CHRISTIANS, to the Paschal Victim
offer sacrifice and praise.
The sheep are ransomed by the Lamb;
and Christ, the undefiled,
hath sinners
to his Father reconciled.
Death with life contended:
combat strangely ended!
Life's own Champion, slain,
yet lives to reign.
Tell us, Mary:
say what thou didst see upon the way.
The tomb the Living did enclose;
I saw Christ's glory as He rose!
The angels there attesting;
shroud with grave-clothes resting.
Christ, my hope, has risen:
He goes before you into Galilee.
That Christ is truly risen
from the dead we know.
Victorious King, Thy mercy show!
Amen. Alleluia.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Pastors Notes for Easter
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Resurrection Day! The Lord has risen, He has risen indeed, just as He said! Let us rejoice and be glad.
We know that the Resurrection of Christ changes everything. I still recall a beautiful homily of Bishop Lucker's at the Easter Vigil (in 1996, so it must have been really good). He quoted a saint who said Christ is risen, man is saved, and the world is changed! As we go about our Easter season, even if there is snow on the ground yet, even if there is still a chill in the air, we know that there is new life, and that eternity beacons.
But we also know that while we have joy, there is still sadness, too. We pray for the repose of the souls of Sr. Mary Schilling, who died some time ago (and my apologies to the Schilling family for forgetting to a sympathy in the bulletin until now); Gerald Forbes, father of Diane Swedzinski; and Lynn Larson, brother of Gail Fischer and Marge Weber. May the Resurrection of Christ raise their souls to eternity.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Happy Resurrection Day! The Lord has risen, He has risen indeed, just as He said! Let us rejoice and be glad.
We know that the Resurrection of Christ changes everything. I still recall a beautiful homily of Bishop Lucker's at the Easter Vigil (in 1996, so it must have been really good). He quoted a saint who said Christ is risen, man is saved, and the world is changed! As we go about our Easter season, even if there is snow on the ground yet, even if there is still a chill in the air, we know that there is new life, and that eternity beacons.
But we also know that while we have joy, there is still sadness, too. We pray for the repose of the souls of Sr. Mary Schilling, who died some time ago (and my apologies to the Schilling family for forgetting to a sympathy in the bulletin until now); Gerald Forbes, father of Diane Swedzinski; and Lynn Larson, brother of Gail Fischer and Marge Weber. May the Resurrection of Christ raise their souls to eternity.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Prayer for Third Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Divine Mercy Novena - Third Day - Prayer for Third Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Easter Praise
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,
let the trumpet of salvation
sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.
Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.
(Therefore, dearest friends,
standing in the awesome glory of this holy light,
invoke with me, I ask you,
the mercy of God almighty,
that he, who has been pleased to number me,
though unworthy, among the Levites,
may pour into me his light unshadowed,
that I may sing this candle’s perfect praises).
It is truly right and just,
with ardent love of mind and heart
and with devoted service of our voice,
to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father,
and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten.
Who for our sake paid Adam’s debt to the eternal Father,
and, pouring out his own dear Blood,
wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.
These, then, are the feasts of Passover,
in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb,
whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers.
This is the night,
when once you led our forebears, Israel’s children,
from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This is the night
that with a pillar of fire
banished the darkness of sin.
This is the night
that even now, throughout the world,
sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices
and from the gloom of sin,
leading them to grace
and joining them to his holy ones.
This is the night,
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Our birth would have been no gain,
had we not been redeemed.
O wonder of your humble care for us!
O love, O charity beyond all telling,
to ransom a slave you gave away your Son!
O truly necessary sin of Adam,
destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!
O happy fault
that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!
O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!
This is the night
of which it is written:
The night shall be as bright as day,
dazzling is the night for me,
and full of gladness.
The sanctifying power of this night
dispels wickedness, washes faults away,
restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,
drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.
On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,
accept this candle, a solemn offering,
the work of bees and of your servants’ hands,
an evening sacrifice of praise,
this gift from your most holy Church.
But now we know the praises of this pillar,
which glowing fire ignites for God’s honor,
a fire into many flames divided,
yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,
for it is fed by melting wax,
drawn out by mother bees
to build a torch so precious.
O truly blessed night,
when things of heaven are wed to those of earth,
and divine to the human.
Therefore, O Lord,
we pray you that this candle,
hallowed to the honor of your name,
may persevere undimmed,
to overcome the darkness of this night.
Receive it as a pleasing fragrance,
and let it mingle with the lights of heaven.
May this flame be found still burning
by the Morning Star:
the one Morning Star who never sets,
Christ your Son,
who, coming back from death’s domain,
has shed his peaceful light on humanity,
and lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,
let the trumpet of salvation
sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.
Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.
(Therefore, dearest friends,
standing in the awesome glory of this holy light,
invoke with me, I ask you,
the mercy of God almighty,
that he, who has been pleased to number me,
though unworthy, among the Levites,
may pour into me his light unshadowed,
that I may sing this candle’s perfect praises).
It is truly right and just,
with ardent love of mind and heart
and with devoted service of our voice,
to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father,
and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten.
Who for our sake paid Adam’s debt to the eternal Father,
and, pouring out his own dear Blood,
wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.
These, then, are the feasts of Passover,
in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb,
whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers.
This is the night,
when once you led our forebears, Israel’s children,
from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This is the night
that with a pillar of fire
banished the darkness of sin.
This is the night
that even now, throughout the world,
sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices
and from the gloom of sin,
leading them to grace
and joining them to his holy ones.
This is the night,
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Our birth would have been no gain,
had we not been redeemed.
O wonder of your humble care for us!
O love, O charity beyond all telling,
to ransom a slave you gave away your Son!
O truly necessary sin of Adam,
destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!
O happy fault
that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!
O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!
This is the night
of which it is written:
The night shall be as bright as day,
dazzling is the night for me,
and full of gladness.
The sanctifying power of this night
dispels wickedness, washes faults away,
restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,
drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.
On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,
accept this candle, a solemn offering,
the work of bees and of your servants’ hands,
an evening sacrifice of praise,
this gift from your most holy Church.
But now we know the praises of this pillar,
which glowing fire ignites for God’s honor,
a fire into many flames divided,
yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,
for it is fed by melting wax,
drawn out by mother bees
to build a torch so precious.
O truly blessed night,
when things of heaven are wed to those of earth,
and divine to the human.
Therefore, O Lord,
we pray you that this candle,
hallowed to the honor of your name,
may persevere undimmed,
to overcome the darkness of this night.
Receive it as a pleasing fragrance,
and let it mingle with the lights of heaven.
May this flame be found still burning
by the Morning Star:
the one Morning Star who never sets,
Christ your Son,
who, coming back from death’s domain,
has shed his peaceful light on humanity,
and lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Holy Saturday Silence
From the Office of Readings for Holy Saturday:
Something strange is happening—there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ Christ answered him: ‘And with your spirit.’ He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’
I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and we cannot be separated.
For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.
See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.
I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell. The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.
Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.
Something strange is happening—there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ Christ answered him: ‘And with your spirit.’ He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’
I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and we cannot be separated.
For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.
See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.
I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell. The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.
Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.
Prayer for Second Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Divine Mercy Novena - Second Day - Prayer for Second Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard—upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard—upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Prayer for First Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Divine Mercy Novena - First Day - Prayer for First Day of Divine Mercy Novena
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet - Novena Begins Tomorrow!
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet - Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
The Chaplet is prayed on a regular Rosary.
Here's How:
1. Make the Sign of the Cross
2. Pray the Opening Prayers
"You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us."
"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!" (three times)
3. Pray the Our Father
4. Pray the Hail Mary
5. Say the Apostles' Creed
6. On the "Our Father" Beads, Pray the Prayer "Eternal Father"
"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."
7. On the "Hail Mary" beads, Pray the Prayer "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion" Ten Times
"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
Repeat Steps 6 and 7
On each of the next four decades of the Chaplet, repeat steps 6 and 7 (pray the Eternal Father, followed by ten "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion").
8. Pray the Concluding Doxology Three Times
"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." (three times)
9. Pray the Closing Prayer
"Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen."
The Chaplet is prayed on a regular Rosary.
Here's How:
1. Make the Sign of the Cross
2. Pray the Opening Prayers
"You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us."
"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!" (three times)
3. Pray the Our Father
4. Pray the Hail Mary
5. Say the Apostles' Creed
6. On the "Our Father" Beads, Pray the Prayer "Eternal Father"
"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."
7. On the "Hail Mary" beads, Pray the Prayer "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion" Ten Times
"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
Repeat Steps 6 and 7
On each of the next four decades of the Chaplet, repeat steps 6 and 7 (pray the Eternal Father, followed by ten "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion").
8. Pray the Concluding Doxology Three Times
"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." (three times)
9. Pray the Closing Prayer
"Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen."
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are in Holy Week already. That does not mean, however, that our Lenten journeys are finished, but now they grow more intense - more intense in prayer and fasting most especially. This week's liturgies have a pride of place in the Church and in my heart - how blessed are they. We gather, recalling the model of loving service of Jesus Christ in washing the feet of the disciples and giving Himself as the Bread of Life and the Blood of Salvation. We continue on Good Friday, coming to the foot of the cross and adoring the Lord who was crucified for our salvation. We gather in the darkness of night, recalling the night that sin and death lost to the Glory of the Resurrection… Certainly these are holy days. Please make every effort to keep them!
As part of that, there are only days left for participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have a communal penance service on Sunday, March 24 at 1 at OLV and at 2:30 at St. Anne's. There will be private confessions Monday 5:30-6:25 pm at St. Anne's, Tuesday at 7:30 am at OLV, Wednesday at 7:30 am at St. Anne's, and Thursday at noon at St. Anne's. Please do not wait until the last minute, and do not delay. Do not worry if it has been a while, either. Be reconciled to God, and don't delay!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Here we are in Holy Week already. That does not mean, however, that our Lenten journeys are finished, but now they grow more intense - more intense in prayer and fasting most especially. This week's liturgies have a pride of place in the Church and in my heart - how blessed are they. We gather, recalling the model of loving service of Jesus Christ in washing the feet of the disciples and giving Himself as the Bread of Life and the Blood of Salvation. We continue on Good Friday, coming to the foot of the cross and adoring the Lord who was crucified for our salvation. We gather in the darkness of night, recalling the night that sin and death lost to the Glory of the Resurrection… Certainly these are holy days. Please make every effort to keep them!
As part of that, there are only days left for participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have a communal penance service on Sunday, March 24 at 1 at OLV and at 2:30 at St. Anne's. There will be private confessions Monday 5:30-6:25 pm at St. Anne's, Tuesday at 7:30 am at OLV, Wednesday at 7:30 am at St. Anne's, and Thursday at noon at St. Anne's. Please do not wait until the last minute, and do not delay. Do not worry if it has been a while, either. Be reconciled to God, and don't delay!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Cogratulations to Audrey Prokosch
Last night at the Bishop Lucker Lecture, Audrey Prokosch was given the Diocesan Distinguished Service award, along with 5 others. Congratulations, Audrey, and thank you! See page 5 for more information!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Pastor's Notes for March 10
Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Agnes Ousky and Kevin Albu. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Our Lenten journey is almost ½ done. We should take this weekend to reflect on whether we have been a little more prepared. If yes, we are encouraged to keep going, knowing we are almost done. If not, we are encouraged to start, knowing that we still have half of Lent!
With this in mind, I want to remind you again of two great opportunities. First, Deacon Paul Treinen from Ortonville will be speaking this Sunday, March 10, at 7 pm at St. Anne's on forgiveness. There are a lot of misconceptions about what forgiveness entails and demands, and I am certain that Deacon Paul will cut through that. Also, we have a great opportunity to be assured of God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Especially if it has been a while, treat yourself to receiving it. Don't worry if it has been a while, or if you forgot, or anything else. These are only excuses that Satan uses to keep people in his clutches. Christ is calling us to be reconciled to Him, and He offers His forgiveness freely.
Thank you to all that made last Sunday's Adoration what it was. It was good to see so many coming and going throughout the afternoon. Our Lord waits for us to come to Him!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Agnes Ousky and Kevin Albu. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Our Lenten journey is almost ½ done. We should take this weekend to reflect on whether we have been a little more prepared. If yes, we are encouraged to keep going, knowing we are almost done. If not, we are encouraged to start, knowing that we still have half of Lent!
With this in mind, I want to remind you again of two great opportunities. First, Deacon Paul Treinen from Ortonville will be speaking this Sunday, March 10, at 7 pm at St. Anne's on forgiveness. There are a lot of misconceptions about what forgiveness entails and demands, and I am certain that Deacon Paul will cut through that. Also, we have a great opportunity to be assured of God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Especially if it has been a while, treat yourself to receiving it. Don't worry if it has been a while, or if you forgot, or anything else. These are only excuses that Satan uses to keep people in his clutches. Christ is calling us to be reconciled to Him, and He offers His forgiveness freely.
Thank you to all that made last Sunday's Adoration what it was. It was good to see so many coming and going throughout the afternoon. Our Lord waits for us to come to Him!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Pastor's Notes for March 3
Dear Parishioners,
Our deepest sympathy to the families of Tillie Guetter, Mavis Hoffman, Pat (Kidrowski) Morin, Linda Stolp, and Shane Fisher (Great nephew of Harrold Frericks). May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
We hear in our readings of both the tree that does produce, and the burning bush. We call to mind that we are in need of conversion to produce fruit of righteousness. But in produce the fruit, we call to mind, too, that it is the fire of the Holy Spirit that is in work in us, burning in us without destroying us. This Sunday afternoon at St. Anne's, we have a profound opportunity to pray for such conversion as we have a day of Adoration. Please come and go as you are able, but this whole afternoon (after the 10 am Mass until 7pm) is a day of praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. I find that no time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is wasted - even just sitting quietly can be powerful. Other suggestions beside praying the Rosary of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy include praying over the Sunday readings (or reviewing them in prayer), reading a devotional, or another scripture passage. You could also pray a form of ACTS - Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication - taking time for each form of prayer. Again, no time is wasted, even if you simply are in the presence of Christ, allowing Him to look at you.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our deepest sympathy to the families of Tillie Guetter, Mavis Hoffman, Pat (Kidrowski) Morin, Linda Stolp, and Shane Fisher (Great nephew of Harrold Frericks). May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
We hear in our readings of both the tree that does produce, and the burning bush. We call to mind that we are in need of conversion to produce fruit of righteousness. But in produce the fruit, we call to mind, too, that it is the fire of the Holy Spirit that is in work in us, burning in us without destroying us. This Sunday afternoon at St. Anne's, we have a profound opportunity to pray for such conversion as we have a day of Adoration. Please come and go as you are able, but this whole afternoon (after the 10 am Mass until 7pm) is a day of praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. I find that no time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is wasted - even just sitting quietly can be powerful. Other suggestions beside praying the Rosary of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy include praying over the Sunday readings (or reviewing them in prayer), reading a devotional, or another scripture passage. You could also pray a form of ACTS - Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication - taking time for each form of prayer. Again, no time is wasted, even if you simply are in the presence of Christ, allowing Him to look at you.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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