CONVERSION: Today we celebrate the optional memorial of St. John of God. His story fills us with hope, especially for those that have left the faith. St. John left the faith during his time as a soldier. He was 40 when he finally realized the depths of his sinfulness. He often engaged in public acts of repentance. Finally, someone advised him to be more actively involved in tending to the needs of others rather than enduring personal hardships. He spent the rest of his life caring for others. He died at the age of 55.
JOHN 3:16: We often see the sign, John 3:16, at sporting events. It reads “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” We will listen to those words during this Sunday’s Gospel. Perhaps your family can read the readings together for this Sunday’s Mass before attending. It really helps in paying attention.
SCRUTINY: At one of the Masses at your parish this weekend you may hear the readings from Year A, for what is called the scrutinies. Scrutinies call the Elect (those joining the Church at the Easter Vigil) to conversion and the new life that will begin through the Sacraments. This Sunday’s readings focus on light and darkness.
ELECT: So happy to see how many people are joining the Church at the Easter Vigil throughout our diocese. They are responding “yes” to the invitation from Jesus’ heart to their heart.
ALL INVITED: Corey Lyon, our Chancellor, wrote the following explanation and invitation to attend the Chrism Mass on March 21 at 11:30 am at the Cathedral.
As we approach the solemn celebration of the Chrism Mass, I write to you to emphasize the significance of this sacred liturgy and to extend a heartfelt invitation for your participation.
1. The Chrism Mass is a special occasion where the bishop, together with his priests, renews the priestly promises made on the day of Ordination. This act holds great value as it allows priests to reaffirm their fidelity to Christ, who has chosen them as His ministers. Through this renewal, priests strengthen their commitment to serving the Christian community and living out their vocation with zeal and dedication.
2. During the Chrism Mass, the oils used in various sacraments are blessed and consecrated. The oil of the sick and the oil of the catechumens, along with the sacred Chrism, are symbols of the fullness of Christ’s Priesthood and the unity of the Church. These blessed oils play a vital role in the sacramental life of the Church, particularly in Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Ordination.
3. The Chrism Mass is a preparation for the celebration of the Easter Triduum. It serves as a moment of spiritual renewal and unity for the clergy and the faithful, highlighting the importance of the priesthood and the sacraments in our journey of faith.
Therefore, I invite you to join Bishop Vincke at the Chrism Mass, where he will bless the oils and our priests will renew their commitment to Christ and His Church. Your presence and participation in this liturgy will not only enrich your own spiritual life but also contribute to the communal prayer and unity of our diocesan family. While an RSVP is not required, it is appreciated so that we can best prepare for the light luncheon to follow the Mass. You may RSVP by phone (785)827-8746 or by using this link https://salinadiocese.typeform.com/ChrismMass
LENT: I hope your Lenten season is going well as we continue to ‘fall’ and get back up again over and over.
SAINTS AND SOLEMNITIES: Many of you look forward to celebrating your Irish heritage with the Feast of St. Patrick on March 17…no dispensations necessary this year as the it falls on a Sunday! We can also look forward to repreve from Lent to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 19.
HOLY WEEK: Holy Week is the most solemn and glorious week in Christianity, the pinnacle of the liturgical year. This is because Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, commemorates the final week of Our Lord’s life, the very purpose for which Christ was born. Sundown on Holy Thursday to sundown on Easter Sunday is considered the most solemn part of the liturgical year. This period is referred to as the Easter Triduum. The Latin word triduum, literally means three-days, coming from tres (“three”) + dies (“day”).
LOOKING AHEAD: Everyone is invited to the transitional diaconate ordination of Kade Megaffin, Jesse Ochs, and Adam Urban on Saturday, April 6, at 10 am at the Cathedral. Our diocese is blessed by their “yes.”
May God bless you and your families abundantly during Lent and the upcoming Easter season!
With my love and prayers,
BISHOP VINCKE
Inspiration from the Saints:
“For just as water extinguishes a fire, just so does charity blot out our sins.”
~ St. John of God (Feast Day March 8)
“Your accumulated offenses do not surpass the multitude of God’s mercies; your wounds do not surpass the great Physicians skill.” ~
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Feast Day March 18)