Our Lady of Lourdes, Fontana, CA

Why the Latin Mass?

2009-06-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

1. What do you mean when you say that Our Lady of Lourdes
is a traditional Roman Catholic parish?

Our Lady of Lourdes is a traditional Roman Catholic parish. At Our Lady of Lourdes, only the traditional Latin Mass is offered. This is not because we are simply old-fashioned and prefer the reverent atmosphere of the ancient liturgy to that of the more casual services which have become the norm today. Nor have we chosen to retain the traditional Mass out of stubbornness or disobedience. Rather, we act in obedience to past infallible teachings of the Catholic Church. We have kept the Latin Mass because it is the Catholic thing to do.

2. Why is the traditional Latin Mass so important to you?

The Traditional Latin Mass safeguards the Catholic Faith. Pope Pius XII taught that the sacred liturgy is intimately bound up with the truths of the Catholic Faith, and therefore must conform to and reflect these truths — so much so that the liturgy actually serves as a safeguard of the integrity of the Faith (Mediator Dei). For this reason, the the Church has always carefully protected the text of the Mass in order to prevent doctrinal errors from creeping into the liturgy. The traditional Latin Mass is, then, a perfect expression of the unchanging truths of the Catholic Church

Even the Protestant reformers recognized the connection between Church teaching and the Mass. Luther felt that by overthrowing the Mass, he would overthrow the papacy. He and other Protestant reformers made it a point to eradicate the idea of sacrifice from their “reformed” liturgies. Altars and crucifixes were removed, and Scripture readings and sermons replaced the concept of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This was done gradually, so that Catholics, who, after all, were going to the same churches and often had the same pastors, were hardly aware that they were little by little becoming Protestants.

Since the early 1960’s, many of these same changes were gradually introduced into Catholic churches. Then in 1969, the Mass was rewritten by a Vatican commission assisted by six Protestant theologians. No references to the Mass as a sacrifice remain in the new liturgy, which is defined as “the memorial of the Lord” and closely resembles a Protestant service. The New Mass is not an expression of the traditional Catholic Faith but of a new ecumenical religion.

3. How old is the traditional Latin Mass?

The beginnings of the Roman Mass are found in the writings of St. Justin (150 A.D.) and St. Hippolytus (215 A.D.) By 250 A.D. the Mass was being said in Latin throughout most of the Roman world, and the Latin Canon as we know it was completed by 399 A.D. While the Mass has remained essentially the same from the days of the Apostles, it was codified in its present form by Pope Pius V in the sixteenth century.

4. What does “Tridentine” mean?

The word “Tridentine” is simply a reference to the fact that the Latin Mass was codified by Pope St. Pius V shortly after the Council of Trent (1545-1563), from which is derived the term “Tridentine.” Contrary to what some people think, Pope St. Pius V did not issue a new Mass but simply unified the already existing liturgy. His Quo Primum decree not only declared that this Mass was to remain unchanged for all time, but it forbade the introduction of new Mass liturgies.

5. Why is the Mass offered in Latin?

The Mass is offered in Latin because it is a “dead” language. As it is no longer spoken as the vernacular language in any country today, Latin words do not change in meaning. The English language we speak may be easier to understand, but because of slang, colloquialisms and various local influences, the words we use vary in their meanings from place to place and year to year. As Pope Pius XII explained, “The use of the Latin language... is a manifest and beautiful sign of unity, as well as an effective antidote for any corruption of doctrinal truth” (Mediator Dei). As for the difficulty of not understanding Latin, most missals display the English translation side-by-side with the Latin text. Even children learn to use them with ease and soon know by heart even many of the Latin prayers.

6. Shouldn’t the liturgy reflect the times and the culture of people?

For centuries, a Catholic could attend Mass anywhere in the world and always find it the same. Were it possible to travel in time, the same would still hold true: a Mass offered by an Catholic priest living in Rome in 570 would be nearly the same as that offered by one offered in the same city in 1570. Moreover, that Mass offered in 1570 would be the same as one offered by a priest living in Nagasaki in 1940 or here at Our Lady of Lourdes in 2000. This fact reflects clearly two of the four marks of the Catholic Church — its unity and catholicity, both in regard to location and time.

You may remember learning in your catechism as a child that the four marks of the Church are those clear signs by which all men can recognize the one true Church established by Christ. Only the Catholic Church possesses all four of these marks: it alone is one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic. It is one because all of its members profess the same faith, the same Sacrifice and Sacraments, and are united under the same authority. It is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ, Who is all-holy, and because it teaches holy doctrines and provides the means of living a holy life. (Unfortunately, because of man's free will, not all Catholics make good use of those means.) It is catholic or universal because it is empowered to receive all men in all places and all times. Finally, it is apostolic because it was founded by Christ on the apostles and has always been governed by their lawful successors.

7. Isn’t the Latin Mass unsuitable for modern man?

Some people object that they don’t get much out of the traditional Latin Mass, that it is “boring” because they don’t understand the Latin, that the priest doesn't make the service interesting by getting the people involved — that he even has his back turned to them most of the time, that there is no music or they would prefer more “upbeat,” modern music, etc. What they forget is that the Mass is not meant to please man but to give glory to God. Worship is not a social gathering intended to give us a warm, fuzzy, neighborly feeling inside. It is an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and His infinite perfections, and an expression of our submission to Him as creatures to their Creator and Lord. As the catechism teaches, the purposes for which Mass are offered are:

a) first, to adore God as our Creator and Lord;

b) second, to thank God for His many favors;

c) third, to ask God to bestow His blessings on all men;

d) fourth, to satisfy the justice of God for the sins committed against Him.

The Mass is, moreover, the public worship offered by the entire Church to God through Jesus Christ Who, as the Eternal High Priest, offers Himself anew to His Eternal Father as He did on the cross. He is the Lamb of God, the spotless Victim Whose sacrifice takes away the sins of the world, “standing as it were slain” (Apoc. 5,6) — that is, offering to His Heavenly Father again the sacrifice of His life on the cross. The Mass, then, is the fulfillment of the prophecy: “From the rising of the sun even to the going down...in every place there is sacrifice and there is offered to my name a clean oblation” (Mal. 1:11).

Announcements for the week: Finding of the True Cross

2009-05-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Prayer requests:
For more vocations to the priesthood
For Fr. Julian Gilchrist
For The soul of Barbara Welp (Mother of Fr. Bernard Welp)
For loved ones of ours who adhere to the false church or are outside the church or who harbor false opinions.
For all Holy Priests and Bishops
For the friends and benefactors of our seminaries and convents.

The Finding of the True Cross

2009-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (2:5-11):
Brethren, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself as nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above all names: (Here all kneel down) that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Gospel according to St. John (3:1-15):
At that time There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night; and said to Him Rabbi, we know that Thou art come, a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which Thou dost, unless God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him; "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born again, when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again? Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit, is spirit. Wonder not that I said to thee, You must be born again. The Spirit breatheth where He will; and thou hearest His voice, but thou knowest not whence He cometh, nor whither He goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said to Him, How can these things be done? Jesus answered, and said to him, Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things? Amen, amen, I say to thee, that we speak what we know, and we testify what we have seen, and you receive not our testimony. If I have spoken to you earthly things, and you believe not; how will you believe if I shall speak to you heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into Heaven, but He that descended from Heaven, the Son of man Who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him may not perish but may have life everlasting."

Announcements for the week: 2nd Sunday after Easter

2009-04-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Second Sunday after Easter

2009-04-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Epistle from the First letter of Blessed Peter the Apostle (1; 2:21-25):
Dearly beloved, Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Who when He was reviled, did not revile: when He suffered, He threatened not, but delivered Himself to him that judged Him unjustly: who His own self bore our sins in His body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live in justice; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were as sheep going stray: but you are now converted to the shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Gospel according to St. John (10: 11-16):
At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf catcheth and scattereth the sheep: and the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling, and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me, as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for My sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd."

Announcements for the week: Low Sunday

2009-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Low Sunday

2009-04-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Epistle According to St. John (1; 5; 4-10):

Dearly beloved: Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and This is the victory which overcometh the world, our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth that Christ is the truth. And there are three who give testimony in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that give testimony on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood: and these three are one. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth in the Son of God hath the testimony of God in himself.

Gospel according to St. John (20: 19-31):

At that time, when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, Jesus came, and stood in the midst and said to them: "Peace be to you." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: "Peace be to you: as the Father hath sent Me, I also send you." When He had said this, He breathed on them, and He said to them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. And after eight days, again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: "Peace be to you." Then He saith to Thomas: "Put in thy finger hither, and see My hands, and bring hither thy hand, and put it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing." Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith to him: "Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and have believed." Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of His disciples which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God; and that, believing, you may have life in His name.

Hiatus

2009-04-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Christ is risen, Alleluija

Greetings everyone. I apologize that I have not been on the ball with this website for over a month. Lent can do that to you sometimes when you are focused on the more spiritual matters rather than the temporal.

God bless you, and I hope all of you have had a Happy Easter.

The Website editor of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel.

Announcements for the week: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

2009-02-01T11:06:00.001-08:00

Between March 6 and March 8, 2009, Mt. St. Michael's will be hosting this year's Vocations Weekend. Those interested in more information should write to:
ST Michaels Convent
8502 N St Michael Road
Spokane WA 99217
Or call (leave a message), for Reverend Mother Mary Dominica 509-467-0986 ext. 122,
or Sister Mary Agnes 509-467-0986 ext 108

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

The CMRI 2009 Calendars are available through the CMRI online shop.

Prayer requests:
For more vocations to the priesthood
For Fr. Julian Gilchrist
For The soul of Barbara Welp (Mother of Fr. Bernard Welp)
For loved ones of ours who adhere to the false church or are outside the church or who harbor false opinions.
For all Holy Priests and Bishops
For the friends and benefactors of our seminaries and convents.

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

2009-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:
Adore God, all you His Angels: Sion heard, and was glad: and the daughters of Juda rejoiced.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans (13:8-10):
Brethren: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another : for that he loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. For Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet: and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The love of our neighbor works no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (8:23-27):
At that time, when Jesus entered into the boat, His disciples followed Him : and behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him and awaked Him, saying: 'Lord, save us, we perish.' And Jesus said to them: 'Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up, He commanded the winds and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: 'What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey Him?'

Announcements for the week: Third Sunday after the Epiphany

2009-01-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Announcements for the week: Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

2009-01-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

The CMRI 2009 Calendars are available through the CMRI online shop.

Prayer requests:
For more vocations to the priesthood
For Fr. Julian Gilchrist
For The soul of Barbara Welp (Mother of Fr. Bernard Welp)
For all Holy Priests and Bishops
For the friends and benefactors of our seminaries and convents.

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

2009-01-04T05:18:00.001-08:00

From the Introit:
In the name of Jesus let every knee bow of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and let every tongue confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Epistle from the Acts of the Apostles (4:8-12):
In those days: Peter filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear: If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole, be it known to you all, and to all the people of IsraeI, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by Him this man standeth before you whole, This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner: neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.

Gospel according to St. Luke (2:21):
At that time. After eight days were accomplished that the child should be circumcised; His Name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel before He was conceived in the Womb.

Announcements for the week: Feast of the Holy Innocents

2008-12-28T04:45:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 1, 2009 is a Holy Day of Obligation and Fr. Gerard will be offering Mass in Fontana at 10A.M.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past October by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2008-12-28T04:42:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:
Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings, O God, Thou hast perfected praise because of Thine enemies.

Epistle from the book of the Apocalypse of St. John the Apostle (14:1-5):
In those days I saw upon Mount Sion a Lamb standing, and with Him a hundred forty-four thousand having His name, and the name of His Father, written on their foreheads. And I heard a noise from heaven, as the noise of many waters, and as the voice of great thunder; and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers, harping on their harps. And they sung as it were a new canticle, before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the ancients; and no man could say the canticle, but those hundred forty four thousand who were purchased from the earth. These are they who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were purchased from among men, the first-fruits to God and to the Lamb; and in their mouth there was found no lie; for they are without spot before the throne of God.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (2:13-18):
At that time an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and His mother, and fly into Egypt; and be there until I tell thee: for it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy Him. Who arose, and took the child and His mother by night, and retired into Egypt; and He was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called My Son. Then Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending, killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Announcements for Christmas.

2008-12-24T14:49:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our parishioners and friends.

This year, Fr. Gerard McKee will be celebrating Mass in Fontana at 2PM.

On January 1, Fr. Gerard will be celebrating Mass at 10AM, and is a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Spiritual Family (2008 version)

2008-12-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

From the Letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans (12:4-18):
For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one members one of another: And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used accoreding to the rule of faith; or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine; he that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giventh, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleving to that which is good, loving one another with the charity of brotherhood: with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hoppe. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer. Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice: weep with them that weep. Being of one mind one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conciets. To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as is in you, have peace with all men.

How do we interpret this? One interpretation that comes to my mind is that of the Catholic Church herself. This part of the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans encourages charity and love for one another as if all were brothers and sisters. I do not mean brothers and sisters in the biological sense, I mean brothers and sisters in the spiritual sense. All of us who gather at Mass on Sunday gather as a family to offer our time to God, who is our creator and therefore the father of all. All of us as a spirutal family have a role to play in the parishes that we attend.

The priest, who is our spiritual father is there to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and offer to us Holy Communion, the Body of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet this is not his only task, for he has many. He also carries the burden of being the mediator between us and Jesus Christ hearing our confessions and to forgive us our sins (in other words, we confess to Christ through him). He also carries the burden of teaching his many spiritual children the laws of the Church along with history and apologetics. He helps to confirm us in the faith by preparing us for it (preferably when we are young but those of us who are just entering the church can be conditionally re-confirmed or conditionally re-baptized). Because the priest has the gift of being able to control, if not, surpress his own emotions he also does the honor of carrying out the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Because a priest himself cannot marry, for he is married to the Church, he has chosen the greater good in providing this sacrament to others who are not called to the religious life yet that of a married life to provide for the Church new members and therefore it is his duty to rest assure that the couple discerning marrige is asking for the sacrament for the right reasons. Just like a very defensive father, he wants to make sure that the young man that his daughter is dating will be able to take care of and look after his daughter and most importantly be the right one for his daughter. The priest also has the responsibility of visiting sick members of the spirutal family, giving them Holy Communion and giving them the sacrament of Extreme Unction in cases where they are at the point of death. He is a father that takes care of his family but a much bigger one yet carries responsibilities that are paramount for the soul. The father of an actual biological family has the same tasks but in a more material way. If your children were sick you would give them medicine, if your children were hungry you would give them food, if your children were out of control or had a problem to talk to you about, you would instruct and counsel them. That is what a priest does when he hears confessions and gives absolution, Extreme Unction and Holy Communion.

Mothers and sisters (the religious order) are those who assist the priests in the teaching of children and praying for souls. They perform the task of a home schooling mother who spends the day at home teaching her children and bringing them up in the Catholic Faith, but again this task is spiritual. Their role is important in a parish because while they teach the children, the priest can tend to his other duties and therefore would not be overwhelmed.

The members of the congregation are brothers and sisters to each other. From one brother and sister to another, they can assist each other by carpooling to Mass on Sunday, giving charitably to those brothers and sisters in need, consuling the sorrowful and depressed, rejoicing with those who have found good fortune, contributing to the welfare of the Church and encouraging others to become part of our spiritual family. We also pray for the souls in purgatory and for all others inside and outside our spiritual family alike. Some of us decide to join the religious life, marry, or remain single to serve God in which ever way, depending on what kind of grace he has given us.

As for those outside of our spiritual family, we have a mission to bring them to the true fold and make them into spiritual brothers and sisters. This mission was given to the Church not just to the religious alone, but to ALL members of the Chruch Militant. We must teach them that the Church is the ONE Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. ONE!!! Not many as the Novus Ordo Church teaches. Simple things such as inviting them along to Mass and teaching them the fruits of True Catholicism can get them interested and with much prayer and grace, which God alone can grant, they may convert to the Church and become one with our spiritual family.

As for me, the Website Editor, my purpose in this Chapel is to contribute to it by presenting to you the announcements and other important matters with the hope that those who are unable to come to our Chapel can still feel at one with our Spiritual family. Personally, since I have become Sedevacantist, I feel departed from my biological family for my brother and my mother are opposed to Sedevacantism. Never in my life have I ever felt this far from them but as long as I have the Church as my spiritual family, it is a family that I can never lose. As long as I remain true to the laws and teachings of the Church, my spiritual family will always be there.

Let us all as members of the one spiritual family remain charitable and kind to one another including to those who are outside of our spiritual family. This is an act of charity which is encouraged by the Church not just in the liturgical season of Advent but because it is the Catholic thing to do. During the season of Advent, we all find the overwhelming charity in our hearts to give to others but it doesn't end with Christmas, it is something that takes place all year round. Providing food for your neighbor, clothing the naked, giving to the poor and sheltering the homeless. These acts of charity are also acts of love for our fellow man as Christ loved us. The season of Advent is here, and for that reason I write this post to encourage those who are able to welcome your fellow brothers and sisters, who have no where to go, no family members with whom to celebrate Christmas and no one there to wish them merry, to dine with you on Christmas day and help them if they are in need. Material gifts only give temporary joy, but providing them with a special meal on one of the most important days in the liturgical year gives greater joy to those in need and grants upon you God's grace for your charitable acts. Even if you, yourself, are alone you can offer this act of charity to others by welcoming them to dine with you. Acts of charity and love are not only one of the purposes of the Spiritual family but the greatest gifts that the Spiritual family can offer to those who are lost and found.

The Website Editor of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Announcements for the week: 2nd Sunday of Advent

2008-12-07T04:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and all Traditional Catholics near and far.

A special thank you to Fr. Casimir Puskorius for coming to celebrate Mass at the Chapels in Fontana and San Diego in Fr. Gerard's absence.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past October by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Second Sunday of Advent

2008-12-07T04:38:00.001-08:00

From the Introit:
People of Sion, behold the Lord shall come to save the nations: and the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard, in the joy of your heart.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans (15:4-13):
Brethren, What things soever were written, were written for our learning: that, through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ: that with one mind and with one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath received you unto the honor of God. For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: but that the Gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to Thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to Thy name. And again He saith: Rejoice ye Gentiles, with His people. and again, praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and magnify Him, all ye people. And again, Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse and He that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing: that you may abound in hope, and in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (11:2-10):
At that time, when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, he said to Him: Art thou He that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus, making answer, said to them: "Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them: and blessed is he who shall not be scandalized in Me." And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What went you out into the desert to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? A prophet? Yea I tell you and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my Angel before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee."

Announcements for the week: Last Sunday After Pentecost

2008-11-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past week by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Also please pray for the soul of Barbara Welp, the mother of Fr. Bernard Welp, who died just three weeks after the ordination of Fr. Bernard.

Last Sunday After Pentecost

2008-11-23T21:01:00.001-08:00

From the Introit:
The Lord saith: I think thoughts of peace, and not of affliction: you shall call upon Me, and I shall hear you and I will bring back your captivity from all places.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians (1:9-14):
Brethren, we cease not to pray for you, and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to the, power of His glory, in all patience and long suffering with joy giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His Blood, the remission of sins.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (24:15-35):
At that time, Jesus spoke to the multitudes this parable: At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: When you shall see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (he that readeth, let him understand:) then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the mountains and he that is on the housetop, let him not come down to take anything out of his house and he that is in the field, let him not go back to take his coat. And woe to them that are with child and that give suck, in those days. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath: for there shall be then great tribulation, such as hath not been found from the beginning of the world until now, neither shall be: and unless those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved but for the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ, or there do not believe him for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it to you beforehand. If therefore they shall say to you: Behold, he is in the desert, go ye not out. Behold He is in the closets, believe it not. For as lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth even into the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be: Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered together. And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from the heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be moved and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty. And He shall send His angels with a trumpet and a loud voice, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the heavens to the utmost bounds of them. And from the fig tree learn a parable: when the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves come forth, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you shall see all these things, know ye that ìt is nigh at the doors. Amen I say to you that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.

Commentary on Indulgences

2008-11-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, how many indulgences we can easily gain, throughout the year, either for the remission of all temporal punishment due to our sins (plenary indulgence) or for the remission of part of the temporal punishment due to our sins, simply by praying daily a few lovely prayers, but to gain most plenary indulgences, we must fulfill the 'usual conditions' as prescribed by the Church:

1) Recitation of the indulgenced prayer, (a single recitation of the indulgenced prayer is sufficient, unless otherwise stated, such as 'for a month' which means 'for 30 consecutive days'). Simple mental prayer recitation is insufficient; the lips must be moved, (vocal prayer), though the voice need not be employed.

2) Confession- from 8 days before the day of the prayer to 7 days after.

3) Communion- from the eve before the day of the prayer to 7 days after.

4) visit to a church or oratory anytime from noon, the previous day, through midnight of the day of the prayer.

5) Prayer for the intention of the Church. (one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be, is usually sufficient).

It is understandable that we try to gain indulgences for ourselves and for our departed loved ones, but we are able to do more. We can also gain many indulgences for other souls in Purgatory, whom we do not know, but the secret here is to offer all of our indulgences to Our Lady and let Her make the most perfect decisions.

Announcements for the week: 25th Sunday After Pentecost

2008-11-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

November is the month of All Holy Souls

The Toties Quoties Indulgence can be gained under the usual conditions if on All Souls Day (November 3) you visit a Church and pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be six times. Within the Octive of All Souls Day (November 2-9) you may gain a plenary indulgence, once each day, by visiting a cemetery and saying prayers for them (whatever prayers you choose to pray).

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

On Friday, November 7, 2008, Fr. Gerard will be offering First Friday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at 7:00PM. All are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past week by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-11-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

Announcements for the week: Feast of Christ the King

2008-10-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

VIVAT CHRISTUS REX!!!

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past week by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

A reminder that the month of October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fr. Gerard will offer Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10AM for the feast of All Saints.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Feast of Christ the King

2008-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive the power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honor: to Him be glory and empire for ever and ever.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians (1: 12-30):
Brethren, we give thanks to God the Father, Who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins; Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature for in Him were all things created in Heaven and on earth visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers: aIl things were created by Hin and in Him. And He is before all, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the Church. Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He may hold the primacy: because in Him it hath well pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell; and through Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross, both as to the things that are on earth, and the things that are in Heaven, in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

Gospel according to St. John (18: 33-37):
At that time: Pilate said to Jesus: Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered: "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me?" Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now My kingdom is not from hence." Pilate therefore said to him: Art thou a king then? Jesus answered: "Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born, and for I this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth, Everyone that is of the truth, heareth My voice."

Announcements for the week: 23rd Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past week by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

A reminder that the month of October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Fr. Gerard will not have Monday morning Mass tomorrow, October 20.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fr. Gerard will offer Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10AM for the feast of All Saints.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The Lord saith: I think thoughts of peace, and not of affliction: you shall call upon Me, and I shall hear you and I will bring back your captivity from all places.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (3: 17-21; 4:1-3):
Brethren, Be followers of me, and observe them who walk so as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of Christ whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame who mind earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of His glory, according to the operation whereby also He is able to subdue all things unto Himself. Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved, and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind with the Lord: and I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (22:15-21):
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, behold a certain ruler came up and adored Him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead but come, lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus, rising up, followed him, with His disciples. And behold a woman, who, was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment. For she said within herself: If I shall touch only His garment, I shall be healed. But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: "Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole." And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a tumult, He said: "for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth." And they laughed Him to scorn. And when the multitude was put forth, He went in and took her by the hand. And the maid arose. And the fame thereof went abroad into all that country.

Announcements for the week: 22nd Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Father Bernard Welp, CMRI and Father Alexander Kryssov who were ordained this past week by the Most Rev. Bishop Pivarunas. May God guide them and protect them as they now carry with them Christ's command to teach all nations and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

A reminder that the month of October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Fr. Gerard will not have Monday morning Mass tomorrow, October 13 or October 20.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fr. Gerard will offer Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10AM for the feast of All Saints.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-12T04:20:00.001-07:00

From the Introit:
If Thou shalt observe iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who shall endure it? for with Thee is propitiation, O God of Israel.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (1:6-11):
Brethren, We are confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all: for that I have you in my heart and that in my bands, and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you are all partakers of my joy, For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding that you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and without offense unto the day of Christ. Filled with the fruits of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (22:15-21):
At that time, the Pharisees went and consulted among them-selves, how to ensnare Jesus in His speech. And they sent to Him their disciples, with the Herodians, Saying: "Master, we know that Thou art a true speaker, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest Thou for any man, for Thou dost not regard the person of men.Tell us therefore, what dost Thou think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus knowing their wickedness, said: "Why do you tempt Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin of the tribute." And they offered Him a penny. And Jesus saith to them: "Whose image and superscription is this? They say to Him: "Caesar's." Then He saith to them: "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Announcements for the week: 21st Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. Please see the flyer on the side bar of the announcements to view more details.

A reminder that the month of October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Fr. Gerard will not have Monday morning Mass on October 13 or October 20.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fr. Gerard will offer Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10AM for the feast of All Saints.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost

2008-10-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
All things are in Thy will, O Lord and there is none that can resist Thy will: for Thou hast made all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven: Thou art Lord of all.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians (6: 10-17):
Brethren, Be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of His power. Put you on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace in all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (18: 23-35):
"The kingdom of Heaven is likened to a king, who would take an account of his servants. And when he had begun to take the account, one was brought to him that owed him ten thousand talents: and as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment be made. But that servant falling down, besought him saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And the lord of that servant, being moved with pity, let him go and forgave him the debt. But when that servant was gone out, he found one of his fellow servants that owed him a hundred pence: and laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: Pay what thou owest. And his fellow-servant falling down besought him, saying: have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not but went and cast him into prison till he paid the debt. Now his fellow servants, seeing what was done, were very much grieved and they came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him and saith to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all the debt, because thou besoughtest me; shouldst not thou have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had compassion on thee? And his lord being angry, delivered him to the torturers, until he paid all the debt. So also shall my Heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts."

Announcements for the week: 20th Sunday After Pentecost

2008-09-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

A reminder that the month of October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Fr. Gerard will not have Monday morning Mass on October 13 or October 20.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fr. Gerard will offer Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10AM for the feast of All Saints.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. Please see the flyer on the side bar of the announcements to view more details.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-09-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
All that Thou hast done to us, O Lord, Thou hast done in true judgment: because we have sinned against Thee, and we have not obeyed Thy commandments: but give glory to Thy Name, and deal with us according to the multitude of Thy mercy.

Epsitle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians (5:15-21):
Brethren, See how you walk circumspectly, not as unwise, but as wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, become not unwise, but understanding what is the will of God. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury but be ye filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the Father being subject one to another in the fear of Christ.

Gospel according to St. John (4:46-53):
At that time, there was a certain ruler whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from Judæa into Galilee, went to Him, and prayed Him to come down, and heal his son for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him: Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not. The ruler saith to Him: Lord, come down before my son die Jesus saith to him: "Go on thy way, thy son liveth." The man believed the word which Jesus had said to him, and went his way. And as he was going down, his servants met him, and they brought word, saying that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever.left him. The father therefore knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him: Thy son liveth and himself believed, and his whole house.

Announcements for the week: Feast of St. Matthew

2008-09-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. Please see the flyer on the side bar of the announcements to view more details.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Feast of St. Matthew

2008-09-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment: the law of his God is in his heart.

Epistle from Ezechiel the Prophet (1:10-14):
As for the likeness of the faces of the four living creatures; there was the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side of all the four; and the face of an ox on the left side of all the four; and the face of an eagle over all the four. And their faces and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined, and two covered their bodies; and every one of them went straight forward; whither the impulse of the spirit was to go, thither they went, and they turned not when they went. And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire. And the living creatures ran and returned like flashes of lightning.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (9:9-13):
At that time, Jesus saw a man sitting in the custom-house, named Matthew; and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he rose up, and followed Him. And it came to pass, as He was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. And the pharisees seeing it, said to His disciples, Why doth your master eat with publicans and sinners? But Jesus hearing it, said, "They that are in health need not a physician: but they that are ill. Go, then, and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners. "

Announcements for the week: Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-09-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-09-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Give peace, O Lord, to them that patiently wait for Thee, that Thy prophets may be found faithful: hear the prayers of Thy servant, and of Thy people Israel.

Epsitle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (1:4-8):
Brethren, I give thanks to my God always for you, for the grace of God that is given you in Jesus Christ, that in all things you are made rich in Him in all utterance and in all knowledge, as the testimony of Christ was confirmed to you so that nothing is wanting to you in my grace, waiting for the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will also confirm you into the end without crime, in the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (9:1-8):
At that time, Jesus entering into a boat, passed over the water and came into His own city. And behold they brought Him one sick of the palsy lying on a bed and Jesus seeing their faith, said to the sick man of the palsy: "Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee." And behold some of the Scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth. And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: "Why do you think evil in your hearts? whether is it easier to say: Thy sins are forgiven thee or to say: Arise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins" (then said He to the man sick of the palsy): "Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house." And he rose, and went into his house. And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

Announcements for the week: Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day; for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians (3: 13-21):
Brethren, I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom all paternity in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened by His Spirit with which might unto the inward man, That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that being rooted and founded in charity, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth and the length, and height, and depth. To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us: to Him be glory in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen.

Gospel according to St. Luke (14: 1-11):
At that time, when Jesus went into the house of one of the chiefs of the Pharisees on the Sabbath day to eat bread, they watched Him. And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had the dropsy: and Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and the Pharisees, saying: "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?" But they held their peace: but He taking him, healed him, and sent him away. And answering them, He said: "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit, and will not immediately draw him out on the sabbath day?" And they could not answer Him these things. And He spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them: "When thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, lest perhaps one more honorable than thou be invited by him and he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee: Give this man place: and then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place: that when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at table with thee: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled and he that humbled himself shall be exalted."

Announcements for the week: Feast of St. Bartholomew

2008-08-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the success of His Excellency, Bishop Pivarunas' mission in Germany to administer confirmations.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming weeks.

Feast of St. Bartholomew

2008-08-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
To me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable : their principality is exceedingly strengthened.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (1: 12:27-31):
Brethren, you are the body of Christ, and members of member. And God indeed hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors, after that miracles, then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But be ye zealous for the better gifts.

Gospel according to St. Luke (6:12-19):
At that time, Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and He passed the whole night in the prayer of God: and when day was come, He called unto Him His disciples; and He chose twelve of them (whom also He named apostles), Simon whom He surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor. And coming down with them, He stood in a plain place, and the company of His disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the seacoast, both of Tyre and Sidon, who were come to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch Him, for virtue went out from Him, and healed all.

Announcements for the week: Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-17T17:26:00.001-07:00

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Behold, O God, our protector, and look on the face of Thy Christ for better is one day in Thy courts above thousands.

Epsitle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians: (5:16-24):
Brethren, Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh: for the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh for these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like of which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things, shall not obtain the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's, have crucified their flesh with the vices and concupiscences.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (6: 24-33):
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "No man can serve two masters for he will hate the one and love the other, or he will sustain the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat, and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the air for they neither sow nor do they reap, nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not of much more value than they? And which of you, by taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit? And for raiment, why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they labor not, neither do they spin but I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. Now if God so clothe the grass of the field, which is today, and tomorrow is cast in the oven, how much more you, O ye of little faith! Be not solicitous therefore saying: What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? for after all these things do the heathen seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and His justice and all these things shall be added unto you."

Announcements for the week: Feast of St. Lawrence

2008-08-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Feast of St. Lawrence

2008-08-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.

Epistle for the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians: (2;9 :6-10):
Brethren, He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap of blessings. Everyone as he hath determined in his heart; not with sadness, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, He hath given to the poor: His justice remaineth forever. And He that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice.

Gospel according to St. John (12: 24-26):
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "Amen. amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground, die, itself remaineth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life, shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal. If any man minister to Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there also shall My minister be. If any man minister to Me, him will My Father."

Announcements for the week: Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-08-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Incline unto my aid, O God: O Lord, make haste to help me: let my enemies be confounded and ashamed, who seek my soul.

Epistle form the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (II 3: 4-9):

Brethren, Such confidence we have through Christ towards God. Not that we are sufficient to think of ourselves, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God. Who also hath made us fit ministers of the new testament, not in the letter, but in the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit quickeneth. Now if the ministration of death, engraven with letters upon stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance which is made void: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather in glory? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory.

Gospel according to St. Luke (10: 23-37):

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see. For I say to you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them and to hear the things that you hear, and have not heard them." And behold a certain lawyer stood up, tempting Him, and saying: Master, what must I do to possess eternal life? But He said to him: "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" He answering, said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind and thy neighbor as thyself," And He said to him: "Thou hast answered rightly: this do, and thou shalt live.” But he, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus: “And who is my neighbor?“ And Jesus answering, said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who also stripped him, and having wounded him, went away, leaving him half dead. And it chanced that a certain priest went down the same way, and seeing him, passed by. In like manner also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw him, passed by. But a certain Samaritan being on his journey, came near him, and seeing him, was moved with compassion, and going up to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two pence and gave to the host, and said. “Take care of him, and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above I, at my return, will repay thee. Which of these three, in thine opinion, was neighbor to him that fell among robbers?“ But he said: “He that showed mercy to him.“ And Jesus said to him: “Go and do thou in like manner.

Announcements for the week: Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-27T04:41:00.000-07:00

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
God in His holy place;God who maketh men of one mind to dwell in a house: He shall give power and strength to His people.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (1;15: 1-10):
Brethren, I make known unto you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received and wherein you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and that He was seen by Cephas, and after that by the eleven. Then He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once of whom many remain until this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the Apostles. And last of all He was seen also by me, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the Apostles, who am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace in me hath not been void.

Gospel according to St. Mark (7: 31-37):
At that time, Jesus going out to the coasts of Tyre, came by Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring to Him one deaf and dumb, and they besought Him that He would lay His hand upon him. And taking him from the multitude apart, He put His fingers into his ears, and spitting, He touched his tongue and looking up to heaven, He groaned and said to him: Ephpheta, that is, Be thou opened: and immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right. And He charged them that they should tell no man: but the more He charged them so much the more a great deal did they publish it and so much the more did they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well He hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Announcements for the week: Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the success of the upcoming Priest's meeting in Omaha this coming week.

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

The 3rd Annual Camp St. Philomena for Girls will be holding their summer camp between July 29, 2008 to August 6, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. The program is for young girls ages 10-18 and the program includes daily Mass, various forms of recreation and Catechism classes (please refer to link on sidebar for details). The fee is $325 per person. A $100 deposit fee is required (as part of the fee) and is refundable up to July 15, afterwards it is non-refundable. Please register early, space is limited. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JULY 15, 2008.
For more information you may contact:
Sister Renee Marie @ (509-467-1077)
Sister Marie Janae @ (509-466-9178)
Or you may e-mail @ info@campstphilomena.com

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
When I cried to the Lord He heard my voice, from them that draw near to me: and He humbled them, who is before all ages, and remains for ever: cast thy care upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.

Epsitle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (12: 2-11):

Brethren, You know that, when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led, Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus and no man can say, The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit and there are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord and there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom, and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another the grace of healing in one Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as He will.

Gospel according to St. Luke (18: 9-14):

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one was a pharisee, and the other a publican, The pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself. O God, I give Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers as also is this publican. I fast twice in the week I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven, but struck his breast saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Announcements for the week: Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-13T04:12:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

The 3rd Annual Camp St. Philomena for Girls will be holding their summer camp between July 29, 2008 to August 6, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. The program is for young girls ages 10-18 and the program includes daily Mass, various forms of recreation and Catechism classes (please refer to link on sidebar for details). The fee is $325 per person. A $100 deposit fee is required (as part of the fee) and is refundable up to July 15, afterwards it is non-refundable. Please register early, space is limited. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JULY 15, 2008.
For more information you may contact:
Sister Renee Marie @ (509-467-1077)
Sister Marie Janae @ (509-466-9178)
Or you may e-mail @ info@campstphilomena.com

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Behold God is my helper, and the Lord is the protector of my soul: turn back the evils upon my enemies, and cut them off in Thy truth, O Lord my protector.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (10: 6-13):
Brethren, let us not covet evil things, as they also coveted: Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them: as it is written "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed fornication, and there fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted, and perished by the serpents. Neither do you murmur, as some of them murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them in figure, and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are to come. Wherefore he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human: and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

Gospel according to St. Luke (16: 41-47):
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the city, He wept over it, saying: If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, and thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee on every side and beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee; and they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone, because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation." And entering into the temple, He began to cast out them that sold therein, and them, that bought, saying to them: "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves'." And He was teaching daily in the temple.

Announcements for the week: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

The 3rd Annual Camp St. Philomena for Girls will be holding their summer camp between July 29, 2008 to August 6, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. The program is for young girls ages 10-18 and the program includes daily Mass, various forms of recreation and Catechism classes (please refer to link on sidebar for details). The fee is $325 per person. A $100 deposit fee is required (as part of the fee) and is refundable up to July 15, afterwards it is non-refundable. Please register early, space is limited. Deadline for registration is July 15, 2008.
For more information you may contact:
Sister Renee Marie @ (509-467-1077)
Sister Marie Janae @ (509-466-9178)
Or you may e-mail @ info@campstphilomena.com

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-07-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
We have received, 0 God, Thy Mercy in the midst of Thy temple to Thy Name, O God, so also is Thy praise unto the according ends of the earth Thy right hand is full of justice.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans (8: 12-17):
We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh; for if you live according to the flesh, you shall die but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. For whoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry, Abba (Father). For the Spirit Himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God and if sons, heirs also heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

Gospel according to St. Luke (16: 1-9):
At that time Jesus said to His disciples this parable: "There was a certain man, who had a steward and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods; and he called him, and said to him: How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for now thou canst be steward no longer, And the steward said within himself: What shall I do, because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship? To dig I am not able: to beg I am ashamed. I know what I will do, that when I shall be put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses, Therefore calling together every one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord? But he said: A hundred barrels of oil. And he said to him: Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then he said to another: And how much dost thou owe my lord? Who said: A hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write eighty. And the lord commended the unjust steward, as much as he had done wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. And I say to you: Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings."

Announcements for the week: The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

2008-06-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

The 3rd Annual Camp St. Philomena for Girls will be holding their summer camp between July 29, 2008 to August 6, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. The program is for young girls ages 10-18 and the program includes daily Mass, various forms of recreation and Catechism classes (please refer to link on sidebar for details). The fee is $325 per person. UNTIL JUNE 30, 2008 THE "EARLY BIRD" FEE IS $275 PER PERSON. A $100 deposit fee is required (as part of the fee) and is refundable up to July 15, afterwards it is non-refundable. Please register early, space is limited. Deadline for registration is July 15, 2008.
For more information you may contact:
Sister Renee Marie @ (509-467-1077)
Sister Marie Janae @ (509-466-9178)
Or you may e-mail @ info@campstphilomena.com

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

2008-06-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Epistle from the Acts of the Apostles (12: 1-11):
In those days, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict some of the Church: and he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword; and seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes: and when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending after the pasch to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing by the Church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison: and behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the room and he striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying, Arise quickly; and the chains fell off from his hands: and the angel said to him, Gird, thyself and put on thy sandals; and he did so: and he said to him, Cast thy garment about thee and follow me: and going out he followed him: and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel; but he thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which of itself opened to them; and going out, they passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know in very deed that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (16: 13-19):
At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Cæsarea Philippi, and He asked His disciples, saying, " "Whom do men say that the Son of man is?" But they said, Some, John the Baptist, and other some, Elias, and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them, "But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him, "Blessed art thou, Simon BarJona, because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but My Father Who is in Heaven: and I say to thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and to thee I will give the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in Heaven."

Announcements for the week: Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

The 3rd Annual Camp St. Philomena for Girls will be holding their summer camp between July 29, 2008 to August 6, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. The program is for young girls ages 10-18 and the program includes daily Mass, various forms of recreation and Catechism classes (please refer to link on sidebar for details). The fee is $325 per person. UNTIL JUNE 30, 2008 THE "EARLY BIRD" FEE IS $275 PER PERSON. A $100 deposit fee is required (as part of the fee) and is refundable up to July 15, afterwards it is non-refundable. Please register early, space is limited. Deadline for registration is July 15, 2008.
For more information you may contact:
Sister Renee Marie @ (509-467-1077)
Sister Marie Janae @ (509-466-9178)
Or you may e-mail @ info@campstphilomena.com

Please pray for the success of the pilgrimage of Fr. Benedict Hughes as he and his pilgrims will travel through France and Spain from June 10 to June 24 to visit various shrines and churches of Our Lady and various saints. May God protect him and those going with him during this pilgrimage.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The Lord is the strength of His people, and the protector of the salvation of His anointed: save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance, and rule them forever.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans (6: 3-11)
Brethren, All we who are baptized in Christ Jesus are baptized in His death. For we are buried together with Him by baptism unto death that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in the newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, and that we may serve sin no longer. For he that is dead is justified from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ. Knowing that Christ, rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over Him. For in that He died to sin, He died once; but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. So do you also reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel according to St. Mark (8: 1-9):
At that time, when there was a great multitude with Jesus, and they had nothing to eat, calling His disciples together, He saith to them: "I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat and if I shall send them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way: for some of them came from afar off." And His disciples answered Him: "From whence can any one fill them here with bread in the wilderness?" And he asked them: "How many loaves have ye?" Who said: "Seven." And He commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And taking the seven loaves, giving thanks, He broke and gave to His disciples to set before the people, And they had a few little fishes, and He blessed them, and commanded them to be set before' them. And they did eat, and were filled: and they took up that which was left of the fragments, seven baskets: and they that had eaten, were about four thousand: and He sent them away.

Announcements for the week: Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Please pray for the success of the pilgrimage of Fr. Benedict Hughes as he and his pilgrims will travel through France and Spain from June 10 to June 24 to visit various shrines and churches of Our Lady and various saints. May God protect him and those going with him duing this pilgrimage.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Announcements for the week: Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Please pray for the success of the pilgrimage of Fr. Benedict Hughes as he and his pilgrims will travel through France and Spain from June 10 to June 24 to visit various shrines and churches of Our Lady and various saints. May God protect him and those going with him duing this pilgrimage.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? My enemies that trouble me have themselves been weakened and have fallen.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans (8: 18-23):

Brethren, I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to come, that shall be revealed to us. For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God, for the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that made it subject in hope; because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature groaneth, and travaileth in pain, even till now and not only it, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

Gospel according to St. Luke (12: 1-8)

At that time, when the multitude pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Genesareth. And He saw two ships standing by the lake but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets; and going up into one of the ships that was Simon's, He desired him to draw back a little from the land: and sitting He taught the multitudes out of the ship. Now when He had ceased to speak, He said to Simon: "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." And Simon, answering, said to Him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing, but at Thy word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes and their net broke: and they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them and they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking. Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes which they had taken: and so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: "Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed Him.

Announcements for the week: Third Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-01T04:23:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Third Sunday After Pentecost

2008-06-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Look Thou upon me , O Lord, and have mercy on me: for I am alone and poor. See my abjection and my labor and forgive me all my sins, O my God.

Epistle from the first letter of St. Peter the Apostle (5:6-11):
Dearly Beloved, Be you humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in the time of visitation casting all your care upon Him, for He hath care of you. Be sober and, watch, because, your adversary the, devil, as, a roaring lion, goeth about seekinq whom he may devour, Whom resist ye, strong in faith knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto the eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To Him be glory and empire for ever and ever, Amen.

Gospel according to St. Luke (15: 1-10):
At that time, the publicans and sinners drew near unto Jesus to hear Him: and the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And He spoke to them this parable, saying: " What man is there of you that hath a hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing and coming home, call together his friends and neighbors, saying to them; Rejoice with me because I have found my sheep that was lost? I say to you that even so there shall be joy in Heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need no penance. Or what woman having ten groats, if she lose one groat doth not light a candle and sweep the house,and seek diligently until she find it? And when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbors, saying: Rejoice with me because I have found the groat which I had lost? So I say to you, there shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance."

Announcements for the week: Second Sunday After Pentecost

2008-05-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, you may contact him using these following addresses:
104 Anzac Road,
Whangarei, New Zealand
or by e-mail:
three_inone@hotmail.com
Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

On the Mondays when Fr. Gerard is present, he generally celebrates Mass at 8:00A.M. All are welcome to attend

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI and Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep them in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Second Sunday After Pentecost

2008-05-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
The Lord became my protector, and He brought me forth into a large place: he saved me, because He was well pleased with me.

Epistle from the First letter of St. John the Apostle (3:13-18):
Dearly beloved, Wonder not if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the charity of God, because He hath laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his brethren in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him, how doth the charity of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Gospel according to St. Luke (14:16-24):
At that time Jesus spoke to the Pharisees this parable: "A certain man made a great supper, and invited many. And he sent his servant, at the hour of the supper, to say them that were invited, that they should come, for now all things were ready. And they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I have bought a farm, and must needs go out, and see it: I pray thee hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them; I pray thee hold me excused And another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant returning, told these things to his lord. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant: Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said to the servant: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. But I say unto you, that none of these men that were invited shall taste of my supper."

Announcements for the week: Trinity Sunday

2008-05-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, information on where to find him in New Zealand will be announced by the CMRI at a later time. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Please pray for the success of the Priest retreat at Omaha between May 20-22.

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep him in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Announcements for the week: Pentecost Sunday

2008-05-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, information on where to find him in New Zealand will be announced by the CMRI at a later time. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Fr. Gerard wishes to remind all the faithful that the following days:
May 10 (vigil of Pentecost)
May 14 (Pentecost Wednesday)
May 16 (Pentecost Friday)
May 17 (Pentecost Saturday)
are days of fast and partial abstinence (except for Pentecost Friday where complete abstinence is observed).

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep him in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Pentecost Sunday

2008-05-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:

The Spirit of the Lord hath filled the whole world, alleluia and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Epistle from The Acts of the Apostles (1:1-11):

When the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place and suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven, And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how have we heard every one of our own tongues wherein we were born? Parthians and Medes, and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and Proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

Gospel according to St. John (14:23-31):

At that time Jesus said to His disciples, "If any one love Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and will make Our abode in him: he that loveth Me not, keepeth not My words. And the word which you have heard is not Mine: but the Father's who sent Me. These things have I spoken to you, abiding with you. But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. You have heard that I said to you: I go away, and I come unto you. If you loved Me, you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told yon' before it come to pass: that when i shall come to pass you may believe. I will not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world cometh, and in Me he hath not any thing. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father hath given Me commandment so do I."

Announcements for the week: Sunday after the Ascension

2008-05-04T05:03:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, information on where to find him in New Zealand will be announced by the CMRI at a later time. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Fr. Gerard wishes to remind all the faithful that the following days:
May 10 (vigil of Pentecost)
May 14 (Pentecost Wednesday)
May 16 (Pentecost Friday)
May 17 (Pentecost Saturday)
are days of fast and partial abstinence (except for Pentecost Friday where complete abstinence is observed).

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep him in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Sunday after the Ascension

2008-05-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I have cried to Thee, alleluia; my heart hath said to Thee, I have sought Thy face, Thy face, O Lord, I will seek: turn not away Thy face from me, alleluia, alleluia.

Epistle from the first letter of Blessed Peter the Apostle (4: 7-11):
Dearly beloved, Be prudent and watch in prayers. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring: as every man hath received grace, of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God: if any minister, let him do it, as the power which God administereth: that in all things God bay be honored through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel according to St. John (15: 26-27; 16: 1-4):
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: When the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me: and you shall give testimony because you are with Me from the beginning. These things I have spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But these things I have told you, that, when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them.

Announcements for the week: Fifth Sunday After Easter

2008-04-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, information on where to find him in New Zealand will be announced by the CMRI at a later time. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Thursday, May 1, 2008; Ascension Thursday; Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes at 7:00P.M.

Friday, May 2, 2008; First Friday Mass will be offered at 7:00P.M.

Fr. Gerard wishes to remind all the faithful that the following days:
May 10 (vigil of Pentecost)
May 14 (Pentecost Wednesday)
May 16 (Pentecost Friday)
May 17 (Pentecost Saturday)
are days of fast and partial abstinence (except for Pentecost Friday where complete abstinence is observed).

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep him in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

The Fifth Sunday After Easter

2008-04-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
Declare it with the voice of joy, and make it known, alleluia: declare it even to the ends of the earth: The Lord hath delivered His people, alleluia, alleluia.

Epistle from Blessed James, the Apostle (1: 22-27):
Dearly beloved, Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if a man be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass: for he beheld himself and went his way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was. But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work: this man shall be blessed in his deed. And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation, and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.

Gospel according to St. John (16: 23-30):
At that time Jesus saith to His disciples: Amen, amen, I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in My Name, He will give it you. Hitherto you have not asked anything in My Name: Ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will show you plainly of the Father. In that day you shall ask in My Name; and I say not to you that I will ask the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world; again I leave the world and I go to the Father. His disciples say to Him: Behold, now Thou speakest plainly and speakest no proverb. Now we know that Thou knowest all things and Thou needest not that any man should ask Thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

Announcements for the week: Fourth Sunday After Easter

2008-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Fr. Julian Gilchrist. His attempts to obtain permanent residency in the United States failed and earlier in the month of April he had no choice but to return to New Zealand. Anyone who wishes to send condolences to him, information on where to find him in New Zealand will be announced by the CMRI at a later time. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray also for the people of New Zealand so that the presence of Fr. Gilchrist will bring more converts to the True Faith.

Friday, April 25, 2008; The Feast day of St. Mark; Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes at 7:00P.M.

Thursday, May 1, 2008; Ascension Thursday; Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes at 7:00P.M.

Friday, May 2, 2008; First Friday Mass will be offered at 7:00P.M.

A seminarian of Mater Dei Seminary, Fratre Bernard Welp, CMRI will be ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2008 at Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington. Please keep him in your prayers. The time of the ceremony has not been determined yet however we will keep you posted as things develop.

October 8-12 2008, Mount St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington will be hosting this year's annual Fatima Conference. The title of this years conference is called: "Am I Not Here, Your Loving Mother?" Anyone interested to attend can register online at Mount St. Michael's online registry. Anyone interested in sponsoring someone who does not have the means but wishes to go, please use the same link on the CMRI website. More information will be posted as things transpire in the coming months.

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Announcements for the week: Third Sunday After Easter

2008-04-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

Third Sunday After Easter

2008-04-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:

Shout with joy to God, all the earth, alleluia: sing ye a psalm to His Name, alleluia: give glory to His praise, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Epistle from the First Letter of Blessed Peter the Apostle (2: 11-19):

Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires, which war against the soul, having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good: for so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God. Honor all men: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy before God: in christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel according to St. John (16: 16-22):

At that time Jesus said to His disciples: A little while, and now you shall not see Me: and again a little while, and you shall see Me: because I go to the Father. Then some of His disciples said one to another: What is this that He saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see Me: and again a little while, and you shall see Me, and Because I go to the Father? They said therefore: What is this that He saith, a little while? We know not what He speaketh. And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask Him. And He said to them: Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see Me: and again a little while, and you shall see Me? Amen, amen, I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow: but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice: and your joy no man shall take from you.

Announcements for the week: Second Sunday After Easter

2008-04-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Second Sunday After Easter

2008-04-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord, alleluia: by the word of the Lord were the heavens made, alleluia, alleluia.

Epistle from the first letter of Blessed Peter the Apostle (2: 21-25)

Dearly beloved, Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Who when He was reviled, did not revile: when He suffered, He threatened not, but delivered Himself to him that udged Him unjustly: who His own self bore our sins in His body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live to justice; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now converted to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Gospel according to St. John (10: 11-16):

At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good Shepherd. The good Sheperd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf catcheth and scattereth the sheep: and the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling, and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me, as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for My sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one sheperd.

Announcements for the week: Low Sunday

2008-03-30T05:46:00.001-07:00

Low Sunday

2008-03-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:

Rejoice to God our Helper; sing aloud to the God of Jacob.

Epistle from the Letter of Blessed John the Apostle (5: 4-10):

Dearly beloved, Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory, which overcometh the world, our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth that Christ is the truth. And there are three who give testimony in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that give testimony on earth: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three are one. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth in the Son of God hath testimony of God in himself.

Gospel according to St. John (20: 19-31):

At that time, when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, Jesus came, and stood in the midst and said to them: Peace be to you. And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent Me, I also send you. When He had said this, He breathed on them, and He said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. And after eight days, again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see My hands, and bring hither thy hand, and put it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered and said to Him: My Lord and my God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that, believing, you may have life in His Name.

Announcements for the week: Easter Sunday

2008-03-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Announcements for the week: Palm Sunday

2008-03-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday

2008-03-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

From the Introit:
O Lord, keep not Thy help far from me; look to my defense; deliver me from the lion’s mouth, and my lowness from the horns of the unicorns.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (2: 5-11):

Brethren, let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death on the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a Name which is above all names: (here genuflect) that in the Name of Jesus every knew should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that ev3ery tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Gospel; The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (26: 36-75; 27:1-60):

At that time Jesus came with them into a country place, which is called Gethsemani; and He said to His disciples: Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray. And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrow and to be sad. Then He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch with Me. And going a little further He fell upon His face, praying and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh to His disciples, and findeth them asleep. And He saith to Peter: What! Could you not watch one hour with Me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. There spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again the second time, He went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, Thy will be done. And He cometh again, and findeth them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, He went again and He prayed the third time, saying the self-same word. Then He cometh to His disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go; behold, he is at hand that will betray Me. As He yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people. And he that betrayed Him gave them a sign saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He; hold Him fast. And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, rabbi. And he kissed Him. And Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus, and held Him. And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword, and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear. Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place; for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot ask My Father, and He will give Me presently more than twelve legions of Angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done? In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: You are come out, as it were to a robber, with swords and clubs to apprehend Me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on Me. Now all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples, all leaving him fled. But they holding Jesus led Him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed Him afar off, even to the court of the high priest. And going in, he sat with the servants, that he might see the end. And the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they found none, whereas many false witnesses had come in. And last of all there came two false witnesses; and they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it. And the high priest, rising up, said to Him: Answerest Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee? But Jesus held His peace. And the high priest said to Him: I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ the Son of God. Jesus saith to him: Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his garments, saying: He hath blasphemed; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy. What think you? But they answering, said: He is guilty of death. Then they did spit in His face and buffeted Him; and others struck His face with the palms of their hands, saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck Thee?

But Peter sat without in the court, and there came to him a servant maid, saying: thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. But he denied before them all, saying: I know not what thou sayest. And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she saith to them that were there: This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath: I know not the man. And after a little while, they came that stood by and said to Peter: Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech doth discover thee. Then he began to curse and to swear that he knew not the man; and immediately the cock crew. And peter remembered the word of Jesus which He had said; Before the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly. And when the people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they brought Him bound, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? Look thou to it. And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself with a halter. But the chief priests having taken the pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, because it is the price of blood. And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter’s field, to be a burying-place for strangers. For this cause that field was called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel: and they gave them unto the potter’s field, and the Lord appointed to me.

And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying: Art Thou the King of the Jews? Jesus saith to him: Thou sayest it. And when he was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to Him: Dost not Thou hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee? And He answered to him never a word, so that the governor wondered exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. And he had then a notorious prisoner that was called Barabbas. They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you that I release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. And as he was sitting in the place of judgment his wife sent to him, saying: Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering said to them: Whither will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said: Barabbas. Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They all call: Let Him be crucified. The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath He done? But they cried out the more saying: Let Him be crucified. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it. And the whole people, answering said: His blood be upon us and upon your children. Then he released to them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor, taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band; and stripping Him they put a scarlet cloak about Him. And platting a crown of thorns they put it upon His head and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews. And spitting upon Him, they took the reed and struck His head. And after they had mocked Him, they took off the cloak from Him, and put on Him His own garments, and led Him away to crucify Him.

And going out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon; him they forced to take up His cross. And they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is, the place of Calvary. And they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and when He had tasted He would not drink. And after they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided My garments among them, and upon My vesture they cast lots. And they sat and watched Him. And they put over His head His cause written: This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Then were crucified with Him two thieves; one on the right and one on the left. And they that passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying: Vah, Thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuilt it, save Thine own self. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. In like manner also the chief priests with the scribes and ancients, mocking, said: He saved others, Himself He cannot save; if He be the king of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him; He trusted in God, let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him; for He said: I am the Son of God. And the self-same thing the thieves also that were crucified with Him reproached Him with. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over the whole earth, until the ninth hour.

And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice saying: Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? That is: My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some that stood there and heard said: This man calleth Elias. And immediately one of them running took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and put it on a reed and gave Him to drink. And the others said: Let be; let us see whether Elias will come to deliver Him. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost

(here all kneel and pause for a few moments)

And behold the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top even to the bottom; and the earth quaked and the rocks were rent; and the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, came into the holy city, and appeared to many. Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying: Indeed this was the Son of God. And there were there many women afar off, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph taking the body wrapt it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument and went his way.

Announcements for the week: Fourth Sunday of Lent/ Lætare Sunday

2008-03-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

The schedule for Holy Week will run as follows:
Mon of Holy Week: Mass 10 am
Wed of Holy Week: Mass 7 pm
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross: 3 pm

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by Monday, February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 15, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent/ Lætare Sunday

2008-03-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:

Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.

Epistle from the letter of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians (4: 22-31):

Brethren, it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman and the other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise; which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sinai, engendering unto bondage: which is Agar; for Sinai is a mountain is Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice thou barren that bearest not: break forth can cry, thou that travailest not: for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit: so also it is now. But what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.

Gospel according to St. John (6: 1-15):

At that time Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias: and a great multitude followed him, because they saw the miracles which He did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore went up into a mountain: and there He sat with His disciples. Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this He said to try him: for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him: There is a boy that hath five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them that were set down: in like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the Prophet that is to come into the world. Jesus therefore, when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, fled again into the mountain, Himself alone.

Announcements for the week: Third Sunday of Lent

2008-02-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

St. Michael's Convent in Spokane, Washington will be holding a "Vocations Weekend" retreat for young women who are at least juniors in high school up to the age of 35 and might be interested in religious life. "Vocations Weekend" will be taking place from February 29 to March 2, 2008. It is a good idea to make your plans known to the Vocations Directress by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, please contact:
Vocations Directress
St. Michael's Convent
8502 North St. Michael's Road
Spokane, WA 99217-9333
phone: (509) 467-0986 ext. 102
e-mail: smjosephine@miqcenter.com

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by Monday, February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

Third Sunday of Lent

2008-02-24T14:54:00.001-08:00

From the Introit:

My eyes are ever towards the Lord: for He shall pluck my feet out of the snare: look Thou upon me, and have mercy on me; for I am alone and poor.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians (5: 1-9):

Brethren, Be ye followers of god, as most dear children: and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath delivered Himself for us, and oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness. But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints: or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks. For know you this, and understand, that no fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person, which is a serving of idols, hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore darkness: but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light: for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.

Gospel according to St. Luke (11: 14-28)

At that time Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb. And when He had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke, and the multitudes were in admiration at it. But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. And others tempting, asked Him a sign from heaven. But He, seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because you say that through Beelzebub I cast our devils. Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. But if a stronger than he is come upon him and overcome him, he will take away all his armor wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils. He that is not with Me, is against Me: and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of man, he walketh through places without water, seeking rest: and not finding, he saith: I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd lifting up her voice, said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.

Announcements for the week: Second Sunday of Lent

2008-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

Friday February 22, 2008, there will be Mass at 7:00 P.M. at the Chapel followed by Stations of the Cross.

St. Michael's Convent in Spokane, Washington will be holding a "Vocations Weekend" retreat for young women who are at least juniors in high school up to the age of 35 and might be interested in religious life. "Vocations Weekend" will be taking place from February 29 to March 2, 2008. It is a good idea to make your plans known to the Vocations Directress by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, please contact:
Vocations Directress
St. Michael's Convent
8502 North St. Michael's Road
Spokane, WA 99217-9333
phone: (509) 467-0986 ext. 102
e-mail: smjosephine@miqcenter.com

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

Second Sunday of Lent

2008-02-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:

Remember, O Lord, Thy bowels of compassion, and Thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world, lest at any time our enemies rule over us: deliver us, O God of Israel, from all our tribulations.

Epistle from the letter of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians (4: 1-17):

Brethren, We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus that, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God: and that no man overreach nor circumvent his brother in business: because the Lord is the Avenger of all these things, as we have told you before and have testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (17: 1-9):

At that time Jesus took Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and He was transfigured before them. And His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with Him. Then Peter answering said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him. And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said to them: Arise, and fear not. And they, lifting up their eyes, saw no one, but only Jesus. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man till the Son of Man be risen from the dead.

Sermon of Fr. Gerard for The First Sunday of Lent

2008-02-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

One of the things, which Our Lady said to St. Bernadette, besides communicating to her and the importance of making the sign of the cross reverently and praying the rosary, she indicated to St. Bernadette, who was just a child at the time, that she should pray the rosary and Our Lady followed along while St. Bernadette said the Our Father’s and Hail Mary’s and when she came to the Glory be, then Our Lady joined because she is not in need like we are of the petitions of the Our Father and she would not praise herself, but certainly would glorify the most Holy Trinity. Our Lady spoke very few words but some three of the very significant ones that she spoke were the words: “Penance, penance, penance” and she was trying to communicate the idea of the importance of that very necessary spiritual work, which comes right into the theme of today’s sermon, the fact that lent is a time of mortification, it is a time for doing penance. This Holy season commemorates the Passion and sacrifice of Christ in a special way.

The purpose of the liturgical year in general is to contemplate each one of the mysteries of Christ, so as to bring to mind what each one teaches us and renew in our souls the grace of each of these mysteries. Christ’s whole life was a continuous sacrifice, which came to its completion during the sacred Passion. This is commemorated during lent, especially Passiontide, and most particularly, the last three days of Holy Week, which is called the Sacred Tritium when we contemplate the mysteries of Our Lord’s Passion and death upon the cross. The Lenten fast is an inseparable part of this Lenten observance. It imitates the forty-day fast of Christ in the wilderness, the forty-day fast of Moses on Mount Sinai when he went up to receive the Ten Commandments and the forty-day fast of Elias when he walked to Mount Hoard, which in those days was called the Mountain of God. Fasting is especially recommended by the Fathers of the Church. St. Ambrose can speak for them all, and he lived in the early 5th century: “Just as the gates of the Gospel were opened unto you, through the forty days fast of Christ in the desert, so he who desires to enter into the Gospel and collect the fruit of the resurrection, should fulfill the fast, which Moses of the Old Law and Christ in the new indicated as the strong ally or helper of virtue.”

In the early Church, the law of fast was most rigorous. The faithful fasted every day, except Sunday, eating nothing until sunset. In Jerusalem, the daily offering of Mass was suppressed, or suspended, as a sign of mourning. While in Rome, Mass was celebrated each day in a different Basilica by the Pope. The faithful gathered at one church and processed chanting the litanies to this stational church, where the Mass was offered and in some Missals, you will find that it says: “Collecta” or Gathering at a certain church and then they station at another church because they went in procession from one church to the other. St. Benedict, the patriarch of western monasticism, in his rule advises each one to offer up some special individual sacrifice of mortification such as cutting down of food, drink, sleep or amusement. The spiritual writers tell us that what the devil fears most is when we cut back on our food, drink and sleep because this weakens our fallen human nature, our disorderly inclinations of our fallen human nature and strengthens us in the spirit consequently making us stronger in resisting the assaults of the devil.

The present practice of fasting has been considerably diminished from that which was practiced in the early years of the Church and the last revision of these laws was given in 1956 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States pertaining to fasting in the United States. Although the mind of the Church is that we should do some fasting, if it is possible, during lent. But if the external observance has diminished, the interior spirit of fasting must remain. When the Fathers speak of fasting, they stress that first of all, it should be interior and at many times during the Holy season of Lent, if you read the prayers of the Mass for each day of the season, it talks about fasting from sin. This is a repeated thing in many of the Masses. St. Augustine, who also lived around the beginning of the 5th century, wrote: “One will say to you: ‘I cannot fast because it makes me ill’ but who can ever say: ‘I cannot forgive one who has harmed me, or had done me an injury because my health prevents me’?” St. Isidore says: “If you cannot fast, then alms are sufficient without fasting.” And St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “If only the tongue has sinned, then let it be the tongue alone that fasts, but if all the others also have sinned then why should they not also fast? Let the eyes fast by avoiding curious looks, the ears by not listening to rumors, the tongue from detraction of lies but much more, let the soul fast from its vices and from its own will. We must always do some mortification in order to obtain the full benefits of the Lenten season.”

This season is compared in a spiritual way to spring and nature. Through nature, people that keep gardens cultivate plants and trees to obtain the fruits of them, they go out and hoe up the ground, pull out the weeds, they go to the vines of the fruit trees, and they cut out the dead branches, they cut back the healthy branches so that they can bring forth more fruit and in the spiritual life, this is what we do. We cut off the dead branches of our sins, we prune back the inclinations of our fallen human nature by acts of self-denial, acts of penance, and we pull out the weeds of our faults and sins. We cultivate the ground so that the seed of the word of God, the seed of God’s grace may bear its fruit unhindered.

The best fast of all, is that of charity. Almost everyone of St. Augustine’s sermons mentions honest deeds and the pardoning of our enemies through the principle works of charity. The Epistle of the First Friday of Lent speaks of the same subject. There can be no true penance without an underlying spirit of penance, so if we just go through the motions but do not have a conversion of heart, the penance has very little value, if any at all. As we read on Ash Wednesday from the Prophet Joel: “Thus saith the Lord: be converted to me with all of your heart, in fasting and in weeping and in mourning. And rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy.”

During the past few days, the Masses for the ferial liturgy talked about just the subject of Our Lord noting how some in His day such as the Scribes and Pharisees disfigured their faces and made themselves look disheveled, they rent their garments as external marks of penance, but their hearts were not in accord with that and so our Lord said: Don’t let other people see or know the fact that you are fasting or doing penance but rather try to bury yourself in a humble way, to be careful not to let the penance, which you are doing show externally, so that instead of having a reward from God, you are seeking a reward or praise from others. This is the internal penance, the internal sacrifice, which is the most necessary accompanied by the external practices of the Holy season of Lent and if we make a good use of this season then when it comes to Easter, having participated with Our Lord in His Passion and in His crucifixion in our own limited degree, then we will share also in the joys of the resurrection and in the special graces of the spiritual rebirth, which that feast is intended to provide for us.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

Announcements for the week: First Sunday of Lent

2008-02-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

Friday, February 15, 2008, there will be no Stations of the Cross at the Chapel.

Friday February 22, 2008, there will be Mass at 7:00 P.M. at the Chapel followed by Stations of the Cross.

St. Michael's Convent in Spokane, Washington will be holding a "Vocations Weekend" retreat for young women who are at least juniors in high school up to the age of 35 and might be interested in religious life. "Vocations Weekend" will be taking place from February 29 to March 2, 2008. It is a good idea to make your plans known to the Vocations Directress by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, please contact:
Vocations Directress
St. Michael's Convent
8502 North St. Michael's Road
Spokane, WA 99217-9333
phone: (509) 467-0986 ext. 102
e-mail: smjosephine@miqcenter.com

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

First Sunday of Lent

2008-02-10T17:28:00.001-08:00

From the Introit:
He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I will deliver him, and I will glorify him: I will fill him with length of days.

Epistle from the letter of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (6: 1-10):

Brethren, We exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold now is the day of salvation. Giving no offense to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, charity unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left: by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true, as unknown and yet known: as dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed: as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

Gospel according to St. Matthew (4: 1-11):

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. And the tempter coming said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written: Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down. For it is written: That He hath given His Angels charge over Thee, and in their hands shall they bear Thee up, lest perhaps Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him: It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again the devil took Him up into a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and said to Him: All these will I give Thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan! For it is written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and Him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left Him. And behold Angels came, and ministered to Him.

Sermon of Fr. Gerard for Quinquagesima Sunday

2008-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

In today’s Epistle, St. Paul sings the praises of charity and points out its necessity:

“We may perform all sorts of good works or have faith, we may even have sufficient grace to move mountains or give all that we have, but if we have not charity, that is supernatural charity, the love of God above all things, which abides in our souls by sanctifying grace, they will do us no good.”

True charity is that, which according to Jesus Christ, is loving God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. And it must be the spiritual basis for our edifice or else faith, hope and the other virtues will be but an empty shell. Charity must exist, especially in families, which form the basis of society. First of all, it must exist between husbands and wives.

We read in the book of Genesis that:

“In the beginning God created Adam but since there was not to be found a helper like unto himself, God said ‘it is not good for man to be alone.’ ‘Let us make a help like unto himself.’”

While St. Paul says in the Epistle to the Ephesians, which can be found in the Nuptial Mass:

“Let wives be subject to their husbands as to the Lord.” Further, he says: “Husbands love your wives as Christ also loved the Church and delivered himself up for it.” He also wrote: “Men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. Let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself and let the wife fear her husband.”

Now in the relation between husbands and wives under the Christian dispensation, it’s not like it was under the old dispensation or as was practiced among the pagans, when the wife was looked upon as property and more like a slave than anything else. In the Christian dispensation, as God said in the book of Genesis that: “She is to be a help to her husband” and the husbands are to love their wives as themselves, not treating them as a second-rate or a lower class and the wives are to respect their husbands, which is what the term fear in this sense means. Just as the one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is the fear of the Lord, it is not a fear of a slave but is a reverential fear of offending, or fear of displeasing. Note that St. Paul does not command wives to love their husbands because it is an inseparable part of their nature to love not only their husbands but also their children. Parents must install the practice of charity into the minds and hearts of their children and not permit fighting and bickering. This may be a common occurrence, but part of the training of children is teaching them to resist the temptations of meanness, fighting and harsh or uncharitable language. Only when they grow older, will children appreciate their siblings, their brothers and sisters and regret their lack of charity towards them, by that time it may be too late because they may be living far away, or by some accident they died and so it is important that they value their siblings, that they learn from an early age the respect that they should have for their brothers and sisters.

In the Psalms, David said:

“Oh, how good and pleasant a thing is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

This unity is the harmony born of charity. From the family this charity, which must flow from the love of God, not just humanistic type of charity based on feelings but based on the love of God. From the family, this charity will spread into society so that Catholic families will be like the leaven, which will cause the dough, which we can call the rest of society to be raised to a higher level just as if there is any disharmony in the family, hatred and lack of charity, it will spread from the family into the community and from the community into the local area and from the local area into the country and when countries are in disharmony like this and there is disorder in them, this is where we get the beginnings of wars. That is why the practice of charity is important, especially in Catholic families.

In the time of the Roman Emperors, one person wrote, I believe it was to the Emperor Traigen, and said: “These Christians have a love for one another.” Charity was the hallmark of the Christians in those early days and it should be the hallmark of Christians in our own days as well, and if it is not, then something is lacking and examinations of conscience must be made. The practices of Lent, which we are soon to embark upon must be given life by charity. If we were to do all sorts of penances and make ourselves really unbearable and uncharitable towards those that we have to deal with, that penance would be defeating its purpose. The penance is designed, or ought to be calculated, to help us to practice virtue to conquer some of our fallen inclinations, to get greater control over them, and by that means help us to practice charity in a greater extent. So that should be our care during the Holy season of Lent while we embark upon these penances, these acts of self-denial during this Holy season, we are also to keep in mind that they are not an end in themselves but only a means. They should help us to grow in the practice of virtue, especially in charity, otherwise they are not going to meet their purpose, they are failing in their reason of being.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

Announcements of Fr. Gerard

2008-02-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a reminder about the laws concerning abstinence: Ash Wednesday is a day of complete abstinence and beginning that day, all the days of Lent are days of fast, which means that the two small meals may not equal the main meal in size and the main meal may be eaten after noon. The two small meals are meatless for those between the ages of 21 and 59.

Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence for all those ages 7 and up, unless there is a problem with your health. There is no upper limit for the abstinence. Also after the first Sunday of Lent will come the ember days of Lent and those three days, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Wednesday and Saturday are days of partial abstinence all those 7 years of age and older are allowed to only have meat once in those days. Friday, as usual, is a day of complete abstinence.

During Lent on Friday evenings, there will either be Mass or recitation of the Stations of the Cross. Basically the first, third and fifth Fridays of Lent, I will be here so there will be a Mass at 7:00PM. The other Fridays, second and forth, those are the weeks that Fr. Gabriel will be coming and so there will not be Mass but the Stations of the Cross will be prayed beginning at 7:00PM.

The First Friday requirement for the promise of Our Lord’s Sacred Heart requires the reception of Holy Communion on nine consecutive First Fridays, the First Saturday requires the praying of the Rosary, a 15 minute meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary on First Saturday for five consecutive months as well as confession and Holy Communion. The confession may be made either a week before or after the First Saturday, especially because of the current situation, communion intended for First Saturday may be fulfilled on the Sunday after the First Saturday.

Our Lady came and appeared to Sister Lucía and explained to her, her request for the First Saturday, which she had spoken about in the six apparitions to the children in 1917. She came back in 1925 or 29 and explained exactly what she wished for the First Saturdays and promised special graces, especially for a happy death for those who would practice this devotion. Sister Lucía asked: “What if people can’t make it to Holy Communion on the First Saturday?” and Our Lady responded: “If the priest will not allow it, then they can fulfill it on the following Sunday.” Especially give our current circumstances, it is more than justified to say that you may make your First Saturday Communion on the following Sunday. There is rarely a Mass here on the Saturday and almost never on the First Saturday.

Announcements for the week: Quinquagesima Sunday

2008-02-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

There will be no Mass for Ash Wednesday, Fr. Gerard will not be present in California. The ashes will be administered on the following Sunday, which would be the First Sunday of Lent.

Friday, February 8, 2008, Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 P.M. followed by Stations of the Cross.

St. Michael's Convent in Spokane, Washington will be holding a "Vocations Weekend" retreat for young women who are at least juniors in high school up to the age of 35 and might be interested in religious life. "Vocations Weekend" will be taking place from February 29 to March 2, 2008. It is a good idea to make your plans known to the Vocations Directress by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, please contact:
Vocations Directress
St. Michael's Convent
8502 North St. Michael's Road
Spokane, WA 99217-9333
phone: (509) 467-0986 ext. 102
e-mail: smjosephine@miqcenter.com

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

Quinquagesima Sunday

2008-02-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:

Be Thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of refuge, to save me: for Thou art my strength and my refuge: and for Thy Name's sake Thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.

Epistle from the letter of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (13: 1-13):

Brethren, If I speak with the hongues of men and of Angles, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know all mysteries and all knowledge: and if I should have all faith so that I could remove montains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind: Charity envieth not, dealing not perversely, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Gospel according to St. Luke (18: 31-43):

At that time Jesus took unto Him the twelve and said to them: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man. For He shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked and scourged and spit upon: and after they have scourged him, they will put Him to death, and the third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of those things, and this word was hidfrom them, and they understood not the things that were said. Now it came to pass, when He drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the wayside, begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace. But he cried out much more: Sond of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto Him. And when he was come near, He asked him, saying: What wilt thou that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight, thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he saw and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Sermon of Fr. Gerard for Sexagesima Sunday

2008-01-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

I would like, before going into the Sermon, to take a short time to share with you some of the events of our priest meeting in Spokane. All the priests who work with Bishop Pivarunas, the 14 of us, gathered there at Mount St. Michael’s and the purpose of these meetings is to discuss any pastoral issues that may need a solution and by solving them for one priest, it may hopefully be enlightening for the rest of us. Addressing any difficulties which may be occurring in various parishes, trying to look forward to see how the needs of the different parishes can be met as far as providing for them the services of a priest and unfortunately at this point it looks like Fr. Macillas and Fr. Gilchrist will have to return to their countries, for some time at least, because their paperwork did not go through with immigration and so we will have two less priests to cover all the places that we are already covering. There is some outside chance that the paperwork will be arranged so that they would be able to stay but that will require a great deal of help, I’m sure, on God’s part so please keep those matters in your prayers because as it stands right now, the parish in western Colorado that has a resident priest will soon only have a priest on the weekends. Those people have been blessed, they have a school, they have three or four religious sisters teaching in the school and helping in the parish but it seems that they stand to lose the blessing of having a resident priest. It’s a very fair sized parish, they have a school, they recently built a rectory, and they’re looking forward to building a larger church to accommodate their parishioners. The school chapel, which they use, is small and they have to have two masses to accommodate everybody. That means that there will probably be some places in the mid-west that only get Mass on a less frequent basis and so your prayers are important to hopefully bring out a favorable outcome with immigration authorities.

As a matter of course, the Bishop always tries to have some theological topic to discuss and so this time he brought a book, which he had, about the actual revelations in the Old Testament of the Trinity from several passages in the Old Testament it can actually be seen that there was reference to the persons in God because in some passages it uses the name of God "Elhoim" and that is actually a plural noun, but the verb, which is used with it, is a singular form. The very first words of the book of Genesis refer to the creation of the world and it says in our translation: “In the beginning, God created heaven and earth and the spirit of God was moved over the waters and the world was empty and void.” Now here, there is a reference to three divine persons because the verb created as in the singular but the very first word of the Old Testament in Hebrew is a word, which refers to the principle or the beginning as far as some sort of work. When the 70 Jewish scholars went to translate the bible in the Old Testament as it existed then for King Ptolemy, the Pharo of Egypt, they were afraid that if they translated it in a very literal sense, he might think that they were worshiping more than one God because the word, which I don’t remember at the moment refers to a divine being. So we see right at the beginning of the Old Testament the beginning or principal that we have God, then we have the spirit of God.

There are several other places in the Old Testament. One was the apparition of three men who came to visit Abraham but in the process of addressing them he called them: “Lord, using the singular” and in the passage it goes back and forth between the three and the one and then it goes one and three, and in one of the responses in the breviary talking about that particular event in the book of Genesis, it says: “Abraham saw three and worshiped one.” So we have there a reference to the three persons and one God. Also, I think its in Isaiah, he had a vision of the heavens being opened and he saw the Seraphim there before the throne of God and he said: “Holy, Holy, Holy” referring again to the three persons. So this was quite interesting and there may be copies of this book available on a limited basis because it can be photo copied, it’s outside of the copyright period. The unfortunate thing is that the Jewish rabbis recognized this but they rejected the Trinity and so they, in the second century AD, they twisted the interpretation of these passages. If, in fact, they had been honest they would have seen in those three words: “Hear, O’ Israel, The Lord our God, The Lord our God, The Lord is one.” For God there are three different names used. One is “El” and the other two I don’t remember but they are distinct names. There are three names for God and the singular word is one. So again, three persons, one God. The Jewish Rabbis changed the interpretation of the scriptures and devised a warped interpretation to preserve their particular teaching so that the people who read the Old Testament would not be converted to Christianity, it was happening that many of the Jews seeing all the prophecies fulfilled in Christ were becoming Christians because the Apostles and the disciples and the bishops were going into the Synagogues and preaching the scriptures, the Old Testament, and proving that Jesus is the Lord, that he is the Messiah. So what these Rabbis did was twist the interpretations of scriptures, they watered down how scripture was actually written so that people wouldn’t see so clearly that Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures.

We also had an opportunity as a group to go to the Minor Seminary in Idaho and visit with the Minor seminarians who are High School students taking studies to prepare them for the Major Seminary in Omaha. For them, I’m sure it was an encouragement to see the Bishop and 14 priests come to visit them and spend some time with them, talk to them and share their own stories with these boys and they boys give their own stories and talk about themselves to the priests so that hopefully the information would be carried out and shared and hopefully encourage other young men to go to the Minor Seminary. Hopefully there would be more vocations to the major seminary and as a result to the priesthood.

To go to the topic of the sermon, we are now in the pre-lenten period of the Church’s liturgy, which began last Sunday and takes it’s name from that Sunday, Septuagesima. This season of the Church year, even though it’s sort, was established as something definite in the time of St. Gregory the Great, who was Pope from 590-604. It is made up of three Sundays. The idea of it is: “What is to avoid an abrupt transition from Epiphany to Lent and also to prepare better for the entrance into Lent?” The Church, as a wise Mother and teacher knows that the passing from the joys of Christmas time to the rigors of Lent would be a difficult one. Therefore she instituted this period of transition to prepare the faithful both in spirit and in body for the Lenten fast. The main characteristic in this period of the liturgical year is penance, even if that is very much in a lessened sense. There is no fast prescribed but this spirit in penance appears in outward sings. The purple vestments, the Gloria is not said during Mass, the Alleluia, which is a frequent occurrence in the liturgy ceases from Septuagesima Sunday until the solemn midnight Mass at Easter because alleluia is a word of prayer and joy and the translation from Hebrew is: “Praise ye God” and during this time we are meditating on solemn somber topics. Topics of sins and the topic of Christ’s suffering and death. We can deduce the importance given to this period by the Basilicas, which were the stational churches of these three Sundays.

In ancient times, the faithful met at one Church, which was called the “Colecta” and from there they made a procession to the stational church, which was a particular church chosen for that Sunday for various reasons, sometimes it was because the Liturgy had a reference to a Saint that the church was dedicated to. In this case, the stational churches are very important. There are three of the seven churches in Rome for which there is a plenary indulgence for making a visit during a certain period of time. There’s St. Lawrence outside the walls, St. Paul’s which is also outside the walls of Rome, and St. Peter’s on the Vatican hill. Sts. Peter and Paul are called patriarchal churches, they are the two of the most important of the churches in Rome. St. John Lateran and other patriarchal churches, the Pope’s cathedral, but that Church is reserved for the first Sunday in Lent. Again to emphasize the very great importance of that Sunday because on Sunday the Pope would go there to have Mass.

In order to obtain the purpose the Church has in mind. She through appropriate liturgical texts tries to make Christians realize the misery of their state as sinners and their own weakness in order to prepare them for the need of penance and unite them to the one sacrifice of Christ, which is commemorated in the Lenten Cycle. The period of Septuagesima has one liken to the seventy years of the Babylonian captivity. During that time, the Jews were convinced of their fault, they realized through the teaching of the prophets that it was because of their sins, because of their rejection of God that they had been carried off into captivity, they wept for their sins, they repented for them and longed for the return to Jerusalem. So during this period, the Church calls our attention to the exile of those who live far from Christ and allows us to weep for our sins. So that later, we may taste the joys of the Resurrection. Remember the saying, it’s almost a proverb, that “there is no resurrection without the crucifixion first.”

St. Gregory composed the liturgical texts of these Sundays at a time when the Lombards, a barbarian tribe from the north, were laying Italy to waste and threatened to conquer the Holy City itself. Hunger and disease were the order of the day because of these wars and because of the destruction of life in society and the cities because of the destruction. Therefore the text of these three Sundays reflect the misery and the weakening of a people who suffer deeply and paint in vivid colors the consequences of sin. The spirit in which we ought to observe in this pre-Lenten season is threefold. First, humility, recognizing our guilt this also is an emphasis in the holy season of lent, especially the first part. Then we must pray asking God to give us the grace to enter into lent, which is approaching in such a way as to get the most profit from it so that our spiritual lives may be revived. Finally, we ought to practice some acts of self-denial, some penance however slight, to prepare our minds and to prepare our bodies for the fast, which is imposed during the Holy season of Lent. If we take advantage of this particular part of the liturgical year, which the Church has wisely provided to prepare us for the Holy season of Lent, then that holy season will be a source of abundant graces for us, it would be as if it is meant to be the springtime for the spiritual life, that it will be renewed, that we will prepare ourselves to celebrate worthily the glorious feast of Easter.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Announcements for the week: Sexagesima Sunday

2008-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Fr. Gilchrist, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Olathe, Colorado who is experiencing trouble with the department of immigration. Should the attempts to keep him here fail, he will have no choice but to return to New Zealand, at least for a while. Pray that whatever is to happen, let it be done according to the will of God.

This week, First Friday Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at 7:00PM.

There will be no Mass for Ash Wednesday, Fr. Gerard will not be present in California. The ashes will be administered on the following Sunday, which would be the First Sunday of Lent.

St. Michael's Convent in Spokane, Washington will be holding a "Vocations Weekend" retreat for young women who are at least juniors in high school up to the age of 35 and might be interested in religious life. "Vocations Weekend" will be taking place from February 29 to March 2, 2008. It is a good idea to make your plans known to the Vocations Directress by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, please contact:
Vocations Directress
St. Michael's Convent
8502 North St. Michael's Road
Spokane, WA 99217-9333
phone: (509) 467-0986 ext. 102
e-mail: smjosephine@miqcenter.com

A weekend Lenten retreat will be held at St. Michael's in Spokane, Washington between March 7-9, 2008. If you are able to attend, registration forms are available at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and also you may access an online registration form at www.cmri.org. The applicable registration fees are $150 per individual, for those who need overnight accomodations; $75 per individual, for those who do not need an overnight accomodation but meals will be provided. Please note, the fee includes a $50 deposit, which is due by February 25, 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI at (509) 467-2425 ext. 100

Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI is planning a Pilgrimage in various cities of France and Spain to visit Shrines of Our Lady and of the Saints between June 10-24, 2008. The expected cost per person is $3515 for land travel portion; $950 single supplement; expect $1,200 for air fare (depends on point of origin from America to Europe). The price includes hotel stays, guides, private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees, and daily breakfast and supper meals (pilgrims must provide for their own lunch). APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2008. $100 fee is due at the time of submission of application. For more information, please contact:
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
St. Joseph Minor Seminary
15384 N. Church Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone # (208) 687-0290

Audio CD's are now available from the 2007 Fatima Conference "All Generations Call me Blessed", which took place in Spokane, Washington at Mount St. Michael. They are $60.00 for a complete set of the talks, and $5.00 for the individual topics. For more information call (509) 467-1077

Traditional Catholic 2008 calendars are back in stock. If you would like to purchase one, you may come to the Chapel or call Pat Balderrama at: (909-829-0997). They are priced at $8.00 per calendar.

Sexagesima Sunday

2008-01-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

From the Introit:

Arise, why sleeptest Thou, O Lord? Arise, and cast us not off to the end. Why turnest Thou Thy face away, and forgettest our trouble? Our belly hath cleaved to the earth: arise, O Lord, help us and deliver us.

Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (11: 19-33; 12: 1-9)

Brethren, You gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face. I speak according to dishonor, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews, so am I. They are Israelites, So am I. They are the seed of Abraham, so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise), I am more: in many more labors, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea: in journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren: in labor and painfulness, in much watching in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness; besides those things which are without my daily instance, the solicitude for all the Churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized ‘ and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not. At Damascus the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend me: and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, whether in the body I know not, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth, such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man, whether in the body or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth: that he was caught up unto paradise, and heard secret words which is not granted to man to utter. For such a one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but my infirmities. For, though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or anything he heareth from me. And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my fleshy, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me. And He said to me: my grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Gospel according to St. Luke (8: 4-15):

At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities unto Jesus, He spoke by a similitude: The sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock: and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns, and the thorns growing up with it choked it. And other some fell upon good ground: and being sprung up yielded fruit a hundredfold. Saying these things, He cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And His disciples asked Him what this parable might be. To whom He said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables: that seeing they may not see, and hearing may not understand. Now the parable is this. The seed is the word of God. And they by the wayside are they that hear: then the devil cometh and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no roots: for they believe for a while, and in time of temptation they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience.