In this weekend’s gospel Jesus and His apostles are in Jerusalem in the Upper Room, known as the Cenacle and which the Catholic Encyclopedia describes as the “first Christian Church.” This reading comes from what is known as the Last Discourse, a sort-of-after-dinner- speech at the Last Supper. Biblical scholars see this not as a word-for-word description of what Jesus said but rather it is a threading together from various sources of what He taught...

Whether you are listening to a scripture reading, the Eucharistic Prayer, perhaps the Preface or the Anamnesis at Mass—there may be some ecclesial language used from time-to-time that is unfamiliar to you (like the preceding)—words not regularly used in everyday conversations. Listed below are such words with their definitions, for your consideration:

Dr. Kelly is sure to provide an insightful and easy to understand summary of the Nicene Creed which we proclaim every Sunday offering the tenants of our faith—what we believe and say our faith reveals about God and His love and desire for us. Dr. Kelly is a wonderful speaker full of knowledge insight—and humor—about the beauty and the depth of our Catholic faith.

I heard from a priest who has traveled to the Holy Land that once you are a pilgrim to this sacred place, you have a completely new light in which to see—and hear—the Gospels. This new light comes from seeing those places—the culture, the geography, and the people of the land—from those who make their livelihood in small villages and farms to the Bedouins (from the Arabic word “Bedu,” which means “inhabitant of the desert”) who shepherd their flocks.

Ed and Mary Bouquillon have been nominated and were selected by Archbishop Leonard Blair to receive the Archdiocesan Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation for 2016. The Medal is given in recognition of service to the Parish and the Church in carrying out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

“Eye opening” “Life changing experience” “One of the most impressionable things I have ever done” “One of the best weekends of my life.” These are some of the comments that I received on the bus ride home from the Mission Trip when I asked each teen to describe this years trip in a word or a phrase. Reflecting on the trip, I thought back to some of the worksites we visited - Mederios Center, a day shelter for the homeless;

It seems like just saying “thank-you” isn’t enough—but THANK YOU—to everyone who put in such hard work and generous amounts of time and energy to make our Sacred Triduum such a powerful and spiritual celebration. I am very blessed with all the help I receive here at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish