1919 North 2nd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-1735email: info@corpuschristibismarck.comwebsite: www.corpuschristibismarck.comfacebook: www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck

Parish Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Parish Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4616

Parish Office is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

For Sacramental Emergencies after office hours, please call 701-425-1483 and leave a message.

We will return your call in a timely manner.

WEEKLY LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday (Vigil of Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.Monday-Friday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:10 p.m.

Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 Rev. Mark Aune, Parochial Vicar . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 218)Rev. Paul Becker, Pastor Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Tracy Kraft, Parish Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 212)

PASTORAL MINISTERS Cindy Anderst, Adult Formation . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 205)Sarah Bengtson, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 220)Jennifer Braun, Music Ministry . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 209)Melanie Konieczka, Faith Formation . . . 255-4600 (ext. 219)Sr. Idelle Badt, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 207)Sr. Ivo Schoch, Outreach Ministry . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 208)

DEACONS: Michael Fix, Lonnie Grabowska, Rex McDowall

PARISH SUPPORT STAFFJane Bosch, Kitchen Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Niel Heinze, Maintenance Technician . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Bridget Johnson, Accounting Coordinator . . . . . . 255-4600Kathy Silbernagel, Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600

MISSION STATEMENTAs disciples of Jesus, we live our faith through Word, Sacrament, and Service.

CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI

PARISH BULLETIN DEADLINE: Articles must be received by noon on Wednesdays (typed format).

PRAYER TREE: 255-4600

February 28, 2021

SACRAMENTS

Reconciliation - Reconciliation will be offered weekdays from 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and from 3:00-3:30 p.m. on Saturday behind a screen or by appointment by calling the parish office at 701-255-4600. Baptism - The Baptism Preparation Program and Schedule are by arrangement. Please call the office at 255-4600 to register or register online at corpuschristibismarck.com/baptism prior to your delivery date and the program director will return your call. Parents must be registered at Corpus Christi or have permission from their parish. Marriage - Couples planning to be married should contact Sarah in the parish office at 255-4600 at least 12 months in advance. Completion of required paperwork and taking the FOCCUS premarital inventory is also needed this early. Natural Family Planning Classes are offered by the Bismarck Diocese. The methods offered are Billings Ovulation Method, Creighton Model Fertility Care System, Marquette Model and Sympto-Thermal Methods. If you have questions about NFP please contact the Diocese of Bismarck at 222-3035 or www.bismarckdiocese.com/nfp. RCIA Classes - Persons wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith may call Tracy Kraft at 255-4600.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 28, 2021

CONTRIBUTIONS (GENERAL FUND) - (2,299 households)Adult Envelopes (118) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,751.71Youth Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 193.15TOTAL RECEIVED (February 21) . . . . . . . . . $11,944.86 1st Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,796 .00 Online Giving Week 1 (Feb . 1-7) . . . . . . . . $ 4,708 .00 Electronic Contributions (137) . . . . . . . . . . $14,738 .68

2nd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,016 .00 Online Giving Week 2 (Feb . 8-14) . . . . . . . $ 1,908 .00

3rd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,944 .86Online Giving Week 3 (Feb . 15-21) . . . . . . $ 6,033 .00

Electronic Contributions (105) . . . . . . . . . . .$11,305 .68 4th Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0

Online Giving Week 4 (Feb . 22-28) . . . . . . $ 0

We appreciate your generosity which is part of being faithful stewards of Corpus Christi.

Weekly Mass Intentions

Monday, Mar. 1- VRendiel A . Acosta (12:10 p .m .)Tuesday, Mar. 2- VRamey Duchschers (12:10 p .m .)

Wednesday, Mar. 3-VLillian Sturn (12:10 p .m .)Thursday, Mar. 4- VAnna Obotama (12:10 p .m .)

Friday, Mar. 5- Nick & Jenny Kuntz family (12:10 p .m .) Saturday, Mar. 6- VFrank & VEva Kuntz (4:00 p .m .)

Sunday, Mar. 7- VDanny Herauf (8:30 a .m .) VBunny Marion (10:45 a .m .)

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Tuesdays 1:00-7:00 p.m. (private, quiet time, incense free). All are welcome to spend time in Jesus’ awesome Eucharistic presence.

We have been listening to your concerns, and we have set up a dedicated space during the 4:00 p.m. and 10:45 a.m. Mass in our Community Room for those who are immunocompromised or in fragile health and still de-sire to return to Mass. Masks will be re-quired. In addition, the 5:30 p.m. Mass will be a "Mask-Only Mass". If you are unable to wear a mask, please plan to at-tend one of the other weekend Masses.

LIVESTREAMING OPTIONS

We are offering 2 different options to watch our Masses: Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

You can go to our website at:www.corpuschristibismarck.com

Livestreaming Schedule:WEEKDAY MASSES

Monday - Friday: 12:10 p.m.WEEKEND MASSESSaturday: 4:00 p.m.Sunday: 10:45 a.m.

FULL-TIME COOK OPENING AT EMMAUS PLACE

The Diocese of Bismarck has an opening for a full-time cook (32-40 hours) to work at the Emmaus Place, a priest retire-ment facility in Bismarck. Please submit a cover letter, resume, three references and an application for employment (found at www.bismarckdiocese.com), to Denise Jordan at djordan@bismarckdiocese.com or PO Box 1575, Bismarck, ND 58502.

Easter FlowersYou are invited to participate in the Easter Flower Offering to enhance our worship environment while honoring or remembering a loved one. Monetary

donations will fund flowers and decorations for the Easter Season. All flowers will be ordered locally. An insert will be included in one of the bulletins after Easter to list all donors and those they wish to honor or remember. You should have received an "Easter Flower Offering" envelope in the March Packet of envelopes. You can also pick up an "Easter Flower Offering Envelope" at any of the entrances, stop by the Parish Office, or donate online by March 29. Kindly donate via the Easter Flower Offering rather than donating a flowering plant.

DUO INPERTIO SHARES

"A LENTEN RECITAL OF PSALMS"

Dr. Beverly Everett, OrganTonya Mertz, Oboe

Sunday, March 7th, 2:00 p.m.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bismarck

Free Admission

Featuring Psalm settings for oboe and organ, and Julius Ruebke's Sonata on the 94th Psalm for organ.

CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI BISMARCK, ND

receive

What’s Going on Here This Week

Tues. 3/2 Quilters, 9:00 a.m., Community Room Eucharistic Adoration, 1:00-7:00 p.m., Church Wed. 3/3 Faith Formation Group C, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Parent Presentation Group C, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Confirmation 9th Group B, 7:00-8:15 p.m., Parish Hall Middle School Faith Formation, 8th Grade, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Community Room

Fri. 3/5 Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m., Church Sun. 3/7 Faith Formation Group B, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Parent Presention Group B, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Beverly Everett Organ Recital, 2:00-3:30 p.m. SNAC High School Youth Group, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Room 140

SNAC (Sunday Night After Church)

Attention all high schoolers! Sunday Night After Church (SNAC) will meet on

Sunday, February 28th from 6:30-8:00 p.m.Topic Night: Mental HealthFor questions, you can email

youthminister@corpuschristibismarck.com. This year's Steubenville Conference sign-up opens soon. There is only one conference this year, and it

will be in Rochester, MN from July 23-25.

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Corpus Christi is in need of volunteers to help out with some of our ministries. Please call the office at 701-255-4600 if you are interested in giving of your time to serve Corpus Christi.Livestream Assistance: We are in need of camera operators who would be willing to help us livestream our Masses on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Training would be provided.

Ushers and Greeters: We are looking for volunteers to help usher and greet during the weekend Masses once a month. Schedule is flexible. Training would be provided.

LENTEN RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLELenten resources are available in the Upper Gathering Space. Please stop by and pick up the Word Among Us, or the Little Black Book for daily readings or reflections. We also have a Give.Him.21 Lenten Children's Activity Calendar.

LENTEN ALMSGIVING 2021Participate in almsgiving this Lent by bringing food to help fill the shelves of the food pantry. Your donations can be placed in the boxes in the upper and lower gathering spaces of the church.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS NEEDED ARE:

Week 2: Instant Potatoes

Vocation Views: We are encouraged to listen to Jesus, the Beloved Son of God. Take time to listen in prayer. What do you hear Jesus saying to you? (Mark 9:2-10)

Stewardship Announcements: We must look upon others through the eyes of God and find the presence of Jesus in them. When we do this, how easy it is to give of our time, talent and treasure in service to others!Marriage Moments: "Yeah, you won," said the irate wife to her husband, "and now you get to live with the loser."

Parenting Pointers: "God put Abraham to the test." (Gen. 22:1) Although some may interpret this scripture as Abraham being willing to kill his beloved son for God, probably the better lesson is that we all must at some point let go of our expectations for our children and trust God to lead them in ways we might not have chosen.

CORPUS CHRISTI WOMEN'S GROUP will meet on Thursday, March 11th in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Our topic for the evening will be learning about the greatest attribute of God, His love and mercy for us. We will explore the work of God and the spiritual legacy of St. Pope John Paul II, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Faustina in Divine mercy.

Catholic Daughters will meet on Tuesday, March 2nd at Cathedral at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call Marella at 701-255-0559.

REAL PRESENCE RADIO (91.7 FM)

"REAL PRESENCE LIVE" hosted byMonsignor Patrick Schumacher

Thursday, March 4th

9:00-11:00 a.m.You can tune in at 91.7 FM,

or yourcatholicradiostation.com, oron the Real Presence Radio App.

LITURGICAL MINISTRYPlease review the revised schedule below and contact the office to let us know if you are willing and able to serve as

a minister next weekend. Please note that there will be no Eucharistic Ministers or Altar Servers for the forseeable future. If you are not scheduled but would be willing to help, call Tracy at 701-255-4600.

Last weekend, the Sunday Mass Obligation was reestablished as we continue to adapt and live with the coronavirus pandemic. The situation remains fluid and every day we see how the virus, or what we know about it and how we react to it, changes. What doesn't change-what cannot change-is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council makes it clear that there are three essential elements in the nature and activity of the Church: proclamation that awakens faith, service to the world and liturgy. All other sacred actions and all the works of Christian life are connected with the Mass, flow from it and are ordered to it. On Tuesday, February 16, I celebrated Mass after benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and offered three times of instruction explaining the Mass; immediately prior to the beginning of Mass, at the Homily and immediately following the Mass. To view the "Mass Explained, " visit our website and click on YOUTUBE or FACEBOOK LIVE, or go to the direct links - https://www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck/videos/216970973421613 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mobdncdTgw&t=93s.One of the questions that evening was "How is the Mass a sacrifice like the sacrifices of the Old Testament?" Here I offer, again, my answer from that evening. A priest is one who offers sacrifice. Priests of the Old Testament offered sacrifices and priests of the New Testament in the Catholic Church offer sacrifice - the Sacrifice of the Mass. This is why we call Catholic ordained ministers, "priests." At every sacrifice there is the one who offers and the one who is offered. The priest and the victim. The Mass is a true and proper sacrifice for the reason it fulfills the requirements of a sacrifice: A sense perceptible offering (bread and wine) is destroyed (transubstantiated into a wholly different reality) by an authorized minister (duly ordained priest) in order to worship God. (The Mass is the solemn worship of God by the priest and faithful). The presentation of Gifts is a symbolic expression of the fact that THE PEOPLE enter into the sacrifice while the priest offers the sacrifice. When we delve deeper into understanding the Mass as sacrifice, we begin to understand why the Church, in her infinite wisdom, encourages the faithful to regularly and routinely participate in the Mass through the observation of the Sunday Obligation.

As I close out, two additional things: This week, I will host Real Presence Live on Real Presence Radio on March 04, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Tune in! How is your Lenten journey going? How will you GIVE.HIM.21 this week? Have a great week! Msgr. Patrick A. Schumacher

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

Date: Mar 6-7 March 6, 2021 March 7, 2021 March 7, 2021 March 7, 20214:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:45 AM 6:30 PM

Hospitality 1 1 Brian Steffl 1 Kathy Howe 12 2 Heather Steffl 2 23 3 Catherine Williams 3 3 4 4 Francis Williams 4 4 5 5 Linda Heil 5 5 6 6 6

Ushers 1 1 Mike Hilbert 1 Anthony Silvernagel Jr.* 1 Gene Rivinius*2 2 Kenneth Heil 2 Lonnie Zahn 2 Bev Rivinius3 3 3 Dan Sauter 34 4 4 Dan DeRouchey 4

Lectors 1 Lisa Frank 1 John Saiki 1 Andrew Kraft 1 Todd Van Orman2 2 2 Rodger Wetzel 2

Servers 1 1 1 1 Hannah Dorrheim2 2 2 2 Jacob Dorrhiem

Eucharistic Min BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST1-R Mary Ann Metcalf 1-R Dean Anagnost R-1 Andrew Kraft R-12 Father 2 Father 2 Father 2 Father 3 Larry Thelen 3 Brenda Bergan 3 Kathy Howe 34 Elaine Thompson 4 Char Blaskowski 4 Janet Spooner 45 5 Shawn Anagnost 5 Kathy Zahn 56 6 6 Courtney Kraft 67 Deacon 7 Deacon 7 Deacon 7 Deacon8 8 8 Cathy Schatz 811 11 Kyle Schatz12 12 Makayla SchatzLG LG LG LG

Minister for

Make your weekly envelopes disappear! Choose online giving.

Give weekly, monthly, or even annually! Check it out at: www.corpuschristibismarck.com and click on the

"Online Giving Button" on the home page of the Parish Website. If you have questions call the office at 701-255-4600.

Stations of the CrossFriday's during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the Church Proper

Please call Tracy at the Parish office to help with readings, lights or the carrying of the cross. Or you can

sign-up online at www.corpuschristibismack.com.

OPERATION RICE BOWLBETTER MEALS IN MADAGASCAR

In Madagascar, half of all children are undernourished. That means 50% of kids won't grow to reach their full potential. But communities are changing this by focusing on improving health and nutrition. What role has food played in your life? How can you help those who lack access to enough nutritious food. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

75% of your CRS Rice Bowl donation supports Catholic Relief Services around the world.

25% helps alleviate hunger and poverty in our local diocese.

Lent 2021 continues and we encourage all of you to "Give.Him.21" every day. The pillars of Lent are Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. "This is my beloved son. Listen to him." (From today's Gospel, Mark 9:7) Spend 21 minutes in silent prayer or spend 21 minutes praying the Rosary. How can you Give.Him.21 today?

AFRICAN MISSION APPEAL 2021"Lifting up our brothers and sisters in need" is the theme for the 32nd Annual African Mission Appeal, which be-gins next weekend in every parish in the Diocese of Bismarck. Your gift will help support the work of our Mission Team as they minister on our behalf to our brothers and sisters in Kisii, Kenya, East Africa. The African Mission Ap-peal brochure and envelopes are available for you to take home and read. Please prayerfully consider a generous gift to the appeal. You may return your envelope to the parish next weekend. You are encouraged to follow our missionaries in action at: https://www.facebook.com/BismarckCatholicMission.

Sunday, Feb 28, 2021SECOND SUNDAY OF LENTGo all inErin became a Roman Catholic in midlife. When asked why, shesays she tried fiercely to make life work according to her plan.Erin told God many times how it should go, attempting topersuade the powers that be to see it her way. Then one day Godreplied: My plan for you is so beautiful, wonderful, elegant. Whynot try it instead? When Erin celebrated the Rites for Candidatesfor Full Communion on a Lenten Sunday just like this one, shefound the joy she was missing. Pray for this year’s candidates—and for candidates for years to come.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10 (26). “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Monday, Mar 01, 2021LENTEN WEEKDAYMercy me!Pope Francis called mercy the "beating heart of the gospel."Mercy is forbearance, divine favor, compassionate treatment ofthe distressed and undeserving. It’s another word for God’s love.Consider showing devotion to it by reciting the Chaplet of DivineMercy, a rosary-based prayer that was received by SaintFaustina, a Polish nun in the 1930s, through visions of Jesus.Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated the week after Easter, butmany make the Chaplet part of their regular Lenten practice byreciting it every day at 3 p.m. (the traditional hour of Christ’sdeath). You can find the Chaplet on the USCCB website.

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 9:4b-10; Luke 6:36-38 (230). “Bemerciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Tuesday, Mar 02, 2021LENTEN WEEKDAYCelebrate humble historyWomen’s History Month celebrates well-known women but alsounsung heroines. How appropriate, then, that today is the feast ofAgnes of Bohemia, a lesser-known saint. First cousin of Elizabethof Hungary—and descendent of Good King Wenceslaus—Agnescame upon her vocation naturally. She built a hospital for thepoor, a Franciscan friary, and a monastery for Poor Clare nuns.When she also became a nun and was urged to become abbess,she referred to herself only as “senior sister.” She continued tocook for her sisters and mend the clothing of lepers rather thanlive a royal life. Celebrate the unsung heroines in your life.

TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12 (231)."Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbleshimself will be exalted.”

Wednesday, Mar 03, 2021MEMORIAL OF KATHARINE DREXEL, RELIGIOUS FOUNDERWe have work to doKatharine Drexel (1858-1955) is a saint for our time. Born into asuccessful Philadelphia banking family, she used her wealth toimprove the lives of others. Her Sisters of the Blessed Sacramentdevoted their lives to education of Native and African Americans,building more than 100 schools in cities, rural areas, and onreservations. Though Katharine and her sisters at times facedcriticism, endured racist taunts, and were threatened by the KuKlux Klan, they remained steadfast in their mission. Patron saintof racial justice and philanthropy, Saint Katharine epitomizes the

sacrifice of the Blessed Sacrament. How will you commit yourown life to making the world more just?

TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28 (232).“Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”

Thursday, Mar 04, 2021MEMORIAL OF CASIMIRGrace under pressureSaint Casimir seemed destined for riches and power, but thispatron saint of Poland, called the Peacemaker, took a differentpath. Born in 1458 to the king and queen of Poland, he was adevout, ascetic child. At age 14 his father had him lead an armyto install himself as king of Hungary, but with an overpoweringenemy and troops beginning to desert, Casimir instead returnedhome. His furious father exiled him, but Casimir would neveragain take up arms. Rejecting violence when those around youembrace it can take great inner strength. Cultivate an innercompass that can pursue peace despite pressure.

TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31 (233). “Blessedis the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.”

Friday, Mar 05, 2021LENTEN WEEKDAY; DAY OF ABSTINENCEPray for besieged people everywherePrayer is our life with God. Sometimes we carve out a particulartime during the day, and sometimes there are specific words,images, or experiences that help us be more aware of or expressour relationship with God. And so of course during Lent prayer isone of the pillars, along with fasting and almsgiving, that help usturn to God. On today’s 2021 World Day of Prayer, anecumenical observance, we are invited to “Build on a strongfoundation.” This theme comes from the women of Vanuatu, anisland hit by Cyclone Harold in 2020. Despite the perils theyfaced—and we've all faced in a year of pandemic—the messageof today's prayer is one of confidence in God's steadfastness andthe rock of faith. Unite in prayer for healing and recovery.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 (234). “The kingdom of God will be . . . given to a peoplethat will produce its fruit.”

Saturday, Mar 06, 2021LENTEN WEEKDAYSibling rivalry of biblical proportionsThe Parable of the Prodigal Son could as easily be called theParable of the Bitter Brother. The story might have ended withthe celebration at the return of the repentant prodigal. But insteadwe are left to ponder the feelings of the “good son,” the obedientone who followed all the rules but never got a party thrown in hishonor. It’s a very human story, reenacted in nearly every familyin one form or another. “Mother always liked you best.” “Youwere Dad’s favorite.” “All we ever did was bail you out oftrouble.” Will the bitter brother in the gospel story reconcile? Hasbitterness or division in your own family been reconciled?Consider being the reconciler who brings it about.

TODAY'S READINGS: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (235).“Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey yourorders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on withmy friends.”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2021 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.

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Refocus in the desert

Why do Catholics fast and abstain?

Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. March 2021

In preparing to begin His public ministry, Jesus spent forty days and nights in the wilderness of the desert. In the starkness of the desert, He strengthened His connection to his Father. God’s love was all Jesus needed.

Fasting and abstinence also help us strengthen our connection to

God. They are ways of expressing sorrow for the ways we stray from God’s friendship. By denying ourselves material comforts, we increase our

dependence on God and our appreciation for His gifts.

Lent may be a time of penance and sacri�ce but it doesn’t have to be a time of sadness. In fact, the season brings an opportunity to become the people God created us to be. This time in our spiritual desert can be a chance to simplify, focus, and concentrate. Simplify. Look for areas in your life where there are excesses. When we have too much of something, it can take extra time to sort, store, and maintain the supply beyond what we need. For example, is your clothes closet packed too tightly? Is your pantry overstocked? Can you clean out and give some gently used items to the poor? You’ll spend less mental and physical energy

if you keep only what you need. Focus. During Lent, we are called to spend more intentional time with God. To help, consider fasting from

distractions. Limiting social media exposure,

controlling time spent working, or turning off the cell phone for periods of time can help you �nd space to add more prayer and Scripture reading to your day.

Concentrate. Avoid in�uences that

pull you away from God. “... But worldly anxiety, the lure

of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the Word, and it bears no fruit” (Mark 4:19). Resolve to live a life that pleases God.

The Eucharist is now During the celebration of

the Eucharist, the past action of

Jesus becomes present. It is a liturgical representation of His sacri�ce. Not merely a commemoration, Mass makes the sacri�ce truly present. When we participate in the Eucharist, the past becomes present to us and we are present at the saving event.

Live generously In a world that judges people based on their accumulated wealth, it is easy to notice what we don’t have and to wish for it. Lent, however, invites us to live in gratitude for what we do have. Gratitude then gives rise to generosity – sharing God’s love and gifts with others. Generous people are encouraging, positive, and appreciative. During Lent, notice and appreciate God’s gifts and share them with others.

Always ready “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy” (Pope Francis).

Church of Corpus Christi

March 2021 Page 2

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(Unless noted Bible quotes and references are fromthe Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible)

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© Copyright 2021 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

Wouldn’t it be amazing to be face to face with Jesus? Imagine sitting with Him, talking together, thanking Him for His gifts, asking for favors. In many churches throughout the world,

Catholics are able to do just that in Perpetual

Adoration. Adoration is a Eucharistic

devotion that offers the opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus, under the appearance of the Eucharistic Host – the Blessed Sacrament.

Placed in a monstrance for display, all can see and pray in the presence of Our Lord. Parishes with Perpetual Adoration chapels are able to host adoration twenty-four hours a day. Other parishes offer periods of time adorers can worship in person. “Adoration is the �rst attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil” (CCC, #2628). There are many ways to adore God, but in Adoration, we are truly in Jesus’ presence adoring him in person.

March 1 – St. David of Wales (c. 600). St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He was born into Welsh nobility, but instead chose to become a priest. He was later consecrated a bishop. He is best known for founding an ascetic monastery and ridding the area of the Pelagian heresy. March 17 – St. Patrick of Ireland (c.461). Born in Scotland, St. Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but later returned to become the bishop of Ireland and is credited for having

established the Church there. March 19 – St. Joseph, Husband of Mary (1st Century). Jesus’ earthly father and husband to the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph is a model of fatherhood and a protector of families. March 25 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (1st Century). On Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, we recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when he was greeted by crowds waving palms and cheering. This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.

Why did Jesus choose Joseph to be His father on Earth? St. Joseph wasn’t rich, powerful, or even sinless like Our Lady. Born ordinary, virtue and grace combined to make Joseph remarkable. In fact, by choosing him, Jesus gave us a model we can follow. A man of faith. In spite of persecution and societal pressure, Joseph answered the call to live the two greatest commandments. He put God �rst and did all that He asked, no matter how incredible. And, Joseph put his family’s needs before his own.

A husband. He respected that his primary vocation was husband to Mary. In fact, public opinion was

against him when took pregnant Mary as his wife. He loved her anyway.

A father. As a devout Jew, he knew the psalms and the law of Moses. He didn’t just teach his son a

trade, Jesus was taught to be a faithful Son of God.

Like us, St. Joseph began ordinary but cooperated with God’s grace to become

extraordinary. That is possible for us, too.

St. Joseph – ordinary or extraordinary?

It’s even more important to share in his suffering and great love during his Passion. St. Paul said, “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels … always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). He means that everything that happens in our lives – the good and the bad – can be part of our bond with Jesus. Every day our frustrations, our fears, our loneliness and temptations can become ways in which we share in the

suffering and death of Christ. Likewise, our joys, our good

health, our family and friends are all

important ways to share in the joy of his Resurrection. The point is to offer everything

to Christ. St. Alphonsus wrote, “We

should consider not so much the sorrows Jesus suffered as the love with which he bore them.” Disciples of Jesus can have the same attitude toward suffering as he did and can share in his joy of Resurrection.

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Mark 14:1-15, 47, Make Jesus’ Passion our own.