HOLY WEEK
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2023
ARE YOU WEIGHED DOWN BY THE FEAR OF DEATH?
Sometimes we experience the existential fact of the fear of death. It could come from thinking of a loved one who is terminally ill or watching at the bedside of the dying? It could also be as a result of pondering or brooding over things. When I was a little boy in the sixth grade, I had some health chal-lenges like stomach aches, headaches (perhaps, migraine) and abdominal pains. Those illnesses triggered a gnawing fear of death. The antidote that helped me was a fervent conviction that God answers prayers. So I prayed that I might not die and trusted that God would protect me from my fears. He did. That is why I am here. “When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.”( Negro Spiritual). Man’s life on earth is a beautiful picture. Death is the flame of this beauty made by God. Is there any solution when you are worried or when death looms large in your thoughts? You bet. Trustful prayer to the One who raised Lazarus from the dead is the answer.
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A CATHOLIC
1.The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by rest-ing from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
2.The second precept ("You shall confess your sins at least once a year") ensures prepa-ration for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.
3.The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.
4. The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which pre-pare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
5. The fifth precept ("You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church") means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability. The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities. (C.C.C 2042-2043).
SOMETHING MORE YOU CAN DO
You may be asking what more can I do before Lent is over? Here is one thing you can do. Please reach out to a family or friend or a neighbor who has been sick or was bereaved. Visit him/her or call such a person on the phone to pray and to check on him or her. You can also do the same for someone who has not been to the Church for a long time.
JAZZ BRUNCH
The youth group will be hosting the 2023 Jazz Brunch on April 16th. Tickets are on sale in the Narthex after each mass. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
WE MAY GET S.V.D. PRIEST(S)
When I leave by the end of June, we may get an SVD priest(s). Please keep your fingers crossed. Whoever is sent to us, may we welcome him wholeheartedly. Please give him your usual kind and generous support.
MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST-SAVE THE DATE
The KPC Ladies Auxiliary Mother’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, May 6th at 9:00am in the gym.
THE KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY is presenting a Service Award to an outstanding lady in the parish for her service to the Church, Community and Mankind. A form will be available on March 12, 2023 in the Narthex. Start thinking about a lady to nominate. Your choice could be the winner.
Love,
Fr. Francis Chiawa
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2023
ARE YOU WEIGHED DOWN BY THE FEAR OF DEATH?
Sometimes we experience the existential fact of the fear of death. It could come from thinking of a loved one who is terminally ill or watching at the bedside of the dying? It could also be as a result of pondering or brooding over things. When I was a little boy in the sixth grade, I had some health chal-lenges like stomach aches, headaches (perhaps, migraine) and abdominal pains. Those illnesses triggered a gnawing fear of death. The antidote that helped me was a fervent conviction that God answers prayers. So I prayed that I might not die and trusted that God would protect me from my fears. He did. That is why I am here. “When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.”( Negro Spiritual). Man’s life on earth is a beautiful picture. Death is the flame of this beauty made by God. Is there any solution when you are worried or when death looms large in your thoughts? You bet. Trustful prayer to the One who raised Lazarus from the dead is the answer.
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A CATHOLIC
1.The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by rest-ing from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
2.The second precept ("You shall confess your sins at least once a year") ensures prepa-ration for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.
3.The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.
4. The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which pre-pare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
5. The fifth precept ("You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church") means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability. The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities. (C.C.C 2042-2043).
SOMETHING MORE YOU CAN DO
You may be asking what more can I do before Lent is over? Here is one thing you can do. Please reach out to a family or friend or a neighbor who has been sick or was bereaved. Visit him/her or call such a person on the phone to pray and to check on him or her. You can also do the same for someone who has not been to the Church for a long time.
JAZZ BRUNCH
The youth group will be hosting the 2023 Jazz Brunch on April 16th. Tickets are on sale in the Narthex after each mass. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
WE MAY GET S.V.D. PRIEST(S)
When I leave by the end of June, we may get an SVD priest(s). Please keep your fingers crossed. Whoever is sent to us, may we welcome him wholeheartedly. Please give him your usual kind and generous support.
MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST-SAVE THE DATE
The KPC Ladies Auxiliary Mother’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, May 6th at 9:00am in the gym.
THE KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY is presenting a Service Award to an outstanding lady in the parish for her service to the Church, Community and Mankind. A form will be available on March 12, 2023 in the Narthex. Start thinking about a lady to nominate. Your choice could be the winner.
Love,
Fr. Francis Chiawa
