~ ~ Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020 S S aint the PARISH CENTER OFFICE HOURS MONDAY through THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY Office is closed Follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/ChurchofStLeotheGreat BULLETIN DEADLINE - FRIDAY AM 50 HURLEY’S LANE LINCROFT, NEW JERSEY 07738-1406 MASS SCHEDULE—Temporarily Suspended WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 a.m. DAILY MASSES: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. Novena Prayers following 9:00 a.m. Mass Monday — Miraculous Medal Tuesday — Saint Anthony Wednesday — Saint Jude Thursday — Divine Mercy Chaplet Friday — Sacred Heart HOLY DAY MASSES: See Bulletin CONFESSIONS: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or anytime on request Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 5, 2020 The Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic Community of Community of Community of Matthew 21:9b L L eo G G reat The Parish Center is CLOSED until further notice. We can be reached by phone and email.
Transcript
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
SSaint the
PARISH CENTER OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY through THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
SUNDAY Office is closed
Follow us on Facebook - facebook.com/ChurchofStLeotheGreat BULLETIN DEADLINE - FRIDAY AM
DAILY MASSES: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. Novena Prayers following 9:00 a.m. Mass Monday — Miraculous Medal Tuesday — Saint Anthony Wednesday — Saint Jude Thursday — Divine Mercy Chaplet Friday — Sacred Heart
HOLY DAY MASSES: See Bulletin
CONFESSIONS: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or anytime on request
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
April 5, 2020
The Roman CatholicThe Roman CatholicThe Roman Catholic Community ofCommunity ofCommunity of
Matthew 21:9b
LLeo
GGreat
The Parish Center is CLOSED until
further notice. We can be reached
by phone and email.
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020 Parish Statement of Vision & Purpose
With charity, joy and missionary enthusiasm the Roman Catholic Family of Saint Leo the Great, Lincroft,
commits to giving ourselves unconditionally in service to the People of God in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior
BAPTISMS: Parents and Godparents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the Baptism. Baptisms are usually celebrated twice a month on a Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Please see our website for information. MARRIAGES: Please call the Parish Center one year in advance PRIOR to making any other arrangements.
HOSPITAL & HOME COMMUNION CALLS: Call the Parish Center SPONSOR CERTIFICATES / LETTERS OF ELIGIBILITY: Must be: a registered Parishioner, a faithfully practicing Roman Catholic, over the age of 16, if married, must be in a valid Catholic marriage, and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation. (cf. Canon Law)
Pastoral Center Parish Center 732-747-5466 Fax 732-219-5181 Email [email protected] Website www.stleothegreat.com Convent 732-741-3430 Pastoral Staff
Pastor Reverend John T. Folchetti, D.Min. Weekend Assistant Reverend Rocco Cuomo Weekend Assistant Reverend William J. Bausch Weekend Assistant Reverend Timothy Tighe, CSP Deacon Mr. Edward H. Wilson Deacon Mr. Richard Tucker Deacon Candidate Mr. John Senkewicz Pastoral Associate Sister Jeanne Belli, S.S.J. Parish Trustee Mr. Mark Russo Parish Trustee Mr. John Shibles Office Manager Ms. Julie C. Olski Pastor’s Liaison Mrs. Gloria Harter Communications Miss Christina Georgas Receptionist Mrs. Carmel Grassano Receptionist Mrs. Elizabeth Barca Saturday Receptionist Mrs. Joan Gittens
Parish Administration Director Mr. Joseph A. Manzi, MBA, MS Bursar & HR Director Mrs. Maureen Leach Controller Mr. Carmine S. Giambrone, CPA Bookkeeper Mrs. Sharon Kreft
Pastoral Ministries
Saint Leo the Great School
School 732-741-3133 Website www.saintleothegreatschool.com
Principal Mr. Cornelius G. Begley, BS, MA Vice Principal Ms. Caroline Fitzgerald, BA, MA Mr. David Guglietti, BA, MA PTA President Mrs. Paula McKeon
Pastoral Associate Mr. Mark G. Russoniello, MAPT Coordinator, K-5 Ms. Paula DeStefano Coordinator, 6-8 Mr. Gary Arkin Administrative Assistant Mrs. Karen Ann Lenahan
Worship & Liturgical Ministries Acolytes, Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors Moderator Deacon Edward Wilson Sacred Music Sacristan Mr. Michael Bosch
Catholic Youth Ministry Director Mrs. Joan M. Kret
Buildings & Grounds Director of Security Mr. G. Thomas Coyle Custodian Mr. John Kersey
Evangelization & Spiritual Formation Coordinator of R.C.I.A. Mrs. Janice Campbell CLOW Mrs. Patricia Hicks Reflection for Women Mrs. Patricia Hicks Senior Spirituality Sister Jeanne Belli, S.S.J.
Parish Council Chairperson Mrs. Michele Massaro-Linzalone Vice Chairperson Mr. John Senkewicz
Christian Service Ministries Social Concerns Mr. John Senkewicz, Coordinator Lunch Break Mr. Gary Krall, Coordinator
Parish Organizations Carnival General Manager Mr. Joseph A. Manzi Holy Name Society President Mr. Stephen Mercadante Vice President Mr. Thomas Dogas Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Douglas Walsh Saint Joseph’s Society Mr. Donald Listing
Community Outreach Bereavement Support Sister Jeanne Belli, S.S.J. Spiritual Direction Sister Jeanne Belli, S.S.J. Caregiving Friends Mrs. Mary Lee AA - 8:30 a.m. Saturday
Parish Athletic Activities Director & Coordinator Mr. Anthony Biancaniello SLG Athletic Association
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the life of a Parish Community. It is what we have been preparing for, all of Lent. It is the highlight of what our faith life is all about. Don't miss the best part! As we enter the holiest of weeks, know that we are here for you. Please view the live-streamed Masses at dioceseoftrenton.org.
The term Easter Triduum might not sound familiar to you; however, you are very familiar with it. The Triduum is the three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday. The Church meets as a family during those three days to remember what it is that Jesus has done for us.
What the Triduum commemorates, that which makes it the "culmination of the entire liturgical year," is the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus was willing to die for our sins and was resurrected, death no longer is the end of life for us. It is the beginning of new life. We gather (virtually) at the Easter Triduum to remember the saving act of Jesus and the miracle of his resurrection. Because Jesus died and was resurrected, we live.
The term triduum means "three days." The three days are counted as the Hebrews counted their days, from dusk to dusk. Therefore, the three days of the Easter Triduum are from dusk on Holy Thursday to dusk on Good Friday (day one), dusk on Good Friday to dusk on Holy Saturday (day two), and dusk on Holy Saturday to dusk on Easter Sunday (day three). Each of those days "tells" a different part of the story of Jesus' saving action. On Holy Thursday we remember the Last Supper. Jesus gives us the Eucharist and tells us to "Do this in memory of me." He then washes the feet of the apostles. On Good Friday we remember the passion and death of Jesus. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ either at the Easter Vigil on Saturday night (when new members are baptized and welcomed into our Catholic community) or on Easter Sunday morning.
We look at the Easter Triduum as one single celebration that lasts for three days. We cannot separate the death of Jesus from his resurrection. We do not spend all of the three days in Church, but at various times during those days, we are called to Church to gather and remember together. When we are not in Church, we are asked to keep the spirit of those days even in our homes, if possible. (www.dioceseoftrenton.org)
Called by your baptism as a child of God, you are invited to experience the Easter Triduum with all Catholics throughout the world. To experience the fullness of the Triduum is to be present in front of the TV, computer, tablet, ipad, or phone for the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, the service on Good Friday, and either the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening or Mass on Easter Sunday morning. Let us pray for one another +
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
Saturday, April 4 5:30 p.m. -+Deacon Joseph DePaolis +William Kennelly, Jr., r/b Mom & Dad Sunday, April 5 7:00 a.m. -+Harry Gillingham, r/b Pacelli & Larkins Family +Connie Sorgente, r/b Michael Peragino 8:30 a.m. -+John Hall, r/b Julie Hall +James Lyons, r/b Rose Canavan 10:00 a.m. - People of the Parish +Pat Brick, r/b Marilyn & Joseph Fricovsky 11:30 a.m. -+John Senkewicz, Sr., r/b M/M Rock Linzalone +Richard Hallenus, r/b Anthony & Barbara Masterpalo Monday, April 6 9:00 a.m. -+Joann Balsamini, r/b Mary Ellen Werth +Ethel Giorgetti, r/b Madeline Crockett Tuesday, April 7 9:00 a.m. -+Nick & Catharina Kraljic, r/b Joseph Turkovic +Paul Michael Steed, r/b Family Wednesday, April 8 9:00 a.m. -+Margherita DeGregorio, r/b Mary Ann Panick +Claude Campbell, r/b Ann & John Holy Thursday, April 9 7:30 p.m. Mass - L/D Priests of the Diocese of Trenton Good Friday, April 10 3:00 p.m. - Service Holy Saturday, April 11 7:30 p.m. - People of the Parish Easter Sunday, April 12 7:00 a.m. – Living & Deceased Religious 8:30 a.m. - Faculty, Staff & Students of SLG School 10:00 a.m. - All those affected by COVID-19 11:30 a.m. - Our Parishioners and Families
Mass Intentions for the Week
All Masses and Liturgies through Holy Week will be celebrated
without a congregation. The faithful are encouraged to
participate reverently as families from their homes.
Go to dioceseoftrenton.org
HOLY THURSDAY, April 9 Mass of The Lord’s Supper
The Mass for Holy Thursday will be celebrated by the Bishop O’Connell
without a congregation and live-streamed on Diocesan websites at 7 p.m. April 9.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 10
The Commemoration/Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will be celebrated by the Bishop without a congregation
and live-streamed on Diocesan websites at 3 p.m. April 10.
HOLY SATURDAY, April 11 The Easter Vigil will be celebrated by the Bishop without a congregation and live-
streamed on Diocesan websites at 7 p.m. April 11.
Your Prayers Are Requested Remember the Servicemen and Women
who are serving in the military overseas. Pray for their safe return and for their families
Remember Our Sick, especially Residents of Luftman Towers, The Pavilion & Sunrise Assisted Living, those with COVID-19 Remember Our Deceased, especially Barbara Russian, victims of COVID-19 Remember Our New Parishioners and Their Families
PRIVATE MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE INTENTIONS.
Please go to our website to view Father John’s Daily Reflections.
OFFERTORY Thank you for your continued support! You may also donate electronically via our website
(click on E-Giving) or using your financial institution’s electronic bill pay.
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
A LOOK AT TRIDUUM SYMBOLS
BACKGROUND The Triduum is a sacred time for all of us. Journey with children through the Triduum by setting up a station for the days of this season. Make a framed sign for each day: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. Display items associated with each day to help children learn about this holy season.
WITH THE CHILDREN Explain to them that the Triduum is a three-day season between the Lent and Easter seasons. Walk through the three days and teach the children about the symbols for each one. Stress that the cross was not the end but led to the resurrection of Jesus and new life for all of us.
Walk through the Triduum
Holy Thursday
Show a bowl and pitcher.
Explain how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples on the night before he died. Talk about how Jesus told his followers to serve others as Jesus was the servant of all. Ask the children to name ways they can serve others, such as making get-well cards for people in the hospital or helping with a parish outreach project.
Good Friday
Display a cross on a purple cloth along with an open Bible.
Tell the children that this was the day that Jesus died on a cross. Explain that we call this day Good Friday because we know that it leads to the resurrection and Easter Sunday. We display crosses to remember how much God loves us. Invite the children to tell about any crosses they have at home or have seen elsewhere.
Easter Vigil
Put out a white cloth and a bowl of holy water plus a green plant.
Share with your learners that the third day of the Triduum is from the Easter Vigil through Easter day. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Explain that people are baptized at Mass at the Easter Vigil and welcomed into the church. Invite the children to make the sign of the cross with holy water as a reminder of their own baptism
Used with permission from Twenty-Third Publications. 70 Church Year Lesson Starters
for Kids and those who teach them, Patricia Mathson, copyright 2017
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
CAMP VERITAS 2020: Camp Veritas is a one week play and pray sleep away summer camp for teens going into 7th-12th Grades. There are 5 locations; June 29-July 4 at Clongowes Wood College, Ireland; July 19-25 at Mt. St. Mary College, Newburgh, NY; July 26-Aug 1, Emmitsburg, MD; Aug 2-7, Lake Placid, FL; August 16-22 at Camp Lakota, Wurtsbro, NY. Early Bird (before 4/1) for each week is $400 per camper - $450 per camper after that date. For more information, go to www.campveritas.com. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS of the Americas: Court Fulgens Corona #1684. Next meetings are at 7 p.m. on May 13 and June 10 in St. Mary Chapel, Leonardville Rd, Middletown. Ladies 18 and older are invited to visit a meeting. Call Janet Bilotta 732-671-6446 for information about membership and our annual fund raising luncheon on April 4. "Unity and Charity" HANDBAGS TO HELP: WELCOME SPRING! When cleaning out closets in the next few weeks, please donate your “like-new” designer handbags to Vincent's Legacy, the St. Vincent de Paul Society/Diocesan Council furniture ministry. Now in its second decade, this 100% volunteer-driven ministry provides donated quality furniture and household items to families in need while also doing our small part to help Mother Earth by keeping these pieces out of NJ landfills. To help us continue to help others, contact [email protected] for more information on how to donate or where to purchase. A SUMMER WEEK-LONG CATHOLIC FAMILY VACATION RETREAT: Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ. Retreat weeks start each Monday beginning June 22 through end of August. Note: there is a special week for Single-parent families, July 13-18. Cost* for the week: $220pp ages 8+; $150 ages 2-7; under 2 free. *Price includes meals, room, program, beach access and more! Financial Aid is available. Join together with other families for the week. Mass and other family liturgies are complemented by skits, presentations, family sharing, peer group discussions, sunset beach walks and other fun activities. Scheduled recreation and free time (4-5 hours DAILY), with ocean swimming (beach is only 1/2 block from our house) are part of all family retreats. To sign up or for further information go to: www.capemaymarianists.org. You may email: [email protected] or call 609-884-3829
News Around the Diocese
WARMER WEATHER BRINGS THOUGHTS OF SAINT LEO’S
UPCOMING CARNIVAL
JUNE 15th THROUGH JUNE 20th The Carnival Committee has been busy
for several months now getting everything set up behind the scenes.
Now, they are in need of YOUR help to make this year’s Carnival a success!
Please go to
https://www.stleothegreat.com/carnival to sign up to Volunteer and purchase a
SUPER 50/50 Raffle Ticket
You have to be in it to WIN it!
Saint Leo the Great Athletic Association 2020 Spring Golf Classic Four Man Scramble
Monday, May 18, 2020 Pebble Creek Golf Course
40 Route 537 East, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Registration: 8 AM • Breakfast: 8 AM – 9 AM • Tee Off: 9 AM • Lunch: To Follow Cost: $150 Per Person*
To all golfers, sponsors, and volunteers…THANK YOU!
● Please make checks payable to: Saint Leo the Great Athletic Association ● Mail/Drop off checks with golfer/foursome Information to:
Saint Leo the Great, Attn: Anthony Biancaniello, 550 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Any questions, please call/text
Anthony Biancaniello at 732-921-2175 or Tom Gioia at 732-233-6321
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
“One can show no greater love than to set aside one’s own desires for the needs of another.”
~~ John 15:13
“Solidarity highlights in a particular way the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity and rights and the common path towards an ever more committed unity.”
~ Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #192
“Solidarity is undoubtedly a Christian virtue. Solidarity demands a readiness to accept the sacrifices necessary for the good of the whole community.”
~ Saint John Paul II, Encyclical Letter on the Social Concern of the Church, December 30, 1987
“The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest, invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours when everything seems to be floundering.”
~ Pope Francis, Ubi et Orbi, March 27, 2020
Solidarity. It is one of the foundational principles of the Social Justice teaching of the Catholic Church. It is an idea at the very heart of the mission and message of the Church, articulated with particular strength and focus by Pope Francis. Solidarity is fundamental to our identity as Roman Catholics. What does it mean? Solidarity is more than an idea or nice philosophic concept. For Catholic Christians, it must be a way of life. When we practice solidarity, we recognize and honor each and every human person as a child of God, created in His image, with an equal claim to our compassion, love, support and protection. I am reminded of a small wooden plaque that hung in our kitchen when I was young. It had been sent to my parents by my sister who lived in Arizona and quoted the Native American proverb: “Do not judge a person until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.” In the midst of the current health crisis, are we not all standing in each others’ moccasins? Solidarity therefore means to stand in the place of another and look at the world through his or her eyes. It means to appreciate the unique life circumstances of another, and to feel the joy and pain of the other that comes from looking at the world from the same direction. Solidarity means to take on the joy and pain of another as my own. This is particularly true and necessary for the great majority of humanity that lives in poverty, vulnerability, marginalization and invisibility. Coronavirus is not discriminating. It does not decide who to infect based on income, geography, race, social status, gender or age. Still, the impact of the virus is affecting some in our society disproportionately more than others: the aged, those in nursing homes, the immuno-compromised, people without adequate access to healthcare, migrants and others forced to live in confined spaces, hourly and day-wage workers who must go out to work in order to eat, the suddenly unemployed. As we all sit in our homes practicing essential social distancing, can we live, think and pray in solidarity with these vulnerable peoples? Can we live, think and pray with those who every day are putting themselves at risk to deliver necessary services to the ill and dying: healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees, public safety officers, state and local government employees, military personnel? Can we live, think and pray with teachers and students (especially those with special needs) who are adapting to new ways of learning? Can we live, think and pray with anyone (possibly in our own families) who is away from family and frightened because they are unable to travel home?
Notes from the Office of Faith Formation
Continued on page 10
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
May the Word of God stir us to begin this Holy Week with a deep desire to grow closer to the Lord. The events we recall are not to be seen as a story of how great was Jesus’ love for us then, but to seek and find Him and discover His unending love for us today. The saving work of Jesus is taking place right now. As I begin this week, I look for His saving grace in my life, my home, our world. We enter into this saving work as He entered the holy city. We unite ourselves to Him, as we sit at the last supper, weep in Gethsemane, walk to Calvary, and await the good news of the resurrection. Holy Week does not just happen; it calls me to live the drama of the paschal mystery with Him.
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
April 12, 2020 First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37‑43 In this passage, Peter testifies that he and his followers saw the miracles performed by Christ, witnessed His death, and believe in His resurrection. Now they will proclaim to all that Christ is the Son of God. Second Reading: Colossians 3:1‑4 Paul tells the Colossians that they will appear with Christ in glory. They should be mindful of things above rather than things on earth. Gospel: John 20:1‑9 In vivid detail, John tells us that when Mary Magdalene visited Christ’s tomb, the tomb was empty. She told the apostles, who ran to the tomb, and saw the “wrappings” on the ground. The disciple who entered first “saw and believed.”
A VOCATION VIEW . . . Today's world is so filled with suffering, injustice, anger, depression and loneliness that it cries for people waving palm branches of hope and resurrection, proclaiming new life.
Monday: Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday: Is 49:1-6; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a; Mt 26:14-25 Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 Friday: Is 52:13—53:12: Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1—19:42 Saturday: Easter Vigil: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ex 14:15—15:1; Is 54:5-14; Is 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4; Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Rom 6:3-11; Mt 28:1-10
HIS WORD TODAY
“The Lord God has given me a well trained tongue, that I may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them….The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.”
Daily Readings for the Week
PRO-LIFE CORNER + "In a virtually unprecedented live-streamed prayer service before an empty Square from the sagrato of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Fran-cis said Friday that the pandemic, which comes as Christians are marking the peniten-tial season of Lent, is an opportunity to col-lectively stop and reprioritize. “We find ourselves afraid and lost,” Pope Francis said, insisting that for Christians, the present moment is time to choose between “what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not.”
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
Joan Kret,
Youth Minister
Ignite Youth Group
Since we are all homebound, it is a great
time to go through your closets.
Designate an area in your garage, basement, or room to accumulate
anything you no longer want or need.
SAVE it for the Rummage Sale which has been rescheduled for June 27th!
If you have any larger items that you no longer want or need, email a picture to:
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 5, 2020
Remember Your Parish in Your Estate Planning Bequests are ideal for remembering those who will come to St. Leo the Great Church after us—in our Catholic Christian Mission. Or, you may wish to name St. Leo’s as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or other financial instrument. The designation would be: Church of St. Leo the Great, 50 Hurley’s Lane, Lincroft, NJ 07738. If in doubt, please call us and we will be happy to work with your attorney or financial advisor. Thank you for your consideration.
UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE . . .
AIDS spoken here
NOTE: FEDERAL PRIVACY REGULATION - HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability) prohibits all hospitals from informing churches of a patient’s presence unless the patient gives permission for the hospital to do so. If you’re admitted to a hospital and would like a visit from us, please notify the hospital or call the Parish Office
A Parishioner is . . . one who belongs to the Parish Family. As such, she/he is formally registered with us and is committed to the Parish through participation in the life of the Parish Community - spiritually, socially and financially. If you have not formally registered as a Parishioner, please do so at the Parish Center Office. Please note - we will not be able to issue Sponsor Certificates or Letters of Eligibility for Baptisms or Confirmation if you are not a registered participating member of the Parish for at least six months.
Please Support Our Advertisers Each week the businesses on the back pages of our bulletin sponsor the printing and production of the bulletin. Please become familiar with these businesses/people and in time of need consider patronizing them. Let them know that you appreciate their support of Saint Leo’s and that you saw their ad in our bulletin. Thank you.
SAINT LEO THE GREAT Automated Giving SAINT LEO THE GREAT Automated Giving An easier way to support our ParishAn easier way to support our Parish
CONSIDER SIGNING UP FOR ONLINE GIVING To enroll, go to stleothegreat.com, click on our e-Giving link. This will bring you to our page on WeShare, our new online giving provider. You will be able to set
up a one time or recurring donation! It’s that easy!
This tragic and difficult time is hopefully helping us to realize just how vulnerable we all are. Right now we are all at the margins in some way: physically cut off from friends and family; at risk of job loss or income reduction; struggling to adapt to disrupted routines and schedules; reestablishing intimacy in relationships. I pray we come to a deeper understanding that we are all interconnected and interdependent. In spite of our technological advancement and medical innovation, there will in the end be no community untouched by coronavirus in a significant way. I cannot help at this moment but to see myself in you, and I pray that you too will look at me and others and see yourself in full Christian solidarity. And I pray that when this particular crisis passes what will remain will be a glow of God’s infinite, healing love that unites us all fundamentally as His children. On this Palm Sunday, we can look to Jesus as the image of true solidarity. Knowing He was approaching His Passion, He willingly entered Jerusalem to offer Himself for us and our salvation. As Saint Paul reminds us “Though He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God something to be grasped at or clung to. Rather, He emptied Himself…coming in human likeness; and found human…He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on the cross.” (Phil 2:6-8) This is the ultimate act of solidarity – God uniting with His creation in the most intimate way, standing in our place and looking at the world through our eyes. Entering this holiest week of the Christian year, even as we are unable to celebrate together physically the great Liturgy of our redemption, we can still be one in solidarity through the One Who dwelt among us and shared our joys and pains even to death.
