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.

The date of Easter, is, of course, determined by the first day of Spring. For memory sake, Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon, after the vernal equinox (first day of Spring). I'm sure countless numbers of us are awaiting the passage of winter on Tuesday of this coming week. Then, with keen observation we will be enjoying the abundance of new life springing forth from the earth. Meanwhile, we are continually reminded to participate, not anticipate, so we continue to discipline our minds for the moments in our midst.

I thought this would be a good time to let you in on a little secret that I discovered in my grandma's kitchen long agowhen I would help her cook all the family meals; the act of praying while cooking.

Some of you may even remember that many Catholic homes and maybe you still do, have a Kitchen Prayer plaque orpicture hanging in the kitchen.

As the 150th anniversary of the diocese gets underway March 3-4 with special Masses celebrated by Bishop Callahan in Prairiedu Chien, what follows are a few “snapshots” from our colorful history. They are condensed and adapted from “Feed my Lambs,”the official book on 150 years of Catholic life in the Diocese of La Crosse, available in parishes ($35).

Snapshots of our History