Monday, February 23, 2009

LENTEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

By Father Erik Pohlmeier


(Father Erik Pohlmeier is the theological consultant for Arkansas Catholic and pastor at St. John and St. Mary churches in Hot Springs.)


Published in Arkansas Catholic


Q. Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?

A. Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. The days of obligation all celebrate an event in the life of Jesus or Mary or a person (or persons as in the case of All Saints Day). Ash Wednesday does not, but it marks the beginning of a season. The day is chosen based on the fact that it's 40 days before Good Friday.


Q. Why do we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday?

A. The prayer that is said as ashes are given explains it very well. The words are a reminder of our origins, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." The ashes and the whole season of Lent are a time to refocus on our relationship with God and that relationship starts with a dependence on God for our very existence. To recall that only with the breath of God can we have life is motivation to reorder whatever part of life needs it. As God breathed life into the dust at the beginning he can breathe new life into those who have fallen into sin. The ashes are a sign of mortality and a sign of renewal in Christ.


Q. What are the rules about fasting and abstinence?

A. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The law of fasting allows one full meal and two smaller ones. The law of abstinence prohibits the eating of meat. Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. The obligation of abstinence begins at age 14. The law of fasting obliges all between the ages of 18-59. Pastors and parents are to see to it that minors, though not bound by the law of fast and abstinence, are educated in the authentic sense of penance and encouraged to do acts of penance suitable to their age. All members of the Christian faithful are encouraged to do acts of penance and charity beyond what is prescribed by the law.


Q. Why should we perform acts of penance?

A. The primary reason is that we take Christ as our model and he himself undertook acts of penance in preparation for his ministry and before his passion. Acts of penance are theological in following the example of the Master. They are also practical in helping to accomplish goals of certain days and seasons. In particular Lent is a season to reorder priorities and penance helps to be sure that created things are subordinate to divine realities in our lives. As it says in the Church's documents "Penance is a religious, personal act which has as its aim love and surrender to God." ("Paenitemini," chapter 1) Of course Scripture is clear as well that the rending of our hearts is the sacrifice the Lord desires. The various acts of penance put into physical reality what should be happening in our hearts.


Q. Why can't we eat meat on Fridays?

A. This practice is one of the disciplines of Lent that has the goal of love and surrender to God. It requires a break in the normal routine of our day and serves as a reminder that the basic needs of life should point us to the goodness of God. Scripture has a long record of abstaining from certain foods as part of religious practice. In our day that practice continues, not because eating meat is bad, but as a discipline to turn the mind to God.


Q. Are Sundays part of Lent?

A. Sundays most definitely are a part of Lent as they are listed the first through fifth Sundays of Lent, and not of something else. The Sundays do, however, take on a different character than other days because Sunday is always a celebration of the resurrection. There is no rule on whether Lenten practices continue on Sundays since such practices are voluntary anyway. Without a doubt we should maintain our preparation for the Triduum on Sundays, whether or not that includes acts of penance.


Q. Why can't we say "alleluia" at Mass during Lent?

A. The point of the season is a kind of exile. While the event of the resurrection has occurred in history, the days of Lent serve as a reminder that we do not yet experience the kingdom in its fullness. We live in the hope of the resurrection, but the weakness of human existence is all too evident in this life. The omission of the alleluia is one symbolic way to enter into the spirit of the season of Lent. The days of Lent are days of penance and recollection of human weakness but also days of anticipation and so we long for the day when the kingdom is fully realized. To be deprived of certain things during the days of Lent is designed to create a longing for the realization of all that the life of Jesus promises.


Q. What determines the date of Easter or when Lent begins?

A. The Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) set the date of Easter as the Sunday following the 14th day of the paschal full moon, which is the full moon whose 14th day falls on or after the vernal (spring) equinox. The reason was because that was the date of Passover in the Jewish calendar, and the Last Supper (Holy Thursday) occurred on the Passover. Therefore, Easter was the Sunday after Passover.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

PARISH NOTICES - SUNDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2009

  • Today is the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
  • Catechism classes are held at 5 pm every Sunday. Parents please ensure that your children attend. This Sunday 22 February at 10 am there will be a meeting of parents whose children are due to receive their First Holy Communion in April this year.
  • On 25 February we begin our Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. Masses in the parish will be at 7 am and 7 pm. The blessing and imposition of ashes will be done at both masses. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence.
  • On Friday 27 February there will be the Way of the Cross at 6:30 pm followed by mass.
  • All those interested in joining the choir for Easter are requested to give their names to Fr. Vinod or Fr. Matthew as soon as possible. The practices will begin from 1 March.
  • We have begun collecting Church support through volunteers who sit outside the parish office after the Saturday evening mass and the Sunday evening mass. Please collect your cards after the mass

Sunday, February 15, 2009

PARISH NOTICES - SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2009

  • Today is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
  • It was very heartening to see so many parishioners come to the special celebrations at our grotto on 11 February - the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We express our deep gratitude to all those who organized the celebration.
  • Catechism classes held at 5 pm every Sunday have resumed. Parents please ensure that your children attend. There will be a meeting of parents whose children are due to receive their First Holy Communion in April this year. It will be held next Sunday 22 February at 10 am.
  • The annual novena for the Feast of Infant Jesus is in progress at the Shrine in Nashik Road. The Feast is celebrated on Saturday 21 February. Hence, next Saturday there will be no evening mass here in the parish. Other details on the novena and feast are posted on the notice-board.
  • In the week ahead the evening masses from Wednesday 18 February to Friday 20 February will be held in the STI chapel.
  • All those interested in joining the choir for Easter are requested to give their names to Fr. Vinod or Fr. Matthew as soon as possible. The practices will begin from 1 March 2009.
  • We have begun collecting Church support through volunteers who sit outside the parish office after the Saturday evening mass and the Sunday evening mass. Please collect your cards after the mass.
  • The statement of account on the parish family get-together has been posted on the notice-board.

Friday, February 13, 2009

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - 11 FEBRUARY 2009

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes was solemnized in the parish - coming as it did a few days after the inauguration of our parish grotto. Coinciding as it does with World Day of the Sick, the parish decided to have a special mass with prayers for the sick. Preparations of the place began early in the evening and so all was in place for the 6:30 pm appointment.

The rosary was recited by the 100 odd faithful gathered and then the mass commenced. The main celebrant was Fr. Nelson Falcao, and he was joined by Frs. Diego Nunes and Matthew Coutinho.

It was truly a prayerful experience for all who came, with well proclaimed readings, well sung hymns and bright lighting. Soon after the Eucharist we had the blessing of the sick. After the mass many remained to enjoy the boiled grams that were generously sponsored by some of the parishioners.
We continue to pray for the sick and suffering the world over who need our prayers and support.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

SOME MORE PICTURES OF THE FAMILY GET-TOGETHER

Well folks here are a few more pictures of the happy times we spent in each others company... Of the games and the prizes that the winners took home!!!


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

PARISH FAMILY GET-TOGETHER - 7 FEBRUARY 2009

On 7 February we had our annual family get-together at the parish. It comes on the Saturday following the feast. This year about 200 parishioners gathered to celebrate fellowship and togetherness. There were some interesting games for people of all ages from the tiny tots to the seniors.
Here are a couple of pictures:

The evening came to an end with a tasty dinner - some lip-smacking chicken biriyani. Sorry no pictures of that we do not want to make you feel too sad about what you missed!!!

Congratulations to the organizers and their collaborators. May we have more occasions to come together and celebrate.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

PARISH NOTICES - SUNDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2009

  • Today is the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
  • On Wednesday 11 February we keep the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is also the World Day of the Sick. We will have the recitation of the rosary at our new grotto at 6:30 pm. The rosary will be followed by mass at the grotto. During the mass we will have a special blessing for the sick. All of you are invited to join the rosary and mass.
  • We express our heartfelt thanks to the many parishioners who organized and participated in the parish family get-together held yesterday evening.
  • Catechism classes held at 5 pm every Sunday have resumed. Parents please ensure that your children attend.
  • Regular scripture classes will resume on Monday 9 February after the 7 pm evening mass.
  • The annual novena for the Feast of Infant Jesus begins from Thursday 12 February at the Shrine in Nashik Road. Details are posted on the notice-board.
  • We have begun collecting Church support through volunteers who sit outside the parish office after the Saturday evening mass and the Sunday evening mass. Please collect your cards after the mass.

Friday, February 6, 2009

GROTTO PICTURES - 4 FEBRUARY 2009

Here are some more pictures of the grotto. The common consensus is that it looks really beautiful. We praise God for this gift.


Wednesday, February 4, 2009

PARISH NOTICES - SUNDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 2009

  • Today is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
  • On Monday 2 February we keep the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and it is also the Day of Consecrated Life. Our parish is blessed to count among its members so many consecrated persons and those preparing for a life of religious consecration. We thank all the religious in our parish for the witness they bear and ask God to grant them a dynamic fidelity to their call.
  • The next parish council meeting will be held on Sunday 1 February at 10 am. All parish council members are requested to attend. Also on Sunday 1 February - STI is staging a three-act comedy “Paradise Villa” at 6:30 pm in the Divyadaan auditorium. All of you are invited. Hence, the evening mass next Sunday will be at 5 pm.
  • 6 February is the First Friday of the month. There will be a mass at 7:30 am for the students of Don Bosco School. Parishioners who wish to join the mass are most welcome. In the evening at 6:30 pm we will have Eucharistic adoration and it will be followed by mass at 7 pm.
  • On Saturday 7 February we will have a parish family get-together after the evening mass with games and dinner. The charges will be Rs. 70/- for adults, and, Rs. 35/- for children 12 years and below. Please hurry and collect your passes from your zone leaders.
  • We have just concluded the celebration of our parish novena and feast and it is time to say a big thank you to all those who collaborated in making this a time of prayer, reflection and collaboration. May God our Heavenly Father through the intercession of our patron St. John Bosco continue to bless all of us in the parish – our families, our friends and relatives abundantly.
  • Our retired bishop Thomas Bhalerao celebrates his birthday on 1 February. We raise a prayer for his good health and continued fulfillment in ministry.
  • Regular scripture classes will resume on Monday 9th February.
  • We have begun collecting Church support through volunteers who sit outside the parish office after the Saturday evening mass and the Sunday evening mass. Please collect your cards after the mass.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

BLESSING OUR GROTTO - 31 JANUARY 2009


Yes folks here it is - the good news is that our grotto was blessed on Don Bosco's Feast 2009. Since our bishop could not make it - the task fell to the parish priest Fr. Matthew to do the honours. After a small prayer of blessing, the sprinkling of the grotto, the lighting of 7 candles and the blessing of Mary Help of Christians, we had time to celebrate and savour this moment...A picture is surely worth a thousand words...

We raise a prayer of praise and thanks to God; to our benefactors - parishioners and other donors, some of other faiths; the architect; the construction crew, and the grotto committee - Messrs. Robin Susainathan, Wilson Pereira, Norbert DeSouza and Claude Noronha who coordinated the planning and building of the grotto. They gave of their time and talents, looking at plans, considering the aesthetics and the various elements that have gone into making our grotto a place where we can raise our hearts and minds to God through the intercession of Mary our blessed Mother.

31 JANUARY 2009

We have just celebrated a lovely day - the Eucharist was well-animated and we had about 18 concelebrants. We had set up about 400 chairs and all of them were filled. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr. Peter D'Souza - Procurator of our Diocese. Our bishop Felix Machado could not make it as he was attending the mass of suffrage for his recently departed dad. Here are a couple of pictures from the mass.

And soon after the mass came the moment many of us were looking forward to for some years now...Well check out the next post to find that out...