+JMJ+
In this e-weekly:
- HALLOW-incredible Catholic app for Prayer, learning, and more (Catholic Website Classic of the Week)
- Inspired by John Paul II, Maternal Health Care Organization Celebrates 30 years (Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Living and Loving Others (Helpful Hints for Life)
In this e-weekly:
- HALLOW-incredible Catholic app for Prayer, learning, and more (Catholic Website Classic of the Week)
- Inspired by John Paul II, Maternal Health Care Organization Celebrates 30 years (Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Living and Loving Others (Helpful Hints for Life)
The Hallow app offers many ways to deepen your prayer life, such as:
-Pray with the reading from the daily Gospel each morning in just 5, 10, or 15 minutes (you choose the length)
-Fall asleep with Bible sleep stories from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jonathan Roumie, or various Scripture readings by guest readers.
-Meditate with the daily Rosary or many other prayers on your way to work, with your morning coffee, or as you go about your day
-Try praying with music, hearing the Bible in a Year podcast, and much, much more!
Some features include:
-Listen on the way to work, on a plane, in the morning, or at night with downloadable offline sessions and customized lengths anywhere from 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minute options!
-Personalize your prayer experience. Choose your guide, length, background music like Gregorian chant, set your favorites, journal, and create your own personal prayer plan.
-Pray with the reading from the daily Gospel each morning in just 5, 10, or 15 minutes (you choose the length)
-Fall asleep with Bible sleep stories from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jonathan Roumie, or various Scripture readings by guest readers.
-Meditate with the daily Rosary or many other prayers on your way to work, with your morning coffee, or as you go about your day
-Try praying with music, hearing the Bible in a Year podcast, and much, much more!
Some features include:
-Listen on the way to work, on a plane, in the morning, or at night with downloadable offline sessions and customized lengths anywhere from 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minute options!
-Personalize your prayer experience. Choose your guide, length, background music like Gregorian chant, set your favorites, journal, and create your own personal prayer plan.
Laetare Sunday
“Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy you that have been in sorrow:
that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord."
-Isaiah 66:10-11; Psalm 121:1
“Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy you that have been in sorrow:
that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord."
-Isaiah 66:10-11; Psalm 121:1
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Sometimes in life we have long projects or difficult journeys to complete. Some view the season of Lent this way. So the Church helps us and encourages us at such times.
One way the Church does this is by marking the middle of a journey or when it is over half-way completed, and this is the case with Lent. Generally, Lent is a subdued time with focus and work on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Music is less during the Masses of Lent, and the organ is recommended not to be used at all. Longer readings of Sacred Scripture and silence tends to play a big part in the Mass. Flowers are not used to adorn the altar. But all this is lessened with Laetare Sunday.
The Thursday before Laetare Sunday (read more below) is actually the middle day of Lent, and it was at one time observed as such, but afterwards the special signs of joy permitted on this day, intended to encourage the faithful in their course through the season of Lent, were transferred to the Sunday following this Thursday. These special signs of joy consist (like those of Gaudete Sunday in Advent [3rd Sunday of Advent]) in the use of flowers on the altar, and of the organ at Mass; rose-colored vestments (NOT pink :o) ) are allowed instead of purple. The contrast between Laetare and the other Sundays of Lent is thus emphasized, and is characteristic of the joys of this life, restrained rejoicing mingled with a certain amount of sadness.
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This Sunday is Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearC.cfm
Sometimes in life we have long projects or difficult journeys to complete. Some view the season of Lent this way. So the Church helps us and encourages us at such times.
One way the Church does this is by marking the middle of a journey or when it is over half-way completed, and this is the case with Lent. Generally, Lent is a subdued time with focus and work on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Music is less during the Masses of Lent, and the organ is recommended not to be used at all. Longer readings of Sacred Scripture and silence tends to play a big part in the Mass. Flowers are not used to adorn the altar. But all this is lessened with Laetare Sunday.
The Thursday before Laetare Sunday (read more below) is actually the middle day of Lent, and it was at one time observed as such, but afterwards the special signs of joy permitted on this day, intended to encourage the faithful in their course through the season of Lent, were transferred to the Sunday following this Thursday. These special signs of joy consist (like those of Gaudete Sunday in Advent [3rd Sunday of Advent]) in the use of flowers on the altar, and of the organ at Mass; rose-colored vestments (NOT pink :o) ) are allowed instead of purple. The contrast between Laetare and the other Sundays of Lent is thus emphasized, and is characteristic of the joys of this life, restrained rejoicing mingled with a certain amount of sadness.
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This Sunday is Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearC.cfm
“Helpful Hints of Life”
Living and Loving Others
Never take a "You did", "You said", "You always", and "You never" approach to any discussion with someone you know. Use non-threatening language, and voice tones that bring forth the spirit of cooperation and trust you should have with another especially if you profess to love that person. "I" statements are much better, because they say where you are coming from, and invite the other to respond. (I get worried when you come back late. I am hurt when you do not tell me anything. etc.)
“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Jesus rose from the dead "on the first day of the week." Because it is the "first day," the day of Christ's Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the "eighth day" following the sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ's Resurrection. For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord's Day (he kuriake hemera, dies dominica) Sunday:
We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish sabbath, but also the first day] when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world; and on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2174
Living and Loving Others
Never take a "You did", "You said", "You always", and "You never" approach to any discussion with someone you know. Use non-threatening language, and voice tones that bring forth the spirit of cooperation and trust you should have with another especially if you profess to love that person. "I" statements are much better, because they say where you are coming from, and invite the other to respond. (I get worried when you come back late. I am hurt when you do not tell me anything. etc.)
“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Jesus rose from the dead "on the first day of the week." Because it is the "first day," the day of Christ's Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the "eighth day" following the sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ's Resurrection. For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord's Day (he kuriake hemera, dies dominica) Sunday:
We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish sabbath, but also the first day] when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world; and on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2174
Catholicity
http://www.catholicity.com/
Here is a website for the modern Roman Catholic. First, many free things; second, great news and commentary; third, great Catholic resources for most any topic; and finally it was started by as average a Catholic Joe as there ever was. Site describes itself as having:
· Swift and Effortless Online Ordering
· Free Rapid Delivery to Your Doorstep
· The Finest Catholic CDs, Tapes, and Novels
· Parish-Friendly Catholic Resources
· Superb & Innovative News and Commentary
Following is a reminder on where to find a televised Mass:
Daily Mass with Word on Fire from Bishop Robert Barron’s Chapel
Daily Mass from Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN
Sunday Masses for the homebound telecast from the Archdiocese of St. Louis (includes listings for both antenna and cable television, radio and online)
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville - English and Spanish Masses available beginning March 22, 2020
EWTN: https://www.ewtn.com/tv/channel-finder (English)
https://www.ewtn.com/espanol/magtv.asp (Spanish)
Catholic TV: https://www.catholictv.org
If someone would like to begin the practice of daily prayer, there is an app that provides a new prayer session every day produced by Jesuit Ministries and is based on Ignatian Spirituality. https://pray-as-you-go.org/
Other resources for daily prayer:
https://us.magnificat.net/free
https://latina/magnificat.net/gratis
https://ebreviary.com/ebreviary/ebreviary.nsf/prayersforeveryone.htm
“Give Us This Day” is providing free access to their digital edition and their mobile app. For more information go to https://offers.giveusthisday.org/free-resources
Family and Youth Resources
Loyola Press is offering free resources to families on faith, family and fun. They are also providing a resource to help teachers, catechists and parents explain COVID-19 to their children.
http://www.catholicity.com/
Here is a website for the modern Roman Catholic. First, many free things; second, great news and commentary; third, great Catholic resources for most any topic; and finally it was started by as average a Catholic Joe as there ever was. Site describes itself as having:
· Swift and Effortless Online Ordering
· Free Rapid Delivery to Your Doorstep
· The Finest Catholic CDs, Tapes, and Novels
· Parish-Friendly Catholic Resources
· Superb & Innovative News and Commentary
Following is a reminder on where to find a televised Mass:
Daily Mass with Word on Fire from Bishop Robert Barron’s Chapel
Daily Mass from Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN
Sunday Masses for the homebound telecast from the Archdiocese of St. Louis (includes listings for both antenna and cable television, radio and online)
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville - English and Spanish Masses available beginning March 22, 2020
EWTN: https://www.ewtn.com/tv/channel-finder (English)
https://www.ewtn.com/espanol/magtv.asp (Spanish)
Catholic TV: https://www.catholictv.org
If someone would like to begin the practice of daily prayer, there is an app that provides a new prayer session every day produced by Jesuit Ministries and is based on Ignatian Spirituality. https://pray-as-you-go.org/
Other resources for daily prayer:
https://us.magnificat.net/free
https://latina/magnificat.net/gratis
https://ebreviary.com/ebreviary/ebreviary.nsf/prayersforeveryone.htm
“Give Us This Day” is providing free access to their digital edition and their mobile app. For more information go to https://offers.giveusthisday.org/free-resources
Family and Youth Resources
Loyola Press is offering free resources to families on faith, family and fun. They are also providing a resource to help teachers, catechists and parents explain COVID-19 to their children.
MCI provides emergency obstetric care, remote transportation for rural communities to hospitals, and training for midwives and health care providers. The organization also prioritizes research into maternal health solutions.
“Since its founding, MCI has worked to provide essential medical services, create sustainable models of maternal care, and advocate for ethical practices in maternal care, all while empowering local health care providers, like midwives and traditional birth attendants, through training and sustainable practices,” Deane said.
MCI has established branches in Canada, Poland, Australia, and previously in the United States and Ireland. Its Canada branch has developed outreach projects all throughout the world, including in Rwanda, Haiti, Kenya, and Ghana. MCI’s model involves working in partnership with local communities in order to design sustainable models in various developing areas.
The organization operates solely on charitable donations and takes no assistance from government agencies. It also welcomes health care professionals who are faithful to MCI’s mission to join project initiatives as volunteers.
Bringing care to underserved rural communities in Uganda
This month, MCI opened a maternity center in Nyabwina, Uganda. A team of MCI Catholic health professionals, working with local Church leaders, launched the St. Claret Maternity Center in the Nyabwina village, which serves the local region in the Sheema/Mbarara District of Uganda.
Archbishop Lambert Bainnomugisha of Mbarara blessed the facility on its opening day, March 6.
“Since its founding, MCI has worked to provide essential medical services, create sustainable models of maternal care, and advocate for ethical practices in maternal care, all while empowering local health care providers, like midwives and traditional birth attendants, through training and sustainable practices,” Deane said.
MCI has established branches in Canada, Poland, Australia, and previously in the United States and Ireland. Its Canada branch has developed outreach projects all throughout the world, including in Rwanda, Haiti, Kenya, and Ghana. MCI’s model involves working in partnership with local communities in order to design sustainable models in various developing areas.
The organization operates solely on charitable donations and takes no assistance from government agencies. It also welcomes health care professionals who are faithful to MCI’s mission to join project initiatives as volunteers.
Bringing care to underserved rural communities in Uganda
This month, MCI opened a maternity center in Nyabwina, Uganda. A team of MCI Catholic health professionals, working with local Church leaders, launched the St. Claret Maternity Center in the Nyabwina village, which serves the local region in the Sheema/Mbarara District of Uganda.
Archbishop Lambert Bainnomugisha of Mbarara blessed the facility on its opening day, March 6.
In addition to poor roads and flash flooding during the rainy season, the region faces many challenges to maternal health, with a high maternal death rate due to infection, lack of postnatal care, and malnutrition.
MCI worked with the local religious sisters to develop outreach centers in remote villages as well as to develop a maternity unit with proper staffing and equipment.
MCI worked with the local religious sisters to develop outreach centers in remote villages as well as to develop a maternity unit with proper staffing and equipment.
A Catholic perspective on health
Deane noted that many international maternal health programs “are influenced by policies that promote abortion and contraception as primary solutions, often neglecting basic fundamental maternal health care needs.” MCI combats that by providing “life-affirming” health care for women.
“We recognize that motherhood is a sacred vocation, and our work reflects this belief by ensuring that expectant mothers receive the care and respect they deserve,” Deane said.
The organization prioritizes what Deane calls “the vocation of medicine.”
“The practice of medicine without vocation is a purely technical or transactional approach to health care, devoid of deeper moral, ethical, or compassionate commitment,” she said.
“When medicine is practiced without vocation, it risks becoming impersonal and utilitarian, focusing solely on procedures, efficiency, and outcomes without genuine care for the dignity and well-being of the patient.”
MCI brings faith and medicine together. “It combines faith and practice in a meaningful way that builds up the practitioner, the patient, and the community that surrounds them both,” Deane explained.
MCI also prioritizes following the teachings of the Catholic Church in its care practices.
“We not only offer high-quality maternal health services but also focus on the moral and ethical implications of care, following the rich teachings of the Catholic Church,” Deane said. “This makes MCI a voice for life and an advocate for a comprehensive approach to maternal health care that respects both medical needs and advancements as well as the sanctity of human life.”
Deane noted that many international maternal health programs “are influenced by policies that promote abortion and contraception as primary solutions, often neglecting basic fundamental maternal health care needs.” MCI combats that by providing “life-affirming” health care for women.
“We recognize that motherhood is a sacred vocation, and our work reflects this belief by ensuring that expectant mothers receive the care and respect they deserve,” Deane said.
The organization prioritizes what Deane calls “the vocation of medicine.”
“The practice of medicine without vocation is a purely technical or transactional approach to health care, devoid of deeper moral, ethical, or compassionate commitment,” she said.
“When medicine is practiced without vocation, it risks becoming impersonal and utilitarian, focusing solely on procedures, efficiency, and outcomes without genuine care for the dignity and well-being of the patient.”
MCI brings faith and medicine together. “It combines faith and practice in a meaningful way that builds up the practitioner, the patient, and the community that surrounds them both,” Deane explained.
MCI also prioritizes following the teachings of the Catholic Church in its care practices.
“We not only offer high-quality maternal health services but also focus on the moral and ethical implications of care, following the rich teachings of the Catholic Church,” Deane said. “This makes MCI a voice for life and an advocate for a comprehensive approach to maternal health care that respects both medical needs and advancements as well as the sanctity of human life.”
Founding and future
Deane explained that MCI is devoted to its founding mission.
“The idea for MaterCare was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who personally asked Dr. Walley to create an organization that would address the growing crisis of maternal mortality and health care inequities, particularly in areas where Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life were not being adequately respected in medical practices,” she said.
This idea, Deane said, “was first introduced at a plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 1982.” It took more than 10 years of planning and support among health care workers worldwide before the organization took shape and was formally established in 1995 in Canada.
Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae, in which he called on health care professionals to promote a culture of life, was “the final inspiration” for the organization’s founding, Deane said. The encyclical was published in 1995, the year of MCI’s founding.
Deane explained that MCI is devoted to its founding mission.
“The idea for MaterCare was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who personally asked Dr. Walley to create an organization that would address the growing crisis of maternal mortality and health care inequities, particularly in areas where Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life were not being adequately respected in medical practices,” she said.
This idea, Deane said, “was first introduced at a plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 1982.” It took more than 10 years of planning and support among health care workers worldwide before the organization took shape and was formally established in 1995 in Canada.
Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae, in which he called on health care professionals to promote a culture of life, was “the final inspiration” for the organization’s founding, Deane said. The encyclical was published in 1995, the year of MCI’s founding.
“Looking to the future, our goals include expanding our reach to even more regions where women still lack access to essential maternal health care,” Deane said. “We aim to continue providing training for health care professionals in underserved areas, building strong partnerships with local groups and religious orders, and advocating for policies that respect the dignity of life and prioritize maternal health.”
MCI also aims to develop the realm of ethical maternal health care.
“Our vision also includes increasing awareness about the importance of ethical maternal health care and advocating for global recognition of the Catholic approach to maternal health,” Deane said.
For its 30-year anniversary, the organization announced the MaterCare International Rome Conference — an event to commemorate the founding and a call to action to develop maternal health care around the world. It will bring together faith leaders, health care professionals, and pro-life advocates to promote care for mothers in need.
“Catholic health care professionals of the next generation are relying on us to provide them with the space to study, learn, grow, and practice,” Deane said.
MCI also aims to develop the realm of ethical maternal health care.
“Our vision also includes increasing awareness about the importance of ethical maternal health care and advocating for global recognition of the Catholic approach to maternal health,” Deane said.
For its 30-year anniversary, the organization announced the MaterCare International Rome Conference — an event to commemorate the founding and a call to action to develop maternal health care around the world. It will bring together faith leaders, health care professionals, and pro-life advocates to promote care for mothers in need.
“Catholic health care professionals of the next generation are relying on us to provide them with the space to study, learn, grow, and practice,” Deane said.
The Year for Consecrated Life, which began Nov. 30, 2014, concluded Feb. 2 on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus.
Sr. Mary Christa, who also runs U.S. bishops' visitor's office in Rome with several other Sisters of Mercy, called the habit of a religious sister an important part of being a witness.
“The religious habit should say a number of things, both to the sister herself, and to those who see her,” she said, recounting how she is often approached by strangers asking for prayers, who automatically trust her on account of her appearance.
“The habit is a visible sign of the love of God,” she said. “But it’s also, I have found, a great responsibility and a reminder to me: the responsibility to be what I show that I am.”
“It’s a sign of the love of God and that this life is not all there is: that God exists and loves them,” she said.
One of the distinguishing aspects of their habit – a dark veil and a simple, pale blue frock in the summer, and a darker color for the winter – is a simple black cross, overlaid by a smaller white cross, which is worn around the neck.
“The black of the cross represents the misery of mankind that we find in the world, and the white represents God’s mercy, which we are called to bring into the world as Sisters of Mercy,” explained Sr. Mary Michaela, who works at the visitor's office.
“There is a long tradition in religious life of wearing a habit as a visible sign that we are consecrated to God and to the service of the Church in a special way,” she said. “It’s also part of poverty,” she added. “Our habit is simple, so we don’t buy a big wardrobe.”
Living in Rome, Sr. Mary Michaela noted how she too is approached by people asking for prayers on account of her habit.
“When they see the habit, they realize that there is something particular about our life,” she said.
“They recognize that we represent, in some way, God’s presence. We remind people of God’s presence here in the world.”
First established in Ireland in 1831 by venerable Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy centered their work on education, catechesis, healthcare. Spreading to the United States, the order was re-founded in 1973 in Alma, Michigan, where its motherhouse is currently located.
In addition to the three vows taken by all religious sisters, the Sisters of Mercy take a fourth vow of service to the poor, sick, and ignorant.
In Rome, the Sisters of Mercy offer orientation to U.S. Pilgrims – obtaining tickets for papal events, answering their questions about the city, and helping them with the pilgrimage aspect of their visit.
“This is one of the apostolic works that we do as a community,” said Sr. Regina Marie, speaking on her work at the visitor's office.
Pilgrims “can come here and learn about the faith,” she said. “We will often have a priest that will come at a certain time for a half hour and give catechesis for anyone who wants to. We have catechetical materials out for the pilgrims, (or) even just a place for them to sit down for a few minutes.”
“Our charism is the mercy of God,” she said. “Our apostolates are usually focused around the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, which can manifest themselves in many ways.”
Sr. Anna Marie, another sister at the office, adds that “the consecrated life is a sign of his presence on earth.”
“We live our vows so that when people see us, they think of God, and they think of Jesus, and they think of the Church. That’s a tremendous privilege.”
On how people will often ask her about her life as a religious, Sr. Anna Marie said she is excited to answer their questions.
“It’s a gift not only for me, but a gift for the whole Church and for the world,” she said.
“Christ and his Church thus together make up the "whole Christ" (Christus totus). The Church is one with Christ.
The saints are acutely aware of this unity:
Let us rejoice then and give thanks that we have become not only Christians, but Christ himself. Do you understand and grasp, brethren, God's grace toward us? Marvel and rejoice: we have become Christ. For if he is the head, we are the members; he and we together are the whole man. . . . The fullness of Christ then is the head and the members. But what does "head and members" mean? Christ and the Church.
Our redeemer has shown himself to be one person with the holy Church whom he has taken to himself.
Head and members form as it were one and the same mystical person.
A reply of St. Joan of Arc to her judges sums up the faith of the holy doctors and the good sense of the believer: "About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they're just one thing, and we shouldn't complicate the matter.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #795
Sr. Mary Christa, who also runs U.S. bishops' visitor's office in Rome with several other Sisters of Mercy, called the habit of a religious sister an important part of being a witness.
“The religious habit should say a number of things, both to the sister herself, and to those who see her,” she said, recounting how she is often approached by strangers asking for prayers, who automatically trust her on account of her appearance.
“The habit is a visible sign of the love of God,” she said. “But it’s also, I have found, a great responsibility and a reminder to me: the responsibility to be what I show that I am.”
“It’s a sign of the love of God and that this life is not all there is: that God exists and loves them,” she said.
One of the distinguishing aspects of their habit – a dark veil and a simple, pale blue frock in the summer, and a darker color for the winter – is a simple black cross, overlaid by a smaller white cross, which is worn around the neck.
“The black of the cross represents the misery of mankind that we find in the world, and the white represents God’s mercy, which we are called to bring into the world as Sisters of Mercy,” explained Sr. Mary Michaela, who works at the visitor's office.
“There is a long tradition in religious life of wearing a habit as a visible sign that we are consecrated to God and to the service of the Church in a special way,” she said. “It’s also part of poverty,” she added. “Our habit is simple, so we don’t buy a big wardrobe.”
Living in Rome, Sr. Mary Michaela noted how she too is approached by people asking for prayers on account of her habit.
“When they see the habit, they realize that there is something particular about our life,” she said.
“They recognize that we represent, in some way, God’s presence. We remind people of God’s presence here in the world.”
First established in Ireland in 1831 by venerable Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy centered their work on education, catechesis, healthcare. Spreading to the United States, the order was re-founded in 1973 in Alma, Michigan, where its motherhouse is currently located.
In addition to the three vows taken by all religious sisters, the Sisters of Mercy take a fourth vow of service to the poor, sick, and ignorant.
In Rome, the Sisters of Mercy offer orientation to U.S. Pilgrims – obtaining tickets for papal events, answering their questions about the city, and helping them with the pilgrimage aspect of their visit.
“This is one of the apostolic works that we do as a community,” said Sr. Regina Marie, speaking on her work at the visitor's office.
Pilgrims “can come here and learn about the faith,” she said. “We will often have a priest that will come at a certain time for a half hour and give catechesis for anyone who wants to. We have catechetical materials out for the pilgrims, (or) even just a place for them to sit down for a few minutes.”
“Our charism is the mercy of God,” she said. “Our apostolates are usually focused around the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, which can manifest themselves in many ways.”
Sr. Anna Marie, another sister at the office, adds that “the consecrated life is a sign of his presence on earth.”
“We live our vows so that when people see us, they think of God, and they think of Jesus, and they think of the Church. That’s a tremendous privilege.”
On how people will often ask her about her life as a religious, Sr. Anna Marie said she is excited to answer their questions.
“It’s a gift not only for me, but a gift for the whole Church and for the world,” she said.
“Christ and his Church thus together make up the "whole Christ" (Christus totus). The Church is one with Christ.
The saints are acutely aware of this unity:
Let us rejoice then and give thanks that we have become not only Christians, but Christ himself. Do you understand and grasp, brethren, God's grace toward us? Marvel and rejoice: we have become Christ. For if he is the head, we are the members; he and we together are the whole man. . . . The fullness of Christ then is the head and the members. But what does "head and members" mean? Christ and the Church.
Our redeemer has shown himself to be one person with the holy Church whom he has taken to himself.
Head and members form as it were one and the same mystical person.
A reply of St. Joan of Arc to her judges sums up the faith of the holy doctors and the good sense of the believer: "About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they're just one thing, and we shouldn't complicate the matter.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #795
A Bit of Humor...
-My job is secure. No one else wants it.
-Don't you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.
-I named my dog 6 miles so I can tell people that I walk 6 miles every single day.
- “There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can’t.”
- “At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.”
- “This is my step ladder. I never knew my real ladder.
- The pollen count, now that's a difficult job.
Easy Math
Question on second-grade math quiz: "Tony drank 1/6 of a glass of juice. Emily drank 1/4 of a glass of juice. Emily drank more. Explain." My grandson’s answer: "She was more thirsty."
Perfect AttendanceOur local newspaper lists recipients of school awards. Beneath one photo, the caption read "This year’s Perfect Attendance Awards go to Ann Stein and Bradley Jenkins. Not present for photo: Bradley Jenkins."
Flight TrainingAn amateur pilot wannabe, I knew I’d finally made progress with my flight training the day my instructor turned to me and said, “You know, you’re not as much fun since you stopped screaming.”
A first grade teacher collected well known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of the proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb:
-Don't you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.
-I named my dog 6 miles so I can tell people that I walk 6 miles every single day.
- “There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can’t.”
- “At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.”
- “This is my step ladder. I never knew my real ladder.
- The pollen count, now that's a difficult job.
Easy Math
Question on second-grade math quiz: "Tony drank 1/6 of a glass of juice. Emily drank 1/4 of a glass of juice. Emily drank more. Explain." My grandson’s answer: "She was more thirsty."
Perfect AttendanceOur local newspaper lists recipients of school awards. Beneath one photo, the caption read "This year’s Perfect Attendance Awards go to Ann Stein and Bradley Jenkins. Not present for photo: Bradley Jenkins."
Flight TrainingAn amateur pilot wannabe, I knew I’d finally made progress with my flight training the day my instructor turned to me and said, “You know, you’re not as much fun since you stopped screaming.”
A first grade teacher collected well known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of the proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb:
- Strike while the...bug is close.
- It's always darkest before...daylight savings time.
- Never underestimate the power of......termites.
- Don't bite the hand that.....looks dirty.
- A miss is as good as a ......Mr.
- If you lie down with dogs.....you stink in the morning
- An idle mind is....the best way to relax
- Where there's smoke there's.....pollution
- Happy the bride who.....gets all the presents
- A penny saved is.....not much
- Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and.....you have to blow your nose
- Children should be seen and not...spanked or scolded
- When the blind lead the blind.....get out of the way
“To the Lord's Sermon on the Mount it is fitting to add the moral catechesis of the apostolic teachings, such as Romans 12-15, 1 Corinthians 12-13, Colossians 3-4, Ephesians 4-5, etc. This doctrine hands on the Lord's teaching with the authority of the apostles, particularly in the presentation of the virtues that flow from faith in Christ and are animated by charity, the principal gift of the Holy Spirit. "Let charity be genuine. . . . Love one another with brotherly affection. . . . Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality." This catechesis also teaches us to deal with cases of conscience in the light of our relationship to Christ and to the Church..”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1971
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1971
+JMJ+
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Lent
– Sunday, March 30th, 2025 -
The First Reading- Joshua 5: 9A, 10-12
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.” While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth of the month. On the day after the Passover, they ate the produce of the land in the form of unleavened cakes and parched grain. On that same day after the Passover, on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.
Reflection
In today’s First Reading, God forgives “the reproach” of the generations who grumbled against Him after the Exodus. On the threshold of the promised land, Israel can with a clean heart celebrate the Passover, the feast of God’s firstborn son (see Joshua 5:6–7; Exodus 4:22; 12:12–13). The miraculous manna, having served it’s purpose, ceases when they reach the Promised Land.
Adults - Can you look back and see a time that God has provided for you as He provided for Israel with the manna?
Teens - The Israelites had to trust that day after day God would provide the manna. What do you have to trust God to provide every day?
Kids - How do you think the Israelites felt when they made it to the Promised Land?
Responsorial- Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Reflection
-Share a concrete example of God’s goodness with someone this week.
The Second Reading- 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21
Brothers and sisters: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Reflection
In Baptism, we’re given a divine birthright, made “a new creation,” as Paul puts it in today’s Epistle. This gift comes from God who wants us as a part of His family always.
Today’s second reading says that we are meant to be “ambassadors for Christ.” It also says that one of the ways we do that is to help people to be reconciled. What need for reconciliation do you see in the lives of the people you know?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”
Reflection
When we sin, we’re like the Prodigal Son, quitting our Father’s house, squandering our inheritance in trying to live without Him. Lost in sin, we cut ourselves off from the grace of sonship lavished upon us in Baptism. It is still possible for us to come to our senses, make our way back to the Father, as the prodigal son does.
But only God can remove the reproach and restore the divine sonship we have spurned. Only He can free us from the slavery to sin that causes us—like the Prodigal Son—to see God not as our Father but as our master, One we serve as slaves. God wants not slaves but children. Like the father in today’s Gospel, He longs to call each of us “My son,” to share His life with us, to tell us: “Everything I have is yours.” The Father’s words of longing and compassion still come to His prodigal children in the Sacrament of Penance. This is part of what Paul today, in the Second Reading, calls “the ministry of reconciliation” entrusted by Jesus to the Apostles and the Church.
Adults - Try and meditate this week on how big God’s love for you is. The faithful and caring father in this reading is human - God is divine. How much bigger must His love be than even this inspiring love?
Teens - Is compassion easy or hard for you? Do you tend to hold grudges? What steps can you take to be more compassionate?
Kids - The older brother in today’s Gospel was angry that the little brother was welcomed back and refused to go to his party. How would you feel if you were the older brother? How would you feel if you were the younger brother and your older brother wouldn’t forgive you?
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –‘Mercy — as Christ has presented it in the parable of the prodigal son — has the interior form of the love that in the New Testament is called agape. This love is able to reach down to every prodigal son, to every human misery, and above all to every form of moral misery, to sin. When this happens, the person who is the object of mercy does not feel humiliated, but rather found again and 'restored to value'. The father first and foremost expresses to him his joy, that he has been 'found again' and that he has 'returned to life'. This joy indicates a good that has remained intact: even if he is a prodigal, a son does not cease to be truly his father's son; it also indicates a good that has been found again, which in the case of the prodigal son was his return to the truth about himself" (Dives in misericordia [Rich in Mercy], 6).
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Lent
– Sunday, March 30th, 2025 -
The First Reading- Joshua 5: 9A, 10-12
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.” While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth of the month. On the day after the Passover, they ate the produce of the land in the form of unleavened cakes and parched grain. On that same day after the Passover, on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.
Reflection
In today’s First Reading, God forgives “the reproach” of the generations who grumbled against Him after the Exodus. On the threshold of the promised land, Israel can with a clean heart celebrate the Passover, the feast of God’s firstborn son (see Joshua 5:6–7; Exodus 4:22; 12:12–13). The miraculous manna, having served it’s purpose, ceases when they reach the Promised Land.
Adults - Can you look back and see a time that God has provided for you as He provided for Israel with the manna?
Teens - The Israelites had to trust that day after day God would provide the manna. What do you have to trust God to provide every day?
Kids - How do you think the Israelites felt when they made it to the Promised Land?
Responsorial- Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Reflection
-Share a concrete example of God’s goodness with someone this week.
The Second Reading- 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21
Brothers and sisters: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Reflection
In Baptism, we’re given a divine birthright, made “a new creation,” as Paul puts it in today’s Epistle. This gift comes from God who wants us as a part of His family always.
Today’s second reading says that we are meant to be “ambassadors for Christ.” It also says that one of the ways we do that is to help people to be reconciled. What need for reconciliation do you see in the lives of the people you know?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”
Reflection
When we sin, we’re like the Prodigal Son, quitting our Father’s house, squandering our inheritance in trying to live without Him. Lost in sin, we cut ourselves off from the grace of sonship lavished upon us in Baptism. It is still possible for us to come to our senses, make our way back to the Father, as the prodigal son does.
But only God can remove the reproach and restore the divine sonship we have spurned. Only He can free us from the slavery to sin that causes us—like the Prodigal Son—to see God not as our Father but as our master, One we serve as slaves. God wants not slaves but children. Like the father in today’s Gospel, He longs to call each of us “My son,” to share His life with us, to tell us: “Everything I have is yours.” The Father’s words of longing and compassion still come to His prodigal children in the Sacrament of Penance. This is part of what Paul today, in the Second Reading, calls “the ministry of reconciliation” entrusted by Jesus to the Apostles and the Church.
Adults - Try and meditate this week on how big God’s love for you is. The faithful and caring father in this reading is human - God is divine. How much bigger must His love be than even this inspiring love?
Teens - Is compassion easy or hard for you? Do you tend to hold grudges? What steps can you take to be more compassionate?
Kids - The older brother in today’s Gospel was angry that the little brother was welcomed back and refused to go to his party. How would you feel if you were the older brother? How would you feel if you were the younger brother and your older brother wouldn’t forgive you?
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –‘Mercy — as Christ has presented it in the parable of the prodigal son — has the interior form of the love that in the New Testament is called agape. This love is able to reach down to every prodigal son, to every human misery, and above all to every form of moral misery, to sin. When this happens, the person who is the object of mercy does not feel humiliated, but rather found again and 'restored to value'. The father first and foremost expresses to him his joy, that he has been 'found again' and that he has 'returned to life'. This joy indicates a good that has remained intact: even if he is a prodigal, a son does not cease to be truly his father's son; it also indicates a good that has been found again, which in the case of the prodigal son was his return to the truth about himself" (Dives in misericordia [Rich in Mercy], 6).
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