St. Gabriel t h e A r c h a n g e l

900 GEIGER STREET NEENAH, WI 54956 E-mail: stgabriel@smcatholicschools.org

www.stgabrielparish.com www.facebook.com/stgabrielneenah

April 7, 2019

Masses Saturdays: 4:30 p.m.

Sundays: 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m.

Thursday: 8:15 a.m.

Confessions Wednesday: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

St. Gabriel the Archangel is a welcoming Catholic Community of disciples who encounter Jesus, joyfully and compassionately serving God’s people.

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ST. GABRIEL PARISH NEENAH

Welcome to St. Gabriel the Archangel We are happy that you have gathered with us today to worship at Mass and to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you are interested in joining our parish family, please contact the parish office via phone or email (see below). If you are already a member, thank you for helping us bring the joy of the Gospel to the world!

Parish Staff Directory - Phone: 722-4914 Pastor, Father Larry Seidl x222 ljseidl1949@gmail.com Deacon, Tom Gritton deacontomgritton@gmail.com Pastoral Associate, Steve Pable x224 spable@smcatholicschools.org Director of Worship & Music, Regina Reale x226 rreale@smcatholicschools.org Business Manager, Anne Greif x234 agreif@smcatholicschools.org

Christian Formation Center - Phone: 725-0660 SMCS, St. Gabriel Campus - Phone: 725-4161

Pastoral Ponderings

At one time or another – perhaps many times – we have all done something for which we are truly ashamed. An act of betrayal or even violence, a cruel remark, a promise broken, a comment that undermined someone’s reputation, a moment in which we indulged our greed or lust or anger. Frequently these are sins that are hidden in our conscience, buried in the past, or confined to a few people.

But how would we feel, if we were to be dragged out and called to account, our very worst moments and failings exposed for all to see? How did the woman feel, when she “had been caught in adultery, [and made to] stand in the middle” of the crowd of accusers? She could only feel abandoned, guilty, before friends, neighbors, and community leaders. She faced a dehumanizing court of law, notably with no man there to share any blame.

Where does redemption come from, when we are confronted with our sin? Or when we have been wounded by the sin of another? As always, the only way out, the only path to healing, is through Jesus. Fulfilling the words of Isaiah – “See, I am doing something new!” – Jesus brings a way forward to mercy, not condemnation. This is not something we can grasp or claim for ourselves, by our own power. Rather, it is God’s grace that takes hold of us. “It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus.” He is the one Who takes our sin and guilt upon Himself, transforming it into healing and new life. The initiative is on the Father’s part in extending mercy; it is left to us to respond.

This dynamic is exactly the message that Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga came to preach last Saturday. We were moved by his personal testimony, and that of the Rwandan people, who suffered so grievously in that country’s genocide. (This very day, April 7, marks 25 years since the start of that 100-day massacre that claimed the lives of over 1 million people.) Fr. Ubald has worked tirelessly to bring reconciliation and forgiveness to the people of Rwanda. He has brought that gift, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ on which it is founded, to his own people and to countless thousands abroad.

The hardest part of what Fr. Ubald teaches is the power of a victim taking the first step in forgiveness. No matter the offense, God’s grace can open the door to offer mercy, moving the heart of the perpetrator to repentance. In this way, we follow the path of our God, who

first forgives us by the blood of His Son, Jesus. As we prepare for Holy Week, our Lenten lesson is to embrace God’s mercy and extend it to others. May Jesus be our model and guide as we trust in His strength for our own journey to Calvary.

-Steve Pable, Pastoral Associate

LOOK TO THE WEEK AHEAD

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 Coffee and rolls will be served in Stingle Hall. 10:00 a.m. - Children’s Liturgy of the Word

MONDAY, APRIL 8 6:30 p.m. - Rosary

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 1:00 p.m. - Project Comfort 6:30 p.m. - Knights of Columbus meeting 7:00 p.m. - Finance meeting

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 9:00 a.m. - Social Concerns meeting 9:30 a.m. - Ladies in Prayer 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Confessions

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 9:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. - Bible Study 2:30 p.m. - Divine Mercy Devotion 6:00 p.m. - GriefShare 6:10 p.m. - Chime Choir rehearsal 6:30 p.m. - RCIA 7:15 p.m. - Adult Choir rehearsal

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 8:30 a.m. - Church decorating 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Confessions 4:30 p.m. - Fish Fry 6:30 p.m. - Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m. - Bingo

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Confessions

SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Coffee and rolls will be served in Stingle Hall. 11:00 a.m. - Altar Server Rehearsal for Holy Thursday/Good Friday

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT APRIL 7, 2019

CFC NEWS

High School class from 6:00-7:30 p.m. this Sunday evening.

Classes for Grades 1-6 on Monday and Wednesday.

EDGE class on Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Important dates coming up: Apr. 14 High School class from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Apr. 15/17 Classes for Grades 1-6. Apr. 15/17 Stations of the Cross Apr. 22/24 LAST CLASSES OF THE YEAR - for Grades 1-6.

Apr. 24 LAST CLASS OF THE YEAR - EDGE. Apr. 27/28 Sacrament of First Eucharist at weekend Masses. Apr. 30 Confirmation practice at St. Margaret Mary’s at

6:30 p.m. with sponsors. May 1 Sacrament of Confirmation, 6:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church.

MON. APR. 8 7:00 A.M. Communion Service TUES. APR. 9 7:00 A.M. Bob Besaw

WED. APR. 10 7:00 A.M. Richard A. Neubauer THUR. APR. 11 7:00 A.M. Communion Service 8:15 A.M. Alvin & Marie Luft FRI. APR. 12 7:00 A.M. Charles, Evan, & Clayton Sopa SAT. APR. 13 4:30 P.M. Florence & Roy DuCharme SUN. APR. 14 8:00 A.M. Robert Solowicz 10:00 A.M. Our Parish Family

$35,000

$17,456

Bishop’s Appeal (Goal $74,044) $75,080

After dealing with months of harsh winter weather, we face high heating and snow removal bills. Please consider these expenses as you donate to the parish. As always, your generosity is truly appreciated.

If the Mass Intention is in memory of your loved one, please consider bringing up the gifts.

Contact an usher 10 minutes prior to Mass.

MARCH 2019 SCRIP SALES REPORT Total March Scrip Sales: $13,560 Total March Scrip Profit: $526.14

Total number of Scrip customers in March: 62 (We averaged 16 Scrip customers/week)

As you can see, the parish made a profit of $526.14 from Scrip sales in the month of March! Many thanks to all those who buy Scrip gift cards on a monthly, weekly, or even on an occasional basis! We would love to see more of you give Scrip a try! If 16 more parishioners would buy Scrip gift cards on a regular basis we could double the weekly profit, and significantly help the parish budget! Scrip is a “fundraiser that costs you nothing extra – this is money you would be spending anyway!” Please stop by the Scrip table after Mass or call the parish office with any questions about the Scrip program – it really is as simple as buying gift cards to use for your gas, grocery, restaurant, fast food, and other store purchases!

“Daily Discipleship” News and Events for St. Gabriel Youth Ministry

Spring is here!! Please stop by our new bulletin board and let us know how we can be praying for you in the coming weeks! There are still a few weeks left of Lent – how are

your Lenten plans going? Maybe you have found more time to pray, more time to spend on giving to others, or maybe your family Lent tree is budding with dollar bills?! Whatever the case may be, it’s not too late to begin anew. Jesus calls us each and every day into a deeper relationship with him. Today is the day to Grow In Faith!

Please remember to submit all service hours to me by April 24th if you are in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. If you need help finding a place to volunteer, please let me know as soon as possible. Have a blessed week!!

Meredith Lauer, Youth Ministry and Faith Formation Coordinator

Stewardship of Giving

March 30th/31st Envelopes & Loose Giving $14,626

YTD Envelope/Loose Giving/Electronic $643,091

YTD Budgeted Giving $631,200

Capital Improvement $30

Road Repair $1,000

Total YTD Road Repair Collected $17,456

As of March 31, 2019

YTD Total Parish Income $836,354

YTD Parish Expenses $823,344

Net Income $13,010

$643,091

$631,200

$625,000

$630,000

$635,000

$640,000

$645,000

2 YTD Envelope/Loose Giving/Electronic YTD Budgeted Giving

Rummage Sale: $4,571 - Bake Sale: $655 Thank you to Carol Krueger and Bev Labre for chairing our spring rummage sale and for Pat Sorenson for heading up the bakers for the bake sale. It was a huge time commitment with all the sorting, arranging, selling and takedown, and your

efforts are greatly appreciated. None of this could be done without the rest of the volunteers that make this popular event successful each year!

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Mass Servers

4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - M. & A. Malcore 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - G. & M. Weninger 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - H. Jensen, L. Meyer

Readers & Commentators 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - K. Seidler, M. Widener 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - A. Solowicz, J. Varkoly 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - C. Knapinski, G. Van Handel

Sacristans

4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - M. Kriz 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - J. Meulemans 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - A. Jensen

Greeters

4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - D. Kranzusch, P. Frymire, J. Christnovich 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - C. Liebhauser, R. Sauer, M. Wockenfus 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - B. Hanley, T. & S. Harter

Extraordinary Ministers 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - G. & J. Heath, P. Makovec, T. & L. Gritton, B. & J. Wernimont, C. Handler, D. Nordeman 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - C. & M. Jurasewicz, T. Gritton, B. Haga, D. Youngquist, M. Simonis, J. Meulemans, N. Handevidt, A. Chipman 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - L. & T. Gritton, J. Preissner, J. Koshollek, D. & B. Koller, A. & P. Jensen, N. Herrmann

Ushers 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13 - P. Reich, W. Perket, J. Marx, A. Chipman, G. & M. Reckin, L. Sturgell 8:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - D. & E. Risgaard, P. Sprangers, P. Wolters, H. Jacobs, R. Fedenko, G. Hintz, R. Cardinal, R. Harpt 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 14 - J., S. & J. Vosters, M. Mabie, C. Dixon, V. Nowak, S. Pingel, I. Heinen, L. Zimmerman, S. Abraham

Sacramental Life: Registration of New Members: New members are welcome to the Parish and are asked to call the Office at 722-4914. Baptisms: A class for those requesting Baptism is held once a month. The next class is April 22 at 6:30 p.m. Please call the Parish Office to register. Care Ministry: Please notify us at the Parish Office of your desire for prayers, home visits, Holy Communion, Anointing of the Sick, or simply a visit from a fellow parishioner. We are here to help you through your time of need. Hospital Visitation: Please notify the Parish Office when you or someone you love enters the hospital. Fr. Larry and Steve Pable make regular visits to the area hospitals. Marriages: Arrangements must be made 6 months in advance. Prayer Chain: Call Kathleen at 725-7455 to add a name. Reconciliation: Wed. 5-6pm, Sat. 3:15-4pm or by appointment. RCIA: Adults interested in becoming Catholic participate in the RCIA Process. Contact Lori, 585-9620 or Roxanne, 722-2585. St. Vincent de Paul Help line: 727-1766 24 hour: Suicide Prevention Crisis Line, 920-233-7707 24 hour help: is available for unplanned pregnancy, call 731-4354

Grace Notes

Parts of the Mass During the next few weeks this multi-part series

on the Catholic Mass, written by Elizabeth Harrington, will occupy Grace Notes.

The Sign of Peace: The exchange of peace has been part of the Roman liturgy since earliest times. Originally it occurred before the Presentation of Gifts in response to Jesus' exhortation in Matthew 5:23-24: "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." In the late fourth century the Sign of Peace moved to its present location immediately after the Our Father. This position links it with the last petition of the Lord’s Prayer that we be forgiven “as we forgive those who trespass against us” and with the reception of Eucharist which follows. In the Middle Ages the gesture came to be limited to the clergy alone and was eventually replaced by the priest’s kissing of the altar. The 1969 Missal of Paul VI issued after the Second Vatican Council restored the Sign of Peace to the Mass. This was in line with the renewed emphasis on the communal aspect of liturgical worship, and also embodied the reminder from the Council that Christ is present in the assembly. In 2005 members of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist investigated a proposal that the Sign of Peace might be better placed elsewhere in the Mass because having it just before Communion causes problems if it is not conducted appropriately. A long and extensive process of consultation revealed that the great majority of bishops conferences preferred the present practice so no change was made. Interestingly, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) calls this part of the Mass the Rite of Peace while the Missal uses the term Sign of Peace. The GIRM describes the Rite of Peace as a sign of conversion and peace-making, leading us to the Holy Communion of the Body of Christ, the Church. It then explains how the sign is expressed: "The most common form of the gesture of peace is the handshake, although different practices according to region and culture are not excluded. However, it is appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner." (GIRM #82) An appropriate form of words to use during the exchange of peace is "The peace of the Lord be with you always", to which the reply is "Amen". The Sign of Peace needs to be kept in proportion and not occupy more time than other more important elements of the celebration. The Sign of Peace is about imparting to others the blessing of Christ’s peace not shaking hands and saying Hello to as many people as possible in the available time: hospitality is practiced as people arrive for Mass, not when it is almost over!

-Regina Reale, Director of Worship & Music

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Sponsor of the Week

Our bulletin is furnished without charge. The advertisements that appear defray all publishing costs. Please patronize our sponsors as a thank you for their generosity and let them know you saw their ad.

Appleton Compressor

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28 @ St. Gabriel 1:30 p.m. Rosary and Litany 2:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration & Reconciliation

3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet , followed by Holy Mass (meets Sunday Mass requirement)

and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image Reception will follow in Stingle Hall

“We now have large-print song sheets for the visually impaired. Please ask an usher or greeter for a copy.”

Our Quarterly Special Needs collection this weekend is for our local St. Vincent de Paul.

St. Vincent de Paul is an association of lay employees and volunteers dedicated to serve the needy in our community. Our Neenah St. VdP helps over 4,500 of our neighbors in need each year. They take time to meet with people in need, finding ways to best help, and helping many find success. All who ask for assistance or come to the store are welcomed with dignity and respect.

Your continued generosity in supporting St. VdP is dearly appreciated. If you'd like to help beyond our collection, please consider volunteering! visit svdpneenah.org or talk with Jim Zwicky 886-0083. Thank you for your continuous generosity!

CRS Rice Bowls -- Please remember to return your Rice Bowls to church on Palm Sunday weekend (April 13-14).

~ Social Concerns Committee

Easter Scrip Tips

Easter is only two weeks away and gift cards purchased through our parish Scrip program make great Easter basket surprises for your teen or college student! Consider giving Amazon, Burger King, McDonalds, Culvers, Cousins Subs, Dairy Queen, Subway, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Marcus Theaters, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Jimmy John’s, or Kwik Trip gift cards. Check out the large selection of gift cards available for purchase or the hundreds that can be ordered! Scrip really does make “cents”! FYI – please plan ahead - Scrip gift cards will not be available for purchase on Easter weekend and orders will not be processed Easter week.

Can you help decorate the church for Holy Week?

Friday, April 12 @ 8:30 am Wednesday, April 17 @ 8:30 am

Friday, April 19 @ 8:30 am (after morning prayer)

Saturday, April 20 @ 8:30 am (after morning prayer)

Come once, twice or all four days if your schedule allows. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU! - Last weekend our parish family welcomed Bishop Ricken and Fr. Ubald to St. Gabriel for the Mass for Healing Saturday evening. Friday evening, the video of Fr. Ubald’s

journey of forgiveness for himself and others in Rwanda was viewed. With the help of so many, Saturday afternoon Stingle Hall went from rummage sale to worship space within an hour. Thank you to all who helped, including Confirmation students and Boy Scouts. Hospitality for these two evenings was key, and a very grateful thank you goes out to Bill Hanley, Gary Kresal, and Paul Reich, members of the Hospitality Team, who recruited and coordinated the many greeters and ushers who provided warm welcomes, handed out worship aids, and assisted all who entered our doors. A special thank you goes to the Knights of Columbus, our choir members, greeters and ushers. To all who helped – thank you! Regina

If you were unable to view Fr. Ubald’s video Forgiveness: The Secret of Peace, it is available in the parish office for anyone to borrow. Or, you can purchase the DVD Documentary about Fr. Ubald’s story and ministry online at https://squareup.com/store/secretofpeace. It is very well done, and quite powerful. The English subtitles makes it easier to follow along. There is a nice testimonial from Bishop Ricken on the inside cover.

Fr. Ubald books - If you are interested in purchasing one of Fr. Ubald’s books, Forgiveness Makes You Free about his incredible story of forgiveness after the Rwandan genocide, they are available in the parish office. The cost is $15.

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“LAST Lenten Fish Fry 2019 - April 12

Serving from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm / Bingo at 7:00pm

Call 727-3063 to pre-order take outs

Fried Perch: Regular Portion - $9.00 Large Portion - $14.00 Fried Pike: Regular Portion - $9.00 Large Portion - $14.00 Fried Haddock: Regular Portion - $8.00 Large Portion - $12.00 Fried Shrimp: Regular Portion - $7.00 Large Portion - $10.00 Baked Whitefish: Regular Portion - $7.00 Large Portion - $9.00 Grilled Cheese: $3.00

DINE-IN SPECIALS Stir Fry: $9.00 Shrimp Cocktail Dinner(~14 shrimp served chilled) $8.00 Side salad (with caesar dressing) $1.00

Dinners include bread or roll, choice of coleslaw or applesauce,

choice of potato, lemonade, coffee and dessert. Potato choices:

french fries, potato salad, potato pancakes, baked potato.

St. Mary Catholic Schools NEWS

James and the Giant Peach Jr. - our middle school spring musical on April 11 & 12 @ 6:00pm & April

14 @ 1:00pm. Tickets available at smcatholicschools.org. Summer Sports Camps: 2019 offerings include: Tennis Camp, Soccer Camp, Girls Volleyball Camp, Basketball Camps, Football Camp, STEPS, register at http://smcatholicschools.org/schools/summer-athletics/ Summer Day Camp (entering grades K-6) and NEW Summer Child Care (Ages 3 & 4) - a faith-based program which offers a variety of scheduling options to provide families the flexibility to meet their individual needs. Children participate in field trips, arts and crafts, drama, music, sports, picnics, foreign language and many more activities. Enthusiastic teachers lead the children in a variety of activities and explorations. Go to smcatholicschools.org for more information and registration. SMCS Board of Trustees - Each year we look for individuals with business, marketing, legal, human resources or financial backgrounds; but most importantly you must be ready to help our Catholic schools grow. We are seeking Catholic individuals who are alumni, parents, parish members or anyone with a connection to our school system. Trustees are elected to one three-year term of office and may serve a subsequent term. We are currently accepting candidates for consideration. Please contact Paul Seveska at paulpsev@aol.com Full Day 4K for 2019-20! SMCS has developed a full day 4K program with flexible three or five day options. Half day 4K and three or five day P3 programs remain an option. Register today at https://smcatholicschools.org/admissions/registration/ or contact Kelly Beisenstein Weiss, at kbweiss@smcatholicschools.org for more information.

To find out more this week, check out the SMCS website at www.smcatholicschools.org/newsletters or the SMCS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TCCES

REMEMBER A LOVED ONE Easter is coming. Would you like to give a donation to be used for Easter flowers and decoration in remembrance of a loved one and to help decorate St. Gabriel Church for Easter? If so, please complete this form and return it with your donation to the parish office, or place it in the collection basket. Thank you for your generosity.

From: ________________________________________ In memory of: _________________________________

____________________________________________ Amount: _____________________________________

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 7 Sunday: Is 43:16-21/Phil 3:8-14/Jn 8:1-11 Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62/Jn 8:12-20 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9/Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95/Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9/Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13/Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28/Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Lk 19:28-40/Is 50:4-7/Phil 2:6-11/Lk 22:14--23:56 or 23:1-49

This week The Sanctuary Candle burns in loving memory of Tom Fishel at the request

of his mother.

The Altar Candles burn for the month of April in loving memory of Cory Eake at the

request of his parents.

Lenten Raffle tickets are available in the back of church. Please pick up a packet to buy or sell. Revenues help us

cover operating costs.

If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving our parish, growing in your faith, or obtaining exclusive access to top-rated insurance

protection for your family, then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you. All Catholic men, 18 years of age or older, are eligible to become members of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus Neenah Council will conduct a membership drive after each Mass this weekend. Please consider joining our council. For more information please visit us after Mass this weekend, visit kofc.org or kofcneenah5514.com, or contact Sal Vitale at salvitale@sbcglobal.net and/or 920-427-3939.

The Knights of Columbus would like to thank all the parishioners from both St. Gabriel & St. Margaret Mary for their donation to the Peanut Butter & Jelly Annual Drive that benefits both St. Joe’s Food Pantry

and Fr. Carr, The Place to Be! The collection totaled 88 Jelly & 163 Peanut Butter containers varying in sizes. Co-chairmen of the event are; Paul Wolters from St. Gabriel & Brenton Teeling from St. Margaret Mary.

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Courtesy Announcements Healthy Living With Chronic Pain workshop - this class is designed for adults dealing with on-going pain and explores ways to better manage chronic pain. Two certified leaders will teach skills to effectively manage pain, improves energy, mental health, and quality of life, and decreases pain and dependence on others! The class will be held at Aurora Health Conference Room, 1136 Westowne Dr, Neenah on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30am, April 10th- May 15th. For more information and to register call: Winnebago County Health Department 920-232-3000.

>< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< St. Lawrence Seminary High School, an all-boys Catholic boarding high school in Mount Calvary, WI is a college preparatory school where students live, learn, work, and pray together. All 8th - 10th grade boys are invited to visit the weekend of April 11-14th and imagine themselves here as students, amongst the diverse population of nearly 200 students from a variety of cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Reserve your spot today at www.stlawrence.edu!

>< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< Christmas Stars, is seeking a Choir Director for a 120 voice adult choir. The candidate may elect to interview for the position of a Small ensemble (pop music) director, Choral director, or both. Please send your resume to Christmas Stars c/o Xavier High School 1600 W. Prospect Ave., Appleton, WI 54914. Please refer questions to Sue Hahn at sfhahn@sbcglobal.net.

Grief Share – St Gabriel Parish This week’s topic: Lesson in Grief Part 1

Each week the group will watch helpful, comforting videos that cover topics essential to your recovery from the hurt of grief and loss. Each session features videos and encouraging group discussion. Participants can start at anytime / Each week’s topic stands alone

Thursdays through May 9, 6:00–8:00 pm See the parish website, call for more information or just join us!

722-4914 or brownmaryellen47@yahoo.com

THE COMPASS LOCAL March 22,2019 | 1

www.thecompassnews.org

‘Unplanned’: The truth about abortion Recently I viewed the movie, “Unplanned,” which tells the extremely powerful story of Abby Johnson and her journey from an entry-level employee with Planned Parenthood to the director of the clinic where she had her own personal experience of abortion earlier. Abby recounts her thinking, coping mechanisms and struggles to be set free from the clutches of this

industry. Through accompaniment by Shawn Carney, the founder of 40 Days for Life, his wife and the group that prayed for her without judgment, Abby was able to experience the mercy of God and helped to transition out of the snares of the abortion industry. Abby is one courageous woman. She is taking the remorse for her involvement in this industry and turning it into helping people see this for what it really is. Most people do not want to end their baby’s life but are caught in the vortex of pressure, real and feared, and then walked through this decision through the misuse of compassionate language to give cover to their activities. The message of the movie is not to judge the women who find themselves in this situation, but to love them enough to show them the truth about abortion. The relentless push to sanction abortion by state and national leaders, funded by very large donors who make their donations in the name of women’s rights, completely ignores the loss of life of the most voiceless and defenseless. Now as we see in New York, some are trying to justify abortion through all stages of the pregnancy and even questioning whether babies born alive during abortion deserve to receive proper medical care. In doing so, abortion advocates not only ignore the rights of the baby in the womb, they back women into a corner, leading them to believe that the only way they can maintain their own freedom is by taking away the life of their child. You see, babies are not the only victims of the abortion industry. This industry victimizes the mothers, the fathers, the siblings, the grandparents and even the workers themselves. As a tool of the culture of death, abortion infects our entire society. This is why the Catholic Church has remained firm in its commitment to life in all its stages. We must commit ourselves to praying for all people who are affected by abortion, for the babies, their mothers, the family members and even the providers. We must commit ourselves to walking with those who have been affected by abortion, sharing with them the mercy and healing that our loving Father offers to each of us. In particular, we must accompany women who have lived through the trauma of abortion. The women I have spoken to who have had abortions have expressed regret about their decision and continue to feel the effects of it. We must walk them into the ocean of God’s mercy and help them to do their part in helping others not to go down this road. Through the Project Rachel ministry in Catholic Charities, we have professionals who are able to walk with you through this journey. I would encourage parents and adults to see this movie. Viewers should be warned that there are graphic scenes in the film, but these scenes make clear what abortion is in a very striking way. Having said that, people who see

Cont’d in next column...

“Unplanned” should be prepared to have strong reactions to the film, especially if you or someone close to you has been affected by abortion. Through our ministries in the diocese, we have resources available to help people, whether you are in need of healing or whether you are feeling inspired to learn more and take action on this issue (visit https://www.thecompassnews.org/2019/03/unplanned-the-truth-about-abortion/ for a chart with diocesan resources) . I also think that young women and men should be somehow introduced to this film, accompanied by their parents, to help them understand the truths about abortion and the potential consequences of premarital sex. While the movie is rated “R,” meaning children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult, I think parents should prayerfully consider showing the film to their teenage children, who are old enough to be faced with the decision to have an abortion themselves. In closing, I pray that this film may be a tool to help people come to understand the truth about abortion. I thank Abby Johnson for her courage and pray that God would bless and protect her! May all of us today seek new ways to build a culture of life! Follow Bishop Ricken on Twitter at @BpDavidRicken.

6 | MARCH 2018 © Celebration Publications — CelebrationPublications.org

From Exodus to Emmaus

WORDS WE NEED TO HEAR

By PAUL TURNER

Two journeys bookend the Scripture readings for the sacred paschal Triduum: the Exodus and Emmaus. In between, in three short days, the Lectionary releases a full flood of some 20 passages from the Bible, not counting over a dozen responsorial psalms and canticles. This rich buffet gives almost too much material for the preacher, the proclaimer, the musician, the catechist and the par-ticipant. Mercifully, the same readings return each year, so they invite an ever deeper exploration.

The Lectionary, one of the richest fruits of the Second Vatican Council, samples some of the most sublime pas-sages of the Bible to aid those who celebrate the sacred three days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. More than recalling the death and resurrection of Christ, these readings show the extent of God’s plan through salvation his-tory. Furthermore, they accompany believers into a participation in these mysteries. The readings do not simply repeat stories. They make us live them anew. After six weeks of repentance, the people of God feel physically and spiritually one with Christ as we join him on the journey from cross to res-urrection, from Exodus to Emmaus.

Holy ThursdayThe Liturgy of the Word on Holy

Thursday opens with an excerpt from the Exodus. In preparation for their liberation from slavery in Egypt, the community of Israel receives instruc-tions not just for a fortifying meal, but for its annual observance. The blood of a slaughtered lamb becomes the sign of their protection. This reading foreshadows the institution of the Eucharist and the saving blood of the Lamb of God. The Passover marks the transition from slavery to freedom, and from prison to property. It affirms Israel as God’s own people. These themes return in the Easter Vigil, when the paschal candle, the Christian pil-lar of fire, leads a new chosen people from darkness to light, from sin to freedom, from death to life.

Paul explains to the Corinthians how Christ instituted the Eucharist, and that Christ asked them to do this in his memory. Paul wrote this letter before the evangelists wrote their Gospels. The second reading at the Holy Thursday Mass is the earliest existent record of the Last Supper.

Psalm 116 perfectly bridges the first two readings. It recalls the offering of sacrifice to God, and it borrows a

refrain from a Christian Scripture letter, “Our blessing-cup is a communion with the blood of Christ.”

John’s Gospel has no account of the institution of the Eucharist. Instead, John devotes all of Chapter 6 to a meditation on Jesus as the bread of life. When the dis-ciples gather for the Last Supper, in the place where the reader expects to find the institution of the Eucharist, a different experience takes place: Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. On this night when Jesus instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist, he tied both these sacra-ments to humble service. The Missal exhorts the presider to build these three themes into his homily: “the Priest gives a homily in which light is shed on the principal mysteries that are commemorated in this Mass, namely, the institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the priestly Order, and the commandment of the Lord concerning

fraternal charity.” This is one of the few places where a liturgical book gives a particular direction to the preacher. All will profit from medi-tating on these passages with these three themes in mind.

As the liturgy unfolds, the Missal recommends singing verses from this Gospel during the washing of the feet, and a verse from the second reading during the sharing of Com-munion. They echo the themes of the readings.

Good FridayFrom Isaiah, we hear the prophecy

about a servant who bore our infirmi-ties and endured our sufferings. This is the fourth such servant song. The Lectionary presents the other three on the first weekdays of Holy Week. They

culminate in this dramatic depiction of a servant upon whom the Lord laid our guilt. This passage concludes with the assurance that the servant shall take away the sins of “many” — a Hebrew word that implies “all.” According to Matthew and Mark, who knew the word “all,” Jesus used the word “many” at the Last Supper when giving his own assurance about those for whom he would pour his blood. The disciples surely connected Jesus’ words with the familiar Isaiah 53. Jesus chose “many” not to describe who would be saved, but to reveal who does the saving. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.

Most people remember that Jesus hauntingly quoted the opening of Psalm 22 from the cross, questioning why God had abandoned him. However, on Good Friday, the responsorial comes from Psalm 31. Jesus quoted it when

The readings of the sacred paschal Triduum

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he entrusted his spirit into the hands of the Father. The Lectionary repeats some of the most painful verses of this psalm, but concludes on a note of hope. Psalm 22 is used each year on Palm Sunday. Although the Missal does not include a communion antiphon on Good Friday, it now recommends singing Psalm 22 while taking and eating the body of Christ on this day.

The second reading stitches together two separate pas-sages from the Letter to the Hebrews in order to join the themes of the high priesthood of Jesus and his obedient suf-fering. Like the first reading, this one also proclaims God’s suffering servant as the source of our eternal salvation.

The proclamation of the Passion is an emotional high-light of the Good Friday liturgy. At no other time of year does the Lectionary provide such a generous excerpt for the Bible, spanning two complete chapters of the same book. The synoptic accounts of the Passion are heard in rotation on Palm Sunday. But John’s account, rich in detail, exalted in Christology, rings out every year on Good Friday. The Passion of John uniquely includes the memorable images of Jesus entrusting his mother and the beloved disciple to each other, as well as the pouring of blood and water from his pierced side. Whenever the Passion is proclaimed, the community kneels for a few moments at the announcement of Jesus’ death. This devotional exercise recalls the solemn weight of the past and our remorse for sin in the present.

The Easter VigilNine Scripture readings may be proclaimed at the Easter

Vigil. Many churches reduce the number, but those that use them all experience the full power of the Lectionary — a generous outpouring of readings, a careful selection of psalms, a well-paced Liturgy of the Word, and anticipation for the proclamation of the good news of resurrection.

In general, these passages provide one final catechesis on baptism for those approaching their initiation. They also remind the community about their own baptism and the wonder of the Resurrection.

The lengthy first reading from Genesis tells the creation of the world, though it may be abbreviated to just a few verses. The reading envisions that both the resurrection of Jesus and the baptism of a Christian express new cre-ations. Just as God once granted birth to the world out of nothing, so God promises a new birth to followers of Christ.

Either Psalm 104 or Psalm 33 may follow. Both express views of creation. The first asks God to send the Spirit and renew the face of the earth — the same Spirit who hov-ered over the waters at the beginning of time. The second rejoices that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The eerie second reading recounts Abraham’s prepara-tions to slaughter his own son. Isaac foreshadows Christ on Calvary, the beloved son who carries wood uphill in preparation for the sacrifice — and is mysteriously rescued from death. On their way up, Abraham told Isaac that God himself would provide a sheep for the holocaust, which Eucharistic Prayer IV recalls when it asks God to look upon the sacrifice that he himself has provided for the church.

As Isaac escapes death, so Psalm 16 rejoices that God will not abandon the singer’s soul to the netherworld. This psalm appears in the Liturgy of the Hours every Thursday at night prayer because sleep and awakening foreshadow death and resurrection.

The account of crossing the Red Sea can never be omitted from the Easter Vigil. It is the fulcrum upon which the liturgy balances the old and new covenants. As the chosen people of God reached safety from their enemies in the waters of the Red Sea, so the new cho-sen people reach safety from sin and temptation in the waters of baptism.

The responsorial continues this reading by singing the very next verses from the Bible. At the pope’s Easter Vigil in the Vatican, the reader does not even conclude with the usual dialogue that begins, “The word of the Lord.” Instead, the musicians begin the song immediately after the reading, continuing the proclamation of the miraculous story. Some Catholics have objected that this canticle is too bloodthirsty. The enemies of the Israelites who lost their lives also deserve mourning, just as do any soldiers who die in warfare. We do not understand how, but we trust that God offers the possibility of redemption even for those who lose their lives as enemies, not heroes.

Isaiah 54 presents the endearing image of God espous-ing Israel even after her sins. Psalm 30 reaffirms God’s pity on the sinner. It declares that God brought Israel up from the netherworld, an image that bears special resonance on this night. As Jesus descended among the dead and rose again, so sinners are brought up from the netherworld into the presence of a forgiving God.

Isaiah 55 returns more clearly to the baptismal theme as the prophet extends God’s invitation to the water. God will renew the everlasting covenant. This joyful promise leads to a canticle from Isaiah 12. For the second time on this night, the responsorial comes not from the psalms but from another book of the Hebrew Scripture — first Exodus, and now Isaiah. It promises water to drink from the fountain of salvation. Although baptismal water is for bathing, not drinking, it will refresh the soul.

Baruch asks Israel to hear God’s commandments. Those who had forsaken the fountain of wisdom will thereby

More than recalling the death and and resurrection of Christ, these readings show the extent of God’s plan through salvation history. Furthermore, they accompany

believers into a participation in these mysteries. The readings do not simply repeat stories. They

make us live them anew.

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walk by light into splendor. The baptismal imagery shim-mers throughout.

Psalm 19 bolsters this encouragement with praise of the refreshing law of the Lord. As in the Holy Thursday Mass, the psalm’s refrain is taken from a Christian Scripture source; here, the Gospel of John. In Chapter 6, after Jesus concludes his discourse on the bread of life, several listeners walk away. The message was too much for them. Momentarily concerned, Jesus asks the disciples if they are also planning to leave. Peter responds, asking, “Where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Peter’s profession of faith reechoes on the lips of the assembly as the refrain to Psalm 19 — in the moments before the faith-filled elect are baptized.

Ezekiel provides the final Hebrew Scripture reading for the Easter Vigil, prophesying that God will sprinkle clean water over the people and give them a new heart. This foreshadows baptism, which will cover people outside with water, while creating inside them a new heart. Psalms 42 and 43 follow. You can almost hear the elect praying the refrain: “As a deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you, my God.” If there are no baptisms, then the responsorial comes from Isaiah 12 or Psalm 51, the first expressing thanks for God’s great deeds, the second praying for a clean heart.

The epistle makes the clearest connection between resurrection and baptism. Paul expressed similar im-agery in Colossians 2:12, but Romans 6:3-11 practically sings of dying with Christ and rising with him, not only in baptism, but also at the end of our lives. This passage will have its strongest impact in parishes that practice baptism by immersion, rather than by pouring.

The psalm that follows performs a double function of Gospel acclamation and responsorial. The refrain is a threefold alleluia, a word that rings out in the church for the first time in six weeks. Recommended also as communion music for the Vigil, Psalm 118 is a favorite for the Easter season. It states confidently, “I shall not die, but live,” and it calls the rejected stone a corner-stone. The apostles used that verse to describe the role of Jesus Christ. Some of the psalms contain the word alleluia, making it an appropriate refrain, but Psalm 118 is not among them. Still, we sing the word primar-ily as the Gospel acclamation, and the three verses add extra glory to the acclamation’s return.

The Gospel of the Easter Vigil rotates through the synoptic accounts of the Resurrection in years A, B and C of the cycle. This year our communities will hear Mark’s account. As the second reading on Holy Thursday was the first ever written account of the Last Supper, so this Gospel is the first ever written account of the Resurrection. Especially unexpected is the way that Jesus sends the women back with the news. Not only did he send them to go and tell the disciples, but explicitly and pointedly he added “and Peter.” Peter especially needed to hear what had happened. Jesus seems anxious to see him.

Easter SundayThe first reading on Easter Sunday is not an ac-

count of the Resurrection, but of preaching about the Resurrection. We hear from Peter, the object of Jesus’ immediate concern. Peter summarized the original core Christian belief. Passages such as this influenced the development of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. The same verses from Psalm 118 at the Vigil return on Easter Sunday. They prophesy the resurrec-tion of Jesus.

Two options supply the second reading. The first had been the epistle at the Vigil in the pre-conciliar liturgy, and the second was the epistle for Easter Sunday. After Vatican II, Romans 6 became a central reading at the Vigil, and the passage from Colossians was moved to an optional position on Easter Day. The choice is hard. The first stirs up hope in sharing resurrection with Christ, while the second celebrates sacrificial redemp-tion. A verse from the second is recommended as the communion antiphon for this Mass.

John’s account of the Resurrection serves as the Gospel, but the Lectionary permits the pertinent ac-count from the synoptics. In Year B, for example, Mark’s account could be proclaimed both at the Vigil and on Easter Sunday. In the evening, the Lectionary permits a reading of Luke’s account of the journey to Emmaus. That event took place on the evening of the Resurrection and resembles the two principal parts of Mass. Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples on the road, and they recognized him in the breaking of bread. This passage may be proclaimed on Easter Sunday night, at the same time as the events it describes. The central proclamation, “The Lord is truly risen,” is one of the options for the entrance antiphon on Easter Sunday.

The Lectionary offers a profound sweep through key biblical passages over the sacred paschal Triduum. Beginning and ending with readings about journeys, they remind us of our lives, the pilgrimage we make by participating to small and large degrees in the greatest mystery of all: the death and resurrection of Christ.

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Paul Turner is pastor of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City,

Missouri. A priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, he holds a doctorate

in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. His books, articles, talks and

blog can be found at PaulTurner.org.

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Nine Scripture readings may be proclaimed at the Easter Vigil.

Many churches reduce the number, but those that use them all experience the full power

of the Lectionary.