APRIL 5TH, 2020 PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION · Carlos Rodriguez CarolAnne Kardash Celestino Roberto Charlotte Ryan Christine Stoudner David Proulx Denise Gordon Ed Omglad

130 N. PECOS ROAD, HENDERSON, NV 89074 PARISH OFFICE: 702-361-3022

FAX: 702-331-4221 COMMUNITY CENTER: 702-361-8840

WWW.STMLV.ORG

APRIL 5TH, 2020 — PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

BECOME A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE PARISH In order that we may better serve you, please register with the parish by visiting www.stmlv.org or downloading our St. Thomas More App. Forms are also available in the parish office and in the gathering space of the church. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call the Parish Office at 702-361-3022 if you need to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at home or in a hospital. The Sacrament is also offered communally within the Mass. Announcements will be made about upcoming Anointing of the Sick Masses. HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK If you are homebound, please call Patti Sabo at 702-269-3110 and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will visit you. In case of hospitalization, inform the hospital staff that you are Catholic and would like to receive Communion. FUNERAL MINISTRY In the event of a death of a loved one, please contact Lisa Fairweather at 702-361-3022 ext. 104 before making arrangements with any of the professional services. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms for infants and children up to 7 years of age are celebrated on Sundays. Parents and Godparents are required to attend the baptism preparation class on the first Wednesday of the month (unless otherwise announced) at 7:00 pm in the church. Please contact the Parish Office at 702-361-3022. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact Pamela Trendell at 702-361-3022 ext. 109 to discuss availability and the preparation requirements. VOCATIONS Please consult with one of the priests. MASS OUTSIDE OF OUR PARISH Our Diocese televises Sunday Mass for the elderly, homebound and hospitalized. Currently Mass is shown from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on Sundays at 7:30 AM on KFBT-TV Channel 33.1 Digital (no longer an analog signal) or Cox Cable Channel 6. If you are traveling, check out www.masstimes.org for locations and mass times in Catholic Churches.

CLERGY

Deacon Bill McManus Deacon Bob Rudloff Deacon Mike Underwood Fr. Thomas Hoang, C.Ss.R., Parochial Vicar Fr. Bede Wevita, Pastor Clergy can be reached at 702-361-3022

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Mike Ryan, Parish Business Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022 ext. 108, [email protected]

Pamela Trendell, Executive Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022 ext. 109, [email protected]

Lisa Fairweather, Director of Music & Liturgy 702-361-3022 ext. 104, [email protected]

Beth Lopez, Director of Finance 702-361-3022 ext. 106, [email protected]

Amanda Dwyer, Director of Content and Communication 702-361-3022 ext. 105, [email protected]

Eric Koglin, Information Systems Support Analyst [email protected]

Stacey Swiercinsky, Receptionist 702-361-3022 ext. 101, [email protected]

Mary Ashley Galan-Gornal, Liturgical Assistant [email protected]

COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE STAFF

Juliann Dwyer, Director of Faith Formation 702-361-8840 ext. 203, [email protected]

Cheryl Schwarz, Director of More Youth and Outreach Ministry 702-361-8840 ext. 206, [email protected]

Ray Snead, Director of Life Teen 702-361-8840 ext. 207, [email protected]

Mason Molina, Life Teen Assistant 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Deacon Mike Underwood, Director of Adult Faith Formation 702-361-8840 ext. 204, [email protected]

Sheila Rafanello, Receptionist 702-361-8840 ext. 201, [email protected]

Mary Volkmar, Little Angels Ministry Coordinator [email protected]

Bette Snyder, Gift Shop Coordinator 702-361-8840 ext. 208, [email protected]

Joseph Galang, Building Maintenance 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Kyle Saclolo, Building Maintenance [email protected]

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.STMLV.ORG AND CONNECT WITH US ON OUR MOBILE APP AND ON OUR

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

2 APRIL 5TH, 2020 — PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

http://www.masstimes.org/

Dear Friends, In this profoundly uncertain and disturbing time, I am writing to you as your Pastor. Today on Palm Sunday, we begin the holiest time of our Church year; Holy Week, as we commemorate our Lord Jesus Christ's entrance to the Holy City Jerusalem to accomplish his mission to save us through his

passion death and resurrection. Many Christians today come to celebrate this liturgy and take a palm home. As directed by Bishop Thomas, there will be no public service (liturgy). We will distribute palms (dried) on another day. I will be celebrating Mass with Fr. Thomas and will bless the palms then. As I write this letter, we are also hoping to live stream or offer a prerecorded video of that liturgy (we will post more about it when we have details). Many of you were not able to receive the Eucharist for the last three weeks. I am sure you are hungry for the eucharist, for community celebration, to listen to the Word of God spoken in the assembly, and the proclamation of the Gospel. We, as Catholic Christians, are used to abstaining from meat and fasting during the Lenten season, especially fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. These traditions of Lent and meatless Fridays have given Catholics somewhat of an identity in the world. Being Catholic meant attending Mass at least once a week, fasting at certain times, and not eating meat on Fridays. These disciplines form us in the ways of the worldwide community of faith and continue to create in us the habits of the heart. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in 1963 stated, "baptismal and penitential aspects" are to be given greater prominence "in both the liturgy and liturgical catechesis." This document went on to say, "Let the paschal fast be kept sacred...Let it be observed everywhere on Good Friday and, where possible, prolonged through Holy Saturday, as a way of coming to the joys of the Sunday of the resurrection with uplifted and welcoming heart. The fast on the first two days of the Triduum is especially sacred: according to an early tradition, the Church fasts because these are the days when Christ its Spouse was taken away." (Circular Letter 1988) This paschal fast is different from the penitential fasting in Lent. As you know, Lent ends as the Holy Triduum begins with the celebration of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. It is then, throughout the Triduum, that the ultimate focus is made on what is to happen at the Easter Vigil. With that particular focus, the fasting of Friday and Saturday is not penitential, but anticipatory. But this kind of fast is not only from food. It should also be fasting from our usual routine of work, being entertained, too much talking, and so forth. One should look

APRIL 5TH, 2020 — PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION 3


to quiet the spirit and be less distracted by all that is in the world. Catholics are to enter these days like no others, with a sacred abandonment of all that is materialistic and a serious focus on the Lord and all that He did for us. We come to understand what is meant in the psalm 42 when it says, "As the deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you, O Lord." But these preparations for Easter are not done alone. The people of the community of faith need one another; not only for support in these endeavors, but also as practical examples to each other so that each can be encouraged to do his or her best. It is imperative that these days of the Holy Triduum be distinctly unique from other days if the reality of the events at the Easter Liturgies is to be grasped. The community should be mentally, physically and spiritually prepared to be able to participate with an "uplifted and welcoming heart" in this three-day liturgy. This year this means more than what we have experienced in the past years. Not being able to receive for the last few weeks, we are truly hungry for the Eucharist. We are longing for the community celebration, listen to the Word of God spoken in the assembly, the proclamation of the Gospel, Washing of the feet, Eucharistic procession, adoration, Passion, veneration of the Cross, the blessing of fire and water, Easter proclamation, baptisms, renewal of baptismal promises, confirmation and the Eucharist. Our Catechumens have been preparing for Easter initiation for two years. Because of these circumstances, we need to postpone it to an indefinite date. We, too, have been preparing for this moment for the last 40 days. Celebration of the resurrection and for the renewal of baptismal promises. There is a strong invitation from the U.S. Bishops to return to the practice of a fast. This year, of course, this is more meaningful. We need to remember those who have died from the virus, the families of those who are sick or have died, the doctors, nurses, researchers, and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. Those who are unemployed and lost their businesses and so on. It should be noted, however, that fasting can either put everything into perspective and set the heart right, or it can preoccupy and irritate, depending upon whether the participant is practiced in it. The faithful are advised to make it a good habit for its positive benefits. In the case of the paschal fast, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy and other such documents are describing a fast that goes beyond the "one full meal a day" notion. Consider instead:

Continued on page 7

PRESIDER’S MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, April 4th 4:30 pm Ralph Dominic Octaviano Sunday, April 5th 8:00 am Violeta O. Unabia 10:00 am Rebecca Kalbfleisch 12:00 pm Members of the Parish 5:30 pm Domingo B. Serrango Sr. Monday, April 6th 8:30 am † Mark Perea Sr. † Albert Valdez Tuesday, April 7th 8:30 am † Vincenzo Paradiso Shiela DeFrancisco Wednesday, April 8th 8:30 am † Frank Bilalek † Ayda Goday There are no individual Mass Intentions scheduled on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday Sunday, April 12th 6:00 am Leon Pearsson 8:00 am Gueunie Garcia Manuel Thomas & Esperanza Bessa 10:00 am Jesse Smith Robert Gorski 12:00 pm Theresa Yochum Rodolfo Ruelos 5:30 pm Anna Members of the Parish


Alex Vy Alexander Saulon Angela William Ann DeFlorio Anna Flynn Arturo Baguisi Athena Gam Lake Aurelio & Cipriana Valle Azucena Pavon Baby Oleson Betty Colla Carlos Rodriguez Carol Rassmusen CarolAnne Kardash Celestino Roberto Charlotte Ryan Christine Stoudner David Proulx Denise Gordon Ed Omglad Elizabeth Martano Fr. Mike Keliher, csv Frank Lopiccolo Frankie Sclafani Jr. Gary Stanco Irene Gonzales Jeanne Amlund John Belzer John Galvan John Vialpando Joi Dondl Josie Daluga Justin Dougherty & Family Lauro Espinweva Lenny Tanchala Jr. Lenny Tanchala Sr. Lily Sison Linda McDonell Linda Steward Liz A. Delsignore Loren Kiner LuAnn Ferron Lucy DeLuna Margaret Watson Marilyn Galati Mario Monaco Max Howa

Michael Crisci Michael David Gam Michael Soza Michele Gam Longhini Milagros Cerna Minerva Ciccarelli Missy Baird Nancy Janush Pat Daluga Perry DeGuzman Ramon Saenz III Roberta Watkins Rosario Rubia Ruth Ochoa Sandra Gam Cannady Simona Dye Stella Van Aken Stephanie Helms Susan Tracy Suzanne Labang Cerna The Battista Family The Ferry Family The Martinez Family The Peacock Family Thomas Kavanaugh Tom Harner Tom Rucci Tommy & Lauren Trego Victor McCloud Vicki Rosser Walt Tebbe Family Wayne Barker Wendy Dwyer

Please Pray or...



ST. THOMAS MORE GIVING We are happy to offer these electronic giving options:

ONLINE GIVING is easy to set up and allows you to schedule recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have internet access. Simply follow these easy steps: 1) Visit our website at www.stmlv.org 2) Click “Online Giving” 3) Click on the Create Profile button 4) Follow the onscreen instructions to create an

online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions. If you give by credit card and have recently received a new credit card, please be sure to update your account information. Thank you!

GIVE BY TEXT is a quick way to make a donation by using your smart phone to send a text message to 702-903-2248 with the amount you would like to give. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount and within seconds you’ll receive a text with a link to register.

SCAN OUR QR (QUICK RESPONSE) CODE which was created specifically for our community. When you scan this image with a Smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of our web page. These QR Code Signs are also being installed in our church foyer for your convenience.


Due to the early transmission deadline for this bulletin,

the financial figures were not available to publish.

2020 CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP APPEAL REPORT AS OF MARCH 20TH, 2020

Goal .........................................................................$245,869.00 Pledged ...................................................................$158,432.50 Received to date ......................................................$93,280.99 Balance..........................................................$152,588.01 Number of families......................................................357

PLEASE CONSIDER ONLINE GIVING Our parish is grateful for your continued support at this

time. Thank you!

WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

WE CURRENTLY HAVE 6,224 FAMILIES REGISTERED

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

You can register online to become a member of our parish at www.stmlv.org

DONATION DROP BOX (pictured above) We have recently installed a new drive up option for

parishioners to drop off their donations.

We have teamed up with Constant Contact; a professional email and online marketing system,

to create a more efficient and quicker way of reaching out to our wonderful parishioners with news and

information. If you have not signed up to be a part of our email database or you need to provide an

updated contact, please visit our website to connect.



Our 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee goal for 2020 is $3,200,000. Every parish in the Diocese shares in this goal based on its offertory income. There is a two-fold blessing in this stewardship. Once a parish has reached its goal, all funds raised above and beyond that goal are rebated to the parish, 100%, for parish projects. Thus, the entire Church is built up: your generous stewardship helps the particular Church of the Diocese of Las Vegas and also assists the parish, your spiritual family. 20/20 is the measure of perfect vision. It is our belief that with all families participating in the

Catholic Stewardship Appeal in 2020, in our Silver Jubilee for the Diocese of Las Vegas, we may both obtain to a more perfect, spiritual, vision in our own lives, and offer that gift to others, as together we are transformed into good stewards and servants of the Lord, Christ Jesus. Below is an example of the pledge card (which you can also get in the church narthex). All information for CSA is available on our website and our Diocese’s website.



Throughout the year, Migration & Refugee Services welcomes hundreds refugees to Nevada and provides continuing support to thousands of refugees annually. Those arriving to Nevada are seeking refuge or asylum from persecution and are forced to flee their home countries for fear their lives are in danger if they stay. They come to the United States seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is recognized on the federal level as the state refugee office in Nevada as well as acting as one of the three local agencies to carry out resettlement services. As a result, they are able to respond to global crises from all over the world. The clients receive cultural orientations to acclimate to the American way of life, as well as English language classes to be able to become employable, self-sufficient, and, eventually, American citizens. Last year alone, Catholic Charities secured over 400 jobs and provided English language classes to more than 640 students. If you would like to contribute, you can send donations for Faces of Hunger to our Parish Office or contact Catholic Charities directly.

Continued from page 3…

Doing without food altogether during this time or if need be, just a light and simple meal, such as a humble bowl of soup and/or a piece of bread but only if something is needed to sustain.

Since we fast not only from food but also from distractions during the Triduum, turn off the TV, mobile phone, laptop, iPad, etc.

Accomplish whatever needs to be done, such as shopping, cleaning and chores before sundown on Holy Thursday.

Allow the quiet moments of the three days of the Holy Triduum to settle your soul.

It will be a time of struggle and temptation, but it will also be a time of rest and freedom in the Lord. It is He who is our source of strength in this endeavor.

Now we have plenty of time to read the scriptures, meditate, discuss the readings, and what you have missed being able to participate in the Triduum liturgies. Hopefully, there is a discussion about this topic among your friends and family so that it's sacred potential can be shared and more fully realized. May your experience of Easter this year bring you to a new and a higher plateau of understanding and faith in Jesus, who became one of us, suffered the torture of humankind, died on the Cross and rose from the dead for you. Yours in Christ, Fr. Bede Wevita Pastor


We recently hosted a blood drive with Vitalant. The results were: 64 donors signed-in, 16 deferrals, 19 Double cells and 1 QNS. 67 successful donors and 66 total units collected.

Thanks to the incredible donors, these units had an immediate impact in the life of 198

patients. Please save the following dates: Sunday, July 26th, 2020 and Sunday,

November 15th, 2020. These are the upcoming Blood Drives hosted at STM. More info soon!

Thank you very much for your

continuous support!


We have a food pantry on our campus with non-perishable food that is available to our

parishioners, families and friends. Please contact Cheryl Schwarz, our Director of Outreach Ministry, to schedule an appointment

to come and get what is needed to help you get by and ensure there is food to put on

the table.

Cheryl can be reached at [email protected] or at 702-361-8840 ext. 206

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION AND TIMES FOR ONLINE LITURGIES


MINISTRY & ORGANIZATION CONTACTS ALL NUMBERS START WITH 702 UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Deacon Mike 361-8840

ALTAR TEAMS Deacon Bob Rudloff 260-0311

BAPTISM Parish Office 361-3022

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Deacon Mike 361-3022

BUILDING & GROUNDS Mike Ryan 361-3022

CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Amanda Dwyer 361-3022

COUPLES CLUB Dan Bubb 785-318-0566

ENGAGED EXPERIENCE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

FAITH FORMATION Juliann Dwyer 361-8840

FINANCE COUNCIL Parish Office 361-3022

FUNERALS Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

GIFT SHOP Bette Snyder 361-8840

HELP THY NEIGHBOR PROGRAM Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Patti Sabo 269-3110

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS Janie Davis 361-2780

LECTORS Jerry Fairweather 994-4154

LIFE TEEN Ray Snead 361-8840

LITTLE KINGDOM Geraldine Montano Muguira 236-4332

MARRIAGE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Bob & Beth Wiebers 898-7865

MEN’S CLUB Dave Libby 808-3589

M.O.M.S Kim Blanc 528-2457

MORE YOUTH Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

MUSIC MINISTRY Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

NEVADANS FOR THE COMMON GOOD Natalie Eustice 630-3543

OUTREACH MINISTRY Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

PASTORAL COUNCIL CJ Campagna 768-3862

PIECEMAKERS Bette Snyder 685-7533

R.C.I.A. Deacon Bill McManus 606-7548

ROSARY MAKING Pat Burkitt 376-5410 Joleen Meusburger 498-5011

SAFE ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY Kit Lambert 759-5509

SCOUTS Ed Cortney 415-9980

SENIOR GAMES Salvy Mc Ilvaine 617-4547

55+ SINGLES Carol Capino Sturm 606-3900

SILENT CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Maria Kuschel 407-1697

TELE-WELCOMING Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

VICTIM’S ASSISTANCE Ron Vallance 235-7723

WELCOME SUNDAY DONUTS CJ Campagna 768-3862

WOMEN’S GUILD Cis Holzhauer 837-3446

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Cecilia “CJ” Campagna (President)

Carla Wagner Clara Martinez Dave Wirshing

Glenda Hoagland Jill Heintz

John Vialpando Kathleen Walters Margaret Louis

Rene Robles Sara VanDewater

Sarah Lipps Susan Kring

FINANCE COUNCIL

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Ex Officio—Mike Ryan, Sandra Stahl

Members:

Mark Ricciardi JoAnn Rucci

Bernadette Schmitz Danny Siciliano

ClairMarie Slaveck Marcus Valerio

Chris Vito Dave Wirshing


IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A COPY OF YOUR

2019 DONATIONS FOR TAX PURPOSES,

PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT

702-361-3022.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

EVERYTHING IS CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Our staff continues to work diligently on the plan as we move forward. We are here for our community

and we are praying for everyone’s health and safety at this time.



APRIL 5TH, 2020 PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Processional Gospel: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” (Mt 21:9b) First Reading: The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. (Is 50:7a) Psalm: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Ps 22) Second Reading: He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil 2:8) Gospel: But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mt 27:11-50-51)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997,

International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved

WEEKLY READINGS AND OBSERVANCES

ENGAGE IN DAILY MASS AND PRAYER

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 5TH: Sunday: Mt 21:1-11/Is 50:4-7/Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 [2a]/Phil 2:6-11/Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54 Monday: Is 42:1-7/Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 [1a]/Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday: Is 49:1-6/Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17 [cf. 15ab]/Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a/Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34 [14c]/Mt 26:14-25 Thursday: Chrism Mass: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9/Ps 89:21-22, 25 and 27 [2]/Rv 1:5-8/Lk 4:16-21. Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14/Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 [cf. 1 Cor 10:16]/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15 Friday: Is 52:13—53:12/Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25 [Lk 23:46]/Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9/Jn 18:1—19:42 Saturday: Vigil: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a/Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 [30] or Ps 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20-22 [5b]/Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 [1]/Ex 14:15—15:1/Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18 [1b]/Is 54:5-14/Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13 [2a]/Is 55:1-11/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [3]/Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 [Jn 6:68c]/Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28/Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 [42:2] or Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 [3] or Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 [12a]/ Rom 6:3-11/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23/Mt 28:1-10

LIVE THE LITURGY INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

Listen carefully to the passion of Christ as it unlocks the door that brings us to the true meaning of human life. Holding what seems like opposite polarities of human existence, it weaves us through the highest of triumphs and the darkest of tragedies. As we witness and meditate upon Jesus’s last days on earth, we see most vividly that God is present in and through it all. God is not only the glue that holds all of life’s seemingly opposing experiences together, but He is the One who offers incredible promise and hope on our road to fulfillment and eternal life. It was only through experiencing the burning agony of suffering’s loneliness and heart-wrenching pain that Jesus experienced the joyful exultation of his resurrected self. There are profound lessons here for all of us to learn.



GOSPEL MEDITATION ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

Human beings are united in their suffering. When we find ourselves in a painful moment, our first reaction is “why me?” as if we are the only person on earth who ever encountered this challenge. Going through life with a “why me” attitude only finds us wallowing in the mire of self-pity and never seizing opportunities or graces. We walk in solidarity with every human being in the experience of suffering. Believing that the goal of life is the elimination or avoidance of suffering is simply an illusion that keeps us entrenched in a collective myth. This myth distorts us and limits us. There are living witnesses among us showing how courage and determination can overcome any degree of hardship, pain, loss, or tragedy. Folks finding the normalcy of their lives suddenly torn asunder are faced with options: opportunity or despair, stay or leave. Jesus stands before us as the prime example of endurance and perseverance. He is the One who showed humility through both the triumphs of life (by learning to be humble) and the tragedies and injustices (by learning how to be obedient). To secular ears, this may be perceived as nonsense. But to those with the eyes of faith, they are pearls of great price. True humility tempers the temptation we have to become complacent and prevents an excessive relishing of life’s successes and affirmations. Learning obedience keeps us faithful to our relationship with God so that we can find the courage to endure any depth of hardship, disappointment, betrayal, or agony. While we may want our cup of suffering to be taken away, it simply cannot be. Somehow and somewhere in the seemingly opposing experiences life can deal us, God is present with His reassuring, compassionate, empowering, and persevering love. To be true to who we are and who God is, we must take up the cross of suffering, even when it’s the hardest and most apparently senseless thing to do. Only our soul can understand these things, but our minds cannot, so they continue to run to secular ideas and solutions to pain and hardship. It goes without saying that we need to do all we can to eliminate as much senseless, unjust suffering as possible. Hunger, violence, abuse, exploitation, rejection, prejudice, homelessness, disrespect for life, and a whole host of other sins all result in suffering that is within our control. Then, when we face the uncontrollable kind of suffering or find ourselves the victim of injustice, what do we do?

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

Easter is only a week away, and churches everywhere in the West are beginning the holiest of weeks. For a moment, even the secular world will bow to religious observances: closings on Good Friday, Easter baskets filled with treats, and television specials featuring Biblical figures. You and I will be reflecting on the meaning of Lent and how we have died and risen with Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Either we have prepared well for this Holy Week observance, or we are left lamenting that maybe next year will be when we get back on track. The question before us is: “To whom are we accountable?” Did our Lenten observance only have to do with us? Does it matter to anyone if we really took this time seriously or not? Both faith and community are gifts from God to us. The Church exists so we may live out that faith and respond to God’s call, being strengthened by the grace imparted through the sacraments and the community in which we find ourselves. If we are accountable to no one, then the community is simply an option on a Sunday morning, much like golf or household chores. If we are not accountable to God, then our faith is simply something we look to periodically when we are sad or frightened. However, if we are accountable to each other and to Jesus Christ, then we must answer for our stewardship gifts of faith and community. The Body of Christ is counting on us. Without a strong sense of accountability, we think our actions only affect us. In the end, we are connected to each other through Christ in such a manner that no one ever stands alone. —Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS



QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK REFLECT AND RESPOND TO SCRIPTURE

First Reading The prophet Isaiah speaks of his commitment to his calling regardless of the consequences he suffers. Who do you see today modeling this depth of faith? Second Reading This Christological hymn in Philippians is one of the earliest attempts by believers to define who Jesus is. What do you find interesting or provocative about how Jesus is defined here? Gospel Reading Matthew’s passion narrative has a number of unique details, including the report of “the saints” rising from their tombs and appearing to “many” after Jesus’ resurrection. What do you think Matthew was teaching us with the inclusion of this episode?

WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED

Question: Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross? Answer: The sign of the cross is a devotional practice that dates back to the first Apostles. When making the sign of the cross, we remember Jesus Christ who died for us and also bear witness to the fact that we belong to him and are called to share the Good News to all the world. At our Baptism, we were signed with a cross and marked for Christ. That mark remains on us throughout the entirety of our lives. We remind ourselves of that mark every time we make the same gesture over our bodies. We also remind ourselves that to be a Christian means we are to “put on Christ” and be Christ for a world that needs to know him. In a way, this devotional gesture covers us with Christ so that others may see him in us. Catholics are not the only ones who make the sign of the cross. Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglicans are examples of other Christians who maintain this same ancient tradition.

Observances for the week: Sunday: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Administrative Professionals’ Day Thursday: Holy Thursday Friday: Good Friday Saturday: Holy Saturday Next Sunday: Easter Sunday



Documents

APRIL 5TH, 2020 PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION · Carlos Rodriguez CarolAnne Kardash Celestino Roberto Charlotte Ryan Christine Stoudner David Proulx Denise Gordon Ed Omglad