Lent & Holy Week 2019

 

The book, Lord, Teach Us To Pray by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STL. is available for a suggested donation of $2 per book. This powerful book will guide the reader through the challenges of discipleship and the various stages of prayer. Please pick up this valuable tool and consider using it as a Lenten guide.

About the Book

Echoing the petition of the disciples, Lord, teach us to pray, this book guides the reader through the challenges of discipleship and the various stages of prayer. Fr. Kirby lovingly and expertly examines this crucial petition, shedding light on its three parts the call to follow the Lord, to live virtuously, and to pray while laying out a course for growing in discipleship and strengthening the interior life.

Praise for the Book

Fr. Kirby has created a valuable tool in assisting people to develop and deepen their prayer life. This beautiful work on prayer is useful for all people serious about their faith journey, especially young adults seeking to discern the direction of their response to God. It offers a “roadmap” for developing a satisfying prayer life.—Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, DD
Bishop of Charleston

The Church needs more spiritual guides like Fr. Jeff Kirby. In his wonderful book on the spiritual journey, Fr. Kirby provides a great resource to help people grow in their relationship with the Lord and discover more fully their personal mission in life as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ.—Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, STD
Bishop of Birmingham

Fr. Kirby has written a guide that is steeped in scripture and that truly helps the reader learn who Jesus is, how to do what he asks, and how to be in a deeper relationship with him. This book is a very helpful resource for anyone who seeks to improve his or her spiritual life. I highly recommend it.—Fr. Robert Barron, STD
Founder, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
Author, Catholicism

Who is Fr. Kirby?

Learn more about Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STL

Lent is a time to celebrate the reconciling love and the healing graces our Lord offers us.

Experience God’s Love

Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and celebrating it is what we do. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate God’s forgiveness and love.

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart …Joel 2:12

Ways to Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God— whether the Sacrament is individual or in a communal Reconciliation Service during the liturgical seasons of preparation— like Advent, before the celebration of Christmas and Lent, before the celebration of Easter.

Reconciliation Services

Many parishes offer a Communal Sacrament of Reconciliation Service during the season of Lent. It is an opportunity to join our sisters and brother in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.

Schedule of Lenten Reconcilation Services

Reconciliation Services will be held at the following parishes at 7:00 P.M. and 11:00 A.M. at St. Leo Parish on March 28.

Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

7112 South 12th Street | Tacoma, WA

March 20, 2019

St. Leo Parish

710 South 13th Street | Tacoma, WA

March 27, 2019

March 28, 2019 | 11 AM*

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

March 28, 2019

Weekly Reconciliations

Reconciliation is also offered weekly at most parishes with some parishes offering additional opportunities to receive the sacrament during the season of Lent.

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Saturday, 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. before the 5:00 P.M. Mass, except Easter Vigil

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Wednesdays, after the 5:30 P.M. Mass at 6:00 P.M. on March 13, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17

Saturdays, 4:30 P.M., before the 5:30 P.M. Vigil Mass

Saint Rita of Cascia Catholic Church

403 South Ainsworth Avenue | Tacoma, WA 98405

Saturdays, at 9:30 A.M., after the 9:00 A.M. Mass

For regular weekly Reconciliation times for all other Tacoma parishes, please visit their website.

A Renewed Focus on Christ

In preparation for Easter, we invite all to begin anew with souls nourished from gift of the divine mercy and forgiveness God has for everyone. While going to confession throughout the liturgical year is important, Lent is a great time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent, in the liturgical year, is known as a penitential season. As Catholics, we are asked to give up various items or habits and commit to activities that bring us closer to God and our community. Confession is a natural step to cleanse ourselves from sin and start anew with a renewed focus on Christ.

If it has been a while since your last confession, remember,

Do not fear: I am with you.Isaiah 41:10

The priest will help guide you. And feel free to take the Busted Halo‘s guide on How to Go to Confession with you!

Join us for the screening of The Passion of the Christ movie on Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 12:35 P.M. at the Blue Mouse Theatre.

Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ. It depicts the Passion of Jesus largely according to the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The film covers the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life, beginning with the Agony in the Garden and ending with a brief depiction of his resurrection. Flashbacks of Jesus as a child and as a young man with his mother, giving the Sermon on the Mount, teaching the Twelve Apostles, and at the Last Supper are some of the images depicted.

Tickets are now available online!  A limited number of tickets are available for purchase using cash or check in the Parish Center at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Seats are limited.  Reserve your tickets today.

Join us for a Lenten Book Club, as we delve into what it means to be a ”disciple of Christ” via Dr. Edward Sri’s book Into His Likeness.

About the Book

We will explore developing a deeper personal relationship with Jesus. In his book, Dr. Edward Sri provides an approachable but in-depth exploration of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. At the outset, he emphasizes the importance of every Christian’s developing the desire to be a true disciple of Christ and gives the reader a first glimpse of what the life of a disciple looks like. As the book progresses, he unfolds what a true encounter of love with Christ entails and explores the transforming power of God’s grace. He also offers for consideration “the four habits of a disciple”: prayer, the breaking of bread (the Sacraments), fellowship, and the teaching of the Apostles. The book concludes with a powerful call to fulfill every Christian’s mission of evangelization. Into His Likeness is a down-to-earth and tremendously valuable handbook for anyone wishing to pursue Christ whole-heartedly.

Sri offers a roadmap to aid the disciple of Jesus through their lifelong transformation in Christ. Theologically rich and eminently practical, this book provides the basis for hours of fruitful discussion. — Curtis Martin

When & Where

Join us for lively discussion, wine, a warm fire and fellowship in the Fireside Room at the Parish Center at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 North J Street in Tacoma on Thursdays at 7:00 P.M. during Lent:

• March 14
• March 21
• March 28— no meeting parish Communal Reconciliation Service
• April 11
• April 18— Holy Thursday Mass

Get the Book

The book is available on Amazon. When you shop Amazon be sure to support Saint Patrick Catholic School. Shop AmazonSmile and Amazon donates to Saint Patrick Catholic School.  It is a win-win for everyone, by doing what you already do— just do it with AmazonSmile.

Update

Thank you to the many parishioners who shopped the Rosary Trunk Show!  Missed it?  Check out Rosaries by Allison Kinyon on Etsy!

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The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s spirit dwells. It is a unique opportunity to encounter Christ through devotion to his Mother. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group.

Rosaries are traditional gifts given in honor or the sacraments of baptism, first communion and confirmation.

Update

Missed this event?  There are more opportunities to view the relics locally and across the country throughout the season of Lent. 

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The incorrupt heart of St. Jean Vianney will be visiting the Archdiocese of Seattle on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 .PM. at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

The Shrine of Ars, France, has made this major relic available for a national tour in the U.S. The Knights of Columbus is hosting this tour and welcomes this special opportunity to offer for veneration this relic of the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a model for clergy and laity alike.

Learn More

St. Jean Vianney and the relic tour

Stations of the Cross is a traditional Lenten devotion. The 14 devotions or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Every Friday at 7:00 P.M. during Lent and on Good Friday, April 19th at 3:00 P.M. Living Station of the Cross will  also be hosted by Saint Patrick Catholic School at 9:30 A.M. on Good Friday.

Stations of the Cross in the Courtyard Garden Dedication

The Stations of the Cross in the Courtyard Garden will be dedicated on April 12th at 7 PM. Join Youth Ministry and the Boys Scouts for this very special dedication followed by the praying the Stations.

Fish Dinner

The Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809 host two fish dinners during Lent. Net proceeds from the first dinner supported the 4US and the Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809’s Charitable account. The second dinner will benefit the Dominican Sister of Tacoma.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Every Friday during Lent at 9:30 A.M. after 9:00 A.M. Mass and 7:00 P.M. The evening Stations of the Cross will be preceeded by a Soup Supper starting at 6:00 P.M.

Saint Rita of Cascia Catholic Church

Every Friday at 6:16 P.M, followed by a Soup Supper.

Why Pray the Way of the Cross

In praying the Way of the Cross, we are called to make a connection between our suffering and the suffering of Jesus. Pope John Paul II often preached on suffering and the Way of the Cross. During the Pope’s 1998 visit to Cuba, he met with the sick and the elderly at the Shrine of Saint Lazarus at El Rincon, La Habana.

Addressing the gathering he said, “To our human questioning, the Lord responds with a call, with a special vocation which is grounded in love. Christ comes to us not with explanations and reasons, which might either, anesthetize or alienate us. Instead, he comes to us saying, ‘Come with me. Follow me on the Way of the Cross.’ ” Christ suffered first. He does not drive us towards suffering but shares it with us, wanting us to have life and to have it in abundance” (see John 10:10).

Praying the Way of the Cross is one example of our journey through life, where we can conform ourselves to the Passion of Christ and thus take up our cross and follow after Christ (see Luke 9:23).

In the Pierce County Deanery, The Rite of Election will be celebrated on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election will be celebrated at various parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle throughout the first two weeks of Lent. View the full calendar for Rite of Election.

The Rite of Election, marked with a rite of such solemnity, is the focal point of the Church’s concern for the catechumens. — RCIA 121

Signing the Book of the Elect

The Catechumens, or the unbaptized are referred to as The Elect, after they signed their name in the Book of the Elect at the Rite of Election. The Candidates, those who have been baptized and are called to complete their journey by preparing for the remainder of their Sacraments of Initiation are still called Candidates.

We invite you to not only continue to pray for the Elect and the Candidates as they continue on this journey of faith, as they grow ever closer to joining us at the table of the Lord, but to journey with them through The Scrutinies.

The Rite of Sending

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Are you or do you know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic or Catholic curious?  Invite them to Mass, or to a social event at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School.  There are many ways to introduce or re-introduce a friend or family member to the Catholic faith.  How will you invite someone to come home to the Catholic Church and Encounter Christ this Lent and Easter?

The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at St. James Cathedral in Seattle.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most significant archdiocesan liturgies. Archbishop Sartain gathers with priest from all over the archdiocese  to bless and consecrate the sacramental oils to be used throughout the year and priests will publicly renew their priestly promises.

The Archbishop blesses the oils in large containers, then they are poured into smaller vessels and prepared for distributed by the Deacons and brought back to all the parishes of the archdiocese by the priest or a designated representative.

Free parking for the Chrism Mass will be available at the Cabrini Medical Tower, across the street from O’Dea High School.

The Health Ministry recommends that each Friday families or individuals take a walk of at least 1/3 of a mile— the distance Jesus walked on his journey to Calvary.

Consider using Clarence Enzler’s wonderful booklet Everyone’s Way of the Cross which has an imagined interaction between Jesus and the reader at each of the fourteen Stations of the Cross as a discussion or thoughtful introspection during these walks.

The Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809 are host a Fish Dinners during Lent. Net proceeds from the first dinner supported the 4US and the Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809’s Charitable Account. The second dinner benefits the Dominican Sister of Tacoma.

Benefitting the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma

You are invited to the 4th annual Lenten Fish Dinner supporting the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma on March 29, 2019 starting at 5:00 P.M. in the Church Hall at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

The Lenten Fish Dinner supporting the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma wraps the three Lenten Pillars— Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting— all in one event in the season of Lent.  Over 200 people attend the benefit in support of the Dominican Sisters who have given so much to Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School and to the greater Tacoma community.

Honoring a Legacy of Faith and Learning

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Tacoma Council 809, the event honors the Dominican Sisters legacy of faith and learning. All proceeds benefit the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma. Your thoughtful contribution to their continued care and support is welcomed and appreciated. Did you know that the Dominican Sisters were instrumental in the opening of Saint Patrick Catholic School?

The Dominican Sisters Establish a School

Let’s Pray Together

After food, fellowship and supporting the Dominican Sisters, join the faithful at Stations of the Cross in the Church starting at 7:00 P.M.

Support the Sisters

If you are unable to attend the event, show your support of the Dominican Sisters by making your generous donation today.

During Lent, Catholics in the United States have two opportunities to support the Church’s global mission to assist the poor— CRS Rice Bowl and the USCCB’s Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRS Collection).

CRS Rice Bowl

CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program for families and faith communities. It offers simple, yet powerful, ways for every one of our parishes, most of our schools, and families throughout western Washington to bring Lenten spirituality to life.

Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in every diocese throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in roughly 45 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of all donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in our local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million. The hungry are fed; the thirsty are given drink; immigrants and refugees are served; the homeless find shelter.

Visit www.seattlearchdiocese.org/ricebowl to learn how we use the 25% in the Seattle Archdiocese through our Rice Bowl grants program. Every parish is encouraged to apply for a grant!

Rice Bowls are available in the vestibule at local area parishes.  The Rice Bowl collection will take place on Holy Thursday.  Please convert your Rice Bowl giving to a check or cash (no loose change) and place it in the collection basket.

Donate to CRS Rice Bowl

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USCCB’s Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRS Collection)

The CRS Collection is one of the twelve national collections established by the bishops of the United States and represents our community of faith at work in the world.

The bishops encourage us to view the national collection in the light of stewardship and sharing. It is right and just that we give something back, helping people in our nation and worldwide to live better and grow in the love of Jesus. The CRS Collection theme, Help Jesus in disguise, reminds us of the presence of Christ in every one of our brothers and sisters in need.

Home Missions Help Form Strong Faith Communities

Many dioceses here in the United States do not have enough priests and trained lay ministers to serve their parishes. These dioceses are known as home missions.

There are over 80 home mission dioceses in the United States. These dioceses are unable to fund essential pastoral work, such as religious education, seminarian formation, and lay ministry training, without assistance. Because of this, they struggle to serve the unique needs of their communities.   The blessing of seminarians places a financial burden on these dioceses, because educating each seminarian costs $35-40,000 per year.  Your support is needed for these young men so that they might go back and serve their parishes.

Through your support, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps to ease the struggle of these dioceses and to form vibrant faith communities.

Support the Spread of the Gospel, Support Catholic Home Missions

Your contributions will help strengthen the Church at home and will help ensure that the Gospel is spread across the United States.

Learn more about home missions funding and who the appeal helps then support Catholic Home Missions by making your donation this Lent!

Donate to The Catholic Home Missions Appeal

Support the St. Leo Food Connection by donating to the Food Drive at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School. Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School conducts a monthly food drive to support the St. Leo Food Connection.  Each month we collect a food item that serves the greatest need for the food bank.

For over 35 years, the St. Leo Food Connection, part of St. Leo Catholic Parish, has been fighting hunger in Pierce County. St. Leo Food Bank is one of the largest on-site food banks in the country. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. Their Children’s Programs are working to fill the gaps of school meals to eliminate child hunger. The Backpack Program, in coordination with Tacoma School District and Clover Park School District, serves over 30 schools and over 800 students weekly. Springbrook Mobile Food Bank works to provide a week’s worth of food to a neighborhood with limited food access.

Students can drop off donations in their homeroom classes. Donations can also be dropped off in the Gathering Space at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

Monetary gifts also accepted!

Archdiocese of Seattle Official Guidelines for Lent 2019

“Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive. Lent is a favorable season for deepening our spiritual life through the means of sanctification offered us by the Church: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. At the basis of everything is the word of God, which during this season we are invited to hear and ponder more deeply.” (From the Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2017)

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, April 19, 2019, are days of fast and abstinence. Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence.

Fasting

Fasting is to be observed by all eighteen years of age and older, who have not yet celebrated their sixtieth birthday. On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed.

Abstinence

Abstinence is observed by all fourteen years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is allowed. Note that when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. When in doubt concerning fast and abstinence, the parish priest should be consulted.Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for Baptism or of renewal of Baptism at Easter. (Code of Canon Law, 1251-1252)

Penitential Practices

In addition to the universal Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Paschale Solemnitatis specifically commends the celebration of the form of the Rite of Penance according to the rite of reconciliation of several penitents with individual confession and absolution. (PS 15)The ChanceryMarch 4, 2019

The Health Ministry sponsors a Meatless Fridays in Lent campaign. The campaign includes the Tacoma Catholic parishes of Saint Patrick Saint Rita of Cascia and Holy Cross. This is a wonderful way not only to improve your spiritual well being, but also your health. A healthful meatless recipe will be added below each week and Holy Cross Catholic Church is hosting Soup Suppers at 6:00 P.M. every Friday during Lent followed by Stations of the Cross at 7:00 P.M and Saint Rita of Cascia Catholic Church is hosting Soup Supper too after Stations of the Cross which starts at 6:15 PM.

Why Go Meatless on Fridays?

Going meatless every Friday during Lent is good for the soul and good for the body. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent, all persons fourteen and older are bound by the law of abstinence— no meat.

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, all those who are eighteen, and not yet fifty-nine years old, are also bound by the law of fasting. Fasting on these days means only one full, meatless meal. Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal. Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals.

Catholics may want to voluntarily fast or abstain from other foods or activities, perhaps making a monetary offering to charity such as CRS Rice Bowl, the ministries of the Knights of Columbus or the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma which otherwise would have been spent for food, drink or recreation.

A Chance to Win

All parishioners from St.Patrick, Holy Cross and St. Rita who go meatless every Friday in Lent will be eligible for a drawing for a $100 Metropolitan Market gift card, which includes a Metropolitan Market tour and tasting with Kelly Heinzinger, the store manager.

Meatless Recipes for Lent 2019

Here are a few recipes or join us at Holy Cross at 6:00 P.M. each Friday during Lent for a Soup Supper.

• Week 1: Mageirio Ikarian Chunky Vegetable Stew
• Week 2: Colorful Caponata with Lentils in Warm Pita
• Week 3: Tex-Mex Bowl
• Week 4: Pasta & Green Beans
• Week 5: Coconut Curry Tofu
• Week 6: Pad Thai

More Recipes

Need more ideas for recipes for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday— or other days during the week this Lenten season? Check out some of our past meatless recipe suggestions.

• 2018
• 2017