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Browsing the February 2016 archive of Pastor's Reflection

What are the “Scrutinies”?

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/25/16

Dear Families,

What are the “Scrutinies”?

During the middle three weeks of Lent, some of our Masses will be different as people called “the elect” and “candidates” have been called forth to the altar.  As Easter approaches, we prepare to welcome these participants in Rite of Christian Initiation of ... Read More »

Some thoughts about Lent

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/18/16

Dear Families,

What is Lent good for? ...

God has given us a great and comforting gift. ... But it's easy to forget what God has done for us. We forget that it was because of our wrong that Jesus was punished. We can add to our wrongs when ... Read More »

Why did we bury the Alleluia at our Family Liturgy last Sunday?

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/10/16

Dear Families,

So why did we bury the Alleluia at our Family Liturgy last Sunday?

The Meaning of the Alleluia

The Alleluia comes to us from Hebrew, and it means "praise Yahweh." Traditionally, it has been seen as the chief term of praise of the choirs of angels, as ... Read More »

Are you ready to experience the Mercy of God?

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/02/16

Dear Families,

Last weekend I preached at all the Masses, speaking about the Catholic Ministries Appeal.  I do ask you to seriously and prayerfully consider making a pledge or a one-time donation to the Appeal.  As I mentioned in my homily, perhaps even more important than the size of ... Read More »

What is Mardi Gras?

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/02/16

Dear Families,

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras, literally "Fat Tuesday," has grown in popularity in recent years as a loud and festive event. But its roots lie in the Christian calendar, as the "last hurrah" before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. That's why the enormous party in New ... Read More »

Why should I give to the Catholic Ministries Appeal?

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/02/16

Dear Families,

The Gospel mandate, and an unwavering emphasis of Pope Francis, is that our love for God must be reflected in our love for one another, especially the weak and vulnerable. In response to that call, our Diocese remains fully committed to increasing our outreach to feed, clothe, ... Read More »

Tthe Voice and Face of God

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 2/02/16

Dear Family,

Jesus was coming into his home town. Let me tell you, the service that night was jammed. There wasn’t room to park all the donkeys outside. They ran out of bulletins. They put benches up in the center of the aisles. It was crowded, because the “local ... Read More »