The venerable Bishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote the following words nearly eighty years ago, yet they are more relevant today than ever.
“The world is full of prophets of gloom, and I would be one of them if I did not practically believe in God. This attitude of pessimism varies in direct ratio and proportion to the frequency with which one follows world news. As a result, people lead political lives, not spiritual lives.”
During Lent, I began to notice that I would check the news periodically throughout the day on my phone. I then came to realize that each time I read the news or even just the headlines I would become agitated and lose my peace. This is by design. Satan, the great divider, wants us to focus on the things of earth — our enemies, the lies, sickness, violence, and death. He will use whatever means necessary to cause us to become discouraged, confused, and hopeless. His ultimate goal is to make us lose sight of heaven.
St. Paul reminds us that our struggle is not with one another, but against the invisible forces of evil. “For our struggle is not with flesh and blood…but with the evil spirits.” - Ephesians 6:12. The shocking news of the Resurrection should reawaken us all to the fact that the greatest event of all time occurred when a dead man came back to life after being buried in the earth for three days. The headline, “He is Risen,” brings peace to those who live for heaven.
Please join us this Holy Week and Easter.
SUNDAY, APRIL 10TH: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord celebrates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
St. Joseph: Reconciliation: 8:30 a.m. Mass: 9 a.m.
Holy Family: Mass: 10:30 a.m. Usus Antiquior: Noon
THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH: Holy Thursday:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood
Holy Family: Mass: 5:30 p.m. Holy Family will be open until 9 p.m. for Adoration, concluding with Night Prayer. St. Joseph Church open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. for private devotions.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH: Good Friday:
The Lord’s Passion commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.
Holy Family: Reconciliation: 2-3 p.m.
Holy Family: The Lord’s Passion: 3 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH: Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil commemorates Jesus’ body resting in the tomb.
Holy Family: Reconciliation: 3-4 p.m. Mass 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH: Easter Sunday:
Resurrection of the Lord celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and his victory over death.
St. Joseph: Mass: 9 a.m. Holy Family: Mass: 10:30 a.m. Usus Antiquior: Noon