Passion

Dear Friends in Christ,

This week and next week are called Passion tide because the readings and focus of the liturgy is on the imminent passion and death of the Lord. An ancient custom in the Church has been maintained here at St. John’s, namely the veiling of statues and images. This practice was regulated in the time before Vatican Council II. Today, the practice of veiling images from the Fifth Sunday of Lent to Holy Saturday is optional; all churches are required to veil images from Holy Thursday evening to Holy Saturday evening. We have decided to maintain the older custom because of its sign value.

From the beginning of Lent we have been without flowers and elaborate music, with few exceptions. We want to focus our attention on the Lord’s sojourn in the desert and accompany Him during His temptations with our fasting, prayers, and alms for the poor.

During these last two weeks of Lent, we enter more deeply into the spirit of this season by covering the beautiful statues and images in our church so that we can concentrate on the Lord
Who was taken away, out of the sight of His disciples and the people during the days of His passion.

Let this be a time of prayer and meditation on the Lord’s Passion so that we may come to know better the love of Christ, Who offered Himself as an innocent Victim for our sins. I suggest that you read the Passion of St. Mark and St. John during these days. You will find both of them in the “Celebrating the Eucharist” missalette. The St. Mark Passion is on pp. 114-124; the St. John Passion is on pp. 140-148. Or, you may find them in your Bible: Gospel of Mark chapters 14-15, Gospel of John chapters 18-19.

May the Passion of Christ be in our hearts these days so that we may see His glory at Easter.

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB News

Dear Friends in Christ,

Here are some news items that I wanted to share with you. First, we are grateful for the spiritual guidance of Fr. Antoninus Wall, O.P. (Fr. Tony) who preached our Lenten parish mission last week. Fr. Tony proved that age (84 years!) is no deterrent when it comes to imparting a powerful message that speaks to today’s problems.

Our PSA pledges are nearing $100,000. I am very grateful to all of you who have made a pledge so far. Please mark your calendars for our two penance services. This week the Vietnamese/ English penance service on March 26 begins at 7PM. Several visiting priest-confessors who also speak English, will be available for your Lenten confession. Next week on April 2 we have our English/Spanish penance service. Again, several confessors from other parishes will join us so you will have another opportunity to prepare for your Easter Communion.

SJB Festival 2009 News. Yes, there will be a festival for all of you who are looking forward to good food, fun, and fellowship. Our first meeting was held on Friday, and we’re looking for ideas and helping hands to make this year’s festival another success. Please consider being a part of this community-building effort.

Those of you who attend the 9:30AM Mass are aware that we have a large group of English and Spanish speaking Elect and Candidates who will complete their Christian Initiation at Easter. They are in the final stages of preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. Please keep them in your prayers during the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming them into the Church. We have reached the halfway point in our Lenten journey; many graces are coming. Let us continue our practices of prayer, fasting and works of mercy with renewed fervor, mindful that if the Lord Himself suffered temptations during His 40 days in the desert, then we can expect the Enemy to be working extra hard too. Vigilance and perseverance! Ask your guardian Angel to strengthen you.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Modesty

Dear Friends in Christ,

If you have ever visited the great cathedrals in Europe, especially St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, you know that even in summer visitors are required to dress appropriately. There are signs near the entrances that show what types of clothing are suitable for God’s house.

Dress codes are integral to our lives in civilized countries. Service personnel and businesses have uniforms to identify themselves. We wear distinctive dress to mark special occasions and special places. Certain clothing is appropriate for a formal evening. Other clothing is common in an office. Appropriate clothing is worn by hospital workers, construction workers, and restaurant staffs. Each type and cut of clothing has its characteristic appearance that identifies it with some place, event, or work. In general, what we wear sends others a message about how we want to present ourselves.

Modesty is a virtue that shows we know how to dress appropriately as Christians. A person who dresses modestly and in good taste shows personal self respect and security.

In an interview four young college age men were asked their reaction to immodestly dressed girls. They said that a girl who dresses immodestly sends a message to guys that she does not respect herself. This message in turn lowers the guy’s respect for her. They see immodest dress as a sign of insecurity and lack of self-confidence. Those who dress immodestly invite others to judge them according to what they see.

Here’s an objection: Fashions change; shouldn’t we dress according to the current fashion? Thirty or forty years ago the women fashions common today were used by women in the “red light district”, i.e. women of the street. Fashions change, but male psychology doesn’t. What women wear has an effect on men who see them. We could also object that men should have their minds on other things than women necklines and skirtlines, but they don’t. Fallen nature hasn’t changed in thirty years either.

You might ask: What guidelines should I follow to dress modestly, especially in
church?

Here at St. John’s we will soon have signs posted at the entrances and in the vestibule to give you a sense of what is appropriate dress in God’s house. Please take a moment to read them and use them as a guide to your choice of clothing when coming to Mass or for a visit.

Women and men who dress simply and modestly show inner strength and confidence that goes beyond appearance. There is an inner beauty that radiates out to others. Here’s an image that might help. Persons who dress immodestly are like a firecracker that explodes. It grabs our attention for a moment, but then it’s over. Persons who dress modestly are like a candle that glows. It draws attention and continues to shine forth its radiance.

“Let your light shine before all” (cf. Matt. 5, 16).

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand