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July Fourth is my favorite holiday, even in today's political climate
… experience is inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation. All corners of the world have lent the gift of their people to make America the melting pot of diversity that makes us so …
US bishops struggle with issues in church and society
… including "the high interest among millennials during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent" and "the continued importance in our ministries and outreach to young people which have a …
Conversation, listening essential for upcoming synod on youth, vocations
… said, include "the high interest among millennials during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent" and "the continued importance in our ministries and outreach to young people which have a …
Francis effect infuses St. Augustine in Philly
… " Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home ," Francis' encyclical on the environment. During Lent, parishioners were surveyed on whether they turned off their cars when they are idled and if …
Ramadan can make Lenten fasting seem tepid
… Muslims observe during Ramadan is so much more stringent than anything we Catholics do for Lent, or were ever required to do. It boggles my mind — not to mention my digestive tract. For … meal. By contrast, the Catholic observance of fasting and abstinence during the season of Lent is mild. When I was growing up, the church required that Catholics eat only one full meal a day on weekdays during Lent, preferably around noon. Two light meals were permitted at other times as long as those two …
Encuentro process invigorates community in parishes
… asked participants to hold on to the materials so that they can revisit the conversations next Lent. Turner, in Kansas City, said he looks forward to seeing how the localized conversations are …
Alleluia for umpires: literalists in theological debate
… However, when I was 6, I had my first theological debate-turned-crisis, which ruined my Lent that year. Now the theological debates I read about or think about (e.g. family issues … the parish priest visited our first-grade classroom. He attempted to catechize a bit about Lent, though I did not pay close attention because I found it hard to understand what was being … Irish brogue. Yet I heard one point very clearly, the word "alleluia" was not to be used in Lent. In fact we were to abstain from saying it until Easter Sunday. I didn't catch the reason …
Mary Magdalene drama illuminates: God's forgiveness wipes the slate clean
… was very popular and has been preserved in four variations to be dramatized in churches during Lent and Easter. Mary Magdalene was considered the perfect model of a sinner who obtained …
Egyptian Copts prepare for Easter amid rising fears for their safety
… "My mother comes over, we watch the prayer at St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo on TV and when the Lent fast ends at midnight, we eat a special lamb and orzo soup," said 53-year-old homemaker …
We must continue to listen to Jesus and listen deeply
… Thomas Gumbleton … The readings called us to spend this six weeks of Lent in a special way of preparation for the great celebration of Easter. Three things: giving … me?" The prophet describes what a disciple does — a disciple listens. So, during the weeks of Lent, we have been trying to listen in a deep way to the message of Jesus. This coming week, we … Jesus. Obviously, this requires conversion. We’ve been working at this conversion throughout Lent. This week we must intensify our efforts so that on Good Friday, together with Jesus, we die …
Powerful imagery of sacrifice and love make Holy Thursday a time for unity
… we do to respond more fully to the Lord's call for Christian unity? We have come to the end of Lent with its penance and almsgiving and prayer. Now, as we celebrate the paschal mystery, let us …
Palm Sunday
… really consists of two distinct parts: Sunday through Thursday afternoon are still days of Lent. Thursday evening through Sunday evening comprise the Triduum or the Great Three Days. … one season to another. Still, it is a week in the calendar, and Triduum is certainly linked to Lent, since Lent prepares us for these holy days. For presiders, preachers and planners, however, this week …
St. Francis Alliance proclaims protection of all God's creatures
… Sharon Abercrombie … Just before Lent, about two dozen people gathered for three days at the San Damiano Spiritual Life Retreat …
Fifth Sunday of Lent
… the last of Jesus’ signs in John’s Gospel and the last of the signs we will contemplate during Lent. Surprisingly, the actual miracle of raising the dead man takes up only seven of the 45 … of living in the light of Christ, the resurrection and the life. … Planning: 5th Sunday of Lent … By: … Lawrence Mick In today’s Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus, we are confronted … in the joy of Lazarus and the new life of Christ’s resurrection. … Prayers: 5th Sunday of Lent … By: … Joan DeMerchant … Introduction … This Lenten season invites us to explore the …
Models of discipleship
… a nice surprise, growth in faith usually involves significant struggle. … Fifth Sunday of Lent … Ezekiel 37: 12-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8: 8-11 John 11:1-45 The first phase of the challenge …
The light is in our midst in Jesus
… light that shines in darkness, light that darkness could not overcome." … Fourth Sunday of Lent … 1 Samuel: 16:1B, 6-7, 1-13A Psalms 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5-6 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Full … and truth. That's an extraordinary, marvelous goal, a challenge for us. We still have half of Lent to prepare to deepen that light of Jesus within us, and to strengthen our determination to …
Pope suggests Lenten exercise of asking God why he weeps
… Cindy Wooden … Catholic News Service … Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on the ways they have disappointed God and resolve to … "And does God weep for me?" Such questions, he said, are particularly important to ask during Lent. But also pray, "'Lord, you had so many dreams for me. I know I have strayed, but tell me …
Homeboy Industries founder to receive Notre Dame's Laetare Medal
… after it was announced by the university on Laetare Sunday, March 26, the fourth Sunday of Lent. Homeboy Industries was started in 1988 in response to gang violence and the toll it was …
Mexican bishop who speaks out faces criticism from state officials
… left Campeche.) A sanctuary in the town of Tepalcingo, popular with pilgrims every year during Lent, was taken over in early 2016 by thugs, who committed sacrilege at the site and later …
Fourth Sunday of Lent
… we learn to do that, we may just be surprised by a brand new vision. … Planning: 4th Sunday of Lent … By; … Lawrence Mick This Sunday has the traditional name of Laetare Sunday, a day of joy because Lent has reached the half-way point. The church has directives regarding the observance of the third Sunday within this solemn season: “During Lent the altar is not to be decorated with flowers, and the use of musical instruments is allowed …