Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
No, I’m not talking about football – as big as that was for my family growing up, nor the Puppy Bowl counterpart that, beyond all reason, has returned for a 21st year. As Catholics we know that the Mass is the biggest event each Sunday – and not unlike a big game, the outcome can greatly depend upon the time we take to prepare.
Of course, our Bountiful Lord bestows grace on His Church at each Mass, and that doesn’t depend on our disposition or preparation. But by “tilling the soil” (Mark 4:8), we can allow those graces to take root and to flourish in our lives in a way that will carry us through our interactions the rest of the week. I’m inspired by the many who have shared with me the ways that they prepare for Mass. Some read and reflect on the Gospel of the day in advance. Others make extra effort to arrive early so that younger children can get some wiggles out and hearts can begin to quiet in anticipation of being in the Lord’s presence. I know that some families begin their preparations at home as they put on their Sunday best, the ecclesiastical version of the game-day jersey. There’s a young girl at the Cathedral who is always encouraging me to notice her father’s Sunday cologne. While a splash of Hero by Burberry might not make us more receptive to God’s grace, it is a wonderful reminder for that young girl that the Lord’s Day is different from any other and that what happens at Mass is special.
I’m always grateful for the way those who volunteer at the Mass aid us in entering into this mystery. I think of the lectors who proclaim God’s Word with understanding and ardor, the cantors and musicians who lift their hearts and voices to God – and inspire others to do the same, and the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who distribute the Eucharist with reverence so that the faithful may partake in the true Body of Christ. It was a joy to spend a morning with many of you who participated in those liturgical ministries earlier this month, at the first of our Ars Celebrandi workshops focusing on the “art of celebrating” the Mass. That same workshop will be held again on March 1 at St. Therese in Deephaven. If you serve in any of those liturgical ministries – or are involved in OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) – I invite you to join me that day for Mass and for an opportunity to explore why your role is so important in our celebrations. As our Holy Father says, “The Church evangelizes and is herself evangelized through the beauty of the liturgy” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24).
When we were discerning our focus for our pastoral letter’s Year 2 implementation, which hinges upon inviting all the faithful to “offer their very selves in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass,” I knew that reclaiming Sunday would be key. A Sunday well-celebrated does just that first by orienting our lives in worship of the Lord (who in turn gifts us with our “daily bread”) and then by directing our day to the important tasks of rest, fruitful leisure and time with loved ones.
We are blessed that Dr. Michael Naughton and Dr. Pam Patnode will be offering “In Defense of Leisure” presentations across our archdiocese to help us understand the “why” and “how” of keeping Sunday holy. As Dr. Naughton observes, “If we don’t get Sunday right, we won’t get Monday—or any day of the workweek—right.” Two events are being held this month – on Feb. 13 and 20 – and I encourage you to join.
In today’s hectic world, our identity often gets caught up in what we do, but this is only a part of who we are created to be. Let’s focus not only on what we achieve, but on what we receive.
Cursillo Men’s Weekend 391 (Feb. 13-17)
Cursillo weekend is an opportunity to step away from the daily grind and set aside time to nourish your spirit. This encounter with Christ offers an opportunity to expand your prayer life, grow in your faith, and learn about a method to keep your faith journey vibrant within a supportive Christian community.
Catholic school leaders testify against Gov. Walz’s proposed budget cuts to nonpublic schools
“I understand Minnesota stands at a crossroads in education,” Quentin Moore, vice president of advancement at Ascension Catholic Academy in Minneapolis, said in addressing the Senate Education Finance Committee on Feb. 5.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Catholic Services Appeal begins the 2025 campaign with January kickoff event
During the kickoff on Jan. 14, Bridget Kramer, the principal of Community of Saints Regional Catholic School in West St. Paul, shared how CSA donations have helped Catholic schools.
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The radical act of mercy in a broken world
In this episode, Bishop Izen explores how mercy and justice go hand in hand, offering hope in a divided world.
Called to holiness: Your unique path to sainthood
What if sainthood isn’t reserved for a select few, but a call for each of us, right where we are?
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"Many of the students reported speaking in tongues that night in the chapel. One of them recalls that a professor from Duquesne who had been present at the retreat would later witness to his friends at Notre Dame and Michigan State with these compelling words, 'I no longer have to believe in Pentecost; I have seen it!'
This story hits close to home, given that the Church in Pittsburgh, including my home parish, was very much impacted by that weekend at The Ark and The Dove Retreat Center, a place where I often went to pray as a young priest."
This story hits close to home, given that the Church in Pittsburgh, including my home parish, was very much impacted by that weekend at The Ark and The Dove Retreat Center, a place where I often went to pray as a young priest."
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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February 10, 2024