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From the Director's Desk
Dear
"This week begins with the festive procession with olive branches: the entire populace welcomes Jesus. The children and young people sing, praising Jesus. But this week continues in the mystery of Jesus' death and his resurrection. We have just listened to the Passion of our Lord. We might well ask ourselves just one question: Who am I? Who am I, before my Lord? Who am I, before Jesus who enters Jerusalem amid the enthusiasm of the crowd? Am I ready to express my joy, to praise him? Or do I stand back? Who am I, before the suffering Jesus?" (Pope Francis, Homily for Palm Sunday 2014).
"Who am I?" Pope Francis invites us to ponder this question during Holy Week and beyond. Notice that the question is not about self-identify, self-awareness, or self-esteem. In fact, it is not really focusing primarily on self at all. We are challenged to examine who we are in relationship with Jesus. He gave himself completely out of love for us by his death on the Cross and now offers us an intimate relationship with him - a friendship - a personal encounter (Cf., Evangelii Gaudium, 3). Our encounter with Jesus Christ changes us and moves us outward beyond ourselves into deeper relationship with others. As Pope Francis teaches, "if we have received the love which restores meaning to our lives, how can we fail to share that love with others?" (Evangelii Gaudium, 8).
As you encounter Jesus Christ in the remembrance of his passion, death, and resurrection during the Paschal Triduum, please know that our prayers are with you as you witness the love of the Risen Christ to all those you encounter, especially those most in need of his love!
May the Charity of Christ urge us on!
May you have a Blessed Easter!
In God, the Infinite Love,
Fr. Frank
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Holy Week
Ever wonder what the Triduum is and when and how we celebrate it? Here are a few helpful resources we share with you as we prepare ourselves for the commemoration of the death and resurrection of our Lord.
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18 Questions and Answers on the Paschal Triduum: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided an excellent resource for us seeking a greater understanding of the importance of the Paschal Triduum, which takes place this week. Questions range from simply, "When does the Triduum begin and end?" to inquires on Good Friday devotionals and liturgical norms during this time. With clear and direct responses to each of the proposed questions that commonly arise during Holy Week, it's a great resource no matter the depth of your theological background.
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Holy Week reflection: A brief reflection on the meaning of Holy Week by Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B. of Salt and Light Ministries.
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Holy Week in Two Minutes: A resource of Busted Halo Ministries, this "Holy Week in 2 Minutes" clip is a brief explanation of the importance of the events of this week in the life of the Catholic Church. An excellent resource that's ideal for sharing via social media such as Facebook and Twitter, it's worth 2 minutes of your time!
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A Lenten Journey with Cardinal Timothy Dolan: Each day during Lent, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York publishes a brief reflection on the day's Gospel for each of us to consider. Be sure to visit his website throughout this Holy Week for continued reflections.
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Catholic Media Resources
The events of Holy Week often have our heads turned toward Rome to see and hear the Holy Father's homilies and different liturgies that comprise the Paschal Triduum. Even if you're thousands of miles away from Rome, thanks to some exceptional Catholic Media resources you can feel as if you're right there in the Eternal City. Below are a few resources we recommend:
For a complete listing of additional Catholic media resources click here.
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The Church provides us with many beautiful teachings in this Lenten season and we encourage you to learn more about them through our Lenten Resource page. Complete with many different Lenten reflections, guides to the Sacrament of Penance, the Stations of the Cross and more, we hope that this provides you with a valuable resource for Lent and Holy Week! Be sure to check it out by clicking here and share it with your family, friends and colleagues.
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Save the Dates!
In this webinar Sr. Rose will discuss the book as a reflection of the life of Martin Sheen from those that would know him best, his friends and family. Sr. Rose will also offer a brief insight into her work as a movie reviewer and critic, which the New York Times praised of "her significant role in the crossroads of faith and film."
Click the image above to register for the 2015 Catholic Leadership Conference!
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From the Ad Infinitum Blog
"Something Strange is Happening..."
by Alex R. Boucher
Seminarian, Diocese of Portland, Maine
(Originally published March 30, 2013)
Holy Saturday is one of my favorite days of the Liturgical Year. Since donning my first monastic-style altar server alb shortly after my First Communion, the celebration of the Sacred Paschal Triduum is not only the apex of the liturgical year, but mine as well. I always look forward to the day when Christ is in the tomb and we joyfully await the great Easter Vigil after sundown, with its elements that illuminate all our senses.
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Catholic Apostolate Center
A Ministry of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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