What do we do with our Blessed Palms?

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What do we do with our Blessed Palms?

Blessed palms - like holy water, brown scapulars, devotional medals, and so on - are "sacramentals," and while they do not convey grace in the objective way the seven Sacraments do, but, "by the Church's prayer, prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it" CCC 1670). As such, they may not be disposed of like common trash, but should be disposed of in a dignified way, usually by being burned or buried. It is traditional - and indeed it is our tradition - to burn those blessed palms and use the ashes for Ash Wednesday. So hang on to your palms,  place them over a door or in some devotional nook of your home as an aid to prayer, and then bring them to Mass next Septuagesima Sunday (2/09/2020, but we'll remind you!), and you'll receive them back to help you remember that "thou art dust, and unto shalt thou return."

Letter from Fr. Allen: The Third Sunday in Lent & the Annunciation of the Lord, March 21, 2019

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+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

I feel like each of these little weekly epistles could begin with "Time flies!" Or, as Ferris Beuller said, "Life comes at you fast." And indeed it does. Below you will see notices for our Lent, Holy Week, and Sacred Triduum liturgies, as well as for this month's Evensong and Benediction, and also a Penance service.

Another exciting day I ask you to place on your calendars is Sunday, May 19th, when Bishop Lopes will join us for First Communions and Confirmations. I will have more information soon regarding the Bishop's visit and attendant celebrations, but for now I want simply to ask you in your charity to pray for those who are to receive the Sacraments at his hands:

First Communion: Henry A.; Ian C.; Juliana J.; Poppy M.

Confirmation: Lucy A.; William C.; Sean G.; Nathaniel H.; Beckham H.; Joshua J.; Elizabeth J.

Reception into Full Communion, Confirmation, and First Communion: Betsy S.

This is an exciting time in the life of our community as each of these dear ones moves "further up and further in" in his or her life in Christ. And it is a time for us to renew within ourselves the graces of these Sacraments, by giving ourselves to prayer, penance, and the practice of charity, sharing in their joy.

God bless you,
Fr. Allen
 
A prayer for those being prepared to receive First Holy Communion: 
O JESUS, who hast loved us with such exceeding great love as to give us the ineffable gift of the Holy Eucharist, inflame us with a burning zeal to promote Thy glory by preparing worthily the little children who are to approach Thy holy table for the first time. Protect, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, these young souls from the assaults of evil, strengthen their faith, increase their love and endow them with all the virtues that will make them worthy to receive Thee. Amen.

A prayer for those being prepared for Confirmation:
O GOD, who through the teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ didst prepare the disciples for the coming of the Comforter: Make ready, we beseech thee, the hearts and minds of thy servants who at this time are seeking the gifts of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands and anointing, that, drawing near with penitent and faithful hearts, they may be filled with his power; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Stations of the Cross

Join us at 12.30 on Fridays in Lent 2019 for the Stations of the Cross. In this simple and solemn devotion, walking hand-in-hand with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we retrace the steps of Jesus as he was led through Jerusalem on Good Friday, from Pilate's court to Calvary to the tomb. Short meditations and prayers are read at each of the fourteen stations. Click here to learn more about the history of this beautiful devotion.

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

22 January
 

From USCCB:

The over 56 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”
 

As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms. Another way to take part is through participating in special events to observe the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
 
O GOD our Creator, we give thanks to thee, who alone hast the power to impart the breath of life as thou dost form each of us in our mother's womb: grant, we pray; that we, whom thou hast made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

18 January to 25 January
 

From USCCB:
Beginning today, the entire Christian community is invited to a week of prayer in communion with each other and Jesus “that they may all be one”. (Jn 17:21) Join us, and Christians around the world, as we pray for Christian unity and work together to bring about justice in the world. More information can be found here.


The traditional period in the northern hemisphere for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18 to 25. Those dates were proposed in 1908 by Servant of God, Fr. Paul Wattson, Founder of the Society of the Atonement, to cover the original days of the Feasts of the Chair of St. Peter (January 18) and the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25), and therefore have a symbolic significance. (via Franciscan Friars of the Atonement)


 
O God, who dost restore them that have gone astray, gather together them that are scattered abroad, and preserve them that thou hast gathered: we beseech thee of the mercy to pour out upon all people the grace of thy communion; that, divisions being done away, they may be one flock, in one fold, under one Shepherd, and do thee worthy service; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Epiphany Blessing of Chalk this Sunday

Epiphany Blessing of Chalk this Sunday!

"For the glorious feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, it is an old and holy tradition to mark the doors of homes with blessed chalk. The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat: 'May Christ bless the house.' The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.

The crosses represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, Whose Sacred Name we invoke, and also the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration of the Infant Christ.

The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing. The month of January still bears the name of the Roman god Janus, the doorkeeper of heaven and protector of the beginning and end of things. This blessing 'christens' the ancient Roman observance of the first month. The inscription is made of chalk, a product of clay, which recalls the human nature taken by the Adorable and Eternal Word of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit."

(From Vultus Christi)

May each of our homes be known to all who visit as places of peace and welcome, where Christ may be found!

Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Click here to print (pdf) this week.

All make the Sign of the Cross as the leader begins: 

℣ +Our help is in the name of the Lord.

℟ Who hath made heaven and earth.

 

The following Scripture is read: Luke 1:26-33; Revelation 22:20

IN  the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Light the first and second purple candles in order, then the rose candle, and then the final purple candle..  With hands joined, the leader prays:

RAISE UP we beseech thee, O Lord, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us: that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sorely hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  ℟ Amen.


The devotion may conclude with a verse from "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel": 

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily;

to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
shall come to thee, O Israel.

Click here to print (pdf) all four weeks of devotions to pack away with your Advent wreath so it’s ready for next year.

 

The Advent Anthems: Great O Antiphons

The Advent Anthems: Great O Antiphons

December 17
O Sapientia 

O WISDOM, which camest out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to another, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence.


December 18
O Adonai

O ADONAI, and Leader of the house of Israel, who appearedst in the bush to Moses in flame of fire, and gavest him the Law in Sinai: come and deliver us with an outstretched arm.


December 19
O Radix Jesse

O ROOT OF JESSE, which standest for an ensign of the peoples, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall seek: come and deliver us, and tarry not.


December 20
O Clavis David

O KEY OF DAVID, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; that openest, and no man shutteth, and shuttest, and no man openeth: come and bring the prisoner out of the prison-house, and him that sitteth in darkness and the shadow of death.


December 21
O Oriens

O DAY-SPRING, Brightness of the Light everlasting and Sun of righteousness: come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness in the shadow of death.


December 22
O Rex gentium

O KING OF THE NATIONS, and their Desire; the Corner-stone, who makest both one: come and save mankind, whom thou formedst of clay.


December 23
O Emmanuel

O EMMANUEL, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations and their salvation: come and save us, O Lord our God.

Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles: The Third Sunday of Advent

Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles: The Third Sunday of Advent

Click here to print (pdf).

All make the Sign of the Cross as the leader begins: 

℣ +Our help is in the name of the Lord.

℟ Who hath made heaven and earth.

 

The following Scripture is read: Isaiah 9.2, 6-7, 40.3-5, 52.7, 7.14-15

THE people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman′u-el.

Light the first and second purple candles in order, and then the rose candle.  With hands joined, the leader prays:

INCLINE thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds. Who livest and reignest with the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  ℟ Amen.


The devotion may conclude with a verse from "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel": 

O come, thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing night;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
shall come to thee, O Israel.