March Liturgical & Social Awareness Calendar March 2024

Saint Joseph with the Christ Child by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770), 1767, from The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

The month of March is traditionally celebrated as the

Month of St. Joseph. St. Joseph, an ordinary carpenter

descended from the royal house of David, was destined to

be the spouse of Mary. He is known as the “foster-father of

Jesus” and though he is silent in the Scriptures, he played an

THE POPE’S INTENTIONS FOR MARCH 2024

The Pope’s Monthly Intentions for March 2024:

For the New Martyrs:

“We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.”

The Pope provides a powerful 2 minute video in relation to the New Martyrs. Very thought provoking and strong. You will find it HERE

A four-minute presentation video on Religious Freedom Report by ACN 2023 https://youtu.be/yoOaO0T99GM

Since 1999, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been publishing the Religious Freedom in the World Report – a global overview considering the status of this fundamental human right for all religious traditions. Published biennially, the publication reports on incidents gathered over the two-year period, revealing where the individual can freely choose and publicly express his or her faith without being discriminated, oppressed, or persecuted.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion [guaranteed and respected]; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance (Article 18 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights). For a copy of the Executive Report please click HERE

To download a PDF of the Pope’s Intentions for 2024 just click HERE

To watch a beautiful 2.38-minute video on the establishment of the Pope’s Intentions, an overview of the year’s intentions accompanied by wonderful graphics and music click HERE

Liturgical Calendar for March 2024 (Just click on underlined words for more information)
Lent
	1	Friday
				Friday in the 2ⁿᵈ Week of Lent	II
			m*	Saint David of Mynyw, bishop
	2	Saturday		Saturday in the 2ⁿᵈ Week of Lent
	3	Sunday		3ʳᵈ Sunday of Lent	III
	4	Monday
				Monday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Casimir
	5	Tuesday
				Tuesday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Kieran, bishop
	6	Wednesday		Wednesday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
	7	Thursday
				Thursday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity, martyrs
	8	Friday
				Friday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint John of God, religious
			m*	Saint Senan, bishop
	9	Saturday
				Saturday in the 3ʳᵈ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Frances of Rome, religious
	10	Sunday		4ᵗʰ Sunday of Lent (Laetare)	IV
	11	Monday
				Monday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Aengus, bishop and abbot
	12	Tuesday		Tuesday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	13	Wednesday		Wednesday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	14	Thursday		Thursday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	15	Friday		Friday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	16	Saturday		Saturday in the 4ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	17	Sunday	S	Saint Patrick, bishop	I
	18	Monday
				Monday in the 5ᵗʰ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
	19	Tuesday	S	Saint Joseph, husband of Mary
	20	Wednesday		Wednesday in the 5ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	21	Thursday
				Thursday in the 5ᵗʰ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Enda of Aran, abbot
	22	Friday		Friday in the 5ᵗʰ Week of Lent
	23	Saturday
				Saturday in the 5ᵗʰ Week of Lent
			m*	Saint Turibius de Mongrovejo, bishop
	24	Sunday		Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion	II
	25	Monday		Monday of Holy Week
	26	Tuesday		Tuesday of Holy Week
	27	Wednesday		Wednesday of Holy Week
Paschal Triduum
	28	Thursday		Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper	II
	29	Friday		Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
	30	Saturday		Holy Saturday

	31	Sunday		Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

MARCH 1st: St. David of Wales/Naomh Dáiví na Breataine Bige

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

St David was a monk who spread the message of Christianity, and encouraged his followers to care for the natural world.

He is credited with many miracles, the most famous being when he raised a hill beneath his feet so that the crowds could hear him preach.

By the 12th century, more than 60 churches in Wales had been dedicated to him. St David became the patron saint of Wales. People celebrate St David’s Day on 1 March with parades, concerts and other festivities, often wearing leeks and daffodils, the traditional symbols of Wales.

David is said to have been born around the year 520. His birth is said to have taken place on the cliffs in a wild thunderstorm, near the city that’s now named after him. Some believe that David was the son of Sanctus, king of Ceredigion and a nun called Nonnita (Non). There are many stories of St David’s miracles. They include bringing a dead boy back to life by splashing the child’s face with tears, and restoring a blind man’s sight.

David’s best-known miracle took place in the village of Llanddewi Brefi. He was preaching to a large crowd, but some people had difficulty hearing him. Suddenly a white dove landed on David’s shoulder, and as it did, the ground on which he stood rose up to form a hill, making it possible for everyone to see and hear him. As a young man, David became a monk. About the year 550, he founded a monafounder of many monasteries during the sixth century.

David was a popular namesake for churches in Wales prior to the Anglican schism, and his feast day is still an important religious and civic observance.

Although Pope Benedict XVI did not visit Wales during his 2010 trip to the U.K., he blessed a mosaic icon of its patron, and delivered remarks praising St. David as “one of the great saints of the sixth century, that golden age of saints and missionaries in these isles, and thus a founder of the Christian culture which lies at the root of modern Europe.”

For further information please click HERE
Prayer to St David, click HERE
To download a lovely 3 page PDF booklet entitled ‘In the Footsteps of St David please click HERE the booklet is filled with more information and good visuals.

MARCH 3^rd: THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

“Jesus Driving The Merchants From The Temple” (1645-50) by Jacob Jordaens (Artvee)

Reflection

Jesus’ vehemence in the temple sprang from the fact that people had distorted their faith and desecrated God’s house. They offered a counterfeit relationship with God based on sacrifice over love. If the desecrators of the temple had been asked what their religion was, one honest answer would have been, “profit,” and another would have been “power.” The most cynical and honest might have said, “none.”

Contemplating Jesus’ fury in the temple calls us to take account of ourselves. What religion do we proclaim in our worship and our daily actions? Do we take advantage of holy times for re-creation that can permeate our week or have our Sabbaths slipped away, taking second (or third) place to work, profit, sports or any other activity that distracts us from taking the time to create ever-deeper relationships with God and neighbour?

This third week of Lent calls us to re-evaluate our religious identity. If we ask not what we call our denomination, but what our behaviour reveals about our real beliefs, what’s the honest answer? How do we want to answer?

Sourced: https://www.ncronline.org/march-3-2024-third-sunday-lent

Check here for questions and answers all About Lent
Check out herefor 10 tips for making the Lentan season more meaningful.
Lent 2024 Reconciliation Service
Stations of the Cross PP
Click here for wonderful resources for liturgies and reflection.
Click here: Trocaire provide some easily printed resources on the Gospels, Scripture and Stations of the Cross incorporating stories and pictures of our vulnerable sisters and brothers around the world.
Click here for a wide range of prayer resources and Bible Studies available for the season of Lent:
Click herefor Lesson Plans from Loyola Press for Lent—Free Printables
Lent Resources from SVP UK. HERE
Song for Lent: Create in Me a Clean Heart HERE
MARCH 3^rd: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The origins of World Day of Prayer date back to the 19th century when Christian women of United States and Canada initiated a variety of cooperative activities in support of women’s involvement in mission at home and in other parts of the world.

“I Beg You… Bear With One Another in Love”

Ephesians 4:1-3

This program calls us to bear with each other in love, despite all difficulties and oppression. The program was written by a group of ecumenical Christian Palestinian women in response to the passage from Ephesians 4:1-7. They reflected collectively on this theme from the context of their suffering as Palestinian Christian women. They hope to inspire other women around the world to bear with one another in love during troubled times.

The Artist

Halima Aziz (b.1999 in Hagen, Germany) is a passionate Palestinian visual artist and design student based in Germany. She spent her childhood in Palestine. Halima experienced the war in Gaza in 2008 and survived it. In 2009 she moved back to Germany.

This artwork is made in honour of the World Day of Prayer. Through her artwork, Halima represents three Palestinian women praying together in nature in a peaceful place. In her work, she has different motives and symbols that indicate the origin of these women and their cohesion.

Olive trees/ branches are a sign of everlasting and abundant life because they can live for thousands of years.

The golden roots are underlining the fact that the Palestinians will always exist and as they exist, they will always resist for their rights and freedom. Poppy flowers are abundant and meaningful to Palestinians. They remind Palestinians of loved ones who have given their lives for their country.

The women are wearing traditional Palestinian dresses like the tatreez (embroidery) thobe (dress) or the white scarf. And the keys are a symbol of the hope to return back to Palestine.

For more information, resources and activities click HERE
For activities, bible studies, bookmarks, and more on this year’s theme click HERE

MARCH 8^th St. John of God/Naomh Eoin le Dia

Saint John of God’s Story

Having given up active Christian belief while a soldier, John was 40 before the depth of his sinfulness began to dawn on him. He decided to give the rest of his life to God’s service and headed at once for Africa where he hoped to free captive Christians and, possibly, be martyred.

He was soon advised that his desire for martyrdom was not spiritually well based and returned to Spain and the relatively prosaic activity of a religious goods store. Yet he was still not settled. Moved initially by a sermon of Saint John of Avila, he one day engaged in a public beating of himself, begging mercy and wildly repenting for his past life. Committed to a mental hospital for these actions, John was visited by Saint John, who advised him to be more actively involved in tending to the needs of others rather than in enduring personal hardships. John gained peace of heart, and shortly after left the hospital to begin work among the poor. He established a house where he wisely tended to the needs of the sick poor, at first doing his own begging. But, excited by the saint’s great work and inspired by his devotion, many people began to back him up with money and provisions. Among them were the archbishop and marquis of Tarifa.

Behind John’s outward acts of total concern and love for Christ’s sick poor was a deep interior prayer life which was reflected in his spirit of humility. These qualities attracted helpers who, 20 years after John’s death, formed the Brothers Hospitallers, now a worldwide religious order. John became ill after 10 years of service but tried to disguise his ill health. He began to put the hospital’s administrative work into order and appointed a leader for his helpers. John died on the 8^thof March 1550 aged 55. He was canonised in1690. A few years after his death those who were his followers were recognised as a religious order and called the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. Today the work which John began in a porch in Granada continues in 52 countries in the world and covers a wide range of care for those with physical and learning disabilities, the homeless and poor, those with mental health problems and the elderly.

For Reflection click HERE
For further information, prayer to and litany of St John of God click HERE
The St John of God Sisters run the Ballyvaloo Retreat & Conference Centre. Why not invite one of the Sr’s to a Religion Class to ask about their vocation and what makes the St John of God Order different to other Orders.

MARCH 8th

International Women’s Day 2023

International Women’s Day 2024 – #InspireInclusion

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to educate and inspire children and young people about gender equality. Teachers, parents, and caregivers can play a key role in raising awareness about barriers that impact the advancement of women and girls. They can also help educate about challenging stereotypes and bias. Additionally, they can inspire future generations by celebrating role models and highlighting the wide range of women’s achievements. They can also reinforce the diversity of women overall.

For more information, resources and activity packs for young people click HERE
For a brief insight into 10 Catholic Women in history who changed the world click HERE
For a list of inspirational quotes by women both past and present in Instagram style click HERE

LESSON PLAN IDEA

Why not ask students what women inspires them. They can fill out the attached pdf form that gets them thinking about a Hero in their lives and also about the qualities that they admire in their Hero. Give examples Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Friend, Sister, etc.

MARCH 10th: MOTHERS DAY/Laetare Sunday/Lá na Máithreacha/Domhnach an áthais

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as ‘Laetare Sunday.’ Laetare is the Latin word for ‘rejoice’ and so this Sunday is a day of joy in the middle of Lent. In some churches priests wear rose pink vestments instead of the purple ones that are worn on the other Sundays of Lent.

By this time, we have reached the middle of Lent, and mother, along with Mother Church, can celebrate Laetare Sunday. This was once known as Refreshment Sunday or the Sunday of the Golden Rose. You will only know how welcome that refreshment can be if you have really fasted.

In his message for Lent 2024, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives of our communities. See Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2024 here.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, Mother’s Day celebrations were held on the fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday or ‘mid-Lent’ Sunday – the celebrations were adapted to honour the Virgin Mary and the ‘Mother Church’. Customs began to dictate that a person visit the church of his/her baptism on this day. People also attended the mother church of their parish, laden with offerings. Mother’s Day used to be called Mothering Sunday and we have celebrated this special day in Ireland for hundreds of years.

For more information click HERE

MARCH 17th St Patrick / Naomh Pádraig

Turning to Patrick, a crucial figure in Irish memory since the seventh century, memory’s headlines run like this: a young British boy from a well-off clerical family was carried off into slavery in Ireland; he later escaped, eventually became a bishop, and returned to Ireland as a missionary. He so effectively preached the Gospel that soon the whole island was Christian, and he did the job so well that within a century Ireland was a powerhouse of faith, with monasteries, scholars, and missionaries of her own. And we know more about Patrick than any other fifth-century individual from these islands owing to his two surviving letters: one is now known as his ‘confession’, and the other is a letter excommunicating the soldiers of the slaver Coroticus. These writings are seen as a rugged witness to his simple holiness. Patrick is, therefore, the father of Irish Christianity, the ‘apostle of Ireland’, the ‘patron of the Irish’.

Further information can be found HERE
For a short film on the biography of St. Patrick, which can be shown in one class period, Click HERE
Ireland’s Patron Saint! Click on the following links for PowerPoints which you can use to inform your pupils about St. Patrick and his amazing legacy: ENGLISH version and IRISH version (junior cycle)
PP 24 slides for senior cycle on St Patrick HERE
Click HERE for a prayer service for St. Patrick’s Day from the Dublin Diocesan website (Thanks to Association of Catholic Teachers).
Click HERE for a beautifully printed booklet on St Patrick’s Testimony (you can also order them in hardcopy from the contact details on the booklet)
For an information sheet with accompanying question sheet click HERE
For prayers and remembrances ideas click HERE

MARCH 19th St Joseph, husband of Mary

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

From the Gospel of Matthew: Matthew describes Joseph as “a man of honour “. When he learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he had already chosen the option of mercy and compassion when he decided not to divorce her publicly, but following some kind of encounter with God (“the angel of the Lord”) over the matter, he sensed God was asking him to take Mary into his home as wife, to treat the child as his own and to give him the divinely designated name, Jesus, thus indicating that “he would save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:18-21). Matthew’s readers will understand this to mean that Jesus fulfils the function of the atonement sacrifices of the temple.

Matthew (chapter 2) infers Joseph’s protection of the child Jesus against Herod, the flight into Egypt and subsequent return to, and re-settling in Nazareth. Also, in Mt 13:55, Jesus is referred to – somewhat with contempt – as “the carpenter’s son”, without naming his adoptive father, as if Jesus were someone who had risen above his station and as if carpentry were a somewhat dishonourable profession. Joseph was a man of insightful creativity

For further information on St Joseph please click HERE
Click HERE for a resource pack on this great saint from the Association of Catholic Teachers.
Click HERE to follow the incredible story of the staircase or if you are further intrigued watch the film based on this story HERE It is a most entertaining film and I would recommend all teachers watch it first.

MARCH 21^st: International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination/Lá Idirnáisiúnta tiomnaithe do dhíothú Idirdhealú Ciníoch

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a day organised by the United Nations which aims to stop people being discriminated against because of their race.

The event is held on this day because on the 21st of March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa against the apartheid “pass laws”. Pass laws were an internal passport system that was designed by the South African government to prevent the freedom of movement of Black people. This controlled where people could work, live, and travel inside the country.

Whilst it is important to recognise the amazing work that has been done to start putting an end to Racism, we cannot ignore the facts. Many people throughout the world are still racially abused daily. In 2020 alone, there were several racist attacks on ethnic minority groups. It has become even more evident that days like International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination are necessary as the fight against racial discrimination goes on.

What Can We Do to Help Eliminate Racial Discrimination?

Recognise and teach that no matter what our skin colour, accent, the language we speak or where we are from, we are all equal and deserve the same rights and treatment.
Make sure everyone feels included and welcome in any given situation.
Encourage people to tell someone if they feel they are being discriminated against because of their race.
If you think you see racism happening, tell a responsible adult and get help.

For further information click HERE
For additional resources click HERE

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,
reflected in all the peoples of the earth,
so that we may discover anew
that all are important, and all are necessary,
different faces of the one humanity
that God so loves.
Amen.

MARCH 21st: World Down Syndrome Day

What is World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organise and participate in activities and events to raise awareness. Together we create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

The Theme for WDWD 2024 is END THE STEREOTYPES

Click HERE FOR A 2 MINUTE VIDEO ON WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Click HERE to learn about stereotypes and why they stop people from living the lives they want to live. The video was planned and recorded by members of the Down Syndrome International Network.
In this wonderful book Upside Down, The Story of My Brother James, Liadh Handley shares her experiences of growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome. The aim of the book is to teach children how to appreciate and respect those with Down syndrome.
“…more than medical”is a fascinating perspective that provides an insight into the realities of family life with a baby, child, teenager or adult with Down syndrome in today’s Ireland.
To receive these FREE resources and email updates about global WDSD activities, sign up to WDSD here: HERE

Sourced from: https://downsyndrome.ie/whats-happening/world-down-syndrome-day/

And from https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

MARCH 22^nd: World Water Day/Lá Domhanda Uisce

This World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. And because water affects us all, we need everyone to take action.

By working together to balance everyone’s human rights and needs, water can be a stabilizing force and a catalyst for sustainable development.

World Water Day is a United Nations (UN) observance coordinated by UN-Water. Every year, it raises awareness of a major water-related issue and inspires action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis.

This year’s Task Force of UN-Water Members and Partners is coordinated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Learn more, share content and take action here.
To explore the themes of previous World Water Day campaigns, please visit this page.

MARCH 24^th: Feast Day of Oscar Romero

Oscar Romero “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” – Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero

Image: Saint Oscar Romero at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, 1977 | Archdiocese of San Salvador

Born on August 15th, 1917, Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdamez was sent to study for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained in April 1942. He embraced a simple lifestyle; he was a popular preacher who responded with real compassion to the plight of the poor. He gave dedicated pastoral service to the diocese of San Miguel for 25 years. He was ordained Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977.

Over the years, the social and political conflict in El Salvador intensified, and from his Cathedral pulpit, Archbishop Romero became the voice of the voiceless poor. There, in a society of cover-up and lies, he spoke the truth of what was happening in the countryside; he denounced the killings, the torture and the disappearances of community leaders; he demanded justice and recompense for the atrocities committed by the army and police, and he set up legal aid projects and pastoral programmes to support the victims of the violence.

On 24 March 1980, in El Salvador, Archbishop Oscar Romero was murdered while e celebrating Mass. Recognizing him as “a martyr for the faith”, Pope Francis canonized him in 2018, he was beatified on 23 May 2015 in San Salvador.

For more information click HERE
For a 11-minute video on the story of Oscar Romero click HERE

Calendar for Holy Week

During Holy Week, the Church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of his life on earth, beginning with his messianic entrance into Jerusalem. The Lenten season lasts until the Thursday of this week. The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The days of Holy Week from Monday to Thursday inclusive have precedence over all other celebrations. We recall the following dates for prayer and reflection.

To watch a 3-minute clip by Busted Halo on Holy Week please click HERE

24^th March – Palm Sunday
28^th March – Holy Thursday
29^th March – Good Friday
30^th March – Holy Saturday
31^st March – Easter Sunday

HOLY WEEK RESOURCES

Way of the Cross; A Teenagers Journey Powerpoint (15 slides) HERE
Lectio Divina Powerpoint (11 slides) based on Holy Week click HERE
Holy Week Lesson Plan for 2 classes click HERE
PP Meditative & Contemplative Powerpoint (30 slides) on Easter Week click HERE
For a Meditation on the Passion click HERE
For a prayer guide with an extensive list of music for Holy Week click HERE

March 24^th: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified.

It commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery. The Palm Sunday procession is formed of Christians who, in the “fullness of faith,” make their own the gesture of the Jews and endow it with its full significance. Following the Jews’ example, we proclaim Christ as a Victor… Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.

Palm Sunday is known as such because the faithful will often receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the re-enactment of Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a young donkey, and to the lavish praise of the townspeople who threw clothes, or possibly palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect. Palm branches are widely recognized symbol of peace and victory, hence their preferred use on Palm Sunday.

The use of a donkey instead of a horse is highly symbolic, it represents the humble arrival of someone in peace, as opposed to arriving on a steed in war. A week later, Christ would rise from the dead on the first Easter.

Click HERE for more information on Palm Sunday.
Click HERE a lesson plan on what forgiveness means from Ascend Waterford with links to music, scripture and questions.
Click HERE for an excellent Powerpoint (14 slides) on Forgiveness and Reconciliation

MARCH 27^th: SPY WEDNESDAY

Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally called “Spy Wednesday” because Judas bargained with the High Priest to betray Jesus for thirty silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6). This is also the day that Jesus was anointed with an expensive jar of alabaster by the woman at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-19).

For more information click HERE

MARCH 28^th: HOLY THURSDAY/EASTER TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday is also known as “Maundy Thursday.” The word maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (commandment) which is the first word of the Gospel acclamation: Mandátum novum do vobis dicit Dóminus, ut diligátis ínvicem, sicut diléxi vos.
“I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
These are the words spoken by our Lord to His apostles at the Last Supper, after he completed the washing of the feet. There are only two Masses allowed on Holy Thursday — the Chrism Mass and the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

During the evening of Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated. It is celebrated in the evening because the Passover began at sundown. This is a very joyful Mass, as we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The Liturgy of the Mass recalls the Passover, the Last Supper, which includes the Washing of the Feet.

After the Mass, we recall the Agony in the Garden, and the arrest and imprisonment of Jesus. The altar is stripped bare; crosses are removed or covered. The Eucharist has been placed in an altar of repose, and most churches are open for silent adoration, to answer Christ’s invitation “Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?” (Matt 26:40)

During the Chrism Mass all of the priests of the diocese gather together, and during it the Bishop will consecrate the sacred oils used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. Each parish receives its annual supply of these oils at the Chrism Mass.

Powerpoint (14 slides) on Maudy Thursday with inbuilt questions can be sourced HERE

MARCH 29^th: GOOD FRIDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

“It is accomplished; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit.”

Today the whole Church mourns the death of our Saviour. This is traditionally a day of sadness, spent in fasting and prayer.

“Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,” is usually celebrated around three o’clock in the afternoon. The altar is completely bare, with no cloths, candles nor cross. The service is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.

In part one, the Liturgy of the Word, we hear the most famous of the Suffering Servant passages from Isaiah (52:13-53:12), a pre-figurement of Christ on Good Friday. Psalm 30 is the Responsorial Psalm “Father, I put my life in your hands.” The Second Reading, or Epistle, is from the letter to the Hebrews, 4:14-16; 5:7-9. The Gospel Reading is the Passion of St. John.

Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Saviour of the world.”

Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciborium’s containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei (“This is the Lamb of God”) are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a “Prayer After Communion,” and then a “Prayer Over the People,” and everyone departs in silence.

The film The Passion is definitely worth looking at, but it can be a difficult film to watch. In particular the scourging at the pillar is quite emotional.
Here also is a link to a powerful testimony by Jim Caviezel’s who describes what it was like playing Jesus and how he suffered in his role. It is a 40-minute video but really worth watching you can see it HERE

MARCH 30^th: HOLY SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL

On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord’s tomb, meditating on his suffering and death. The altar is left bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated. Only after the solemn vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days.

The day is and should be the most calm and quiet day of the entire Church year, a day broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in the grave; the Church sits near and mourns. After the great battle He is resting in peace, but upon Him we see the scars of intense suffering…The mortal wounds on His Body remain visible…Jesus’ enemies are still furious, attempting to obliterate the very memory of the Lord by lies and slander.

For further information just click HERE

MARCH 31st:

EASTER SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S RESURRECTION

“I rose up and am still with Thee.”

Easter is the feast of feasts, the unalloyed joy and gladness of all Christians. Easter means, then, Redemption obtained — sin destroyed, death overcome, divine life brought back to us, the resurrection of our body which is promised immortality. With such a certitude, we should banish all trace of sadness! “This is the day which the Lord has made.” Christ has promised that He will come again with glory to take us with Him into the kingdom of His Father. Through His Cross He entered into the possession of eternal glory. Christ has gained the crown of victory; through Christ humanity also win their crowns of victory. “He is risen.” The resurrection of Christ is a pledge of our own resurrection. It is the foundation upon which our faith rests. It is the guarantee of our redemption and God’s assurance that our sins are forgiven and that we are called to eternal life. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein”. Alleluia! Alleluia!

A powerful song about the Passion by Kari Jobe can be watched HERE it is 12 minutes long but very uplifting.
View a short film called The Risen (2 mins) HERE
5 pages of Easter Resources from Ascend including links to talks, reflections, games, etc. can be sourced HERE
A beautiful Lenten resource for individual and group meditation is Ecce Homo: Poems for Lent and Holy Week, from the Anglican Archdiocese of Algoma, Canada. The daily Lenten poems include poems of lamentation and pain – reminders of Jesus’s suffering – as well as of contemplation, praise and thanksgiving. The poems are rich and varied – from poets as diverse as George Herbert, Dylan Thomas, Sir Thomas More, Christina Rossetti, Wendell Berry, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Mary Oliver, John Greenleaf Whittier, Isaac Watts and many more. Each poem is accompanied by a short reflection, making it an excellent Lenten resource for both groups and individuals. It also contains instructions on how to read aloud or meditate quietly either within a group setting or on your own. Click HERE

Almighty Father, I thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead and redeemed humankind. Fill us with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may be faithful disciples and enthusiastic witnesses of our Catholic faith.

Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Wishing you all the most blessed Holy Week and wonderful Easter Break