Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God

This means that we will be filled with great joy when we learn to make peace with ourselves, with God, and with all of God’s creation.

What is peace? It is freedom from fights, disagreements, wars, quarrels, crime, and fear. It is having a sense of harmony in which everything around us is agreeable. Peacefulness is when our thoughts and our world are calm, quiet, happy, and friendly. It is not enough to simply love peace, or talk about it. You must want to do the WORK needed to make peace happen.

Think of ways you can start making peace in your home or school. Can you be gentle and kind with friends and family? Can you pray daily to God to bring peace to your own heart and mind? Can you obey His Commandments? This is being a peacemaker. This is Love in action!

We learn from the Bible that God made man in His own image and likeness. We are His children. We need to know that and act like children of God. Letting God’s Love shine through us in every situation makes us active Peacemakers. Our reward for peacemaking is receiving the special title: “child of God.”

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

This means that we will be filled with great joy when we have cleaned out all bad or wrong thinking, and let our heart fill with only pure, good, and true thoughts and desires. When we do that, we are able to see God and His creation better than we did before.

Have you ever had to clean your room when it was real messy, and you suddenly came across a favorite toy you thought was lost? It wasn’t lost after all. It had only been hidden by the clutter! This shows us that it is best to keep out unwanted clutter and dirt in our thinking, too, so that the treasures of God are not hidden from our view.

We cannot be fully God-like when we are clinging to bad thoughts and habits. We can purify our thinking through daily prayer and by being very careful in all that we say and do. The Truth that comes to us in prayer helps to keep our heart pure and clean. We cannot see God in the usual sense of looking at Him with our eyes, we can“see” God through our understanding of Him. This means we get to know Him a lot better.

We should not react to what we only believe may be true, of what someone else may have told us. Have you ever had someone tell a lie about you? You want others to know the truth about you, don’t you? Well, God wants us to know the whole truth about Him, too. Knowing or “seeing,” God is the reward of those who have become “pure in heart.”

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Divine Mercy Sunday

What is Divine Mercy?

The message and devotion to Jesus known as The Divine Mercy, is based on the writings of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the private revelations she received about God’s mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.


Divine Mercy Sunday

On Sunday April 30th 2000, Pope John Paul II canonised St. Maria Faustina and also decreed that the Second Sunday of Easter be henceforth known as "Divine Mercy Sunday".

The Feast of Divine Mercy

The Lord Jesus in his visits to Sister Faustina also gave reasons why He wanted the establishment of this feast… "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them a last hope of salvation; that is, the feast of My Mercy" and He warned that… "If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity"

This should be a day of special grace for us all and particularly a day of deliverance for sinners. Writing in her diary in September 1936, Sister Faustina heard these words from Jesus....
"I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy." This desire of Jesus occurs frequently.

Writing in 1934 Sister Faustina tells of the Lord’s desire- Whoever approaches the Fount of Mercy on this day, the Lord Jesus PROMISES, will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment.

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

This means that we will be filled with great joy whenever we are kind or merciful to someone who really needs some kindness. That is because our reward is havingmercy shown to us when we need it.

We are being merciful, for instance, when we care for someone in trouble, and try to help them as best we can. Have you read the story of the “Good Samaritan” in the Bible? (Luke 10:25-37)

This story shows what mercy, caring, and compassion really are, and Jesus tells us that these qualities are the sign of a good neighbor. We can also show mercy to others by forgiving someone who may have hurt us in some way. This is what Jesus always did.

Mercy also means that we should never say or do cruel or hurtful things to other people or animals. Think of some ways you can start showing mercy and kindness to your friends and family.

We all make mistakes in life no matter how hard we try to be good. There are times when something causes us to make a mistake. For instance, we may say something mean in the heat of anger, and we fear we will not be forgiven. How wonderful it feels when that person we have hurt lets us know that everything is okay, and he or she is still our friend!

Mercy and forgiveness are divine qualities that come from God. We must use these qualities generously with others. God will see that we are shown mercy when we most need it, and God will “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” This mercy which we get, or “obtain,” from God, is the reward for those who are always merciful.

The Eighth Commandment- Do Not Lie

The truth makes us happy and lies make us so sad. Lies hurt other people. A lie always hurts the respect we have of ourselves and it usually hurts another person. A lie brings shame on us.

Do you know that lies hurt us too? There are times when we lie to get out of trouble. There are times when a lie seems to help, it may prevent you from being punished. Always be truthful even if you know you ill be punished. Speaking the truth no matter the cost shows how brave you are.

We should not damage the good name of our neighbor by lying about him or say anything that will cause others to lose respect for them.

When you tell other people's secrets, even if its true, that hurts them. When we make them hurt, we hurt ourselves. Don’t talk about the faults of others in an unkind way, we have no right to judge anyone. Jesus told us “Judge not and you will not be judged.”

Easter-The Real Meaning

Do you know what Easter is all about? We hear about the Easter bunny that brings us chocolate and candy, we get pretty new dresses and new suits and we cannot forget the Easter egg hunts. Well these things are nice but Easter is all about the Passion and victorious death and Resurrection of Jesus. Death had no power over Jesus, He came out triumphant and ALIVE from the tomb!

The Bible tells us “In Christ everyone will be made alive.” The sacrificial love of Jesus allows us have everlasting life.

So this Easter let us remember the real meaning for this celebration, the victorious Resurrection of Jesus! Jesus is Alive, today, tomorrow and forever!

The Resurrection Stories- Thomas' Account

This is the story of how Thomas became known as the doubting one.

The death of our Lord Jesus was really hard on me and the other disciples. We rarely went outside except at night when no one would see us. We had expected Jesus to become our next King. All of our dreams ended with His cruel death. We all felt empty inside. Our best friend was brutally crucified.

On Sunday night I had gone out for awhile, and when I returned the other disciples were excited. They said Jesus had been there to eat with them. They saw His hands and His side where the soldiers had pierced Him, and He spoke to them. This was too hard for me to believe. How could He be alive? I saw Him die. Finally I told my friends, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I wont believe it."

A week later we were in the same room with the doors locked. Suddenly Jesus was standing in the room. Nobody moved or dared to breathe. He greeted us in His usual way "Peace be with you."

He turned to me and held out His hands. "Come, Thomas, put your finger here, see my hands, put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
I fell to my knees and said, "My Lord and my God." I think I would have done anything He asked. Jesus said to me, "Do you believe because you have seen me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me."

I was ashamed but I was happy beyond words.

The Resurrection Stories - Mary Magdalene’s Account

I woke Sunday morning before the sun had risen and quickly dressed. I met with two other women on the streets of Jerusalem. We were going to the tomb where Jesus' was placed to anoint His body with oil and spices. We had to wait till Sunday, because it is against the Commandments to work on the Sabbath.

We hoped to find someone who could roll the large stone away from the tomb because it was too heavy for us to move it. We also feared the guards standing outside the tomb would not let us in. As we approached the tomb we noticed that the stone was already rolled away to the side of the tomb, and the body of Jesus was gone. All that was left was the cloths that had been wrapped around His body. Even the guards were gone.



I thought that someone had taken His body. I ran to the city to find Peter and the others and tell them that they had taken Jesus' body away. They came to see for themselves. After they had left I stayed there in the garden and went back inside the tomb and cried. I was so sad, my best friend was gone, my Lord was dead and now they had taken His body away.

Then I heard a voice say "Woman, why are you crying?" I looked up and saw two Angels dressed in white garments. One stood at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus' body had been. "They have taken my Lord Away," I said, "and I do not know where they have put Him."


Then I noticed that there was someone else standing behind me at the entrance of the tomb. The morning light was behind Him. "Woman, who are you looking for, and why are you crying?" He asked. I thought it might have been one of the gardeners, so I said, "Sir, if you have taken Him away, please tell me where and I will come and anoint His body."

The man stepped forward, His face was full of light, His expression pure like the sun itself. "Mary", He said. It was just the way He had said it many times before. No one said my name like He does. Then I knew that it was Jesus, standing there in front of me. JESUS WAS ALIVE!

I ran and fell at His feet. As I reached out to touch Him He stopped me. "Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father in Heaven. But go and tell my other friends that I am here and you have seen me. Tell them to wait in Jerusalem. I will meet them there soon." Then Jesus disappeared. I was so full of excitement and joy, My Lord was alive! I hurried off to tell the good news to the disciples.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the third day of the Easter Triduum. The celebration begins after the sun has set. We wait in hope, we were sad that Jesus died but we know that on that most glorious Easter morning Jesus rose. The time of sadness is over. Jesus is Alive!

The night vigil of Easter signifies Jesus’ passage from the dead to the living. The celebrations begin in darkness. The priest, the ministers and acolytes gather around the fire outside. Father begins by blessing the fire. He then traces a cross on the Easter Candle and places five pieces of incense on the cross. The Easter Candle is then lit. The priest raises the Easter Candle high and sings “Christ our Light” we the congregation respond singing “ Thanks be to God.” This is done three times as he makes his way to the altar. After the third singing of this proclamation our candles are lit. The priest then leads us in the singing of the Easter Proclamation. This is a joyful singing of all God has done from us.

We then move into the Liturgy of the Word. There are many readings and Psalms tonight. We hear the story of Creation, the story of Abraham and his son Isaac, the story of how God led the Jewish people out of slavery from Egypt and a couple more stories from the Old Testament. When the seven readings from the Old Testament have been read, the altar candles are lit from the Easter Candle and placed on the altar. The priest then leads us in the singing of the Gloria. The church bells are rung in all their glory while we sing the Gloria. We then hear the Epistle, a reading from the New Testament. We then sing the Solemn Alleluia before the Gospel. The priest then gives us his Easter homily. This Vigil is long but be patient and attentive to everything that is said and done.



After the homily, if there are persons to be baptized, they come and kneel around the baptismal font while the Litany of the Saints is sung. We ask the Saints to pray for them and to pray for us. The priest then blesses the Baptismal Water, the Easter Candle is lowered into the water while Father prays for the Holy Spirit to bless the water. Father turns to the Catechumens, the persons to be baptized, and asks them if they reject sin, satan and the lies of satan. They respond “Yes I do.” They are then asked if they believe in God and all the teachings of our Catholic Church and respond “Yes I do believe.” Father then baptizes them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is the very same thing that was done when we were baptized. They newly baptized go and get changed into their white garments. They also wear a white gown over their white clothing. When they enter the church, we all stand and applaud and welcome them. We are very happy that they have become members of the Catholic Church! They are given their lighted Baptism candles and Father leads us in the renewal of our Baptismal Promises. The new members of our Church come around and light our candles before we renew our Baptismal Promises. Father then asks us the same questions he asked the Catechumens. We answer and profess our faith and belief in the Catholic Church and all the teachings of the Church. Father with the help of the ministers moves throughout the church and sprinkles and blesses us with the Holy Water from the Baptismal Font. When we feel the sprinkle of Holy Water on us we make the Sign of the Cross.

Sometimes people who belonged to other Christian religions want to become Catholic. Father leads them in professing their belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated. Father prays for them to be filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit. He anoints their forehead with Chrism and gives them the sign of peace, a good handshake or a hug or whatever is appropriate. We then move into the celebration of the Eucharist. Those who were baptized and persons received into our Church receive their First Holy Communion.


At the end of the celebration we are given a special Easter blessing. We respond saying “Thanks be to God. Alleluia Alleluia” The procession makes their way out of the church while the Recessional hymn is sung while the Church bells are rung. Everyone is so happy and joyful. Jesus is ALIVE!

Good Friday

Why do we call it “good” if Jesus died that day?

Good Friday Is the Friday before Easter. The day that we remember the cruel death of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed how much He loved His Father God and us by willingly giving His life as a sacrificial Lamb. So we call this day of sorrow Good since the death of Jesus was Good for us because he died so that our sins will be forgiven,to save us from death, to free us from Satan's power, and allow us to live with Jesus and God in Heaven forever.


Why was Jesus called the Lamb of God?

In the old testament, the Jewish people would kill a lamb and offer it to God as part of their worship. The lamb was sacrificed to God so that God would forgive their sins. In the new testament (John 1: 29), John the Baptist saw Jesus coming. John told the people,” Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

The Bible teaches us that Jesus was without sin. He was pure and Holy like none before or after Him. He was acceptable unto God to take on all the sins of the world. Not only was Jesus acceptable, but He was willing to die a very cruel death so that we could become His children. It is through Jesus' blood as the sacrificial lamb of God that we are forgiven.


The Cross

The Cross is perhaps the world's most famous symbol. It is a symbol of hope and comfort. In the time that Jesus lived and died the cross was one of the cruelest forms of death ever devised by human beings. Through the Cross we are able into our Heavenly home.

When we enter the church on Good Friday we notice that something is missing from the church. The red light that is always on above the Tabernacle is off. The Crucifix is covered or taken down and the church is silent. The altar is bare. We do not celebrate Holy Mass on this day because the Eucharist is a celebration and no Holy Communion is consecrated on this day.

We hear the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, His suffering, crucifixion, death and burial. After the reading of the Passion the priest gives a short Homily then he leads us in the Prayers of Intersession. We pray for our Church, our leaders and our families. After the priest leads us in the Veneration of the Cross. We all make a reverent gesture either kneeling or kissing the Cross or bowing before the Cross.

The priest then leads us in the Lord’s Prayer. The Eucharist that was put away the night before is brought to the altar and Holy Communion is distributed. After Communion the priest says a concluding prayer and we all depart in silence.

Holy Thursday-The Last Supper

On this holy night Jesus taught us so much. He gave us the most precious gift of Himself in the Holy Eucharist and insituted the Holy Priesthood. He left for us an example to follow.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples

Jesus poured water into a bowl and then knelt in front of each of the twelve disciples, washing their feet and drying them with His towel. Peter asked “Lord why do you wash my feet, I should wash your feet.” Jesus looked at him and said ”Now you do not know what I am doing but later you will understand.” Jesus told them "Now that I, your Lord, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example, that you may learn that all of your are equal, that the master is not greater than His servant, act kindly toward each other."

After washing the feet of his disciples, they all sat down to eat the Passover Meal.


Jesus blessed the bread and broke it, saying to them "Take this and eat it, for this is My body."


Then He blessed the wine and passed around His cup. "Drink this, for this is My blood."


Then Jesus looked at each of his disciples. His face was full of sorrow. "One of you sitting here will betray me." Jesus answered, "The one to whom I shall give this bread." Then Jesus took a piece of bread from the loaf, dipped it in the dish of wine and handed it to Judas Iscariot. "Do whatever you have to do, but do it quickly." Jesus said. Judas got up from the table, left the room, and walked out into the night.

The Fourteenth Station of the Cross- Jesus is laid in the tomb

Symbol- A Big rock and piece of cloth

The enemies of Jesus rolled the stone up to the tomb and were pleased to have buried Him. Mary, outside the tomb, wept. Jesus was dead! But death has no power over Jesus, for on the third day He rose, triumphant, from the tomb! We are partakers in His divine life. Death has no power over Jesus. He is with us this day. He comes to bring us life to the full. Jesus loves us so much!

Even when things look very difficult and sad, there is always hope that God can bring new life.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus' friends prepare his body for burial. they wash his body and wrap it in a clean sheet. They touch his body gently and then they put his body into a tomb. When they are finished, they push a very large stone over the entrance, so that no one can go inside.

Jesus’ Mother his friends go home. They are very sad and tired.

Let’s look at our hearts

Think of a time when you were so very sad to say “goodbye” to someone. Picture Jesus embracing you and taking away all your sadness. Open up your heart and let Jesus love you. Oh how Jesus loves us!

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Most of the people had returned to their homes for the Sabbath. John, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary, went from Calvary to Jesus' burial tomb.

Joseph and John carried Jesus into the tomb. They laid him on the rock bench in the burial chamber. The men moved a big boulder in front of the entrance to block it.

Dear Jesus,
Help me to carry on Your work. Jesus, I believe that you died and rose from the dead so that I could have new life. Thank you!

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Thank you for sending Jesus. Help me to be like Jesus. Help me to share my life and love more fully. This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

The Passion Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus took his place at the table, the disciples were at His side. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." He took the cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Jesus knew that one of the disciples, Judas, was going to betray Him and hand Him over to be killed.


After the meal, Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Getsemane to pray. The disciples could not keep up with Him and fell asleep. Soon the hour came when Jesus was to be betrayed. Judas came up to Him and kissed Him. The soldiers who came with Judas arrested Jesus. Jesus was taken before the high priests. They tried to find a case to have Him killed but they could not. Jesus was innocent. The high priests then took Jesus before Pilate.


Pilate, wanting to release Jesus because he could find nothing to charge him with addressed the crowds. They kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" He said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him." Jesus was scourged. But they kept demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand would be granted.


Jesus picked up his big, heavy cross and started on the long way to Calvary. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by watching and jeering at Him, saying, "He saved others let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, His chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" One of the thieves jeered at Him but one asked for mercy, he asked Jesus to remember him when He went to heaven.

Jesus looked down from the Cross and told John, his beloved disciple that Mary, His Mother, was now his Mother. To Mary His Mother He said, behold your son (John). When everything had been fulfilled according to Holy Scripture, Jesus breathed his last breath.


Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb where no one had ever been laid.

The Easter Triduum

These are the three days leading up to Easter Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. We should be very attentive to everything that is being said and done on these three most blessed days.


On Holy Thursday, the night before Jesus died He gave us the most precious gift, Himself present in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus was with His disciples in the upper room. This was going to be the last time Jesus would have a meal with them before He died. Before sitting down for the meal Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. They could not understand why Jesus, who was their master, would act like a servant and wash their dirt covered feet. The lesson Jesus was trying to teach them was humility and that we are all equal. We are to treat one another with the same love that Jesus had shown them. They then sat down to eat the meal. Jesus took the bread and blessed it and told them that it was His body. He did the same with the cup and wine and told them that this was His blood, take it and drink it. He celebrated the first Mass and told them to celebrate this in memory of Him. Jesus knew that one of the disciples, Judas, was going to betray Him and hand Him over to be killed.


After dinner Jesus and the other disciples left the upper room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. The disciples could not stay awake with Him as He prayed. Jesus sweated blood. The hour soon came when Jesus would be betrayed and handed over to be killed. Judas appeared and kissed Jesus’ face. The soldiers arrested Jesus and took Him to the high priests. The high priests questioned Jesus and could not find any fault. They took Him before Pilate, he too could find nothing to condemn Jesus for. He sentenced Jesus to be scourged. This was a very cruel method of flogging someone in those days. They used whips that had bones at the end that would cut and pull your flesh. They stripped Jesus and whipped Him. This was extremely painful for Jesus. After the scourging Jesus was brought before Pilate again. He was going to release Jesus because he had no case to hold him. It was the feast of the Passover and it was customary to release one of the prisoners. The crowd shouted for him to release Barabas, a very bad man. He asked what to do with Jesus. The crowd shouted even louder,”Crucify Him, Crucify Him”. Barabas was released and Jesus was sentenced to death. This all happened on what we call Good Friday. Jesus picked up His cross and started on His way to Calvary. The Cross was big and heavy but Jesus accepted it without complaint. Jesus fell many times along the way, He met His Mother, Veronica wiped His face and Simon of Cyrene helped Him to carry the Cross at the end of His walk to Calvary. When Jesus reached the top of the hill, He was crucified. There were two thieves that were crucified along with Him. One of them joined in with the crowds jeering at Jesus and mocking Him. The other begged for mercy recognizing that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. While on the Cross Jesus gave us His Mother to be Our Mother. Jesus soon died. When Jesus died the earth shook and everyone realized that He was the Son of God. Jesus was taken down from the Cross and placed into the arms of his grieving Mother. Joseph of Aramathaea, follower of Jesus offered his tomb for Jesus to be buried in. The women prepared Jesus body for burial and placed it in the tomb. A large stone was placed over the opening to seal the tomb. The priests remembered what Jesus had said about rising to life three days after He had died so soldiers were placed at the tomb to ensure that no one could go and take His body.


Jesus’ words are always true and on the morning of the third day Jesus had risen. He is alive! On Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant Resurrection. The Mass is much longer tonight. There are eight readings and Psalms then the Gospel. You can feel the joy all around because we know that Jesus is alive! When the Gloria is sung for the fist time since the beginning of Lent, the church bells are rung in all their glory. We all sing with such joy and happiness. On this night persons who want to become members of our Church are received into the Church. Some are baptized and others profess their faith publicly and some receive their First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. We all renew our baptismal promises on this night also. What a joyful night it is indeed. The Mass continues and after the priest gives us our Easter blessing, the church bells are rung while the concluding hymn is being sung. We all leave happy. Jesus is alive!

The Thirteenth Station of the Cross- Jesus’ body is taken down from the Cross and placed into the arms of His Mother.

Symbol- Picture of the Pietà

They placed the lifeless body of Jesus in the arms of His most loving Mother. As she had held the little baby body in her arms, she now received His bloodied, bruised body. This is how He obeyed the Father's will. Jesus gave His life for us. The Father gave His only Son because He loves us so much.

Mary, His Mother, our Mother and the Mother of the Church, is forever by His side. See Jesus in the arms of His loving Mother under the cross. This is love. Mary held His lifeless body in her arms. See through Mary's eyes the love He has for us! Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus his own burial cave because Jesus didn’t have a place to be buried. Joseph was another one of Jesus’ friends who took a risk to help him.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus' lifeless body is taken down from the cross. All the pain and suffering as over. Mary, Jesus' mother, holds him tenderly in her arms. How sad she is.

Jesus' friends are sad too. They are crying as they hold his body.

Let’s look at our hearts

Is there someone you love who has died? When you remember that person, you think of how much you love them and how much you miss them.

Picture Jesus at your side embracing you and comforting you.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations. A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure that he was dead.

The crowd hurried to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they would be excluded from the celebration.

Mary stayed under the cross with her Son.

Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus.

Jesus was gently removed from the cross. Mary held Jesus. She kissed Him and gave Him to the guards.

Dear Jesus,
how bad was your death but how gently you were removed from the cross. Help me to treat others kindly always. Sometimes it is risky to step out and help people who are in need. Jesus, I want to be a risk-taker and help others. Give me love and courage.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Help me to be a kinder, gentler person. Help me to always see the good in others This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

The Twelfth Station of the Cross- Jesus dies on the Cross

Symbol- Crucifix

Jesus hung for three agonizing hours on the cross against a darkened sky. His greatest agonies were not the agonies of His body, but those of His Heart for the great love He has for each and every soul. He gave Himself for us. He gave His all. He hung with His arms outstretched in total surrender. Jesus' head was punctured from the crown of thorns and his hands and feet were nailed to the cross. They pierced His Heart with a lance and blood and water flowed from this wound. He gave Himself to us. He gives Himself to us this day in the Eucharist.

When Jesus died, the sky got dark and the ground started to shake. This made some people very scared. They saw that Jesus was innocent and that they had made a big mistake.

Let’s look at Jesus

After the long walk falling many times and having the soldiers beat him, Jesus was nailed to the cross. He suffered for three hours. He looks down from the cross to his sorrowful mother and his beloved disciple John. He tells his mother, Behold your son (John) and to John he said “Behold your mother.” Jesus made Mary, his Blessed Mother, our Mother too. Jesus bows his head and dies. This part of his life is over. There is nothing left for Jesus to give or to do. Jesus has given his life for all of us.

Let’s look at our hearts

Have you ever felt like you did not try hard enough at something and then something bad happened? You feel so alone and deserted.

Picture Jesus at your side, know that you are not alone. Ask him to always let you know that you are never alone and that He is always there beside you.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

As Pilate had ordered, a soldier placed, above Jesus' head, a notice reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" (John 19:20). The cross was hoisted into place. Mary and John, stayed at the foot of the cross and prayed.

Jesus looked down and said to his mother "Dear woman, here is your son"(John 19:26) and to John "Here is your mother" (John 19:27). Even at this terrible time, he was taking care of his mother.

The sky was dark. Jesus said "I am thirsty". (John 19:28) A soldier offered him wine mixed with vinegar.

The two thieves that were crucified beside Him, talked to Him. Looking at one of them he said, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).

Jesus said, "EIi, Ebi, lama sabachthani? - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Then he said "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46)
A few moments later He said, "It is finished" and dies.

At that instant, the earth shook, rocks split, the curtain in the temple ripped from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus saw the earth quake and said "Surely he was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54).

Jesus died at 3 p.m. on the Cross at Calvary.

Dear Jesus,
death is hard for us to understand. Remind us always that faith will carry us through our losses. Jesus, help me to admit when I make mistakes. Help me to say I’m sorry. Thank you for always forgiving me. I love you, and I want to do the right thing.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Help me to understand Jesus' death. Help me to understand the love Jesus has for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

Palm Sunday-Passion Sunday

The Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It is the beginning of Holy Week. It celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Great crowds of people gathered in the streets waving palm branches to welcome Him. The people shouted "Hosanna" and laid their cloaks and palm branches from the nearby trees in His path.

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' “ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read," 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Jesus shows His love for us in His Passion and Death.

We also call Palm Sunday- Passion Sunday. We call it Passion Sunday because Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered and died for us. We hear the Passion of Jesus, the suffering and the pain that He endured for us.

Think of someone who loves you very much. Picture that person hugging you, their arms are around you as they hold you tight, giving you a good, loving hug. What a lovely feeling! You feel so special and loved and safe in their arms!

Jesus loves us so very much! He suffered and died for you and for me because He loves us, all for love of us! He stretched out His arms on the cross to show us how much He loved us!

You are very special, if you were the only person in the whole world, Jesus would have died just for you. Picture Jesus putting His arms out and hugging you, enjoy this embrace. Tell Jesus how much you love Him and thank Him for all He did and continues to do for you.

Holy Week- The Week That Changed The World

Holy Week is the last week of Lent. It is a time to remember the suffering (Passion) and death of Jesus through various observances and services of worship. This was the last week of Jesus’ life before he was killed and rose from the dead. This week changed the world. History was changed forever. Time changed, anything that happened before Jesus was born is known as BC, Before Christ and anything after Christ is known as AD, Ano Domini. No one has ever had such an impact on our world.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem before He was going to be put to death. The conclusion to the week is called the Easter Triduum , three holy days that are devoted to special prayer and observance.

The first day of th Triduum is Holy Thursday where we celebrate the night Jesus gave us Himself in the most Holy Eucharist. Good Friday is the day we remember the death of Jesus. Jesus gave His life to save us. No Mass is celebrated on this day, we have services all over the world. On Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday we celebrate the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus. Adults who want to join our Church are welcomed on Holy Saturday or Glorious Saturday night. Some are baptized while others profess their Faith and receive their First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a most glorious celebration!

We must remember that even though we feel sad about how much Jesus suffered for us we must focus on His Triumph. He rose from the dead just as He said He would and is ALIVE! It is only when we walk the shadows of suffering of Holy Week and Good Friday we realize how much Jesus loves us and truly understand the joy and hope of Easter, Jesus’ Resurrection. Remember that He is ALIVE!

The Seventh Commandment- Do Not Steal

The seventh commandment tells us we should not steal. This does not only mean taking something that does not belong to us but also tells us to treat everyone fairly.

We should be fair and honest in all that we say and do. It is wrong to cheat. When we cheat, it's the same thing. When we are cheating to win a game, to get the right answer, whatever we cheat on, it's taking what is not ours. When we play fair we always wins in the eyes of God, even if we don’t win the game.

We should not damage the property of others. We all have things that are special to us. How would you feel if someone damaged or destroyed something that belonged to you? Perhaps you worked hard and earned it or perhaps it was a gift for Christmas or your birthday. Whatever the reason, we don’t want what is ours to be taken from us. To just take what is not ours is wrong. It is selfish and harmful. Everyone has a right to what belongs to them. Return to the owner anything that has been stolen and ask for their forgiveness.

The Eleventh Station of the Cross- Jesus is crucified

Symbol- Hammer and nails

The soldiers drove nails through Jesus’ hands and feet.

Mary's heart was torn in her chest as they nailed Jesus’ hands and feet to the cross. She asks us this day to walk the Passion with Him. See through her eyes the love He has for us. He truly was nailed to the cross. They pounded the nails into Jesus' first hand, then they stretched His body and nailed His other hand. The blood poured from these wounds. His pain was so immense!

They then nailed His feet! What pain He suffered for each one of us! They lifted up the cross and put it in place.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus was in a lot of pain as the soldiers nailed him to the cross. He hurts all over, he was tired and thirsty. He knew that he was going to die. He looks at the people who have hurt him and, instead of saying bad things to those people, Jesus asks God to forgive them.

He looks at his mother and tells her to take care of others. Even when he is dying, Jesus is thinking of other people.

Let’s look at our hearts

Think of a time when someone hurt you with mean actions or words? Was it hard for you to forgive that person? Jesus knows that forgiving is hard to do but it’s the right thing to do. Jesus will help to change our hearts when we ask him to help us to forgive someone.

Picture Jesus embracing you and smiling as you forgive everyone who has hurt you.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

The soldiers grab Jesus and lie him face up on the cross stretching out his arms. They hold His wrist and hand to the wood. They drive the nail with a hammer. They do the same with the other arm. Raising His Knees so that His feet would lie flat, they nail down his feet. It was done, Jesus was nailed to the cross.

Dear Jesus,
sometimes I say or do hurtful things to others. You stretched Your arms of love on the cross. Help me to bring Your love to others and cause them no hurt. Many people suffer pain every day from being sick, hungry, poor, and because of war or natural disasters. Jesus, please comfort everyone who is in pain today.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Help me to follow your Son and make His Hands bleed no more through my fault. This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness,for they shall be filled

This means that we will be filled with great joy whenever we find ourselves wanting to be good, do good, and see good in the world. It is such a strong feeling, that we will do almost anything to see that it happens.

“Righteousness” is the habit of thinking and doing all that is right and good. This Beatitude does not say we will be blessed, or happy, when we have become righteous, but that we are blessed because of our strong desire for righteousness. That strong desire will make us do what is necessary to see that we do what is right, and that others are treated justly.

To “be filled” is to have a feeling of fullness, or to know for sure that you have everything you need. For instance, after eating a really good meal, your tummy is no longer empty, but “full.” This Beatitude tells us that if we continue to “hunger and thirst” for righteousness – all that is right, and good, and just – we will be filled with the ability to do good.

However, we do not get that good feeling of fullness just so that we can sit back and enjoy our own personal comfort. No! We have to do what we know to be true to help others.

The Tenth Station of the Cross-Jesus is stripped of His clothes

Symbol- Pair of dice

They took Jesus to the hill to crucify Him. They angrily stripped Jesus of His garments and the soldiers cast lots for his clothing. They took off Jesus' clothes to whip Him. They had covered Jesus' bloody wounds with a red robe. Now, total surrender-they took off Jesus' clothes. He showed us the way to surrender, always complying with the will of the Father.

To be without clothes in front of everyone is a humiliating thing. Jesus wasn’t ashamed because he knew his Father in heaven loved him and everyone who was there.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus reaches the hill at the end of the road he had to walk. He knows that he will die here. Before he dies, the soldiers will do more to him. They pull off his long robe, and his clothes are taken from him.

Jesus stands in front of the crowd. He asks God to help Him remember that He is not alone. God is with Him through all this.

Let’s look at our hearts

It’s hard to share or to give away something that we like. Do you sometimes like to keep everything for yourself? Do you ever let something of yours be the reason for bad feelings or bad words between you and someone else?

Picture Jesus at your side. Ask him to give you a heart like his, a heart that does not hold grudges.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus arrives at the Place of Skull. The soldiers remove his clothes, tossing them in a heap. The soldiers didn't know what to do with his clothes. They decided to throw dice for them.

Dear Jesus,
You set an example of truth, humility and love. Help me to set a good example for others to follow. Jesus, I want to know how much you and the Father love me, so I will never be embarrassed or ashamed to surrender to the will of God.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Help me to always be respectful and follow the examples of Jesus. This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

The Sixth Commandment- Do Not Commit Adultery

The sixth commandment tells us to be pure in all that we do, hear and see. This commandment is not only for married people, when we do anything that is impure we are breaking God’s law. We should not look at bad pictures or movies, speak impure words or touch ourself or anyone in an impure way.

For married couples, on their wedding day they promise to share their love only with each other. They must keep that promise. When people aren't married, this commandment reminds us to honor ourselves and be sincere with our friends. We should be a true friend and not break promises and not lead our friends to break their promises.

We keep our souls healthy by receiving the Sacraments regularly, by going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we sin and by receiving Jesus in Holy Communion as often as possible. Let us also remember to pray to our Blessed Mother and ask her to help us to be and stay pure and keep us from doing anything that is wrong.

The Ninth Station of the Cross- Jesus falls a third time

Symbol- Rock

Jesus fell again and the soldiers didn’t help him. They only yelled louder for him to get up and continue on. Jesus fell hard the third time. He was so weakened He could not go on. His body collapsed under the cross from such exhaustion! Jesus didn’t get mad at them, he forgave them.

When we fall, when we struggle, Jesus gives us the grace to get up. Jesus never gives us more than we can handle. Our strength will come from Jesus.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus is very tired now and he can barely take another step. It is hard for him to breathe. He has been walking for a long time along the dusty, rocky road, and he has no energy left. He just can't go on anymore.

Jesus falls down in the street for the third time. He asks God to help him. He gets up again, even though it is hard for him to do.

Let’s look at our hearts

Sometimes we try very hard and we do our best but just cannot seem to be able to succeed. People may make fun of us and yell at us to try harder. Picture Jesus at your side embracing you and holding your hand. Ask him to give you the strength to persevere.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus continues walking, tired, in pain, and pushed by the soldiers. He falls again. They laugh at him. He gets up, steadies himself and walks the last few yards to - The Place of the Skull, where he is to be crucified.

Dear Jesus,
help me to see that nothing is greater than You. Nothing is greater than Your love for me. Help me to see that with Your help, I can do it. Sometimes people say or do hurtful things to us or don’t help us when we need them. Jesus, help me to forgive everyone like you did. Help me not to get angry or hold a grudge against someone who has hurt me.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help me to always follow Him. This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

The Fifth Sunday of Lent- Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

Today we hear how Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.

Jesus had some close friends, Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary.

One day Martha sent for Jesus, Lazarus was sick. Jesus did not leave and go to their home right away. He waited until He knew Lazarus had died.

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha heard Jesus was coming so she ran out of the house to meet him. she said if Jesus had been there Lazarus would not have died.

Jesus looked at her and said”Your brother will rise again.” Martha thought he was speaking about the resurrection at the end of time. She did not understand what Jesus had told her.

Jesus spoke to her about the resurrection and asked her if she believed. Martha said “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God ho has come into the world.”

Martha hurried to where Lazarus was buried to get her sister Mary. Mary was weeping for her brother. When she saw Jesus she fell at his feet and said ‘If you had been here he would not have died.”

When Jesus saw the sisters weeping, he cried with them.

Lazarus was buried in a cave with a stone over the opening. Jesus told them to roll away the stone. He prayed to God and said “Lazarus come out!” Lazarus came walking out! He was wrapped up in cloth.

Jesus told them to remove the cloth and let him go. Lazarus was alive and back with them again! Martha and Mary and all their friends were very happy.

After seeing this many of the Jews believed in Jesus.

It’s great to be alive!

When winter comes the flowers seem to almost go to sleep but when springs comes, they wake up and bloom.

Sometimes we may feel like we are in a place where it’s like our heart is asleep. Perhaps a friend may have moved away. Picture Jesus embracing you, He is with you! He is helping you, loving you hugging you. It’s not so difficult now knowing that Jesus is with you.

Let’s thank Jesus for always being there. Thank you Jesus for always being there for and with us! We love you Jesus!