... the day before The Day ...

Big day, tomorrow ... and not just for all Christians, but for all peoples ... that's what I believe.

"We are the Easter people," Pastor Jim Miles of First Prez-Fort Stockton would remind us, and not just in the days leading up to Easter, but throughout the year. And that is what we affirm tomorrow, the day for which we have been preparing over the past six weeks, the day for which we live - or at least try to live - at all times.

A promise was made on a joyful, star-lit night, in a stable in Bethlehem ... but that promise was kept on a bloody, storm-darkened day, on a hill outside of Jerusalem ... and later in a place of tombs in the early morning.

A photo I took on a highway north of Mason, Texas.

Big day tomorrow, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ ... big day ... THE day, really. But I find myself wondering what it was like the day before The Day ... what was it like during those long hours that passed between Christ's crucifixion and his resurrection? I can't help but think it's easier for us, two-thousand years later, with the benefit of hindsight, with the Word in our hands, our minds, our hearts. But back then ... right then, right there? What was it like for the followers of Jesus on THAT very first day before The Day?

I've always felt a little sorry for Peter, one of the first (and perhaps the greatest) of Jesus' disciples. How many times have I listened to some discussion in Sunday school that included talking some smack about Peter and his shortcomings ... it's especially pronounced now, as we are reminded for the umpteenth time of his denial of Jesus outside the house where Christ was being held. What must it have been like - that day before The Day - for Peter?

Of course, that was Peter before The Day, and before Pentecost. The man that emerges from all that is someone and something else entirely. There is still a growing, learning, developing spirit and awareness in him ... but there is no longer any doubt, or any denial.

But before that? I can only imagine ... because I know, now, and I believe ...

He is risen ...

Christ is risen, indeed ...

Alleluia! Amen!

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for April 8

Holy Saturday

Readings of the Day

“Dear brothers and sisters, on this most sacred night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church calls upon her sons and daughters, scattered throughout the world, to come together to watch and pray. If we keep the memorial of the Lord’s paschal solemnity in this way, listening to his word and celebrating his mysteries, then we shall have the sure hope of sharing his triumph over death and living with him in God.”

So begins the solemn blessing of the Easter Vigil. If you have never experienced this liturgy, consider doing so this year!

Of this magnificent liturgy’s many symbols and rituals, the baptismal liturgy is especially significant for social ministers. The baptismal font and waters are blessed; new Christians are baptized and confirmed; baptismal vows are renewed; and the entire assembly is blessed with the baptismal water.

The Vigil’s baptismal liturgy closes with this prayer: “And may almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and bestowed on us forgiveness of our sins, keep us by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord, for eternal life.”

And how many times are we bearers of new water to suffering victims? In 2016, a poisoned water crisis in Flint, Michigan came to a head. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency in Genesee County, of which Flint is the major population center. Shortly thereafter, President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency. Between 6,000 and 12,000 children were exposed to drinking water with high levels of lead. As a parish minister that year, I transferred newly blessed baptismal water from one worship site of our parish (which hosted the Vigil that year) to our two other worship sites. And I prayed for our Michigan neighbors who did not have safe, life-giving water.

Many of us assist or have assisted disaster response efforts, often providing life-giving water. This Easter - as we experience the Vigil’s blessing of baptismal water and many sprinkling rites during the season- may we be ever mindful of our neighbors who lack this life-saving element for cooking, washing, and drinking, while supporting our colleagues on the ground who provide this life-giving element.

Steve Herro is a Norbertine brother of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Wisc. A past staff member of CCUSA, he presently serves the Church as a trained spiritual director, archivist, blogger, small group facilitator, and volunteer for local charitable agencies.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for April 2

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Readings of the Day

How do you survive the “Passions” of life? Jesus went from the high of riding into Jerusalem to the sound of cheers and praise on a donkey to the low of hanging on a cross in excruciating pain, feeling completely abandoned. Where was God in all of this? Where is God in the natural disasters, the violence and the political injustice?

Jesus turned to his roots and cried out the psalms of his taught faith. But before he was taught his faith, he had an experience of God and unconditional love.

I was blessed to have the experience of God through the unconditional love of my family who also taught me my faith.

But there is such a large population of people who are not born into love but into hopelessness and, many times, violence. It is hard to imagine the emptiness or void. Many children grow up thinking the odds are slim they will live past 17. This provides a “do what you can, while you can” outlook on life.

When I hear the stories, one after another, of our incarcerated brothers and sisters, it is like hearing the passion narrative replayed in modern times. Sixty percent (60%)* of the incarcerated did not stay grounded in reality due to drugs, and many made any choice possible to try and eliminate their pain, at the expense of others. Family, society and systems had abandoned so many of them, and “love” only came with a price.

There is a powerful line in our Apostles Creed: He descended into hell. We believe Jesus took on our sins and redeemed them. We envision Jesus becoming one with those who lived a life of hell, a life of hopelessness: those not knowing any other option existed beyond “I’m going to be dead by 17.”

When someone reaches out and provides an experience of unconditional love to another, it provides a context to comprehend the unconditional love of God. Many come to realize that Jesus has been accompanying them through their hell, died for them, and has redeemed them. Their transformation is unbelievable to witness; a true resurrection. Why did they have to live a lifetime of hell, while I had a lifetime of unconditional love? That's a question for God in the next life. But their transformations have touched my life now in deep, deep places and transformed me. It is a gift not taken for granted.

Sharing the gift of unconditional love and allowing the exchange to transform us both is what Jesus lived, suffered, and died to teach us. The call to love one another and accompany each other through our passions is the Gospel message, as Jesus demonstrated in the Passion narrative today. We are all called to be one.

Karen Clifton is Executive Coordinator of Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for April 1

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Today we read in Ezekiel about the hope of God’s plan to return all His scattered children, provide protection, multiply them, dwell with them forever, and make with them a covenant of peace. In stark contrast, the plot to kill Jesus is revealed in John’s Gospel in the meeting of the chief priests and the Pharisees. The image of God’s arms embracing His children and gathering them to Himself is overwhelming to imagine, yet it is horrifically and beautifully laid bare in Christ’s passion and death at the hands of those who feared His presence and the effects it could have on their lives.

Fear of the unknown can make us do strange things, even in the best of circumstances. Fear of reaching out to that person who hurt us, or fear of someone who looks or speaks differently than us can cause us to act out of pride and not love. As Catholic Charities, we have the unique privilege of embracing others in hope and charity rather than fear to provide a space to bring together those who are marginalized. We participate with God in gathering His children to Him through our life-giving programs and provide an example to others in the community to follow.

Today, let us reflect on the privilege of being able to advocate, love, and empower those we serve. And may we embrace the weight of Holy Week with the knowledge of God’s assurance that no matter the distance, He loved us to His death and, as the Good Shepherd, will always seek to find us even in our fearful moments.

Cindy Self is the Director of Volunteers for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Since becoming Catholic through RCIA 30 years ago, she has been active in many aspects of parish life. She founded the Garden of Holy Innocents, a memorial garden for pregnancy and infant loss at Divine Mercy parish after experiencing her own losses. For 25 years and counting, she is the wedding coordinator at the parish as well.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 31

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Here we are celebrating the last Friday before Holy Week. The readings for today could be the readings for Good Friday. They speak of the upcoming death of the Lord, and Jeremiah talks about "terror on every side" and "the whisperings of many." Jeremiah is facing persecution himself, but the words can clearly be applied to the sufferings that Jesus was about to face.

The Pascal Mystery is about to unfold before us. The glorious entry into Jerusalem will be celebrated this coming Sunday. The gift of the Eucharist and Holy Orders will be remembered on Holy Thursday with the call for each of us to do what Jesus did, which is to serve the needs of others. After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus says, "I'm giving you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do." Of course, the following Sunday we will celebrate the glory of the Resurrection. The Pascal Mystery is that Jesus suffered and died for us so that all of us can share in the wonder and gift of His resurrection.

Let us make Holy Week special as we celebrate the Lord's sacrificial love for us. May this week be, for all of us, a mini retreat as we rejoice in the gift from God, who sent His Son so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.

Fr. John Enzler is President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 30

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

The readings today lead us to think about relationships.

A covenant is a relationship classically defined as an agreement, sometimes in the form of a contract. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines covenant as a “solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being involving mutual commitments or guarantees,” such as we see in the first reading. God is making a commitment to Abraham and asking for his commitment in return.

Our nation’s conference of bishops also defines Catholic Social Teaching as a covenant: “…it is a central and essential element of our faith. Its roots are in the Hebrew prophets who announced God's special love for the poor and called God's people to a covenant of love and justice.”

When we help someone in need, either through our work at Catholic Charities or in our day-to-day lives, we are extending God’s covenant with us, and inviting them into this relationship. It’s not something private between us and God to be tucked away. No matter how small, we should strive to view any encounter with the least among us as fulfilling our covenant with God.

We are called to share God’s love with others in our daily encounters.

How are you using your day-to-day encounters to build up and invite others into a covenantal relationship with God?

Diane Zbasnik is the Parish Administrator for St. Austin Catholic Church and School in Austin, Texas. She is formerly a Diocesan Social Action Director for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 29

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

One beautiful attribute of the Catholic tradition is the thoughtful way Church readings connect.

The first reading, from Deuteronomy, shares the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s miraculous departure from the fiery furnace without blemish. Through their steadfast courage and conviction to serve only God, they were delivered from torture and evil. They trusted God and were faithful to God alone. They knew God as the only true God, and it set them free from the fire - a hopeless situation.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus questions his persecutors’ connection as Abraham’s descendants, because they are trying to kill him. Although different from the story in Deuteronomy, there is similarity. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a strong faith and trust in God to deliver them from death, just as Jesus knew he would be delivered from the torture he must endure.

As Abraham’s descendants, we are called to be faithful in honoring God, trust in his protection, and continue the work He has called us to do. The Word empowers us, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to fearlessly serve God and bring the message of the Divine love to those we encounter.

As disciples, we are called and commissioned through the Sacrament of Baptism to continue Christ’s mission. It is a mission that calls us out into the world to bring the healing, help, and hope of God to those in society, regardless of their circumstances. It is a mission that invites us to trust that God will provide and protect when we are persecuted for our commitment to protect and honor the dignity of all humanity, from womb to tomb. There may be times we are called to walk in places we might fear, yet we know God will not forsake us, because He is faithful.

As we continue our social mission - to share the Gospel through actions and words of Christ’s compassion with all we encounter - may we find strength in the courage our ancestors demonstrated, and the steadfast love Christ shared with all humanity. Let us be strong, courageous, and faithful to God as we work to bring compassion, love, and healing to those we encounter.

Jeanne Adamske, MAPS, MBA, is the Chief of Staff at Catholic Charities St. Louis. She has served in Church ministry for over fifteen years and continues to carry out Christ’s mission in the world, sharing His compassion, love, and care through ministry work in the world.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 28

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:24

Each and every person walking the earth today suffers from a fallen nature. We are sinners; there is no exception. We need a remedy for our nature and our behavior ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 27

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

As I prayed with today’s readings – the disturbing story of Susanna in the Book of Daniel, the all-too-familiar words of Psalm 23, and Jesus’ challenging the Pharisees in John’s Gospel – I asked God for help in seeing what God wants to show me in these stories. The piece that caught my attention is the word walk ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 26

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Readings of the Day

Jesus cried out in loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, "Untie him and let him go."

This powerful gospel near the end of our Lenten season is a hint of Easter's glory in the One who is the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus the Lord. It is the same One, who in the Bible's shortest verse, wept at the sight of the grief shared by his close friends, Mary and Martha. But there is also in today's gospel a commission given to all the disciples of Jesus, and certainly to those associated with the work of Catholic Charities - "Untie them and let them go!"

Like Lazarus, there are so many among us who are tied hand and foot and whose faces are wrapped and hidden in cloth. Think of those bound by addictions, poverty, mental illness, prison bars, the experience of having been trafficked, the horrific memories of persecution in homelands they have fled, fears in facing an untimely pregnancy or of being deported, to name a few. These and so many other vulnerable lives often have faces wrapped and hidden in a cloth of guilt, shame, hopelessness and despair.

It is these entombed lives we encounter in our Catholic Charities work, whether as staff or volunteers; and to us Jesus now says: "Untie them and let them go!" It is through the combination of our compassion, skills, and services that we seek to free and bring new life to these fragile and suffering children of God. In so doing, we also give a hint of Easter's glory and tangible credibility to our Easter proclamation that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life!

Deacon Lucio Caruso served in Catholic Charities agencies for 20 years and is currently Pastoral Administrator for a multi-cultured parish in Louisville, KY.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 25

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Readings of the Day

Today we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord, a day which changed the course of human history, and a day that’s very special in my life. Human history was altered because Mary’s YES to God’s plan enabled our God to come and live among us; certainly that makes it special. But it’s extra special to me as 33 years ago today my youngest daughter Lauren was born.
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary with God’s plan, she had every right to be overwhelmed. Certainly, it wasn’t what she was expecting. She was troubled and didn’t quite understand how things were going to work. It’s not that different from responding to flash floods or hurricanes, preparing for an onslaught of Afghani refugees on top of our regular work, or dealing with a spike in homelessness when affordable housing is virtually non-existent. She asked questions, she pondered the possibilities, and then she made a decision to trust God and his plan, memorialized by her fiat – “I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” Mary’s trust enabled her to go “all in.”
My birthday girl Lauren went to the University of Dayton, founded by the Marianist Brothers. She told me once, “Dad, just like Mary, we’re all called to be Christ-bearers to the world.” I had never thought of it in those terms. Each of us is called to use our unique gifts to bring God’s love to the streets. The many ministries of Catholic Charities give us the opportunity to embrace that challenge. They put us on the front lines, in the “field hospital,” face-to-face with the vulnerable and voiceless. Our work allows us to witness to the dignity and worth of those we serve and to change the course of many lives, one relationship at a time.
Let’s strive to see with God’s eyes as we look at what’s in front of us. Let’s ask questions - let’s ponder the possibilities - but then let’s ask what he’s calling us to do to bring his love into the world. And then, like Mary, let’s trust and say, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.”
Deacon Scott Haner is a permanent Deacon for St. Patrick parish in Louisville, KY. He has served on the Boards of Catholic Charities of Louisville, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, Louisville Council, and is active in several mission projects.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 24

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34)

Those of us who have the privilege of serving in the field of immigration legal services know all too well what it means to be “close to the brokenhearted.”

Families needlessly separated for decades by outdated immigration laws. Mothers deported away from their children. Asylum seekers returned to countries from which they fled for their lives. And when our systems fail them, our hearts break, too.

We are comforted by our faith in God’s nearness to those who are deeply suffering. We do our best to express that nearness through our work supporting community-based organizations serving low-income immigrants across the United States. We see our work as demonstrating the love of God by extending a hand of welcome and support to vulnerable immigrant families, whenever possible, and to accompany them on their journeys.

The additional two readings from today also reflect an important truth from which we draw hope: that, despite all the horrible things going on in the world today, the truth, goodness, and love of Christ has the final word. In the first reading, the “wicked” plot to kill the “just one,” but they don’t account for the “hidden counsels of God.” In the Gospel, Jesus’ life is threatened as he performs his miracles and proclaims the truth of who he is. His enemies try to arrest him, but “no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.”

God’s ways are mysterious; we are often unable to perceive how his way of love triumphs amid so much suffering and brokenness facing our immigrant brothers and sisters. But, as we approach Easter, our hope increases, and we pray for the light of faith to guide us. We pray that we can reflect that light to others through our work of welcome.

Anna Gallagher is executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., or CLINIC.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 23

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

How many times have you asked for a sign from God? I know I have on occasion. “God, if you just give me a sign, I will know what to do.” People ask for signs from God because they want to use it as a tangible example of how the divine is working in their life. But what happens when we cannot see the signs, even if they are right in front of us? We become like the Israelites in today’s first reading:

“They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshiping it.”

God gave the Israelites multiple signs throughout their exodus from Egypt, yet still, they lost their faith in the divine presence. I know I can relate to that. We get so caught up in searching for signs to prove that God is working in our lives that we forget to recognize how much God has already done for us. Jesus was saying the same thing in today’s Gospel reading:

“You search the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf.”

God the Father gave us the ultimate sign: his only-begotten son, Jesus. For those of us working in social ministry, it is easy to get caught up in the daily ‘to do’ list that we lose sight of the divine presence. How many signs do we really need? When will enough be enough?

Lent is a perfect time to take an extra deep breath and look for the divine right under our noses. We do not need a burning bush or a sea to part to know that God is living within us and among us. God always has been there and always will be there, we just need to take the time to recognize it.

Catherine Orr serves as Coordinator fof the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors and as Pastoral Associate at Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon, WI.

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... March 2023 Newsletter"

The Synod of the Sun is is a network of Presbyterians from 11 Presbyteries, approximately 700+ Congregations, in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Over 150,000 members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Synod of the Sun of the serves Christ by connecting, equipping, and empowering Presbyterians for Christ's mission within and beyond the Synod's bounds.

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Synod Assembly Selects Rev. Dr. Steve Shive as Bridge Interim Synod Leader/Stated Clerk

At the Spring 2023 Assembly of Synod of the Sun, the Rev. Dr. Steve Shive was unanimously affirmed to become the Bridge Interim Synod Leader/Stated Clerk of Synod of the Sun. Steve comes to us having finished his call as Interim Presbytery Executive for Grace Presbytery and will begin his ministry with us on March 15th.

“His current relationships with the other Presbytery leaders, his previous work with the Synod of the Sun, and his background in interim ministry make Steve an incredible choice for Bridge-Interim,” said Rev. Jeff Cranton, Moderator of the Synod’s Personnel Committee. “We are blessed to have his expertise as we move into the future God has planned ...

• Click here to read the rest of this report ...


A Collective Lent

By Kathy Lee-Cornell
Director of Partnership for Disaster Recovery

I’ve always loved the honesty of Lent. When else but on Ash Wednesday can you remind everyone, no matter how young or old you are, you are dust and to dust you shall return. Period.

This year, as I was considering what things I might give up and practices I might take on, it dawned on me how individualistically I have often approached Lent. One of my most important tasks in leading the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery is helping individuals to connect with something that often feels enormous and too overwhelming for one single person to feel like they have a place in the world of disaster ministry ...

• Click here to read the rest of this post ...


The Plight of the Southern Border

By Hill Kemp
Director of Partnership for Disaster Recovery

As the sun sets over south Texas, Caly Fernandez looks out over the tent city holding 9,000 people and sighs knowing that the desert night temperature will soon dive and those people face another night of misery. This Matamoros tent city is but one of many she advocates for as Director of Puentes de Cristo (Bridges for Christ). She knows the lucky ones have a blanket to cover themselves and their kids to try to keep warm. But the unlucky ones might have only a towel or their threadbare clothes.

Just two decades ago there were dozens of churches and hundreds of volunteers to look after the hapless migrants on both sides of the border ...

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Mo Ranch Launches Summit46

Mo-Ranch is launching a BRAND-NEW Conference this summer just for tweens! During Summit46, youth who are entering 4th through 6th grade come together to be inspired to grow in their faith by learning and living the words and deeds of our Lord Jesus Christ. Youth participants will gather together in the Hill Country for an unforgettable Mo-Ranch experience that’s filled with new friends, spiritual enrichment, worship, study and recreation.

Activities and recreation will include everything from taking a challenge on the Mo ropes course, games, energizers, vespers and popsicle parties, to sports, evening movies, swimming in the beautiful Guadalupe, singing God’s praises and more! Join us June 19-22, 2023 for this inaugural event!

• Register now at moranch.org/attend-a-conference. We can’t wait to see you!


¡Reserva le Feche/Save the Date!

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 22

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

For the past 5+ years, I have served in the Office of Living Justice with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. During this time, I have often marveled at the people I have encountered who are living the mission of peace and justice in their own lives and challenging me to do the same in mine. Whether through direct service, advocacy, works of mercy, or promoting justice, you bring the words of the Gospel to life for the people you serve ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 21

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

And it will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live... and will grow all kinds of trees for food ... whose fruit will be for food and whose leaves for healing.
Ez 47: 9

In today’s Gospel Jesus is persecuted for healing on the Sabbath. He encounters a man suffering from a lifetime of crippling infirmary and tells him to take up his mat and walk. A miracle by anyone’s standards! However, people don’t see the miracle but only the breaking of the Sabbath laws. And when they learn it was Jesus who did the healing, they persecute him, seeing not mercy but only violation ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 20

Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

Over the centuries, Saint Joseph has been known by many names and titles: Patron Saint of the Universal Church, of Workers, of Fathers, of the Unborn, and of a Happy Death, among others. Yet on this Saint Joseph’s Day 2023, his role as Patron of Migrants takes on particular significance.

We know little from the Gospels about Joseph. Despite this, one thing is certain ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 19

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Readings of the Day

Not as man sees does God see…but the Lord looks into the heart. 1 Sam 16:7

The readings this weekend all have the theme of darkness and light, blindness and sight. The Gospel today is one of the miracles of Jesus. He heals a blind man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees get mad at Jesus and the blind man. Then Jesus identifies himself as the Son of Man to the blind man. It is all about blindness -vs- seeing ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 17

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

When the scribe asks Jesus, “which is the first of all the commandments?” he poses a real challenge: there are 613 commandments in the Torah, and he asks Jesus to pick just one. But Jesus knows that the commandment to love God is primary, so his response satisfies the scribe. Then he adds that they must love their neighbors as themselves. Again, in the scribe’s eyes, he got it right.

But Jesus’ response to the scribe can be puzzling ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

From Catholic Charities USA ... "Lent Daily Reflection" for March 16

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Today’s readings and response are centered around turning towards God and opening up our hearts to Him and His will. We hear that of all the people, ever since their “fathers left the land of Egypt,” no one has obeyed God. They have toiled over their work for ages, with their backs towards Him ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.