Fifth Sunday of Lent We approach the summit of this annual ascent to the holy mountain of Easter. Let us, as music ministers, reflect on how we have served the people of God in this ministry of prayer and proclamation. … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent We come to the midway point of Lent on this Laetare (“rejoice”) Sunday. And what rejoicing do we have today in our readings! Having squandered all he had, the prodigal son finds a banquet prepared for … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent Starting this Sunday, the church celebrates the first of three scrutinies for the elect—adults and children of catechetical age who will be baptized this Easter. These rites use the readings for year A even in years … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent In today’s readings, God’s presence is revealed within darkness. Only when night fell did the Lord appear to a terrified Abram to make the covenant with him and his descendants. From the very cloud that had … Read More
First Sunday of Lent The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy describes Lent’s twofold nature: “[B]y recalling or preparing for baptism and by penance, it disposes the faithful, who more diligently hear the word of God and devote themselves to prayer, … Read More
Ash Wednesday In his last public address before dying from cancer in 1996, Joseph Cardinal Bernadin urged his flock in the Archdiocese of Chicago to live in unity with Christ and with one another, saying, “A dying person does not … Read More
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time As part of your preparation for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, be sure to read or reread the “Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts” (Paschale Solemnitatis), issued by the … Read More