April 2019

“We are weak, but he is strong.” That’s a line from one of the first Christian songs many kids learn, “Jesus Loves Me.” For young children, strength is a physical concept associated with big muscles. As kids become abstract thinkers, they understand concepts such as moral strength and divine power. Because God is omnipotent, or all-powerful, all things are under his control. As Luke 1:37 (NCV) says, “God can do anything!” During his earthly ministry, Jesus stood up to Satan’s temptations, calmed a raging storm, healed sick people, and rose from the dead. Jesus’ power is especially evident at Easter, when we celebrate his

victory over sin and the grave. Death is no match for Jesus, who lives forever and offers us eternal life in heaven. To share Easter’s good news—and Jesus’ power—with your children, emphasize that Jesus wants us to be his friend and have the power to live forever, too. That happens when we believe that Jesus is alive, tell him we love him, and say we’re sorry when we mess up. We ask Jesus for forgiveness and promise to follow and love him every day. Doing this means we’ve put our faith in Jesus. It also means we have Jesus’ power with us every day to help us. And, like Jesus, we’ll live forever. Use the ideas on these pages to enhance your Easter celebrations.

Easter Reveals Jesus’ Strength and Power

POWERSOURCE TALK TO JESUS:

1. Thank Jesus for being all-

powerful and for defeating sin

and death.

2. Ask Jesus to remind your family

that he controls all things.

3. Ask Jesus to help you share the

meaning of Easter with your kids.

SStt.. KKiilliiaann

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442288 FFoorreesstt SSttrreeeett

HHaarrttffoorrdd,, WWII 5533002277

Dennis Vlasak, DRE

262-673-4831 ext. 406 Attendance 262-673-4831 ext. 307

dre@stkiliancong.org

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Packed With Power Read aloud Ephesians 3:20. Ask: What does it mean to have God’s power working in us? Hand out rulers and measuring tapes. Say: Measure your foot. (Pause.) Now measure a chair. (Pause.) Now measure this wall. (Pause.) Now measure the distance from here to Mars. (Pause.) Say: That’s right—we can’t measure that distance, can we? That’s what God’s power is like! It’s so big and wonderful we can’t measure it. But we know it’s there because God tells us he’s powerful, and God showed his power by raising Jesus from the dead. That power can help us every day with any hard things. Say: Think of one area where you need God’s power. Silently ask God to use his power to help you. (Pause.) After a minute of silence, close in prayer, thanking God for using his power to raise Jesus from the dead and to help and strengthen us.

He Is Mighty to Save

In our sinful world, we’re bombarded by problems and fears. That may be one reason kids gravitate toward superheroes and crime-fighters. Knowing we’re protected is comforting. Yet no animated character is a match for Jesus’ strength. Throughout the Bible, he solves dilemmas from feeding large crowds with just a little food to casting demons out of suffering people. Jesus also calms people’s fears, serving as a good Shepherd who protects his sheep. Today Jesus continues solving the toughest problems and easing our fears, reminding us daily of his goodness, mercy, and might.

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given

me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him.” —Exodus 15:2

You Can’t Keep Jesus Down! Place five or six inflated helium balloons (with long strings) inside a laundry basket, and cover the basket with a blanket. Say: “On Easter, nothing could keep Jesus in the grave. This basket is like a grave. The blanket is the stone. When God rolled away the stone, Jesus rose from the dead.” Remove the blanket. Say: “Try to get the balloons back into the basket while keeping one hand behind your back.” After playing, read Luke 24:1-6. Ask: “What does it mean to you that Jesus used his power to rise from the dead?”

Parade of Strength Make some homemade instruments and crepe paper streamers. Ask: “What things are hard for you to do? Who helps you do those things?” Read aloud Philippians 4:13. Say: “Jesus gives us strength to be kind, to forgive, and to serve. He helps us do anything. Let’s celebrate with a parade!” Play music and march around, waving streamers and playing instruments. Repeat the Bible verse as you march.

Power Drawings Form two teams and take turns drawing (and guessing) things that remind them of Jesus’ power, like an empty tomb, a volcano, lightning, or any answer to prayer. Afterward, ask:

“What are some new or different things you learned about Jesus’ power? What else can you think of that’s tough to draw? How can we keep a lookout for Jesus’ power?” Resurrection Relay Read aloud John 20:1-18 and talk about the disciples’ excitement on Easter. Have family members form two groups, and have groups line up on different sides of a room. Give one group a hula hoop or large ball. Say: “Let’s pretend this is the stone that was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. Take turns rolling it back and forth, and each time shout, ‘Jesus is alive!’” Afterward, say: “Easter news about Jesus’ resurrection is powerful. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can live with him forever. Who can you tell that Jesus is alive?” Super Strength Have family members play Freeze Tag while you play a song. Say: “While the song plays quietly, the person who’s It will have normal strength to tag people. When the song gets loud, the person who’s It will have super strength, so everyone else has to hop on one foot.” After playing, read Judges 16:4-30. Ask: “What was it like to play this game with normal strength? What was it like with super strength? Where did Samson get his strength? Where do we get ours?”

MOVIE Title: Missing Link Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Rating: PG Cast: Zoe Saldana, Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, Zach Galifianakis Synopsis: Sir Lionel Frost, self-proclaimed expert on monsters and myths, tries to bolster his reputation by proving that a legendary creature tied to early man really exists. After Frost and his partner Adelina find Mr. Link in the Pacific Northwest, the trio embarks on a global search for the creature’s long-lost relatives. Our Take: This film’s “fear factor” is quite low, as Mr. Link turns out to be a lovable dimwit. The title implies a “link” to evolution, but the movie’s theme is about finding the place where you belong. The trio discovers that family can be found in unexpected places.

MEDIA MADNESS

CULTURE & TRENDS

$7.09 That’s the difference between what boys make on average for a weekly allowance compared to girls. $13.80 is the average weekly allowance for boys, while for girls it’s only $6.71. The gender gap in allowances sheds interesting light on this aspect of family life. (busykid.com) Earworm Alert! Following its “Baby Shark” music video sensation, the South Korean company Pinkfong is planning a penguin-related follow-up. Also watch for content for older kids (ages 5 to 8), a Netflix cartoon series, and games for Alexa and Google Home. (bloomberg.com)

QUICK STATS

Principal Concerns In a survey of 900 K-8 principals, 74% say their top concern is an “increase in the number of students with emotional problems.” That’s followed by “student mental-health issues” (66%) and “students not performing to their level of potential” (62%). (wallacefoundation.org)

Parental Priorities Sixty-five percent of parents say they’d prefer a night of uninterrupted sleep to a night of intimacy. And 81% would choose a totally clean home over a piece of expensive jewelry. (today.com)

TV Title: Sydney to the Max Network: Disney Channel Synopsis: On this new family sitcom, rated TV-G, a middle schooler lives with her overprotective single dad and her grandma, who used to be a single mom. As the dad copes with modern-day parenting dilemmas, flashbacks to the ’90s reveal what he was once like. Misbehavior and rebellion are played for laughs, without much focus on consequences. Our Take: The intergenerational aspect of this show adds perspective to common conflicts. Subjects are kid-friendly, such as wanting a dog or a new hairstyle and pushing back against rules. Watching the episodes with your preteen can lead to conversations about your changing relationship.

Games, Podcasts & Apps

Melbits World In this puzzle game for PlayStation, two or more players guide cute creatures through levels. Teamwork is key, and young kids can master the moves. The only “violence” is when Melbits fall off a ledge. By downloading an app, you can play on various devices. Rated E for Everyone.

Noodle Loaf A dad trained in music education created this 10-minute interactive podcast for kids ages 3 to 9. Families will enjoy listening to the songs and games, which feature rhyming, rhythm and patterns, movement awareness, trivia, and a bunch of silly fun. Kids can submit material to the show.

Gorogoa This award-winning app takes the puzzle genre to an artistically intricate level. The story is told through very detailed illustrations with multiple layers. Players point and click to guide a boy through encounters with a monster as well as times of war and rebuilding. Rated E for Everyone. $4.99 This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant

to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children

watch, read, listen to, and play.

April, 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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2

St. Francis of Paola

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St. Isadore of Seville

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St. Vincent Ferrer

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St. Julie Billiart

9 10 11

St. Stanislaus

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St. Martin I

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1 – 4 pm 1st Eucharist Day of Reflection Palm Sunday of the Passion

of the Lord

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Holy Thursday

19 Day of Fast

and Abstinence

Good Friday

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Easter Vigil

21 Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

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Earth Day

23 24

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28

2nd Sunday of Easter

29

St. Catherine of Sienna

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St. Pius V

First Eucharist

There are 25 students from St. Kilian School and Religious Education preparing for First Eucharist. These students and their parents will attend an Afternoon of Reflection on Sunday, April 14 as their final preparation for the reception of First Eucharist. Please pray for these students and their parents as they prepare for the reception of Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. St. Kilian’s First Eucharist celebration will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2:00pm.

Confirmation

St. Kilian and St. John parishes will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 2:00pm with Auxiliary Bishop Jeffery Haines. There are 28 young people from St. Kilian and 8 young people from St. John that are preparing for Confirmation. Please include these young people in your prayers as they enter the final preparation period for this Sacrament of Initiation.

Questions about the Catechism – Continuing Series

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A Blessed Holy Week

and Easter Season!

1. What is a catechism?

A catechism is a text which contains the fundamental

Christian truths formulated in a way that facilitates their

understanding. There are two categories of catechism: major

and minor. A major catechism is a resource or a point of

reference for the development of minor catechisms. The

Catechism of the Catholic Church is an example of a major

catechism. The Baltimore Catechism is an example of a

minor catechism.

2. What is a "universal catechism?"

A "universal catechism" is a major catechism which is

intended to be a resource or point of reference for the

development of national or local catechisms and catechetical

materials throughout the world. Such a catechism can be

termed "universal" in that its primary audience is the

universal Church.

3. Is the Catechism of the Catholic Church a "universal

Catechism?"

Yes. Insofar as it is intended to be a resource or point of

reference for the development of minor catechisms

throughout the universal Church, it is a "universal

catechism." The Catechism of the Catholic Church was titled

the Catechism of the Universal Church in an earlier draft, but

it was never officially titled the "universal Catechism." The

Catechism is in need of what its Prologue terms "the

indispensable mediation" of particular culture, age, spiritual

life and social and ecclesial conditions. The Catechism is

"universal," then, because it is intended for use by the

universal Church.

THE EASTER VIGIL

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April RE at a Glance Apr. 7 – 10:00-11:00 am - Class - 4K-Grade 7 Apr. 7 - 6:30-8:00 pm - Class - Grades 8-11 Apr. 14 – 9:00 am - Children’s Mass - All children should attend.

Grade 2 - Gospel Procession – (SKS Students also invited) Students should meet their Catechist in the Gathering Space near the Sacristy before Mass. Children’s Collection.

Apr. 14 – 10:00-11:00 am - Class - 4K-Grade 7 Apr. 14 - 6:30-8:00 pm - Class - Grades 8-11 Apr. 14 – First Eucharist Day of Reflection – 1:00-4:00 pm Apr. 21 – No sessions – Easter Sunday – A Blessed Easter to you! Apr. 29 – No Sessions until September! May 5 – First Eucharist Celebration – 2:00 pm May 30 – Confirmation Practice – 7:00 pm June 3 – Confirmation Celebration – 2:00 pm

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By most ancient tradition, this is the night of keeping vigil for the Lord (Ex 12:42), in which, following the Gospel admonition (Lk 12:35-37), the faithful, carrying lighted lamps in their hands, should be like those looking for the Lord when he returns, so that at his coming he may find them awake and have them sit at his table.

The Easter Vigil is the “Mother of All Vigils,” it is the greatest and most noble of all solemnities. Easter Sunday, then, is the greatest of all Sundays, and Easter Time is the most important of all liturgical times. Easter is the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead, culminating in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. There are 50 days of Easter from the first Sunday to Pentecost. It is characterized, above all, by the joy of glorified life and the victory over death, expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of the Christian: Alleluia! All faith flows from faith in the resurrection: “If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching: empty, too, is your faith.” (1 Cor 15:14)

The Easter Vigil, held in Catholic Churches, is the first official Mass celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Historically, it is during this service that people have been baptized and that adult catechumens are received into full communion with the Church. It would be typical for someone to receive all 3 Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day – most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday.

The word “Easter” comes from Old English, meaning simply the “East.” The sun which rises in the East, bringing light, warmth, and hope, is a symbol for the Christian of the rising Christ, who is the true Light of the world. The Paschal Candle is a central symbol of this divine light, which is Christ. The Paschal Candle is lit for all liturgical celebrations during the entirety of Easter Time.

St. Kilian celebrates the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 20 at 8:00 pm. All present are given candles. The Vigil starts outside the Worship Space, in the Gathering Space, with the blessing of the new fire that is then used to light the

new Paschal Candle. The light is then passed to all present and a procession begins into the worship space as the Exultet is sung. The Exultet is the great Easter Proclamation. The Liturgy of the Word proclaims the salvation history of God’s people. From the creation story, to the story of the Exodus, to Isiah proclaiming all to come to the water, to Paul’s letter to the Romans telling them to think of themselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ, to finally, Luke’s story of the women – including Mary Magdalene - who were the first to know that Jesus had risen, then ran back to tell the others – spreading the news.

The St. Kilian Scrip Fundraising Program is third-source funding designed to assist in the budgetary needs of the

ministries of St. Kilian Parish. Families are encouraged to use this program to reduce their tuition expenses each

year. This includes Religious Ed tuition!! If everyone in the parish used Scrip just for their routine household

purchases, the parish would have enough money to do amazing things and be able to do amazing outreach to the

community! And it costs you NOTHING!!

Families will receive 50% of the rebates offered through the gift card companies after an initial $50.00 in rebates are met.

The first $50.00 in rebates helps to cover the cost of having Scrip inventory available to buy locally. If you need

assistance with the Scrip Program, please contact our Scrip coordinator, Linda Thimm at scrip@stkiliancong.org.

SHOP WITH SCRIP FOR REGULAR SHOPPING PURCHASES AND ALL YOUR GIFT GIVING!

Don't forget to purchase your gift cards or eCards for those special people on your list! If you haven't registered for Scrip,

please click on the link below. Might we suggest signing up with www.shopwithscrip.com to make your purchases from

the comfort of your couch or while you are standing in line at the store! Or, myscripwallet.com on your phone!

Scrip can be purchased Thursdays at 5:30 pm; Scrip is available, or may be ordered, in the St. Joseph Room just off the

Gathering Space. Scrip is also available in the Parish Office during normal Business Hours.

You may purchase and use Scrip even if you do not register - profits would then go directly to the general parish.

For more information, check out the links below:

Register with Scrip (To participate in program to have profit go to a specific area) Shop with Scrip (Online) (Optional...but useful!) See Scrip information on the Parish website by clicking http://www.stkiliancong.org/school/scrip-

program.cfm. On your phone go to myscripwallet.com to purchase and use scrip - right on your phone!

19-20 Registration

Registration for the 2019-2020 Religious Ed year will begin soon. Watch your mailbox for a postcard with the on-line address that gives instructions. Also, there will be help in using the Software after all Masses the weekend of April 6/7.

19-20 Fees

Fees remain the same as the past several years. The Early Bird Tuition Special runs until June 3rd. The special is $125 for 1, $250 for 2, $375 for 3 or more children from your family. After June 3rd fees will rise to $150, $300, $450.

Sacramental Prep for 2019-2020

St. Kilian provides a comprehensive catechetical program based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scripture, Catholic teachings and traditions. Each grade level focuses on a specific theme, as well as Catholic prayers, Catholic vocabulary, and Mass responses. By the end of each year, students will have been exposed to and understand a variety of topics within their grade level theme. All learning is cumulative and students are expected to be familiar with the previous curriculum. The learning of our Catholic faith begins in the home at birth and continues for a life time. Children are expected to be enrolled in religious education classes through high school. The reception of the sacraments is not the end to learning about the Catholic faith. Each year of Religious Education Classes focus on a different area of Catholic Church teaching. It is extremely important that students regularly attend all grade levels of classes as one year builds on the next. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee recommends and St. Kilian requires completion of at least one year of religious formation prior to a student preparing for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Traditionally, in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee First Reconciliation and First Eucharist occur when the child is in the 2nd grade. A child generally would attend Religious Ed in 1st and 2nd grades and then prepare for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in 2nd grade. If an older child has not received these 2 Sacraments, they would prepare for them after they have started their second year of Religious Ed.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee recommends and St. Kilian requires participation and attendance in Grades 9 & 10 Religious Education prior to the direct preparation for Confirmation in Grade 11.

Students attending Catholic High School will not be required to attend the St. Kilian 9th & 10th Grade formation classes as they have religious education classes during their school day. They are, however required to attend Grade 11 formation classes at St. Kilian as the direct preparation for the celebration of Confirmation is completed at the parish level.

A Reminder to sign-up

for your family’s turn as a Greeter THE POWER OF A WARM WELCOME!

This is a reminder for all RE families to complete each family’s requirement to serve

as Greeters 4 times for Sunday Mass, Holy Days, or other occasions!

Each Religious Education family is to schedule four (4) Masses where the family will be greeters at the doors to the

Gathering Space or the Breezeway. Have you completed your family’s required number? You have until August 25 to

complete your required 4 Masses. Sign-up today! Greeter sign-up is all completed on-line. To sign up for a particular date and time, along with either the Gathering Space entrance or Breezeway entrance, please go to the parish or RE website Greeter Ministry page, or go directly to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084caba728a1fe3-greeter2 to sign up!

A Church Greeter is one of the more important roles in the Church! Greeters are the first people that parishioners and

visitors see. It is vitally important to be welcoming – especially to our visiting guests! The greeter may assist, and care for the

needs of, those entering for worship. Following the example of Jesus who welcomes everyone to the Table, we too are called to

offer hospitality and welcome to everyone in the name of the Lord.

Funfest – May 17, 18, 19

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First Eucharist

Afternoon of Reflection is Saturday, April 14th from

1:00 – 4:00 pm.

First Eucharist Celebration is Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 pm.

Confirmation

Confirmation Practice is Thursday May 30th.

Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors should be in

church by 6:50 pm.

Confirmation celebration is Sunday, June 2nd.

Candidates should be in the Gathering Space at 1:40 pm.

The Archdiocesan Office for Worship is sharing a series of articles in their newsletter. The series is titled, “A Walk Through the Mass.” I will share this wonderful teaching series with you. This is the Second Part of the series.

5th Sunday of Lent - April 7

Background on the Gospel Reading

The Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Lent continues to offer lessons about God's mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday

we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. Today we hear not a parable, but the report from

John's Gospel of an encounter among Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees, and a woman caught in adultery.

In John's Gospel, the conflict between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees occurs much earlier than in the Synoptic

Gospels. Jesus' cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem is reported at the beginning of John's Gospel. Even after this

event, Jesus continues to teach in the Temple. After returning to Galilee for a time, Jesus again enters Jerusalem and

cures a man on the Sabbath. From this point forward in John's Gospel, the Pharisees are described as making plans for

Jesus' arrest and seeking his death.

In the chapter preceding today's Gospel, Jesus was teaching in the Temple area. Feeling threatened by his teaching

and his actions, the chief priests and the Pharisees are already sending guards to arrest Jesus. The guards return,

however, without arresting Jesus because they have been impressed by his words. Even more than this, some among

the crowds are considering the possibility that Jesus is the Messiah. The chief priests and the Pharisees change their

plan. Before making an arrest, they seek to gather more evidence against Jesus by posing a question intended to trap

Jesus.

Today's Gospel begins by reporting that Jesus is again teaching the crowds in the vicinity of the Temple. The scribes

and the Pharisees approach Jesus, bringing a woman who has been caught in the act of adultery. They put to Jesus the

question of what ought to be done in this case.

The Pharisees state clearly that according to the Law of Moses, those caught in the act of adultery were to be stoned

to death. Under Roman occupation, however, the Jewish people did not have the authority to execute people; this is

cited in John's passion narrative. To answer the Pharisees' question, Jesus must propose an action that will be either

contrary to the Law of Moses or contrary to Roman law. The purpose of the question appears to be similar to the

question about paying taxes found in Mark 12:13-17. Either answer, yes or no, will support the Pharisees' case against

Jesus.

Jesus avoids the trap, however, by offering an answer that was not anticipated by those who posed the question. Jesus,

after writing on the ground with his finger, addresses those who stand before him and suggests that the one without

sin cast the first stone. Jesus then returns to his writing. This Scripture reading, by the way, is the only evidence we

have of Jesus writing. Yet there are no specific details about what he wrote.

We can easily imagine the scene as the Pharisees and the elders disperse, one by one. Jesus has eluded the trap they

had prepared. We might also give credit to the elders and the Pharisees who do not, in the end, claim to be sinless and

worthy of passing judgment. These Pharisees are not as self-righteous as the portrait found in the parable of the

Pharisee and the tax collector (See Luke 18:9-14).

Left alone with the woman, Jesus asks where the accusers have gone. With no one remaining to condemn the woman,

Jesus (the one who truly is without sin) sends the woman on her way, refusing to pass judgment on her and exhorting

her to avoid future sin.

Jesus' response to those who accuse the woman is more than a caution to us about making judgment of others. It is a

profound lesson in divine mercy and forgiveness. As sinners, we are all unworthy to judge the sins of others and we

would stand convicted by God for our transgressions. Yet Jesus, the one without sin and thus our judge, offers us who

are sinners his mercy and forgiveness. Redeemed by Jesus' compassion, we are sent to sin no more and to live in

God's love and peace.

Family Connection

There are few people that we know better than the members of our own family. We know one another's strengths and

abilities, and we also know one another's limitations and weaknesses. Like the Pharisees in today's Gospel, we may be

tempted to focus on the faults and sins that familiarity with one another can sometimes reveal. As family members,

however, we also have the ability to see one another's faults and sins within the context of the whole person. When we

can keep this perspective, we are more likely to look upon one another with compassion. Family life, then, presents us

the opportunity to see one another as God sees us, not with judgment and condemnation for our weaknesses and

failings, but with mercy and compassion. When we learn to withhold judgment for the faults we know are there and

seek the best in one another, we help one another to experience the depths of God's compassion, mercy, and love.

As you gather as a family, observe that when we know people well we know their faults as well as their strengths. At

times, we can be tempted to focus on the faults we see in others. Discuss what your family life would be like if you

always focused on one another's faults. Observe that in today's Gospel, Jesus refuses to focus on the sin of the woman

brought to him for judgment. Read aloud today's Gospel, John 8:2-11. Ask: What did the people who focused on

the woman's sin want to do? (stone the woman) What does Jesus say to the people who accused the woman

caught in adultery? (that the person with no sin should throw the first stone) Are any of us without sin? (No.)

Observe that we can help each other to grow in God's love by refusing to focus on one another's faults and sins. In this

way, we can help one another to see ourselves as God sees us: with understanding and compassion. Conclude in

prayer together asking God to forgive our sins by praying the Act of Contrition.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion - April 14

Background on the Gospel Reading

This Sunday, called Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the

Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are called the Triduum, three days that are the highlight of the Church year. There are

two Gospels proclaimed at today's Mass. The first Gospel, proclaimed before the procession with palms, tells of Jesus'

triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Riding on a borrowed colt, Jesus was hailed by the crowds as they shouted

blessings and praise to God. This event is reported in each of the four Gospels.

Luke's Gospel is the only one to report the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Jesus'

response shows that this event, and those yet to come, are part of a divine plan. We hear this echoed again in Luke's

description of the Last Supper when Jesus speaks of Judas' betrayal, saying that the Son of Man “goes as has been

determined.”

At the Liturgy of the Word on this Sunday, the events of Jesus' passion are proclaimed in their entirety. In Lectionary

Cycle C, we read the passion of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Luke. We will hear these events proclaimed again

during the Triduum when we read the passion of Jesus from the Gospel of John.

Throughout Luke's Gospel we see that Jesus' words and actions proclaim the Kingdom of God. This motif continues

throughout Luke's passion narrative. Jesus appears to be in total command of events at the Passover meal as he hands

over the kingdom to his disciples. He welcomes them to the Passover meal announcing that this will be his last until

the Kingdom of God is fulfilled.

As throughout Luke's Gospel, however, the disciples show little understanding of this kingdom that Jesus often

announces. Following the meal, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. Jesus takes the opportunity to

distinguish the meaning of leadership in the Kingdom of God from the forms of leadership seen in the world.

Jesus initiates a conversation with Simon and predicts his denial. Jesus then instructs his disciples to prepare

themselves for the events that will follow. His words reveal an awareness of the challenges that all of them will face

in the days ahead. As the disciples and Jesus enter the Mount of Olives, Jesus indicates the importance of the

disciples' time in prayer, telling them that through prayer they will be able to face the challenges ahead.

As he prays, Jesus is tested. In the garden, an angel is sent to strengthen him and to prepare him for the events ahead.

After this moment, Jesus is again in charge of the events and circumstances.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as active and vocal throughout his passion. When one of the disciples strikes the

high priest's servant, Jesus heals the man, an event reported only in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus stops the disciples'

protest against his arrest by noting that this is the “time for the power of darkness.” Jesus engages and responds when

brought before the Sanhedrin; his words speak about the “power of God” that will bring about the reign of the Son of

Man. When questioned by Pilate, Jesus responds with just one phrase; yet before Herod, Jesus refuses to speak.

When Luke describes the Way of the Cross and Jesus' crucifixion, he calls to our attention many events that are not

reported in the other Gospels. Throughout his Gospel, Luke has paid heed to the women who accompanied Jesus.

Now, on the road to Calvary, Jesus speaks to the women who walk with him. Only Luke reports Jesus' words of

forgiveness spoken from the cross. And only Luke reports the dialogue between Jesus and the good thief. Finally, in

contrast with the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, Luke reports no words of abandonment spoken by Jesus on the cross.

Instead, Jesus, in full command until his death, commends his spirit to his Father and takes his final breath.

Throughout Holy Week, we will continue to reflect on the events of Jesus' passion and death. As we meditate on the

cross, we ask again and anew what it means to make the statement of faith that Jesus, in his obedient suffering and

dying, revealed himself to us as God's Son and brought to fulfillment the Kingdom of God.

Family Connection

Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. During this week, we prepare

ourselves for Easter by prayerful reflection upon the events of Jesus' passion and death. During this week, your family

might display a crucifix in a prominent place as reminder of salvation Christ won for us. This can also serve as the

focal point for family prayer during Holy Week.

Because of the length and complexity of the passion narrative, it is difficult for children to remain attentive when it is

proclaimed in its entirety. Families can make it a tradition to read a portion of this Sunday's Gospel each day of Holy

Week, providing ample opportunity for children to ask questions and respond to the events described there. In this

way, the entire week can become a “way of the cross.”

Each day during Holy Week, the family can gather in a prayerful space with a crucifix as its focal point. The passion

as found in Luke's Gospel might be read as follows throughout the week:

Sunday:

Luke 19:28-40(Gospel at

the Procession with

Palms)

Monday: Luke 22:14-23

Tuesday: Luke 22:24-38

Wednesday: Luke 22:39-71

Thursday: Luke 23:1-25

Friday: Luke 23:26-49

Saturday: Luke 23:50-56

After reading from the Gospel each day, the family might reflect on the reading together. Conclude your prayer time

together by praying the Lord's Prayer and/or singing an appropriate hymn, e.g., “Jesus, Jesus,” “Were You There?” or

“What Wondrous Love is This.”

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Passion - April 21

Background on the Gospel Reading

Each of the four Gospels reports the discovery of the empty tomb after Jesus' death. At the Easter Vigil each year, we

read from one of the Synoptic Gospels. This year we are in Lectionary Cycle C and we read from the Gospel of Luke.

On Easter Sunday, the Gospel reading is always taken from the Gospel of John.

In each of the four Gospels, we learn that it was the female followers of Jesus who first went to the tomb. Luke

reports that the women from Galilee go to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body, bringing with them the spices they had

prepared. Luke names three women who found the tomb empty: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of

James.

Upon arriving at the tomb, the women find that the stone has been rolled away from the entrance. They enter the tomb

but do not see the body of Jesus. Before the women have drawn any conclusions about this, they see two men dressed

in dazzling garments. The women are said to be terrified. When these men speak to the women, they announce that

Jesus has been raised from the dead. As if to prove their announcement, the men recall Jesus' own words to them. The

women leave the tomb and report to the others what they have seen and heard.

These women disciples were faithful followers of Jesus who had probably served Jesus in many ways during his

journeys. Luke tells us that they remained present with Jesus on his way to the crucifixion site and witnessed his

death. They came to the tomb that morning expecting to serve Jesus once again by anointing his body. Instead, they

were sent to minister in a different way, as messengers to Peter and the apostles.

Yet the apostles do not believe the women. Luke reports that the women's story seemed like nonsense. It is odd that

Peter goes to the tomb at all. Perhaps Peter knew these women well enough to give their story credence. Perhaps he

remembered something that Jesus had said that led him to hope that the women's story was more than nonsense.

Without explaining why, Luke tells us that Peter goes to the tomb to investigate the women's story. He looks into the

tomb, sees the burial cloths alone, and then goes home amazed.

We see in Luke's Gospel that the Twelve (who now number eleven because of Judas' betrayal) are identified as

separate from the other disciples. These men were identified as Jesus' inner circle; they hold a position of authority in

the community of disciples. At the start of his ministry, Luke tells us that Jesus chose the Twelve and named them

apostles (Luke 6:12-16). The word apostle means “one who is sent.” During his lifetime, Jesus prepared these apostles

to be his witnesses by sending them to heal the sick, to exorcise demons, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Peter is singled out from among the Twelve. The authority of Peter and the other apostles will continue to be

described in the Acts of the Apostles, which was written by the author of the Gospel of Luke. We can trace our faith

in Jesus' Resurrection to these witnesses. Their teaching, their ministry, and their bold proclamation of Christ's saving

death and Resurrection are the beginning of the Church's witness to salvation through Christ.

Family Connection

As parents, we occasionally hear stories that can seem like nonsense from our children. When we take the time to

listen more carefully, however, we can sometimes find the interpretive key that makes sense of the story. This is

similar to the experience of the disciples after Jesus' Resurrection. The apostles did not understand the meaning of the

women's report of Jesus' empty tomb until they discovered the interpretive key: Jesus' words to them. Jesus had told

them that he would die and rise again on the third day. When the apostles remembered these words, they were able to

believe the women's story and to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all.

Show a red plastic viewer and the card that it “interprets” (found in some board games). Discuss how the red plastic

viewer allows one to read the writing that is on the card (It will reveal the words hidden behind the red screen of

dots). Say: Without the red viewer, the printing on this card looks like nonsense. To make sense of the nonsense,

we need this special lens. As followers of Jesus, we also have a special lens that helps us make sense of Jesus'

Resurrection, which we celebrate on Easter. Let's listen carefully to today's Gospel to see what this is. Read aloud

today's Gospel Luke 24:1-12. Ask: What did the men at the tomb remind the women about? (Jesus' words to

them) These words of Jesus helped the women and the disciples believe that Jesus was truly raised from the dead.

Where do we find Jesus' words? (in the Bible, in the Gospels) The words of Scripture help us believe that Jesus is

truly risen. Conclude in prayer together, that our faith in Jesus' Resurrection will grow strong and that we will

recognize the amazing things that God does for us in our world. Pray together the Act of Faith.

2nd Sunday of Easter - April 28

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today’s reading, from the Gospel of John, is proclaimed on the second Sunday of Easter in each of the three Sunday

Lectionary cycles. This should alert us to the significance of the encounters with the resurrected Jesus described in

this reading. This Gospel combines two scenes: Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection and Jesus’

dialogue with Thomas, the disciple who doubted.

Part of the mystery of Jesus’ Resurrection is that he appeared to his disciples not as a spirit but in bodily form. We do

not know exactly what this form was like. Earlier in John’s Gospel, when Mary of Magdala first encountered the risen

Jesus, she did not recognize the figure standing before her until Jesus spoke her. In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples

walking on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know from readings such

as today’s that in his resurrected body, Jesus was no longer bound by space; he appeared to the disciples in spite of

the locked door. And yet, on this resurrected body, the disciples could still observe the marks of his Crucifixion.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also

commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun. As Jesus was sent by God, so too does Jesus send

his disciples. This continuity with Jesus’ own mission is an essential element of the Church. Jesus grants the means to

accomplish this mission when he gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit binds us together as a

community of faith and strengthens us to bear witness to Jesus’ Resurrection.

Jesus’ words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the

Holy Spirit. Forgiveness and reconciliation are gifts to us from Jesus. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share

these with others. This is another essential aspect of what it means to be Christ’s Church. The Church continues

Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Thomas, the disciple who doubts, represents the reality of the Church that comes after this first community of

disciples. All but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without seeing. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that

Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to his disciples. It is part of our human nature to seek hard evidence

that the Jesus who appeared to the disciples after his death is, indeed, the same Jesus who was crucified. Thomas is

given the opportunity to be our representative who obtains this evidence. He gives witness to us that the Jesus who

was raised is the same Jesus who had died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are among those who are blessed

for we have not seen and yet have believed.

Family Connection

Our family life would no doubt be enhanced if we were able to transform Jesus’ greeting into a central feature in our

family’s interactions. After his Resurrection, “Peace be with you” is the first thing that Jesus says to his disciples.

This could be our daily family prayer for one another. In today’s Gospel, we also hear that Jesus next breathed on his

disciples and gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, each of us has received the gift of the Holy Spirit as

well as the forgiveness of sins. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Our Baptism, then, invites us to share in the peace

that Christ gave to his disciples and commissions us to share that peace of Christ by generously forgiving others as

Jesus taught.

As you gather as a family, think about gifts that you might receive together such as a coloring book and crayons, a

book and bookmark, or an electronic item and batteries. Observe that Jesus also paired two gifts together in today’s

Gospel. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, John 20:19-31. Discuss the two gifts Jesus gave to his disciples: peace and

the Holy Spirit. Ask: What were the disciples to do with these gifts? (They were sent as Jesus was sent by the Father

to forgive sins.) Recall that we have each received Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and that peace is a

fruit of the Holy Spirit. Observe that since we also have received these gifts from Christ, we are also sent to be people

who forgive others as Jesus taught. Determine an action that your family can do to share peace and forgiveness with

one another. Pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit or the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.