This glorious saint is the Patroness of Italy, her country. She was the youngest child in a family of twenty-five children. Her mother and father wanted her to wear pretty clothes and choose a husband, but Catherine wanted only to become a, nun. When she cut off her long, beautiful hair, to make herself unattractive, her family was so angry that they scolded her all day long and made her work like a slave in her own home. At last, however, they let her become a sister.

St. Catherine suffered terrible temptations after, but she always fought them bravely. Once she said to Jesus,

"Where were you, Lord, when I had such shameful temptations?" And Jesus answered,

"Daughter, I was in your heart and I made you win with my grace."

Jesus often appeared to St. Catherine and talked with her lovingly. One night, when all the people were out on the streets celebrating, He appeared to her praying alone in her room. With Him was His Blessed Mother. She took Catherine's hand and lifted it up to her Son. Jesus put a ring on the Saint's finger and so she became His bride.

In St. Catherine's time, the Church had many troubles, and there were fights going on all over Italy. The Saint wrote letters to Kings and Queens and went herself to beg rulers to make their peace with the Pope and to avoid wars.

Catherine never forgot that Jesus was in her heart—no matter how busy she was. And through her, Jesus converted the sick people she lovingly nursed and the prisoners she visited in jail. The Pope himself accepted Catherine's advice to go back to Rome from France because it was God's will that he govern the Church from Rome. The Pope listened to St. Catherine and went back, because he knew how close she was to God.

Let us offer our whole heart to God so that like St. Catherine, we will discover how wonderful it is to love the Lord.
                                                            - Saints for Everyday of the Year for Young People -
You can find a coloring picture of St. Catherine below.

THE Introit of this day's Mass is a canticle of praise and thanks: Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle, alleluia; because the Lord hath done wonderful things, alleluia; he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation; and his arm is holy. (Ps. xcvii.) Glory &c.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH. O God, who makest the minds of the faithful to be of one will: grant unto Thy people to love what Thou commandest, and to desire what thou dost promise; that amidst the various changes of the world our hearts may there be fixed where true joys abide. Through &c.

EPISTLE. (James i. 17 21.) DEARLY BELOVED,
Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures.

You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to anger: for the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness, and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

INSTRUCTION. Of all the gifts that come from God, the most excellent is the gospel and regeneration in baptism, by which He has made us His children and heirs of heaven. How great is this honor, and how earnestly we should endeavor to preserve it! To hear the word of God, when preached to us in sermons, will aid our endeavors. The admonition of the apostle to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, contains true wisdom, for: In the multitude of words there shall not want sin; but he that refraineth his lips is most wise. (Prov. x. 19.)
 
ASPIRATION. Aid me, O Lord, to preserve the dignity received in baptism, grant me a great love for Thy divine word, and strengthen me to subdue my tongue and to use it only for Thy glory.

GOSPEL. (John xvi. 5 14.) AT THAT TIME, Jesus said to his disciples: I go to him that sent me: and none of you asketh me: Whither goest thou? But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go; for if I go not, the Paracletewill not come to you: but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment. Of sin, because they believed not in me: and of justice, because I go to the Father, and you shall see me no longer: and of judgment, because the prince of this world is already judged. I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but what things so ever he shall hear, he shall speak, and the things that are to come he shall show you. He shall glorify me, because he shall receive of mine, and shall show it to you.

INSTRUCTION. As the disciples, in their grief at Christ's going to His passion and death, after the accomplishment of which He was to return to His Father, never once asked Him: "Whither goest Thou?" many Christians, because of their attachment to this world and its pleasures, never ask themselves: Whither am I going, whither leads my way? By my sinful life I am perhaps going towards hell, or will my little fervor for the right, my lukewarm prayers take me to heaven? Ark yourself in all earnestness, dear Christian, whither leads the way you are going? Is it the right path? if not, retrace your steps, and follow Jesus who by suffering and death entered heaven.

Why could the Paraclete not come before the Ascension of Christ?
Because the work of Redemption had first to be completed, Christ had to die, reconcile man to God, and enter into His glory, before the Spirit of truth and filial adoption could abide in man in the fulness of grace. From this we may learn that we must purify our hearts, and be reconciled to God, if we wish to receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

How will the Holy Ghost convince the world of sin, of justice and of judgment?'
He will convince the world, that is, the Jews and Gentiles, of sin, by showing them through the preaching, the sanctity and the miracles of the apostles, as well as by gradual inward enlightenment, the grievous sins which they have committed by their infidelity and their vices; of justice, by unveiling their error, and showing them that Christ whom they unjustly rejected; is the fountain of justice; of judgment, by showing them their condemnation in their prince and head, the devil, whom they served. This prince is now driven from idols and from the bodies of men, and his kingdom is destroyed in the name of Jesus by the apostles.

Why did not Christ tell His apostles all He had to tell them?
Because they could not yet comprehend and keep it in their memory; because they were still too weak, and too much attached to Jewish customs, and also because they were depressed; He therefore promised them the Holy Ghost, who would fit them for it by His enlightenment, and would teach them all truth.

How does the Holy Ghost teach all truth'?
By guiding the Church, that is, its infallible administration, by His light to the knowledge of the truth necessary for the salvation of souls, preserving it from error; and by advancing those members of the Church who seek His light and place no obstacle in it's way, in the necessary knowledge of truth.

What Is meant by: He shall not speak of himself, but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak?
That the Holy Ghost will teach us only that which He has heard from all eternity from the Father and Son; His teaching will, therefore, perfectly agree with Christ's teachings, for the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father andnSon and is equal God to them, and that which He teaches is also their doctrine, which is expressed in the words: He shall receive of mine.

ASPIRATION. Ah, my Lord and my God! direct my feet in the way of Thy commandments and preserve my heart pure from sin, that Thy Holy Spirit may find nothing in me deserving of reproach, that He may teach me all truth, and lead me to Thee,the eternal Truth, in heaven. Amen.

Our friends over at All the Saints and Peter and Paul have a wonderful blog post from the Liturgical year titled, Heresy and Hypocrisy.  You can read it here.

April 26th is the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.  She is a wonderful intercessor for mothers and teachers.  You can find her story here. 
                                              Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us!

We have added a new chapter for Jesus of Nazareth,  Little Therese as well as a coloring picture and from the wonderful book Catholic Ceremonies.  It was very interesting learning the meaning of all the vestments.  Holy Mother Church is always keeping before our eyes what our dear Saviour has done for us! 

                                  SAINT GEORGE

1. MARTYRS IN THE EARLY CHURCH
In the early days of the Church, the heartless rulers of Rome considered it a crime to believe in Our Lord. Time and again, they gave orders to their soldiers to capture and put to death all those who believed in the God Who made heaven and earth. Thousands and thousands of Christians were cruelly tortured and killed because they loved Jesus and tried to serve Him.

Those who gave up their lives for the sake of our dear Lord are called martyrs. In this world the martyrs suffered imprisonment, torture, and death because they loved God. Our Heavenly Father has rewarded them, and now they are happy with Him in His kingdom.

Sometimes, in those terrible days, officers in the army, and men and women of high rank were put to death because they were Christians. The Roman soldiers had no need to go out and search for the brave St. George. His wisdom and bravery had won him promotion after promotion in the army. The emperor admired his faithful captain and had shown him many signs of friendship. However, as soon as the emperor sent out his commands against the Christian the noble heart of George felt that it could no longer serve the enemy of his God.

2. ST. GEORGE DIES FOR THE FAITH

George went to the emperor and said to him

"I am a Christian. No longer can I be a soldier of him who hates the God of the Christians.”

Then taking the shield from his breast and the sword from his belt, he continued,

"At your feet I place the gifts you gave me, because I will not use them against God's people."

The emperor laughed at the soldier he loved! He thought that this foolish notion would soon leave the mind of the bravest man in his guard.

"Go, my friend," he said, "and offer incense to our Roman gods. Forget your foolish notions."

But St. George refused to be sent away so easily. He informed the emperor that he had been serving the God of the Christians in secret for a long time. This news made the emperor angry, and he commanded the guards to cast George into prison. Here he was brutally treated. In his suffering Our Lord comforted him and said to him,

"Fear not, for I am with you."

The Emperor promised St. George his freedom if he would give up his faith. But the soldier reported to the emperor that nothing could shake the faith of his former favorite. The sentence of death was then pronounced. Soon St. George was numbered with the saints in heaven.

3. THE FEROCIOUS DRAGON

A very interesting story is told of St. George' battle with a dragon. This ugly monster had eyes that flashed fire, and rows of large, pointed teeth. Often it would dash through the wood tearing up by the roots trees that stood in its way. For years it had lived on the other animals of the forest, and its hunger was so great that most of the other wild animals had now disappeared. It began to attack the herds of cattle and the flocks of sheep. Young calves and sheep were its food for many a day. But even this did not satisfy the terrible dragon. It began to eat men, women, and children.

The poor people were angry when the dragon stole the calves and sheep from their flock But imagine how frantic they became when the wild beast of the forest began to eat the people! For a long time they did not know what to do. Finally they made an agreement to send daily to the dragon two sheep.

Things went well as long as the sheep were sent to the den of this monster. But after some time, there were no more sheep to send, and the calves had long ago disappeared. What could the frightened people do?

They decided on a plan which seems terrible to us. They agreed to send to the dragon each day two children, to be drawn by lot. What a dreadful sentence of death to give to the innocent children! Mothers wept bitterly, and the hearts of fathers were broken with grief, as they kissed their little ones good-bye before they were placed outside the city gates to be the food of the dragon.

4. A BRAVE GIRL

Finally, the lot fell upon the daughter of the ruler of the city. The news was a shock to him. He had seen the daughters of other men go forth to death, but had thought little of it. Now that his own beloved daughter was doomed, he rebelled. But the people of the town stormed about his home, and demanded that there be no exception. The choice by lot was final, whether it fell upon the daughter of the ruler or the daughter of the pauper. The ruler pleaded for his child, but the angry people paid no attention to him. The girl, however, had a nobler and braver nature than her father. She said to him very calmly,

"I shall gladly give myself for the people."

The people of the town really loved this hero girl. They were half inclined to choose another in her place. But the girl had made up her mind that she was not to be an exception to the rule Her day of fate finally came. She appeared at the gates of the city dressed in a flowing white dress, with her brown hair falling in curls to her waist. Many of the townsfolk had come to bid her farewell. Her grief-stricken father kissed her over and over again. The feeble old keeper of the gates regretfully opened them. The girl passed through and gave a fond last look at her weeping friends. The gates were closed again.
The sad-hearted people thought that they had seen the girl for the last time. When the gates were closed, the doomed girl gave way to her feelings and wept bitterly. Until now, for her father's sake, she had kept her courage in a wonderful manner. Now, alone on her way to death, she did not need to care.

5. SAVED FROM DEATH BY ST. GEORGE

Slowly the white-clad figure passed along the footpath that led to the swampy part of the forest to which the dragon carried his prey. Suddenly she was startled by the sound of a horse's hoofs. She turned around and saw a soldier on a large white horse, galloping toward the gates of the city. Knowing that he would have to cross her path, she dried her eyes and tried to smile. The rider stopped his horse on the road in front of the girl. The soldier wondered where this pretty child was going. He asked her a question or two, and the poor girl could hide her tears no longer. She told him the story of the dragon and the casting of lots. Imagine his amazement when she told him that she was on her way to death!

The soldier could not understand how the men in the town would permit such an outrage He said to the girl,

"Wait here and I shall slay this monster."

The brave girl begged him to hurry to the city lest he too should die. But fear was never known to enter the heart of Saint George, for such was the name of the soldier.

St. George made the sign of the cross, and called upon God to come to his help. With his horse he dashed into the woods, and soon beheld a hideous beast approaching him. The horse was frightened. He snorted and raised himself up on his hind legs. St. George spurred him on to attack the fiery-eyed dragon. Opening its jaws, again and again the hissing dragon snapped at the horse. Several times St. George struck the beast on the head with his lance, but the blows did little harm. They only enraged the dragon more and more. The ugly beast rose to its full height, opened its mouth wider than ever, and leaped for the horse's neck. The horse made a quick turn and the dragon fell to the ground. St. George hastened to take advantage of this, and drove his lance through the jaws of the beast, pinning it to to ground.

The story goes that he firmly tied the head of the dragon, and had the brave girl lead it to the city. The people were terrified as the smiling girl led their ugly enemy into their midst. The women ran screaming to their homes. Men pretended not to fear, but their hearts were trembling.

St. George on his handsome white steed followed close behind the dragon. He told the people as he passed that they need have no fear because the true God had given him power over the dragon. He urged them to be converted and baptized. "Believe in the great God Who has given me this victory," he said, "and I shall kill the dragon this day."

God blessed St. George in his fight with the dragon because He wished to make known to the people His great power. The people of the town were soon converted and baptized. They gave rich gifts to St. George, but this true friend of God gave everything to the poor. No greater reward could be given to him than to see the people believe in the God Whom he loved and served, and to see their lives freed not only from the cruel dragon but from the pagan gcds whom they had served. St. George was a brave loyal soldier of his country and a holy faithful soldier of his God.
                                                    ~ A Child’s Garden on Religion Stories, Imprimatur 1929 ~

COPY AND FILL IN THE BLANKS
1. Those are called martyrs who ____________________________________.
2. George said to the emperor   ____________________________________________________ .
3. The emperor was angry when he heard that George ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.
4. The dragon first ate; then, and finally _____________________________________________.
5. The last plan of the frantic people was ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.
6. Before fighting with the dragon, George __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.
7. The greatest reward that the people could give George was ________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.

Two coloring pictures of this Saint can be found below:

THE Church continues to rejoice and praise God for the Resurrection of Christ and sings accordingly at the Introit of this day's Mass: Shout with joy to God all the earth, alleluia: Sing ye a psalm to his name, alleluia. Give glory to his praise, alleluia, allel. allel. (Ps.lx.-v.)

Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! In the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee. Glory &c.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH. O God, who showest the light of Thy truth to such as go astray, that they may return to the way of righteousness, grant that all, who profess the Christian name, may forsake whatever is contrary to that profession, and closely pursue what is agreeable to it. Through &c.

EPISTLE, (i Peter ii. n 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 evil doers, 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 thanks-worthy, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

EXPLANATION. St. Peter here urges the Christians to regard themselves as strangers and pilgrims upon this earth, looking upon temporal goods only as borrowed things, to which they should not attach their hearts, for death will soon deprive them of all. He then admonishes them as Christians to live in a Christian manner, to edify and lead to truth the Gentiles who hated and calumniated them.

This should especially be taken to heart by those Catholics who live among people of a different religion; for they can edify them by the faithful and diligent practice of their holy religion, and by a pure, moral life lead them to the truth; while by lukewarmness and an immoral life, they will only strengthen them in their error, and thus injure the Church. St. Peter also requires the Christians to obey the lawful authority, and therefore, to pay all duties and taxes faithfully, because it is the will of God who has instituted lawful authority. Christ paid the customary tribute for Himself and Peter, (Matt. xvii. 26.) and St. Paul expressly commands that toll and taxes should be paid to whomsoever they are due. (Rom. xiii. 7.) St. Peter finally advises servants to obey their masters whether these are good or bad, and by so doing be agreeable to God who will one day reward them.

ASPIRATION. Grant me the grace, O Jesus! to consider myself a pilgrim as long as I live and as such to use the temporal goods. Give me patience in adversities, and so strengthen me, that I may willingly obey the lawful authority, though its laws and regulations should come hard and its tribute press upon me.

GOSPEL. (John xvi. 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.

What is the meaning of Christ's words: A little while and you shall not see me and again a little while and you shall see me?
St. Chrysostom applies these words, which Christ spoke to His apostles a few hours before His passion, to the time between the death of Jesus and His Resurrection; but St. Augustine, to the time between the Resurrection and the Ascension, and then to the Last Judgment at the end of the world, and he adds: "This little while seems long to us living, but ended, we feel how short it is. "In affliction we should console ourselves by reflecting, how soon it will terminate, and that it cannot be compared with the future glory, that is awaiting eternally in heaven him who patiently endures.

Why did our Saviour tell His disciples of their future joys and sufferings?
That they might the more easily bear the sufferings that were to come, because we can be prepared for sufferings which we know are pending; because He knew that their sufferings would be only slight and momentary in comparison with the everlasting joy which awaited them, like the pains of a woman in giving birth to a child, which are great indeed, but short, and soon forgotten by the mother in joy at the birth of the child. "Tell me" says St. Qhysostom, "if you wer elected king but were obliged to spend the night preceding your entrance into your capital city where you were to be crowned; if you were compelled to pass that night in much discomfort in a stable, would you not joyfully endure it in the expectation of your kingdom? And why should not we, in this valley of tears, willingly live through adversities, in expectation of one day obtaining the kingdom of heaven?"

PETITION. Enlighten me, O Holy Spirit! that I may realize that this present life and all its hardships are but slight and momentary, and strengthen me that I may endure patiently the adversities of life in the hope of future heavenly joys.

CONSOLATION IN TRIALS AND ADVERSITIES.
You shall lament and weep. (John xvi. 20.)
THAT Christian is most foolish who fancies that the happiness of this world consists in honors, wealth, and pleasures, while Christ, the eternal Truth, teaches the contrary, promising eternal happiness to the poor and oppressed, and announcing eternal affliction and lamentation to those rich ones who have their comfort in this world. How much, then, are those to be pitied who as Christians believe, and yet live as if these truths were not for them, and who think only how they can spend their days in luxury, hoping at the same time to go to heaven where all the saints, even Christ the Son of God Himself, has entered only by crosses and sufferings.

PRAYER IN TRIBULATION. O good Jesus! who hast revealed, that we can enter heaven only by many tribulations , (Acts xiv. 21.) hast called them blessed who in this world are sad, oppressed, and persecuted, but patiently suffer, and who hast also taught us, that without the will of Thy Heavenly Father, not one hair of our head can perish: (Luke xxi. 18.) I therefore submit entirely to Thy divine will, and beg Thy grace to endure all adversities for Thy sake, that after this life of misery I may enjoy eternal happiness with Thee in heaven.

On Wednesday's as well as sharing a chapter from each of our books, "Little Therese" and "Jesus of Nazareth," we will be posting from another book called, "Catholic Ceremonies."  It has an imprimatur of 1896. 

Here is a little from the preface, "This volume, it is hoped, will be the handbook of all those who love to inform themselves upon those ceremonies of which they are too often blind and unappreciative spectators."

You can find it on our Catholic Reading blog.

The walls of the sheep-fold were strong. The gate was locked and a watchman was beside it. The sheep and the lambs felt safe so they were sleeping.

Through the dark night a robber came creeping and crawling over the back wall.

He wanted to steal the sheep one by one and pass them to the thieves outside. Then they were going to lead the sheep far away.

The robber called the sheep hoping that they would come to him trustingly. Then he could pick them up without any noise.

But the robber could not trick those sheep. Even the wee woolly lambs knew that he was not their good shepherd.

They knew what their shepherd did. He always came in by the gate. This man came over the back wall. They knew their shepherd's voice. This man's voice was strange. All the sheep were frightened. They began to bleat loudly. The watchman came running and the robber got no sheep.

In the morning a man came in by the door. He had been hired to take care of the sheep, but they were afraid of the hireling, too. He might take them where the grass was good but he could not be trusted. If a wolf came he would not care how many sheep were torn or how many lambs were killed. He would be careful to save himself from the wolf's teeth. He would run away and leave them to die.

So the sheep would not go with him. Then the good shepherd came to the gate of the fold. He called each sheep by its own name, for he knew and loved each one, and he had always taken good care of them. Every old sheep and every wee woolly lamb jumped up and came running to him, for they knew his voice and they trusted him. He would lead them where the water was cool and the grass fresh and good. If the wolf came he would drive it far away and never let a lamb be torn. So the sheep followed the good shepherd.

The people understood that story. The Pharisees were at best like hirelings, at worst like robbers. Wise men would not follow them. The Good Shepherd was Jesus. Wise men would follow Him. The Pharisees understood, also. The good ones looked down for they were ashamed. The proud ones stared at Jesus and scowled, saying to themselves, "We will kill Him as soon as we can find a way."

But Our Lord went on speaking gently: "I am the Good Shepherd. I know Mine and Mine know Me. I will never let the wolf tear My lambs. I will die to save My sheep."

This puzzled and worried Our Lord's real friends. They knew that wicked men were plotting to kill Him, but couldn't He save Himself? Jesus was wise and strong. People wanted Him for their king. Must He die? But Our Lord said again: "I am the Good Shepherd. I will die to save My sheep. No one will take My life from Me. I can lay down My life, and I can take i t up again. I will die but I will live again."

The apostles were even more puzzled. They thought that Jesus was going to be a king sitting on a golden throne, giving money to good people and punishing bad ones. Why should He suffer and die? We know that Our Lord was not going to be that kind of king; but we wonder, sometimes, why He suffered so much. He could have saved us by offering up one tear. Why did He let wicked men drag Him along the streets, strike Him with cruel whips, and nail Him to a cross to die?

There are many great and holy reasons, but here is one that will help us now: Strong and wonderful graces come to us from each of Our Lord's sufferings. As soon as we think of Our Saviour whipped or crowned with thorns or dying for us, grace comes into our souls. We remember our sins. Then we begin to be truly sorry for them, because our sins caused Him so much pain. We promise Our Lord to try our best to be good, and we do try harder to do right. We begin to follow Jesus closely, as closely as the lambs followed the good shepherd.
                                                                           - Living in God's Grace, Imprimatur 1941 -

A coloring picture of the Good Shepherd can be found below:

BECAUSE of the joyous Resurrection of Christ, and the graces flowing to us on account of it, the Church sings at the Introit of the Mass: The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia; by the word of the Lord the heavens were established, alleluia, alleluia. Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright. (Ps. xxii.) Glory be to the Father, &c.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH. O God, who in the humility of Thy Son hast raised up a fallen world; grant to Thy faithful a perpetual joyfulness; that whereas Thou hast rescued them from the perils of
eternal death, Thou mayest bring them to the fruition of everlasting joy. Through &c.

EPISTLE, (i Pet. ii. 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 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.

EXPLANATION. St. Peter teaches the Christians patience in misery and afflictions, even in unjust persecution, and for this purpose places before them the example of Christ who, though most innocent, suffered most terribly and most patiently. Are we true sheep of the good Shepherd if at the smallest cross, at every word, we become angry and impatient?

ASPIRATION, O Lord Jesus! grant me the grace to follow Thee, my good Shepherd, and not to complain and make threats whenever I am reprimanded, reviled or persecuted for justice' sake.

GOSPEL. (John x. n 16.) AT THAT TME, 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.

How has Christ proved Himself a good Shepherd?
By sacrificing His life even for His enemies, for those who did not yet love Him, (I John iv. 10; Rom. v. 8.) and could not reward Him. He has besides given Himself to us for our food.

How are we to know if we are among the sheep of Christ, that is, His chosen ones?
If we listen willingly to the voice of the Shepherd in sermons and instructions, in 'spiritual books and conversations; are obedient to it, and especially give ear and follow the rules of the Church through which the Good Shepherd speaks to us, (Luke x. 16.) "for he," says St. Augustine, "who has not the Church for his 'mother, will not have God for his father;" if we gladly receive the food of the Good Shepherd, that is, His sacred Body and Blood in holy Communion; if we are patient and meek as a lamb, freely forgiving our enemies; if we love all men from our heart, do good to them, and seek to bring them to Jesus.

Who are the other sheep of Christ?
The Gentiles who were not of the fold of Israel, whom Christ sought to bring by His disciples, and now by their successors, into His fold. To these sheep we also belonged by our ancestors. O how grateful we should be to God, that He has brought us into the fold of His Church, and how diligently should we conduct ourselves as good sheep!

When will there be but one fold and one shepherd?
When, by the prayers of the Church and by her missionaries, all nations shall be converted to the only saving Church, constituting then one Church under one head. Let
us pray that this may soon come to pass.

PRAYER. O Lord Jesus! Thou Good Shepherd who on the cross didst give Thy life for Thy sheep,grant us, we beseech Thee, by Thy death, the grace to be faithful to Thy voice and teachings like obedient lambs that we may be one day numbered among Thy chosen ones in heaven.

INSTRUCTION ON HOPE.
I lay down my life for my sheep. (John x. 15*)

What has Christ obtained for us by His death?
THE remission of our sins, the grace to lead a life pleasing to God in this world, and eternal happiness in the next, for which we now firmly hope, with secure confidence may now expect, and most assuredly will obtain, if we do not fail on our part.

In what does eternal happiness consist?
In the beatific vision of God, which includes the most perfect love of Him, by which those who are saved become, as it were, one with Him, possessing in this union everything that they can possibly desire.

What are the necessary means of obtaining eternal happiness?
The grace of God, that is, His continual assistance; the practice of the three divine virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity; the keeping of God's commandments ; the frequent use of the holy Sacraments, and constant prayer. These means must be diligently employed, for "God who", as St. Augustine says, "created us without us, will not save us without us," that is, without our cooperation.

What may especially enable us to hope for eternal happiness?
The infinite mercy and goodness of God, who from all eternity has loved us more than an earthly mother, and because of this love did not even spare His only-begotten Son, but gave Him up, for our sake, to the most bitter death. Will He then deny us heaven, He who in giving us His Son, has given us more than heaven itself? The fidelity of God: He has so often promised us eternal happiness, and in so many texts of Scripture so clearly explained that He wishes us to be saved , that He must keep His promise, for He is eternal truth and cannot deceive. (Heb. vi. 18.). He says not yes today, and no tomorrow, there is no change in Him, nor shadow of alteration. (James i. 17.) The omnipotence of God, who can do all that He pleases, whom no one can oppose or prevent from doing what He will; if we have confidence in the rich and honest man who assures us he will assist us in need, how much more should we hope in the goodness, fidelity, and omnipotence of God!

When should we make an act of Hope?
As soon as we come to the use of reason and are sufficiently instructed concerning this virtue and its motives; in time of trouble or of severe temptation against this virtue; when receiving the holy Sacraments; every morning and evening, and especially at the hour of death._

The same thing is to be observed in regard to acts of Faith and Love.
                                                                   
                                                                   -Goffine's Devout Instruction, Imprimatur 1888-

I know this is almost a week late, better late than never.  We as a family do this every year on Low Sunday. 

In the early ages of the Church many people were baptized during the long ceremonies which nowadays are held early on Easter Saturday morning, but which were then held during the night of Easter Saturday. After the blessing of the font came the baptism of the neophytes, who afterwards dressed themselves in white garments as a sign of their new cleanness of soul. They wore these garments all day and every day until Low Sunday, which came to be called: "The Sunday for the leaving-off of white garments." It is believed that the day came to be called Low Sunday in this country because of the insistence on lowliness and childlikeness in the introit of the day's Mass.

Low Sunday could be an occasion   for the renewing of baptismal vows. The story of this Sunday, "in albis depositis" could first be explained to them, then the ceremony of baptism, then the promises that were undertaken on their behalf by their godparents. One could make the baptismal promises once more, this time on their own behalf.

 

RENEWAL OF BAPTISM
The ceremony for this can be found below:
 
Pr.: What do you ask of the Church of God?

Members: Faith.

P.: What does faith bring you to?

M.: Life everlasting.

P.: If, then, you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul, and with your whole mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

M.: Amen.

P.: Do you renounce Satan?

M.: I do renounce him.

P.: And all his works?

M.: I do renounce them.

P.: And all his pomps?

M.: I do renounce them.

P.: Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth?

M.: I do believe.

P.: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born into this world and suffered for us?

M.: I do believe.

P.: Do you believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

M.: I do believe.

P.: Pray, then, kneel down and say the "Our Father."

Kneeling, everyone says slowly together the "Our Father." Everyone participating then takes a lighted candle and says:
 
P.: Receive this burning light, and without fail be true to your baptism, that when our Lord shall come to claim his own you may be worthy to meet him, together with all the saints in the heavenly court, and live for ever and ever.

M.: Amen.

P.: Receive the sign of the cross upon your forehead and also in your heart, and in your manners be such that you may now be the temple of God.

M.: Amen.

P.: Peace be with you.

M.: And with your spirit.

All stand with the burning candles in their hands and conclude with a hymn.

                                                        - A Candle is Lighted, Imprimatur 1954 -

We pray you all had a Joyous Easter.  We will be back at putting the Sunday Sermons up starting with the 2nd Sunday after Easter and the Children's Chapter books will be added once again starting with April 17th. 

I came across the following information and it really gives one "food for thought!"

COMMUNICATO IN SACRIS  (Lat., joining in sacred acts). The act by which a Catholic joins publicly in divine worship with non-Catholics or excommunicated persons. Catholics may not participate actively in non-Catholic religious services, and anyone so doing becomes suspect of heresy; mere material presence may be tolerated on certain occasions…….

  1941 Catholic Dictionary - Attwater

If an ordinary Catholic may not participate without suspect of heresy, what does that say of an archbishop who was an active participant?

We will be continuing our Easter celebration by spending time with our family and getting other household duties done.  We hope to be back on here in a couple of weeks.  Please keep us in your prayers.  The Willsons