Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are the “Sacred Triduum” (the three sacred days) found in the heart of Holy Week. These high liturgies set forth the central elements of our faith in Jesus Christ.
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Tag Archives: Sacraments
Monday Conversation: Living a life of grace
What does it mean to live in God’s grace? These two presentations were given at a parish retreat at St. Pius X Catholic Church on April 18, 2019.
Part I – Key Components of Grace (55 Minutes)
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Part II – Our Relationships in a Life of Grace (53 Minutes)
Handouts that were given to participants for both presentations
Living a Life of Grace (I & II)
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The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Catholic Inspiration
Today the universal Church celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica – the cathedral of the city of Rome – reminding us that every church around the world offers us a direct encounter of the living God when we draw near to the altar to pray.
Mass Readings – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
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School Mass: Why it is so important to go to Mass. Catholic Inspiration
Why do we pray every week at Mass? Why is it so important? Fr. Andrew shares some key points with the children at Cathedral School.
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Daily Mass: How will we use what we’ve been given? Catholic Inspiration
The well known parable of the rich man and Lazarus offers a powerful reminder that we have been given what we need to know the Lord. May we draw up these great gifts: Church teaching, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and the example of the Saints!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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21st Sunday of the Year: Three keys to Heaven. Catholic Inspiration
Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
Entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, Jesus establishes the Church upon a rock that hell itself cannot prevail against. Christ is the key; through prayer, sacraments and virtue we grow in grace through this life so that we can enter into the Lord’s Kingdom in the next.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
20th Sunday of the Year: A fierce faith. Catholic Inspiration
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious! She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied. Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith – one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one’s life in love.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Daily Mass: Let the children come to me. Catholic Inspiration
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 19th Week of the Year
This short reading from the Gospel of Matthew reveals a beautiful scene: Jesus blessing the children. May we bring our children to the Lord – in prayer, sacraments, and a holy way of life – so that they can receive the blessing of God’s grace as they grow.
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Easter Vigil
Study: How did you learn your Christian faith? When did it become something you claimed for your own?
Pray: This is a good time to count our blessings and draw near to the Lord in gratitude for the gift of life.
Serve: Perhaps there is someone to whom you might want to say, “I love you.” Perhaps this is a good time right now…
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast (7 minutes, given at Cathedral on April 4, 2015)
This holy night finds the Church celebrating the profound mystery of Christ’s saving work. The Easter Vigil recalls the great moments of salvation history, rejoices with those who enter into full communion with the sacramental life of the Church, and is nourished by Eucharist. Here are the four key components:
- The Liturgy of Light
- The Liturgy of the Word
- The Liturgy of Initiation
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Liturgy of Light (or Lucernarium) begins the Easter Vigil. In the darkness the image of light is used to proclaim our hope in Christ. Several things happen:
- A new fire is blessed and from its flames the light of the paschal (Easter) candle is lit
- This candle is processed into church where the faithful light their own candles from it.
- By this sea of candlelight the great Easter proclamation of Christ our Light – the Exsultet – is offered.
The Liturgy of the Word recounts the epic story of salvation history through several Old Testament Scriptures:
- Creation – Genesis 1:1-2.2 and Psalm 104 or 33
- Abraham’s Sacrifice – Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16
- Passage through the Red Sea – Exodus 14: 15-15:1 and its Canticle (Exodus 15)
- The New Jerusalem – Isaiah 54:5-14 and Psalm 30
- Salvation Offered Freely to All – Isaiah 55:1-11 its Canticle (Isaiah 12)
- The Fountain of Wisdom – Baruch 3:9-15 and Psalm 19
- A New Heart and a New Spirit – Ezechiel 36:16-28 and Psalm 42-43
We then move from the Old t0 the New Testament:
- The Gloria is sung
- A reading from Romans 6:3-11 – Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more!
- The Alleluia is sung
- The Gospel is read – Mt 28:1-10; Mk 16:1-7, Lk 24:1-12 (depending on the year)
The Liturgy of Initiation then follows where those who have been preparing to enter the Church now receive their sacraments.
- The Litany of the Saints is sung
- The Baptismal Font is blessed
- The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated
- The Assembly renews their Baptismal Promises
- The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated
Finally, the Liturgy of the Eucharist allows the entire community to draw near to the altar to receive Jesus Christ in the sacrament of his Body and Blood. The newly baptized receive Holy Communion for the first time in the company of their fellow Catholics. Like every Mass:
- Bread and Wine are brought to the altar
- The Priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer is said, followed by the Sign of Peace
- We receive the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion
The great promise of faith, founded upon God’s saving work through time in the history of salvation, is proclaimed on this holy night. May Christians around the world renew their faith in Jesus Christ – sharing his love and light with one another.
Christ our Light!
Monday Conversation: What are you doing for Lent? Catholic Inspiration
Monday Conversation – 25 Minutes
Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to implement new actions that draw us closer to the Lord and one another. As we reflect on our current situation, consider ways that speak to our interests, and integrate the sacraments of the Church, we find ourselves poised to make this the best Lent ever.
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