today`s readings this week`s readings las lecturas de hoy

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 17, 2013 T TODAY’S READINGS T LAS LECTURAS DE HOY E
l Señor es tierno y generoso con todos los que se acogen a Él. Si creemos en la victoria de Cristo en la cruz, no seremos avergonzados, aunque las fuerzas del mal traten de destruirnos. En Cristo y por medio del Espíritu, tenemos la victoria sobre el pecado, Satanás y el mundo. Dios libró a su pueblo de la esclavitud y lo llevó a la tierra prometida y les pidió a los israelitas que le ofrecieran los primeros frutos de sus cosechas como muestra de fe; de modo que el diezmo del pueblo era la respuesta al deseo de librarlos del pecado. Jesús es el Mesías que nos lleva al Padre; en Él se cumple nuestra confesión de que por la fe en Él nos salvamos (Romanos 10,9). El diablo tentó a Jesús en el desierto tratando de hacerlo renunciar a su fe en el Padre, y ahora sigue tratando de destruir la obra de Dios para la salvación de los hombres. A menudo durante el día somos tentados a confiar en nosotros mismos más que en Cristo, y cuando cedemos a esa tentación, experimentamos el fracaso en la vida cristiana. Pero Jesús, lleno del Espíritu Santo, triunfó sobre Satanás porque no cedió en su confianza en Dios. La victoria de Cristo sobre la tentación es un ejemplo para nosotros en esta Cuaresma. Dios desea que nosotros también seamos llenos del poder del Espíritu Santo y triunfemos sobre el pecado y Satanás, porque estamos unidos a Cristo mediante la fe y el Bautismo y formamos parte de su Cuerpo místico, la Iglesia. Para experimentar la presencia de Dios en la vida diaria, debemos Taken from The Word Among Us, Lent 2013, Vol. 32, Number 3: Used with aceptar conscientemente la obra de Dios que permission. nos une a Él en los sacramentos y la oración, y aceptar de corazón la verdad divina, THIS WEEK’S READINGS rechazando todo lo que sea contrario a Dios. Si lo hacemos, el plan de salvación se cumplirá en Sunday 17th Dt 26:4‐10 / Rom 10:8‐13 / Lk 4:1‐13 nosotros. Monday 18th Le 19:1‐2,11‐18 / Mt 25:31‐46 “Amado Jesús, quiero seguir tu ejemplo para Tuesday 19th Is 55:10‐11/ Mt 6:7‐15 tener la esperanza segura de que si invoco tu Wednesday 20th Jon 3:1‐10 / Lk 11:29‐32 nombre con fe y amor, Tú me llenarás de tu Thursday 21st Est C 12:14‐16,23‐25 / Mt 7:7‐12 Espíritu Santo y así podré rechazar al enemigo y St. Peter Damian alcanzar la salvación.” Friday 22nd 1 Pt 5:1‐4 / Mt 16:13‐19 Escogida con el permiso de La Palabra Entre Nosotros, Vol. 32, Número 2: Cuaresma 2013. The Chair of St. Peter Saturday 23rd Dt 26:16‐19 / Mt 5:43‐48 Pick up a free copy of the Lenten edition of St. Polycarp Five Minutes with the Word in the Cathedral, Sunday 24th Gn 15:5‐12,17‐18 / Phil 3:17―4:1 / Lk 9:28‐36 and listen for God speaking to you this Lent. he Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and outstretched arm. (Deuteronomy 26:8) When we read the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, we may put brackets around it in our minds, thinking it’s not all that relevant to our own lives. After all, we’re not God’s divine Son. Sure, we may hunger for food, power, and recognition, but we aren’t about to turn stones to bread or throw ourselves off the roof to see if angels will catch us. But God’s people have always had to face one fundamental temptation: forgetting the Lord and all the ways he has blessed us. The trouble is, when we forget our past, we tend to think that we’re alone in the present, that God isn’t with us to help us and guide us. Because Jesus never forgot his people’s history, he was able to resist the devil’s temptation. He knew that the God who fed Israel in the desert would not let his Son starve. No, his Father would take care of him in exactly the right way at exactly the right time. In today’s first reading, Moses exhorts the people to remember their history and to offer God their “first fruits” in gratitude. Each year at the beginning of the harvest, they were to recount their story and insert themselves personally into that story: God made us his own people, he delivered us from slavery, he fed us in the desert, he enabled us to defeat our enemies and settle in the Promised Land. This is the kind of remembering that we do every time we celebrate the Eucharist. We remember Jesus’ love for us. We remember his teachings, his miracles, and his compassion. We remember his death and resurrection. We remember our own redemption. And as we remember, these events come alive again. We find new grace to resist temptation and continue our journey in faith. So remember the Lord today at Mass. Remember your heritage as an honored, beloved child of God. “Father, may I never forget your many blessings. Come, Lord, and fill my heart with praise and gratitude.” FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT CATHEDRAL CALENDAR FROM THE RECTOR This past week we experienced an historic event for the Church with Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announce‐
ment—a truly momentous moment to which we respond in hope and with prayers for our Holy Father and the Church! Next Saturday here at St. Matthew’s an historic event for our own local church will take place—our Parish Listening Session in preparation for the Archdiocesan Synod (see the insert in today’s bulletin). The Listening Session is YOUR opportunity to help shape how our parish will carry out its mission of bringing the light of Jesus Christ to our community over the next several years. We need your views on where we are and where we ought to be in the following areas of parish life: Worship, Faith Formation, Social Justice (Service), Community, and Stewardship /Administration. What a tremendous opportunity to come together and discern how to carry out our mission as a parish. Remember that it is you who are the parish, and we together who are this local church. We need YOU on Saturday, February 23!!!! Please contact us now if you plan to attend. RSVP to 202‐
587‐5143 or [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your generous participation! ―Msgr. Jameson SPECIAL NOTES RITES OF SENDING AND ELECTION – This Sunday, February 17, our parish catechumens and candidates will celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion with Cardinal Wuerl at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Those whom Cardinal Wuerl will call to the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist become known as the Elect. They are Christopher Chalke, Kameron Cox, Joshua Funk, Tyler Martin, Thomas Miller, Ploykarat Sung, Matthew Schumaker, Aimee Stoltz, and Katherine Wilmeth. Those whom Cardinal Wuerl will recognize for the sacra‐ments of Confirmation and Eucharist are Anmari Borja, Allison Creagan‐Frank, Gwen Fraker, Charlene Frink, Kelly Hanson, and Charles King. Please keep these women and men in your prayers. PRESIDENTS’ DAY SCHEDULE – Monday, February 18 is Presidents’ Day, a Federal holiday. The Cathedral will open at 7:30am and close at 1pm. Masses will be celebrated at 8am and 12:10pm. There will be no Confessions, and no Eucharistic Holy Hour. The Rectory offices will be closed. Note that our monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour is rescheduled to Monday, February 25.
CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS – To receive a summary of your 2012 contributions, contact Gloria Harrington at 202‐347‐3215 x517 or [email protected]. Faith Direct participants may call 1‐866‐507‐8757 or visit www.faithdirect.net to request a statement. FEB 17 – FEB 24 SUNDAY 17—First Sunday of Lent The Rectory offices are closed. Las clases de Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde. MONDAY 18—Presidents’ Day, a Federal holiday. The Cathedral opens at 7:30am and closes at 1pm. Masses are celebrated at 8am and 12:10pm. There are no Confessions. The Rectory offices are closed. TUESDAY 19—The Faith Formation Committee meets at 7pm in the East Conference Room. El Grupo de Oración en Español se reunirá a las 7 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Oeste. WEDNESDAY 20—A Lenten lecture is given at 12:45pm in the North Conference Room. 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 21—Circle of Hope Al‐Anon meeting is held at 1:15pm in the West Conference Room (enter via the alley). Legión de María se reunirá a las 6:30 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Este. A Lenten lecture is given at 7pm in the North Conference Room. The Knights of Columbus meet at 7:30pm in the West Conference Room. FRIDAY 22—Stations of the Cross are prayed at 6pm, followed by a Simple Lenten Meal served in the North Conference Room. SATURDAY 23—The Parish Listening Session is held at 8:30am in the North Conference Room. SUNDAY 24—Second Sunday of Lent A second collection for The Church in the Developing World is taken at all Masses. Las clases de Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde. Charla de evangelización para parejas casadas a las 2:45 de la tarde en el salón de conferencia del Oeste. CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 17, 2013 LIVING LENT LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE – Ash Wednesday (February 13) and Good Friday (March 29) are days of fast and abstinence. All Catholics who have reached their 18th birthday and are less than 60 years of age 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. CRS RICE BOWL – Our parish will participate in CRS Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially through the most vulnerable in our world. Rice Bowls are available at the main entrance of the Cathedral. Your prayers, fasting and almsgiving this Lenten season will help Catholic Relief Services continue to provide life‐saving assistance in nearly 100 countries. For more information, visit www.crsricebowl.org. Contact: Norma Canedo at [email protected]. 40 DAYS FOR LIFE – Throughout Lent, you can join 40 Days for Life in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic at 1108 16th Street, NW to pray for an end to abortion and for the mothers, fathers and babies entering the clinic. Volunteers are needed for this highly effective, life‐saving ministry anytime between 7am and 7pm, 7 days a week! For more information or to sign up for an hour, visit www.40daysforlife.com/washington. SIMPLE LENTEN MEALS – The Social Justice Committee invites parishioners and friends to participate in Simple Lenten Meals Friday evenings during Lent following the 5:30pm Mass and the Stations of the Cross. Each Friday a simple meal of soup, bread, and water will be prepared and served by a different parish group, and a different DC‐based charity will speak to us on services they provide. Donations collected at each meal will be given to the featured charity. On Friday, February 22, donations will benefit Joseph’s House, which works to create a community of care and support among volunteers, staff, and the ill residents whom they serve. STATIONS OF THE CROSS – The Via Crucis is a journey made in the Holy Spirit, that divine fire that burned in the heart of Jesus (cf Lk 1: 49‐50) and brought him to Calvary. The Stations of the Cross, in the form adopted by Pope John Paul II, will be prayed in English on all upcoming Fridays of Lent at 6pm, followed by a Simple Lenten Meal, and in Spanish on Sundays at 2:15pm throughout Lent. Join us for this beautiful devotion, which is particularly fitting for Lent. WEDNESDAY EVENING CONFESSIONS – Catholic parishes across the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington will have confessions available every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8pm during Lent. At St. Matthew’s, confessions will be heard in English and Spanish from 6:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays in addition to our regularly scheduled confessions (weekdays, 11am‐Noon and Saturdays, 4‐5pm). Plan now to come and experience forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father through the Son! LENTEN FOOD DRIVE – Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Washington are sponsoring the Share in Hope Food Drive this Lent. To participate, pick up a grocery bag, available after every Mass on February 23­24, and return your donations of nonperishable food items the following weekend, March 2­3. Our collection will benefit the Cathedral’s Homeless Ministry as well as the Capital Area Food Bank. Contact: Norma Canedo at [email protected]. FAITH FORMATION THINKING ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC? – For those who are thinking about becoming Catholic, St. Matthew’s offers Inquiry, an ongoing conversation about the faith, on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the East Conference Room. Inquiry is the first step for those who are discerning their commitment to full initiation in the Catholic Church. The next Inquiry will be Wednesday, March 13. Contact: Heather Kinney at [email protected]. ADULT CONFIRMATION PREPARATION – Each spring during the Easter season, St. Matthew’s offers adult Confirmation preparation for active, baptized Catholics who already have received their First Eucharist. Preparation includes four Thursday evenings (April 11, 18, 25 & May 2) and one Saturday (May 4). The celebration of adult Confirmation in 2013 will occur at a special Mass on Ascension Sunday, May 12. Registration forms are available in the Cathedral rectory and on the parish website. The deadline to register is Friday, March 15. Contact: Heather Kinney at [email protected]. FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT NOTICIAS DE LA PARROQUIA AYUNAR – Miércoles de Ceniza (13 de febrero) y Viernes Santo (29 de marzo) son días de ayuno y abstinencia. Los católicos que ya llegaron a los 18 años de edad, pero que son menores de 60 años, están obligados al ayuno, que consiste en una sola comida completa durante el día. Todos los católicos que han cumplido 14 años están obligados a los días de abstinencia en los cuales no se debe de comer carne. Miércoles de Ceniza, Viernes Santo y todos los viernes de Cuaresma son días de abstinencia. CRS PLATO DE ARROZ – Nuestra parroquia participará en CRS Plato de Arroz, el programa cuaresmal de Catholic Relief Services, como una forma de encontrar a Jesús mediante los demás, especialmente por los más vulnerables del mundo. Los Platos de Arroz (cajas de cartón que se usan para recoger sus donaciones) están disponibles en la entrada de la Catedral. Por favor no se olvide de llevar una a su hogar, para profundizar su experiencia cuaresmal. Sus oraciones, ayuno y dar limosna durante esta temporada de Cuaresma, ayudará a los Servicios de Socorro Católicos, a proveer ayuda que se ofrece en casi 100 países. Para más información, visite: www.crsricebowl.org. Para preguntas sobre la participación de la Catedral, contacte a Norma al 202‐
347‐3215. Se recogerán los Platos de Arroz a la conclusión de la Cuaresma, pero puede entregar sus donaciones a la Rectoría de antemano. DIA DE LOS PRESIDENTES – El lunes 18 de febrero es día de los Presidentes. Fiesta federal. La Catedral abrirá a las 7:30 de la mañana y cerrará a la 1 de la tarde. Se celebrarán las misas de 8 de la mañana y 12:10 del mediodía; no habrá confesiones y las oficinas de la rectoría estarán cerradas. La adoración al Santísimo que normalmente se celebra el tercer lunes del mes, se celebrará el siguiente lunes, 25 de febrero. CONFESIONES LOS MIERCOLES DE CUARESMA – En este tiempo de Cuaresma, la Catedral de San Mateo tendrá confesiones disponibles los miércoles de Cuaresma de 6:30 a 8 de la noche comenzando el 20 de febrero, tendremos confesiones en inglés y español, exceptuando el Miércoles de Ceniza y Miércoles Santo, además del horario regular de confesiones (lunes ‐
viernes, 11‐12 y sábados 4‐5 de la tarde). 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. CENAS SIMPLES DE CUARESMA – El Comité de Justicia Social invita a feligreses y amigos a participar en el programa de Cenas Simples de Cuaresma. Únase con nosotros cada viernes, en el salón del Norte, después de la misa de las 5:30 de la tarde y el Vía Crucis (en inglés). Una cena simple de sopa, pan y agua será preparada y servida por un grupo diferente de la parroquia cada semana. Cada semana, una organización, basada en DC será invitada a dar una breve presentación sobre los servicios que ellos ofrecen a la comunidad local. Las donaciones recaudadas durante cada cena serán entregadas a la organización. Las donaciones del viernes 22 de febrero, serán para Joseph’s House, una organización que trabaja en formar una comunidad que ofrece cariño y apoyo entre los voluntarios, personal, a los residentes enfermos que ellos sirven. AÑO DE LA FE: EVANGELIZANDO – La Catedral de San Mateo tendrá una serie de charlas mensuales para parejas. Aquellos que estén interesados en aprender más sobre la vida de pareja, pueden llamar a Fátima Aybar al 202 347‐3215 ext 543 o [email protected]. Estas charlas están dirigidas para las parejas que estén casadas por la iglesia, por lo civil o que viven juntos como esposos y será el domingo 24 de febrero en el salón de conferencias del Oeste, domingo 10 de marzo en el salón de conferencias del Este y domingo 28 de abril en el salón de Conferencias del Este a las 2:45 de la tarde. Instructor: Padre Jhon Guarnizo. Habrá cuidado de niños para aquellas parejas que no tengan donde dejar a sus hijos mientras asisten a la charla. COLECTA DE ALIMENTOS – El hambre es una realidad que existe en nuestra comunidad. Despensas de alimentos locales están experimentando una gran demanda de alimentos. Para ayudar a reponer víveres, Caridades Católicas y la Arquidiócesis de Washington están auspiciando la participación en la colecta de alimentos Share in Hope Food Drive durante esta Cuaresma. Si desea participar puede recoger una bolsa para comestibles el 23 y el 24 de febrero, después de cada misa. Le pedimos que entreguen sus donaciones de alimentos enlatados y en paquetes, el siguiente fin de semana del 2 y 3 de marzo. Nuestra colecta beneficiará al programa de Los Desamparados del Ministerio de la Catedral, y también al Capital Area Food Bank. Cualquier pregunta, por favor llame a Norma en la rectoría. CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 17, 2013 MASS INTENTIONS YOUNG ADULTS Feb 17 – Feb 24 C†YA at the Homeless Bagged Lunch Service Event Sunday, February 24 – After 5:30pm Mass – West Conference Room – C†YA is volunteering its time and supplies to prepare bagged lunches for St. Matthew’s Monday morning Homeless program. If you are interested in helping, please meet in the West Conference Room after the 5:30pm Mass on Sunday, February 24. Contact: Carolyn Wait at cewait.10@ gmail.com for questions or to donate lunchmaking supplies. Sunday, February 17 7am – Fausto Rios 10am – All Parishioners 11:30am – Helen Milliken 1pm – Agradecimiento a la Virgen de Guadalupe 5:30pm – William Eaton Monday, February 18 8am – Jean Alexander (living) 12:10pm – Steven D’Souza Tuesday, February 19 7am – Thomas Prather 8am – James F. Anthony 12:10pm – Frank Senftle 5:30pm – Danilo Liwanag Wednesday, February 20 7am – Jóse Maria Urribarri 8am – Stella Finnegan Villareal 12:10pm – Jean Lay 5:30pm – Irene Gorski Thursday, February 21 7am – Luisa Soto 8am – Dr. Jack Collier 12:10pm – Elvire Ahouanmenou Friday, February 22 5:30pm – Claus Wunderlich Saturday, February 23 12:10pm – David Colantonio 5:30pm – Pete Vega, Sr. Sunday, February 24 8:30am – Freda K. Bobik 10am – Elsie Nelson 11:30am – All Parishioners 1pm – Tomasa & Eduardo Cabrera 5:30pm – Justin Carruthers To arrange a Mass intention, speak to our receptionist in the Rectory. There is no fee but an offering is customary. Intentions are reserved in advance so particular dates may be unavailable. Se les recuerda a todas las personas que deseen ofrecer misas por sus difuntos, que tienen que reservarlas por lo menos con tres meses de antelación debido a que solo tenemos una misa en español. C†YA for Supper Thursday, February 28 – 7:30pm – Nooshi (1120 19th St NW Washington, DC 20036/ Farragut North Metro) – Did you resolve to explore new parts of DC this year? Try new restaurants? Meet other young adults at St. Matthew’s? Then join the Cathedral Young Adults for one of our monthly suppers! This month, share delicious sushi at Nooshi. RSVP to Eileen McKeown at [email protected]. C†YA Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28 – Our Lady of Mattaponi Retreat Center (Upper Marlboro, MD) – Enjoy a weekend away to discover how to better live your faith at this stage in your life. This retreat has been planned entirely by the Cathedral Young Adults based on the needs and ideas you shared. No unfamiliar guest speakers, no cookie‐cutter workshops, just the opportunity to learn from the people who really know us…each other. The $50 cost covers lodging, food, and transportation. Space is limited, so sign up now. Register with Jillian McMahon at [email protected]. LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Domingo 17 Deut 26:4‐10 / Rom 10:8‐13 /Lc 4:1‐13 Lunes 18 Lev 19:1‐2,11‐18 / Mt 25:31‐46 Martes 19 Is 55:10‐11 / Mt 6:7‐15 Miércoles 20 Jo 3:1‐10 / Lc 11:29‐32 Jueves 21 Es 14:1,3‐5,12‐14 / San Pedro Damiani Mt 7:7‐12 Viernes 22 1 Pt 5:1‐4 / Mt 16:13‐19 La Catedral de San Pablo Sábado 23Deu 26:16‐19 / Mt 5:43‐48 Domingo 24 Gén 15:5‐12,17‐18 / Fil 3:17—4,1 / Lc 9:28‐36 AROUND THE AREA LENTEN SILENT RETREAT FOR WOMEN – The Dominican Retreat in McLean, Va offers a silent retreat directed by Fr. Clement Aapengnuo on the theme “Peace is my gift to you” (John 14:27) on the weekend of March 1­3 (Friday, 7:15pm – Sunday, 3pm). For information or to register, visit www.dominicanretreat.org or call 703‐356‐4243. LIVE JESUS 2013 – All are welcome to Live Jesus, a morning of Salesian reflection, fellowship, and prayer with Very Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS, Provincial of the Wilmington‐
Philadelphia Province, and Very Rev. Kenneth N. McKenna, OSFS, Provincial of the Toledo‐Detroit Province, on Saturday, March 9 at St. John Neumann Church in Reston, VA. Get more details and register at www.oblates.org. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – Trust Jesus and allow Him to strengthen, renew and rekindle your marriage. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend on March 8­10. For more information and to apply, visit welovematrimony.org, call 301‐541‐
7007, or email [email protected]. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU . . . AT OUR PARISH LISTENING SESSION In Preparation for the Archdiocesan Synod CATHEDRAL OF ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE Saturday, February 23, 2013, 8:30am North Conference Room St. Matthew’s will sponsor a Listening Session in which parishioners of all ages and all levels of participation in the life of the parish are invited to come together to share their thoughts on five key elements of parish life. We will consider how our parish can be the best we can be by identifying strengths on which we can build and areas for renewal and development. The goal of the session is to assess the vitality of the parish and identify proposals for carrying on the mission of the Church. This is a major event both in the development of a vision and strategic plan for the parish in the next five years, and in the Archdiocesan Synod process, which will benefit from our work at the session. Please accept this invitation to join us. We need YOUR input! Please contact us by February 19th if you plan to attend. RSVP to 202­587­5143 or [email protected] with the number of attendees. Listening Session Schedule 8:30 – 9:00am 9:00 – 9:15am 9:15 – 9:30am 9:30 – 10:15am 10:15 – 11:00am 11:00 – 11:15am 11:15am – 12:00 Noon 12:00 Noon – 12:45pm 12:45 – 1:15pm 1:15 – 2:00pm Mingling over coffee, juice and coffeecake Welcome and prayer Overview of the day by session faciltator, Jeannine Marino Topic: Worship Topic: Community Break Topic: Faith Formation Topic: Service Topic: Stewardship(see insert in this bulletin) Concluding comments, prayer and lunch Ms. Jeannine Marino, JCL, Program Specialist for Secretariat of Evangelization & Catechesis at the USCCB, and former Faith Formation Coordinator at St. Matthew’s Cathedral Parish, will facilitate the session.
CATHEDRAL OF ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW ~ Washington, DC 20036 202­347­3215 ~ www.stmatthewscathedral.org www.facebook.com/st.matthews.cathedral Metro: Red Line to Dupont Circle (South exit) or Farragut North (L Street exit) I
nvest just five minutes a day, and your faith will
deepen and grow—a day at a time.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
First Sunday of Lent
Change is in the air
Lent has begun, and today the church celebrates the first of the five Sundays of the season
leading up to Easter. Easter is about a great transformation,
death into life, but the gospel stories for these Sundays show
that change has already begun. In a week we will hear of Jesus’
Transfiguration before his disciples in a revelation of the divine
favor shown him. After that is a parable about a tree that teaches
that change needs to start happening, now. A “prodigal son” will
have people changing how they see the generous love of God.
Finally, Christ will change hatred into mercy. These are some of
the greatest stories of the gospels. Spend some extra time with
them this Lent.
Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13;
Luke 4:1-13 (24)
“What does scripture say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth
and in your heart.’ ”
Monday, February 18 Lenten weekday
We are all connected
Jesus’ core message—that we are one—is surely one of the great
mysteries of existence. This truth is so hard to accept because our
senses tell a different story: We are separate, different, and alone.
We need an image to help us realize what our senses cannot.
Picture the giant redwood trees of California: Did you know they
only grow in groves? Moreover, each tree’s roots extend and grasp
the roots of the surrounding trees, forming a strong, interconnecting network that serves to nourish and sustain all of them equally.
The next time you are tempted to think of someone as “the other,”
remember the redwood trees and their invisible, interlocking roots.
Today’s readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46 (224)
“ ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least
ones, you did not do for me.’ ”
Tuesday, February 19 Lenten weekday
Make prayer work for you
Deeper prayer is one pillar of Lenten practice, but note it is
deeper prayer, not necessarily more praying. A billboard once
proclaimed: “Pray. It works.” True, but prayer can be easily
misunderstood as a kind of spiritual magic that gets you what
you want if you do it just right, often enough, loud enough. As a
matter of fact, while prayer does make demands—attention and
silence—it’s really the Holy Spirit who prays within you, making
you malleable, beautiful, and useful for God’s purpose. Moments
of silent listening may not make your dreams come true, but
prayer “works”—when you allow God to work in you.
Today’s readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15 (225)
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans . . . . Your Father knows
what you need before you ask him.”
Wednesday, February 20 Lenten weekday
It only takes a little doing
Children are the first to tell us that it can be tough to be little.
Often overlooked or taken advantage of, not always heard or
taken seriously, the small ones in this world are at the mercy of
the rest of us. In biblical terms the anawim (“poor little ones”)
included children, women, the poor, and the stranger. It’s quite
unusual when a “rich big one” like the king of Nineveh in the
Book of Jonah surrendered his place of privilege and made himself small before God. Such humility gets results: His kingdom
is saved. Consider opportunities today to “get small” in your
dealings with others.
Today’s readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32 (226)
“The king of Nineveh . . . rose from his throne, laid aside his robe,
covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.”
Thursday, February 21
Feast of Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church
The gifts of the Spirit are not for sale
The word simony comes from Simon Magus, who shows up in the
Acts of the Apostles (8:18) trying to buy from the apostles the
power of conferring the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Though the practice was rare in the early church, as the institution grew in power
and wealth in the Middle Ages, the temptation was too much,
and by the 11th century Saint Peter Damian saw promotions to
bishop and the most desirable church positions regularly being sold
to the highest bidder. Sacraments, indulgences, blessed oils, and
other consecrated objects were all for sale, and the medieval church
was starting to look like the “den of thieves” Jesus drove from the
Temple, until Damian and like-minded reformers helped the church
find its way again.
Today’s readings: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Matthew 7:7-12 (227)
“If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good
things to those who ask him.”
Friday, February 22 Feast of the Chair of Peter the Apostle
Pull up a chair
The Latin word for “chair” is cathedra, and a cathedra—you see
where this is going—is the “seat” of a bishop, thus making the
bishop’s church a cathedral. Today’s feast, however, commemorates
a particular “chair”: that of Saint Peter and the authority Jesus
gave him to be the primary leader of the early church. Peter was
martyred in Rome, and so the “see” (sedes—“a place to sit”) of Peter
became the Holy See, the seat of the pope as the first among bishops and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. As the Liturgy
of the Hours says, the Feast of the Chair of Peter the Apostle is a day
to celebrate “the unity of the church founded upon that apostle.”
Today’s readings: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19 (535)
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.”
Saturday, February 23 Feast of Polycarp, bishop, martyr
Prayer is faith in action
Faced with a great variety of religious beliefs in its empire, the ancient Romans had a policy of toleration—much of the time. Show
proper respect for the Romans gods and the Roman state and you
would be free to practice whatever religion you wanted. Jews and
early Christians—like Saint Polycarp—could not, however, always
stay within these constraints, and stepping out of them usually
resulted in persecution. In a letter he wrote before his death in
one of these persecutions Polycarp pointed out how such treatment actually offered an opportunity to follow a key command of
Jesus, which is as true now as it was then: “Pray for all the saints.
Pray also for . . . those who persecute and hate you.”
Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48 (229)
“I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
©2013 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. Phone: 800-942-2811;
[email protected]; website: TakeFiveForFaith.com. Licensed
for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints
permitted with following line: Reprinted with permission
from Prepare the Word (©2013), PrepareTheWord.com.
e-mail:
Scripture quotes come from the New American Bible Revised Edition.
Contributors: Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M.,
Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy,
Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.
Lenten Lecture Series
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
VOICES OF CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY
This year’s Lenten Lecture Series highlights a select few of the great saints and mystics
of our rich Catholic heritage. Each talk focuses on a particular spiritual tradition
and the ways in which it calls and speaks to us today.
Our Lenten Lecture Series begins this week with a talk on
ST. CLARE
.
Join us Wednesday, February 20 or Thursday, February 21.
Our speaker is
Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD
(Senior Fellow, Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University).
Ilia Delio, OSF, a Franciscan Sister of Washington DC, is a former Professor and Chair of Spirituality Studies
at Washington Theological Union. She holds a doctorate in Historical Theology from Fordham University
and a doctorate in Pharmacology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences. She has written extensively and lectures nationally and internationally in the
area of Franciscan theology and spirituality as well as on various themes in science and religion. Her books
include Clare of Assisi: A Heart Full of Love, Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis, and The Humility of
God: A Franciscan Perspective, among several others.
Wednesday lecture: 12:45pm to 1:45pm
Thursday lecture: 7pm to 8pm
Location: North Conference Room
Follow the directional signs to the conference room.
Lectures are free and open to the public.
No RSVP necessary.
Questions? Email [email protected] or
call 202-347-3215 x530.
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW ▪ Washington DC 20036
202-347-3215 ▪ www.stmatthewscathedral.org
Metro: Red Line to Farragut North (L Street exit) or
Dupont Circle (South exit)
Parking: limited metered street parking or
public garage next to Cathedral
($10 per hour before 4pm-$16 daily max or
$5 flat fee after 4pm)
Conferencias de Cuaresma 2013
Catedral del Apóstol San Mateo
ESTA ES NUESTRA FE
La Cuaresma es una época en la cual la Iglesia nos pide que reflexionemos sobre nuestra vida y que tengamos una “Buena Relación” con Dios y con los demás. Es también un tiempo de reconciliación. Las reflexiones de Cuaresma de este año toman como base “Esta es Nuestra Fe” y comienzan este martes 19 de febrero en el salón de conferencias del Oeste. Deseamos que este Año de la Fe suscite en todo creyente la aspiración a confesar la fe con plenitud y renovada convicción, con confianza y esperanza. Redescubrir los contenidos de la fe profesada, celebrada, vivida y rezada; y reflexionar sobre el mismo acto con el que se cree, es un compromiso que todo creyente debe de hacer propio, sobre todo en este Año. Papa Benedicto XVI, Porta Fidei. SEMANA – I: LLAMADOS A CREER EN JESUS Martes 19 de Febrero a las 7:00 de la noche. SEMANA – II: JESUS NOS LLAMA A LA CONVERSION Y AL REINO Martes 26 de Febrero a las 7:00 de la noche. SEMANA – III: RECONCILIENSE Martes 5 de Marzo a las 7:00 de la noche. SEMANA – IV: JESUS NOS LIBERA DEL PECADO Y DEL MAL Martes 12 de Marzo a las 7:00 de la noche. SEMANA – V: JESUS INTERCEDE POR NOSOTROS Martes 19 de Marzo a las 7:00 de la noche. DIA DE REFLEXION Todos los miembros de la comunidad Hispana, están invitados a una mañana de retiro espiritual este 17 de marzo de las 8:30 de la mañana a las 12:30 del mediodía. El tema será: Conversión Encuentro con el Padre. Salón de conferencias del Norte para los adultos y en salón de conferencias del Este para los niños. CLASES PARA LA CONFIRMACION DE ADULTOS Las personas adultas que deseen recibir el sacramento de la Confirmación el 12 de mayo, tienen que recibir unas clases que se ofrecerán los domingos 14 de abril, 21 de abril, 28 de abril y 5 de mayo y tener la partida de bautismo vigente. También se les invita al retiro de Cuaresma el domingo 17 de marzo de 8:30 de la mañana a las 12:30 del mediodía. Para más información llame a la rectoría y deje un mensaje para Fátima Aybar 202‐347‐3215 ext 543. Administration/Stewardship
Context for Discussion
Essential to the fulfillment of the Church’s mission is the preservation, oversight, use, and development of
both the physical properties of the Church and its income and other assets (temporal goods).
Topics for discussion may include the fostering and promotion of competent leadership in parishes with
respect to each Catholic’s role within the Church; management of temporal goods of the Church; and the
offering of one’s time, talent, and treasure.
Administration
Stewardship
Key Elements of the Life
of the Church in the
Archdiocese of Washington
1.
The mission of parish stewardship, as defined by Scripture, is
articulated and communicated to parishioners
2.
The most knowledgeable people are consulted in making
decisions
3.
People at various levels in the archdiocese participate in
planning and decision-making activities
4.
Interactions and working practices between the archdiocese
and parishes are defined, communicated, understood and
effective
5.
Recurring expenses are met in a timely manner without need
for serial fundraising or bank loans and purchasing power
across archdiocese is utilized to achieve economies of scale
6.
Purchases, contracting, and investments are made consistent
with Church teaching
7.
Has a documented plan for its programs beyond the current
year which is communicated to parishes and parishioners
8.
Maintains its plants and facilities in good condition and has a
plan for future maintenance and contingencies
9.
Has facilities that are adequate for the present and future
needs of its people and its programs
10. The archdiocesan policies, training, and on-line resources for
Pastor and parish advisory councils are known and utilized
11. Parish has active Pastoral and Finance councils which fulfill
their responsibilities as outlined in archdiocesan guidelines
12. People are given opportunities to share in leadership
responsibilities by being empowered to use their skills and
experiences
Reflection Questions
1. What are examples of the Church’s
efforts in this area that are bearing fruit?
2. What are some areas where more
might be done to strengthen the work of
the Church?
13. Has sufficient qualified personnel to further the mission and
meet legitimate needs of the parish archdiocese
14. Utilizes technology to further the mission of the parish and
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its internal
administrative and ministerial needs
15. Has written policies and procedures that enable the continuity
of the mission of the parish and achievement of goals in the
case of unexpected events and turnover in positions
3. What practical suggestions do you
have?
16. Parishes have access to the financial resources they need
when undertaking projects such as capital improvements
4. What are the four key elements you
identify as priorities?
17. Parishes are assessed fairly, relative to their financial ability
to support various initiatives within the archdiocese
Others?