Today we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent. Lent is the time, approximating forty days, of reflection and penance leading up to Easter. Pope Francis stated, “Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” He said that Lent is meant to wake up Christians and to help them see that God can give them strength to change their lives and their surroundings.

One of our leading Catholic scholars has described Lent as the desert time in the Church year. (Read more…)

During the Lenten season we are called to enter more fully into the spirit of sacrifice, renewal, and repentance. We can embrace this call in various ways, including by praying the “Stations of the Cross.” 

The publication “Catholic Online” stated, “The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day.”

As we reflect on these words, we may note that each Friday during Lent we are invited to come together as a faith community at 7:00 PM to pray the “Stations of the Cross.” 

Praying the “Stations” can provide us with an opportunity to avail ourselves of abundant spiritual graces. (Read more…)

February 14th is Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. The day gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on one’s head as a celebration and reminder of human mortality and as a sign of repentance. Through the placing of ashes on our heads, we are reminded of the frailty of life, God’s call to follow, and the good news that comes at Easter — that good conquers evil, that life triumphs death. (Read more…)

On February 2nd we celebrated the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation, commemorating the time when the infant Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph 40 days after His birth.

This feast is often referred to as “Candlemas Day,” for part of its celebration includes the blessing of candles used in worship throughout the year. We remember the words of Simeon, who took the Holy Child in his arms and praised God for revealing in Him “a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel.” (Luke 2: 22-32). (Read more…)

Our parish office staff and volunteers consist of dedicated deacons and lay men and women who do so much for our parish and our parishioners.

Pope Francis clearly appreciates those who work in some capacity for the Church.  As reported in the publication, “Catholic News Agency,” Our Holy Father stated, “The mission of the Church in the world proceeds through the contribution of those who are part of it.”  He also commented that, “Some think that there are only bishops, the bosses, and then there are workers.  No, the Church is all of us, everyone, each person has their role in the Church, but we are all the Church.”

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for various workers in the Vatican when his schedule permits.  He also prays for those with whom he works, and when possible, interacts with them.  He wants them to feel that they are integral to the mission of the Church.  At Saint Catherine, we strive to follow the example of Pope Francis by emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the important work that is being done.  We have Masses throughout the year for our staff personnel and ministries. (Read more…)

This week we are celebrating Word of God Sunday, instituted by Pope Francis, to remind us of the importance and value of Sacred Scripture for Christian life. as well as Respect Life Sunday.

I wonder how many of those children would have grown up to be doctors, priests, teachers … Could one of those children have been the scientist to cure Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, or cancer? Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said that: “Probably the scientist who would have cured AIDS was killed through abortion.”

What a tragic time we live in. (Read more…)