Mission Matters: Mar. 22, 2016

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Prayers for the Victims and their loved ones in Brussels; Questions and answers on the Triduum; Persecution and loss of religious freedom in Israel; Fr. Alexander Schmemman on Lent; Holy Week around the world; plus this Thursday’s Blog post.

Watch for this Thursday’s Post:

The Missionary Discipleship of  Youth,  by Craig Gould, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

• Praying for Brussels: Let’s keep the victims of the Brussels terror attacks this morning in our prayers in a special way this Holy Week. As Pope Francis said, we entrust them to God’s mercy.
• Triduum’s FAQs: In order  to promote the effective celebration of these most sacred days, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has addressed  the most commonly received questions concerning the Sacred Paschal Triduum. 

• How to pray through Holy Week:  Watch Fr. Mike Schmitz’s video on the way we can apply the method of the Franciscan nuns to make this time of prayer and reflection more spiritually rich.

• Prayer intention:  Restrictions for Christians trying to reach the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem continue to weaken the Holy Week celebration.  As we journey with Our Lord this week, let’s not forget to accompany our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted with our prayers.

• Holy Week, Semana Santa, or Mahál na Araw:  Processions, lenten dishes, and even colorful carpets mark the annual commemoration of the Passion of Christ according to culture and country.   See how heritage and tradition shape Holy Week for Catholics around the world.

 Questions? Feedback? Please leave a comment below.