Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, but there is Mass at 7am (ending at 7:45am), and 5:30pm (incense).
Ash Wednesday is a day of mandatory abstinence from meat (ages 14 and up) and fasting of one meal and two small snacks (ages 18 to 60).
During Lent, confessions are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 4:30-7pm (with a break on Fridays at 5:30pm for Stations) and Saturdays 4:30-5:30pm.
Stations of the Cross are Fridays at 5:30pm.
We discuss the Popes from the great St Gregory VII through just before the Western Schism (Urban IV). From 1073 to 1389. We then consider a bit of the history of the College of Cardinals and Papal Conclaves, and especially the current rules of how a new Pope is elected.
We discuss the Popes from Charlemagne and the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire (Pope Leo III) to just after the year 1000 (Pope Benedict IX). This class discusses by far the most exciting and scandalous time in the history of the papacy!
We consider the movement from the Creed to the Offertory, and especially how this is a moment of great opportunity to enter more deeply into the Mass. Reflecting on the Preface and the Sanctus, we take a moment also to consider music at Mass and the importance of chanting the parts of the Mass.
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In this second of four sermons on the Mass, we consider the Liturgy of the Word and espeicially the spiritual and mystical significance of the Gospel. We note that the Creed is the hinge of the Mass, between the Mass of the Catechumens and the Mass of the Faithful - the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
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As it has been 10 years since we last preached a series on the Mass (February 2015), we will preach a four part series on the Mass. Focusing on practical advise for gaining the greatest spiritual benefit from attending Mass, we will only give brief consideration to the history of the Mass and the rubrics of how Mass is meant to be celebrated - focusing rather on spiritual reflections related to the various parts of the Mass.
In our first homily on the Mass, we consider the reverence appropriate for Mass and the Opening Rites of the Mass.
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We discuss the Popes from Constantine (Pope Sylvester) through until before the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne (Pope Leo III) -- From 314 till 800.
We continue our study of the Popes throughout the history of the Church. We look to the Popes from St Peter through Emperor Constantine's conversion and Pope Sylvester.
In this course, we will consider the Popes throughout the history of the Church. Over around eight classes, we will consider the good popes, the bad popes, and also the anti-pope imposters. We will also have the occasion to discuss some of theology of the papacy and also many of the details regarding how papal elections (conclaves) work today!
Session 1 -- Introduction to the Papacy, Papal Elections, the First Popes
We have the great joy of celebrating the Feast of Mary's Purification (also, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Candlemas) on Sunday! In this sermon, we discuss the way in which both Jesus and Mary fulfill the Old Testament - our Lord submits to the Law even though he does not need to be redeemed by the offering of the Law, and Mary submits to the Purification Rites even though she needs no purification after the miraculous birth of Jesus.
We also consider the Nunc Dimittis prayer of Simeon, the third of the Gospel Canticles (the other two are the Benedictus of Zechariah, and the Magnificat of Our Lady). These Canticles have a special place in the Liturgy of the Church, in The Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours. Simeon's Canticle is sung in Compline or Night Prayer.
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We discuss the inspiration of the Bible, and especially how the Holy Spirit works in and through the human authors of the Bible while still respecting their individual personalities and freedom.
We also discuss what makes a book to be part of Sacred Scripture.
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Commentary on the miraculous changing of water into wine at the Wedding Feast of Cana from the second chapter of the Gospel of John.
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2025 is an Ordinary Jubilee in the life of the Church. These only occur once every 25 years - and there are many graces poured down upon us as well as many indulgences available to us!
We consider the Old Testament history of the jubilee year (Leviticus 25) and also the history of Jubilee Years in the life of the Church (beginning with Boniface VIII in 1300). We also give encouragement to enter into this Jubilee Year 2025 through a pilgrimage to Rome or to some holy site in the USA!
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The proper Mass for this Sunday is not Epiphany, but rather the Sunday after the Octave of Christmas (or Second Sunday of Christmas Season). In the Novus Ordo, the Gospel for this Mass is the Prologue of the Gospel of St John (John 1:1-18).
Without any doubt, this is the most important passage of Sacred Scripture - however, it unlikely that the typical American Catholic will ever hear this Gospel proclaimed at Mass.
We consider why this Gospel passage is so important, and comment on John 1:1-16 (the so called "Last Gospel" that was read daily at Mass before Vatican II).
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In the finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, we see the example of perfect obedience. Contrary to what some say, Jesus was in no way wrong or disobedient when he remained in the Temple for three days - rather he was perfectly obedient to his heavenly Father and to his earthly parents.
We consider the virtue of obedience, and how to practice this virtue in our daily lives. This is an important topic, and an important sermon!
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We consider the history of the Gloria of the Mass. First, we look to the opening words, which come from the Christmas Gospel - the joyous words of the angels to the shepherds. Then, we consider the history of the use of the Gloria in the Mass itself. Finally, we comment on the text of the Gloria itself.
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We consider the mystery of the Visitation and the perfection of the Child Jesus even in the womb.
Jesus had perfect knowledge from the moment of his conception, and already is our high priest. Further, in the second reading for Mass this Sunday, we learn the first prayer of Christ, "When Christ came into the world he said... A body you have prepared for me." (Hebrews 10) Jesus is a priest and already offers himself for our salvation, even in the womb of his mother!
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"Do not be anxious over anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
Following a sermon of St John Chrysostom and also the advice of St Francis de Sales, we consider how to overcome anxiety.
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