THE FAMILY ZONE

will be installed as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, this Thursday, March 19, at 2:00 PM. Due to the seating capacity at Sacred Heart Cathedral, admission to the Solemn Mass of Installation will be by ticket only. However, livestream coverage can be accessed through: www.dor.org.

Bishop Bonnici will also be presiding over multiple liturgies at Sacred Heart Cathedral during Holy Week. For more information, click on the Solemn Mass of Installation link below!

The first reading from 1 Samuel we will hear at Mass this weekend, might cause us to pause and think about the way we look at those around us and at ourselves. Are we looking beyond appearances and taking the time to get to know the heart of another? Are we, ourselves, displaying on the outside, the beliefs we hold deep in our hearts? The season of Lent invites us to dig deep and explore these types of questions. How can we pay attention to both outward appearances and the inner souls of ourselves and those we encounter?

The prayer traditionally known as the Prayer of St. Francis was not actually written by St. Francis. It is very much in keeping with his approach to his faith, but predates St. Francis. Within many in the Franciscan world it is simply known as the Peace Prayer.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

This week, focus on who you are NOT seeing. Look up from your computer screen, your phone, the sidewalk, the TV, whatever distracts you from the people around you. Who is in need of a friendly face, unobstructed listening, an outstretched hand? When we REALLY notice those around us, we will surely see there are people in our midst in need of God's love, shining through each of us.

As the priest enters and exits the sanctuary, he is led by the processional cross, as a reminder that Jesus is leading the Church and is present in our midst. As the processional cross reaches the sanctuary, it directs our attention to the altar where the sacrifice of the Mass will take place. The processional cross reminds us of our identity in Christ and our role to follow him, as disciples of the Risen Lord!

Abraham, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

On Thursday, we observe the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We never hear any dialogue from St. Joseph in Scripture, and so he is known as the "silent saint." He is also the patron saint of fathers, and unborn children. In honor of St. Joseph's feast day, allow yourself sometime to sit and be silent with God. Contemplate your role as a parent and how you place your trust in God, your spouse, and the future of your children. Listen to what God might have to say to you as you sit and think about your parental role. St. Joseph, pray for us!

The Breastplate of St. Patrick downloaded from beaheart.com where you can download your own free Lenten guide and learn more about making the most of this Lenten season!

Lent with the Saints (for kids!)

Try this fun and easy chia pudding recipe for breakfast. Use any real maple syrup you have to change up the flavor!

The Diocesan Day of Penance and Mercy, which encourages all of us to engage in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten season, is coming up on March 24. Click below to find times for the confession at the parishes in your area.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!