Saints and the Liturgical Year

[grateful_child]

February 26, 2017 - Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-02-26

(Today is the last time that the Sunday assembly sings ‘alleluia’ until the Easter Vigil. March 1st is Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent 2017.)

Here’s Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS

hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/7/e/d/7edac44f88b62036/A_8_Ordinary_17.mp3?c_id=14255436&expiration=1487828145&hwt=73325961b5957332a8489cfbc0d83cac

 

[grateful_child]

February 26, 2017 - Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-02-26

(Today is the last time that the Sunday assembly sings ‘alleluia’ until the Easter Vigil. March 1st is Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent 2017.)

Sharing this reflection on today’s Readings from the Euchalette, 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 26, 2017, p.4:

THE CALL TO PUT OUR TRUST IN THE LORD

"Nature, in all its splendor and variety, is an endless hymn to God’s wisdom and care for all creatures. It is also a constant invitation to us to put our trust in Him for all our basic needs. This is a way to profess our faith in the Lord’s providential and preferential care for us, for He Who shows His love for all creatures by generously providing for all their needs, loves people even more. Indeed, He loves each of us even more than a mother loves her child. Such is the assurance offered by God Himself to the exiles in Babylon (see today’s First Reading), and by Jesus in the Gospel for today.

Jesus’ exhortation to trust in the Father’s providence, however, should not be misinterpreted as a condoning of laziness. Rather, it is an invitation to remember that a loving God watches over us with fatherly/motherly concern. Such consoling thought, after we have done our best in fulfilling our duties as responsible grown-up persons, should shield us from excessive worries and preoccupations over our material needs.

Moreover, Jesus’ invitation to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” is a reminder that the main purpose of our life on earth is not the satisfaction of our material/ physical needs, but to work as God’s partners in building His Kingdom of justice and peace."

 

[grateful_child]

February 27, 2017 - Monday, 8th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Read about St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Leander of Seville:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-02-27

 

[grateful_child]

February 28, 2017 - Tuesday, 8th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Read about St. Hilary, St. Romanus of Condat, Bl. Daniel Brottier and Preparing for Lent:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-02-28

 

[grateful_child]

This year, the Lenten Season begins on March 01, 2017, Ash Wednesday. From the ‘Daily Roman Missal’, MTF, we read:

"*Lent runs from Ash Wednesday to until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper exclusive. The annual observance of Lent is the special season for the ascent to the holy mountain of Easter.

Through the twofold theme of repentance and baptism, the season of Lent disposes both the catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. Catechumens are led to the sacraments of initiation by means of the rite of election, the scrutinies, and catechesis. The faithful, listenig more intently to the word of God and devoting themselves to prayer, are prepared through a spirit of repentance to renew their baptismal promises.

Catechesis should impress upon the minds of the faithful not only the social consequences of sin but also the essence of the virtue of penance, namely, detestation of sin as an offense against God. The role of the Church in penitential practices is not to be neglected, and the people are to be exhorted to pray for sinniners.

During Lent penance should not be only inward and individual but also outward and social, and should be directed toward works of mercy on behalf of our brothers and sisters.

The faithful should be urged to take a greater and more fruitful share in the Lenten liturgy and penitential services. They should be advised particularly to approach the sacrament of penance during Lent, in accordance with the law and traditions of the Church, so that they may share in the joys of Easter Sunday with purity of heart. The Alleluia is not used from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil*." (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

 

[grateful_child]

March 01, 2017 - Ash Wednesday:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-01

“On Ash Wednesday, a universal day of fast, ashes are distributed. The faithful, by receiving ashes, enter upon the season appointed for spiritual purification. This sign, biblical in origin and preserved among the customs of the Church until our own day, expresses the human condition as affected by sin. In this sign we outwardly profess our guilt before God and thereby, prompted by the hope that the Lord is kind and compassionate, patient and abounding in mercy, express our desire for inward conversion. This sign is also the beginning of the journey of conversion that will reach its goal in the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation during the days leading to Easter.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF)

"Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church. Fasting is required from ages 18 to 60, and abstinence is from age 14 (CIC 1252).

On the ferial days of Lent no obligatory memorials may be celebrated. Those which occur during Lent are considered optional memorials for the year. Those who wish to celebrate an optional memorial during Lent … may say the Collect of the Saint." (Ordo 2017)

 

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March 02, 2017 - Thursday After Ash Wednesday:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord,
and further them with your constant help,
that all we do may always begin from you
and by you be brought to completion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Read about Blessed Charles the Good and St. Simplicius:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-02

 

[grateful_child]

March 03, 2017 - Friday After Ash Wednesday:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord,
and further them with your constant help,
that all we do may always begin from you
and by you be brought to completion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent from EWTN:
www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/

March 3 - Saint Katharine Drexel, Virgin (Optional Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“God of love,
you called Saint Katharine Drexel
to teach the message of the Gospel
and to bring the life of the Eucharist
to the native American and African American peoples;
by her prayers and example,
enable us to work for justice
among the poor and the oppressed,
and keep us undivided in love
in the eucharistic community of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family, St. Katharine (1858-1955) took an avid interest in the material and spiritual well-being of African-Americans and Native Americans. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People and opened mission schools in the West for native Americans and in the South for African-Americans. In 1915 she founded Xavier University in New Orleans. At her death, there were more than 500 sisters teaching in sixty-three schools.”

For information on St. Katharine Drexel and St. Cunegundes, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/K/stkatharinedrexel.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-03

 

[grateful_child]

March 04, 2017 - Saturday After Ash Wednesday:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
look with compassion on our weakness
and ensure us your protection
be stretching forth the right hand of your majesty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/

March 04 - St. Casimir (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty God, to serve you is to reign;
grant that, with the help of Saint Casimir’s intercession,
we may constantly serve you in holiness and justice.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Casimir (1458-1484) was the son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth, monarchs of Poland and Lituania. In constrast to other members of the royal court, St. Casimir was an example of faith, piety, humility, and chastity. He had a great love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is the patron of Poland and Lithuania.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For information on St. Casimir and on St. Lucius I, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/stcasimir.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-04

 

[grateful_child]

Sharing this article on the** history of our Lenten Season** from the Euchalette, March 1, 2017, p.4:

“THE LENTEN SEASON

1. The time of lent was originally established by the Church as a preparation for Baptism which took place during the celebration of the Easter Vigil. Eventually, it became a period of repentance of sin for all the faithful in preparation for Easter.
2. The time of preparation for Easter, at first, lasted three weeks, which corresponded to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks of Lent. Later, two more weeks were added: our present 1st and 2nd weeks of Lent. And much later, four days more were added, pushing back the beginning of Lent to Ash Wednesday as at present. This was done to complete the **40 days of fast **since the fasting was interrupted on Sundays.
3. The yearly commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ has been observed in the Church since the earliest times. Originally, the commemoration lasted three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Eventually it was extended to a **whole week, ** what is now called Holy Week, which has its culmination in the “Sacred Triduum” – Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
4. For a long time, fast and abstinence were considered as among the best ways of doing penance. They are still useful, but since circumstances in the world have greatly changed, the Church does not impose them any longer as a command, except on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. She invites her children to choose ways of doing penance which are best suited to their own condition.”

 

[grateful_child]

March 05, 2017 - First Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent,
that we may grow in understanding
of the riches hidden in Christ
and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-05

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

 

[grateful_child]

March 05, 2017 - First Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent,
that we may grow in understanding
of the riches hidden in Christ
and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-05

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

Here’s Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 1st Sunday of Lent, from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

TALE OF TWO ADAMS

hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/2/5/6/256dc01aeee39f51/A_1_Lent_17.mp3?c_id=14334130&expiration=1488530532&hwt=59a8f8783cd7d201571d4984377b1007

 

[grateful_child]

March 06, 2017 - Monday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Convert us, O God our Savior,
and instruct our minds by heavenly teaching,
that we may benefit from the works of Lent.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

Read about St. Colette:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-06

 

[grateful_child]

March 07, 2017 - Tuesday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Look upon your family, Lord,
that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline,
our minds may be radiant in your presence
with the strength of our yearning for you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent
**
Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN**:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

March 7 - Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs (Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, at the urging of whose love
the Martyrs Saints Perpetua and Felicity
defied their persecutors and overcame the torment of death,
grant, we ask, by their prayers, that we may ever grow in your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Because they were Christians, Sts. Perpetua (d.203), a young mother of Carthaginian nobility, and Felicity (d. 203), a slave girl, were thrown to wild beasts, but, having remained unharmed, they were put to death by the sword. They were martyred during the persecution of Septimus Severus.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stperpetua_felicity.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-07

 

[grateful_child]

March 08, 2017 - Wednesday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Look kindly, Lord, we pray,
on the devotion of your people,
that those who by self-denial are restrained in body
may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

March 8 - Saint John of God, Religious (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who filled Saint John of God
with a spirit of compassion,
grant, we pray,
that, giving ourselves to works of charity,
we may merit to be found among the elect in your Kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. John (1495-1550) was successively a farmer, soldier, and merchant before,at the age of forty, he heeded the word of God and from then on lived at the service of the sick in Granada, Spain. He founded what would become known as the Order of Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God, a congregation devoted to the infirm.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. John of God, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnofgod.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-08

 

[grateful_child]

March 09, 2017 - Thursday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord,
a spirit of always pondering on what is right
and of hastening to carry it out,
and, since without you we cannot exist,
may we be enabled to live according to your will.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

**Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
**ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

March 9 - Saint Frances of Rome, Religious (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have given us in Saint Frances of Rome
a singular model of both married and monastic life,
grant us perseverance in your service,
that in every circumstance of life we may see and follow you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“A married woman, St. Frances (1384-1440) raised her three children in the love and fear of God. She performed every household duty as though it was a Sacrament of Love. ‘A married woman,’ she said, ‘must often leave God at the altar to find him in her household care.’ She founded an order of oblates.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Frances of Rome, and St. Dominic Savio, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/F/stfrancesofrome.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-09

 

[grateful_child]

March 10, 2017 - Friday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant that your faithful, O Lord, we pray,
may be so conformed to the paschal observances,
that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun
may bear fruit in the souls of all.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

Read about The Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, St. John Ogilvie and St. Marie-Eugenie of Jesus:
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-10

 

[grateful_child]

March 11, 2017 - Saturday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father,
and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary
and carrying out works of charity,
we may be dedicated to your worship.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp

Read about St. Eulogius and St. Sophronius:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-11

 

[grateful_child]

March 12, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray,
to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-12

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp

 

[grateful_child]

March 12, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray,
to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-12

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp

Here’s Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

LISTEN TO HIM

hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/4/a/34ae79fa151c7888/A_2_Lent_17.mp3?c_id=14418715&expiration=1489200365&hwt=f9dcf14c6c43b63e5757db1f19ae2543