We Are Within the Big Deal

03-25-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Faithful priests and fervent Catholics around the planet are well aware of the big deal which Holy Week ushers in. In fact, most Catholics of good will are well aware of the big deal we immerse ourselves in within these days of grace. However, there is often sadness when our actions do not reflect our awareness. What will your mindset be during Holy Week?

Our awareness of the big deal of Holy Week means that we understand that the liturgical life of the Church is so unique during these days; no other comparison comes even close throughout our liturgical year. These days commemorate the facts of what Jesus Christ has done for the ones He loves.

Here is a thought from Nathan Mitchell from the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy:

The liturgies of these days celebrate not what once happened to Jesus but what is now happening among us as a people called to conversion, gathered in faith, and gifted with the Spirit of holiness. They celebrate God's taking possession of our hearts at their deepest core, recreating us as a new human community broken like bread for the world's life – a community rich in compassion, steadfast in hope, and fearless in the search for justice and peace.

I hope you spend some serious time reflecting upon Mitchell's words, so eloquently written. Read the statement over and over again, pondering phrases which speak to you, allowing not Mitchell to speak, but God to speak to you as you prepare for Holy Week. The Lord desires to work within each and every one of us during Holy Week an always. Its our part to respond to His desires and movements so that we continue to strengthen the community of faith into which we've been invited.

Paschal Fast

The Paschal Fast has little to do with the rate at which time passes. The Paschal Fast does have to do with our presence of mind during the Holy Triduum. The guidelines for fasting will follow this paragraph. The Paschal Fast is an encouragement to extend the Good Friday fast through the conclusion of the Easter Vigil. This particular discipline helps us become more aware and mindful of these grace-filled days. That mindfulness might even lead to a deeper awareness of our prayers and cause us to be more open to the voice of the Spirit. Perhaps the Spirit might inspire you once again, or for the first time, to embrace the Paschal Fast.

Guidelines for Fasting from our Diocesan Offices: In addition to abstaining from meat, Catholics who have celebrated their 18th birthday, until they celebrate their 59th birthday, are to fast on Good Friday. Those who are bound to this regulation may eat only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

Sacrament of Penance (Confessions)

During Holy Week, the Sacrament of Penance will be offered at the following times: Good Friday – beginning 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Celebration of the Lord's Passion (Saint Boniface). Holy Saturday – on the hours of 7:00am, 8:00am & 9:00am (Immaculate Conception).

On Divine Mercy Sunday – 1:30pm-2:30pm (Saint Lawrence).

Divine Mercy Sunday

Our local Divine Mercy Sunday Devotions (8 April 2018) will be hosted in the Church of Saint Lawrence beginning at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The devotions will include: Eucharistic Exposition, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Veneration of the image, Praises of Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Benediction. Following the program, members of the parish will host a light luncheon including Divine Mercy colored deserts. Divine Mercy Sunday is unique opportunity for us, as Catholics, to receive a plenary indulgence; freeing us from punishment for our forgiven sins. In addition to the Divine Mercy Devotions, conditions for the plenary indulgence include: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayers for the Pope which can all be done within days before or after Divine Mercy Sunday.

Saint Boniface Weekend Mass Time Change

Beginning on the Sat, Apr 14, the weekend Mass time in the Church of Saint Boniface will be 8:00pm. The 8 o'clock time will be static through summer and into early autumn.

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