to Christ as he leads me along the path that leads to everlasting life, where are these other people leading me that I have chosen to follow? Folks, it is easy to embrace the earthly way of life. But then we must pause and ask: “Is my life leading me anywhere?” Or perhaps you are thinking “I have not run a very good race I have had parts of my life where I gave up, gave myself over to a life without Christ.” Lent is a great time to pause and see where we are, and where we need to be. Don’t constantly look back and lament! Seek God’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation – an extensive Examination of Conscience was included in last Sunday’s bulletin which is also available via our web page: www.saintjosephcathedral.org. Once God has forgiven you, you need to forgive yourselves. Again, don’t constantly look back and lament. Look forward to your renewed life in Christ! Remember what happened to Lot’s wife she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah, those cities of sin. She was frozen in her place and turned into a pillar of salt and rock. That is what happens to us when we look back at the sins of our lives and get stuck. We become petrified pillars of rock that can no longer move forward. Through the Sacrament God forgives us so we can move forward; He forgives us so we can assume the role he has for each of us in His Plan. All people must come to understand, but young people, especially, do not waste your lives! None of us exists solely for the sake of Middle School and High School and College and Grad School. Don’t sell yourselves short, infinitely short. All of us have been created to be part of God’s Plan. Look for the “big picture” – God has a role for each of us in His Plan for all of humankind. “This is my Son, my Beloved, Listen to Him.” Listen to Jesus! So you find yourself all upset, stomach tied up in a knot because your broke up with girlfriend or boyfriend. Or maybe you bombed out on a test or business presentation. Maybe you lost your . Life is so much more than this. Life is full of setbacks – they are simply part of life. Or you are all upset because you did not make the team, or get into the college you “dreamed” of attending. God has other things in store. Look for the “big picture.” You were created to lead others in the quest for meaning, in the quest for Christ. You are an integral part of God’s Plan – all of us are. Yes, you are hurt because something happened to you – that’s a purely natural feeling. But don’t let that hurt dissuade you from your whole purpose for being God’s creation! As we all descend from the mountain in today’s Gospel, witnesses to God’s voice and instruction to us – “This is my chosen Son, Listen to Him.” – let us leave the mountain with the other disciples determined to complete the role set aside for each one of us – the role, our role, in God’s Plan. Let’s leave the mountain this Sunday determined to embrace a life worth living – a life in Christ, rooted in Christ, shepherded by Christ, praying to Christ for guidance and direction, following Christ wherever He leads us. Fr. Thomas Merton, OCSO, composed a wonderful prayer (below) that is worth praying today and whenever we need God’s help and guidance.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust You always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

WE WELCOME TO THE CATHEDRAL the Shamrock Club of Columbus and all Clann na nGael Organizations who are beginning this ’s Day at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral, followed by the annual parade and festivities. Enjoy the day, enjoy the heritage!

+ A LIFE IN CHRIST THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS AT SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL +

“Every encounter with Christ, who in the Sacraments gives us salvation, invites us to ‘go’ and communicate to others the salvation that we have been able to see, to touch, to encounter and to receive, and which is truly credible because it is love. In this way, the Sacraments spur us to be missionaries, and to carry into every setting…” ~, NOVEMBER 6, 2013

Sacrament of Baptism Congratulations on the planned baptism of your child! Saint Joseph Cathedral welcomes her families to celebrate with great faith and joy the baptism of their children and are pleased to be the Church where this first Sacrament will be celebrated. The Sacrament of Baptism is administered immediately following the 12:30 p.m. Mass.

If this is your first child, both parents must participate in our Baptism Workshop prior to the Baptism of your child. The Workshop is also recommended for any godparent who has not previously taken a baptism workshop. Please register in advance (no walk-ins) for the workshop and also to schedule the baptism of your child by calling Carol at (614) 224-1295, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Selecting a godparent or sponsor: The duties of godparents are more than ceremonial. The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his or her words and actions, thus parents need to find practicing Catholics to faithfully serve in the role as godparents.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Why should we confess our sins? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and a sacrament of conversion, returning us to the Father after our sin. We are to confess serious sins at least once a year; those aware of committing a mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.

The Church also encourages us to go to confession more frequently, in order that we might deepen our relationship with God, grow in humility and virtue, and help us to avoid future sin. (Catechism of the , No. 1458) Please refer to the bulletin for the availability and locations of this grace-filled Sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation schedule is located on the inside front of this bulletin.

Sacrament of Matrimony Congratulations on your ! Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a sign of love, hope and strength for the entire community. We support you in your commitment for a faithful and lifelong Christian marriage. Couples wishing to marry at Saint Joseph Cathedral may request setting a date to be married ensuring that the following are completed:  Couple contacts the Parish Office and schedules a meeting with one of the clergy of the Cathedral;  Couple meets with the clergy, completes an initial interview, and explore the couple’s freedom to marry;  Clergy discusses any obstacles that may exist before the couple is free to marry and confirms a date;  Couple agrees to comply fully with the established Marriage guidelines at Saint Joseph Cathedral. For initial marriage inquiries, the couple needs to contact Mrs. Carrie Boor ([email protected]).

The Eucharist ~ First Holy Communion The Eucharist is the most special sacrament, in which the Body and Blood of Christ Himself is contained, offered and received, and by which the Church constantly lives and grows. Adults receiving the Eucharist for the first time generally takes place at the Vigil Mass. Preparation for children is made through the Catechesis of the program, for adults preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or for Adult Catechesis (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at [email protected]

Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. Preparation for children is made through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for adults preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or about Catechesis for Adults (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at [email protected]

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick; Pastoral Care of the Sick The priests will administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to any Catholic who is facing serious illness, is preparing for surgery, is elderly, is chronically ill, or who is nearing death, by calling the parish offices. In addition to Anointing, those desiring to receive the Eucharist at home, at a hospital or nursing facility can contact Deacon Thom Johnston at (614) 267-1903 or [email protected]. For emergency sacramental anointing, please contact the Cathedral by calling (614) 224-1295; never send an e-mail requesting emergency sacraments.

Sacrament of Holy Orders ~ Religious and Please contact Fr. Paul Noble, Director of Vocations, at (614) 221-5565, or [email protected].

Reflection: The by Father John Eudes, OCSO ~ Support the Abbey of the Genesee: www.geneseeabbey.org

JESUS TOOK WITH HIM PETER, JAMES AND JOHN HIS BROTHER…AND HE WAS TRANSFIGURED BEFORE THEM. The theme of the second Sunday of Lent focuses our attention on the glory of the Savior, Jesus, who is truly the Son of God. He who is about to go to his death, passing through much suffering and humiliation, is not a failure, not a man abandoned by God. Rather, he is the beloved Son entrusted with carrying out the mysterious plan of redemption for the glory of his heavenly Father. We are to look to him alone for our fulfillment; he only is to be the focus of our attention during these days of Lent. In presenting the mystery of the glorious Transfiguration of Jesus thus early in this season, the Liturgy instructs us that Lent is not only a time for but of prayer, even of solitary and contemplative prayer. St. John Damascene observed in connection with the Transfiguration that Solitude is parent to prayer; prayer, on the other hand, is the revealing of (Homilia in Transfigurationem Domini, 10 PG 96: 561). The contemplation of our Savior in glory strengthens us on our way. By turning the eyes of our heart enlightened by faith to his hidden glory we follow him more surely through the trials of this life to return to the Father. In listening to the words of Jesus, in obedience to the Father, we ourselves become pleasing to Him and are shown the path that carries us safely to our goal. This is my beloved Son in whom I take delight, listen to him. Everyone needs some guiding vision in life in order to be fully alive. Only when we are enlisted in the service of such a dominant goal can we engage our whole being effectively in our daily tasks. The revelation given to every follower of Christ in his transfiguration is of such a transcendent order that it can adapt all kinds of legitimate work and interests to its service. Each of us must discover the specific work and kind of life that serves to advance us in the way leading to the vision of the glory of God shining through the . The transfiguration itself was but a brief interlude in the life of Jesus. Its significance however perdures even to the present time, for it opens up into the mystery of the divinity of Christ made present permanently in his human nature. It is thus associated with all the events and mysteries of Jesus. In fact, one of the aims intended by the three evangelists who narrate the story of the transfiguration was to indicate that Jesus was already divine before the . His divinity was not conferred upon him as a reward for his obedience unto death; rather, it is inherent in his personality. To state it more precisely, his very personality is divine by its nature. He is the well-loved Son of the eternal Father from all eternity. While St. John does not depict the transfiguration as such, he conveys the same message, explicitly in his Prologue: In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh. So thoroughly does the glory of the Son of God shine through the person of Jesus and in his actions that even his humiliations and passion cannot obscure it. The cross itself is already a lifting up that reveals the majesty of divinity. The purpose of the transfiguration, then, is to alter the way that the apostles view the cross of Jesus and all that accompany it in the way of rejection and suffering. It shows us that far from representing a failure, the is the fulfillment of the Father's plan of salvation. When we, together with the apostles, are told by the voice of the Father: listen to him what we hear from Jesus' lips is: Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of man rises from the dead. The vision of light is given so that the coming passion will be seen in the perspective of God's redemptive providence. The glory revealed on the mountain soon passes from sight but remains in the hidden background against which the hour of darkness unfolds in the course of the sufferings and death of the redeemer. In the hour of suffering faith must rely on memory of this revelation and all that it suggests in the way of paradox and a higher wisdom than can be divined by the mind of man alone. Though this teaching proved too much for the apostles at the time, yet the evangelists remembered this lesson well after the resurrection. Each of the makes this same point with an emphasis on one or other aspect of the event in view of the purpose they had in writing their proper account. Later generations appreciated the fundamental role of this mystery and with the passing of time developed its implications in thought and in act. Numerous texts that give explanations of the role and significance of the transfiguration in the spiritual life have come down to us in writing. Material evidence that later Christians had a strong appreciation of this event exists in the form of the Church and monasteries built atop Mt. Tabor, the highest mountain in which was considered the site of this vision. A convent of Franciscan monks remains there today next to the remains of the medieval Benedictine monastery built during the time of the crusaders' Kingdom of Jerusalem.

We still ask ourselves following Ash Wednesday, "What am I doing for Lent? What am I giving up for Lent?" We can be grateful that the customs of giving up something for Lent and abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent have survived in our secular society. But, unfortunately, it is doubtful that many practice them with understanding. Many perform them in good faith and with a vague sense of their value, and this is commendable. But if these acts of self-denial were better understood, they could be practiced with greater profit. Otherwise, they run the risk of falling out of use. A greater understanding of the practice of self-denial would naturally benefit those who customarily exercise it during Lent. Better comprehension of self-denial would also positively affect the way Christians live throughout the year. The importance of self-denial can be seen if we look specifically at fasting and use it as an example of self-denial in general. Indeed, fasting, for those who can practice it, is a crucial part of voluntary self-denial. But since we live in a consumerist society, where self-indulgence rather than self-denial is the rule, any suggestion to fast will sound strange to many ears. It is bound to arouse the questions: Why is fasting important? Why must a Christian practice it? Using these questions as a framework, we can construct one explanation, among many possible ones, of the importance of self-denial. To answer the question "Why must the Christian fast?" we should first note that fasting, in itself, is neither good nor bad, but is morally neutral. But fasting is good insofar as it achieves a good end. Its value lies in it being an effective means for attaining greater virtue. And because it is a means for gaining virtue– and every Christian ought to be striving to grow in virtue–there is good reason to fast. Some people point out that fasting is not the most important thing and, therefore, they do not need to worry about it. Such reasoning displays a misunderstanding of our situation. But, since the excuse is common enough, some comments to refute it are worthwhile.

Doing Small Things Well First, while it is true that fasting is not the most important thing in the world, this does not make fasting irrelevant or unimportant. There are, certainly, more urgent things to abstain from than food or drink, such as maliciousness, backbiting, grumbling, etc. But a person is mistaken to conclude that he therefore does not need to fast. He should not believe that he can ignore fasting and instead abstain in more important matters. Rather, fasting and avoiding those other vices go hand in hand. Fasting must accompany efforts to abstain in greater matters. For one thing, fasting teaches a person how to abstain in the first place. Moreover, it is presumptuous for a person to try to practice the greater virtues without first paying attention to the smaller ones. As Our Lord says, "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much" [1] and so can be trusted with greater things. Therefore, if a person wants to be able to abstain in greater matters he must not neglect to abstain in smaller matters, such as through fasting. Finally, there is a subtle form of pride present in the person who says that because something is not very important, he does not need to do it. Whoever makes such a claim implies that he does only important things. But the average person is rarely called to do very important things. Accordingly, each person is more likely to be judged on how he did the little, everyday things. Even when, rarely, a person is called to do a great work, how often does he fall short? All the more reason, then, for a person to make sure that he at least does the small things well. Furthermore, if he truly loves the Lord, he will gladly do anything–big or small–for him. So, in the end, saying that fasting is not the most important thing is not a good excuse for avoiding it. What, then, is the reason for fasting? To answer this let us first clarify what fasting entails. It involves more than the occasional fast, such as on Good Friday. To be effective, fasting requires disciplined eating habits all the time. There are certainly days when a person should make a greater effort at abstaining from food and drink. These are what we usually consider days of fasting and they must be practiced regularly. But, still, there are never days when a person is allowed to abandon all restraint. A person must always practice some restraint over his appetites or those periodic days of fasting arc valueless. Always keeping a check on his desires, a person develops good habits, which foster constancy in his interior life. So, in addition to practicing days of fasting on a regular basis, a person should continuously restrain his desires, such as those that incline him to eat too much, to be too concerned with what he eats, or to eat too often. [2]

We might, then speak of the discipline of fasting in order to avoid the impression that fasting is sporadic. The operative principle behind the discipline of fasting is simple: to limit yourself to only what is necessary for your physical and psychological health–no more, no less. St. Augustine puts it concisely when he teaches: "As far as your health allows, keep your bodily appetites in check by fasting and abstinence from food and drink." [3] So, fasting is meant only to keep a person's unnecessary wants in check. A person is not– nor is he permitted–to deny himself what is necessary for his health. The discipline of fasting instead asks a person to check his desires for what is superfluous and not necessary.

Realizing True Well-Being Consequently, fasting should not threaten a person's health. And there is no foundation for believing that fasting is somehow motivated by anti-body sentiments. Fasting actually does good for the body by helping it realize its well-being. The body needs to be in conformity with the spirit and this requires such disciplines as fasting. In this way, the body is like a child. Children would never realize their true well-being if their parents never told them "no," but gave in to every one of their desires. In the same way, if a person never says "no" to his bodily desires, his body will never realize its true well-being. That is, the body needs such discipline to be brought into conformity with the spirit. For otherwise, it cannot share in the spiritual of Christ. This makes perfect sense when we consider that the human person is not just a soul, but is matter as well. A person’s body, too, is to be renewed in Christ. Fasting is one way that a person brings about a harmony between body and soul, so that being made whole he can be one with Christ. The Christian belief that the body is intimately united to the soul should also make a person suspicious of the opinion that fasting is merely external. External acts stem from the desires of the heart within, as Our Lord says in the Gospel. [4] So, a person's external acts are linked to his interior desires. The external act of abstaining from food and drink, therefore, clearly affects a person internally. It does not permit his desires within to reach fulfillment. Thus fasting has the ability to keep interior desires in check, which is important for improving a person's interior life. It is true, of course, that a person should be more vigilant over his interior life than over his external actions. He must be attentive to interior motives, desires, intentions, to make sure that his fasting is affecting his interior life as it ought–and not giving rise to pride, anger, or impatience. In fact, only by considering the interior self, and how fasting can affect it, does one see the high value of fasting. If someone looks only at the external act of eating, and does not consider the underlying internal desires of the heart, then the value of fasting cannot be seen. For, clearly, there is nothing wrong with the very act of eating. Nor do the enjoyments of food and the pleasures of eating, as such, harm a person. The joys and comforts of eating are good. Like all created goods, they testify to the goodness of God, who made them. Therefore, the enjoyment of eating and drinking manifests the goodness of God. A person ought to see God's goodness in the joys of these things, and give God thanks for them. [5] The enjoyment of food can then actually help lift the mind and heart to God. [6] But by lifting a person's gaze to God, created goods point beyond themselves, to greater joys. Consequently, he who truly enjoys God's goodness in created things, such as food and drink, will not remain attached to them. Rather, he will go beyond them, readily giving them up, in order to enjoy the higher things, which St. Paul says we must seek. [7]

Seek What Is Better This might lead some to ask: If the enjoyment of eating does me no harm, and can in fact manifest God's goodness, why sacrifice this joy by fasting? That is, why check my unnecessary desires for what is enjoyable? After all, there is nothing wrong with enjoying food. Why, then, if I enjoy having a snack, or eating fine foods, sacrifice these things? Again, they are not bad or sinful. The answer is: Because it is better. Having a tasty meal prepared just to my liking is good, but it is better to sacrifice such things. Showing why it is better to fast than to neglect fasting will provide the reason why a Christian is expected to fast. A Christian must be seeking what is better, and not merely trying to avoid what is bad. This is the only way to live a life of continual conversion, to which we are committed by baptism. The Christian must face decisions with the question: "What is the better thing for me to do?" He must not, when he has a decision to make, approach what he is inclined to do with the justification: "Well, there is nothing wrong with doing it." If that is his approach, then he is not genuinely seeking improvement in his life. Spiritual progress becomes impossible. Ongoing conversion, to which, again, the Christian must be dedicated, involves going from good to better. This conversion is unreachable for him who in his life refuses to give up the lesser goods in order to attain greater goods. Due to fallen human nature, every person is prone to be complacent. Each of us is reluctant to change his ways. But clearly, if a person has not yet reached perfection, there are certainly greater

goods for him to realize. Fasting, in many ways, is simply the choice to give up lesser goods for greater ones, to abstain from the joys of food and drink in order to attain greater joys from God. It seeks for more. If a person ever stops seeking for more, then he has stopped seeking God. Why is it better to fast than not to fast? Again, we said that the enjoyment of food and drink is good. Enjoying food is not the problem. Fasting does not tell a person not to enjoy eating–I think this is impossible– as much as it says not to seek the enjoyment of eating. A person may take the joys of food as they come, and be grateful for them: but he should not pursue such joys. True, there are legitimate occasions, such as when entertaining guests, where especially enjoyable foods are procured. But this is done for the sake of hospitality and for lifting up the heart and mind to God in thanksgiving. The joys of food and drink are not sought, consequently, for their own sake but for God's glory. Thus, the person is not really seeking the joys of eating and drinking, as such: he uses them only to pass beyond them to God. Hence, he who uses the joys of eating and drinking rightly will readily give them up. Because fasting is better than not fasting, he will deny himself these joys regularly. "Looking to the reward," [8] moreover, he will not often make the excuse that hospitality, or the "need" to celebrate, requires that he allow himself enjoyable foods. In truth, it is more often the case that self-denial and restraint are called for. [9]

Obstacles To Grace So, it is not wrong, in itself, to seek tasty, enjoyable food: but still a person should not do so. For when a person seeks the enjoyment of eating, his action is tainted with inclinations to sloth, complacency, and self- love. [10] That is, his motives are mixed. For when he seeks the joys of food, selfish inclinations are at work in his heart along with whatever good motives there might be. Now, if a person only looks at the external act of eating or the objective value of enjoying food, he will not see this. But, if he honestly looks into the heart, he will see that sloth, complacency, and self-love are present in the desire for the joys of eating. Having such mixed motives is simply part of our imperfect condition in this world. These selfish inclinations in a person's heart, which are present when he seeks the enjoyment of eating, are the sort of things that hinder a person's growth in holiness and virtue. To grow in holiness and virtue every person needs God's help–we know that a person cannot do it on his own. As Christ says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." [11] Hence, the help of God's grace is needed to grow in virtue and to live a life of continual conversion. Yet the presence of these inclinations to sloth, complacency, and self-love get in the way of a person's reception of God's grace. They are obstacles to receiving more grace. Therefore, the Christian, who is dedicated to conversion, must remove these obstacles from his heart, so that he may receive more grace and become a better follower of Christ. A person should not expect God to force his grace on him without his consent. As we know, God chooses to work with a person's cooperation. And, so, he is obliged to work with God to remove these inclinations from his heart as much as possible. This is done by fasting. For fasting, by checking a person's desires for what is not necessary, teaches him to seek what is sufficient when he eats. When he fasts, he does not seek the enjoyment of food, but is simply seeking what he needs to eat and drink. And since he is no longer pursuing the joys of food, the self-centered inclinations that accompany this pursuit are not allowed a chance to spring up in his heart. A person gives up things he enjoys because in so doing he denies inclinations such as sloth, complacency, and self-love a chance to be active in his heart.

Purifying The Heart This is why it is better to fast. Fasting removes these obstacles so that being more receptive to God's grace, a person will grow in holiness and virtue. The self-centered inclinations that accompany pleasure- seeking are not directed towards God–therefore, they do not lead the heart to God but away from him. Their presence in the heart creates a divided heart–a heart, which does not completely look to God for its needs. As St. Augustine teaches, a divided heart is an impure heart. [12] Purifying the heart, then, will involve denying oneself the pursuits of pleasures in things like food and drink. For thus a person protects his heart from the self-centered inclinations that are bound to coexist with these pursuits. This provides one answer to the question, "Why must we fast?" (and, by extension, to the question, "Why should one practice self-denial?"). Since, by fasting, a person no longer seeks after the joys of food and drink, the heart is set free to focus more completely on God. By turning away from his concerns for the pleasures of eating, he can turn more wholeheartedly to God. And this, we know is what continual conversion is all about. By fasting, then, a person turns to God more intently. This is reflected in God's words spoken through the Prophet : "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." [13] Naturally, a person is reluctant to give up through fasting things he enjoys–but by doing so he turns his attention to God and waits for him. He places his trust in him that he will give him the joy he needs–joys

"greater than when grain and wine abound." [14] But he has to trust and be willing to persevere through the dry times that will accompany fasting. If he puts his hope in God, however, the Scriptures assure him that he will not be disappointed. [15] For the sake of his ongoing conversion, then, the Christian must fast. But we might add another, better reason for fasting. Not only does fasting benefit a person's own individual spiritual progress, it also benefits his neighbor. It is commonly pointed out that fasting can help others by allowing those who fast to increase their almsgiving with the money saved from eating less. But the benefit referred to here is of a different sort. It is due to our being connected with each other through prayer, so that a person's offering of prayer can help others. Now, prayers for others are more effective the more united the person praying is to Christ, since Christ is the source of the benefits gained through prayer. So the more converted a person becomes to the Lord, the more effective his prayers for others: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects." [16] And since fasting aids a person's continual conversion, it strengthens his prayers so that they benefit others more. In this way, he can help his neighbor through fasting. Moreover, this service to his neighbor through fasting is an . He offered himself on the Cross for others. A person too, in union with Christ, offers himself through the sacrifice of fasting. In fasting, he has the opportunity to join Christ in offering himself for the sake of others. Thus, even if a person's heart were pure and always free from selfish inclinations–as was Christ's–he should still fast–as did Christ. Through Christ he has the chance of helping others through voluntary acts of self-denial. Christian love is, indeed, eager for such chances to serve others. So, in a very real way that is clearly visible to the eyes of faith, the Christian must fast out of love of neighbor. He is commanded by Jesus to live in his love. [17] This love is the love that compels a person "to lay down his life for his friends." [18] That is, it is the love that compels him to sacrifice his own preferences and desires on behalf of others. And this is what each person is invited to do through fasting– to give up things he enjoys for the benefit of others. And, as we are told, "there is no greater love than this." [19] There are good reasons then, why a person must practice fasting and develop disciplined eating habits. Fasting and, by extension, self-denial are important for a person's continual conversion as well as for others who need our prayers. So, the Christian should regularly ask himself, "What do I really need? What can I do without?" and consider the advantages of denying himself even things that are not necessarily bad. A better understanding of the virtue of denying oneself would undoubtedly benefit our society, where one is taught only how to say, "yes" to what one wants and desires. The practice of self-denial provides a humble yet profound way of giving oneself to God and others out of love, thus breaking the tendency to self- absorption. For, as we have said, self-denial is necessary for helping bring about ongoing conversion, which is sought out of love of God: and one restrains oneself and sacrifices one's desires out of love of neighbor. Love, then real liberating, sacrificial love–is behind voluntary self-denial.

ENDNOTES: [1] Luke 16:10. [2] John Cassian Institutes 5.23. [3] Augustine Rule 3.1. [4] Luke 6:45. [5] 1 Tim. 4:3-5. [6] The theme of the mind ascending from created goods to God, the Ultimate Good, is common among spiritual writers. The spiritual master, Saint , refers to it in The Ascent of Mount Carmel (trans. Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D., and Otilio Rodrigues, O.C.D., in The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross [Washington, D.C.: Institute of Carmelite Studies Publication, 1979]) 3.24.3-7,3.26.5-7. For a more recent discussion on the subject, see Dietrich von Hildebrand Transformation in Christ (Garden City, N.Y.: Image Books, 1963) 192-193. [7] Col. 3:1-2. [8] Heb. 11:26. [9] For further insights into this subject, see Saint John of the Cross, op. cit. [10] See Dietrich von Hildebrand In Defense of Purity (New York: Sheed and Ward Inc., 1935) 150-156. [11] John 15:5. [12] Augustine The Lord's 2.11. [13] Joel 2:12. [14] Ps 4:8. [15] Rom. 5:5: Ps 22:5. [16] Jas. 5:16. [17] John 15:9. [18] John 15:13. [19] Ibid.

HONOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES THIS EASTER SEASON WITH EASTER FLOWERS.

Each year our historic Saint Joseph Cathedral parish is decorated so beautifully for Easter Sunday and the Easter Season, appropriately so to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you would like to have Easter Flowers listed in our Easter Sunday bulletin “in honor of” living family members, friends or loved ones, or “in memory of” deceased family members, friends or loved ones, please fill out the form below and send it in so that THE FORM IS RECEIVED IN OUR PARISH OFFICES BY OR BEFORE MONDAY, APRIL 8TH with a check made payable to Saint Joseph Cathedral. Easter Flowers are $10.00 for each listing, and will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin. THIS IS A FIRM DEADLINE due to the early printing deadline we have for our Easter Sunday bulletin. YOU CAN ALSO DO THIS ON-LINE VIA CREDIT CARD ON OUR WEB PAGE: WWW.SAINTJOSEPHCATHEDRAL.ORG

Thank you for helping to adorn our Cathedral church in this way, and for remembering the special people in your life during the Holiest time of the year.

EXAMPLES: (In memory of) Living and Deceased Members of the Smith and Jones Families (In honor of) Members of the Columbus Division of Police and Division of Fire

------PLEASE PRINT ~ ATTACH CHECK PAYABLE TO SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL

YOUR NAME ______PHONE ______

NUMBER OF FLOWERS ______x $10.00 each: TOTAL AMOUNT $______

IN HONOR OF ______

IN MEMORY OF ______

Come and say “Thank You!” to Bishop Campbell

for all that he has done for the people of the Diocese of Columbus and in particular for the parishioners of Saint Joseph Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese.

Bishop Campbell will celebrate the 10:30 a.m. Mass next Sunday, March 24; a reception will immediately follow in the Cathedral Undercroft. All are invited.

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL • 212 EAST BROAD STREET • COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215 • (614) 224-1295

About Saint Joseph (Feast Day, March 19) By Fr. William Saunders

St. Joseph truly is the silent figure of the . For instance, the Gospel does not record one spoken verse for St. Joseph. Nevertheless, what this great saint did in his life for God speaks volumes. To appreciate him and his role in salvation, we need to glean the Gospels. St. Joseph was "of the house and lineage of " (Lk 2:4). Because of this ancestry, St. Joseph is the linkage between the old covenant made with and Moses, and the new, perfect, and everlasting covenant which will be made through the blood of Jesus. He brings to a close the notion of the 's promised land and King David’s established kingdom, and prepares the way for Jesus, the Messiah, who will establish the new Kingdom of God and the new Promised Land — not a kingdom of land, castles and armies, but one that is within oneself of shared life with the Lord, lived now ant fulfilled in Heaven. St. Matthew identifies Joseph as "an upright man." The original text uses the word just or righteous, which better reflects that he lived by God’s standard, keeping the commandment and emulating God’s love. St. Joseph first appears in the Gospel infancy narratives. While St. Luke’s Gospel focuses on the to Mary, St. Matthew's Gospel focuses on St. Joseph. Here St. Joseph was engaged to Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. Remember that in Jewish society, when a couple became formally engaged declaring their intent before , they were considered married as husband and wife. After one year usually, the groom went to the home of the bride with great ceremony and brought her to his own home where they consummated the marriage and lived together as husband and wife. (This tradition is the basis for the parable of the five foolish bridesmaids (Mt 25)). Since St. Joseph did not yet know God’s plan but knew his wife was pregnant not by himself, the Gospel reads that he "decided to divorce her quietly" (Mt 1:19). According to the laws, St. Joseph could have had Mary stoned to death for infidelity (cf. Deut 22). If St. Joseph knew Mary was pregnant, did the town gossip circle also notice? One can only wonder what shame and hurt he must have felt. How his heart must have been broken. Nevertheless, the Angel of the Lord appeared to St. Joseph in a , revealed to him that Mary had conceived by the power of the , and commanded that he take Mary as his wife and Jesus as his own Son. Without question or hesitation, St. Joseph did as the angel commanded. Here again, we see the important role of Joseph: He is to take Jesus as his own Son and to name him, thereby giving Him legal recognition and legal personhood. St. Joseph fulfilled his obligations courageously. Throughout the Gospel he faithfully and unquestioningly obeyed the commands of God: taking his family to the safety of to flee the wrath of King Herod; returning to ; presenting his child in the Temple for circumcision and formal presentation; and traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate . He accepted the responsibility of his vocation — being the faithful spouse and father. He provided the best he could for his family, whether that meant the stable in or the home in Nazareth. Although the Gospels recount hardly any information about the ’s life in Nazareth, they were people of modest means: When St. Joseph and Mary present Jesus at the Temple, they offer two turtle doves as a sacrifice, an exception made for poorer families who could not afford the usual offering of a lamb. To provide for his family, St. Joseph worked as a carpenter. The original word in the Gospel is tekton which means "craftsman" or "artisan," thereby suggesting that he could well have been a builder of homes as well as a carpenter. As a good Jewish father, St. Joseph passed this trade onto his Son, and indeed Jesus is known as "the carpenter’s son" (Mt 13:55) and "the carpenter" (Mk 6:3) Although St. Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, he was a father in every other sense of the word. Again, as a good Jewish father, he was responsible for the religious education of his Son, include teaching Him to read the Sacred Scriptures. St. Joseph must have been a fine, masculine example for Jesus considering that God, the Father, had entrusted His Son to his care.

Finally, Jesus must have loved and respected St. Joseph and Mary very much, for the Gospel reads, after the , Jesus returned to Nazareth and "was obedient to them" (:51). In all, he selflessly set aside his own needs for the good of his family. Tradition holds that St. Joseph died before Jesus began His public ministry. This belief is based on two points: He never appeared during the public ministry while May did, and from the cross, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to St. , indicating she was a widow with no other children to care for her. Tradition also holds that he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary. For this reason, St. Joseph is the of a holy death. Although not defined by the Magisterium, St. (d. 1622) believed that St. Joseph was assumed body and soul into heaven: "What is there left for us to say now if not that, in no way must we doubt that this glorious saint enjoys much credit in Heaven in the company of the One who favored him so much as to raise him there, body and soul; something which is all the more likely since we have no relic of him here below on earth. It seems to me no one can doubt this truth; for how could He have refused this grace to St. Joseph, he who had been obedient at all times in his entire life? (Complete Works) Other great held great devotion to St. Joseph: St. Bernardine of Siena (d. 1444) preached, "He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of His greatest treasures, namely, His divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying, ‘Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.’" St. Teresa of Avila (d. 1582) in her Life wrote, "I took St. Joseph as my advocate and protector, and recommended myself very earnestly to him. He came to my help in the most visible manner. This loving father of my soul, this beloved protector, hastened to pull me out of the state in which my body was languishing, just as he snatched me away from greater dangers of another nature which were jeopardizing my honor and my eternal salvation! For my happiness to be complete, he has always answered my prayers beyond what I had asked and hoped for. I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. through the ages of the Church have also recognized the importance of St. Joseph: Pope Pius IX declared him the Patron of the Catholic Church (1870). Pope Leo XIII in "" (1889) wrote, "Joseph was the guardian, the administrator and the legitimate and natural defender of the divine household of which he was the head. It was thus natural and very worthy of St. Joseph that, as he supported in another era all the needs of the Family of Nazareth which he wrapped in is holy protection, he now covers with his heavenly patronage and defends the Church of Jesus Christ." Pope Saint John Paul II in "" (1989) exhorted the faithful to look to St. Joseph in our troubled age: "This patronage must be invoked, and it is always necessary for the Church, not only to defend it against dangers ceaselessly cropping up, but also and above all to support it in those fearful efforts at evangelizing the world, and spreading the new evangelization among nations where the Christian religion and life were formerly the most flourishing but are now put to a difficult test....May St. Joseph become for all a singular master in the service of the saving mission of Christ that is incumbent on each and every one of us in the Church: To spouses, to parents, to those who live by the work of their hands or by any other work, to persons called to the contemplative life as well as to those called to the apostolate." Lastly, St. Joseph has been honored in our liturgy. Since the legalization of in A.D. 313, a Mass has been offered in his honor, beginning in the East. Pope John XIII on Nov. 13, 1962 ordered St. Joseph’s name inserted into the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I), a proper recognition for the Guardian of the Universal Church. Moreover, St. Joseph’s feast day of March 19 is a and traditionally a throughout the universal Church (Code Canon Law, #1246); however, the was granted an exemption from the requirement at the request of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1884) because of the difficulty of observing holydays in a non-Catholic environment. In 1955, Pope Pius XII established the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker on to present St. Joseph as the exemplar of all working men and to focus on the true dignity of human labor in contrast to the "" celebrations of communist countries.

This article is reprinted courtesy of THE CATHOLIC HERALD – the newspaper of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” ~SAINT AUGUSTINE

Monday, March 18 ~ Second Week of Lent Saint , Bishop and

Holy Gospel: Luke 6:36-38 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Meditation: As difficult as it may seem at times, our love for others – even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us – must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. When we pray for those who do us harm, it both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm, ill-will, and grief? Remember, with God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who know his love and who ask for the gift and help of the Holy Spirit. What is grace, and how can one obtain it? There are two kinds of grace – actual and sanctifying. Actual Grace is that help from God which enlightens our reason and moves our will to do good and to avoid evil. The conversion of St. Paul on his journey to Damascus, to persecute the Christians there, is an inspiring example of actual grace. Actual grace comes to us through various channels, such as the sacraments, prayer, homilies, doing good works, and the good example of others. Sanctifying Grace is an unmerited gift of the Holy Spirit, whereby we become children of God and heirs of Heaven. Sanctifying Grace is the supernatural life, beauty, and brightness conferred on our soul by the presence of the Holy Spirit. It makes our soul the object of the special love and friendship of God. Without Sanctifying Grace, we cannot merit anything for Heaven. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). St. Paul reminds us that “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). God's love and grace conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and grief. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, resentment, and give us courage to overcome evil (ref. :21).

Prayer: O God, who through the Bishop Saint Cyril of Jerusalem led your Church in a wonderful way to a deeper sense of the mysteries of salvation, grant us, through his intercession, that we may so acknowledge your Son as to have life ever more abundantly. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Do you pray for mercy and forgive those who wrong you? When we are confronted with our sinful condition and failings we experience guilt and shame. This can often either lead us to cast off pride and make-belief or it can lead us to lose our inhibitions and fall into more shameless deeds! If we are utterly honest and humble before God, we will admit our sins and ask for his mercy and forgiveness. Do you know the joy and freedom of repentance, forgiveness, and a clean heart?

Tuesday, March 19 ~ Second Week of Lent Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Mary

Holy Gospel: :16, 18-21, 24a was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a just man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to

name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Meditation: Joseph's faith was put to the test when he discovered that his espoused wife was pregnant. Joseph, a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass or punish Mary. To all appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt and anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah. Joseph was a worthy successor to the great – Abraham, , and Jacob. He followed the call of God through the mysterious circumstances that surrounded the coming of Jesus. God entrusted this silent, humble man with the unique privilege of raising his only Son as a growing child. Joseph is a faithful witness and 's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seems like insurmountable problems? God the Father has not left us alone, but has given us his only begotten Son as our Savior. Where does your faith need to be strengthened? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and trust in his word.

Prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Ask yourself: Are you prepared to obey the Lord in everything? Everything?! Faith in God's word and obedience to his commands go hand in hand. Joseph, like Mary, is a model of faith and justice. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a “just man.” St. once wrote: “The concept of ‘just’ here signifies the man who possesses all the virtues. By ‘justice’ one at times understands only one virtue in particular, as in the phrase: the one who is not avaricious is just. But ‘justice’ also refers to virtue in general. And it is in this sense, above all, that scripture uses the word ‘justice.’ For example, it refers to: ‘a just man and true’ (cf. Job 1:1), or the two were just (cf. :6). Joseph, then, being just, that is to say good and charitable...”

Wednesday, March 20 ~ Second Week of Lent

Holy Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Then the mother of the sons of approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Meditation: Have you ever given any thought as to who or what takes first place in your life? Selfish ambition drives us to get ahead of others. When two of Jesus’ disciples tried to get ahead, Jesus did the unthinkable by telling them that the path to glory would be through suffering and the cross. And he wedded authority with selfless-service and with sacrifice – the willing offering of one’s life for the sake of another. Jesus used stark language to explain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion. What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails physical suffering and the painful struggle of “martyrdom” in one form or another. This entails the long routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations. A must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom and be ready to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. An early church father summed up Jesus’

teaching with the expression: to serve is to reign with Christ. We share in God’s reign by laying down our lives in humble service of one another as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did?

Prayer: Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Jesus paid the price for our redemption with his blood. Slavery to sin is to want the wrong things and to be in bondage to destructive desires. The ransom Jesus paid sets us free from the worst tyranny possible – the tyranny of sin and the fear of death. Jesus’ victory did not end with death but triumphed over the tomb. Jesus defeated the powers of death through his resurrection. Do you want the greatest freedom possible – that is, the freedom to live as God truly meant us to live as his sons and daughters? Embrace his laws, his teachings, and his will, and true and lasting freedom will be yours!

Thursday, March 21 ~ Second Week of Lent

Holy Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 Jesus said to the : “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’“

Meditation: The name “Lazarus” means “God is my help.” Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not only had everything he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on himself. He was too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put their hope and security in heaven will not be disappointed (ref. Hebrews 6:19)?

Prayer: O God, who delight in innocence and restore it, direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: The parable about the afflictions of the poor man Lazarus brings home a very important lesson for us to think about during Lent, and to change the way we choose to help or not help those in need. In this story Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts – riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune. Lazarus was not only poor, but sick and unable to lift himself. He was “laid” at the gates of the rich man’s house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he got for himself. Dogs in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man’s miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed at the end of his life! In God's economy, those who hold on possessively to what they have, lose it all in the end, while those who share generously receive back many times more than they gave way.

Friday, March 22 ~ Second Week of Lent

Holy Gospel: :33-43, 45-46 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

Meditation: Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning. had spoken of the house of as “the vineyard of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:7). Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as referring to God's dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people. This parable speaks to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God likewise trusts us enough and give us freedom – “free will.” But with freedom comes responsibility. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes: #1731: Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. By free will one shapes one's own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude. #1732: As long as freedom has not bound itself definitively to its ultimate good which is God, there is the possibility of choosing between good and evil, and thus of growing in perfection or of failing and sinning. This freedom characterizes properly human acts. It is the basis of praise or blame, merit or reproach. #1733: The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin.” #1734: Freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary. Progress in virtue, knowledge of the good, and ascesis enhance the mastery of the will over its acts.

Prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Jesus knew he would be rejected and be killed, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory – the glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. The Lord blesses his people today with the gift of his kingdom. And he promises that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him (ref. John 15:1-11). He entrusts his gifts and grace to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard – the body of Christ. He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (ref. 1 Corinthians 15:58). We can expect trials and even persecution, but in the end good will triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with joyful hope and confidence in his victory?

Scripture passages (NAB translation) courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Daily meditations and contemplations adapted from the Irish Jesuits’ Sacred Space web page and Biblical Medications for Lent by Rev. Carroll Stuhlmueller, C.P.; prayers are from The , Catholic Book Publishing, 2011; information about saints, , feasts and memorials courtesy of the web site.

frlumpe:2019

~ ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR PARISH ~

LAST UPDATED: March 19, 2018

Members of parish community have a wealth of ways to serve and feel a part of the parish family. Committees are formed to educate, enrich our faith, strengthen our parish and support Outreach organizations. We welcome you to join us in the committee(s) of your choice!

THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL PASTORAL COUNCIL meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month; the Council is advisory in capacity to assist Fr. Michael Lumpe, as Rector, with parish issues, planning and coordination. Parishioners are welcome at Council meetings and can contact Council Chairs to address the Council: Ed Hueckel, (614) 329-1801, [email protected]. Members include: Ed Hueckel, President; Nico Franano, Vice President; Michael Elton, President Emeritus; Amanda Gillespie, Secretary; Rev. Mr. James Gorski, Rev. Mr. Thomas Johnston, Nick Farmer, Crystal Bensonhaver, Jake Neal, Tom Boor, Kathleen Tourgeman, Lisa Emrich, and Rob Riepenhoff.

CATHEDRAL EVENTS COMMITTEE: The Events committee plans social and fund-raising events throughout the year to foster a sense of community within the Cathedral Community. Meetings are scheduled as needed for any particular event. Contact Mandy Gillespie at [email protected] or (614) 604-7780.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: This committee supports the Saint Joseph Cathedral web site, and provides advice and support to the Pastoral Council and the Saint Joseph Cathedral parish on technology related topics. Contact Nick Farmer at 614-706-3347 or [email protected].

LITURGICAL MINISTERS: Members of the Cathedral community take part in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Hospitality Ministers/Greeters and Altar Servers. Review and training sessions are scheduled routinely with advance notification. Please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405- 7770 or [email protected].

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): Are you or is someone you know interested in coming into the Catholic faith? RCIA sessions have already begun for this year. For more information about RCIA and the process of becoming a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church, please contact Mr. Jake Neal at [email protected] or (614) 224-1295; or Carol Keene at [email protected] or (614) 657- 9528.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) ~ CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: As parents, you are the primary religious educators of your children. Our catechetical classes are here to support you. It is our goal to partner with you and your family along your faith journey. Saint Joseph Cathedral provides a program using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd model for students enrolled in Grades Pre-K - Grade 8 who do not attend a . The St. Joseph Cathedral PSR program meets on Sunday mornings in the undercroft from 9-10:15 a.m. For more information, please contact Mr. Jake Neal at [email protected] or (614) 224-1295

SAINT VINCENT De PAUL SOCIETY: You can grow spiritually by offering service to those in need. Participate in outreach programs for Saint Joseph Cathedral Back Door Ministry, J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner-city Needs), and the Jaycee Arms Monthly Lunch Service. For information on how you can help, please contact Renee Shouse at [email protected] or 301-305-9627

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CONCERNS COMMITTEE: This committee dedicates its efforts to those who are in need due to hunger and poverty, domestic and family violence, capital punishment, health and bio-ethics issues. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405-7770 or [email protected].

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE: The Vocations Committee prays for vocations of Priests and Religious from our parish, from our Diocese and throughout the world. Through programs, prayer, discussion, and the encouragement of young people, parishioners can make the whole community more “vocation conscious.” The committee meets at 9:00 a.m. on the Third Sunday of the month in the Fulcher Room. Contact Barbara Garick at (614) 877-0168 or [email protected].

YOUNG ADULTS GROUP – (TRIPLE V) - VIA, VERITAS ET VITA: Young adults between the ages of 18 and 40 gather to foster community among fellow parishioners. Meetings are held at least once a month. Contact us via: Facebook – Saint Joseph Cathedral Young Adult Group (http://www.facebook.com/group.phpgid=194497085915) E-mail: [email protected]. If you would like to be included in the e-mail distribution list.

50+ GROUP: The 50+ group provides experienced adults with spiritual, social, educational, and service activities, as well as fellowship in a welcoming environment. The 50+ Group meets on the second Sunday of each month in the Cathedral Undercroft following the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Adults age 50 and up—all are welcome! For more information, contact Ruth Baird at [email protected]

~ TAKING PLACE IN OUR PARISH ~

SUNG VESPERS (EVENING PRAYER) WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. JOSEPH CATHEDRAL AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:  Sunday, March 17th (Second Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, March 24th (Third Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, March 31st (Fourth Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, April 7th (Fifth Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, April 14th () @ 4:45 p.m. These services will feature the treble voices of the Cathedral Choir. The liturgy lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and will be immediately followed by the 5:15 p.m. Mass. Vespers, commonly known as Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours and is a great way to supplement your prayer life. Through this service, we offer praise to God, pray for the needs of the world, and give thanks to God for the day.

CRS RICE BOWL IS A LENTEN FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM to ensure that the Catholic community of the United States is present in over 100 countries worldwide, serving the poorest among us through . Please use your CRS Rice Bowl during Lent and make a difference. For details, visit www.crsricebowl.org or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or [email protected].

~ IN, AROUND AND NEAR THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ~

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS? Did you know that the Serra Clubs of Columbus can help you do just that? The Serra Club is a lay International organization of Catholic men and women, whose mission is to foster vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Religious Life through prayer, programs and activities. To learn more, please contact VP of membership Dan Martin at [email protected] for the Downtown Serra Club or Ardith at [email protected] for the North Serra Club. Please feel free to visit with no obligations. Our website is serracolumbus.org.

BETHESDA HEALING MINISTRY invites you to gather for a very special Dinner Event on Thur., April 4 at St. Agatha in the Msgr. Kennedy Parish Hall 1860 Northam Road, Columbus 43221. We gather in the name of "Joy in Forgiveness” Frank Hartge graciously serves as Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Ray Guarendi is our Featured Speaker, Brendan O'Rourke to preform music and Sue Smith/Bosc and Brie to provide catering. Cocktails: 6:10 pm Complimentary Dinner: 6:45 pm Registration is required. Our program includes an appeal for donations to continue this ministry of hope and healing. On-line registration - bethesdahealing.org or Call 614-718-0277. Mass is at 5p.m. All are welcome to join us for Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 1899 McCoy Rd. Columbus.

YOUNG CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS brings together young adults in their 20s and 30s from across the city for speaker events, panel discussions and networking to foster Catholic identity, encourage community and inspire a call to action. Join us Wed., March 20 from 7-9 pm at St. (7179 Avery Road, Dublin 43017) for our Executive Speaker Series featuring Tim Needles. Find us at www.ycpcolumbus.org or on social media to stay up- to-date on all events! Interested in donating or volunteering with YCP Columbus, email to [email protected].

GET CLOSER TO THE ONE YOU LOVE: You can do that on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend! Marriage Encounter is where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones and focus only on each other. The next 2 weekends are June 28-29 and September 13-15 both in Central Ohio. For more information or to apply, contact Paul & Marilou Clouse at 614-834-6880 or visit our website at www.wwmecolumbus.org

ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT, O.F.M., CAP., TO LECTURE AT JOSEPHINUM: The Pontifical College Josephinum is pleased to announce that His Excellency, The Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap, of Philadelphia, will present the 2019 Pio Cardinal Laghi Lecture on Wed., March 27. Archbishop Chaput will speak on “Facing the Future with Confidence and Joy” at 7 pm in the Jessing Center on the Josephinum campus at 7625 N. High St. The event is free and open to the public; reservations are not required. For more information, please visit pcj.edu.

CHRIST ALIVE IN OUR MARRIAGE NEWLYWED RETREAT! Newlywed couples, as well as couples who have been married up to five years, are invited to a day-long retreat where they will connect with each other and embrace the gift of uninterrupted time together. Taking place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on Saturday, April 6th, the retreat will include time for prayer, discussion, testimonies from other newlywed couples, and will end with 5 p.m. Mass. Cost is $25 per couple. For details and to register, visit: https://columbuscatholic.org/young- adult-retreats.

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH. All persons with disabilities have gifts to contribute to the whole Church. Embrace. Welcome. Participate. For resources available to individuals, families, and parishes to work towards the goal of full participation, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/persons-with- disabilities.

PLEASE KEEP THESE PARISHIONERS IN YOUR PRAYERS: Tim Acton, Mary Antonelli, Jack Beckman, Christopher Clark, Larry Edwards, Thom Gall, Dr. Lianna Goetz, Frank Houchins, Ruth Harper, Tanya Ingle, Gloria Jefferson, Chris Katanyuta, Anna Katanyuta, Denise Lager, Mary McNellis, Sharon Merhar, Maria Paras, Linda Pauley, Susan Bateman Severs, David Simmons, Katie Finneran Slattery, Michael Sonderman, Sandra , Mark Watkins, Matthew Watkins, and Dora Zweydorff.

CATHEDRAL FACTS: DID YOU KNOW... that our Cathedral has three vocations in formation for the priesthood? Rev. Mr. Chris Yakkel, Mr. Andrew Wisniewski and Mr. Anthony Suttle are the men, and we ask that you pray for them and for all who are discerning God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL ALMS FOR THE POOR BOX? Located in the wall near the Broad Street entrance, this box and the funds you provide are important. At the Cathedral these Alms for the Poor go to pay for the food that is distributed daily at the Cathedral to the poor and needy – up to 150 food bags (usually containing a sandwich, fruit, chips & cookie, bottled water), and on many winter days hot coffee and hot cocoa. Help us provide this most basic necessity – food – to those in need by donating to our poor box.

LOW-GLUTEN* HOSTS are available at the 10:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Sunday Masses. Worshippers can receive low-gluten Holy Communion from the center aisle from the Master of Ceremonies (please identify yourself) to the Celebrant. * contains less than 0.01% gluten content & meets the standard set by the and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

I was moved by a prayer shared with me after hearing confessions; I asked the person for a copy so that I could share it with all of you. ~Fr. Mike

A Prayer of Forgiveness Forgive me my sins, O Lord, forgive me my sins; the sins of my youth, the sins of my age, the sins of my soul, the sins of my body; my idle sins, my serious voluntary sins; the sins I know, the sins I do not know; the sins I have concealed for so long and which are now hidden from my memory. I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial, for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour. I know my sins have wounded Thy Tender Heart, O My Savior, let me be freed from the bonds of evil through the most bitter Passion of My Redeemer. Amen. O My Jesus, forget and forgive what I have been. Amen.

Stewardship: Time ~ Talent ~ Treasure Last week we were informed of the temptations that await us, especially during this Holy Lenten period. This week the way to overcome these temptations is revealed. The word “transfiguration” comes from the Latin trans which means “across” and figura meaning “form” or “shape.” It signifies a change of form or appearance, and this is exactly what happened to Jesus; His appearance changed and became glorious. The description of the Transfiguration occurs in all three (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). This is a proclamation of the Lord’s divinity. It is intended for all of us. In fact, each of us is invited, just as Peter, James, and John are, to become a part of this experience. We are called to conversion and witness of the truth. That is what Lent should be all about for us. The stewardship message is that we need to strive for conversion, for grasping the hope offered by Christ. St. wrote, “At His Transfiguration Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which He will shape and color those who are His.” Are we His? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what His Body contains and radiates the sacraments, ‘the hope of glory’ ” (CCC 568). (www.thecatholicsteward.com)

Your contribution supports the work and operations of Saint Joseph Cathedral, our music and education programs, and all other aspects of our community outreach. Please be generous in your support of these important endeavors. In addition to making a contribution through the Offertory basket, you can contribute electronically through your checking account, or through your Visa, MasterCard or Discover account by going online to the Financial Stewardship page on our web site at www.saintjosephcathedral.org, by sending a text message to 614-721-4184, or by scanning the QR code to the left with your smartphone QR Scanner Application.

YOUR OFFERTORY IS A GIFT TO GOD: If your Offertory is not made electronically, please use your parish Offertory envelope to thoughtfully, prayerfully choose your gift and present it eagerly to Our Lord. Many times families will ask for a letter stating that they are registered, participating members of our parishes in order to become a Godparent, Confirmation Sponsor or simply to enroll in one of our Catholic schools. Using our electronic giving or envelope system makes our job easier and allows us to honestly say, “Yes! This family is registered and actively participating here in our parish!”

YOUR OFFERING TO GOD ~ THANK YOU!

Offertory: March 9 & 10, 2019

Envelope $3,158.00 CHECK OUT OUR NEW, SECURE, EASY ON- Loose Collection $2,345.00 Credit Card $1,121.00 LINE GIVING OPTIONS ON OUR WEB PAGE: Less 6% Diocesan Tax (397.44) WWW.SAINTJOSEPHCATHEDRAL.ORG Total to Parish $6,226.56

Ash Wednesday - J.O.I.N. $5,239.00