For The Bulletin Of In Luke’s Last Supper account, Jesus was 18 April 2021 among His disciples “as the One Who serves” (Luke 22:27). Now He is among them as one Who is to be served. Just seeing with their human eyes is not enough.

As Jesus had done in the passion predictions during His ministry, as He had done for the disciples on the way to Emmaus, as the two messengers at the tomb had done for the women on morning, Jesus now opens the eyes of the Jerusalem disciples’ hearts so that they may understand the Scriptures. Luke mentions the threefold division of the Hebrew Scriptures: the teaching of Moses (the Pentateuch/Torah), the prophets, and the Writings (represented by the psalms). These were the Scriptures that had nourished Jesus throughout His life.

Jesus tells His disciples clearly that they cannot stay in this Jerusalem house of THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ecstatic joy, listening to His words and EASTER serving Him at table. This experience must burst through the doors in the service of From Father Robert those outside, people of all nations who are This Sunday’s gospel follows the waiting to hear the Good News of appearance of the risen Jesus to the two repentance and forgiveness of their sins. At disciples on the way to Emmaus. The the first meal with Jesus that is recorded in Emmaus meal was a welcoming event: the Luke’s gospel, the great banquet that Levi meal with the risen Jesus in Jerusalem will hosted for Jesus, Jesus spoke of the be a missioning event. Despite the witness metanoia (Luke 5:32), that life-changing of the two disciples who have hurried back repentance that turn one’s life around, and from Emmaus and the news of Jesus’ which Levi had just experienced in his call appearance to Simon, the eleven and their to follow Jesus. At that meal, Jesus had companions are still startled and terrified addressed the call to repentance to the tax when Jesus appears among them and greets collectors and sinners; at this last meal after them with peace. They think He is a ghost. His passion and resurrection “the same In this gospel of Luke, as in John’s narrative message had to be preached to all the last Sunday, Jesus makes clear to them the nations, beginning with Jerusalem. Jesus’ reality of His glorified human presence, His passion-resurrection transformed the table of full embodied existence, by showing them Jesus the prophet into that of Jesus Christ His wounded hands and feet, inviting them the Lord and made it the springboard for the to touch Him, asking them to give Him church’s universal mission. Jesus’ message something to eat, and then taking the piece at this point in His final discourse looks of grilled fish and eating it before their eyes. directly to the story of the church on mission

1 in the Acts of Apostles” (Eugene Peter rebukes the gathered crowd for Jesus’ LaVerdiere, Dining in the Kingdom of God). death, but then acknowledges “You acted This is what the disciples are to witness. out of ignorance.” When has ignorance And we, who at the Eucharist also sit at the clouded your following of Christ? “transformed table” of Jesus, shares in the same urgent mission. As individuals and as The psalmist proclaims “the Lord does church, we must admit our own sinfulness, wonders for His faithful one.” What continually turn to Jesus in repentance, and wonders have you witnessed in the life of then go out in the strength of the Eucharist faith? we have received to bear credible, outreaching witness of the need for In the gospel, the disciples say the risen conversion to following of Jesus in our own Lord was made known to them “in the small or larger worlds. Many places in our breaking of the bread.” How do you make contemporary world are obviously not meals with friends and family a true time of founded on repentance and forgiveness, but communion? on war and entrenched animosities that we may publicly lament, or rationalize, or even Jesus tells the disciples that they are excuse, while at the same time still allowing “witnesses” of the good news to be spread to violence and bitterness to inhabit our heart. the nations of His life, death, and If we are to be disciples who take seriously resurrection. Who are the witnesses in your Jesus’ Easter greeting of “Peace be with life who have brought you to deeper faith in you” and who offer this peace to one another Christ? around the eucharistic table with a present and future intent, we need to create a space in our lives and our heart where such peace with God and with our sisters and brothers can truly be at home.

About Liturgy: Words Into Actions One can employ a variety of words to speak of what liturgy is and how it accomplishes what it does. For instance, the liturgy is catechetical, performative, sacrificial, sustaining, and/or formation (and so much more), depending on which facet one wants to dig deeper into and give closer attention to.

The scriptures of Easter raise significant and The Scriptures today should remind us to personal questions as we hear them with pay attention to how our liturgies are ears, hearts, and lives of the 21st century. evangelical; that is, how (and how well) do What effect are these words having upon our liturgies preach the good news, both to you this Easter Season? those we see every week in the pew and to

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those we have not seen before? Up until on to that same holy activity in the world – now, the good news of Christ’s resurrection not just among their friends and relatives, was primarily shared among friends and their closest circle, but among all those who relatives, a very close circle of people who need to hear Good News, every minute of surrounded Jesus Himself during His three every day. years of ministry, foretold by the prophets, to share the joy of the resurrection and forgiveness of sins with all nations. The reading from Acts shows Peter, boldly, doing just that.

We need to consider how we do that ourselves. It is far too simple – some would call it a cop-out – to consider only words, only language when evaluating these efforts. Truly, we need to pay attention to preaching whose content is, at least in part, a Welcome Bishop Barber proclamation of the risen Christ and to Today we joyfully welcome Bishop Barber deepening our relationship with Him and as he presides and preaches for our 8:00 a.m. with the whole body of Christ. So, too, Holy Eucharist and then joins us for the should we give careful attention to hymn Blessing of the Site of our Expansion texts that speak to the same. But all these Project/Construction and the Golden Shovel words pale in comparison to how it is we Ceremony. We are grateful that he has been preach, and how it is the music ministry is able to arrange to be with us for this historic led, how all liturgical ministers exercise event and we look forward to his returning their specific roles. If we wish our to preside for the Blessing and Dedication of assemblies to continue living the faith our expanded hall and new kitchen at its outside the doors of the church building the completion. Welcome, Bishop! other six days and twenty-three hours of their week, the church’s ministers must show them in action how they do that for that one hour.

The tone of the preaching and presiding must be joyful, without sacrificing reverence. It must seem as if the presider has no choice but to proclaim the risen Christ and the difference that faith and belief makes in day-to-day living. Music must be led invitingly, by action, letting the assembly know not of an invitation to join in singing but a reminder that the sung liturgy is their responsibility. Ministers of music are there principally to aid that song. Texts of both preaching and music must not only themselves evangelize, but also spur others

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Saturday morning: Bill Saunders (Chairman of the Cleanup Crew), Dave Constanza, Bob Motl, Ron Yarolimek, and Chip Sharpe.

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation From the Center for Action and Contemplation

St. Peter Martyr Parochial School First Eucharist This coming Saturday, 24 April 2021, we welcome the students of our adopted

parochial school of St. Peter Martyr, Week Fifteen: Friendship and Grace Pittsburg, for the Celebration of their First Holy Eucharist. It is a great honor to have

A Friendship with Jesus the students, their families, Mr. Joe Siino, Principal, the faculty and Staff for this No one has greater love than this, to lay wonderful occasion. Please keep the First down one’s life for one’s friends. You are Communicants in your thoughts and prayers my friends if you do what I command as they come to Altar for the first time to you. (John 15:13–14) receive the very Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing, the Body and the Blood of When we treat Jesus as a friend, it’s easy to Christ. focus on how the relationship benefits us

and relieves our burdens, but Professor Dana L. Robert reminds us that there is more to friendship with Jesus than the blessings we receive. Knowing Jesus as a friend is a source of strength that impacts all our relationships in community and society. She writes:

Knowing Jesus is a relationship so intimate …to our faithful, volunteer Cleaning Team that he carries his followers’ burdens. He who arrives early each Saturday morning to brings them joy. He walks beside them. In clean and prepare the sanctuary for the short, Jesus befriends those who follow him. weekend’s liturgies: Reno and Thelma And friendship with Jesus builds Christian Benasfre, Mency Osborne, Carole Miller, community across cultural, social, and Jean Rogers, Rose Salamanca, and Steve ethnic divisions. . . . Rojek. And to the following Knights of Columbus who joined together to clean and In 1993, the Reverend Dr. Margaret remove trash from Contra Loma Blvd last Moshoeshoe Montjane was an Anglican

4 chaplain at the huge Baragwanath Hospital In the context of worldwide community, in the South African township of Soweto. being friends with Jesus is hard work. For She was a former student of mine, and I was when followers of Jesus walk beside him, he scheduled to go visit her. Then on April 10, leads them in directions they would rather a right-wing nationalist murdered the head not go, into neighborhoods they would of the South African Communist Party, rather avoid, and to meet other friends of his Chris Hani, in his driveway. Immediately they might not normally know. As the riots broke out throughout the country, Scriptures and history show, to be a friend especially in Soweto. South Africa was a of Jesus means loving others just as he does. powder keg, and Nelson Mandela could barely keep the lid on. Angry young men surged into Baragwanath Hospital with their Ideas for the future of injured comrades. Margaret used all her authority to avert rioting in the hospital, Catholic liturgical ordering the rioters to sit down and treat the hospital with respect. When we spoke on the reform 15 April 2021 phone before my scheduled visit, I asked her by Fr. Thomas Reese, S.J. how she was managing. She answered, “Without Jesus, I couldn’t get through the Religion News Service day.”. . . [Her friendship with Jesus helped her support the community through crisis.]

In most cultures, the idea of friendship is a powerful statement of relational identity. In Batak culture in Indonesia, for example, it is said that the loss of a friend is worse than the loss of one’s mother. Traditional Russian culture assumes it is better to have many friends than much money. In Confucian tradition, friendship is one of the basic Worshippers gather for at Immaculate relationships that undergirds society. For Conception Church in Jamaica Estates, New American Christians, being friends with York, Nov. 22, 2020. (CNS/Gregory A. Jesus tends to be personal. . . . Jesus Shemitz) is my friend. He carries my burdens. Other than sex, nothing is more heatedly But a cross-cultural perspective on Jesus as debated by Catholics than the liturgy. friend says a lot about the meaning of Everyone has strong opinions based on years community. For friendship always goes both of personal experience. ways. It requires mutuality. It involves give and take. . . . Since Jesus is holding hands In the 1960s and '70s, Pope Paul VI with the world, so to speak, then intimacy implemented revolutionary liturgical with Jesus extends far beyond personal reforms laid out by the Second Vatican needs. To befriend Jesus means carrying in Council, but after his death in 1978, the fellowship the responsibilities of friendship Vatican put a stop to the changes. It is now that he carried. . . . time for a second phase.

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In a previous column, I recommended that have to be celibate, male, full-time the Congregation for Divine Worship and employees? Can a deacon or layperson the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome anoint the sick or hear confessions? In an update the process by which it considers age of declining numbers of priests, such liturgical questions. I argued for more questions must be faced. transparency and consultation in keeping with the principle of collegiality promoted Ecumenism by Vatican II and the principle of synodality Besides liturgical renewal, Vatican II promoted by Pope Francis. emphasized improving relations with other Christian churches. One way to do that is to The purpose of a transparent and collegial move our liturgical ceremonies closer process is to develop good liturgy that is together. Is the Eucharist a sign of the supported by a consensus within the existing unity among churches, or can it also community. be a means of fostering unity? The former excludes intercommunion; the latter does In this column, I offer my own ideas on not. improving liturgy as an attempt to get the conversation going, inviting liturgical The church might also allow Catholics' scholars and others to consider my proposals spouses to share Communion if they share (transparently and collegially). our faith in the Eucharist. In 2015, a Lutheran asked Francis what she should do Inculturation at Communion when she joins her Catholic The was developed in Italy and husband at Mass. The pope answered Western Europe centuries ago. St. John Paul sympathetically, but indicated his reluctance II wrote beautifully about the importance of to changing church policy. He ended by inculturating — grounding it in saying, "Talk to the Lord and then go cultures beyond its European base. The forward." Many took this to mean the unanswered question is how to carry out woman should follow her conscience. inculturation in concrete terms in the liturgy today. Theologically, if a couple is united in the sacrament of matrimony, how can we not Each bishops' conference needs to be allow them to be united at the Eucharist? encouraged to gather scholars, poets, Pastorally, the practice of barring the non- musicians, artists and pastors to develop Catholic parent from Communion gives the liturgies for their specific cultures. When children the impression that the church liturgy is out of touch with local culture, it thinks their parent is a bad person. becomes boring and dies. These new liturgies need to be beta tested before Translations adoption. When he headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Joseph Ratzinger, now Ministry Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, insisted that Bishops' conferences should discuss whether liturgical texts be translated word for word new liturgical ministries are needed and who from the Latin. Experienced translators and may be called to perform liturgy. Can the liturgical scholars disagreed, and consider work of liturgy be separated from the work the resulting English translation woefully of administration? Do all liturgical leaders inadequate. There was another, better

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translation done in 1998, which was approved by the English-speaking bishops' conferences but rejected by Rome.

It is more important that the meaning of the text be communicated clearly than that the translation be literal. There is no reason the hierarchy could not allow priests to use the 1998 translation as an alternative, allowing the priest decide which translation works best in his parish. This option would be limited to the priest's prayers at Mass, since it would be too confusing to change the A priest elevates the host during a Mass at people's responses without extensive St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City in preparation. 2020. (CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Pre-Vatican II Mass Eucharistic prayers After the Pauline reforms of the liturgy, it The eucharistic prayer is sadly given little was presumed that the "Tridentine" or Latin attention by the faithful or many priests Mass would fade away. Bishops were given reciting it. Too many focus exclusively on the authority to suppress it in their dioceses, the consecration of the bread and wine while but some people clung to the old liturgy to ignoring the meaning of the prayer. There the point of schism. are currently 13 approved eucharistic prayers, though most priests use the shortest, Benedict took away the bishops' authority Eucharistic Prayer II. and mandated that any priest could celebrate the whenever he pleased. The Eucharist developed out of the experience of the Last Supper, which was a It is time to return to bishops the authority Passover meal. As a result, eucharistic over the Tridentine liturgy in their dioceses. prayers were modeled on the Jewish The church needs to be clear that it wants Passover or Sabbath prayers (berakah) said the unreformed liturgy to disappear and will by the father of a family at the meal. They only allow it out of pastoral kindness to begin by remembering and giving thanks older people who do not understand the need and praise to God for his actions on behalf for change. Children and young people of his people. For Jews, that begins with should not be allowed to attend such creation and includes God's works recounted Masses. in the Old Testament.

Like the Passover meal, the Eucharist is a sacrificial meal through which the family is united with God and one another. It is also an opportunity to remember and renew their covenant with God. We give thanks to God for his actions through history, especially for Jesus' life, death, resurrection and promise

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to return. Through the Eucharist we renew our covenant with the Father through Christ.

More important than the transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is the transformation of the community into the body of Christ so we can live out the covenant we have through Christ. We do not worship Jesus, in this sense; with Jesus we worship the Father and ask to be transformed by the power of the spirit into the body of Christ.

The church needs more and better Worshippers exchange the sign of peace at St. eucharistic prayers based on our renewed Rita's in San Diego in 2019. understanding of the Eucharist. (CNS/David Maung)

It would also be nice to have eucharistic Kiss of peace prayers that use more biblical language. Originally, the kiss of peace occurred at the When the Gospel reading is from Luke, the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, priest could use a eucharistic prayer evoking where it symbolized the agreement of the the language and theology of Luke. A community to commit itself to what it had unique "preface" for each Sunday that heard in the Scriptures. With proper picked up themes from the Scripture explanation, it would be a good idea to readings could also tie the Liturgy of the provide this ancient practice as an optional Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist more alternative to its current place before closely together. Communion.

Other eucharistic prayers might develop Fermentum other themes — the church's concern for the After the Lord's Prayer, the priest breaks off poor, or for justice, peace, healing and the a piece of the host and drops it into the cup. environment. All of these new prayers In ancient times, bishops instead sent this would require beta testing before adoption. piece, called the "fermentum," to parishes in their dioceses, whose pastors would put it in their chalices as a symbol of communion.

The practice could be revived during , when the bishop could send the fermentum from , in Holy Week, for pastors to drop in their chalices on Holy Thursday or Easter Sunday. On special occasions (perhaps Eucharistic Congresses), the pope could share fermentum with bishops around the world, who would place it in their chalices.

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And as ecumenical relations improve, the I’ve known CAC faculty member Brian pope might share the fermentum with the McLaren for many years; and I deeply ecumenical patriarch or other Christian admire his gift for making friends through bishops. Popes have already shared his genuine curiosity, compassion, and episcopal rings and croziers with non- unconditional presence to others. In this Catholic bishops; sharing passage, he encourages us to build the fermentum would be a logical next step. relationships outside our comfortable social and religious groups. I doubt I will see many of these reforms in my lifetime, but we need to begin talking Christian mission begins with friendship— about the future of liturgical reform. The not utilitarian friendship, the religious conversation will reveal what we think about version of network marketing—but genuine Christ, the church and our place in the friendship, friendship that translates love for world. neighbors in general into knowing, appreciating, liking, and enjoying this or that neighbor in particular. . . .

Many new friends have come into my life. . . Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, New Agers, and others—including lots of atheists and agnostics, too. One of the most dramatic of those friendships began in the aftermath

Thomas Reese of 9/11/2001. Like a lot of churches, our Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese's column for little congregation held a prayer service. Religion News Service, "Signs of the While praying, I felt a voice speaking, as it Times," appears regularly at National were, in my chest: Your Muslim neighbors Catholic Reporter. are in danger of reprisals. You must try to protect them. The next morning, I wrote and Thursday, 15 April 2021 made copies of a letter extending, belatedly,

friendship toward Muslim communities in Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation my area, and offering solidarity and help if From the Center for Action and Contemplation simmering anti-Muslim sentiments should

be translated into action. I drove to the three mosques nearby—I had never visited them before—and tried to deliver my letter in person. . . .

[At the third mosque,] I clumsily introduced myself [to the imam] as the pastor from down the street . . . I then handed him my letter, which he opened and read as I stood there awkwardly. I remember the imam, a

Week Fifteen: Friendship and Grace man short in stature, slowly looking down at the letter in the bright September sun, then Making New Friends

up into my face, then down, then up, and

each time he looked up, his eyes were more

9 moist. Suddenly, he threw his arms around me—a perfect stranger. . . . I still remember To address ongoing the feeling of his head pressed against my decline in religious chest, squeezing me as if I were his long-lost brother. . . . participation, Church

My host welcomed me not with hostility or must tell the truth, even suspicion, but with the open heart of a return to its central friend. And so that day a friendship began between an Evangelical pastor named Brian mission and a Muslim imam we’ll call Ahmad. . . . BY CARDINAL WILTON GREGORY

It's one thing to say you love humanity in (This is the April 2021 “What I Have Seen general, whatever their religion; it’s quite and Heard” column by Cardinal Wilton another to learn to love this or that specific Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, for neighbor with his or her specific religion. the Catholic Standard and Spanish- So, do you have a Sikh neighbor, a Hindu language El Pregonero newspapers and coworker, a Muslim business associate, a websites of the Archdiocese of Washington.) Buddhist member of your PTA, a New Age second cousin? Invite them into Organized religions have experienced an companionship over a cup of tea or coffee. obvious and steady decline in membership Ask them questions. Display unexpected and active participation over the past interest in them, their traditions, their generation. Statistical numbers from Gallup, beliefs, and their stories. Learn why they left Pew Research Center, and CARA (the what they left, why they stay where they Center for Applied Research in the stay, why they love what they love. Enter Apostolate) now confirm what religious their world, and welcome them into your leadership has already recognized. This world, without judgment. If they reciprocate, reality has certainly been exacerbated with welcome their reciprocation; if not, welcome the global pandemic. The impact has their non-reciprocation. Experience touched every religious community – some conviviality. Join the conspiracy of plotting more intensely than others – and no faith for the common good together. tradition has been impervious to these changes.

The statistical studies describe declines in a number of assorted categories, which are not always identical. Some investigations focus on a loss in formal registration numbers or religious affiliation or membership at a specific church congregation, synagogue or mosque. Others consider membership by some formula of original association – through baptism, profession of faith in a specific faith community, or even birth within a family whose religious or cultural affiliation is ascribed to an individual that is then subsequently abandoned. While these

10 distinctions are important for each study, Unfortunately, some members of our they all coalesce in the fact that religious Church’s hierarchy were complicit and memberships and practice have engaged with unlawful cover-up of or even unquestionably declined over the past personal participation in such behavior that generation. has driven people away from our Church. Clerical scandals involving money have also Nevertheless, while these statistical studies added to this decrease among our faithful. In do not always use the same data or research short, some clerics and their conduct have approach, the reasons often put forth as to scandalized and outraged people to the point the causes of these declines are even more of causing their departure from the practice varied than the analysis that examines the of our faith. Comparable activities among numerical changes in religious participation. other religious authorities have confirmed We have all heard many different opinions the reasons that former Catholics have expressed as to why organized religions abandoned not only our faith, but all have suffered such declines. religious faith in general. Despicable clerical activities have been a primary source of the Looking specifically at our Catholic Church loss of so many former Catholics. as the focal point of my reflections, we have heard so many people suggest that the Society itself, that in prior generations was Second Vatican Council and its reforms are manifestly supportive of religious faith, has the root source of the decline. Some suggest become antagonistic if not hostile toward that the liberalization of certain religious organized religion – often because of the traditions and practices that followed in the revelation of clerical scandals – but even wake of the Second Vatican Council caused without such scandals, societal values have this decrease. Others looking at the same shifted. Today’s society is tethered to an Vatican Council opine that the failure to individualism that discourages social implement the full allowance of the participation in any form, including Council’s reform agenda is the cause of religious. We have also witnessed the religious estrangement among so many corrupt behavior of individuals within most former members of the Church. In either major institutions thus adding to our case, people speculate that the reforms of the tendency to mistrust almost every once- Second Vatican Council have resulted in our revered public establishment. diminished numbers – either because they went too far or did not go far enough. These Our response to these causes has not always reforms following the Council were been sufficient and in some ways has only themselves enacted at the same moment of added to the problem. Church ideological the great cultural shifts of the 1960s and divisions have seriously weakened our ’70s, and obviously these influenced the response to the challenges that we currently implementation of the Council – both face. Have we clerics successfully and positively and negatively. honestly asked for forgiveness for our own failures and aggressively instituted systems Church leadership itself has been a involving the genuine participation of the fundamental cause of the loss of too many entire Church to hold ourselves more Catholics as clergy were revealed to have publicly accountable? Moreover, on engaged in sordid criminal sexual behavior – occasion, some of us have unsuccessfully especially harming young people. attempted to focus on the influence of other

11 societal dynamics as a camouflage for our they don't live up to our values. Forgive a own egregious behavior, and this has not spouse who has offended us. Forgive a been helpful. friend who wounds us with their words. “Repent and be converted that your sins may We need a transparent way to tell the truth, be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) If we know the to hold ourselves accountable, and to return pain of the crucifixion, we can witness to to the central mission of our Church, which this forgiveness. Jesus died for our is Gospel concern for the poor, and the mistakes. He took the sins of the whole proclamation of the message of Christ for world upon Himself-yours, mine and every the life of the world. If we can do these ones. We no longer need to be troubled or things well, the other concerns will respond have questions in our hearts. He has born accordingly. the guilt of us all.

We are often impatient people calling for So now we must preach forgiveness, be immediate answers. If it took a generation forgiveness. “You are witnesses of these or more to come to this state of affairs, it things.” Luke 24:28) We do not wallow in will probably take at least that long to chart self-destructiveness, but make amends and a better future. Church history is filled with move forward, embracing those who cannot similar transition moments. The saints in bear their own weaknesses. every era have always been the catalysts for ecclesial transformations. They did so at an There is a pervasive habit that humans exceptionally high cost – occasionally indulge in. If I like to complain, I criticize including the forfeiting of their own lives. others who complain. If I tend to judge, I Moreover, the price for ecclesial reform and am upset when someone judges me. There renewal has not gone down, but only is an old saying, “If you point your finger at increased. another, three fingers are pointing back at you.” It is so easy to blame another rather Justice Corner by Carolyn Krantz, than bear the burden of human mistakes as Pastoral Associate Christ did. We are all guilty of little foibles, a slip here, a nasty remark there, a thoughtless action The first Reading says, “Repent therefore that causes another pain. If we pray on it, and be converted that your sins may be we can find our weaknesses in every day wiped away.” The second Reading says, actions. We can see clearly the taints within “We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus us. The resurrection Gospels tell us over Christ, the righteous One. He is expiation and over that we are forgiven. Forgiveness for our sins, not only for our sins, but the of sin is the theme song of all three readings sins of the whole world.” And the Gospel this Sunday. says, “He opened their minds” to know that “the Christ would suffer and rise from the But the words have a certain context. When dead... for forgiveness of sins.” Forgiveness Jesus “opens our minds” through the Holy must be in every part of our lives. Spirit, He lets us know that Peace comes through forgiveness. We must first forgive We now join with Him to become ourselves, then give forgiveness to all who “expiation” for our sins and the sins of the cross our path. Forgive the mom or dad who world. We must suffer the pain caused by were not perfect. Forgive our kids when the trials and hurts of others as well as

12 ourselves. If we are united with the pain of Fr. Robert made a few quick selections that the world, we can be united with Christ in he knew would be perfect for Pat. Years of glory. We can witness to the love that is unique experience that only Fr. Robert unending, the love that brings peace. possesses are priceless in situations like this. From start to finish it was a uniquely Let us hold in our hearts this week the pleasant and warm funeral. suffering of the sick, the loneliness of the aged, the weariness of wanderers, the anger It’s strange to say something like that about of the violent, the despair of the lost. a funeral but it was different. It felt like a Accompany those who suffer. Listen to the close family gathering rather than a somber pain in their hearts. Let them know their sad affair. I think that is the way Pat would sins are wiped away. Be peace and have wanted it, especially given her sense of forgiveness to them. Then Christ our peace humor. For example, Pat loved the movie will rest in our hearts. The Godfather. Her sister revealed that Pat watched it at least once a month and that her Parish Perspective by favorite line from the movie was, “Leave the Peter Degl’Innocenti, Pastoral Associate gun, take the cannoli.” Cannoli are an Humor at a Funeral? Italian dessert treat. So, at the end of It was a first for our Funeral Coordinator everything a large box of cannoli was team when we entered the “outdoor” chapel brought out for everyone to partake of one. at Holy Cross Cemetery. I say outdoor Her humor spans from Italian to Irish in that because it was indeed outside of the main it is said by the Irish, “A good funeral building, yet the very large tent was closed- consists of a closed casket and an open bar!” in enough to practically be an indoor So, yes, along with the cannoli, Pat supplied facility. There was a sense of humor to it as everyone with a shooter of her favorite Gray there was a strong sense of humor in Patricia Goose Vodka. Now that’s humor in action. “Pat” Prejza, our dear parishioner who faithfully attended the 8 am Sunday Mass If you are looking to join a ministry, I can’t and our special social events. Pat had many promise you free eats and booze at every friends and was involved in many activities. funeral, but there are perks beyond the She was one of the first 1st prize winners in physical in the Funeral Coordinator our annual Grand Raffle fund raiser, a trip to ministry. It is rewarding and revealing. Paris was the prize, I believe. You can care and learn more about a person at their funeral than you can in years of just It was a perfect day for her service. The sun saying “Hello” to them every Sunday. If was warm and inviting casting its rays upon you are intrigued or interested contact me those near an opening to the tent. A soft through the church office. Sunny days and spring breeze flowed through the canvas fresh breezes await. structure giving an appearance of liveliness to our surroundings. All the appointments necessary for the Mass were put in place by the well-trained staff at Holy Cross. The tiniest of bumps was the absence of a worship aid and a record of what readings the family had selected. Not to worry,

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St. Ignatius of Antioch Knights of Columbus Council 12587Honors East County First Responders On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, on behalf of our Knights of Columbus, Grand Knight Chip Sharpe presented Proclamations expressing profound appreciation for all First Responders in East Contra Costa County. Presentations were made to the police officers of the Antioch Police Department and to the firefighters of the East County Fire Protection District.

Special Treats for K9 Responders too. Third Sunday of Easter

Resurrection Loving Father, in the countless ways you transform every you raised Jesus from the dead dark thing and in that moment offered new life and bring it into the light of your love. to the whole world. Transform our hearts, Creation was made anew in you. enlighten our minds, Help us to see your work in the world and help us to hope in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

April 18, 2021 Always Hope

Today’s readings: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–8, deal with their troubles in isolation. When suffering is some- 9; 1 John 2:1–5a; Luke 24:35–48. In Jesus, the Scripture thing to get over and forget about, it has no possibility of texts about the suffering messiah are fulfilled. The people being redeemed. No chance for hope is offered. expected a different kind of messiah, a ruler who would The Church has a tremendous gift to offer our culture. overthrow the Romans, so many were not sure what to make She offers the knowledge that suffering does not have the of Jesus. After his death, many were no longer interested last word—that pain and death, and any darkness can be in him. Yet his disciples continued to proclaim his death transformed. That suffering can be transformed does not and resurrection. diminish the pain. Imagine the terrible pain Jesus experi- It is interesting that the disciples continued to empha- enced on the cross. Nothing about that was okay. But we size Jesus’ death. In today’s world, people are uncomfortable believe that pain can be transformed. That is the essence of with suffering and prefer that others overcome theirs resurrection. When we unite our sufferings to Jesus, when quickly. An individual who has undergone a difficult experi- we invite him into them with us, we realize the possibility of ence might be told to “get over it” as quickly as possible. resurrections in our lives. They might begin to understand that others do not want to Always there is hope. share in their pain, leaving them to process the grief and This Week at Home Thursday, April 22 Bread from Heaven Monday, April 19 Jesus shows the people that God has been preparing them for him. As he explains that life comes through eating the bread Stephen Speaks the Truth that is his Body, his very self, he recalls the manna that One way to carry the Easter season forward is to look at the brought life to the people of Israel in the desert. When life of the early Christian community. In Acts, we hear how Catholics read Scripture, we look at the law and the prophets St. Stephen, the first martyr, was in conflict with the religious and the whole of salvation history in light of what has hap- leaders because of his work in the name of Jesus. This story pened in Jesus. Read Exodus 16. Think about how it enriches would be wonderful for children to turn into a play or for your understanding of Jesus’ words. Then bake a loaf of adults to journal as a first-person account, envisioning them- bread. Think about what it might mean for Jesus to be such a selves as participants in the story. Today’s readings: Acts fundamental food. Today’s readings: Acts 8:26–40; Psalm 6:8–15; Psalm 119:23–24, 26–27, 29–30; John 6:22–29. 66:8–9; 16–17, 20; John 6:44–51. Tuesday, April 20 Friday, April 23 Saul By Saul’s presence at the stoning of Stephen, Saul gave his Saul, Why Do You Persecute Me? St. Paul’s conversion story is frequently depicted in art. Read consent to the first martyr’s execution. Saul, however, Acts 9:1–20 aloud. Spend an hour with your family, each allowed God to transform him. As an apostle, Paul used his drawing or painting what you hear and sharing your art gifts to build up the Body of Christ. Think of the ways he reflection with one another. You could also choose to act out brought the light of Christ to others. He was initially one of the scene. Search online for other depictions of this moment the Church’s persecutors. No matter what we have done, God in history, and see how your reflection is similar to those of is always ready with mercy and forgiveness. God is always other artists. Today’s readings: Acts 9:1–20; Psalm 117:1bc, ready to call us to do his work in the world. Today’s read- 2; John 6:52–59. ings: Acts 7:51—8:1a; Psalm 31:3cd–4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab; John 6:30–35. Saturday, April 24 Wednesday, April 21 Trusting the One Who Gives Life In today’s Gospel, many turn away from Jesus because The Bread of Life his teachings are difficult. Peter says, “Master, to whom shall Jesus is the Bread of Life, and in him is our hope. He shares we go? You have the words of eternal life.” I personally his very self with us in the Eucharist, that we might have have often found comfort in Peter’s words. It is not always eternal life. When you attend Mass, receive this gift, listen- easy to follow Jesus. Sometimes his teachings are difficult. ing for what God is calling you to do as you are given food How can Peter’s words become your words? How can they for your journey. The Eucharist is called the source and sum- become your prayer? Today’s readings: Acts 9:31–42; Psalm mit of our faith. How can you make it more central in your 116:12–13, 14–15, 16–17; John 6:60–69. life? Today’s readings: Acts: 8:1b–8; Psalm 66:1–3a, 4–5, 6–7a; John 6:35–40.

© 2021 Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800. Written by Kathryn Ball-Boruff. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. Scripture quotations are from the New American Bible, revised edition. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on July 6, 2020.

April 14 Update It’s a Go and You’re InvIted! St. Ignatius of Antioch Expansion Project Groundbreaking Ceremony & Mass of Thanksgiving When: Sunday April 18, 2021 Where: St. Ignatius of Antioch Groundbreaking: 9:30 AM Mass: 10:00 AM Fr. Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P., executive director of the Interfaith Peace Project. Tom was ordained in 1972 for the Passionist Religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church, and is recognized for his scriptural scholarship. “A man of vision, Tom’s programs are less about learning of differences and similarities in religions, and more about understanding, respecting and connecting to all humankind.” — George D’Angelo, Ph.D., Founder, UN International Day of Peace Vigil. RACISM Until Black Women Are Free, None of Us Will Be Free

Join Us Online! Exploring the intersection of April 20, 2021 racism, sexism, gender bias, class, and economic disparity, Black 7:00-8:00 pm Women’s American experience or illustrates the systemic nature of April 21, 2021 racism and the ill effects of such 10:30-11:30 am oppression on society. We will $15 explore this painful history from a RSVP by April 19 Womanist perspective. This session Racism: Until Black reviews and continues our reflection Women are free, None of Us will be free – CES on the article: My Body is a Event (myshopify.com) Confederate Monument*.

Link for the series will be sent the * Article will be sent to those who register. day before the first session.

Call us for more information at (510) 933-6360 SPONSORED BY: During these uncertain times, we are offering a sliding scale. When you are registering, please choose the cost that best suits your needs. Donations gratefully accepted. This will help support the ongoing www.msjdominicans.org work of the Center for Education facebook.com/dominicansistersofmsj and Spirituality.

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Our Mission Founded in 1935 to serve people Catholic Charities East Bay works with youth, children, and families to who reside within the Diocese of promote resilience, strengthen families, and pursue safety and justice Oakland. for all. An affiliate of Catholic Charities, What we do USA, one of the largest social We provide housing, legal immigration, and mental health services services networks in the country to people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, and faiths. Our Locations Our Programs Oakland- 433 Jefferson St Housing: we provide low-income families and seniors facing eviction Richmond- 217 Harbour Way and homelessness with back rent, security deposits, and utility Concord- 2120 Diamond Blvd #220 assistance in Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties. Contact Us (510)579-3100 Immigration Legal Services: We help clients earn lawful working status and follow a path to citizenship through Legal Consultations, Family-Based Visa Petitions, Permanent Residency Application and Our Impact in 2020 Renewal, U.S. Citizenship, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Unaccompanied Minors, and more. • 36,000 people received essential services. Mental Health: Experience Hope in Schools and Communities – We work with • 914 households received students, schools, and community groups serving young people, to housing assistance. provide culturally responsive approaches to overcome the challenges presented by pervasive violence at schools in Oakland Unified and West • 23,570 people were provided Contra Costa Unified School Districts. food during our food distributions. Day Star – We provide education and mentoring to connect youth who are surviving or are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC) to • 463 people were helped enter adult mentors, to increase awareness, and to decrease demand. the path to citizenship.

Crisis Response Services –We provide grief counseling and family • 10,000 people helped with $500 support services to surviving family/friends of loved ones lost to gift cards totaling $5 million in homicide in Oakland. assistance (DRAI, funded by the State of California). Family Support Services – We work with parents and children referred to us by Contra Costa County Children & Family Service to • 54 families received support strengthen families, improve child well-being, and help children stay services who had lost loved ones safely with their families in their home. due to homicide.

TRUE Academy – We help young people (ages 14 to 18) within the • 84 families received in-depth Alameda County juvenile justice system learn strategies to safely and services who were referred to us productively think and respond in situations of stress, fear, and conflict. by Contra Costa County Family and Children Services.