patterns 061 winter 2013 14

Pastoral Patterns

Winter 2013–2014 December 1, 2013 to March 2, 2014

World Library Publicationsthe music and liturgy division of J.S.Paluch Company, Inc.

wlpmusic.com

Pastoral PatternsWinter 2013–2014

December 1, 2013 to March 2, 2014 Volume 42 Number 1

Year A of the Sunday LectionaryPublisher: Mary L. Paluch Rafferty

Chief Publishing Officer: Jerry Galipeau Director of Publications: Mary Beth Kunde-Anderson

Production Manager: Deb Johnston Authors: Michael E. Novak, Peter J. Scagnelli

Editor: Mary B. Kiefer Copy Editor: Marcia T. Lucey

Typesetter and Design: Denise C. Durand

The Introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer, Penitential Act C, and the Dismissal of Catechu-mens are published with ecclesiastical approval. In accordance with c. 827, permission to publish the Introductions to the Liturgy of the Day and Liturgy of the Word, the Prayer of the Faithful, the Homily Helps, and the Question of the Week was granted on June 5, 2013 by Rev. Msgr. John F. Canary, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Permission to pub-lish is an official declaration of ecclesiastical authority that the material is free from doctrinal and moral error. No legal responsibility is assumed by the grant of this permission.Subscription cost for one copy of Pastoral Patterns is $15.95 per year. Five or more subscrip-tions are $10.00 a copy per year. Individual overseas subscriptions, including airmail, are $24.95 each per year, prepaid. Subscribers to We Celebrate®, Seasonal Missalette®, Liturgy of the Word, Word & Song, and ¡Celebremos/Let Us Celebrate!® worship resource programs receive one complimentary subscription.Pastoral Patterns is available as a more affordable download subscription. A single subscrip-tion is $10.00 per year. Additional subscriptions are $5.00 per year. Subscribers to the electronic version may make as many copies as paid subscriptions. If billed for one electronic copy of Pastoral Patterns, the subscriber may make one copy. To make additional copies, additional subscriptions must be ordered. To subscribe to either edition (paper or electronic), contact WLP Customer Care by phone at 800 566-6150 or by e-mail at [email protected] Patterns is available in Spanish. Contact WLP Customer Care to inquire about sub-scriptions (paper and electronic) to Palabras Pastorales.No part of Pastoral Patterns may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether mechanical, photographic, or electronic means, without written permission from World Library Publications.Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doc-trine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). All rights re-served. Text of the Nicene Creed and Apostles’ Creed from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1079-4751Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications

the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 3708 River Road, Suite 400 Franklin Park, IL 60131-2158

800-566-6150 • [email protected] • wlpmusic.comAll rights reserved.

Table of Contents page

HowtoUsePastoral Patterns........................................................................ 4December1 FirstSundayofAdvent..................................................... 6December8 SecondSundayofAdvent................................................ 9December9 ImmaculateConceptionoftheBlessedVirginMary.. 12December12 OurLadyofGuadalupe................................................. 14December15 ThirdSundayofAdvent................................................. 17December22 FourthSundayofAdvent............................................... 20December24 VigiloftheNativityoftheLord.................................... 24December25 NativityoftheLord:Christmas.................................... 25December29 HolyFamilyofJesus,MaryandJoseph....................... 29January1 OctaveDayofChristmas: Mary,theHolyMotherofGod...................................... 32January5 EpiphanyoftheLord...................................................... 35January12 BaptismoftheLord......................................................... 38January19 SecondSundayinOrdinaryTime................................. 41January26 ThirdSundayinOrdinaryTime.................................... 44February2 PresentationoftheLord................................................. 47February9 FifthSundayinOrdinaryTime..................................... 50February16 SixthSundayinOrdinaryTime..................................... 53February23 SeventhSundayinOrdinaryTime................................ 56March2 EighthSundayinOrdinaryTime.................................. 58LiturgyforMarriage................................................................................... 62FuneralMass................................................................................................ 64ServiceofPrayerforPeace......................................................................... 66BlessingsandPrayers................................................................................. 69ProfessionofFaith....................................................................................... 72

4 How to Use Pastoral Patterns

How to Use Pastoral PatternsPastoral Patterns is a book of suggested patterns and models to assistpriests, deacons, initiation ministers, and liturgy planners in craftingliturgicallanguage.The Roman MissaloutlinesthepointsintheMassthatcanaccommodatethepriest’sownwords.Eachcommunitymustsearchtheday’sorseason’sScriptures,itsownsoul,andtherealitiesofthewiderworldinordertocraftappropriatelanguagefortheliturgy.

Prayer of the FaithfulEachweeklysetofpetitionsinPastoral Patternsdoesnotincludepetitionsthatshouldbeprayedonaweeklybasis.Herearesomesamplesof“everyweek”petitions.

Thatallcatechumens,especiallythoseinourparish,N.,N.,andN.,mayberebornintheimageandlikenessoftheirCreator,wepraytotheLord.– or –Thatthecandidatesforfullcommunion,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,maygrowdailyinthedesireforperfection,wepraytotheLord.***Thatthenewlybaptized,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,maybedrawnevermoredeeplyintothemysteryoftheChristianwayoflife,wepraytotheLord.***Forthenewlyconfirmed(or:ForthosereceivedintothefullcommunionoftheCatholicChurch),especiallyN.,N.,andN.,thattheymaybenefitfromouraffectionatesupportintheirlifeoffaith,wepraytotheLord.***Thatthenewlymarried,especiallyN.andN.,maygroweachdayinharmonyandwisdom,wepraytotheLord.– or –ForN.andN.,andforallwhoarenewlymarried,thattheymayshineaswitnessestotheloveofGodandthewaysofheaven,wepraytotheLord.***Thatthesick,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,andallthesickofourparishcommunity,maybehealedinbodyandspirit,wepraytotheLord.– or –Forthesickoftheparish,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,andforallwhoare sick: May they be freed from danger, relieved of suffering, andembracedwithcompassioninthegentlearmsoftheGoodShepherd,wepraytotheLord.– or –Forthesick,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,thatthisjoyfulseasonmaybringthemcomfortandhealthinthecompanyoftheirnewbornSavior,wepraytotheLord.

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Thatthedead,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,maybegatheredintoparadisebyJesus,theBridegroomandloverofoursouls,wepraytotheLord.– or –Thatthedead,especiallyourdepartedsistersandbrothersN.,N.,andN.,maybewiththeirSaviorinparadise,wepraytotheLord.– or –Thatthedead,especiallyN.,N.,andN.,mayattainthefullnessoflifewithintheendlessChristmasfestivalofthekingdom,wepraytotheLord.

Other TextsPastoral PatternsoffersmodelsforintroductionstotheLiturgyoftheDay.ThesemaybespokenbyacommentatororcantorbeforeMass,orbythepresiderfollowingthegreetingandopeningdialogue.Manyparishesem-ployintroductionstotheLiturgyoftheWord.Spokenbyacommentatororlectorbeforethefirstreading,theseintroductionsaredesignedtosparktheimaginationoftheassemblyandpreparethemtolistentotheword.Likewise,theshortintroductiontotheEucharisticPrayer,proclaimedbythepresider,preparestheassemblyforthegreatprayerofthanksgiving.ModelsareofferedforthePenitentialActand/orSprinklingRite.ADismissalofCatechumens(andCandidates)isincludedforeachSunday.ThesedismissalsfollowthepatternfoundintheRite of Christian Initia-tion of Adultsand,likeallthetextsinPastoral Patterns,areinspiredbythebiblicalthemesoftheday’sliturgy.

Homily HelpsAlsoincludedare“HomilyHelps.”Thebulletpointsprovideastartingpointforpriestsanddeaconslookingforassistanceinwritingtheirweeklyhomilies.Thesemayalsobeusefulforliturgyplanninggroupswhomaygiveideastotheirpriestsonpassagesfromtheweek’sreadingsthattheyfoundinteresting,inspiring,ormoving.

Question of the WeekThe“QuestionoftheWeek”isintendedtoinspirethoughtandconversa-tion.Thisquestionreflectsonthescripturesandappliesthosethemestodailylife.

Reminders and SuggestionsProperorotherwiseappropriatetextsfromThe Roman Missalaresuggested,aswellasotherliturgicalremindersrelatedtospecificfeastsandseasons.

CalendarThedaysoftheRomancalendararelistedalongsidenationalholidays,daysofhistoricalsignificance,Jewishfestivals,andweeksdedicatedtoaspecificintention.

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December 1, 2013 First Sunday of AdventThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayAccording to our tradition,Advent addresses the three comings ofourLord:hiscominginhistory,hiscomingattheendoftime,andhiscomingintoourheartshereandnow.AswebeginourAdventseason,letustrytomakeitatimeofpreparationforthecomingoftheLordintoourhearts,sothatwewillbereadyforhimwheneverhecomes.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,Emmanuel,youcameintotheworldtobringpeacetoallGod’speople:Lord,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youarethelightoftheworldwhobreaksthedarknessofsinanddeath:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,yourcomingopensthewaytoeternallife:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #1Isaiah 2:1–5 They shall beat their swords into plowshares.Psalm 122 “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”Romans 13:11–14 Now is the hour to awake from sleep.Matthew 24:37–44 The Son of Man will come at an hour you least expect.

Aswelistentotoday’sreadings,itbecomesclearthatAdventmustbeatimeofpreparingforthecomingoftheLord.SaintPaultellsustowakefromoursleep,andJesusustellsusthatwemustbepreparedatalltimes,fortheSonofManwillcomewhenwedonotexpecthim.Howarewetobeprepared?Isaiahhastheanswer:wemustwalkinthelightoftheLord.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,todaytheprophetIsaiahsummonsustothetopofthemountain—theLord’shouse—whereweareinstructedinGod’swaysandwalkinGod’spath.YourjourneyofconversionhasbroughtyoutotheLord’shouse.HereyouhavebeenformedinGod’swaysandhavebeguntowalkthepathofholiness.AsAdventdawns,beassuredofourprayerfulsupport.WithjoyfulexpectationthatyouwillonedaysharewithusatthetableoftheEucharist,wenowsendyouforthtoreflectonGod’sword.Nowgoinpeace.

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetuspraytotheLordwhohascomeandwillcomeintoourlives.

ForPopeFrancis,thebishopsthroughouttheworld,andallwholeadourChurchaswebeginthisAdventseasonofwait-ingandlonging,wepraytotheLord.Forpeaceintheworld,thatnationsnolongerraisetheswordoneagainstanotherortrainforwaragain,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoarelivinginthedarknessofpovertyandneedtheverybasicsonwhichtolive,wepraytotheLord.Forallthosethroughouttheworld,individualsandcommu-nities,whosufferfromHIV/AIDSanditseffects,wepraytotheLord.Forallofusgatheredhere,thatasweenterintotheholidayseason we may keepAdvent anticipation in our hearts, wepraytotheLord.

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_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________Foralltheprayersthatweholdinthesilenceofourhearts,forallourintentionsspokenandunspoken,wepraytotheLord.

OGodforwhomwelong,heartheseourprayersandincreaseourlongingforChristourSaviorsothatwhenhecomesourjoymaybecomplete.WeaskthisinJesus’name,ourLordforeverandever.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerWithexpectantlongingweawaitthecomingoftheLord.Aroundthisholytableweraiseourvoicesinthanksgivingforthejusticethatisoursandinlongingforthepeacethatistocome.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I of Advent. Solemn Blessing 1 or Prayer over the People 1, 3, or 5. During Advent (except December 9 and 12) the “Glory to God” is omitted so that it might ring out fresh at Christmas.Initiation: Is your parish celebrating the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Cat-echumens or the Rite of Welcome for Candidates or the combined rite today? If so, your parish is probably running its initiation process on the school year calendar. The U.S. Bishops’ study on the implementation of the RCIA, Journey to the Fullness of Life, spoke about the need to move to year-round processes that welcome inquirers at any time during the year. This is the vision set forth in the Rite of Christian Initiation

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of Adults. Set aside some time in the future to take a serious look at your initiation process. Many parishes have converted academic year “programs” into initiation processes that are able to welcome people at any time. To discover ways to move in this direction, a subscription to Catechumenate, published by Liturgy Training Publications, would be a good choice (800 933-1800).WLP has published a book, We Send You Forth: Dismissals for the RCIA which contains texts for the dismissal of catechumens following the Liturgy of the Word for every Sunday and solemnity. The book includes a CD-ROM, which contains all of the texts in downloadable format so that the texts can be printed and inserted into a presider’s binder. Visit WLP’s Web site (wlpmusic.com) for more information on We Send You Forth. This resource is also available in Spanish. Call WLP Customer Care (800 566-6150) for more information about Les Enviamos.Sign and Symbol: The Advent wreath originated with the Lutherans of eastern Germany a few hundred years ago. The custom of the lighting of the wreath dur-ing the four weeks preceding Christmas took place only in the homes of believers. Gradually, especially in Roman Catholic parishes, this custom made its way into the church. Chapter 47 of The Book of Blessings tells us that the wreath “should be of a sufficient size to be visible to the congregation. It may be suspended from the ceiling or placed on a stand. If it is placed in the presbyterium (sanctuary), it should not interfere with the celebration of the liturgy, nor should it obscure the altar, lectern, or chair.” The wreath is blessed only on the First Sunday of Advent, and is simply lighted on the remaining Sundays.Catechesis and Communication: Encourage parishioners to construct (or purchase) Advent wreaths for their homes. Perhaps several weeks before Advent an Advent workshop could be scheduled where parishioners can come together to build their wreaths. Prayer materials could be provided by the parish. This provides a wonderful intergenerational setting during which a parish leader could provide some solid Advent catechesis.

Homily Helps• The Lectionary begins each Advent with Jesus’ teaching on the end of the world. Steering us between fearful preoccupation on one hand and thoughtless disregard on the other, Matthew’s Jesus situates time’s decisive culmination in the very midst of everyday life. Ordinary folks, like us, go about routine business in fields and mills—or offices, factories, schools, homes—unaware of the critical moment at hand. People working side by side appear outwardly the same. But at the Son’s coming (advent), one is “taken”—that is, revealed as having definitively committed to God’s kingdom and ready to enter its fullness, like those gathered into Noah’s ark. The other is “left”—to a life centered on self, focused on and limited to the here and now.• Jesus gives no warning signs, no time clues, only terse commands: “Stay awake! Be prepared!” Meaning: Get to work! For Matthew, the best way to get ready for Jesus’ coming at the end is to be ready for Jesus’ coming at every moment by making Jesus’ compassionate ministry then our own life’s work now.• Isaiah and Paul prepare us to hear Matthew’s Jesus by describing salvation’s coming (advent) as the definitive, irrevocable transformation of human conduct and relationships. The only violence permitted is against weapons of violence and our own sinfulness: death-dealing instruments of war beaten into implements for the sowing and reaping of life’s harvest (Isaiah); sensual “deeds of darkness,” spirit-crushing “rivalry and jealousy” exchanged for “the armor of light” and Christ-like charity (Paul).

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Question of the WeekWhat “work of darkness” do I need to throw off? What “armor of light” do I need to put on to ensure that I am “awake” and “prepared” for the hour of the Lord’s coming?

Calendar 1 Sun. Begin Year A of the Sunday Lectionary for Mass

Begin Year 2 of the Weekday Lectionary for Mass 3 Tue. Memorial of St. Francis Xavier 4 Wed. Optional Memorial of St. John Damascene 6 Fri. Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas

First Friday 7 Sat. Memorial of St. Ambrose

First Saturday Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 8, 2013 Second Sunday of AdventThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayWhilethefirstSundayofAdventcansometimessneakuponus,thereisnomistakingwhatseasonweareinnow.Theweatheriscolder,thenightsarelonger,andJohntheBaptistispreachingrepentance.AswemovethroughourAdventseasonofpreparation,whatareyoudoingtopreparethewayoftheLordandmakestraightGod’spaths?

Penitential Act CLordJesus,Emmanuel,youarethePrinceofPeace:Lord,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youwelcomeusontotheholymountainofjusticeandtruth:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youshowusthewaytosalvation:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #4Isaiah 11:1–10 The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb.Psalm 72 “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.”Romans 15:4–9 God, the source of patience, enables us to live in harmony.Matthew 3:1–12 Prepare the way of the Lord!

Todayseemstobea“dayoftheprophets.”TheprophetIsaiah,JohntheBaptist,andPaul,theprophettotheGentiles,arealltellingusaboutGod’sChosenOne,whocomeswithjudgmentandmercy.Whatdoesthiswordsaytoustoday?CanwebeprophetsoftheLord,announcingGod’sgraciouslovetoallthosearoundus?

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Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,SaintPaultellsustodaythatitisthroughenduranceandbytheencouragementofGod’swordthatwehavehope.Inthisseasonofhope,ourprayer is thatyouwillbeencouragedinyour journey.ThelivingwordofGodisyourfaithfulcompaniononthisjourney.Weentrustthiswordtoyouandpraythatyourreflectiononitwillbringyouhope.WithjoyfulexpectationthatyouwillonedaysharewithusatthetableoftheEucharist,wenowsendyouforth.Nowgoinpeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulAsweawaitthecomingoftheLord,letusliftourvoicesinprayerfortheneedsofall.

ForourChurchthat,asPopeFrancisurges,wemayfocusontheessentialsasweproclaimthecomingoftheLord,wepraytotheLord.FortheworldofpeaceforeseenbytheprophetIsaiah,thatitbecomearealityinourtime,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoareoppressed,forpoliticalprisoners,forthosefalselyaccused,andforallwholongforabetterdayintheirlives,wepraytotheLord.Forallthosewhocometoourfaithcommunity,thattheymaybewelcomedasChristwelcomesus,wepraytotheLord.Forthemenandwomenofourarmedforces,theirfamilies,andallwhokeepussafe,wepraytotheLord.

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Godofmercy,youcallustorepentanceandinviteustoproclaimyourlove.Graciouslyheartheseourprayersandgrantthemaccordingtoyourwill,throughChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerIsaiah has given us a glimpse of God’s holy mountain, where truejusticereigns.Inthemysteryoftheliturgy,wecatchaglimpseofthatholymountain.AtthistablewereceiveamereforetasteofthericheswaitingforthosewholongforGod’srevelation.

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Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I of Advent. Solemn Blessing 1, or Prayer over the People 1, 3, or 5.Catechesis and Communication: Monday is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is not a holy day of obligation this year.Thursday is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Take the time to research the wonders of Mary’s appearance to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill outside of Mexico City.

Homily Helps• Lest the “Peaceable Kingdom” seem too good to be true, Isaiah pictures God’s instrument of such peace, the bringer of God’s justice to the afflicted, as anointed with the transformative Spirit. That Spirit’s gifts are the same bestowed on us in Confirmation, waiting like seeds beneath winter’s snow to blossom in the lived reality of our daily witness. So Paul bids us lend our hearts and hands to realizing Advent’s vision, glimpsed in Isaiah, incarnate in Christ: “think in harmony with one another; with one voice glorify God; welcome one another as Christ welcomed you.”• Because our own baptism, like John’s, is no mere ritual, but a definitive con-version, John’s warning to the religiously observant of his time is timely for us. Formal membership in God’s covenant community does not, by itself, guarantee Kingdom citizenship. These times are urgent. Our time grows short. Only good fruit spares the tree the ax, and “even now the ax lies at the root!”• Yet as we take to heart John’s Advent seriousness, some caution is in order. Lest fear alone motivate us—worse, lest we be tempted to pose as the Messiah’s assistants, separating wheat from chaff—does Jesus match John’s description of God’s fearsome Messiah? Glance ahead to next Sunday: hearing of a Messiah whose hands hold healing and pardon, not a vengeful winnowing fan, even John will seek a clarification. True, Advent, like discipleship, calls us to firmer conviction and deeper commitment; but Jesus calls us also, and in equal measure, to mercy and compassion.

Question of the WeekWhat is one concrete, specific, “peaceable” thing I can do this week to bring a glimpse of Isaiah’s “Peaceable Kingdom” to my little corner of God’s world?

Calendar 9 Mon. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 11 Wed. Optional Memorial of St. Damasus I 12 Thu. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 13 Fri. Memorial of St. Lucy 14 Sat. Memorial of St. John of the Cross

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December 9, 2013 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayTodaywecelebratetheImmaculateConceptionoftheBlessedVirginMary,ourMotherandtheMotherofGod.SheispatronessoftheUnitedStatesandalltheAmericas,andasJesus’mothersheisamodelforallChristians.BecauseofMary’swillingresponsetoGod’sinvitationtobeartheSonofGod,Jesusbecamefleshanddweltamongus.Aswegathertoday,letuspraytofollowherexample.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,Emmanuel,youaretheSonoftheMostHigh:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,Emmanuel,youareGod’schosenone,bornoftheBlessedVirginMary:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youarethepromiseofeternalpeace:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #689Genesis 3:9–15, 20 Eve became the mother of all the living.Psalm 98 “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.”Ephesians 1:3–6, 11–12 God chose us in Christ.Luke 1:26–38 Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.

Today’sreadingspresenttoustheundoingandthe“re-doing”ofGod’splanforhumanity.AdamandEve,bytheirdisobedience,bringaheri-tageofsinintotheworld.Yeteveninthisstory,theseedofsalvationisplanted.Mary’syesintoday’sGospelisthegerminationofthatseed,whichwillbearfruitinJesus,herSon.ByhersimplefaithfulnessandopennesstoGod’splan,MaryshowsushoweachofuscanbringGod’ssalvationintotheworld.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Myfriends,todaywepraythatyouwillfindintheVirginMaryanexampleoffidelitytoGod’scall.Asyoucontinueyourjourneyoffaith,looktoMarytobeaguide.BeassuredofoursupportasyougoforthnowtoreflectonthewordofGod.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwillsharewithusatthetableoftheLordJesus,SonofGodandSonofMary.Nowgoinpeace.

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetuspraytoourlovingGodinheaven,throughtheintercessionoftheBlessedVirginMary,fortheneedsofall.

ForourChurch, that following theexampleofOurBlessedMotherwemayrespondtoGod’scalltoholiness,wepraytotheLord.Forallnations,thattheymayhearandrespondtoGod’sinvita-tiontobuildaworldofpeace,wepraytotheLord.Forallwomen,andespeciallythosewhoarestrugglingagainstoppressionanddiscrimination,wepraytotheLord.ForthepeopleoftheUnitedStatesandalltheAmericas,thatwemayturntotheImmaculateVirginMary,ourpatroness,seekingherprayers,wepraytotheLord.For all young women and men, that they may respond toGod’scallintheirliveswiththesupportoftheirfamilyandcommunity,wepraytotheLord.

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GraciousGod,bywhosegiftMarywasbornfreefromoriginalsinsothatwemightbesavedthroughhersonJesusChrist,weaskyoutoheartheseourprayersandgranttheminyourmercythroughChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerAwarethatChristwillsoonbecomesacramentallypresentonthisholyaltar,weraiseourvoicesinthanksgivingandpraise.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: The Gloria is included at Mass today and on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Because December 9 is a solemnity, the Creed is also included today. Preface of the mystery of Mary and Church or Preface II of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Solemn Blessing 15, or Prayer over the People 1, 3, or 5.Sign and Symbol: The Immaculate Conception is the chief Advent feast of Mary. The liturgy today benefits from Advent as well as Marian hymns. Be sure to light the candles in the wreath. The Marian shrine could be decorated with festive evergreens.

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Homily Helps• With Christmas still weeks away, and in many places winter’s bleakness and cold just getting started, today’s scriptures open with an image of humanity at its worst. “Our first parents,” as tradition calls Adam and Eve, prove themselves not only prideful and disobedient in eating the fruit of the tree God had forbidden them even to touch; they’re shady and shifty as well. In passing the buck to Eve, Adam boldly tries to blame God: “the woman you put here.” Eve, for her part, quickly blames the serpent. How often we’ve all fallen back on that tried-and-true excuse “The devil made me do it!”• But God, our loving Creator, warms Advent’s cold with a foretaste of the far-off paschal spring, responding to humanity’s primal failure with a preview of the divine Christmas gift. In Christ, we are “blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavens;” in Christ, we are “chosen before the foundation of the world;” in Christ, we are “destined for adoption” as sons and daughters whose future is eternal life, endless joy, communion with the saints, reunion with one another, in a Kingdom where sin is conquered and death and sorrow are no more.• While this death-defeating victory of eternal life is Christ’s from beginning to end, today’s solemnity celebrates that Jesus’ victory has begun already in a sister-disciple, our immaculate Virgin-Mother, Mary, whose daring yes to a calling she did not expect, a plan she could not understand, enabled us to be blessed, chosen, destined and adopted.

Question of the DayWhat challenge am I facing in my life, this Advent, by which God may be inviting me to say yes with Mary to God’s perhaps still mysterious plan?

December 12, 2013 Our Lady of GuadalupeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayTodaywerecalltheappearanceofOurLadyofGuadalupetothepeas-antSaintJuanDiegoinMexico.OurBlessedMotherisalwaysmindfulofthepoorandlowly,evenasshesangofGod’scareforthosewhoareamongtheleast.ThisAdvent,letusrecallGod’sinvitationtoloveallpeopleasweprepareforthecomingoftheLord.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youareSonofGodandSonofMary:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,inbaptismyouclotheuswiththerobeofsalvation:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youarethewaytoeverlastinglife:Lord,havemercy.

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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #690AZechariah 2:14–17 The Lord comes to dwell among us. or Revelation 11:19a; A sign appeared in the sky. 12:1–6a, 10abJudith 13 “You are the highest honor of our race.”Luke 1:26–28 The Annunciation or Luke 1:39–47 The Visitation

AswelistentoGod’sholywordtoday,letusrememberSaintJuanDi-ego,whoopenedhishearttotheBlessedVirginMary.MaywefollowhisexampleandbeopentoGod’smovementinourownhearts,andwillingtoshareGod’sloveandpresencewithallthosewhomwemeet.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends, today’sfeast isclosetotheheartof theChurchintheAmericas.WepraythatthroughtheintercessionoftheBlessedVirginMary,OurLadyofGuadalupe,youwillbestrengthenedonyourjour-neyoffaith.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwillsharefullyattheLord’stable.Nowgoinpeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulLetusbringourprayerstoourlovingGodthroughtheintercessionofOurLadyofGuadalupe,rememberingallwhoareinneed.

FortheChurchintheAmericas,thatitbeasourceoflifeandhopefortheentireworld,wepraytotheLord.ForthepeopleofMexicoandalltheAmericas,thattheymayknowpeaceandfreedom,wepraytotheLord.Forallimmigrantsandindigenouspeoples,wepraytotheLord.Forallthoseinpovertyorinneed,thatthroughtheconcernofourcommunity theymayknowthecareofOurLadyofGuadalupe,wepraytotheLord.

_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________Foralltheprayersthatweholdinthesilenceofourhearts,forallourintentionsspokenandunspoken,wepraytotheLord.

OmercifulGod,inyourgoodnessyouhaveblesseduswithOurLadyofGuadalupe.Graciouslyhearourprayersthroughherintercession,andgranttheminJesus’name,whoisLordforeverandever.

December 12, 2013

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Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerUnitingourvoiceswithOurLadyofGuadalupe,SaintJuanDiego,andallwhostandatthethroneofGod,weofferourprayerofthanksgiving.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces I or II of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Solemn Blessing 15. Prayer over the People 28.

Homily Helps• How many neighborhoods in North America are like this one? From one win-dow of our immigrant family’s home (since 1932), I see my mother’s childhood church, the “Italian” parish—now Brazilian! From another window, my father’s parish, “Irish” then—but now Hispanic! Neighbors on one side are wonderful people who escaped Cambodia’s killing fields; neighbors on the other side, our new Nigerian friends; and in back, refugees from El Salvador’s endless war, confirmed as children by Archbishop Romero!• Not only charming, therefore, but “right and just” the details of Our Lady’s apparition in this “New World.” Not at the bishop’s palace, to the theologi-cally sophisticated, hierarchically appointed co-patriot of the nation’s rulers did Mary speak in the softly accented Spanish of the conquistadores. As Our Lady of Guadalupe, she spoke the unwritten dialect of Aztec peasants to Cuauhtla-toatzin, newly named in Christ “Juan Diego.” How familiar she looked to him, La Moreñita, the “little brown woman.” She looks the same way still, her image forever imprinted on the ragged tilma that he wore—and on how many hearts.• Thus God comes among us (Zechariah), transcending race and nation, uniting diverse cultures, bringing peace with justice. We, God’s earthly church, will only image God’s heavenly temple when all are welcomed in without exception. To serve this saving plan with our lives (Annunciation Gospel), to bear Christ to others in selfless service (Visitation Gospel)—such witness alone transforms the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe into the miraculous reality of a welcoming, nurturing Christian community.

Question of the DayHow can I personally make “miraculous roses” of acceptance and hospitality bloom in my community in place of rejection and hostility?

December 12, 2013

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December 15, 2013 Third Sunday of AdventThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayOn this Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday, we pause to acknowledge thatourAdventseasonofpreparationisnotoneofgloomanddread,butratherofjoyfulexpectation.EvenaswepatientlyawaitthecomingofthedayoftheLord,signsaboundthatitisherealready.Aswecelebratetogethertoday,letusbealertforthetracesofGod’sreignalreadyhere.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,Emmanuel,yougivesighttotheblind:Lord,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youproclaimthegoodnewstothepoor:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youarethewaytoeverlastinglife:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #7Isaiah 35:1–6a, 10 The desert will bloom.Psalm 146 “Lord, come and save us.”James 5:7–10 Be patient like a farmer waiting for spring.Matthew 11:2–11 In prison, John received word of the coming of Christ.

Our readings todayarefilledwith signs. Isaiah speaksof the signsofGod’sreigntocome,andintheGospelwehearJesuscomparehisdeedswiththewell-knownsignsoftheMessianicKingdom,thetimewhentheMessiahwouldappear.JohntheBaptistwouldknowthosesignsandrecognizeJesusasindeedtheonewhoistocome.SaintPaulspeaksofthesignsthatfarmersawaitforthegrowthoftheirplantings.BywhatsignsdoweknowthatGodispresentinourworldtoday?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dear friends, we join our voices with Isaiah the prophet in pray-ingthatyouwillbestrengthened inyourweakness, thatyoureyeswill be opened, and that you will be free from fear. The path to-wardChristianinitiationuponwhichyoutreadisonethatrequirespatience.YourheartsmustbefirmasyousetyoursightsonunionwithChrist.Knowthatwesupportyouinprayerasyoucontinuethisjourney.AsyougoforthnowtoreflectonGod’sword,realizehoweagerwearetosharewithyouonedayintheeucharisticbanquet.Nowgoinpeace.

December 15, 2013

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Prayer of the FaithfulOurlovingGodispresenttousinthisworldevennow,andsowithconfidenceweoffertheseprayersforallwhoareinneed.

ForourChurch,thatwemaybeasignofGod’slovingpres-enceinthemidstoftheeverydayworld,wepraytotheLord.Fornationstoworktogethertosharemedicaladvancesandpromotethehealingofallwhoareafflicted,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoworkthefieldspatientlyandmaketheirlivingthroughfarming, that thesewintermonthsmaybeagrace-filledtimeforthemtorest,refresh,andprepareforthegrowingseasontocome,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoaresufferingwithanyillness,thattheywillknowthecomingofthereignofGodthroughourcareforthem,wepraytotheLord.For those who are distracted and distressed by the holidayseason,thattheymayknowpeaceinpatientlyawaitingtheLord’scoming,wepraytotheLord.

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AlmightyGod,yousentyourprophetstoalertustoyourcoming.GraciouslyheartheseourprayersandgrantthemthroughyourSon,JesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerAtthetimeofthefulfillmentofGod’sreign,therewillbenodivision,nodisease,nodespair,nosorrow,nomourning.Thiseucharisticmealgivesusaforetasteofthatlifetocome.Forthisweofferourgreatprayerofthanksgivingandpraise.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I of Advent is used until December 16. Solemn Blessing 1, or Prayer over the People 1, 3, or 5.Sign and Symbol: If your parish has worthy rose-colored vesture, use it today. Otherwise use the Advent violet set. Why not a bouquet of deep pink roses some-where in evidence, such as Mary’s shrine or woven into the greens of the Advent wreath? Be sure to light the candles of the Advent wreath for every liturgy.

December 15, 2013

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Catechesis and Communication: When publishing the Christmas schedule, include all the feasts of the Christmas season, not just Christmas Day. This serves as a reminder that Christmas is much more than a single day. What caroling, concerts, and parish parties have been scheduled to enliven the days of the Christmas season?

Homily Helps• Remember John, in last week’s Gospel, envisioning a fearsome Messiah who would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire,” “winnowing fan in hand, clearing the threshing floor, gathering the wheat, but burning the chaff in unquenchable fire”? This week, to John’s question, “Are you the One?” we might imagine John adding: “Because you sure don’t look like the One I was expecting!” Instead, John had heard that, far from gathering up wheat and burning chaff, Jesus was instead comforting, healing, forgiving.• Though Isaiah clearly envisioned such a healing Messiah in today’s first reading, the Gentile occupation of Israel at Jesus’ time focused popular hopes on other scriptural visions: a warrior-Messiah driving out pagan infidels, securing national liberation. So today, to those who would prefer that God act more decisively, even coercively, to inaugurate the Kingdom (and honestly, at least sometimes, don’t we?), Jesus proposes a new beatitude: “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me,” that is, at my gentle, compassionate way.• Blessed too are those who take no offense at how long God takes. Millennia have passed since Isaiah’s vision and Jesus’ ministry, and still James exhorts us to be patient; the kingdom’s growth, not to mention its harvest, takes time. Yet for James, “patient” does not mean “passive.” Humanity’s transformation should at least begin among believers, who are called not only to await but to anticipate the Lord’s coming. James’ program is practical and pointed, simple and succinct: “Do not complain about one another.” Simple? Try it sometime—even for a day!

Question of the WeekWhat kind of Messiah does my own life’s witness to Christ proclaim—one with fire and brimstone ready at hand, or one of whose comfort and healing I am an instrument?

Calendar 21 Sat. Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius*

Winter begins*During the Final Days of Advent (December 17–24) if a memorial is observed by a community, the Collect of the memorial may replace the Collect of the Advent weekday or may be used as the concluding prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful. All other Mass texts, including the readings, are taken from the Advent weekday. The vesture is violet.

December 15, 2013

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December 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of AdventThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayChristmasissoclosewecanalmosttouchit!OnthislastSundayofourAdventseasonofpreparationandjoyfulexpectation,wehearJoseph’ssideofthestory.Marywasnottheonlyonevisitedbyanangel;Josephalsodoesastheangeltellshim.Inourownday,howdoesGodspeaktous?PerhapsourprayertodaycanbeforopennesstotheangelsanddreamsthatGodsendsourway,sothatwemayactonGod’swillinourownlives.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,Emmanuel,youareSonofGodandSonofMary:Lord,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youaretheeverlastingsignofpeaceandmercyfromGodtheFather:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,Emmanuel,youwillcomeagaintojudgethelivingandthedead:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #10Isaiah 7:10–14 The virgin shall be with child.Psalm 24 “Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.”Romans 1:1–7 Jesus is the son of David and the Son of God.Matthew 1:18–24 Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife.

TodayourscripturespointustowardthepresenceofGod.Emmanuelmeans“Godiswithus.”AswelistentothesereadingsattheendofourAdventseasonofwaiting,wealsoknowthatGodisalreadywithus.WhatarethesignsthatwecanpointtothatshowthatGodisindeedwithus,andinwhatwaysarewestillwaitingforGod?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,asweconcludetheAdventSeasonandawaitthecom-ingoftheLordatChristmas,wepraythatyourfaithinGod’splanforyouwillbeasstrongasSaintJoseph’s.TheangeltoldJosephnottobeafraid.Toooftenonourjourneyofconversionwecanfallpreytofearanddespair.ChristtheLorddispelsthatfearandcanturnourdespairintolastingjoy.Asyougoforthfromthisassemblytopondertoday’sscriptures,beassuredofourprayerthatyouwillnotbeafraid,fortheLordiswithyou.WeawaitwithjoyfulexpectationthedayyouwillremainherewithustocelebratetheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

December 22, 2013

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Prayer of the FaithfulAswenear theendofourAdventseasonofwaiting, letus liftourprayerstoGod,whoisalwaysneartous.

ForourChurchand its leaders, thatwemaymodel for theworldhowtolistenforandrespondtoGod’sinvitationstoact,wepraytotheLord.Fortheleadersoflargecorporationsandbanks,thattheymayacknowledgethetruesourceoftheirwealthandsuccessandtreattheirworkersandclientswithdignityandfairness,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhovisitrelativesduringthecomingholyseason,thattheymaytravelsafelyandrejoiceinthecompanyoftheirlovedones,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoareunemployedorunderemployedduringthisholidayseason,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoarediscerningtheirvocations,thattheywillbeabletohearandrespondtoGod’sinvitationtothem,wepraytotheLord.

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OGodofhope,inyourmercyyougiveussignsofthecomingofyourSon.Graciouslyheartheseourprayersandgranttheminhisname,whoisLordforeverandever.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerAtthisholytablewedaretodreamdreamsofeverlastingpeaceandrefreshmentatthebanquettableofeternallife.Inthanksgivingfortheforetasteofheaventhatweexperienceatthistable,weofferthisprayerofpraiseandgratitude.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface II of Advent. Solemn Blessing 1, or Prayer over the People 1, 3, or 5.

December 22, 2013

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Sign and Symbol: Be sure that the plans for the Christmas environment are final-ized before moving into this fourth Sunday. Many parishes set out the Christmas crib for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with only a few figures of animals placed there. Other parishes bless and distribute straw to be used in the manger scenes of parishioners’ homes. Since straw can be messy, placing bundles in plastic bags is a good idea.Here is a blessing of straw:Today we bless straw. I invite you to take some home with you. You can add it to your nativity scene, or you can follow the old custom and tuck it under the tablecloth. By putting straw on the table, we make our homes like Bethlehem, a word that means “the house of bread.” Whenever we welcome guests to eat with us in love, our home becomes a place where God comes to live.Let us bless the Lord. Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation: You have made the earth fruitful with ripe wheat, which we have harvested from the land. Today we come before you with wheat straw. Soon we will use this straw to celebrate the birth of your Son in Bethlehem: For he is the Bread of Life, our Savior and Lord for ever and ever. Amen.Liturgy and Life: Many parishes schedule a blessing of expectant parents on this Fourth Sunday of Advent. Texts can be found in Chapter 1 of the Book of Blessings, VII and VIII. Be sure to announce the blessing a few weeks beforehand. Some parishes invite the parents of expectant mothers, who may live far away, to come forward for the blessing. Try scheduling a similar blessing at the end of June so that those who are expecting children at that time of the year may also receive this blessing.Initiation: In the next few weeks many more people than usual will be coming through our church doors. Many of these people are searching for a place, a com-munity, where they can express their faith. Why not remind parishioners before the end of Mass today of the opportunity they have to be warm and welcoming to visitors over the coming weeks? Some parishes have special welcome brochures available after all Masses on the feast of Christmas.

Homily Helps• Joseph’s adoption of Jesus as his own son confirms God’s promises to David, while Mary’s virginal conception reveals Jesus as the definitive fulfillment of Isaiah’s oracle. Thus Matthew begins his Gospel by proclaiming Jesus as Em-manuel, “God is with us,” and ends with the risen Jesus himself declaring, “I am with you always.”• In Matthew, Jesus’ first words, “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” are in response to John the Baptist’s objection to baptizing Jesus. “Righteousness” is “Bible speak” for acting with integrity and justice to fulfill the Torah, God’s covenant. For Matthew, Jesus is the new Moses, proclaiming a new Torah. Thus Joseph is declared “righteous” for “quietly” breaking off his betrothal to spare Mary the Torah’s sanction of death by stoning. Yet strict Torah righteousness required Joseph to declare Mary’s presumed offense to the religious authorities. Instead, Joseph anticipates Jesus’ new Torah: “It is mercy God desires, not sacrifice.”

December 22, 2013

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• Such “righteousness” opens Joseph’s heart to cooperate daringly and deci-sively in God’s saving plan. Perhaps Joseph’s righteous obedience challenges our lack of both; then, let the very human drama of Joseph and Mary comfort us. For God comes to be with, to redeem, heal, and make whole, a broken world, a sinful humanity—not in spite of anguish and confusion, but in and through them, just as the world is, just as we are, confused and doubtful, imperfect and unready. Hear that Good News in the angel’s words to Joseph, in Jesus’ words to us: “Do not be afraid!”

Question of the WeekWho in my life, this Christmas, needs to experience from me the “righteousness” of Jesus’ new Torah, that is, Jesus’ own compassion and tenderness touching them through me?

Calendar 23 Mon. Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty* 24 Tue. Vigil of Christmas 25 Wed. Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

(Holy day of Obligation) 26 Thu. Feast of St. Stephen

Boxing Day (Canada) 27 Fri. Feast of St. John 28 Sat. Feast of the Holy Innocents

*During the Final Days of Advent (December 17–24) if a memorial is observed by a community, the Collect of the memorial may replace the Collect of the Advent weekday or may be used as the concluding prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful. All other Mass texts, including the readings, are taken from the Advent weekday. The vesture is violet.

December 22, 2013

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December 24, 2013 Vigil of the Nativity of the LordSuggested texts for Mass on Christmas Eve are found beginning on the next page.

ChristmasEveisatimetokeepwatch.Wewaitforjusticeandmercytodescendfromheaven,forthefullnessoflifetospringupfromtheearth.InthemysteryoftheChristmasliturgy,onthisholynightwewaitfortheLordtoappearinglory.With just a bit of careful preparation, the time of caroling before aChristmasEveMasscanbemadeintoatimeofliturgicalprayer.Pleasedon’tdepriveCatholicsoftheopportunitytokeepasubstantialvigilonChristmasEve.AsuggestedorderofworshipforavigilisfoundinWLP’sworshipresources.ThisvigilissuggestedforuseinplaceofthetimeofcarolingbeforeMass.Theorderisworkablebutmustbeadaptedtoeachparish.Lamp-Lighting:Wesuggestthatthecandlesinaseven-branchedcande-labrumbelitsuccessivelyaseachOAntiphonisprayed.TheritemaybesimplifiedbylightingthecandlesintheAdventwreathorsimplyasinglecandlewhileeveryonesings“OCome,OCome,Emmanuel.”Readings,Psalms,andCarols:Theheartofavigilisanextendedtimeofreadingsandpsalms.(ConsideringthemanyMassesofChristmas,thereisawealthofchoicesforavigil.)ThefamiliarpatternoftheEasterVigilhaseachreadingfollowedbyapsalmandaprayer.InthepatternoftheOfficeofReadings,anumberofpsalmscomefirst,followedbyreadingsandresponsories.IncraftingtheChristmasvigilthemusicministerandliturgicalcoordinatorwouldinterspersecongregationalcarols,choirpieces,andsolopiecesintotheorder,muchliketheAnglicanserviceof“LessonsandCarols.”Thekeyisparticipation:thisisnotachoirconcert.Besurethereareopportunitiesforcongregationalsinging.ProcessiontotheCrib:Inthesuggestedorder,thereadings,psalms,andcarolsarefollowedbyaprocessiontoandblessingoftheNativityscene.TheprocessionismodeledafterthecelebrationofLas Posadas,inwhichMaryandJosephsearchforshelterbywalkingfromhometohomethroughaneighborhooduntilatlasttheyarriveatthedoorsofthechurch,theparishhome.SeetheWLPworshipresourcesforadescriptionofand“script”forthisprocession.TheChristmasProclamation:TheRomanMartyrologyforDecember25includesasolemnannouncementofthebirthofChrist.Someofitslanguageisoldandmysterious.Itmakesclearthewonderfulnewswecelebratethisholynight:Christisbornhereandnow,hereamongus.AccordingtotheAppendixtoThe Roman Missal,theChristmasprocla-mationcomesbeforetheVigilMassoftheNativityoftheLord.ChantnotationisfoundinWLP’sLectionary Psalms and Gospel Acclamations.Theproclamationcanbedoneinthemainaisleofthechurch.Trysur-roundingthecantorwithcandlebearers.

December 24, 2013

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December 25, 2013 Nativity of the Lord: ChristmasThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayWehavespentthisAdventponderingthethreecomingsoftheLord:inhistory,attheendoftime,andintoourhearts.Onthisholyday,wecelebratetheLord’scomingintoourheartsbyrememberinghowhecameintotheworldasalittlebabysolongago.Aswerejoicethisday,letusreflectonhowthisancientstoryismadenewinourownlivestoday,andproclaimthebirthoftheMessiahintheworldhereandnow.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youarethePrinceofPeacewhobringslightandlifetotheendsoftheearth:Lord,havemercy.LordJesus,youaretheLightoftheWorldwhobringsanendtosinanddeath:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youaretheSonofGodwhobringssalvationtoyourpeople:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the WordVigil: #13: Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 89; Acts 13:16–17, 22–25; Matthew 1:1–25 or 1:18–25

OurreadingsdrawAdventtoaclosethisChristmasEvebyannouncingoursalvation.Nomoreshallpeoplecallyou“Forsaken,”saysIsaiah,andtheGospelshowshowGodiswithusthroughallthegenerationsleadinguptoJesus.Andnow,JosephbelievesGod’swordandtakesMaryforhiswife.ThechildwhoisborntoherisEmmanuel,whoseverynamemeans“Godiswithus.”ForeverletussingthegoodnessoftheLord!Midnight: #14: Isaiah 9:1–6; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–14

AsaviorhasbeenborntouswhoisChristandLord!Forushumanswhoalwaysneedoursinsforgiven,Jesushascomenotbecausewedeservehim,butbecauseweneedhimasourSavior.AsIsaiahsays,wewhowalkindarknesshaveseenagreatlightinthechildwhoisborntous.MaywehearSaintPaul’swordsandbeeagertodowhatisgood,fortodayisbornourSavior,ChristtheLord.Dawn: #15: Isaiah 62:11–12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4–7; Luke 2:15–20

Thismorning’sGospeltakesuswiththeshepherdstoBethlehemtoseethechildinthemanger.TheyleaveglorifyingandpraisingGod.Why?BecausetheyhadseenwhatIsaiahhadforetold,thecomingofthe savior,and theyknew thatnow theywere theholypeople, theredeemedoftheLord.WecanglorifyandpraiseGodwiththem,too,forasSaintPaulsays,wehavebecomeheirsinhopeofeternallife.Alighthasshoneonusthisday:theLordisbornforus.

December 25, 2013

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Day: #16: Isaiah 52:7–10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1–6; John 1:1–18 or 1:1–5, 9–14

Whatlovelyandrichreadingsaresetbeforeustoday!SaintPaultellsusthatGodformerlyspokethroughtheprophets,butGodhasnowspokentousthroughtheSon.AndinthebeautifulGospelproclama-tionfromSaintJohn,thatSonofGodiscalledGod’sWord.ThisishowGodspeakstousnowofthepeace,goodnews,andsalvationthatwehearaboutfromIsaiah:throughGod’sSon,theWordIncarnate!AlltheendsoftheearthhaveindeedseenandheardthesavingpowerofGod.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,whatajoyousdaythisisfortheChurch.Youstandbeforeusasicons,signsoftheverypresenceofChristamongus.OnthisdaywerememberChrist’scomingtoearthovertwothousandyearsago.Andwecelebratehiscomingintoyourheartsasyoucontinueyourjourneyoffaith.Wesendyouforthnowtopondermoredeeplythewordwehavesharedtoday.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwilljoinusatthetableoftheEucharist.NowgoinChristmaspeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulWiththeshepherdsandangelsandMaryandJoseph,werejoiceinthebirthoftheSonofGod.NowletusofferourprayerstoGod,whoseloveknowsnobounds.

ForourHolyFather,PopeFrancis,andforallChurchleaders:MaytheirwordsandactionsshowthewholeworldwhatitmeansthataSaviorisborntous,wepraytotheLord.Forthoseentrustedwithworldlypower:MaytheyhearthesongoftheangelsandworkevermorediligentlytobringaboutpeaceonEarth,wepraytotheLord.Forourfamilies,lovedones,andfriends:MayourChristmascelebrationsbringustogetherintheloveoftheLord,wepraytotheLord.Forthelonely,thesorrowful,andthegrieving:Mayourfaithcommunity’scareandsupportshowthemthatindeedtheSonofGodisinourmidst,wepraytotheLord.Forguestswhojoinusinworshiponthisholyday:Maytheyfindinourcommunityawelcominghome,wepraytotheLord.

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December 25, 2013

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AlmightyGodandsourceoflight,youreternalWordhascomedownfromheavenandnowyourChurchisfilledwithwonderatthenearnessofourGod.Graciouslyheartheseourprayers,andgrantthemaccordingtoyourwillthroughJesusChrist,yourSonandourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerWithgreatjoyonthisfestivalday,wearefilledwithwonderandaweatthebirthofGod’sSon.Withaprofoundsenseofgratitudeweraiseourvoicesinthisgreatprayerofthanksgiving.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces I–III of Christmas. Eucharistic Prayer I has a proper insert for Christ-mas. Solemn Blessing 2, or Prayer over the People 5 or 10.During the Profession of Faith at all Masses everyone genuflects during the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate.”Four Masses: Catholic practice observes the eucharistic liturgy at the four “car-dinal points” of the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: sunset, midnight, dawn, noonday. (That’s the spirit behind the four Mass formularies.) Although it is permitted in the Lectionary to interchange the readings or psalm of Christmas during the night, dawn, and day, think twice before doing that. Note that there is no permission in the Lectionary to use the night readings at the Christmas Vigil Mass. Although the Vigil Mass includes the singing of the Gloria and the use of white vesture, the spirit of this mass—and, indeed, of all four Christmas Masses—is unique to each Mass. Those who prepare the liturgy have an obligation to get to know the spirit proper to each of the four Christmas Masses.Sign and Symbol: According to the Book of Blessings, the nativity scene must not be placed in the presbyterium (sanctuary). This is very strong language. If your parish has always had the nativity scene arranged in the sanctuary, perhaps a little re-thinking is in order. After the liturgy director in one parish had visited European cathedrals during the Christmas season, he became convinced that the Nativity scene in his parish needed to be relocated outside the sanctuary. In most churches throughout Europe, not only the Nativity figures, but the entire town of Bethlehem and the surrounding countryside are created. These magnificent displays, usually created in a side niche or in an area near the vestibule, become places of devo-tion, prayer, and wonder. This is the sentiment the Book of Blessings is suggesting: “A place should be chosen that is suitable for prayer and devotion and is easily accessible by the faithful.” So a location near the altar or ambo is not appropriate. The Nativity scene is a holy shrine that can be visited before and after Mass by the faithful. Before moving your Nativity scene, be sure to explain the motivation behind the move and let your parishioners know of the move in advance.

December 25, 2013

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Homily Helps• Vigil: Far from merely a lengthy list of obscure names, the “Bible speak” in Matthew’s genealogy intones the Church’s Christmas tidings of comfort and joy, announcing just how unconditional is God’s love, how inclusive God’s plan! Cast-ing ancient patriarchy aside, Matthew singles out women as honored partners in this surprising Messiah’s identity, their identity a comfort to all sinners and outsiders: deceitful Tamar, Rahab the prostitute, Ruth the Gentile, and David’s consort and mother of Solomon, who “had been the wife of Uriah.” Thus, in the first part of the Vigil Gospel, God acts decisively, daringly to demolish boundaries that exclude anyone from amazing grace. In the Gospel’s second part, Joseph, trusting in God and in Mary, acts just as decisively, daringly to bring to fruition for us a plan that doubtless devastated his plans.• Night and Day: It begins this Christmas night/day, that self-emptying that will lead Jesus to ascend the cross, as God’s eternal Word descends to dwell (liter-ally, “pitch his tent”) among us. In the feeding trough of animals too helpless to care for themselves lies heavenly Bread for helpless sinners, wrapped in swad-dling clothes that already prefigure this Child’s burial shroud, for the wood of the manger must become the wood of the cross. Caesar registers a subjugated people for taxes and compulsory military service; but Christ’s peaceful Kingdom, outliving Caesar’s, will belong preferentially to the poor and powerless. Thus, God’s gift of self in Jesus reveals the best gift, love, and the way that gift is shared, in self-sacrifice.• Dawn: “Go out of the sanctuary! Bring Jesus to the fringe!” So Pope Francis’ “mission call” in almost every homily. Thus Christmas midnight and dawn feature society’s “edge” in the shepherds. From the dawn of life, Jesus’ favored audi-ence—the marginalized and despised, “empty” in the world’s eyes, ready both to receive God’s Gift and share Jesus with others.

Question of the DayVigil: What specific situation in my life, right now, invites me to trust in God, maybe even at the price of changing my plans, my priorities?Night and Day: For whom and how can I “prepare a manger,” that is, offer Christ’s own welcoming and nourishing love this Christmas season?Dawn: How might God be calling me from the tending of my own concerns to encounter Christ? To whom might God be sending me to share Christ?

December 25, 2013

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December 29, 2013 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayOurChristmascelebrationcontinueswithtoday’sobservanceofthefeastoftheHolyFamily.AlthoughonlyrecentlyaddedtotheChurchcalendarin1921,thisfeastspeakstousofthetimelesstruththatGodiswithusinallourtrialsandtriumphsofdailyfamilyliving.Perhapsourprayertodaycanbeforallthosewhoraisetheirchildrenindifficultcircumstances,andforthosewhoremainfaithfultolifeintheChurchinspiteofsomeoftheirownfamilystruggles.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youareSonofGodandSonofMary:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youbringsalvationtotheworld:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youshowusthewaytoeverlastinglifewiththeFather:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #17ASirach 3:2–6, 12–14 Revere your father, comfort your mother.Psalm 128 “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”Colossians 3:12–21 Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy. or 3:12–17Matthew 2:13–15, Out of Egypt I called my son. 19–23

OurGospeltodayrevealsthattheHolyFamilywererefugees,drivenfromBethlehembyacruelruler,andfearfulofreturningbecauseofhissuccessor.YetGodwaspresenttothem,astheearlyChristiansbelieved,directingtheeventsinthelifeofJesus.Theotherreadingsspeakmorebroadlyabouthowfamilymembersshouldacttowardoneanother.Inthemidstofalltheirtrials,theHolyFamilymaintainedtheirbondofunity.Whatcanourfamilieslearnfromthesescripturestoday?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,aspartofGod’sfamily,youhavebeenasigntousofGod’sgenerouslove.Wesendyouforthnowtoreflectonthewordsofscripturewehavesharedtoday.Beassuredofthelovingsupportofyourbrothersandsistersgatheredinthisholyplace.Aswecontinuethecelebrationof theEucharist,wepledgeourprayers.Weeagerlyawaitthedaywhenyouwillremainhereandshareintheeucharisticbanquet.Nowgoinpeace.

December 29, 2013

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Prayer of the FaithfulThe family of Jesus protected and nurtured him in every trial andcircumstance.LetusnowpraytoourlovingGod,whoprotectsandnurturesusaswell.

FortheChurchthatlivesinourfamiliesandhomes,wepraytotheLord.Forallpeoplesoftheworld:Maywetreatoneanotherwiththeloveoftruesistersandbrothers,wepraytotheLord.Forthehomeless,thosewhoarehungry,andallwholongforafamilytolove,wepraytotheLord.Forrefugees,immigrants,andthosedrivenintoexile,wepraytotheLord.ForallwhochoosethevocationofservingGod’sholypeople:MaytheygrowintheirloveandappreciationforGod’sfamilyonearth,wepraytotheLord.

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Godoflove,inyourgoodnessyouwatchoverandprotectusallasfamily.Graciouslyheartheseourprayers,whichweraiseonbehalfoffamilieseverywhere,throughJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerWhateverwedo,inwordordeed,weshoulddointhenameoftheLordJesus,givingthankstoGodtheFatherthroughhim.AsGod’sfamilyletusraiseourvoicesinpraiseandthanksgiving.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces I–III of Christmas. Eucharistic Prayer I has a proper text for the Christmas Octave. Solemn Blessing 3, or one from the Ritual Mass for Marriage, or Prayer over the People 5 or 10.Context: The feast of the Holy Family is a relative newcomer on the calendar, first observed in 1921 on the Sunday within the octave of Epiphany and then in 1969 moved to the Sunday within the octave of Christmas. First and foremost this Sunday is part of the Christmas season. In the songs, in the homily and other texts, the feast of the Holy Family clearly must be observed as a Christmas liturgy.

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Liturgy and Life: The feast of the Holy Family is not a celebration of an ideal. Today we hear that Jesus lived in a family with troubles and real fear. Be sensitive to the households in the parish and to their own “mysteries.” Asking families to stand up for a blessing at Sunday mass may be a good experience for most families but may catch some off-guard. Make an announcement ahead of time so all are aware of what is to come. No one should be blessed by surprise.The people sitting in the pews this Sunday have all sorts of understandings of “fam-ily.” There will be some whose understanding is limited to what has been called the “traditional family.” Remember when preparing homilies, bulletin articles, and prayers, that this so-called “traditional family” is becoming a smaller and smaller majority. Single-parent families, foster families, and blended families make up a large percentage of families in today’s society. In addition to these families, for many people family can mean more than those to whom one is biologically related. Some parishioners will understand family as that group of closely linked, mutually supportive persons with whom they most frequently interact. All of this doesn’t water down the meaning of today’s liturgy. Allow the rich images and ideals presented in the readings to find application to everyone’s understanding of family.Why not distribute materials to help members of households bless the other mem-bers at home and to bless the home itself? Like the parish gathered in church, each household at home can be a sacramental sign of God’s love. The best resource to make available is Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. Parish visitors, extraor-dinary ministers of Holy Communion, deacons, priests, and other members of the pastoral staff might visit homes this season and celebrate the traditional Christmas time blessing. Next Sunday, bless and distribute Epiphany chalk and containers of “Jordan water” (and perhaps incense, too) so that people can bless their homes in the customary manner.Catechesis and Communication: Be sure to publish and announce the Mass schedule for Wednesday, the Octave of Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This is a holy day of obligation.

Homily Helps• For Sirach, honoring parents is a prerequisite for God’s forgiveness of our sins and acceptance of our prayers. Colossians presents a litany of virtues indispensable for life together: “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.” These blossom in a mutual respect befitting the Christ-life family members share in common: we forgive because Christ has forgiven us, sacrifice for one another because the Lord we share sacrificed himself for each of us. Christ’s word in our midst, wisdom on our lips, psalms, hymns, spiritual songs in our grateful hearts, the family home becomes a “domestic church,” our life together a liturgy of love.• Matthew presents the Holy Family as a very human family, like us, having to rely on God’s providential love and each other’s supportive care when facing forces above its power and beyond its control. Wives may joke that Joseph’s scriptural silence makes him the perfect husband, but Matthew proposes Joseph’s obedient faith as a model for cooperating with God’s mysterious plan. Joseph may say nothing, but he acts decisively that God’s kingdom may come, not in spite of turmoil and anxiety, but in the very midst of it.• Finally, the Holy Family presents a timely, challenging icon of countless modern families, displaced by persecution or need, forced to flee the friendly and familiar, compelled to seek safety, shelter, and new beginnings among strangers. Thus today’s feast both comforts us with the image of what our families should be, and challenges us to reach beyond our own families to assist the wider human family in need.

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Question of the WeekAs the old year ends and the new year dawns, in what area of my life is God asking me, like Joseph, to trust and obey, to dare and to do?

Calendar 30 Mon. Sixth Day within the Octave of Christmas 31 Tue. Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Optional Memorial of St. Sylvester I* New Year’s Eve

Jan. 1 Wed. Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy day of Obligation) World Day of Peace New Year’s Day

2 Thu. Memorial of Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen 3 Fri. Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

First Friday 4 Sat. Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

*During the Christmas Octave if a memorial is observed by a community, the Collect of the memorial may replace the Collect of the Christmas weekday or may be used as the concluding prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful. All other Mass texts, including the readings, are taken from the Christmas weekday. The vesture is white.

January 1, 2014 Octave Day of Christmas: Mary, the Holy Mother of GodThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayChristmascontinuestodaywithourcelebrationofoneoftheoldestsolemnitiesoftheChurch.HowfittingitisthatonthefirstdayofthisnewyearweacknowledgeMaryastheMotherofGodandalsoprayforpeaceintheworld,forsurelyMaryistheQueenofPeace.Aswecelebrate together today, let us thank God for Mary’s example andprayforMary’sguidanceandprotectioninourownlivesduringthecomingyear.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youareSonofGodandSonofMary:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youransomusfromthechainsofsinanddeath:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youspeakawordofhopeandhealingtoyourpeople:Lord,havemercy.

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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #18Numbers 6:22–27 The Lord bless you and keep you!Psalm 67 “May God bless us in his mercy.”Galatians 4:4–7 We, too, are the sons and daughters of God.Luke 2:16–21 Mary reflected on all these things in her heart.

“Marykeptallthesethings,reflectingontheminherheart.”OurGos-pelshowsMarycontinuingtoactaccordingtothewordoftheangel,namingthechildJesusandbringingtofulfillmentallthattheangelsaid.Andmorethanthat,sheponderedwhatitallmeant.Byherac-tions,shebroughtdownonallofustheblessingofGod,whichwehearexpressedsobeautifullyinthefirstreading,andsecuredourplaceasadoptedsonsanddaughtersofGod,asSaintPaultellsus.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Myfriends,thiscommunitynowsendsyouforthtoreflectmoredeeplyonthewordofGod.WepraythatthroughtheintercessionofMarytheMotherofGod,youwillbestrengthenedonyourjourneyoffaith.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwillsharefullyattheLord’stable.Nowgoinpeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulOnthisNewYear’sDayletusgivethankstoGodforthegiftofanotheryearandprayfortheneedsofall.

ForallwhoministerintheChurchastheyworktosharetheGoodNewswitheveryone,especiallythoseonthemarginsofsociety,wepraytotheLord.Forpeaceintheworld,especiallyinthoseplaceswhereten-sionsarehigh,wepraytotheLord.Formotherseverywhere,thatthroughtheintercessionoftheBlessedVirginMarytheywillbestrong,loving,andwiseastheyraisetheirchildren,wepraytotheLord.Forourcommunityoffaith,thatduringthisnewyearof2014wewillrenewourcommitmenttoserveoursistersandbroth-ersinneed,wepraytotheLord.

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January 1, 2014

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GenerousGod,onthisNewYear’sDaywegivethanksforMary’sprayer,thegiftofamother’slove,andaskyoutohearourownprayersthroughherintercession,andgranttheminJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerInthecompanyoftheshepherds,theangels,andholyMary,MotherofGod,wegiveglorytoGodaroundthisholytable.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I or II of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Eucharistic Prayer I has a proper insert for the Christmas Octave. The Eucharistic Prayer for Masses for Reconcilia-tion II seems fitting for New Year’s Day. Solemn Blessing 2 (Christmas), 3 (the new year), 9 (echoes the first reading), or 15 (Mary), or Prayer over the People 5 or 10.Context: The Church’s title for the day, “Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God,” gives the right perspective in prepar-ing the day’s liturgy. First, we are celebrating Christmas. In that context we also are celebrating the motherhood of Mary. Secondary aspects, such as the circumcision and naming of Jesus, the new year, or the day of prayer for peace, are reflected in the proper readings, psalms, and antiphons and can be echoed in the intercessions and carols for the day. But the primary focus remains Christmas.Thanks in part to the Christmas image of the angels and then the shepherds announc-ing the coming of the Prince of Peace, New Year’s Day has a long and traditional history as a day of prayer for peace. Each year the Holy Father designates January 1 as the World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Homily Helps• And so the human family begins another New Year. Remember New Year’s 2013? While the past year knew happy moments of life unfolding with beauty and promise, like every other year—and for some, more than many other years—2013 brought not only triumph but tragedy. Indeed, all we can affirm with certainty about this New Year is that, as the old Marriage Exhortation wisely promised young newlyweds: The future is hidden now from our eyes, with its hopes and disappointments, successes, failures, pleasures, pains, joys and sorrows. How to prepare, then, for all that lies ahead, shrouded in the mystery of God’s silence?• The Church responds, by hearing God’s Word and looking to Mary. For today, as on every New Year’s Day, Mother Church sets Mother Mary in this momentous threshold. Faithful daughter of Israel, Mary bids us keep faith, as she did, come what may, with God whose holy Name holy scripture invokes upon us to “bless us and keep us; let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us; to look upon us kindly and give us peace”—though never peace apart from Jesus’ cross.• But Jesus’ cross, whatever shape it takes in this New Year, will bear fruit in us. For we are not slaves of fate, but sons and daughters of God, hearts filled with the Spirit, who reveals God as an “Abba” whose loving care, which never failed Mary, will carry us safely, if not always serenely, through 2014.

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Question of the DayTo whom do I need to bring a special greeting of Christ’s peace, with the assur-ance of supportive friendship, this New Year’s Day?

January 5, 2014 Epiphany of the LordThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayOurChristmascelebrationcontinuestodaybyturningourattentiontowardtheworldthatJesuscametosave.Wearepartofthatworld;wecome,modern-daymagi,followingthelight,seekingthenewbornKing.WhiletherestoftheworldhasalreadysetChristmasasideandmovedontothenextthing,weareheretoday,ponderingthisgreatgoodnews.Letuscomeandadorealongsidetheoriginalmagi.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youaretheeverlastingflowerofjustice:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youarethebringerofGod’speace:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,yourlovereachestotheendsoftheearth:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #20Isaiah 60:1–6 The glory of the Lord shines on all people.Psalm 72 “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”Ephesians 3:2–3a, 5–6 God’s secret plan is revealed.Matthew 2:1–12 They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

OurreadingstodayareallaboutthemanifestationofthechildJesustotheworld.Themagicomefromaforeignland.IsaiahsingsofnationscomingtobeargiftsandproclaimthegoodnessoftheLord.SaintPaultellsusthatsalvationisforall,notjustfortheJews.Aswelistentothesescripturestoday,letusponderwhatitisaboutthisChildthatdrawsforeignersandstrangerstohim.Whatdrawsustohim?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,likethemagi,youhavesearchedforChrist.Thatsearchhasbroughtyouhere,tothisholyplace.AsyougoforthtoreflectmoredeeplyonthewordofGod,wepromiseyouourprayersandsupport.As you continue on your journey to discover Christ manifested inever-newways,welongforthedaywhenyouwillsharefullywithusathistable.Nowgoinpeace.

January 5, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetusofferourprayerstodayalongwiththegiftsofthemagitooursavingGod.

ForourChurchaswecontinuetomanifestGod’ssavingloveineventhedarkestcornersoftheworld,wepraytotheLord.Forallthenationsoftheworld,thattheymaywalkinthelightoftheLord,wepraytotheLord.Forinquirersandcatechumensamongus,thattheywillfindtheLordmanifestinthisholycommunity,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoaretravelingduringthisholidayseason,thattheywilldosoinsafety,andreturnhomerefreshedandrenewed,wepraytotheLord.Forallnewbornchildren, that theymaybeseenassignsofhopefortheworld,andraisedwithdignityandlove,wepraytotheLord.

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Foralltheprayersthatweholdinthesilenceofourhearts,forallourintentionsspokenandunspoken,wepraytotheLord.

OLordoflight,todayyourevealtousyoursavinglove.HeartheseourprayersandgranttheminthenameofyourSon,ourLordJesusChrist.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerMarvelingatthegloryoftheLord,whichshinesallaroundus,wegiveGodpraiseandthanksgiving.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface of the Epiphany of the Lord. Eucharistic Prayer I has a proper insert today. Solemn Blessing 4, or Prayer over the People 5, 17, or 26.Announcement of the Paschal Dates: Appendix I of The Roman Missal includes the formal, chanted Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts, a medieval custom revived in our day. The proclamation takes place after the Gospel. In a sense, the proclamation is a consecration of the new year.Sign and Symbol: Use plenty of incense at all Masses today. Be sure to add the figures of the magi to the nativity scene. Matthew doesn’t specify the number or genders of the magi. Did you know that in India they honor twelve magi?

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Blessing of Jordan water, chalk, and incense: Although there are fine texts for the blessing of homes, neither the Book of Blessings nor Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers explains the traditional method for blessing homes this day using incense, chalk (an incarnational image because it reminds us of the dust of the earth from which we were made), and “Jordan water.” The chalk is used to mark

20 + C + M + B + 14over doorways. The numerals consecrate the new year. The initials remind us of the legendary names of the magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—and also stand for the Latin motto Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Christ bless the house”). After Mass some parishes have a “visit” from the magi, who bless the main doors of church in the customary way and then distribute the chalk and water as well as grains of incense—and some instructions, as necessary, about the custom.Catechesis and Communication: Today begins National Migration Week. Sample prayers and parish activities may be obtained by contacting the USCCB’s Department of Migration & Refugee Services: usccb.org/mrs.

Homily Helps• An ancient hymn confronts Herod, “greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” “A star proclaims: the King is here! / But cruel Herod, why such fear? / Christ takes no earthly realm away, / But gives the realms of heavenly day!” But Herod’s fate belongs to all whose horizon is limited to the world immediately before their eyes, whose sole preoccupation is the power to manage and control. Under Roman occupation, Herod’s power was already tentative, his kingdom tenuous. Thus feverish anxiety consumes, dark violence stirs within. Herod ur-gently consults religious scholars, secretly meets with the magi, ominously orders them to “search diligently for the Child.” When they do not return, Herod’s rage explodes in the slaughter of innocent children.• How different the magi, whose eyes focus not on comfortable homelands, but on a star that lifts their vision upward and steers their lives outward, leading them first to discover scriptural revelation, then—“rejoicing with an exceeding joy”—“the Child with Mary his mother.” Before this King whom Herod sought to kill, these kings “prostrate in homage and offer gifts” symbolizing kingly au-thority, universal but peaceful (gold); priestly service, divine yet compassionate (frankincense); and a messianic mission of self-sacrificing love (myrrh).• “Lift up your hearts!” bids the Church at every Eucharist. “Lift up your eyes!” Epiphany bids us today, above limiting boundaries of worldly wealth and anxious worry. Behold the star and worship the King it announces: Jesus, our Eucharist food, who welcomes our worship here and awaits our service in the innocent who suffer still.

Question of the WeekTo what “strange lands” might God be inviting me to travel in this New Year to discover Christ? What gifts will I bring with me to offer there?

Calendar 5 Sun. National Migration Week 6 Mon. Optional Memorial of St. André Bessette 7 Tue. Optional Memorial of St. Raymond of Penyafort

Julian Calendar Christmas

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January 12, 2014 Baptism of the LordThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayOnthisfinalSundayoftheChristmasseason,weseeanadultJesusatthebeginningofhisministry,andheartheproclamationthatheistheSonofGod.WetoowerenamedsonsanddaughtersofGodonthedayofourbaptism.Aswegatherforourprayertoday,letusreflectonourownvocationandhowthelivesthatweareleadingasChristiansarepleasingtoourheavenlyGod.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,God’sbelovedSon,youbringpeacetothenations:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,God’sbelovedSon,youproclaimthevictoryofjustice:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,God’sbelovedSon,youshowusthewaytoeternallife:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #21AIsaiah 42:1–4, 6–7 Here is my servant.Psalm 29 “The Lord will bless his people with peace.”Acts 10:34–38 God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power.Matthew 3:13–17 The Spirit of God descends like a dove.

OnthislastSundayofChristmasTimetheJesusweencounterintheGospelisnolongeraninfant.Yettheheavenlyrevelationscontinue.AsJesusisbaptized,God’svoiceisheard,proclaimingthisJesustobeGod’sSon.AndIsaiahtellsusjustwhothisSonofGodis:neitherbreak-ingabruisedreednorquenchingasmolderingwick,heiscompassionpersonified.HowdoesJesuscomeintoyourlife,openingyoureyes,bringingyououtofconfinement?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,intoday’sGospelweheardGodcallJesus“mybelovedSon.”You,too,areGod’sbelovedchildren,foryouhaveacceptedthewayofthegospelasyourwayoflife.Asyougoforthfromthisplacetoreflectonthescriptures,wepraythatyouwillbesustainedonyourjourneyoffaith.WepraythattheHolySpiritwilldescenduponyouandstrengthenyou.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyourjourneywillbringyoutothetableoftheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetusconfidentlybringourprayerstodaybeforeourgraciousGod,inwhosenamewehavebeenbaptized.

ForourholyChurchaswecontinuetoevangelizealllands,bringingthegiftofbaptismtoGod’sdaughtersandsonsev-erywhere,wepraytotheLord.Forjusticeandfreedomineverynationonearth,wepraytotheLord.ForthosewhoprepareadultsforChristianinitiationandworkwithparentswhosechildrenwillbebaptized:May theybeblessedintheirministry,wepraytotheLord.For college students as they return to school: May they bediligentintheirstudiesandgrowinthegraceofGod,wepraytotheLord.Forallwhohavebeenbaptizedinthepastyear,thattheymaycontinuetogrowinfaithandinthegraceoftheirbaptism,wepraytotheLord.

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HeavenlyGod,youhavemadeusyoursonsanddaughters.Graciouslyheartheseprayersthatwebringtoyou,andgrantthemaccordingtoyourwill,throughyourSonJesusChrist,ourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerJustasGod’svoicethunderedoverthewatersoftheJordan,letourprayerresoundinthisholyplaceasweofferGodthanksandpraise.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface of the Baptism of the Lord. Solemn Blessing 2 or 4 or Prayer over the People 10. The Solemn Blessing or Prayer over the People for Confirmation seems a fitting text for this feast.The Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water is especially appropriate at all Masses today. This Sunday is a good day every year for baptism during Mass.Sign and Symbol: The Baptism of the Lord is a Christmas feast, a feast of the epiphany of God in human flesh and blood. Don’t send the signal that the Christmas season is over by taking down the Nativity scene or seasonal decorations before this day, or by not singing at least some carols today.

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Catechesis and Communication: Saturday marks the beginning of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In a time when the sad divisions that separate the Christian churches seem even stronger, perhaps it is a good time for the parish to plan an ecumenical event. One parish prepares ecumenical evening prayer, inviting an area minister to preside and/or preach. Letters of invitation can be sent to the leaders of all Christian communities in the wider community. Perhaps a plan-ning team could be established, made up of persons from the various churches that will participate.

Homily Helps• “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” that is, to do God’s will revealed in the Torah. Throughout Year A, Matthew portrays Jesus as the new Moses, preaching his Torah not in five books, as Moses with the Pentateuch, but in the five sermons around which Matthew has constructed his Gospel. Today, the Spirit, who hovered over the primal waters, drawing life out of chaos, descends upon Jesus, emerging from the Jordan, firstfruits of humanity reborn. Declaring Jesus the uniquely beloved Son, the Father defines the nature of Jesus’ Messiahship by quoting Isaiah’s Song of the Suffering Servant, “with whom I am well pleased.”• Though sinless, Jesus plunges into the crowd of sinful humanity, who seek John’s baptism; is immersed in the Jordan, preview of being totally immersed in our human story through the self-sacrificing love of his passion and death on the cross. That, too, will “fulfill all righteousness,” but mysteriously: “My Father, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”• Thus, Jesus’ baptism presents the baptized people of God with a program for bearing witness. Isaiah’s Messiah does not break bruised spirits or snuff out a barely flickering faith. Instead, God’s Servant brings enlightenment, free-dom, justice. When the Gentile Cornelius receives the Spirit’s outpouring even before baptism, Peter confesses a new insight: God’s impartiality. So must we, baptized into Christ, witness to God’s wide embrace, God’s bountiful largesse, and “fulfill all righteousness” by living Jesus’ Torah of self-sacrificing service and unconditional love.

Question of the WeekTo what neighbor or friend, relative or colleague, might God be sending me, as a baptized servant, to bind up a bruised spirit or bolster a faltering faith?

Calendar 13 Mon. First Week in Ordinary Time begins

Optional Memorial of St. Hilary 17 Fri. Memorial of St. Anthony 18 Sat. Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins (January 18–25)

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January 19, 2014 Second Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayTodaywebeginajourneythroughabriefsegmentofOrdinaryTimebeforeLentbeginsinaboutsixweeks.AftercelebratingtheIncarnationforseveralweeks,webegintofocusonourresponsetoGod’scalltousthroughJesustheSon.WhatdoesitmeantobetheLord’sservant?Howarewesupposedtobea“lighttothenations”?LetuspraytogethertodaytodiscernthewillofourLordGodforeachofus.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youaretheServantofGodwhocametobringusnewlife:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youaretheLightofthenationswhofulfillsourlonging:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youaretheLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #64Isaiah 49:3, 5–6 From my mother’s womb, I am God’s servant.Psalm 40 “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”1 Corinthians 1:1–3 Greetings to you, a holy people in Christ.John 1:29–34 Behold, the Lamb of God!

InourGospelfromJohntoday,wehearJohntheBaptist’ssideofthestoryofJesus’baptism.AndJohnhasseentheSpiritcomedownuponJesus.WehaveallbeenbaptizedwiththatsameSpirit.Asyoulistentothesereadingstoday,whatdoyouheartheSpiritcallingyoutodo?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,whenJohntheBaptistsawtheLordJesuscomingtowardhim,hecriedoutthatJesuswastheLambofGod,whotakesawayoursins.YouhavebeheldtheLordJesusinmanywaysasyourjourneyofconversionhascontinued.WepraythatyouseeChristmoreandmoreinthepeopleyoumeetandintheordinarythingsoflife.Taketoday’sscripturestoheartandgrowinyourhungertoreceivetheEucharist.WelookforwardtosharingtheLambofGodwithyouonedayaroundtheeucharistictable.Nowgoinpeace.

January 19, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetusbringourpetitionstothethroneofgrace,knowingthatourlov-ingGodwillrespondwithkindnessandmercy.

For Pope Francis, as he leads our Church in the midst of aworldthatdesperatelyneedstoheartheGoodNews,wepraytotheLord.Forpeaceintheworld,especiallyinthoseplaceswhereconflicthasragedforyears,wepraytotheLord.ThatthevisionanddreamofDr.MartinLutherKing,Jr.mayinspireallofustoworkforequalityamongallGod’speople,wepraytotheLord.ForallChristians,especiallyduringthisweekofprayer forChristianunity,thatwemayrecognizeourcommonbaptismandworktogetherforthesalvationoftheworld,wepraytotheLord.Forallunbornchildren,thattheymaybekeptsafeuntilthejoyousdayoftheirbirth,wepraytotheLord.

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AlmightyGod,youcallusasyoucalledJesus,yourSon.Giveusthestrengthtofollowyourcall,andheartheseourprayers,whichweofferinJesus’name,whoisourLordandSavior.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerEachweekweliftourvoiceswithpraiseandthanksgivingoverthesegifts.Asthisnewyearunfolds,letusrenewourcommitmenttobringwhatwereceiveheretoourhungryworld.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I of the Sundays in Ordinary Time with its passage from the First Let-ter of Peter (“called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light”) fits all these winter weeks of Ordinary Time.

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Sign and Symbol: Pay extra attention to the worship environment during winter Ordinary Time. Stripping the church of its Christmas finery may leave the space bare, as if Lent had arrived early. And leaving the poinsettias too long can look like sloppy housekeeping, especially when plants lose their luster. This is no ordinary stretch of Ordinary Time. The liturgy in winter Ordinary Time is filled with gladsome light. Notice how it continues to echo the Epiphany with its images of the revelation of Jesus’ identity, the ingathering of the nations, the summoning of disciples. We need cheer during these dark days. A traditional way to gladden the heart is with flowers.Catechesis and Communication: Wednesday is the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision legalizing abortion. Program materials are available from the Of-fice for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 3211 Fourth St., NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194; 202 541-3000. Visit their Web site at usccb.org/prolife. The bishops of the United States have declared January 22 a day of prayer. The Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (no. 30 of the “Masses for Various Needs and Occasions”) should be celebrated with violet vestments. The scriptures suggested for that Mass are the regular weekday readings or readings from the Mass “For Peace and Justice,” #887–891.

Homily Helps• Today, Isaiah heralds the kind of Messiah John’s “Lamb of God” will be. “Ser-vant” appears three times in three lines, suggesting an ideal for us to embrace. This Servant’s priority is to “bring back, gather, raise up, and restore” Israel. But the mission is more expansive: to be “a light to the nations,” bearing God’s salvation “to the ends of the earth.” “Sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy,” as Paul describes us, we servants of that Servant must consider our corner of the world “the ends of the earth,” and plan how to bring “grace and peace” to those we meet who need Jesus’ light and warmth.• John’s proclamation of Jesus as “the Lamb of God” should trigger memories of contexts saving and nourishing, transcending space and time and opening us to eternity, into which our relationship with Jesus as the Lamb of God has inserted us: the liturgy of the Passover (past) fulfilled in Jesus, the true Paschal Lamb, who offers himself unceasingly in the liturgy of the Eucharist (present), while giving us a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy (future).• Most comforting, Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin/sins of the world.” In Gospel passages, “sin” appears in the “collective singular,” affirming Jesus’ lifting away the whole crushing burden of a fractured world. In liturgical texts, the plural “sins” is often used, inviting us to entrust to Christ’s infinite compassion our own personal, multiplied share in the brokenness of the wider world.

Question of the WeekHow and to whom am I being called to be the servant of God’s “raising and restoring,” Jesus, the Lamb of God’s light of grace and warmth of peace?

Calendar 19 Sun. Julian Calendar Theophany (Epiphany) 20 Mon. Optional Memorial of St. Fabian

Optional Memorial of St. Sebastian Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

21 Tue. Memorial of St. Agnes 22 Wed. Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children 23 Thu. Optional Memorial of St. Vincent

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24 Fri. Memorial of St. Francis de Sales 25 Sat. Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle

January 26, 2014 Third Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayTodayaswegatherinGod’snameandatGod’sinvitation,wehearJesus’calltorepentanceandhisinvitationtothefishermenofGalileetofollowhim.WeourselvesarefollowersofJesus.Todaymightbeagooddaytoreflectonwhatitmeansforustofollowhim.Whatdoweleavebehind?Whatdoesheaskustodo?Andofwhatdowehavetorepent?

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youcalledthedisciplestoproclaimtheKingdomofGod:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youcallustofollowyourwaysoflove:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youarethewaytoeverlastinglife:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #67Isaiah 8:23—9:3 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.Psalm 27 “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”1 Corinthians Let there be no divisions among you. 1:10–13, 17Matthew 4:12–23 Andrew and Peter abandon their nets to follow the Lord. or 4:12–17

Arecurringthemeofthisyear’sscripturesisthethemeoflight.WehearditrepeatedlyduringChristmasTime,andagaininlastweek’sfirstreading,andnowtodayinthefirstreadingandtheGospel.Thepeoplewhowalkedordweltorsatindarknesshaveseenagreatlight.Inwhatdarknessdowestilldwell?WhatlightdoesJesusbringtouswhenhesays,“Repent,forthekingdomofheavenisathand”?

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,whatawonderfulsetofreadingswehavesharedtoday.Isaiahtellsusthatwewhooncewalkedindarknesshaveseenagreatlight.Yourjourney,whichattimeshasbeenmarkedbydarkness,hasbroughtyouintothelightofGod’slove.WerejoicethattheLordhascalledyoubyname,justashecalledSimonPeter,Andrew,James,andJohn.Asyougoforthtoreflectonthereadings,weaskthatyoukeepthisassemblyinprayer,forwe,too,oftenwalkindarkness.LetusholdoneanotherinthelightandpeaceofChrist.Weanticipatethedaywhenyouwillremainhere,aschildrenofthelight,gatheredaroundthetableoftheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

January 26, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetusbringourneedsandtheneedsoftheworldtotheGodwhohascalledustorepentanceanddiscipleship.

ForourChurchasweproclaimJesus’scalltorepentance,thatourlivesmayshowtheworldwhatitmeanstobetruedisciples,wepraytotheLord.Forelectedofficialsinournations,states,andcommunities,thatGodwillbless,protect,andguidethem,wepraytotheLord.Forall thosewhohear Jesus’ call toordainedandreligiousministry,andforthesupportoftheirfamiliesandlovedones,wepraytotheLord.Forallthosewhomakealivingfishingandworkingonthesea,fortheirprotectionandprosperity,wepraytotheLord.For all those who teach, work, learn, play, and pray in ourCatholicschools,wepraytotheLord.

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LovingGod,yourSonJesusChristcallsustoreformourlives.Grantusthegracetofollowhimeagerly,andgraciouslyheartheseourprayers,whichwemakeinhisnamewhoisourLordforeverandever.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerLetuspraythatthroughthemiracleoftheEucharist,thelightofChristwillshinethroughus.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface of the unity of the Body of Christ, which is the Church fits any of these Sundays in Ordinary Time. Preface I of the Sundays in Ordinary Time, speaks of light and so seems fitting throughout these winter weeks. Solemn Blessing 3 (beginning of the year) or 9 fits January, or use Prayer over the People 1, 5, 6, or 23.The reading of Matthew’s Gospel begins today and continues through the Sundays of Ordinary Time.

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Catechesis and Communication: This is Catholic Schools Week, jointly spon-sored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Support materials can be found on the Web site of the NCEA: ncea.org/news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp.

Homily Helps• Each Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Old Testament sheds light on the Gospel. For Matthew, today’s beginning of Jesus’ ministry begins the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of worldwide enlightenment and universal deliverance. Capernaum is “beyond the Jordan,” that is, on Israel’s edge, in more ways than one. At the crossroads of Jewish and Gentile society, Capernaum is populated by people “on the edge” of or even outside the law; thus, Capernaum mirrors Matthew’s (our) own “mixed” community.• Could Jesus be any clearer about where he wants his Church to be? In the world, though not of it—think of Pope Francis’ call for the Church to “step outside itself,” bringing Christ to society’s “peripheries.” But as Paul reminds the Corin-thians, none of us, individuals or splinter groups, has it all together. Together, however, we have it all: Christ’s own life to share, Christ’s gospel to proclaim.• Note too that Matthew portrays Jesus both withdrawing and preaching, suggesting that both movements be imitated by Jesus’ disciples. Matthew uses “withdraw” at least ten times to describe Jesus’ response both to threats and accolades. Though making Isaiah’s program his own, “smashing the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, the rod of their taskmaster,” Jesus will accomplish this peaceably, by liberating word and life-restoring deed. This Mes-siah’s way, Jesus’ kind of kingship (and therefore Jesus’ church’s way of acting and the nature of its ministry) must differ radically from the world’s exercise of authority and achievement of goals. Radical challenge, never violent confronta-tion. Reconciliation, never retaliation.

Question of the WeekHow do I need to “step outside” myself to fulfill my baptismal mission? To what “periphery” in my world do I need to bring Christ’s peaceable, liberating love?

Calendar 26 Sun. Catholic Schools Week begins 27 Mon. Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici 28 Tue. Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas 31 Fri. Memorial of St. John Bosco

Chinese New Year 4712Feb. 1 Sat. Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Saturday

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February 2, 2014 Presentation of the LordThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayOn this fortieth day after Christmas, we find yet another reason tocelebratethegreatincarnationofJesusChristourLord.ThisdaywastraditionallytheendofamuchlongerChristmasseasonthanwhatwecurrentlyobserve,andinthemidstofcontinuingwinterdarknessitisgoodtorecallyetagainthetrueLightoftheworld.Letusenterjoyfullyintothiscelebration,andtogetherwithSimeonandAnnaannouncesalvationtoalltheworld.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,LightoftheWorld,youenlightenusinwaysofrighteous-ness:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,LightoftheWorld,youdestroyeddeathandrestoreustolife:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,LightoftheWorld,youshowusthewaytoeternallifewiththeFather:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #524Malachi 3:1–4 The Lord will come to the temple.Psalm 24 “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!”Hebrews 2:14–18 Christ became like his brothers and sisters in all things but sin.Luke 2:22–40 Mary and Joseph present the Lord Jesus in the temple.

Today,withChristmasTimewellpast,wehearonemoremanifestationstoryabouttheinfantJesus.DevoutJewsMaryandJoseph,fulfillingtherequirementsofthelaw,bringJesustothetempletopresenthimtotheLord.Whiletheyarethere,SimeonandAnnaprophesyaboutJesus,tellingthem—andus—ofboththechallengeandtheredemptionthatJesuswillbring.SaintPaultellsusthatJesusbecameoneofusinordertosaveus.Aswelistentoday,letusrejoiceinthesalvationthatwehavefoundinJesusourLord.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,today’sfeastremindsusthatChrististhelightthatil-luminesthepathtoholiness.Asyougoforthfromthisplace,wepraythatyourdeeperreflectiononGod’swordleadsyoutothelightthatcanneverbeextinguished:thelightofChrist.WelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwillsharefullywithusattheLord’stable.Nowgoinpeace.

February 2, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulWehaveseenthesalvationofourGod.LetusnowprayfortheneedsofallGod’speopleonearth.

ForyourholyChurch,maywebealighttoalltheworld,wepraytotheLord.Forleadersofeverycountry,thattheymaygovernwiselyandjustlyaccordingtoGod’slawofgrace,wepraytotheLord.Forthosemodern-dayprophetswhohavededicatedtheirlivestoproclaimingGod’smessage,wepraytotheLord.Forallyoungfamiliesinourcommunity,thattheymayknowofoursupportandourcareforthem,wepraytotheLord.Forallthosewhosufferfromthecoldofthewinterseason,thattheymayknowwarmth,light,andrelief,wepraytotheLord.

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OGod,sourceofalllight,enlightenourmindsandheartswithyourgrace,andheartheseprayersthatwebringtoyouthroughJesusChrist,youronlySonandourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerTheprophetessAnnaneverleftthetemple,andwhenshesawthechildJesussheofferedaprayerofthanksgiving.LikeAnna,westandaroundthisholytabletoofferourgreatprayerofthanksandpraise.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface for the Presentation of the Lord. Solemn Blessing 1 (for Advent) seems fitting, or Prayer over the People 6 or 23.Catechesis and Communication: Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day when the Church blesses candles. The rite of blessing candles is similar to the format for blessing palms. Avoid the temptation to make this liturgy “ordinary” by skipping the blessing. What should not be lost this day, no matter the format of the blessing, is the procession with lit candles, if only to walk around the church, indoors perhaps, or even outdoors. The invitation to the procession, “Let us go in peace to meet the Lord,” is a rich—and even astounding—summary of this feast day. Some people may wish to bring candles from home for the blessing and procession, but they will need to be invited several times during the previous weeks.Today is the World Day for Consecrated Life. Information can be obtained at usccb.org/cL.

February 2, 2014

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Monday is the memorial of St. Blaise, the traditional day for the blessing of throats. The custom comes from a time when the entire year was filled with blessings. As the year unfolded, the Church offered up the whole of creation to bless the Lord. Without those many other blessings observed throughout the year, the blessing of throats loses an important perspective. We can begin to regain this perspective by reinvigorating the blessing of candles today.Initiation: The Rite of Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens is one of the rites belonging to the catechumenate period. If the parish has catechumens who will be baptized this coming Easter, perhaps now is a good time to celebrate the anoint-ing (see RCIA 98–103). The anointing may be celebrated several times during the catechumenate period. Usually the anointing is done within the RCIA group setting. There is nothing to suggest that it cannot be done at Sunday Mass. Perhaps the anointing could be celebrated prior to the dismissal after the homily, with the entire Sunday assembly taking part through prayer and the extension of hands in blessing over the catechumens.Liturgy and Life: Lent is a few weeks away. Resource materials for keeping Lent at home should be displayed prominently and attractively. Some parishes circulate a weekly or seasonal Lenten calendar with citations of scripture readings and sug-gested ways to follow the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The J.S. Paluch Company produces a wonderful Lenten bulletin. It is filled with helpful resources for the Lenten season. Contact WLP Customer Care for more information.

Homily Helps• Eastern Christians call today’s feast “The Encounter”—Simeon and Anna “en-counter” the temple’s Lord in a helpless child born of poor parents. In the infant Jesus, God “encounters” people in a gracious, non-threatening manner. Thus, to Malachi’s ominous “Who will endure the day of God’s coming?” Hebrews answers for us, “We can!” For Jesus has become “like his brothers and sisters in every way,” tried and tested by personal suffering, our “merciful high priest.”• Simeon’s ominous prophecy to Mary scripturally links today’s feast with the Paschal Mystery, just as the Blessing of Candles ritually links today’s candlelight procession with the Easter Vigil’s paschal candle procession. How fitting to let the candlelight procession (or even the whole Mass by candlelight) communicate an experience of darkness being overcome by light, of the community moving forward to “encounter” its Lord.• A medieval abbot, reflecting on his monastic community’s procession on this feast, pictured Jesus as a lighted candle in Simeon’s hands. He urged his monks to light their own candles, spiritually speaking, from Simeon’s, that is, from Jesus. Enlightened by Christ, the monks would not simply be “carrying” lighted lamps, they would “become” lamps themselves, shining from the inside out to benefit themselves and their brother monks. May Christ’s light shine in our hearts, too, an unquenchable fire of love; Christ’s light radiate from within us, prompting us to serve our neighbors with good works; Christ’s light glow on our lips, providing wisdom’s warmth and truth’s undying light to a world too often cold and dark (Abbot Guerric of Igny).

Question of the WeekHow can I, this week, at home, in the office or at school, and in the circle of my friends show that I have encountered Christ, the Light of the world, and that I bear Christ’s light within me?

February 2, 2014

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Calendar 2 Sun. World Day for Consecrated Life

Boy Scout Sunday Groundhog Day

3 Mon. Fourth Week in Ordinary Time begins Optional Memorial of St. Blaise Optional Memorial of St. Ansgar

5 Wed. Memorial of St. Agatha 6 Thu. Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions 7 Fri. First Friday 8 Sat. Optional Memorial of St. Jerome Emiliani

Optional Memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

February 9, 2014 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayAswereturntodaytoourOrdinaryTimeobservance,wewillhearonceagainachallengefromJesus.Wehavebeencalledheretodaytobecomesalt,light,andacityonahill—abeacontotheworld.LetusmakethiscelebrationatimetorenewourcommitmenttolistentoGodandrespondwithwillinghearts.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youarethelightoftheworld:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youdispelthedarknessofsin:Christhavemercy.LordJesus,youlightourpathtoeternallife:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #73Isaiah 58:7–10 When your fasting feeds the hungry, a new day dawns.Psalm 112 “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.”1 Corinthians 2:1–5 Paul’s message doesn’t rest on his own wisdom but on the power of the Spirit.Matthew 5:13–16 You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Thisyear’sthemeoflightcontinuesintoday’sreadings.ThereadingfromIsaiahspeaksofallthedeedsthatshowthatoneisjust,andthatlightshallriseforthejustoneoutofdarkness.Jesustellsusthatwearethelightoftheworldandmustnothideourlightunderabushel.Thepsalmsingsthatthejustoneisalightindarknesstotheupright.Aswelistentoday,canwehearwhatwemustdotobethelightoftheworld?

February 9, 2014

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Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,youhavemuchtoponderintoday’sScriptures.Weareallcalledtobesaltoftheearthandlightoftheworld.EachweekyoustandbeforeusasbeaconsofhopeforourChurch,forinyouweseeafuturefilledwithhope.Asyougoforth,remembertoheedthecalloftheprophetIsaiahbysharingwiththepoor.Thenwillyourlightgroweverbrighter.Welookforwardtothedaywhen,gatheredwithusatthesacredaltar,youwillshareintheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulCalledbyGodtoshareourbread,sheltertheoppressed,andclothethenaked,letusbringtoGodourprayersfortheneedsofall.

ForourChurch,thatthroughourworkintheworldallwillcometosavorthegoodnessofourGod,wepraytotheLord.For leadersofnations, that theywork together toeliminatehunger,disease,andsufferingfromeventhepoorestplacesintheworld,wepraytotheLord.Forthehungryandhomelessnearus,thattheymaybeshel-teredandfedthroughtheeffortsofourfaithcommunity,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoareillandallthosewhocareforthem,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhohaveembracedthecalltoliveashusbandandwife,thattheirmarriagesmaybeblessedandsupportedbyallthosearoundthem,wepraytotheLord.

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MercifulGod,youcalleachofustocareforourneighbor.Graciouslyhearandanswertheseprayers,whichweofferforourneighborsinneedthroughJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerAroundthistablewearegivenamereglimpseofthelightthatwillfillthehallsoftheheavenlybanquet.Here,wearecalledtobecomelightforthisworld,givingeveryonewemeetaglimpseofthegloryofGod.

February 9, 2014

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Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface I of the Sundays in Ordinary Time, speaks of light. Preface of the action of the Spirit in the Church reflects the second reading. Solemn Blessing 11 mentions wisdom; Prayer over the People 5.Catechesis and Communication: Today is World Marriage Day, sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. See their informative Web site: wmd.wwme.org.Lent is fast approaching. If the parish will be participating in a Lenten program of almsgiving, such as “Operation Rice Bowl,” be sure that the appropriate materials are ordered. Catholic Relief Services can be contacted through its Web site: crs.org.Initiation: By now the parish’s initiation team will have made arrangements for the diocesan celebration of the Rite of Election and/or the Call to Continuing Conversion. Those who prepare liturgy should consult the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for assistance in planning the parish celebration of Sending to these diocesan rites.

Homily Helps• Can we imagine anything more unremarkable or commonplace than salt? Blending invisibly into food, its presence is unnoticed until absent. Nothing makes us appreciate salt more than French fries or popcorn without it (salt-free diets aren’t called “bland” for nothing). In Jesus’s day, before refrigeration and synthetic preservatives, salt had a function even more important than seasoning: salt preserved food from corruption and served as a purifying agent.• Jesus’ second image for discipleship is just the opposite of inconspicuous salt: a mountaintop city, “the light of the world.” Jesus adds an additional challenge—or is it a preliminary requirement? Be the light of the world, but also, or first, “a lamp set on a lampstand, giving light to all in the house,” that is, to the Church community and our own households.• Nor do today’s scriptures let us off the hook by leaving “light” a vague image. Isaiah’s “hands-on” charity and self-sacrificing service direct our witness outward and inward. Disciples must respond to all in need, sharing bread, sheltering the homeless and oppressed, clothing the naked—beyond but also within the com-munity. “Do not turn your back on your own, remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech, bestow bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted” within our households or faith communities. Only then will our light shine beyond the Church’s boundaries, our concrete deeds of practical charity “a demonstration of spirit and power,” in Paul’s words, a witness more credible than any words, however persuasive or sublime they may be.

Question of the WeekHow can my discipleship contribute some aspect of gospel truth unobtrusively, like salt, to the worlds in which I move? Is there another situation that calls for my baptismal witness to shine more obviously, like a light on a lampstand?

Calendar 9 Sun. World Marriage Day 10 Mon. Memorial of St. Scholastica 11 Tue. Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

World Day of the Sick 12 Wed. Lincoln’s Birthday 14 Fri. Memorial of Ss. Cyril and Methodius

Valentine’s Day 15 Sat. Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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February 16, 2014 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayAswegathertodayatGod’sinvitation,weareremindedofallthattheLordhascommandedustodo.CertainlyweknowtheTenCommand-ments,whicharenotpartoftoday’sreadings,andcertainlyweknowofthelawoflove.Today,though,isagoodopportunitytoponderthereasonsforthesecommandmentsandlaws.WhatisGodreallytryingtogetustodo,andwhydoesGodwantustolivethatway?

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youhavecometofulfillthelawandtheprophets:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youaretheLordoflifeandofdeath:Christhavemercy.LordJesus,youteachustokeepyourlawwithallourheart:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #76Sirach 15:15–20 There is set before you fire and water, life and death.Psalm 119 “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”1 Corinthians 2:6–10 Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has prepared for us.Matthew 5:17–37 So it was said to your ancestors; or 5:20–22a, 27–28, but I say this to you. 33–34a, 37

OurreadingstodayshowuswhatwemustdotobefollowersofJesus.ThefirstreadingtellsusthatwemustfollowGod’scommandments.ButJesuschallengesusintoday’sGospeltobepeoplewhodomorethanthelawrequires.Aswelistentothesewordstoday,letusprayforthecouragetogobeyondtheminimuminallthatwedofortheLord.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Friends,today’sScripturescontainwordsthatcanchangeyourlives.Asyouponderthesewords,wepraythatyouwillbestrengthenedonyourjourneyofconversion.OurprayerandhopeisthatyouwillbecountedamongthosewhomGodcalls“blessed.”Weawait thedaywhenyouwillremainheretocelebratetheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

February 16, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulLetusprayfortheneedsofallasGodhascommandedustodo.

ForourholyChurch,thatwemayshowtotheworldaGodofinfinitelove,wepraytotheLord.Forthosewhoholdpoliticaloffice,thattheymaybeguidedbythecommandmentsoftheLordintheirresponsibilitiesforthosewhomtheyareelectedtoserve,wepraytotheLord.ForthecouragetoliveoutGod’scommandments,graciouslyandwithoutreservation,wepraytotheLord.For the hungry and homeless in our midst, that they mayknowGod’scareandcompassionthroughtheactionsofourcommunityoffaith,wepraytotheLord.Forallwhoserveinourarmedforces,andfortheirfamiliesandlovedones,wepraytotheLord.

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OGodofalllife,helpustochooselifethisday,andgraciouslyheartheprayersthatwebringtoyouonbehalfofalltheworld,throughJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerThelawteachesagainstmurder.TheLordJesusupholdsthislawandthenamplifiesitinhiscommandmentagainstanger.Thelawteachesagainstdishonesty.TheLordJesusgoesonestepfurtherandteachesagainstdoubtinganother’shonesty.Thelawisonlythebeginningofjusticeandmercy.Inthissacramentofthealtar,ourLordJesusshowsthewaytothefullfloweringofthekingdom.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces IV or V of the Sundays in Ordinary Time. Solemn Blessing 11 reflects the first two readings or Prayer over the People 2.

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Homily Helps• Sirach exhorts, “God has set before you fire and water, life and death, good and evil, whichever you choose shall be given you.” Paul proclaims “wisdom for the mature, not a wisdom of this age.” Finally, Jesus declares, “You have heard that it was said . . . but I say to you,” no ordinary rabbi interpreting the Torah, but “God’s beloved Son with whom God is well pleased,” challenging us to reach beyond the law’s letter, beyond our culture’s accepted mores, to radically self-sacrificing love.• Thus, not only is murder prohibited for Jesus’ disciples, but even angry thoughts, insulting murmurs, abusive words. Adultery is not only the sinful action itself, but even the preliminary lustful thought that reduces a person made in God’s image to a thing that exists for our pleasure. Marriage is not merely legal contract, but lifelong covenant. No need for oaths; transparent honesty makes our every word literally the “God’s honest truth.”• Most importantly, whatever the issue, however misunderstood I feel, the disciple always makes the first move, takes the first step toward reconciliation. Jesus goes further. No solemn prayer can replace such radical, interpersonal peace-making; even liturgy’s sanctifying power is nullified without reconciliation. Interrupt the liturgy, leave sacred gifts unoffered at the altar, whenever you recall that anyone has anything against you. Note carefully the extraordinary challenge: not if we remember something we’ve actually done, but, remarkably, “if you recall that your brother (sister) has anything against you,” that is, even if the alleged offense exists only in the other person’s mind.

Question of the WeekIs there a situation in my life calling for a reconciliation that will not happen unless I make the first move? After today’s Gospel, how soon will I do so?

Calendar 17 Mon. Optional Memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

Washington’s Birthday observed (President’s Day in some states)

21 Fri. Optional Memorial of St. Peter Damian 22 Sat. Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle

Washington’s Birthday

February 16, 2014

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February 23, 2014 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayEveryweekwegatheratGod’sinvitationtohearGod’sgraciouswordandtorespondasbestwecan.ThisweekGodchallengesustobeholy,peaceful,andloving.Aswemovethroughthiscelebration,letusponderwhatthatmeansforusinoureverydayrelationshipsaswellasinouractionsasconsumers,voters,andcitizens.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youpardonallouriniquities:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youredeemourlivesfromdestruction:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youareslowtoangerandaboundinginkindness:Lord,havemercy.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #79Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18 Love your neighbor as yourself.Psalm 103 “The Lord is kind and merciful.”1 Corinthians 3:16–23 God catches the wise in their own ruses.Matthew 5:38–48 Love your enemies.

Lastweek’schallengetobefollowersofJesuswhodomorecontinuesintoday’sreadings.Againthefirstreadinglaysouttherequirementofthelaw:wearetobeholyandloveourneighborasourselves.Jesustellsusthatwemustdostillmore;wearetoturntheothercheek,gotheextramile,andloveourenemies.LetuseachlistencloselyforwhatGodwantsustobecome.

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,todayyouheardtheLordJesustellyoutodotoothersasyouwouldhavethemdotoyou.Thisisperhapsthegreatestchallengefortoday’sChristian,fortheworldanditsleadersoftendonotheedthiscommand.Wepraythatasyoureflectontoday’sreadings,youwillheedthecalloftheLordtoloveyourenemiesanddogoodtothosewhohateyou.Weallstrugglewiththiscommandandsoweaskyoutokeepusinprayeraswell.RememberthatwelookforwardtothedaywhenyouwillremainheretoshareintheEucharist.Nowgoinpeace.

February 23, 2014

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Prayer of the FaithfulTheSpiritofGoddwellswithinus.LetusprayinthatSpiritfortheneedsofall.

ThatallChristiansmaybesignsofGod’sloveandmercy,wepraytotheLord.Forpeaceintheworld,thatnationsnolongerresorttoviolencebut learntoactwith lovetowardtheirenemies,wepraytotheLord.For those who are unemployed and discouraged, that theymaypersevereintheirsearchforworkandknowGod’sgraceinourcareforthem,wepraytotheLord.Forallthoseintheworldwhoarepersecutedandsufferfortheirfaith,wepraytotheLord.Forpriestseverywhere,thattheymayknowtruepeaceandjoyintheirvocation,wepraytotheLord.

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Foralltheprayersthatweholdinthesilenceofourhearts,forallourintentionsspokenandunspoken,wepraytotheLord.

MercifulGod,youknowthethoughtsinthedepthsofourhearts.Graciouslyheartheseourprayersandgrantthemaccordingtoyourwill,throughJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerAsdisciplesoftheLord,westandaroundthistabletoofferpraiseandthanksgiving.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Preface III of the Sundays in Ordinary Time. Solemn Blessing 9 or 11 or Prayer over the People 2 or 5.

Homily Helps• “Offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Far from counseling surrender to injus-tice, Jesus offers strategies that are “revolutionary” to break the endless cycle of offense-and-retaliation and invite aggressors to self-examination, even conversion.

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• (1) In Jesus’ culture, the left hand was reserved for hygiene considered un-clean. “Turning the other (left) cheek” thus forced the aggressor to deliver an open-handed slap. Because such violence was permitted only between equals, the victim thereby challenged the aggressor with an assertion of equality, short-circuiting the intended humiliation, inviting reevaluation of the whole concept of “status.” (2) If a creditor won a debtor’s tunic (undergarment), and the debtor handed over his outer cloak too, nudity in the courtroom would ensue, and a dramatic challenge to the “system’s” fundamental injustice, with an opportunity to reshape accepted practice. (3) Though Roman soldiers could force the occupied population to carry their gear, laws restricted the distance to one mile. A civilian volunteering an “extra mile” thus exposed the soldier to potential sanctions and challenged the very legitimacy of such subjugation. Understandably, then, both Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. saw Jesus’ advice here not as “submissive” but “subversive,” compelling the nonviolent transformation of evil.• The love of enemies Jesus commands springs not from “feelings,” over which we have little control, but is an act of the will. We choose to see even the “un-likeable” as created in God’s image, and so to pray for their good, here and hereafter, even for one who is our persecutor.

Question of the WeekIs there some person, some situation in my life through which God is calling me to embrace Jesus’ revolutionary invitation to transform the world by love?

CalendarMar. 1 Sat. Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Saturday

March 2, 2014 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary TimeThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayTodayisourlastSundayinOrdinaryTimebeforeLentbegins.Tradi-tionallyLentisatimeforintensivespiritualdiscipline.Buttoday,Godremindsusthatwearenottoworryandfretoverthedetailsoflife.ThisistimetotakeadeepbreathandrememberthatwearealwaysinGod’slovinghands.Oncewerememberthat,thenwecanbeginourLentenpreparationsforEaster.

Penitential Act CLordJesus,youbestowunendingloveonyourpeople:Lord,havemercy.ChristJesus,youcallusoutofdarknessintothelightoflove:Christ,havemercy.LordJesus,youintercedeonourbehalfbeforetheFather:Lord,havemercy.

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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word #82Isaiah 49:14–15 I will never forget you.Psalm 62 “Rest in God alone, my soul.”1 Corinthians 4:1–5 The Lord manifests the motives of our hearts.Matthew 6:24–34 Do not worry about tomorrow.

Afterseveralweeksofchallenges in theGospel readings, todaywehearanewword;Godwillcareforus.Godwhofeedsthebirdsandclothesthelilieswillneverforgetus.SowhilewearestrivingtoliveoutthechallengeoffollowingJesus,weknowthatGodwillseetoitthatwehavewhatweneed.Whatcomfortwehearintoday’sreadings!

Dismissal of Catechumens (and Candidates)Dearfriends,asyoucontinueonyourjourneyoffaith,wepraythatyouwillwelcometheLordJesusasyourconstantcompanion.RejoiceinhispresencenowasyougoforthtoreflectonGod’sword.Weeagerlyawaitthedaywhenyouwillbecalledtoshareattheeucharistictable.Nowgoinpeace.

Prayer of the FaithfulOurlovingGodfeedsthebirdsoftheskyandclothestheflowersofthefields.Letuspraynowwithconfidencefortheneedsofall.

ForourholyChurch,thatwemayalwaysseekfirstthekingdomofGod,wepraytotheLord.Fortheleadersofallnations,thattheymaybegoodstewardsoftheirnations’resourcesandworthyofthetrustthattheirpeoplehaveplacedinthem,wepraytotheLord.Forallmothers,thattheyhavewhattheyneedsothattheymayneverforgetthechildrenthatGodhasgiventhem,wepraytotheLord.Forthoseamonguswhoaresoworriedaboutwhattomorrowwillbring,thattheirburdensmaybeeasedbythecareofourfaithcommunityforthem,wepraytotheLord.ForourparishcommunityaswepreparefortheholyseasonofLent,wepraytotheLord.

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Godinheaven,youhaveseentoallourneedsbeforeweevenask.Heartheseprayersthatwelifttoyoutoday,andgraciouslygrantthemthroughJesusChristourLord.

Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerTheloveofGodisalovethatknowsnoend.ThanksgivingoverflowsaswepreparetobreakbreadtogetherandenteronceagainintothepaschalmysteryofChrist.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces V or VII of the Sundays in Ordinary Time. Solemn Blessing 11 or Prayer over the People 2 or 5.Sign and Symbol: Remind people to bring in last year’s palms from home to be burned to make Lenten ashes. Set baskets by the entryways to collect the palms.Catechesis and Communication: Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Be sure to publish the Mass and Word service schedules in the bulletin.

Homily Helps• “Don’t worry about what you will eat, drink or wear.” “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” With budgets to balance and bills to pay, we might reply, “Somebody has to!” But to clarify our perspective on life’s worries, Jesus points to the birds. For them God provides, though not endowing them with human intelligence. And to the wild flowers, God arrays them in beauty, though not with our destiny: eternal life. Forsaken? Forgotten? Unthinkable, replies God, who cherishes us, says Isaiah, with a mother’s tenderness for the child of her womb.• “Amen!” we acclaim to seal our every prayer. “Mammon” derives from that same root, which means “that in which I place my trust.” But “mammon” signi-fies material possessions, “tangible assets.” Jesus bids us decide where we will place our trust: in God, unfailing rock and tender parent; or mammon that, un-less harnessed to service and sharing, will eventually enslave us to greed and consume us with worry.• In such service lies Jesus’ solution to our achieving the balance between trustful confidence in God and practical provision for human needs. Eat, drink, wear: heard now, just before Lent, those needs will echo again in the Last Judgment Gospel that ends the liturgical year: “I was hungry, thirsty, naked. What you did, or failed to do, for the least, you did, or failed to do, for me.” We are “ser-vants and stewards,” Paul reminds us. Let us then provide whatever neighbor or stranger needs, and so alleviate the worry of others, even as we serve the Lord whose image they bear.

Question of the WeekWhat practical commitment—to which charity or person, specifically—can I make before Lent begins this Wednesday so that my prayer, fasting, and alms-giving will reflect Jesus’ radical call to trust?

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Calendar 3 Mon. Optional Memorial of St. Katharine Drexel

Julian Calendar Lent begins 4 Tue. Optional Memorial of St. Casimir 5 Wed. Ash Wednesday

Day of obligatory fast and abstinence 7 Fri. Optional Memorial of Ss. Perpetua and Felicity*

First Friday World Day of Prayer

8 Sat. Optional Memorial of St. John of God**During Lent if a memorial is observed by a community, the Collect of the memorial may replace the Collect of the Lenten weekday or may be used as the concluding prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful. All other Mass texts, including the readings, are taken from the Lenten weekday. The vesture is violet.

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Liturgy for MarriageThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the DayGod’sHolySpiritgathersusinjoythisdaytogivewitnesstoagreatmystery.Itisthemysteryofawoman,(full name of bride),andaman,(full name of groom),whohavebeendrawntogetherinlove.Thatmystery,soSaintPaultellsus,offersusagenuineinsightintotheworkingsofGodandthewaysofheaven.Todayalsocometogetherfamilyandfriends,colleaguesandacquaintances,andevenmorethanwecanimagine;forinthisholyhouse,inspirittheChurchgathers—alltheangelsandsaints,thedead,andeventhoseyettobeborn—soimportantandsowonderfulisthemysteryofGod’slove.

Liturgy of the WordReadings from the Ritual Mass for Marriage: Lectionary #801–805

Prayer of the FaithfulWeturntotheLord,whoisever-faithfulandloving,andwhohearsuswhenwepray.LetusofferourpetitionstoGod,saying:Lord,hearourprayer.

ThatallChristiansmay reflect Jesus’ love, and thus inspiretheirneighborstoamoregenerouslife,wepraytotheLord.Thatworldandnationalleadersmaypromotewhatisneces-sary for strong and stable family life in today’s society, wepraytotheLord.ThatdaybydayN.andN.groweverstrongerinbondsofloveandfidelity,wepraytotheLord.ThatthemarriageofN.andN.beablessingfortheirfamilies,theirfriends,andforalltheirneighbors,wepraytotheLord.Thatthisdayofmarriagemaybefilledwithwonderand,intime,beasourceofinspiringandhappymoments,wepraytotheLord.ThatGodwillassistallmarriedcouplesandgivethemjoy,wepraytotheLord.Thatallofusgatheredherewillbefilledwithaspiritofloveandrespect,kindnessandgenerosity,patienceandforgiveness,wepraytotheLord.

LovingGod,youaretheauthorofmarriage,andsoweaskyoutowatchoverallmarriedcouples,especiallyN.andN.Mayeachdayofmarriedlifebringthemclosertoyoubecauseofyourcontinuingguidanceandcare.WeaskthisthroughChristourLord.

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Introduction to the Eucharistic PrayerWecome togetherunitedby theHolySpirit tooffer thanks toGodaroundthisholytable.WegiveGodpraiseespeciallyfortheloveofN.andN.,whoseweddingthisdayjoinsallofusinChrist’slove,alovethatwilllastalways.

Reminders and SuggestionsTexts: Prefaces I–III of Marriage. Three proper Solemn Blessings. Other appropriate texts: Prayer over the People 3, 7, or 17.Of course, the norms for good liturgy and congregational participation apply to this liturgy. Ordinarily, the couple would share in the selection of readings, psalm, and other sung prayer. As in any liturgy, readers, cantors, and other liturgical ministers should be capable and trained for their role.As the liturgy begins, encourage participation, especially in song. One form of par-ticipation is prayerful witness. The congregation stands for the entrance procession.The ritual Mass for Marriage (or any ritual Mass) is not permitted on days ranked as solemnities. Unless diocesan law states otherwise, on solemnities or the privileged feriae the Mass for the day may be used for a wedding, although one reading for marriage may be substituted for one of the day’s readings. On these Sundays and on solemnities that are days of obligation, the day’s readings and prayers must be used without substitution.Through most of Catholic history, Advent has been a “closed season,” a time of simple living, plainness, and fasting that sets us hungering for the joys of the season to come. It was largely unthinkable to schedule a wedding during Advent or Lent, unless exceptional circumstances, such as war, disrupted society itself. Even in our own day, although weddings are permitted, the 1989 Ceremonial of Bishops, 236, reminds us that during Advent the use of musical instruments and flowers (in other words, signs of festivity) should be “marked by . . . moderation.” Explain the nature of the Church festivals and seasons to the couple and allow them the choice of scheduling their wedding accordingly. After the nature of the Advent season is explained, many couples choose not to schedule a wedding when the Church is properly “vested” in sobriety.During the Christmas season consider singing carols at weddings.When marriage is celebrated outside of Mass, the nuptial blessing may become the presider’s concluding prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful.

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Funeral MassThese texts need to be adapted by each community of faith.

GreetingMyfriends,inloveandinsorrowwehavecometogethertoburyoursister/brother N.MaytheFatherofmercies,theGodofallconsolation,bewithyou.

Liturgy of the WordReadings from the Ritual Mass for the Dead: Lectionary #1011–1026

Prayer of the FaithfulMyfriends,onthisholydayofsorrowandofremembrance,inpeace,wepraytotheLord:Lord,hearourprayer.

ThattheChurchmaybeacomfortingwitnesstoChrist,ourresurrectionandourlife,wepraytotheLord.Thatthosewhoareburdenedbytheirlossmaybeblessedwithcourage,strength,andpatience,wepraytotheLord.That those who mourn the loss of N. may be embraced byconsolationandpeace,wepraytotheLord.ThatN.andallwhohavediedmaybejudgedinmercyonthelastday,andmayallofus,thelivingandthedead,riseingloryandgraceonthatgreatday,wepraytotheLord.Fortheprayersweholdinourhearts,unitedintheHolySpiritwiththoseofMarytheMotherofGod, our patron N.,andallthesaintsinlight,wepraytotheLord.

LordGodofjusticeandmercy,hearourprayers.Giveourbeloveddeadtherewardoftheirlaborsandgrantusyourconsolationinourloss.WeaskthisthroughChristourLord.

Invitation to Prayer of the Final CommendationMydearestfriends,whenJesusdied,hisfriendscametogethertoanointhisbodyandtocarryittotheplaceofburial.Withreverentsorrowwe,too,havecometogethertoburyN.OnthegreatandfinaldayoftheLord,mayN.bejudgedinmercyandhis/hersinsforgiven.MaytheLordJesus,theGoodShepherd,carryN.gentlyinhisarmstothefieldsofparadise.MayallofusberaisedwithChristintoglory.

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Reminders and SuggestionsTexts from the Order of Christian Funerals may be used at all Masses for the Dead. Prefaces I–V for the Dead. Solemn Blessing 20 or Prayer over the People 1, 11, 15, or 25.Of course, the norms for good liturgy and congregational participation apply to this liturgy. The family may share in the selection of prayers, readings, psalm, and hymns. Liturgical ministers should be prepared for their tasks.It’s a wise parish that provides a full spectrum of ministries to assist the grieving. One ministry too often lacking is that of cantor or other music minister at the vigil (wake) in the funeral home or church itself. That liturgy also requires communal song and prepared ministers.“Funeral Mass” is the correct title for the Mass celebrated prior to burial and is the proper term to use in death notices. The term “Mass of the Resurrection” should be reserved to refer only to Easter (Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, April 1973, vol. 9, no. 4).

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Service of Prayer for PeaceHymn

GreetingInthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit.R/. Amen.MayabundantgraceandtheabidingpeaceofGodbewithyouall.R/. And with your spirit.Dearfriends,wegatherthisday/nighttobringourfearsandconcernsbeforeGod.Inthistimeofstrife,inthistimewhenterrorgripstheheartsofmany,wetakethetimetoasktheGodofpeacetobringpeacetothisearth.AswelistentothelivingwordofGod,letuspraythatpeacewillbeginrighthere,inourhearts,withinthisholyplace,andthatthepowerofourprayerwillhelppeacespreadthroughouttheworld.Letusnowpauseinsilentprayer.

Opening PrayerLetuspray.Godofpeace,inthistimeofturmoil,weturntoyouwithheartslongingforpeace.Asfeargripsus,weaskforyourblessedassurance.KeepusclosetoyourSon,whosefirstEastergreetingwasoneofpeace.Weaskthisinhisname,thePrinceofPeace,whoisLordforeverandever.R/. Amen.

Liturgy of the WordIsaiah 11:1–10 (Lect. 4) No harm or ruin on my holy mountain.Psalm 72 (Lect. 4) “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.”John 20:19–23 (Lect. 63) Peace be with you.

Reflection

SongAnappropriatesongmaybesungtoconcludethereflectionfollowingthereadings.

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Intercessory PrayerLetusturntoGodinthistimeofneed.Godalwayshearstheprayerofthosewhocryoutinhumility.Aswarsragearoundthisplanet,weplaceourtrustinGod,thesourceofpeaceandjustice.

ThattheChurchwillnevershrinkfromitsobligationtopreachtheGospelofJesusChrist,wepraytotheLord.That those who lead nations will find peaceful solutions tosolve disagreements over borders, religious preference, orethnicdiversity,wepraytotheLord.Thatthepeopleof_____________,andallplacesinourworldcurrentlyexperiencingwar,willsoonknowthepeaceofGod’sholymountain,wepraytotheLord.ThatwewillfacethechallengeoftheGospel:toloveourenemiesanddogoodtothosewhopersecuteus,wepraytotheLord.Letuspausenowinsilencetoprayforourenemies . . . (allow significant time for silence) . . . thatwewillworktogethertobreakdownbarriersthatdivide,wepraytotheLord.Letuspausenowinsilencetoprayforthevictimsofwarandinjustice . . . (allow significant time for silence) . . . thattheywillbewelcomedintotheeternalpeaceofheaven,wepraytotheLord.Finally,letuspauseinsilencetoprayforpeaceinourworld,ourcountry,ourneighborhoods,ourchurch,ourfamilies,andinourhearts . . . (allow significant time for silence) . . . thatthereignofpeaceinauguratedbyChrist’scomingwilltakerootandflourish,wepraytotheLord.

LetusgatherallourprayersintoonebyprayingthewordsthattheLordJesus,thegiverofpeace,taughtus.Our Father . . .


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Closing PrayerOGodofloveandtendermercy,yourpeoplecryouttoyouintimeofstrife.Wefearforthesafetyofthosewelove,andthemilesthatseparatefamilymemberscauseustoworry.Comfortusinourtimeofneed.Wesufferwiththosewhoselivesaredestroyedbywar.Maytheybehelpedbyourefforts.WelongforthereignofpeacepromisedbyyourSon.Bringthatpeacetoearthagain.Maywenevergrowcomplacent,OGod; mayweneverseetheworld’swars aseventsthatdonotaffectus, forweknowthatweareallyourchildren, entrustedwiththisfragileearth tobeaplaceofharmony,peace,andjustice.Hearourprayer,whichwevoiceinthenameofyourSon, JesusChrist,whoisLordforeverandever.R/. Amen.

BlessingMayGod’speace,whichisbeyondallunderstanding,descenduponusandenterourheartsandtheheartsofall.InthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit.R/. Amen.

Sign of PeaceToconcludethisserviceofprayer,letusturntooneanotherandshareasignofChrist’speace.


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Blessings and PrayersRespect for Life

© WLP

Godoflifeandlove, youcreatedusinyourimage andsentyourSontobringuslife.Instillinusarespectforalllife, fromconceptiontonaturaldeath.Empowerustoworkfor justiceforthepoor.Nourishusthatwemay bringfoodtothehungry.Inspireustocherish thefragilelifeoftheunborn.Strengthenustobringcomfort tothechronicallyill.Teachustotreattheaging withdignityandrespect.Bringusoneday intothegloryofeverlastinglife.Weaskthis throughChristourLord. Amen.

For the Unity of ChristiansThe Week of Christian Unity is January 18–25.

© United States Catholic Conference

AlmightyandeternalGod,yougatherthescatteredsheepandwatchoverthoseyouhavegathered.LookkindlyonallwhofollowJesus,yourSon.Youhavemarkedthemwiththesealofonebaptism,nowmakethemoneinthefullnessoffaithandunitetheminthebondoflove.WeaskthisthroughChristourLord. Amen.

For the Church© WLP

Weprayyou,OalmightyandeternalGod,whothroughJesusChristhaverevealedyourglory toallnations,topreservetheworksofyourmercy,thatyourChurch,beingspreadthrough thewholeworld,maycontinuewithunchangingfaith intheconfessionofyourname. Amen.

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For Parents© WLP

LordJesusChrist, mostholyMary, goodSaintJoseph:blessourparentsandkeeptheminyourlove.Givethemashareofyourgentleness, yourpatience,yourstrength.Whenourdaysaredone,welcomethemandallyourchildren intoyoureverlastinghome,wherewewillsingourFather’spraise foreverandever. Amen.

You may hold your hands over your parent(s) in a gesture of blessing and say:

MaytheLordembraceyouinlove.MaytheLordsupportyouinyoureveryneed.MaytheLordstrengthenthefamilyinpeace.Jesus,Mary,andJoseph: Pray for us.

Sending Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to Members of the Parish

© WLP

Myfriends,letusasktheLordtoblesstheministersofholycommunionwhohavebeenentrustedtobringthelife-givingBodyandBloodoftheLordtothesickandhomebound.Letuspray.GoodandgraciousGod,lookwithlovingkindness onourbrothersandsisterswhonowcarrythesacredBody ofyourSon,ourLordJesusChrist,tothosewhocannotbewithusthisday.Strengthenallyourpeople bythissacrament.InyourHolySpirit, uniteusinonecommunionoflove.Bringusatlasttothebanquetofheaven,wherewewillsingyourpraise foreverandever. Amen.


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For All Affected by Violence© WLP

LordJesus,becauseyou sufferedanddiedforus,youknowmostintimately howintenseistheshockandhowuniqueisthegrief whenonediesbyviolence.Inthefaceofsomuchtragedy intheworld,mayourhearingofit inspireustoprayregularlyforallwhoexperiencethistraumaandforthosewhoaredeartothem.Likeyourownall-embracinglove,mayourcharityextend toeverypersonresponsiblefortheseaffrontstohumandignity andGod’shonor.Letnottheusualremoteness oftheseactionsleadustoindifferenceorinsensitivity totheneedforthisprayer,forwearealltrulymembers ofoneanother.Mayourprayersreinforceourwitness,sothattheviolenceofourtimes maybeovercomeanditsresultantbitterness betranscendedbyyouwhoalonecanabatethehatreds ofthehumanheart. Amen.

In Time of SicknessOJesus,yousufferedanddiedforus;youunderstandmysuffering;teachmetounderstandmysuffering asyoudo;tobearitinunionwithyou;toofferitwithyoutoatoneformysinsandtobringyourgracetosoulsinneed.Calmmyfears;increasemytrust.MayIgladlyacceptyourholywill andbecomemorelikeyouintrial.Ifitbeyourwill,restoremyhealthsothatImayworkforyourhonor andglory andthesalvationofall. Amen.


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Profession of Faith: Nicene CreedIbelieveinoneGod,theFatheralmighty,makerofheavenandearth,ofallthingsvisibleandinvisible.IbelieveinoneLordJesusChrist,theOnlyBegottenSonofGod,bornoftheFatherbeforeallages.GodfromGod,LightfromLight,trueGodfromtrueGod,begotten,notmade,consubstantialwiththeFather;throughhimallthingsweremade.Forusmenandforoursalvationhecamedownfromheaven,andbytheHolySpiritwasincarnateoftheVirginMary,andbecameman.ForoursakehewascrucifiedunderPontiusPilate,hesuffereddeathandwasburied,androseagainonthethirddayinaccordancewiththeScriptures.HeascendedintoheavenandisseatedattherighthandoftheFather.Hewillcomeagaininglorytojudgethelivingandthedeadandhiskingdomwillhavenoend.IbelieveintheHolySpirit,theLord,thegiveroflife,whoproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon,whowiththeFatherandtheSonisadoredandglorified,whohasspokenthroughtheprophets.Ibelieveinone,holy,catholicandapostolicChurch.IconfessoneBaptismfortheforgivenessofsinsandIlookforwardtotheresurrectionofthedeadandthelifeoftheworldtocome. Amen.

Profession of Faith: Apostles’ CreedIbelieveinGod,theFatheralmighty,Creatorofheavenandearth,andinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord,whowasconceivedbytheHolySpirit,bornoftheVirginMary,sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,diedandwasburied;hedescendedintohell;onthethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;heascendedintoheaven,andisseatedattherighthandofGodtheFatheralmighty;fromtherehewillcometojudgethelivingandthedead.IbelieveintheHolySpirit,theholycatholicChurch,thecommunionofsaints,theforgivenessofsins,theresurrectionofthebody,andlifeeverlasting. Amen.

Profession of Faith

patterns 061 winter 2013 14

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