RESPONSORIAL PSALM Any Familiar Setting of Psalm 112 (Or Another Appropriate Penitential Psalm) May Be Used

Home , Benedict Joseph Labre, Lidwina, Priests for Life

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April 2017

Important Dates Table of Contents ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chrism Mass 1. Office of Stewardship & Development: April 11, 2017 at 7:30 pm  April Offertory Report St. Maria Goretti Church Madison 2. Office of Worship:  Exam, Presider, Penance service Easter Vigil  Lent Calendar 2017 April 15, 2017  Lenten Prayer at HNH  Lenten Reading Transitional Diaconate Ordination  Lectionary Supplement April 18, 2017 at 6:30 pm  Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving Immaculate Heart of Mary Church  Pope Francis Lenten Message Monona  Easter Triduum at Home

 April Saints Knights of Columbus Annual Appreciation Mass and Dinner 3. Office of Vocations: April 25, 2017 at 6:00 pm  Veni Si Amas Retreat St. Mary Parish, Platteville 4. Office of Evangelization & Catechesis: Presbyteral Ordination  New Evangelization Summit Poster June 30, 2017 at 7:30 pm St. Maria Goretti Church 5. Office of the Vicar General: Madison  Handbook Changes  April Intercessions for Life Presbyteral Assembly XXXVII September 17-20, 2017 6. Priest for Life Chula Vista Resort Wisconsin Dells 7. Impact

mostly silent retreat for single catholic women age 18-32 You Are Invited! A retreat especially designed for you with the Cistercian Nuns and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF teaches St. Ignatius’ discernment process in understanding God’s will for your life.

th Saturday, April 29 , at Valley of Our Lady Monastery, Prairie du Sac, WI. Begins with 8:00 am Mass (optional) and closes with 5:00 pm prayer. The Sisters and Nuns will gladly take time for questions and answers. There is no cost for the retreat, but registration required. Visit https://fscc-calledtobe.org/ 2016/2017 Monthly Report of Offertory Income

Parish Name: ______City: ______

Prepared By: ______

Daytime Phone: ______Email Address: ______

Diocesan Sponsored Program:  Offertory only  Time, Talent, and Treasure

 Not currently participating in a program

Month of April, 2017

Weekends Offertory Included Income

This month in April 1-8, 8-9, 15-16, 2017: 22-23, 29-30 $ four weekends

This month in April 2-3, 9-10, 2016: 16-17, 23-24 $ four weekends

Offertory Total Increase \ $ Decrease:

Percentage  Increase %  Decrease

Please email, fax, or mail this report to Office of Stewardship & Development.

If you would like to receive this form in an electronic version by e-mail, or have any other questions please contact:

Office of Stewardship & Development Diocese of Madison Office of Stewardship and Development Phone - 608-821-3039 Fax - 608-709-7610 E-mail – [email protected]

The Rich Man & Lazarus

A Communal Penance Service for Lent 2017 Diocese of Madison

This year’s Penance Service is based upon the Holy Father’s Lenten Message for 2017.

Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive. (Lenten Message, 2017)

GENERAL INFORMATION The Rite of Penance is available separately or as part II of The Rites of the Catholic Church. A study edition, which includes the texts of all of the options for prayers and readings, is available from the USCCB. The outline below is for a Lenten Penance Service. See appendix II of the Rite of Penance or the study edition for suggestions and examples of other services, including services for children, young people, and the sick. If you adapt this service for your parish, be sure that the major elements are retained. Every penance service should include:

 Scripture readings (one Old Testament and / or one New Testament reading, a Psalm, and Gospel)  Examination of Conscience  Act of contrition and general confession of sins  Individual confessions and individual absolution  Proclamation of praise for God’s mercy

As a reminder, it is not permissible to use Form III at these liturgies. Contact the Office of Worship at (608) 821-3080 for assistance or more information. MUSICAL SUGGESTIONS The music provided in the leaflet is intended to assist in the celebration of Lenten Penance services. It is familiar to most Catholics. Other music may be selected that is familiar to the parish. Contact the Office of Worship if you would like assistance.

OPENING HYMN Lord, who throughout these forty days is printed in the leaflet and is in most standard hymnals. It is in the public domain and needs no copyright acknowledgment. Other appropriate songs and hymns may be used, such as

 I heard the voice of Jesus say  Love divine, all loves excelling  Forgive our sins  The glory of these forty days  What wondrous love is this  The Master came to bring Good News  Amazing grace  Seek the Lord  Parce Domine

Most hymnals have a “Penance” or “Reconciliation” section noted in the table of contents or index.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Any familiar setting of Psalm 112 (or another appropriate penitential Psalm) may be used. The suggested Responsorial Psalm is the appointed Psalm for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (cycle A). It also is found in the Psalter section of most hymnals.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION It is best to use the acclamation used most regularly during Lent in your parish.

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE There’s a wideness in God’s mercy works well for this and is in most standard hymnals. Any other hymn or psalm that praises God for his mercy and forgiveness is also appropriate. The Rite of Penance also includes a number of spoken options. Contact the Office of Worship if you need assistance.

MUSIC DURING CONFESSIONS Instrumental music is always appropriate and helpful as people are going to individual confession.

ELECTRONIC FILES If you would like an electronic copy of the Presider Book, Examination of Conscience, or the People’s Leaflet, please visit the diocesan web page (http://www.madisondiocese.org/penance). If you want to customize our material for your parish, please call or email the Office of Worship.

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE You may use the one provided or one of your choosing. Additional Examinations are available on our diocesan website (http://www.madisondiocese.org/penance).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Visit our website at www.madisondiocese.org/penance.

2 Introductory Rites

HYMN OR SONG (All stand)

GREETING

Presider: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

Presider: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. All: And with your spirit.

See The Rite of Penance, nos. 49 and 94-96 for alternative greetings.

INTRODUCTION

The priest offers an introduction and may use these words.

Presider: Dear friends, Lent is the season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. Let us pray for the grace of a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.1

Pause for silent prayer

1 Pope Francis, Lenten Message 2017. 3 OPENING PRAYER Source: Rite of Penance, no. 100

Presider: Father of mercies and God of all consolation, you do not wish the sinner to die but to be converted and live. Come to the aid of your people, that they may turn from their sins and live for you alone. May we be attentive to your word, confess our sins, receive your forgiveness, and be always grateful for your loving kindness. Help us to live the truth in love and grow into the fullness of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

For other forms of the Opening Prayer, see The Rite of Penance, nos.50, and 97-100.

4 Celebration of the Word of God See The Rite of Penance, nos. 101-201 for other texts.

See pages 11-12 of this presider book for the Scripture readings.

READING (All sit) Micah 6:6-8 Do the right and love goodness; walk humbly with God.

PSALM Psalm 112 The just man is a light in darkness to the upright. The suggested Responsorial Psalm is the appointed Psalm for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (cycle A). It also is found in the Psalter section of most hymnals.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (All stand)

GOSPEL Luke 16:19-31 You received what was good, Lazarus what was bad; now he is comforted, whereas you are tormented.

HOMILY (All sit)

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

See the attached handout or The Rite of Penance, appendix III.

5 Rite of Reconciliation

GENERAL CONFESSION OF SINS (All stand)

(For additional texts, see The Rite of Penance nos. 54 and 202-205.)

Presider: Brothers and sisters, let us call to mind the goodness of God our Father, and acknowledge our sins, so that we may receive his merciful forgiveness.

[All kneel.]

All: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

And, striking their breast, continue:

through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

[All stand for the litany.]

6 Presider: Jesus Christ is the victor over sin and death: in his mercy may he pardon our offences against God and reconcile us with the Church we have wounded by our sins.

The litany may be led by the priest, deacon, cantor, or lector.

Healer of our body and soul, bind up the wounds of our hearts, Response: that our lives may grow strong through grace.

Help us to strip ourselves of sin, and put on the new life of grace.

Redeemer of the world, give us the spirit of penance and a deeper devotion to your Passion, so that we may have a fuller share in your risen glory.

May your Mother, the refuge of sinners, intercede for us, and ask you in your goodness to pardon our sins.

You forgave the woman who repented, show us also your mercy.

You brought back the lost sheep on your shoulders, pity us and lead us home.

You promised paradise to the good thief. take us with you into your Kingdom.

You died for us and rose again, make us share in your death and resurrection.

Presider: Let us ask God our Father to forgive our sins and to bring us to forgive those who sin against us.

All: Our Father . . .

7 Presider: Lord, draw near to your servants who in the presence of your Church confess that they are sinners. Through the ministry of the Church free them from all sin so that renewed in spirit they may give you thankful praise. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. All: Amen.

INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

The presider or another minister announces the stations for confession. Please encourage those assembled to remain until the end of the penance service. You may use these or similar words: “Please remain with the community of penitents after going to confession. Pray for your brothers and sisters who are present, and those who could not be with us. After we have all confessed and received absolution for our sins, we will celebrate the forgiveness of our merciful God.”

Individual priests assign a penance to the penitent.

8 PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE FOR GOD’S MERCY (All stand)

Presider: Brothers and sisters, The Lord has remembered his mercy. [Let us praise God in song.]

If a psalm, canticle, or song is not sung, a psalm may be recited. See The Rite of Penance no. 206 for additional texts.

CONCLUDING PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Source: Rite of Penance, no. 211

For additional texts, see The Rite of Penance nos. 57 and 207-211.

Presider: Lord Jesus Christ, your loving forgiveness knows no limits. You took our human nature to give us an example of humility and to make us faithful in every trial. May we never lose the gifts you have given us, but if we fall into sin lift us up by your gift of repentance, for you live and reign for ever and ever. All: Amen.

9 Concluding Rite

BLESSING & DISMISSAL

Presider: May the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son,  and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you for ever. All: Amen.

Presider: [Be merciful, just as your heavenly Father is merciful.] Go in peace. All: Thanks be to God.

A closing hymn is not necessary, but may be sung.

Excerpts from the English translation of the Rite of Penance copyright © 1974 International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Excerpts from the Roman Missal are copyright © International Commission on English in the Liturgy.

10 First Reading Micah 6:6-8

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah.

ith what shall I come before the LORD, Wand bow before God most high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriad streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my crime, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

The word of the Lord.

11 Gospel Luke 16:19-31

 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

esus said to the Pharisees: J “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 angels 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.’”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Excerpt from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. 12 From a 10th-century illuminated manuscript depicting the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Reader Help us to strip ourselves of sin, All and put on the new life of grace.

Redeemer of the world, give us the spirit of penance and a deeper devotion to your Passion, so that we may have a fuller share in your risen glory.

May your Mother, the refuge of sinners, intercede for us, and ask you in your goodness to pardon our sins.

You forgave the woman who repented, show us also your mercy.

You brought back the lost sheep on your shoulders, pity us and lead us home.

You promised paradise to the good thief. take us with you into your Kingdom.

You died for us and rose again, make us share in your death and resurrection.

At the conclusion of the litany: Our Father . . .

INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

All are encouraged to remain in the church after your individual confession and absolution, praying with and for those who are present, as well as those not gathered.

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE FOR GOD’S MERCY

CONCLUDING PRAYER

BLESSING & DISMISSAL

COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE

Diocese of Madison | Lent 2017 Introductory Rites Celebration of the Word of God

HYMN Lord, who throughout these forty days READING Micah 6:6-8

Do the right and love goodness; walk humbly with God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 112

The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

GOSPEL Luke 16:19-31

You received what was good, Lazarus what was bad; now he is comforted, whereas you are tormented.

HOMILY

Rite of Reconciliation

GENERAL CONFESSION OF SINS (stand)

Following the invitation, all kneel and pray together:

GREETING I confess to almighty God

Presider: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and to you, my brothers and sisters... and the Lord Jesus Christ. LITANY (stand) All: And with your spirit. Presider Jesus Christ is the victor over sin and death: in his mercy may he par- COLLECT don our offences against God and reconcile us with the Church we have wounded by our sins.

Reader Healer of our body and soul, bind up the wounds of our hearts, All that our lives may grow strong through grace.

Continued on next page

Lust Diocese of Madison  Lent 2017 • Am I faithful to my spouse? Do I live a chaste life? Do I accept the Church’s Examination of Conscience teaching regarding human sexuality? • Do I view pornography? Do I objectify others for my sexual pleasure? Do I make sexually suggestive comments to others? Do I avoid temptation? The Seven Capital Sins Anger According to Church Doctrine, there are Seven Capital (or Deadly) Sins. Aside from • Do I take the Lord’s name in vain? Do I make oaths in his name? Do I commit each being sinful in itself, these deadly sins are also a gateway to greater sin. This ex- violence in his name? amination of conscience seeks to reflect upon our lives in light of these deadly sins. • Do I verbally, emotionally or physically abuse others? Am I a bully? • Am I quick to yell at others? Do I really listen to others before responding? Pride • Has my anger turned to hate? Has the political turmoil in our country caused me to • Am I humble before God? Do I love God above all things? Do I seek to draw clos- hate and become unforgiving of people with whom I disagree? • Do I spread rumors about others or discuss them in a negative way? er to him each and every day? Do I acknowledge that without God I am nothing? Do I fear and respect God? • Do I pray frequently? Do I try to listen to God through Scripture? Do I seek God’s Gluttony help? Do I wrongly assume my will is also God’s will? Do I blame God for my • Do I take care of my body, a temple of the Holy Spirit? Do I frequently overin- problems? dulge? Do I take care to remain mentally and spiritually healthy? Do I have an ad- • Am I humble in all things? Am I willing to admit I’m wrong? Am I willing to ask diction to alcohol, drugs or anything else? for God’s mercy? Am I willing to seek the forgiveness of those I have wronged? • Am I wasteful? Am I willing to share and assist with others in need? Do I do my • Do I honor and care for my parents? part in preserving the environment?

• Do I look down on others? Do I respect others, even those of other races, societies, and economic situations? Envy • Have I accepted the Church’s teachings on respect for all life including the un- • Am I jealous of others? Am I quick to judge others? born, the elderly and sick, the poor and vulnerable, immigrants and refugees, and • Am I grateful for the gifts God has given me, or do I constantly complain about condemned criminals? what I don’t have? • Do I rejoice in others’ achievements or do I rejoice when others fail or are • Am I preoccupied with what others have and I do not have? wronged? Do I expect the best or the worst from other people? from myself? Am I • Do I judge others based upon the possessions, skin color, political affiliation, etc.? willing to forgive others, even those who don’t ask for forgiveness? • Do I humbly consider others as more important than myself (see. Philippians Sloth 2:3)? Or does the world revolve around me and my problems? • Do I put in an honest day’s work? Am I willing to help others? • Do I spend too much time in front of the computer or TV? Do I put my free time Covetousness at the service to others? Do I spend enough time with my spouse and children? • Do I covet the possessions or popularity of others? Have I taken something that • Do I expect others to do things for me? belongs to another? • Have I missed Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass? Have I missed Mass on a holy • Have I destroyed someone’s reputation? Do I gossip? lie? cheat? day of obligation? Do I participate fully in Mass? • Am I willing to place my money and possessions, to the extent that I can, in ser- • Do I go to confession at least once a year? Do I confess all of my sins? Do I ask vice to the poor? God for mercy and forgiveness daily? Daily Inspiration for Your Lenten Journey • March 1–April 15 • www.usccb.org/lent Lent 2017 GIVE UP, TAKE UP, LIFT UP!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

During Lent, take inspiration from the words of St. Paul March 1 March 2 March 3 March 4 (2 Cor 8:9), and contemplate his invitation to live a life of Ash Wednesday— evangelical poverty. Embrace the Lord’s call to being the Lent Begins As Lent begins, consider Learn about lectio divina, This weekend, learn blessed poor by “giving up” material things, including food, participating in Catholic a method for praying about and give to the superfluous to your basic needs; “taking up” charitable habits In many parishes today, Relief Services’ Rice Bowl with the Scriptures, and Collection for Black & directed to helping and caring for others; and “lifting up” those the Collection for the Program to help you pray, look for links on this Indian Missions. in need through giving alms, through praying for others, and by Church in Central & fast, and give. Download calendar to lectio divina participating in devotional practices. Eastern Europe is taken the Rice Bowl app to help guides for the Sundays up. Please give! Meditate you along! in Lent. Fortify your Lenten journey with the words of the church fathers on today’s Mass readings and Pope Francis featured on this calendar, and contemplate the with a lectio divina guide. suggestions for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

March 5 March 6 March 7 March 8 March 9 March 10 March 11

First Sunday of Lent Pray for the elect who will Today, we remember two In honor of St. John of Remember today St. The 40 days of Lent are “The duty of fasting is Deepen your be baptized at Easter, and early Christian martyrs, God’s feast day today, Frances of Rome, known a good time to work rendered acceptable to understanding of today’s learn how catechists pre- Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, pray for those who are for her great charity on personal discipline. God when it is made readings with this lectio pare them to be received who are always men- ill and in hospitals. St. during epidemics and Strengthen your disci- perfect by the fruits divina guide. into the Church through tioned together because John of God was devoted civil war. In honor of St. pline by giving something of charity.” the Rite of Christian their close friendship and to caring for the sick Frances, pray for all those up or by doing something Initiation of Adults. faith. Read about these and needy. who are marginalized. extra, such as spending (St. John Cassian, saints and learn more. more time in prayer or Institutes, 5.35) volunteering more. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY March 12 March 13 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 17 March 18 Second Sunday of Lent Today is the fourth “You are a vessel; but as “If you have fasted two “Fortitude is strength- St. Patrick, the apostle to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Deepen your anniversary of Pope yet you are full. Pour out or three days, do not ened by infirmities, and Ireland, wrote, “Our way said, “Strive cheerfully; understanding of today’s Francis’s election as what you have, that you think yourself better than calamity is very often the to repay God is to exalt for nothing is lost. readings with this lectio Supreme Pontiff. Take may receive what you others who do not fast. discipline of virtue.” him and confess his won- Every prayer of yours, divina guide. time today to pray for have not.” You fast and are angry; ders before every nation every psalm you sing is him and to thank God for another eats and wears a (Minucius Felix, under heaven.” recorded. Every alms, the gift of his papacy. (St. Augustine, Homilies smiling face.” Octavius, 36) every fast is recorded.” on the First Epistle of (St. Patrick, Confession, 3) John, 2.9) (St. Jerome, Letters, 22.37) (Catechetical Lectures, 15.23)

March 19 March 20 March 21 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 25

Third Sunday of Lent Solemnity of St. Joseph, Solemnity of the Spouse of the Bl. “Humility is the earning “The things that pertain Today, we mark the feast “Christ saved men Annunciation of Deepen your Virgin Mary of glory, glory the reward to sobriety and tem- day of St. Turibius of not with thunder and the Lord understanding of today’s of humility.” perance must be more Mogrovejo, a Spanish- lightning, but as a wailing readings with this lectio (celebration transferred Today is the Solemnity from Sunday) diligently observed at this born evangelizer who babe in the manger and divina guide. (St. Augustine, Tractates season, so that a lasting was sent as a missionary as a silent sufferer upon of the Annunciation of the Lord, celebrating the St. Joseph, the model on the Gospel of John, habit may be contracted to Peru and opened the the cross.” incarnation of Christ of humility, and one of 104.3) from a brief zeal.” first seminary in the New in Mary’s womb. It’s a our greatest saints, is World. In his honor, pray (St. Jerome, Letters, 82.1) great day to pray the known for his silence. (St. Leo the Great, for vocations. Sermons, 68.4) Magnificat, the Canticle Read about the poignant of Mary. silence of Joseph. March 26 March 27 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1

Fourth Sunday of Lent It’s tempting to make Lent “Lent is a favorable When confronted with Have you been to Lent helps us concentrate “Jesus wants evangelizers Deepen your some ambitious period season for opening the your own weakness confession yet during this on renewing aspects of who proclaim the good understanding of today’s of personal reinvention, doors to all those in need during Lent, don’t give in Lent? If you haven’t been our lives that are less news not only with readings with this but it’s best to keep it and recognizing in them to anger, frustration, and in a while, here’s how to than Christ-like. We words, but above all by lectio divina guide, and simple and focused. After the face of Christ.” self-pity. Be patient, and rediscover the Sacrament think of Christ’s suffering a life transfigured by remember to support all, Lent comes every see yourself as God does, of Penance. and Death—and how he God’s presence.” today’s CRS Collection. year and we spend our (Pope Francis, Message with unconditional love. always did his Father’s entire lives growing closer for Lent 2017) will—and join in these (Pope Francis, Evangelii to God. mysteries by our own Gaudium, no. 259) sacrifice of self-denial. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY April 2 April 3 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 8 Fifth Sunday of Lent “There is a joy that is Today, we remember St. Today is St. Vincent “The word of God helps St. John Baptist de la “In every act we do, Deepen your affliction; misery is Isidore of Seville, patron Ferrer’s feast day. In us to open our eyes to Salle is the patron saint in every step we take, understanding of today’s hidden within it. There is of a medium that didn’t honor of this great 14th welcome and love life, of teachers. He gave up a let our hand trace the readings with this lectio a misery that is profit; it exist when he lived, the century missionary, especially when it is weak life of wealth to found the Lord’s cross.” divina guide. is a fountain of joys in the Internet! Read what Pope pray that all Catholics and vulnerable.” Christian Brothers, which new world.” Benedict XVI has to say respond to the call for opened free schools for (St. Jerome, Letters, 22.37) about this saint. missionary discipleship. (Pope Francis, Message the poor. (St. Ephrem of Syria, for Lent 2017) Nisibene Hymns, 4.13)

April 9 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 15

Palm Sunday of the Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Passion of the Lord Holy Week is here. Reflect “The Eucharist, although Lent officially ends on how God’s grace has it is the fullness of tomorrow as the Mass of “To encounter the living The Franciscans take care “We, by Baptism, are Deepen your helped you to live your sacramental life, is not the Last Supper begins. God it is necessary to ten- of the places in the Holy immersed in that inex- understanding of Lenten promises to give a prize for the perfect Plan to participate in derly kiss Jesus’ wounds Land where Jesus walked haustible source of life the Passion Sunday up, take up, and lift up but a powerful medicine the Stations of the Cross in our hungry, poor, sick and care for the living which is the death of readings with this lectio during this journey and nourishment for and the moving liturgies and incarcerated brothers stones—Christians— Jesus, the greatest act of divina guide. through the desert to the the weak.” of the Triduum in and sisters.” who live today. Please love in all of history.” foot of the Cross. your parish. give today to the Holy (Pope Francis, Homily, (Pope Francis, Audience, (Pope Francis, Evangelii Land Collection. Gaudium, no. 47) July 3, 2013) Jan. 8, 2014)

April 16 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord— He Has Risen!

Mediate on the Exsultet, The Triduum the Proclamation of Easter, and read The summit of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum—from the a commentary on evening of Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Though chronologically its meaning. three days, they are liturgically one day, unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

This calendar may be printed and distributed without charge in its original format only for personal and institutional use. No other use of the copyrighted content is permitted. Copyright © 2017, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Photos: CNS/Sam Lucero, The Compass (page 1), CNS/Nancy Wiechec (page 3). Pope Francis quotes, copyright © 2013, 2014, 2017, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City State. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Lent at Holy Name Heights Prayer Opportunities for Employees, Residents & Guests

The Celebration of Mass ______Ash Wednesday Mass (March 1) at noon with Bishop Morlino Mass also is celebrated at noon daily (Monday-Friday) in the Holy Name Memorial Chapel. We will not celebrate Mass on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday (April 13-17)

Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ______The Blessed Sacrament is exposed daily (Monday-Friday) in the Holy Name Memorial Chapel from 9:00-11:45 a.m. Adoration will not take place on Good Friday and Easter Monday (April 14 & 17)

The Sacrament of Penance ______Confessions will be heard from 11:30-11:50 on Thursdays in the chapel.

Stations of the Cross ______Stations of the Cross will be prayed on the Wednesdays of Lent (March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5) at 4:15 p.m. in the chapel. Spiritual Reading for Lent Diocese of Madison Office of Worship (608) 821-3080 | [email protected] www.madisondiocese.org/worship

A Crucified Christ in Holy Week. the reader that “one should not read Scripture in an Rev. Raymond E. Brown. academic way, but with prayers, saying to the Lord, Liturgical Press. ‘Help me understand your Word, what is it that you want to tell me in this passage.’” This book, compiled Scripture scholar Fr. Raymond Brown shares reflec- of short quotes from many homilies, talks and writ- tions on the Passion Gospels. This short book is very ings, is very readable and teaches ways of reading accessible and offers wise insights into the Gospels of Scripture to Catholics. Holy Week.

Daily Lenten Meditations: Prayerful Reflections The Name of God is Mercy. Pope Francis. Random House. from (Saint) John Paul II. Liturgy Training Publications. In this conversation with Vatican reporter Andrea

Daily meditations from Saint Pope John Paul’s writ- Tornielli, Francis explains—through memories from ings, talks and homilies provide a way to enter more his youth and moving anecdotes from his experiences deeply into the season of Lent. as a pastor—why “mercy is the first attribute of God.” God “does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is Lent & Easter with the Church Fathers. infinitely greater than our sins,” he writes. As well, Marco Pappalardo. the Church cannot close the door on anyone, Francis Libreria Editrice Vaticana / USCCB Publishing. asserts—on the contrary, its duty is to go out into the world to find its way into the consciousness of people This book aims “to present with great simplicity the so that they can assume responsibility for, and move thoughts and meditations of some of the Church Fa- away from, the bad things they have done. (Description thers writings” as a source of reflection during Lent from Amazon.com) and Easter. Each day has a brief (250-300 word) re-

flection from the writings of the early saints of the Church. The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison. Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuân. Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom. Pauline Books & Media.

Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi. Vietnamese Cardinal Thuân (1928-2002) was named Barnes & Noble. the Coadjutor Archbishop of Saigon on April 23,

This book is a collection of hundreds of inspiring quo- 1975, less than a week before it fell to North Vietnam- tations from (Saint) Mother Teresa. The selections in ese forces, ending 20 years of war. He and many oth- this book are drawn largely from her spoken words ers were sent to “re-education camps” where he spent and are both simple and profound in the wisdom and the next nine years, often in isolation. The Archbishop truth. (Description adapted from book jacket) knew that he could not give up, so a young boy who visited him everyday smuggled out his messages of Pope Benedict XVI: The Word of God. hope and encouragement which were circulated United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. among the people. This book is a collection of these

Pope Benedict XVI is one of the world’s great theolo- messages. gians and scholars. In this book, however, he reminds LECTIONARY FOR MASS SUPPLEMENT COMING APRIL 1, 2017

The new Lectionary for Mass Supplement will be available beginning April 1, 2017 and may be used immediately upon purchase. Three publishers have produced ritual editions: . Catholic Book Publishing www.catholicbookpublishing.com $21.95 . The Liturgical Press www.litpress.org $39.95 . Liturgy Training Publications www.ltp.org $29.95

A Brief History The first edition of the Lectionary for Mass was released soon after Vatican II (1969) and followed the Council’s mandate to “open up the treasures of Sacred Scripture more lavishly so that a richer fare may be provided to the faithful at the table of God’s word” (SC 51). New liturgical celebrations were added over the years both in the General Roman Calendar (GRC) and the Proper Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America. On December18, 2001, after the promulgation of the third typical edition of the Roman Missal, the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments inscribed additional saints into the GRC and provided Mass formularies, Lectionary citations, and texts for the Liturgy of the Hours.

The publication of the current four-volume Lectionary (1998-2002) included all the Saints and Blesseds of the time. Even more names quickly followed. In 2015, the USCCB’s Secretariat for Divine Worship began to compile all the updated additions and corrections. At its meeting in June 2015, the Committee for Divine Worship formally approved the publication of a supplement. Citations from the supplement will be appropriately incorporated into ordos and participation aids over the course of the next year.

What does the Supplement contain? The readings for: . Optional memorials for recently-added saints (for a complete list, see BCDW Newsletter, September 2016) . Day of Prayer for the Legal protection of Unborn Children (Lectionary #516 A) . Ritual Mass for Celebrating Marriage – Added the missing Ephesians 4:1-6 (802.5a) . Masses for Various Needs and Occasions – consolidated the readings and psalms for the “Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (947 A to 947 E) . Votive Masses – The Mercy of God (968A); Our Lady Queen of Apostles ( 1002-111); St. John the Baptist (1003A) Emendations to existing Lectionary citations . Twelve alterations (out of the 1,026 citations in the Four-volume Lectionary for Mass). Seven are technical adjustments, reflecting recent canonizations or transfer of date. The readings themselves are not altered. . Three enhancements by reading suggestions offered by the Holy See . Reading suggestions and change of title for St. Juan Diego (December 9) . Pentecost Sunday: At the Vigil Mass – proper Psalms have been added; the our Old Testament readings given in order (62) . Proper of Saints – updated citations account for canonizations since 2002, transfer of liturgical celebrations to new dates, and the additions of suggested readings

Please see the September 2016 issue of the BCDW Newsletter for details of the adjustments which will have to be made to the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States (for January 22 and Pentecost Sunday).  RT

FDLC Newsletter  February 2017 Page 6

Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving Some suggestions for Observing the Season of Lent

Diocese of Madison Office of Worship | Lent 2017

ent is a time for Catholics to pray for those entering the Church at the Easter Vigil and to prepare our- L selves for Easter by recalling our own baptism and through penance. The three traditional penitential practices are prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving to those in need). Ideally, we do at least one thing in each of these three categories. The goal of this is to show our love of God by denying ourselves of earthly pleasures (or getting rid of sinful behavior), through prayer, and by loving our neighbor. Throughout the season we pray for the gift of conversion so that we truly turn away from evil and turn toward the Risen Lord. Below are some suggestions for Lent 2017. Prayer Fasting ♦ Pray every day. If you don’t have a regular routine, there is ♦ Fast from a favorite food for all of no better time to start than Lent. Lent. ♦ Say grace or another prayer of thanks at every meal— ♦ Fast from gossip, talking behind a breakfast, lunch and dinner. person’s back, lying or calling people ♦ Pray daily for your pastor and fellow parishioners. names. Even if you fail, keep trying. ♦ Pray for people that you strongly dislike (by name, if you ♦ Fast from going out for coffee or a can). Ask God to bless them and to grant you the grace to meal at least one day each week of see and love in them what he sees and loves. Lent. Save the money that you would ♦ Go to daily Mass once or twice a week (in addition to Sun- have spent and donate to a charitable day Mass). If you can’t do this, read the daily Mass Scrip- organization at the end of Lent. tures. Go to www.usccb.org for each day’s readings. ♦ Fast from “screen time” at least once ♦ Go to confession. Even if it has been awhile, it’s not scary! a week. Leave your phone off for an The priest will help you if you need it. You’ll feel like a hour or two. Find a useful way to use new person! that time to better your soul. ♦ ♦ Read a spiritual book during Lent. Go to Fast from making angry comments www.madisondiocese.org/lent for some suggestions. on social media or in conversation. Almsgiving ♦ Donate time or money to a charity or organization that directly helps people who are poor, sick or lonely. ♦ Use some of your time for others. Visit an elderly relative. Send a card to someone who may be lonely. Spend some quality time with your children and spouse or with friends. ♦ Give God’s joy to others. Speak to people who are sometimes “invisible” like store employees, cleaning staff, and others who you see each day. Remind yourself that they are made in God’s image and each one is precious in God’s eyes. Lenten Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2017 The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, and know him as someone familiar. He becomes a Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain face, and as such, a gift, a priceless treasure, a hu- goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This sea- man being whom God loves and cares for, despite son urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are his concrete condition as an outcast (cf. Homily, 8 asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel January 2016). 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow Lazarus teaches us that other persons are a gift. A in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful right relationship with people consists in gratefully friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he recognizing their value. Even the poor person at the patiently awaits our return; by that patient expecta- door of the rich is not a nuisance, but a summons to tion, he shows us his readiness to forgive (cf. Homi- conversion and to change. The parable first invites ly, 8 January 2016). us to open the doors of our heart to others because Lent is a favorable season for deepening our spiritual each person is a gift, whether it be our neighbor or life through the means of sanctification offered us by an anonymous pauper. Lent is a favorable season for the Church: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. At the opening the doors to all those in need and recogniz- basis of everything is the word of God, which during ing in them the face of Christ. Each of us meets peo- this season we are invited to hear and ponder more ple like this every day. Each life that we encounter is deeply. I would now like to consider the parable of a gift deserving acceptance, respect and love. The the rich man and Lazarus (cf. Lk 16:19-31). Let us word of God helps us to open our eyes to welcome find inspiration in this meaningful story, for it pro- and love life, especially when it is weak and vulnera- vides a key to understanding what we need to do in ble. But in order to do this, we have to take seriously order to attain true happiness and eternal life. It ex- what the Gospel tells us about the rich man. horts us to sincere conversion. 2. Sin blinds us 1. The other person is a gift The parable is unsparing in its description of the The parable begins by presenting its two main char- contradictions associated with the rich man (cf. v. acters. The poor man is described in greater detail: 19). Unlike poor Lazarus, he does not have a name; he is wretched and lacks the strength even to stand. he is simply called “a rich man”. His opulence was Lying before the door of the rich man, he fed on the seen in his extravagant and expensive robes. Purple crumbs falling from his table. His body is full of cloth was even more precious than silver and gold, sores and dogs come to lick his wounds (cf. vv. 20- and was thus reserved to divinities (cf. Jer 10:9) and 21). The picture is one of great misery; it portrays a kings (cf. Jg 8:26), while fine linen gave one an al- man disgraced and pitiful. most sacred character. The man was clearly ostenta- tious about his wealth, and in the habit of displaying The scene is even more dramatic if we consider that it daily: “He feasted sumptuously every day” (v. 19). the poor man is called Lazarus: a name full of prom- In him we can catch a dramatic glimpse of the cor- ise, which literally means God helps. This character ruption of sin, which progresses in three successive is not anonymous. His features are clearly delineated stages: love of money, vanity and pride (cf. Homily, and he appears as an individual with his own story. 20 September 2013). While practically invisible to the rich man, we see The Apostle Paul tells us that “the love of money is the root of all evils” (1 Tim 6:10). It is the main God. In fact, there was no place for God in his life. cause of corruption and a source of envy, strife and His only god was himself. suspicion. Money can come to dominate us, even to The rich man recognizes Lazarus only amid the tor- the point of becoming a tyrannical idol (cf. Evan- ments of the afterlife. He wants the poor man to alle- gelii Gaudium, 55). Instead of being an instrument at viate his suffering with a drop of water. What he our service for doing good and showing solidarity asks of Lazarus is similar to what he could have towards others, money can chain us and the entire done but never did. Abraham tells him: “During world to a selfish logic that leaves no room for love your life you had your fill of good things, just as and hinders peace. Lazarus had his fill of bad. Now he is being com- The parable then shows that the rich man’s greed forted here while you are in agony” (v. 25). In the makes him vain. His personality finds expression in afterlife, a kind of fairness is restored and life’s evils appearances, in showing others what he can do. But are balanced by good. his appearance masks an interior emptiness. His life The parable goes on to offer a message for all Chris- is a prisoner to outward appearances, to the most tians. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to superficial and fleeting aspects of existence (cf. warn his brothers, who are still alive. But Abraham ibid., 62). answers: “They have Moses and the prophets, let The lowest rung of this moral degradation is pride. them listen to them” (v. 29). Countering the rich The rich man dresses like a king and acts like a god, man’s objections, he adds: “If they will not listen forgetting that he is merely mortal. For those cor- either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be rupted by love of riches, nothing exists beyond their convinced even if someone should rise from the own ego. Those around them do not come into their dead” (v. 31). line of sight. The result of attachment to money is a The rich man’s real problem thus comes to the fore. sort of blindness. The rich man does not see the poor At the root of all his ills was the failure to heed man who is starving, hurting, lying at his door. God’s word. As a result, he no longer loved God and Looking at this character, we can understand why grew to despise his neighbor. The word of God is the Gospel so bluntly condemns the love of money: alive and powerful, capable of converting hearts and “No one can be the slave of two masters: he will ei- leading them back to God. When we close our heart ther hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the gift of God’s word, we end up closing our to the first and despise the second. You cannot be heart to the gift of our brothers and sisters. the slave both of God and of money” (Mt 6:24). Dear friends, Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in 3. The Word is a gift the sacraments and in our neighbor. The Lord, who The Gospel of the rich man and Lazarus helps us to overcame the deceptions of the Tempter during the make a good preparation for the approach of Easter. forty days in the desert, shows us the path we must The liturgy of Ash Wednesday invites us to an expe- take. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey rience quite similar to that of the rich man. When the of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of priest imposes the ashes on our heads, he repeats the God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in you shall return”. As it turned out, the rich man and need. I encourage all the faithful to express this spir- the poor man both died, and the greater part of the itual renewal also by sharing in the Lenten Cam- parable takes place in the afterlife. The two charac- paigns promoted by many Church organizations in ters suddenly discover that “we brought nothing into different parts of the world, and thus to favor the the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim culture of encounter in our one human family. Let us 6:7). pray for one another so that, by sharing in the victory of Christ, we may open our doors to the weak and We too see what happens in the afterlife. There the poor. Then we will be able to experience and share rich man speaks at length with Abraham, whom he to the full the joy of Easter. calls “father” (Lk 16:24.27), as a sign that he belongs to God’s people. This detail makes his life ap- From the Vatican, 18 October 2016 pear all the more contradictory, for until this moment there had been no mention of his relation to

Celebrating the Easter Triduum in your home

What is the Easter Triduum?

he word Triduum (pronounced Tríd-oo-oom), is from a Latin phrase for “Three Days.” During these days T the Church takes time to reflect and celebrate the Mystery that is the core of our Faith–Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. The three days actually cover four calendar days: Day One starts at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper and ends on Good Friday; Day Two covers Good Friday evening through Holy Saturday; Day Three begins with the Easter Vigil and concludes in the evening of Easter Sun- day. This is much likes days were ordered in the Hebrew tradition (from sundown to sundown rather than midnight to midnight).

Preparing for the Easter Triduum

hese are the holiest of days in the Church’s year. Ideally, they will be the holiest days in our house- T hold. Find out the dates & times when your parish is celebrating the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. Mark these dates and times in your calendar and–instead of at- tending if it fits into your schedule–try to plan other activities around these important and beautiful liturgies. Some parishes offer other smaller liturgical celebrations during the Triduum, for example Morning Prayer, Tenebrae, or the Blessing of Food. You may find these beneficial, too. If you will be traveling, visit the website of a local parish (or visit MassTimes.org) before you go and plan to attend at least some of the liturgies there. Put a crucifix or cross in a place that you will see often (for example, as a centerpiece for the kitchen table). Perhaps leave your Bible open to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ last earthly days (Matthew 26 and following, Mark 14 and following, Luke 22 and following, John 13 and following). Spend a little extra time on these Holy Days praying. Pray for your family and your parish. Pray for those who will receive the Easter Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at your parish. You can stop everything to pray, or you can offer short prayers while you are washing dishes, folding laundry, walking from the car to work, etc. You can use your own words or say something like this, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom,” “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” or “I adore you, O Christ, and bless you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Holy Thursday

ent ends with no formality sometime during the day on Holy Thursday. On Holy Thursday each par- L ish can celebrate only one Mass, called the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. It’s held in the evening just as Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples in the evening in the upper room. Plan to attend this Mass with your family if at all possible. This is one of the richest and most beautiful liturgies of the Church. We commemorate the Last Supper when Jesus instituted both the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The readings and prayers focus on these two great Sacraments. The pastor may wash the feet of a few people recalling what Jesus did. Since no Masses can be celebrated on Good Friday, many extra hosts are consecrated at this Mass and left on the altar after Holy Communion. The vessels with Holy Communion–the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ–are solemnly pro- cessed through the Church, accompanied by incense and candles. It is not taken to the usual tabernacle but to another place which we refer to as the Altar of Repose. Here, it is reserved in a tabernacle so that it may be taken to the sick at any time and may be consumed on Good Fri- day. It also gives people a chance to spend a moment in prayer before the Lord, fully present in the Sacrament. If you cannot participate in the Even- ing Mass, as a family read the Gospel for the evening and conclude by washing each other’s feet (this can even be done in a hotel room if you’re traveling). The readings of the day are available on the United States Bishops’ website (click here). Although the Lenten fast has ended, the Church encourages everyone to cele- The Last Supper. Fresco by Pietro Lorinzetti (c. 1280-1348). brate the “Paschal Fast,” which continues Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy). Public domain. until the Easter Vigil. Eat and drink spar- ingly, thinking of what the Lord has done for us as well as all of those who do not have access to nutritious food. Refrain from (or limit) screen time (TV, iPad, etc.) after the evening Mass. Spend time in prayer or reading Scripture, take time to talk with your family, visit someone who may be lonely, or call a relative. Think about what Holy Communion means to you and how you acknowledge Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.

  

Good Friday

n Good Friday we come face to face with the cost of sin. Jesus, who had no sin, had to carry the O burden of all of our sins and obediently suffer death. We don’t pretend that we don’t know the joy- ful end of the story, but today we contemplate the cost of that joy. The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion begins with the priest and ministers entering and the priest prostrating himself on the floor, in a gesture of total adoration for what the Lord has done. The liturgy is celebrated in three parts. The first is the Liturgy of the Word where we hear Isaiah’s prophesy of the suffering servant and then take up Jesus’ heart wrench- ing words, “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit,” joining our prayer to him. Each year we hear the Passion according to St. John which describes the events in such vivid language. The second part of the liturgy is the Veneration of the Cross. This was first practiced by the early Christians in Jerusalem. The liturgy actually was held on Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. Centuries later, this practice was adapted in Rome and other cities. We venerate the cross as the instrument of our salvation, for the cross bore our Sacred Victim. In so doing, we also adore Christ for his saving work. The final part of the liturgy is Holy Communion. No Masses are celebrated anywhere in the world on Good Friday. Catholics believe that the Mass presents again the Sacrifice of Christ. Today, we have re- presented that with our veneration. We receive hosts consecrated at the Holy Thursday evening Mass at this liturgy. If you cannot participate in a parish celebration, take some time to read together the Passion according to St. John (click here). If this seems to daunting, read chapter 19 of John’s Gospel. Put a crucifix or a cross on a table or counter where it will be seen to serve as a silent reminder of the day. Spend some time in quiet, reflecting on the crucifixion. Perhaps consider it from the perspective of one of the people men- tioned in the Gospel, such as Jesus, Mary, Simon of Cyrene, St. Peter, even Pontius Pilate. Consider what you can learn from them. Abstain from distractions. If you normally have the radio or TV on throughout the day, turn it off. As you do your normal day’s work it serves as a reminder that this is a solemn day. On Good Friday we abstain from meat and observe a strict fast.

  

Holy Saturday

n many ways, Holy Saturday is a day of preparation and waiting. The Easter Vigil is not celebrated until I night has fallen. This is a good time to dye Easter eggs, bake the lamb cake, and prepare the Easter bas- kets. If your parish has a blessing of food, take some of the ingredients of your Easter Brunch or Dinner (or, if you are going out to dine, some other food). Take some time to reflect on the Lord’s death and coming resurrection and pray for those who will be baptized and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

Easter & Beyond

he entire celebration of the Easter Vigil, considered to be the greatest of all Church feasts, must take T place during the night. Unlike a regular Saturday evening Mass, the rules for the Easter Vigil state that it may not begin until after dark (about 30-45 minutes after sunset). The Vigil begins outside, with only the Easter fire to serve as light. The large Easter Candle is lit. This candle serves as a symbol of Christ’s victory over darkness and it is used at baptisms and funerals throughout the year. As the priest lights the candle from the Easter Fire, he says, “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” One by one, everyone’s candle is lit, passed from person to person. It’s amazing to see how light the church becomes with only candlelight. The second part of the Easter Vigil is the Liturgy of the Word. It is extended at the Vigil and involves several Scripture readings, Psalms and prayers. These call to mind the story of our salvation. It literally begins, “In the beginning” with Creation, and continues as we hear of Abraham’s faithfulness, the Exodus out of Egypt, and the words of the Prophets speaking of God’s faithfulness. It comes to its culmination with the Gospel describing the faithful women visiting the Lord’s tomb and serving as the first witnesses to the Resurrection. The third part is called the Baptismal liturgy. On this night we baptize, confirm and give first Eucha- rist to adults who have been in the RCIA. We also welcome people baptized in another faith tradition. This is the perfect night for baptizing as we celebrate Christ’s own victory over death. The Christian, through baptism, is dead to sin and alive in Christ. Finally, in the fourth and final part of the Vigil, the first Eucharist of Easter is celebrated. Those who were baptized and confirmed or welcomed into the Church from another denomination, receive the Eu- charist for the first time. The Easter Sunday Mass is really a joyous extension of the Vigil. The victory has been won for us and all of the world is renewed! How best to celebrate Easter in the home? First, participate in the celebration of the Easter Vigil and/or Easter Sunday Mass. Wear your Easter best and come ready to sing “Alleluia!” Take some baptismal water home from church (churches sometimes have some ready or you can bring a small jar from home). You can use it throughout the year to bless yourself and your family on special days. Take part in fun activities such as Easter egg hunts, games with the kids, etc. If you gave up a favorite food or activity for Lent, Easter is the day to indulge yourself! Feast…today is the first of a 50 day feasts! The great thing about Easter is that it lasts for fifty days, until the celebration of Pentecost (June 4, 2017). Try to make the feast last! Have special treats for the family (candy, dessert, family activities) throughout the season for no other reason than to celebrate God’s goodness and mercy. Have a nice meal each Sunday of the Easter Season. Eat with family or friends or go out to dinner. Have a glass of wine. Keep in mind, we’re doing this because we still are celebrating Easter! Each Sunday, read one of the Gos- pel accounts of the Resurrection as a family (Matthew, chapter 28; Mark, chapter 16; Luke, chapter 24; John, chapter 20). Use a special dinner prayer during the Easter Season. If you don’t normally pray before meals, now is a great time to start.

If you have family traditions or suggestions for celebrating the liturgical year in your home, please email us at [email protected].

Diocese of Madison Office of Worship 702 S. High Point Road, Suite 225 | Madison, WI 53719 madisondiocese.org/worship | [email protected]

Sisters of St. FrancisVeniVeni of SiSi the AmasAmas Martyr Retreat RetreatSt. George ForFor singlesingle CatholicCatholic womenwomen agesages 1717--3030 Veni Si Amas RetreatAprilApril 2121 --2323 www.altonfranciscans.org/vocations/eventswww.altonfranciscans.org/vocations/events April 21-23, 2017 For Single Catholic Women ages 17-30 For more information or to register, visit: www.altonfranciscans.org/events Streaming to Madison, May 12-13 Bishop O’Connor Center, 702 S. High Point Rd [email protected] or 608-821-3160 April Catholic Saints

Source

 April 01: St. Hugh of Grenoble  April 02: St. Francis of Paola  April 03: St. Richard of Chichester  April 04: St. Isidore of Seville  April 05: St. Vincent Ferrer  April 06: Blessed Notker  April 07: St. John Baptist De La Salle  April 08: St. Julie Billiart  April 09: St. Waldetrudis  April 10: Blessed Anthony Neyrot  April 11: St. Stanislaus  April 12: St. Joseph Moscati  April 13: St. Martin  April 14: Blessed Lidwina  April 15: Blessed Damien of Molokai  April 16: St. Benedict Joseph Labre  April 17: St. Stephen Harding  April 18: Blessed Mary of the Incarnation  April 19: Blessed James Duckett  April 20: St. Agnes of Montepulciano  April 21: St. Anselm  April 22: St. Stoer & St. Caius  April 23: St. George  April 24: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen  April 25: St. Mark the Evangelist  April 26: St. Radbertus  April 27: St. Zita  April 28: St. Peter Chanel  April 29: St. Catherine of Siena  April 30: St. Pius V Wisconsin Pastoral Handbook Changes APRIL

PAGE CHANGE

E‐27 Priests CONNORS, Rev. Msgr. Terrence L. '75 Reminder: 188 Cannery Pl. #301

E‐41 Diocesan Offices/Agencies FINANCE Parish and School Financial Services Remove: Parish Chart of Accounts Consultant: Terri Cardamone

E‐42 Diocesan Offices and Agencies STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT Remove: Database Coord: Monica Trujillo WORD OF LIFE: APRIL 2017

Don’t miss the bulletin art on page three!

Intercessions for Life

April 2nd Fifth Sunday of Lent For those nearing the end of life: May the grace of God shine through the care of medical professionals, family, and friends; We pray to the Lord:

April 9th Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord For those who help women facing unexpected pregnancies: May God’s grace enable them to bring hope & help to the women they serve; We pray to the Lord: April 13th Holy Thursday For Catholics worldwide: May our love for the most vulnerable be strengthened by the grace of the Eucharist; We pray to the Lord:

April 16th Easter Sunday For those who struggle to find meaning in life: Through the grace of the Resurrection, may Christ fill them with hope and the assurance their lives are worth living; We pray to the Lord:

April 23rd Sunday of Divine Mercy For men and women afraid to confess their participation in abortion: May the assurance of God’s everlasting love give them courage to seek forgiveness; We pray to the Lord: April 30rd Third Sunday of Easter For the Church: May the living and enduring Word of God unite the faithful in heartfelt care for all human life; We pray to the Lord:

Recommended dates are provided, but you are welcome to use these quotes at any time. The QR codes to the right of each quote can be used in bulletins, newsletters, etc. When scanned with a smartphone, the QR codes will direct to the webpage where the referenced resource is located.

April 2nd “An old Irish proverb says, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.’ Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering.” Visit www.goo.gl/fvSEYp for 10 ways to care for loved ones approaching life’s end.

Caring for Loved Ones at Life’s End ORDER: English /Spanish USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, 2016-17 Respect Life Program BULLETIN INSERT: English /Spanish April 9th “An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that your friend knows you are thinking of her and supporting her.” Find out more in 10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting: www.goo.gl/MkBfb9.

10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting ORDER: English / Spanish USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, 2015–16 Respect Life Program BULLETIN INSERT: English / Spanish April 16th “Even among terminally ill patients, a request to die is nearly always a cry for help … [and] is often associated with a potentially treatable mental disorder such as depression or anxiety.”

Every Suicide is Tragic (www.goo.gl/KEXpR9) ORDER: English / Spanish USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, 2016–17 Respect Life Program BULLETIN INSERT: English / Spanish April 23rd “Be assured that it is never too late to seek God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and that ‘you can with sure hope entrust your child’ to the Father and his mercy (EV 99).”

Bridges of Mercy for Post-Abortion Healing (www.goo.gl/MpC7RG) ORDER: English / Spanish USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, 2016–17 Respect Life Program BULLETIN INSERT: English / Spanish

April 30th

“If we are filled with the love of God, a culture of encounter and solidarity will begin to bloom.”

Serene Attentiveness to God’s Creation (www.goo.gl/MpC7RG) ORDER: English / Spanish USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, 2016–17 Respect Life Program BULLETIN INSERT: English / Spanish

View, download, and order the 2016-2017 Respect Life Program materials! www.usccb.org/respectlife Copyright © 2017, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. WORD OF LIFE – APRIL 2017 Bulletin Art Recommended dates are provided, but you are welcome to use these images at any time. However, please do not alter the images in any way, other than the size. Thank you!

Sunday, April 23, 2017 x Download Image: English / Spanish x Bulletin Insert: English / Spanish (See right sidebar for additional formats.)

Sunday, April 30, 2017 x Download Image: English / Spanish x Bulletin Insert: English / Spanish (See right sidebar for additional formats.)

¡No te pierdas el arte para boletines en la página tres!

Intercesiones por la Vida

2 de abril 5º Domingo de Cuaresma Por los que están cerca del final de la vida: Que la gracia de Dios brille por medio del cuidado de los profesionales de la medicina, de familiares y amigos; roguemos al Señor:

9 de abril Domingo de Ramos en la Pasión del Señor Por quienes ayudan a las mujeres que enfrentan embarazos inesperados: para que la gracia de Dios les permita llevar esperanza y ayuda a las mujeres ellos sirven; roguemos al Señor:

13 de abril Jueves Santo Por los católicos en todo el mundo: Para que nuestro amor por los más vulnerables se vea fortalecido por la gracia de la Eucaristía; roguemos al Señor:

16 de abril Domingo de Pascua Por los que luchan por encontrarle sentido a la vida: para que por la gracia de la Resurrección, Cristo los colme de esperanza y de seguridad de que su vida vale la pena; roguemos al Señor:

23 de abril Domingo de la Divina Misericordia Por los hombres y mujeres que tienen miedo a confesar su participación en un aborto: Para que la garantía del amor eterno de Dios les dé el valor de buscar el perdón; roguemos al Señor:

30 de abril 3º Domingo de Pascua Por la Iglesia: Para que la Palabra viva y eterna de Dios una a los fieles en un cuidado sincero por toda vida humana. roguemos al Señor:

Se recomiendan fechas, pero estas citas se pueden utilizar en cualquier momento. Los códigos QR a la derecha de cada cita pueden utilizarse en boletines, circulares, etc. Cuando se escanéan con un teléfono inteligente, los códigos QR llevarán a los usuarios al sitio digital donde se ubica el recurso al que se hace referencia.

2 de abril “Un proverbio irlandés dice: ‘En el refugio del otro vive cada uno’. Hemos sido creados para depender unos de otros y caminar juntos en el sufrimiento.” Visita https://goo.gl/5dVwWV para conocer 10 maneras para cuidar a los seres queridos que se acercan al final de la vida.

Cuidado de los seres queridos al final de la vida Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de USCCB, PEDIDO: inglés / español Programa Respetemos la Vida 2016–2017 FOLLETO PARA EL BOLETÍN: inglés / español 9 de abril “Un embarazo inesperado puede ser una época difícil y aterradora, y es importante que tu amiga sepa que piensas en ella y la apoyas”. Hay más información en 10 Maneras de apoyarla cuando está esperando sin haberlo esperado: https://goo.gl/1m5Qw3.

10 Maneras de apoyarla cuando está esperando sin haberlo esperado PEDIDO: inglés / español Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de USCCB, FOLLETO PARA EL BOLETÍN: inglés / español Programa Respetemos la Vida 2015–2016 16 de abril “Incluso entre pacientes con enfermedades terminales, solicitar la muerte es casi siempre un grito pidiendo ayuda… [y] a menudo se asocia con un trastorno mental potencialmente tratable como la depresión o la ansiedad”.

Cada suicidio es trágico (www.goo.gl/8Y5XBR) PEDIDO: inglés / español Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de la USCCB, Programa FOLLETO PARA EL BOLETÍN: inglés / español Respetemos la Vida 2016–2017 23 de abril “Tenga la seguridad de que nunca es demasiado tarde para buscar el perdón de Dios en el sacramento de la Reconciliación, y que ‘podéis confiar con esperanza a vuestro hijo’ al Padre y a su misericordia (EV 99)”.

Vías de misericordia para la sanación posaborto (www.goo.gl/tRqZhx) PEDIDO: inglés / español Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de USCCB, FOLLETO PARA EL BOLETÍN: inglés / español Programa Respetemos la Vida 2016–2017 30 de abril “Si estamos llenos del amor de Dios, comenzará a florecer una cultura de encuentro y solidaridad”.

Serena atención a la Creación de Dios (www.goo.gl/ggKsai) PEDIDO: inglés / español Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de la USCCB, VOLANTE PARA EL BOLETÍN: inglés / español Programa Respetemos la Vida 2016–2017

¡Mira, baja y solicita los materiales del Programa Respetemos la Vida 2016–17! www.usccb.org/respectlife Copyright © 2017, Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, Washington, DC. Se reservan todos los derechos. PALABRA DE VIDA: ABRIL DE 2017 Arte para boletines Se recomiendan fechas, pero estas imágenes se pueden utilizar en cualquier momento. Sin embargo, la pedimos que no modifiques las imágenes de ninguna manera, excepto el tamaño. ¡Gracias!

Domingo 23 de abril de 2017 x Bajar imagen: inglés / español x Folleto para el boletín: inglés / español (En la barra lateral derecha, puedes ver formatos adicionales.)

Domingo 30 de abril de 2017 x Bajar imagen: inglés / español x Folleto para el boletín: inglés / español (En la barra lateral derecha, puedes ver formatos adicionales.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Five Reasons We Are DeFUNDING Planned Parenthood - Page.1 Photo Essay of the March for Life and Walk for Life Event- Page.3 From Pope Francis’ Christmas Homily 2016 - Page.2 Featured Products - Page.4 Pray with Us for Life - Page.2

Five Reasons We Are DeFUNDing Planned Connect with us: ProLifeSocialMedia.com Parenthood Priests for Life and its family of ministries maintain a vibrant Priests for Life is helping to lead the pro-life movement’s ef- presence on social media. At www.ProLifeSocialMedia.com, forts, and working closely with Congress and the new Presi- you will find links to the various platforms on which you dential Administration, to defund Planned Parenthood, to can interact with us to be informed, inspired, and networked lead a coordinated prayer campaign for the same effort on the cutting edge pro-life issues of the day. Join us on (www.PrayPP.com), to assist with national protests against Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and many other Planned Parenthood, and to assist prosecutors and other platforms as we interact with people at every level of society government authorities to investigate and punish Planned and the Church to bring an end to abortion. See you online!! Parenthood for violations of the law. 3. Planned Parenthood is a racist organization. Its Founder, There are five key points we have been asking people to keep Margaret Sanger, had ties with the eugenics movement and the in mind about Planned Parenthood as we proceed with these Ku Klux Klan, and made her intentions of reducing the Black efforts: community very clear. Black babies today are three times more likely to be aborted than white children, and nearly 80% of 1. Planned Parenthood is about abortion, not healthcare. Planned Parenthood facilities are in minority neighborhoods. Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion business in the The documentary Maafa 21 www.Maafa21.com( ) by Life world, killing over 300,000 babies in America (1/3rd of the Dynamics shows with undisputable evidence the racist nature nation’s abortions) each year. They say abortion is only a small of Planned Parenthood. part of their business, but that number of lives isn’t a small part of anything. Moreover, many of the health care needs that 4. Planned Parenthood is a political machine. They spent people think Planned Parenthood provides (mammograms, $38 million in the failed attempt to elect Hillary Clinton, and prenatal care, etc.) are simply not available -- just call them support pro-abortion candidates in many other races as well. and see for yourself. continued on page 2

2. Planned Parenthood is a corrupt, criminal enterprise. Third Class Relic of John Paul II -- for you! Congress itself has investigated this organization and has Priests for Life would like to send you a third-class relic of recently made 15 criminal and regulatory referrals to state Pope Saint John Paul II -- a prayer card, which was touched Attorneys General and DA’s. Prosecutors across the nation to a first class relic of some of his blood, taken on the day 1 continue with their own investigations. Undercover informa- he died. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the Pope’s personal tion that Priests for Life has helped obtain and that other assistant, gave this relic to Fr. Frank Pavone and Priests for groups have likewise found reveal such things as evasion of the Life just after John Paul II was canonized. Order your prayer laws requiring reporting of statutory rape when minors come card relic at www.PriestsForLife.org/relic. We also have to their facilities for abortions, and also the sale of body parts prayer cards that have been touched to a Miraculous Medal that Saint Teresa of Calcutta gave to Fr. Frank. You can for a profit. And there’s much more where that came from. request one of those as well. The more we dig, the more we find.

This newsletter is available by email, along with a bi-weekly column written by Fr. Frank. Subscribe free of charge at [email protected] www.priestsforlife.org DeFUNDing Planned Parenthood continued…. 5. Planned Parenthood does not have a monopoly on Catholic View for Women Pilgrimage to EWTN women’s health care. When defunded, the money currently and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament: going to Planned Parenthood (which received over 350 mil- June 5-9, 2017 lion dollars in taxpayer dollars in 2009) would be redirected to facilities that are qualified to receive such funds, and that You are invited to join The Catholic View for Women co- serve women’s health without killing babies. Such facilities hosts, Janet Morana and Teresa Tomeo along and Fr. Frank outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities by 20 to one, and Pavone, the pilgrimage spiritual director. Highlights include: can be found at www.GetYourCare.org. Nobody should be- Deluxe motor coach transportation on while in Birmingham; lieve the lie that women will be stranded without health care Tour and Celebration of Mass at the Shrine of the Most or that we want to take money away from that. Blessed Sacrament; Attendance as part of the audience for EWTN Live; Attendance to the recording of the Catholic From Pope View for Women show; Celebration of the Televised Mass Francis’ with the Friars at EWTN and a Tour of JPII Center, Hance- Christmas Homily ville. See www.TheCatholicViewForWomen.com for a flier 2016 and more information. Pray with us for Life “If we want to celebrate Christmas au- PrayerCampaign.org is our prayer website. Visit there often thentically, we need to for prayer campaigns, intentions, and resources. contemplate this sign: the fragile simplicity of March intention: That elected officials who support legal a small newborn, the abortion may be converted and may work to protect life. meekness of where he lies, the tender affec- April intention: That God may bless and console the fathers tion of the swaddling of aborted children. clothes. God is there. “With this sign the March 25, 2017: Annunciation Sarah, 5 months, killed by Gospel reveals a para- prostaglandin abortion. This photo dox: it speaks of the was taken by Monica Migliorino March 31, 2017: 12th anniversary of the death of Terri Schiavo. Miller and Edmund Miller of Citizens emperor, the governor, for a Pro-Life Society who buried Baby the mighty of those April 16-May 25, 2017: Easter Prayer for Life Sarah at Resurrection Cemetery in times, but God does Romeoville, Illinois. not make himself April 28, 2017: St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Patroness of present there; he does not appear in the grand hall of a royal Mothers and Physicians. palace, but in the poverty of a stable; not in pomp and show, but in the simplicity of life; not in power, but in a small- ness which surprises. In order to discover him, we need to go there, where he is: we need to bow down, humble ourselves, make ourselves small. The Child who is born challenges us … Let us allow the Child in the manger to challenge us, but let us also allow ourselves to be challenged by the children of today’s world, who are not lying in a cot caressed with the 2 affection of a mother and father, but rather suffer the squalid “mangers that devour dignity”: hiding underground to escape bombardment, on the pavements of a large city, at the bottom of a boat overladen with immigrants. Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by the children who are not allowed to be born , by those who cry because no one satiates their hunger, Fr. Frank presents the Pro-Life Recognition Award to Pam Tebow, by those who do have not toys in their hands, but rather mother of Christian athlete Tim Tebow, at the National Prayer weapons.” Service on the morning of the March for Life, January 27, at -- Pope Francis, Christmas Homily, December 24, 2016. DAR Constitution Hall. www.priestsforlife.org a photo essay of the march for life and walk for life events.

Fr. Frank at the front of the march with the students at the Bryan Kemper of Priests for Life youth outreach, Stand True, was University of Mary in North Dakota who were chosen to carry the Master of Ceremonies this year at the official March for Life the March for Life banner this year. youth rally.

Fr. Stephen Imbarrato shares Fr. Frank Pavone with members his testimony of abortion regret of the Silent No More Awareness at the steps of the Supreme Campaign at the 2017 Walk for Court after the March for Life. Life in San Francisco. 3

Priests for Life organized and led a peaceful and prayerful national protest at the new mega Planned Parenthood in Washington, DC the day before the March for Life. At least two hundred activists attended and many pro-life leaders spoke including Fr. Frank Pavone and Fr. Stephen Imbarrato. www.priestsforlife.org Featured Products

Remembering Terri Schiavo: Get 200 Prayer in Remembrance of Terri Schiavo Prayer Cards and 100 brochures: Terri Schiavo’s Final Hours: An Eyewitness Account for $15, including shipping.

Lenten Product Bundle:

The Way of the Cross for Families: This booklet is a collaborative effort of Priests for Life and the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family. It is a special gift and blessing for families, because there is a deep connection between the mysteries of Our Lord’s Passion and the mystery of the family. 55 pages and includes colorful illustrations.

The Cross and the People of Life: The Seven Last Words and a Good Friday Homily: This 2 CD set is Fr. Frank Pavone preaching the Seven Last Words, weaving the themes of the Passion and the pro-life cause. He gives a Biblically based, stirring call to draw strength from the cross to advance the Gospel of Life. Also includes his homily at the Liturgy of the Passion.

Why am I here Anyway? The Simple Answer to Life’s Biggest Question Anthony DeStefano’s new book shows that God has the answers to your biggest questions: Why am I here? What is the meaning of my life? What is my purpose for living?

Receive all three products for only $25 including shipping. Find more great Pro Life products at ProLifeProducts.org! Order at ProLifeProducts.org or use this order form and mail to Priests for Life, PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314

Name: ______

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Send _____ Terri Schiavo package(s) that includes prayer cards and brochures (#3577) at $15.00 each including shipping for a total of $ ______ Send ____Lenten product bundle(s) that includes The Way of the Cross for Families, The Cross and the People of Life CD set and Why am I here Anyway? (#3625) for $25.00 each for a total of ______Extra copies of Why am I hear Anyway? can be ordered for $10 each at www.ProLifeProducts.org 4 Additional Donation $______Total Donation $______ I made my check payable to: Priests for Life. I made my donation online at www.priestsforlife.org/donate Please charge my contribution to my credit card: VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS DISCOVER Card #:______Exp:____/_____ Signature:______

www.priestsforlife.org Prepared by the goodiidesign agency - [email protected] - 613.822.1881 - Need a designer ? Contact us ! Impact April, 2017 Bring faith to life. Find life in faith.

Do This We hear it every time we go to Mass. “Do this in memory of me.” Yet how often do we stop to think about it and take it to heart? Jesus’ command is at the very center of Christian discipleship. What does it mean to “do this?”

Do this. Wash feet. On the night before he died, Jesus washed participation in the Mass, we become more like Christ, ready the feet of his disciples, saying, “I have given you a model to to give of ourselves, to sacrifice. Do this. follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Do this. Be united to Christ in community. Receiving the Foot washing is about humble service. To wash another’s feet Body and Blood of our Lord is a sacred moment of unity with is to touch the most needy part of that person’s life with the Christ. It is about more than “me and Jesus,” however. love of Christ. Do this. Our union with Christ draws us to be in communion Do this. Become Eucharistic. At the Last with others. Do this. Supper, Jesus said, “This is my body, which is Do this. Live Christ’s mission. We are sent into the given for you..This cup that is poured out for world to share Christ’s presence through our loving you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Lk attention and service. Christ’s mission is our mission. 22:19-20) Jesus gave himself completely for our Do this. sake. Taking part in the Eucharist is more than

“going to Mass.” In the words of St. Augustine, Christ’s commission at the Last Supper is the guiding “we become what we receive.” Through active principle of our lives: “Do this in memory of me.”

Holy Thursday Good Friday Easter Triduum On Holy Thursday we On Good Friday, we At Easter, we light the participate in the kiss or reverence the Paschal candle, bless washing of feet. How cross. How do you water, and feast in the Three do you “wash” others show reverence or love Holy Eucharist. What or through your actions or for the people in your who lights your life? attention, your life? What about those How does Mass lead ministry, service, and who are difficult to you to follow Jesus as Days care? love? your model and guide?

sought them out. Jesus showed them the meaning of his From darkness to life, passion, and death, and in their conversation with him, they began to grasp the real meaning of their faith light. From death in him. While still confused and uncertain, they invited him to remain with them. Then, they recognized him in to new life. the breaking of the bread. With burning hearts, they hurried back to Jerusalem to share the good news with In this most sacred season, we take time to the other disciples. Their darkness and despair was reflect on the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ life, transformed. Suddenly, they knew the hope of new life. passion, death, and resurrection.

The Paschal Mystery provides a pattern through which Like the disciples on the road, we all experience we may reflect upon and find deep meaning in our own sadness, disappointment, and loss. It is in these lives. In faith, we know that death and darkness will moments that we most need to know God’s love. At always give way to life and light. times, we encounter Christ in prayer, especially at Mass, in the breaking of the bread. At other times, we The disciples on the road to Emmaus were deeply experience God’s presence through the care of another. saddened by Jesus’ cruciﬁxion. It was as though their Not only can we place our hope in our Risen Lord, we hopes had been killed on the cross. They could not bear know that he walks with us, as one who has experienced to remain in Jerusalem. And as they walked, they came darkness and death. In his resurrection is our promise of upon Jesus. As often happens in the Gospels, Jesus life and light.

Let us pray “The temptation to put God to one side, to put ourselves at the center is ever-present and the experience of sin Lord Jesus, your life, death, and wounds our Christian life, our being resurrection show us God’s saving children of God. This is why we must love, beyond our comprehension. have the courage of faith, we must Our only response can be resist being led to the mentality that thankful praise, lived in word and tells us: "There is no need for God, He deed, day-by-day, life-to-life. is not that important for you". It is the Forgive our failings, show us the exact opposite: only by behaving as way from darkness to light, and children of God, without being urge us to share your love in the diddiscouragedscouurar ged bby oour falls, can we feel loved by Him, our world. llifeife wwillill be nnew,ew, inspired by serenity and joy. God is our You are one with the Father and strength! God is our hope!” the Holy Spirit. Now and forever. (Pope Francis, April 11, 2013) Amen.