CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 3, 2011 TODAY’S READINGS was blind and now I see.” (John 9:25) As you read about the blind man in this story, notice how the people viewed him initially. The disciples saw his blindness as a result of sin. His neighbors saw him as a beggar. The Pharisees saw only that he had been healed on the Sabbath. The Jewish worshippers saw a hoax—they couldn’t believe he was healed until they questioned his parents. And the parents believed he had been healed, but wouldn’t say how. Only Jesus understood the truth: This man was a child of God. God didn’t make him blind. No, God was using his blindness to bring glory to Jesus. Through this healing and others like it, many would recognize that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah sent by the Father. We may not be physically blind, but we all face a certain degree of spiritual blindness. As fallen human beings, we all have a tendency toward sin and self- centeredness, but we aren’t always aware of how this tendency works itself out in our lives. That’s why Jesus came: “so that those who do not see might see” (John 9:39). Even now he wants to open our eyes more fully so that we can see our need. Mind you, he doesn’t want to condemn us or lord it over us. He wants to heal us. Never forget that you are a beloved child of God. Even as you come to recognize your spiritual blindness, remember that Jesus loves you. He won’t condemn you! So don’t be afraid to bring your “blind spots” to him today at Mass. In the Penitential Rite, ask him to open your eyes to your hidden darkness. Then, as you receive his body and blood at communion, ask him to fill you with his wonderful light. Every Mass gives us the opportunity to repeat the words of the man in today’s Gospel: “I was blind and now I see” (John 9:25). “Lord, thank you for the salvation you have won for me! Help me to walk in your light—to see as you see and to love as you love!” Taken from The Word Among Us, Lent 2011, Vol. 30, Number 4: Used with permission. THIS WEEK’S READINGS Monday 4th Is 65:17-21 / Jn 4:43-54 St. Isidore Tuesday 5th Ez 47:1-9,12 / Jn 5:1-16 St. Vincent Ferrer Wednesday 6th Is 49:8-15 / Jn 5:17-30 Thursday 7th Ex 32:7-14 / Jn 5:31-47 St. John Baptist de la Salle Friday 8th Wis 2:1,12-22 / Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30 Saturday 9 Jer 11:18-20 / Jn 7:40-53 Sunday 10th Ez 37:12-14 / Rom 8:8-11 / Jn 11:1-45 Fifth Sunday of Lent LAS LECTURAS DE HOY oy el Evangelio nos invita a experimentar una alegría profunda, un gran gozo por la proximidad de la Pascua. Jesús fue causa de gran alegría para aquel ciego de nacimiento a quien le dio la vista física y la luz espiritual. El ciego creyó y recibió la luz de Cristo. En cambio, aquellos fariseos, que creían ser sabios y vivir en la luz, permanecieron ciegos por la dureza de su corazón y por su pecado. De hecho “los judíos no quisieron creer que había sido ciego y que ahora podía ver, hasta que llamaron a sus padres” (Juan 9,18). ¡Qué necesaria es la luz de Cristo para ver la realidad en su verdadera dimensión! Sin la luz de la fe seríamos prácticamente ciegos. Nosotros hemos recibido la luz de Jesucristo y hace falta que toda nuestra vida sea iluminada por su claridad. Más aun, esta luz ha de reflejarse en la santidad de vida para que atraiga a muchos que todavía la desconocen. Todo eso supone conversión y crecimiento en la caridad, especialmente en este tiempo de Cuaresma, pero en realidad durante toda la vida. San León Magno nos exhorta: “Si bien todo tiempo es bueno para ejercitarse en la virtud de la caridad, estos días de Cuaresma nos invitan a hacerlo de manera más urgente.” Solo hay una cosa que nos puede apartar de la luz de Jesucristo y de la alegría que Él nos da, y esta cosa es el pecado, el apartarse voluntariamente de la luz del Señor. Desgraciadamente, muchos —y a veces nosotros mismos— nos alejamos siguiendo ese camino tenebroso y perdemos la luz y la paz. San Agustín, partiendo de su propia experiencia, afirmaba que “no hay nada más infeliz que la ‘felicidad’ de aquellos que pecan”. La Pascua está cerca y el Señor quiere comunicarnos toda la alegría de la Resurrección. Dispongámonos para acogerla y celebrarla. “Ve a lavarte” (Juan 9,7), nos dice Jesús… ¡Vayamos a lavarnos en las aguas purificadoras del Sacramento de la Penitencia! Ahí encontraremos la luz y la alegría, y realizaremos la mejor preparación para la Pascua. “Jesús, Señor y Redentor mío, ayúdame a salir de las penumbras y entrar en tu luz admirable, para que tu gloria alumbre mi corazón y yo te entregue toda mi vida.” Escogida con el permiso de La Palabra Entre Nosotros, Vol. 30, Número 2: Febrero/Marzo 2011. LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes 4 Is 65:17-21 / Jn 4:43-54 San Isidoro Martes 5 Ez 47:1-9,12 / Jn 5:1-16 San Vicente Ferrer Miércoles 6 Is 49:8-15 / Jn 5:17-30 Jueves 7 Éx 32:7-14 / Jn 5:31-47 San Juan Bautista de la Salle Viernes 8 Sa 2:1,12-22 / Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30 Sábado 9 Jer 11:18-20 / Jn 7:40-53 Domingo 10 Ez 37:12-14 / Rom 8:8-11 / Jn 11:1-45 Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma “I H
Transcript
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 3, 2011
TODAY’S READINGS was blind and now I see.” (John 9:25) As you read about the blind man in this story, notice how the people viewed him initially.
The disciples saw his blindness as a result of sin. His neighbors saw him as a beggar. The Pharisees saw only that he had been healed on the Sabbath. The Jewish worshippers saw a hoax—they couldn’t believe he was healed until they questioned his parents. And the parents believed he had been healed, but wouldn’t say how.
Only Jesus understood the truth: This man was a child of God. God didn’t make him blind. No, God was using his blindness to bring glory to Jesus. Through this healing and others like it, many would recognize that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah sent by the Father.
We may not be physically blind, but we all face a certain degree of spiritual blindness. As fallen human beings, we all have a tendency toward sin and self-centeredness, but we aren’t always aware of how this tendency works itself out in our lives. That’s why Jesus came: “so that those who do not see might see” (John 9:39). Even now he wants to open our eyes more fully so that we can see our need. Mind you, he doesn’t want to condemn us or lord it over us. He wants to heal us.
Never forget that you are a beloved child of God. Even as you come to recognize your spiritual blindness, remember that Jesus loves you. He won’t condemn you! So don’t be afraid to bring your “blind spots” to him today at Mass. In the Penitential Rite, ask him to open your eyes to your hidden darkness. Then, as you receive his body and blood at communion, ask him to fill you with his wonderful light. Every Mass gives us the opportunity to repeat the words of the man in today’s Gospel: “I was blind and now I see” (John 9:25).
“Lord, thank you for the salvation you have won for me! Help me to walk in your light—to see as you see and to love as you love!”
Taken from The Word Among Us, Lent 2011, Vol. 30, Number 4: Used with permission.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS Monday 4th Is 65:17-21 / Jn 4:43-54 St. Isidore Tuesday 5th Ez 47:1-9,12 / Jn 5:1-16 St. Vincent Ferrer Wednesday 6th Is 49:8-15 / Jn 5:17-30 Thursday 7th Ex 32:7-14 / Jn 5:31-47 St. John Baptist de la Salle Friday 8th Wis 2:1,12-22 / Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30 Saturday 9 Jer 11:18-20 / Jn 7:40-53 Sunday 10th Ez 37:12-14 / Rom 8:8-11 / Jn 11:1-45 Fifth Sunday of Lent
LAS LECTURAS DE HOY oy el Evangelio nos invita a experimentar una alegría profunda, un gran gozo por la proximidad de la Pascua.
Jesús fue causa de gran alegría para aquel ciego de nacimiento a quien le dio la vista física y la luz espiritual. El ciego creyó y recibió la luz de Cristo. En cambio, aquellos fariseos, que creían ser sabios y vivir en la luz, permanecieron ciegos por la dureza de su corazón y por su pecado. De hecho “los judíos no quisieron creer que había sido ciego y que ahora podía ver, hasta que llamaron a sus padres” (Juan 9,18).
¡Qué necesaria es la luz de Cristo para ver la realidad en su verdadera dimensión! Sin la luz de la fe seríamos prácticamente ciegos. Nosotros hemos recibido la luz de Jesucristo y hace falta que toda nuestra vida sea iluminada por su claridad. Más aun, esta luz ha de reflejarse en la santidad de vida para que atraiga a muchos que todavía la desconocen. Todo eso supone conversión y crecimiento en la caridad, especialmente en este tiempo de Cuaresma, pero en realidad durante toda la vida. San León Magno nos exhorta: “Si bien todo tiempo es bueno para ejercitarse en la virtud de la caridad, estos días de Cuaresma nos invitan a hacerlo de manera más urgente.”
Solo hay una cosa que nos puede apartar de la luz de Jesucristo y de la alegría que Él nos da, y esta cosa es el pecado, el apartarse voluntariamente de la luz del Señor. Desgraciadamente, muchos —y a veces nosotros mismos— nos alejamos siguiendo ese camino tenebroso y perdemos la luz y la paz. San Agustín, partiendo de su propia experiencia, afirmaba que “no hay nada más infeliz que la ‘felicidad’ de aquellos que pecan”.
La Pascua está cerca y el Señor quiere comunicarnos toda la alegría de la Resurrección. Dispongámonos para acogerla y celebrarla. “Ve a lavarte” (Juan 9,7), nos dice Jesús… ¡Vayamos a lavarnos en las aguas purificadoras del Sacramento de la Penitencia! Ahí encontraremos la luz y la alegría, y realizaremos la mejor preparación para la Pascua.
“Jesús, Señor y Redentor mío, ayúdame a salir de las penumbras y entrar en tu luz admirable, para que tu gloria alumbre mi corazón y yo te entregue toda mi vida.”
Escogida con el permiso de La Palabra Entre Nosotros, Vol. 30, Número 2: Febrero/Marzo 2011.
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA
Lunes 4 Is 65:17-21 / Jn 4:43-54 San Isidoro Martes 5 Ez 47:1-9,12 / Jn 5:1-16 San Vicente Ferrer Miércoles 6 Is 49:8-15 / Jn 5:17-30 Jueves 7 Éx 32:7-14 / Jn 5:31-47 San Juan Bautista de la Salle Viernes 8 Sa 2:1,12-22 / Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30 Sábado 9 Jer 11:18-20 / Jn 7:40-53 Domingo 10 Ez 37:12-14 / Rom 8:8-11 / Jn 11:1-45 Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma
“I H
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, LÆTARE SUNDAY
LIVING LENT
SOLEMN GREGORIAN VESPERS The Schola Cantorum of St. Matthew’s Cathedral presents the Office of Vespers for Lætare Sunday, April 3, the Fourth Sunday of Lent at 4pm today in the Cathedral. The Office will be sung entirely in Latin, in Gregorian chant enhanced with renaissance motets of Tomàs Luis de Victoria and Heinrich Schütz and a setting of Deus, Qui Illumina―the Prayer after Communion for Laetare Sunday―by Spanish composer Julio Domínguez. The liturgy will be presented according to the Roman Liturgia Horarum, complete with the censing of the altar during the singing of the Magnificat. Complete texts and translations will be provided. The annual celebration of Gregorian Vespers is one of the most beloved musical events at the Cathedral each year. Join us and deepen your Lenten experience with the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant!
BECOME ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT IN CHRIST
Don’t miss Mr. Thomas Stehle, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Director of Music Ministries, this Wednesday or Thursday speaking on Crafting the Art of the Liturgy (see the Lecture Series flyer).
WEDNESDAY EVENING CONFESSIONS
Confessions in English and Spanish and time for quiet prayer will be available this Wednesday, April 6 from 6:30 to 8pm. Wednesday Lenten Confessions are in addition to our regularly scheduled Confessions (weekdays, 11am to Noon and Saturdays, 4 to 5pm). Come and experience forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father through the Son!
FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS & LENTEN MEAL
The Stations of the Cross in the form adopted by Pope John Paul II, will be prayed in English this Friday, April 8 at 6pm, immediately following the 5:30pm Mass. Join us afterwards for a Simple Lenten Meal served in the North Conference Room to benefit L’Arche (see the Simple Lenten Meals flyer). All are welcome for all or any part of this evening of prayer, fellowship and almsgiving.
SCRUTINIES FOR THE ELECT
The season of Lent coincides with the Purification and Enlightenment phase of the RCIA process. During this phase, our members of the Elect and our Candidates are called to intensify their prayer lives and discern more deeply their desire to join the Church. As the larger parish community, we are called to help them develop their relationship with God and the Church and to pray for them. The celebration of the Scrutinies, which will continue at the 5:30pm Mass on the fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, April 3 and 10, is an important part of the Purification and Enlightenment phase. During the Scrutinies, we look within ourselves to find anything that keeps us from Christ and then look to Christ to heal those weaknesses and to strengthen us as we face further tempta-tions. Please keep our six members of the Elect in your prayers.
REFRESHER: LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Ash Wednesday, which we celebrated on March 9, and Good Friday, April 22, are days of fast and abstinence. All Catholics who have reached their 18th birthday and are less than 60 years old are bound to observe the fast, by which they are limited to a single full meal during the course of the day. All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday must observe days of abstinence, during which no meat may be eaten. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL MINISTRY OF THE MONTH – COUPLES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
This weekend, April 2-3, Couples with Young Children is the featured Ministry of the Month at Hospitality receptions after each Mass except the 7am and 1pm Sunday Masses. As a new Cathedral ministry, Couples with Young Children seeks to unite parishioners who are raising families in our community and wish to grow in the Catholic faith. The goal is to promote communication, encourage fellowship, and spiritually empower the parents of young children at St. Matthew’s. Look for more details on the website and join us in the North Conference Room for Hospitality. If you have questions, contact Kathleen McBride at [email protected].
MOTHER’S DAY MAILING
This Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 from 8:30am until 4pm (and with refreshments!), we will prepare our first-ever Mother’s Day mailing, which will offer parishioners and friends the opportunity to have their loved ones remembered at a Cathedral Mass each day in May. Can you help us for an hour or two either day? To volunteer, call the Rectory at 202-347-3215 or email us at [email protected]. CHILDREN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL & MASS On Saturday April 9, 200 young singers from the International Federation of Pueri Cantores Mid-Atlantic will come to the Cathedral for a full day of rehearsals concluding with Mass at 5:30pm. Dr. Axel Theimer, director of Choral activities at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN will conduct. They will sing the works Franck, Mawby, White and Proulx. Please consider coming to welcome and worship with these budding pastoral musicians.
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 3, 2011
NEWS & NOTES
OPERATION RICE BOWL Volunteers will collect your Rice Bowls in the back of the Cathedral at the Vigil Mass next Saturday, April 9 and at all Masses next Sunday, April 10. Thank you for your participation.
MINISTERS NEEDED FOR
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER LITURGIES To our ministers of hospitality and anyone who would like to be a part of this ministry, please consider serving during Holy Week (the week before Easter Sunday) or Easter Sunday, including at the Easter Vigil. The schedule of the liturgies can be found in the Lenten brochure located in the pew racks. If you can help, email us at [email protected] or sign up in the book at the Cathedral entrance.
ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN
Always Our Children, the Gay and Lesbian Ministry of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle will hold its confidential monthly Support Group meeting on Sunday, April 10 from 3:30 to 5:15pm in the West Conference Room of the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, please contact Msgr. Jameson at 202-347-3215 or email alwaysourchildren@ verizon.net.
BLESSING OF ENGAGED COUPLES On Sunday, May 22 Msgr. Jameson and other parish clergy will confer a blessing of engaged couples at the 11:30am Mass. Couples who are scheduled to be married at the Cathedral or are receiving marriage preparation here at St. Matthew’s are invited to attend and receive the blessing. After the homily, the engaged couples present will be invited into the sanctuary for the blessing, and will return to their seats afterward. If you plan to join us, please send an email to [email protected] or notify the St. Matthew’s clergy member who is responsible for your marriage preparation. If you have questions, call us at 202-587-5143.
RULES OF CONDUCT
The Cathedral should be a safe haven, where one can worship and experience God’s love and grace in relative peace, away from conflict. As a dignified, welcoming sanctuary, it is necessary to maintain the beauty, joy, and solemnity of Mass—before, during, and after—so parishioners and visitors alike will want to attend, return and become active in the life of the Cathedral, and feel a sense of spiritual renewal whenever they attend Mass and receive the Sacraments. Recently the Cathedral Staff updated the Rules of Conduct so that parishioners, visitors and friends can be reminded of the type of environment and setting that we hope to maintain. If you are interested in reading this document, you can find a copy in the racks at the entrance to the Cathedral.
GO ELECTRONIC! Enrolling in Faith Direct will eliminate the need to search for cash or offertory envelopes. Faith Direct enables you to make your parish contributions either through direct debit to your checking account or through your Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover credit cards. You will not be charged any fees associated with use of the Faith Direct program, and your transactions are entirely secure, with personal information used for no other purpose.
Of course, enrollment is voluntary. Many Catholic churches and their parishioners around the country have experienced a win-win with Faith Direct. For more information or to enroll, please visit www.faithdirect.net or call Faith Direct at 866-507-8757 (toll-free), or contact Pam Erwin at the Rectory at [email protected] or (202) 587-5150. Our parish code is DC284.
MASS INTENTIONS April 3–April 9
SUNDAY: 5:30 (vigil) Olivier Burbano; 7am Peter J. Cullen 8:30am John Savinski; 10am Jessica Soo-Jin Bonaiuto; 11:30am Martha Dallabridia; 1pm Moises Lopez; 5:30pm All Parishioners.
MONDAY: 7am Josephine Klug Kuhn; 8am Frank D. Register; 12:10pm Shelley Mendes (living); 5:30pm Dewitt A. Dillon, Jr. & Family (living).
TUESDAY: 7am Mr.& Mrs. Celestino Salas & Family (living); 8am Danny Poshek; 12:10pm Jerre Richardson; 5:30pm Anna Luca.
WEDNESDAY: 7am Deacon William Thomas; 8am Charles Walter Noke; 12:10pm Lillian Laura Schaitberger; 5:30pm Josephine Calvarese Stankavage.
THURSDAY: 7am Charles Walter Noke; 8am Blanca Barrios; 12:10pm Patrick & Anne McEvoy; 5:30pm Vincent Lafronza.
FRIDAY: 7am Bob Pyne; 8am Charles Walter Noke; 12:10pm Alphonse & Mary Di Battista; 5:30pm Michael Doyle.
SATURDAY: 8am Nancy Gumbel, 12:10pm Joseph Di Battista; 5:30 Martin S. Quigley.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, LÆTARE SUNDAY
VIVIR LA CUARESMA
CONFESIONES LOS MIERCOLES DE CUARESMA
En este tiempo de Cuaresma, la Catedral de San Mateo tendrá confesiones disponibles todos los miércoles de Cuaresma de 6:30 a 8 de la noche, además del horario regular de confesiones (lunes–viernes, 11-12 y sábados 4-5 de la tarde) tendremos confesiones en inglés y español, exceptuando el Miércoles de Ceniza.
VIA CRUCIS El Vía Crucis, revisado por el Papa Juan Pablo II, se rezará en Inglés los vienes a las 6 de la tarde y en español los domingos a las 2:15 de la tarde durante la Cuaresma. Les invitamos a unirse a nosotros en esta devoción cuaresmal.
CICLO DE CONFERENCIAS DE CUARESMA 2011
Las reflexiones de Cuaresma continúan este martes 5 de abril. Al preparase el mundo angloparlante para implementar la nueva traducción del Misal Romano en el Adviento 2011; las reflexiones cuaresmales este año “Un solo Cuerpo y Un solo Espíritu en Cristo” nos presentan una magnifica oportunidad para profundizar nuestro entendimiento y apreciación de la Eucaristía que es “la cumbre y fuente de la verdadera Iglesia.” Estas reflexiones serán en el salón de conferencias del Oeste los martes a las 7:00 de la noche, durante el grupo de Oración. Estas reflexiones son gratuitas y abiertas al público.
SEMANA 4: HACED ESTO EN MEMORIA MIA Martes 5 de Abril a las 7:00 de la noche
SEMANA 5: ID EN PAZ Martes 12 de Abril a las 7:00 de la noche
CENAS SIMPLES DE CUARESMA
Durante la Cuaresma los Comités de Justicia Social y Servicios Comunitarios de San Mateo ofrece una cena simple en el salón de conferencia del Norte después del Vía Crucis (en Inglés) los viernes. ¡Únase con los demás feligreses y amigos a estas cenas simples! La donación que se recaude, irá a diferentes organizaciones en Washington, DC.
DÍA DE REFLEXIÓN POR CUARESMA Todos los miembros de la comunidad Hispana, están invitados a una mañana de reflexión espiritual, este 10 de Abril de 8:30 a 12:30 del mediodía. El tema será: Del Desierto Cotidiano a la Fuente de Nueva Vida. Este retiro se ofrece en el salón de conferencias del Norte para adultos y salón de conferencias del Este para niños.
NOTICIAS DE LA PARROQUIA
MINISTERIO DEL MES DE ABRIL PADRES CON NIÑOS PEQUEÑOS
Este fin de semana, 2-3 de abril, padres con niños pequeños serán destacados en el ministerio del mes. Este es un nuevo ministerio de la Catedral, que busca el reunir a feligreses que están empezando una familia en nuestra comunidad, y desean crecer en la fe católica. La meta de este ministerio es promover la comunicación, animar la fraternidad, y dar poder espiritual a los padres de niños pequeños en San Mateo. Vean más detalles en la página digital y acompáñenos este domingo, día de Hospitalidad, en el salón de conferencias del Norte. Si usted tiene cualquier pregunta sobre este nuevo ministerio, póngase en contacto con Kathleen a: [email protected].
CLASES DE PREPARACIÓN PARA LA CONFIRMACIÓN DE ADULTOS
Las personas adultas que deseen recibir el sacramento de la Confirmación el 12 de junio, día de Pentecostés, tienen que recibir unas clases que se ofrecerán los domingos 15, 22, y 29 de mayo a las 11 de la mañana hasta las 12:15 del mediodía en los salones de la calle N. Para más información e inscripción, pueden llamar a la rectoría y dejar un mensaje para Fátima Aybar al 202-347-3215 x543. Deben traer a la clase una copia del certificado de bautismo.
OFRENDA DE FLORES DE SEMANA SANTA
Cada año hacemos lo posible para decorar la Catedral en una forma que refleje la simplicidad de esta época, Semana Santa. Para hacerlo de nuevo este año, se les pide que nos apoyen con su generosidad. Por favor use los sobres marcados "Flower Offering" localizados en los bancos. Queremos que la Catedral esté bien adornada por tanto, cualquier asistencia que den para la decoración es apreciada.
FAITH FORMATION
BECOMING CATHOLIC For those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith or thinking about becoming Catholic, join us for Inquiry, a casual, ongoing conversation about the Catholic faith. Inquiry is the first step in the process of discerning one’s commitment to full initiation in the Catholic Church and meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the East Conference Room. A brief overview of the entire adult initiation process (RCIA) can be presented after Inquiry for those who are interested. The next Inquiry will be held Wednesday, April 13. For more information, contact Heather Kinney at [email protected].
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 3, 2011
FAITH FORMATION ADULT CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
You may still register for St. Matthew’s five-week program for active adult Catholics who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 and June 2 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm with a retreat on Saturday, June 4. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, June 12. Please contact Heather Kinney at [email protected] by Thursday, April 28 to register.
BOOK CLUB
The next meeting of the St. Matthew's Cathedral Book Club will be Monday, May 2 in the West Conference Room, when we will discuss Confessions by St. Augustine. Confessions is St. Augustine's autobiography in which he shares his journey from reckless youth to Catholic convert and eventually Doctor of the Church. This book contains some of the most beautiful writing in the history of the Church and is filled with deep spiritual insights. The meeting will start at 6:40pm. All are welcome. Contact Paul Zummo at [email protected] for more information.
CATHEDRAL CALENDAR April 3 – April 10
SUNDAY—(Lætare Sunday)—Hospitality receptions are held in the North Conference Room after all Masses except the 7am and 1pm Masses.
A second collection for Cathedral maintenance is taken at all Masses. Las clases de Catequesis, Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar se reúnen a las 11de la mañana.
El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde. Lætare Vespers are held at 4pm in the Cathedral.
The Second Scrutiny for the Elect is celebrated at the 5:30pm Mass. MONDAY—The Parish Council meets at 6:45pm in the East Conference Room. TUESDAY—Las Reflexiones de Cuaresma continúan hoy a las 7 de la tarde en el
salón de conferencias del Oeste. WEDNESDAY—A Lenten Lecture is given at 12:45pm in the North Conference
Room. Msgr. Vaghi gives a theological reflection in the North Conference Room at 6pm. Confessions are held in English and Spanish from 6:30 to 8pm. Breaking Open the Word meets at 7pm in the West Conference Room.
THURSDAY—Wednesday’s Lenten Lecture is repeated at 7pm in the North Conference Room.
FRIDAY—Stations of the Cross are prayed at 6pm, followed by a Simple Lenten Meal served in the North Conference Room.
SATURDAY—The International Federation of Pueri Cantores Mid-Atlantic sings at the 5:30pm Mass.
SUNDAY—Día de reflexión espiritual de Cuaresma se ofrece a las 8:30 de la mañana en el salón de conferencia del Norte para adultos y en el salón de conferencias del Este para niños.
The Cathedral Club meets at 1pm in the West Conference Room. El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde. Always Our Children meets at 3:30pm in the West Conference Room. The Third Scrutiny for the Elect is celebrated at the 5:30pm Mass.
AROUND THE AREA
FRANCISCAN SYMPOSIUM The Franciscan Center at the Washington Theological Union invites all to the 14th Annual National Franciscan Symposium, April 8-10, at Washington Theological Union (6896 Laurel Street, NW Washington, DC). The cost is $220 (includes 3 days of lectures, reception and Saturday and Sunday lunches). Register at www.wtu.edu/ franciscan.htm. Contact Sr. Katherine Kandefer, BVM at [email protected] or 202-541-5222 with questions. PALM SUNDAY RETREAT
The Dominican Retreat in McLean, VA offers a Palm Sunday Weekend Retreat for women, April 15-17, emphasizing traditional Lenten devotions and practices. The theme is “Make your home in me as I make mine in you” (John 15:4) Fr. Scott Hurd, Executive Director of the Archdiocese of Washington Office for the Permanent Diaconate, will guide retreatants. To register, call Jan Ishee at 703-481-1484 or the Retreat at 703-356-4243. CATHOLIC ALUMNI CLUB
CAC of Washington, DC, an organization of single Catholics in the Greater Washington area, is sponsoring a Motown Dance for Singles (ages 21 and up) on Saturday, April 16, 8:30pm-2:30am at Knights of Columbus Hall on 9707 Rosensteel Avenue in Silver Spring. Admission is $20. For more information, visit www.dcsinglecatholicpro.org or call Anne at 301-218-2772.
Please check out website regularly for up-to-date information on events and activities at your Cathedral parish! www.stmattthewscathedral.org
Praying with Body, Mind, and Voice
In the celebration of Mass we raise our hearts and minds to God. We are creatures of body as well as spirit, so our prayer is not con� ned to our minds
and hearts. It is expressed by our bodies as well. When our bodies are engaged in our prayer, we pray with our whole person. Using our entire being in prayer helps us to pray with greater attentiveness.
During Mass we assume different postures—standing, kneeling, sitting—and we are also invited to make a variety of gestures. These postures and gestures are not merely ceremonial. They have pro-found meaning and, when done with understand-ing, can enhance our participation in the Mass.
stanDinGStanding is a sign of respect and honor, so we stand as the celebrant who represents Christ enters and leaves the assembly. From the earliest days of the Church, this posture has been understood as the stance of those who have risen with Christ and seek the things that are above. When we stand for prayer, we assume our full stature before God, not in pride but in humble grati-tude for the marvelous things God has done in creat-ing and redeeming each one of us. By Baptism we have been given a share in the life of God, and the posture of standing is an acknowledgment of this wonderful gift. We stand for the proclamation of the Gospel, which recounts the words and deeds of the Lord. Th e bishops of the United States have chosen standing as the posture to be observed for the reception of Communion.
KneelinGIn the early Church, kneeling signifi ed penance. So thor-oughly was kneeling identifi ed with penance that the early Christians were forbidden to kneel on Sundays and during the Easter season, when the prevailing spirit of the Liturgy was one of joy and thanksgiving. In the Middle Ages kneeling came to signify homage, and more recently this posture has come to signify adoration, especially before the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is for this reason that the bishops of this country have chosen the posture of kneeling for the entire Eucharistic Prayer.
sittinGSitting is the posture of listening and meditation, so the congregation sits for the pre-Gospel readings and the homily and may also sit for the period of meditation fol-lowing Communion. All should strive to assume a seated posture during the Mass that is attentive rather than merely at rest.
ProcessionsEvery procession in the Liturgy is a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Th e Mass begins with the procession of the priest and ministers to the altar. Th e Book of the Gospels is carried in procession to the ambo. Th e gifts of bread and wine are brought forward to the altar. Members of the assembly come for-ward in procession—eagerly, attentively, and devoutly—to receive Holy Communion. We who believe in Christ are moving in time toward that moment when we will leave this world and enter into the joy of the Lord in the eternal Kingdom he has prepared for us.
MaKinG tHe siGn of tHe crossWe begin and end Mass by marking ourselves with the Sign of the Cross. Because it was by his death on the Cross that Christ redeemed humankind, we trace the Sign of the Cross on our foreheads, lips, and hearts at the beginning of the Gospel, praying that the Word of God may be always in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. Th e cross reminds us in a physical way of the Pas-chal Mystery we celebrate: the death and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.
BoWinGBowing signifi es reverence, respect, and gratitude. In the Creed we bow at the words that commemorate the Incarnation. We also bow as a sign of reverence before we receive Communion. Th e priest and other ministers bow to the altar, a symbol of Christ, when entering or leaving the sanctuary. As a sign of respect and reverence even in our speech, we bow our heads at the name of Jesus, at the mention of the Th ree Persons of the Trinity,
at the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and at the name of the saint whose particular feast or memorial is being observed (see GIRM, no. 275).
GenuflectinGAs a sign of adoration, we genuflect by bringing our right knee to the floor. Many people also make the Sign of the Cross as they bend their knee. Traditionally, Catholics genuflect on entering and leaving church if the Blessed Sacrament is present in the sanctuary of the Church. The priest and deacon genuflect to the tabernacle on entering and leaving the sanctuary. The priest also genuflects in adoration after he shows the Body and Blood of Christ to the people after the consecration and again before inviting the people to Holy Communion.
OransThe priest frequently uses this ancient prayer posture, extending his hands to his sides, slightly elevated. Orans means “praying.” Early Christian art frequently depicts the saints and others standing in this posture, offering their prayers and surrendering themselves, with hands uplifted to the Lord, in a gesture that echoes Christ’s outstretched arms as he offered himself on the Cross.
ProstratinGIn this rarely used posture, an individual lays full-length on the floor, face to the ground. A posture of deep humil-ity, it signifies our willingness to share in Christ’s death so as to share in his Resurrection (see Rom 6). It is used at the beginning of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and also during the Litany of the Saints in the Rite of Ordination, when those to be ordained dea-cons, priests, and bishops prostrate themselves in humble prayer and submission to Christ.
sinGinG“By its very nature song has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that sing-ing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people” (United States Confer-ence of Catholic Bishops, Sing to the Lord, no. 2). As we raise our voices as one in the prayers, dialogues, and chants of the Mass, most especially in the Eucharistic
Prayer, as well as the other hymns and songs, we each lend our individual voices to the great hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Triune God.
PrayinG in unisonIn the Mass, the worshiping assembly prays in one voice, speaking or singing together the words of the prayers. By saying the same words at the same time, we act as what we truly are—one Body united in Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism.
BeinG silent“Silence in the Liturgy allows the community to reflect on what it has heard and experienced, and to open its heart to the mystery celebrated” (Sing to the Lord, no. 118). We gather in silence, taking time to separate our-selves from the concerns of the world and enter into the sacred action. We reflect on the readings in silence. We may take time for silent reflection and prayer after Holy Communion. These times of silence are not merely times when nothing happens; rather, they are opportunities for us to enter more deeply in what God is doing in the Mass, and, like Mary, to keep “all these things, reflect-ing on them” in our hearts (Lk 2:19).
conclusionThe Church sees in these common postures and ges-tures both a symbol of the unity of those who have come together to worship and also a means of fostering that unity. We are not free to change these postures to suit our own individual piety, for the Church makes it clear that our unity of posture and gesture is an expres-sion of our participation in the one Body formed by the baptized with Christ, our head. When we stand, kneel, sit, bow, and sign ourselves in common action, we give unambiguous witness that we are indeed the Body of Christ, united in body, mind, and voice.
REFERENCEUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Sing to
the Lord: Music in Divine Worship. Pastoral Liturgy Series 4. Washington, DC: USCCB, 2007.
Hospitality CommitteeThe Hospitality Committee helps bring the parish closer to God by creating Christian fellowship. Activities include assisting parish staff and organizations in coordinating and hosting social functions and welcoming new parishioners into full participation in Cathedral activities.
We need volunteers to join the Hospitality Committee to help plan, promote, and host a variety of important events.Youcanhelp!!Priorities for the next few months include:
• Hospitality Sunday o April 2 – 3 o April 30 – May 1
• Outreach to area hotels this month to share the Cathedral brochure
• Outreach to nearby embassies to share the Cathedral brochure• Dinner for the guests of our Homeless Ministry program in
June/July• Receptions celebrating the ordination of two priests in June• Strategies to welcome and engage new parishioners (ongoing)• A bake sale in May to support Hospitality events and related
outreach efforts
Do you enjoy working with others and making new friends? Do you have energy and ideas to contribute in service to your fellow parishioners and our many guests? If so, please contact Terri Kelly, Chair, Hospitality Committee, [email protected]’d love to hear from you!
Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle stmatthewscathedral.org
Couples with Young Children, a new ministry at the Cathedral, is looking to unite parishioners who are raising families in our community and wish to grow in the Catholic faith.
The goal for this ministry is to promote communication, encourage fellowship, and spiritually empower the parents of young children at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
There will be a meeting on April 11th at 10:30 AM.
Look for more details on the website. If you have any further questions about Couples with Young Children, please contact Kathleen McBride at [email protected]. Children are a gift from God; they are a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3
“The Mass most clearly identifies us as Catholic,” Cardinal Donald Wuerl recently wrote in a letter to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. “To paraphrase Saint Anselm, our faith should seek understanding. The more fully we understand what we are saying and
doing, the more deeply we can experience the Mass.” As the English-speaking world prepares for the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal this coming
Advent, the St. Matthew’s Cathedral staff invites you to our Lenten Lecture Series, which will focus on enriching our understanding and deepening our appreciation of the Eucharist, the
Church’s central act of worship. —————
Week 4:
CRAFTING THE ART OF LITURGY MR. THOMAS STEHLE,
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE FOR LITURGY AND DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
Wednesday, April 6 (12:45pm to 1:45pm) or Thursday, April 7 (7pm to 8pm)
North Conference Room
Free and Open to the Public
No RSVP Necessary
Copies of Cardinal Wuerl’s new book — The Mass: The Glory, The Mystery, The Tradition — will be available for sale for $20.00 at the lectures
(cash or check made payable to St. Matthew’s Cathedral).
Contact: Heather Kinney, Director of Faith Formation ([email protected])
Lenten Lecture Series Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
with Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi
An Eight-Part Series
AUTHENTIC LAY SPIRITUALITY Part Six: Go Live the Mass
Wednesday, April 6, 6:00 p.m. (Following 5:30 p.m. Mass)
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
North Conference Room
Msgr. Vaghi, is Pastor, Church of the Little Flower, Bethesda, and is the Chaplain of the John Carroll Society. He is the author of The Faith We Profess: A Catholic Guide to the Apostles’ Creed and The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith (Ave Maria Press).
Simple Lenten MealsShare the sustenance of food and fellowship
Each Friday During LentAFTER 5:30 PM MASS AND 6 PM STATIONS OF THE CROSS
ST. MATTHEW’S CATHEDRAL, NORTH CONFERENCE ROOM
Guest SpeakersDonations collected to benefit Washington DC charities
March 11 Mary House - Bill Murphy, President
March 18 Prison Outreach Ministry -Joyce Void, DC Coordinator “Welcome Home Reentry Program”
March 25 “Hogar San Francisco de Asis”(Center for Destitute and Sick Children, Peru)- Karin Quiroga and Olivia Crosby, St. Matthew’s 2009 Peru Mission
April 1 N Street Village - Kate Akalonu, Manager of Volunteer and In-Kind Services
April 8 L’Arche - Sean Baird, Ontario House Assistant andEileen Schofield, Core Resident
April 15 St. Matthew’s Social Justice Committee - Rev. Evelio Menjivar and Gregg Glotnis, Chair
Adopt-A-Family Program Support Families in Our Parish
Easter Grocery Gift Card Collection
The Adopt-A-Family Program of the St. Matthew’s Cathedral Social Justice & Community Services Committee is collecting grocery store gift cards to distribute to families in need in our parish community. Your gift of $25 Safeway or Giant gift card will make it possible for a family to gather with loved ones to celebrate the joy of Easter over a hearty meal! Reach out to show your support of our neighbors. Please be as generous as possible, as there is great need among many families in our parish community. Your support will make a world of difference! To support this project, place the gift card or donation in the basket on the table at the entrance to the Cathedral after Masses on April 2nd and 3rd, as well as on April 9th and 10th. If you prefer, you are welcome to send in a financial donation. Simply write a check to St. Matthew’s Cathedral, write “Adopt-A-Family” on the note line, place the check in an envelope, and mail it to the rectory. We would like to receive donations by no later than April 12th. Any donations that we receive above what is needed at this time will be used to provide emergency assistance to families in need throughout the year. Thank you very much for your generosity and support of our neighbors in need! For more information on the Adopt-A-Family Program activities at the Cathedral, please visit www.stmatthewscathedral.com or write to [email protected].
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40)
