Sunday Mass - March 22, 2026

Good afternoon and welcome to St. Good afternoon and welcome to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite you to join in the singing of We invite you to join in the singing of We invite you to join in the singing of all hymns and acclamations. all hymns and acclamations. all hymns and acclamations. Please join in our opening hymn found in Please join in our opening hymn found in Please join in our opening hymn found in your hymnals number 92. When I survey your hymnals number 92. When I survey your hymnals number 92. When I survey the wondrous cross, again that is number the wondrous cross, again that is number the wondrous cross, again that is number 92. [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music]

[music] [singing] >> In the name of the Father and of the Son

>> In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the the love of God and the communion of the the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. My brothers and sisters, let us My brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare acknowledge our sins and so prepare acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred ourselves to celebrate the sacred ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. mysteries. mysteries. I confess to almighty God and to you my I confess to almighty God and to you my I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters that I have greatly brothers and sisters that I have greatly brothers and sisters that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, sinned in my thoughts and in my words, sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have in what I have done and in what I have in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. failed to do. failed to do. Through my fault, through my fault, Through my fault, through my fault, Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints and virgin, all the angels and saints and virgin, all the angels and saints and you my brothers and sisters to pray for you my brothers and sisters to pray for you my brothers and sisters to pray for me to the Lord our God. me to the Lord our God. me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, May almighty God have mercy on us, May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to forgive us our sins and bring us to forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.

>> Let us pray. >> Let us pray. By your help we beseech you, Lord our By your help we beseech you, Lord our By your help we beseech you, Lord our God, God, God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity may we walk eagerly in that same charity may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, with which, out of love for the world, with which, out of love for the world, your son handed himself over to death. your son handed himself over to death. your son handed himself over to death. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. A reading from the book of the prophet A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel. Ezekiel. Thus says the Lord God, Thus says the Lord God, Thus says the Lord God, "I'm going to open your graves "I'm going to open your graves "I'm going to open your graves and bring you up from your graves, oh my and bring you up from your graves, oh my and bring you up from your graves, oh my people. people. people. And I will bring you back to the land of And I will bring you back to the land of And I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Israel. Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord And you shall know that I am the Lord And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up when I open your graves and bring you up when I open your graves and bring you up from your graves, oh my people.

from your graves, oh my people. from your graves, oh my people. I will put my spirit within you I will put my spirit within you I will put my spirit within you and you shall live. and you shall live. and you shall live. And I will place you on your own soil. And I will place you on your own soil. And I will place you on your own soil. Then you shall know that I, Then you shall know that I, Then you shall know that I, the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, have spoken have spoken have spoken and will act, and will act, and will act, says the Lord. With the Lord there is steadfast love With the Lord there is steadfast love and great power to redeem. With the Lord there [singing] is With the Lord there [singing] is steadfast love and great power to steadfast love and great power to steadfast love and great power to redeem.

Out of the depths I cry to you, oh Lord. Out of the depths I cry to you, oh Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Lord, hear my voice. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive Let your ears be attentive Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. With the Lord there is steadfast With the Lord there is steadfast [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] love and great power to redeem. If you, oh Lord, should mark my If you, oh Lord, should mark my iniquities, Lord, who could stand? Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness [music] with But there is forgiveness [music] with But there is forgiveness [music] with you, you, you, so that you may be revered. With the Lord there is [singing] With the Lord there is [singing] steadfast [music] love and great power steadfast [music] love and great power steadfast [music] love and great power to redeem. to redeem. to redeem. [music] [music] [music] I wait for the Lord, my soul waits.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits. And in his word I hope. And in his word I hope. And in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord My soul waits for the Lord My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning. With the Lord there is steadfast [music] With the Lord there is steadfast [music] love and great power to redeem. For the Lord there is steadfast love For the Lord there is steadfast love [music] With the Lord there is steadfast love With the Lord there is steadfast love and [music] great power to redeem.

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. to the Romans. to the Romans. Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, those who are in the flesh cannot please those who are in the flesh cannot please those who are in the flesh cannot please God. God. God. But you are not in the flesh. But you are not in the flesh. But you are not in the flesh. You are in the spirit since the spirit You are in the spirit since the spirit You are in the spirit since the spirit of God dwells in you. of God dwells in you. of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the spirit of Anyone who does not have the spirit of Anyone who does not have the spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Christ does not belong to him. Christ does not belong to him. But But But if Christ is in you, if Christ is in you, if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, though the body is dead because of sin, though the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life the spirit is life the spirit is life because of righteousness. If the spirit of God who raised Jesus If the spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, from the dead dwells in you, from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will he who raised Christ from the dead will he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also give life to your mortal bodies also give life to your mortal bodies also through his spirit that dwells in you.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory. Praise to [music] you, Lord Jesus Praise to [music] you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory. I am the resurrection and the life, says I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Whoever believes in me will never die. Whoever believes in me will never die. Whoever believes in me will never die. Praise to you, Lord Jesus [music] Praise to you, Lord Jesus [music] Praise to you, Lord Jesus [music] Christ, [singing] king of endless glory. Christ, [singing] king of endless glory. Christ, [singing] king of endless glory. >> [music] >> The Lord be with you. And with you. >> The Lord be with you. And with you. A reading from the holy gospel according A reading from the holy gospel according A reading from the holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, The sisters of Lazarus sent a message to The sisters of Lazarus sent a message to Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

"Lord, he whom you love is ill." "Lord, he whom you love is ill." When Jesus heard this, he said, When Jesus heard this, he said, When Jesus heard this, he said, "This illness does not lead to death. "This illness does not lead to death. "This illness does not lead to death. Rather, it is for God's glory so that Rather, it is for God's glory so that Rather, it is for God's glory so that the Son of God may be glorified through the Son of God may be glorified through the Son of God may be glorified through it." it." it." Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, and her sister and Lazarus, and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place he stayed two days longer in the place he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. where he was. where he was. Then after this, he said to the Then after this, he said to the Then after this, he said to the disciples, disciples, disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." "Let us go to Judea again." "Let us go to Judea again." When Jesus arrived, he found that When Jesus arrived, he found that When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb Lazarus had already been in the tomb Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. four days. four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him while Mary stayed she went and met him while Mary stayed she went and met him while Mary stayed at home. at home. at home. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have been here, my brother would not have been here, my brother would not have died. died. died. But even now I know that God will give But even now I know that God will give But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him." you whatever you ask of him." you whatever you ask of him." Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

"Your brother will rise again." "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, Martha said to him, Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the "I know that he will rise again in the "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." resurrection on the last day." resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. "I am the resurrection and the life. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though they Whoever believes in me, even though they Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live. die, will live. die, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in And everyone who lives and believes in And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. me will never die. me will never die. Do you believe this?" Do you believe this?" Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, that you are the Christ, the Son of God, that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one coming into the world." the one coming into the world." the one coming into the world." Jesus was greatly disturbed in spirit Jesus was greatly disturbed in spirit Jesus was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. and deeply moved. and deeply moved. He said, "Where have you laid him?" He said, "Where have you laid him?" He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." They said to him, "Lord, come and see." They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus began to weep. Jesus began to weep. Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, "See how he loved So the Jews said, "See how he loved So the Jews said, "See how he loved him." him." him." But some of them said, "Could not he who But some of them said, "Could not he who But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have opened the eyes of the blind man have opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" kept this man from dying?" kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb.

came to the tomb. came to the tomb. It was a and a stone was lying against It was a and a stone was lying against It was a and a stone was lying against it. it. it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench to him, "Lord, already there is a stench to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead 4 days." because he has been dead 4 days." because he has been dead 4 days." Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you "Did I not tell you that if you "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of believed, you would see the glory of believed, you would see the glory of God?" God?" God?" So, they took away the stone. So, they took away the stone. So, they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, And Jesus looked upward and said, And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard "Father, I thank you for having heard "Father, I thank you for having heard me. me. me. I knew that you always hear me, but I've I knew that you always hear me, but I've I knew that you always hear me, but I've said this for the sake of the crowd said this for the sake of the crowd said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, standing here, standing here, so that they may believe that you sent so that they may believe that you sent so that they may believe that you sent me." me." me." When he had said this, he cried out with When he had said this, he cried out with When he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, a loud voice, a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." "Lazarus, come out." "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and The dead man came out, his hands and The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his feet bound with strips of cloth, and his feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. face wrapped in a cloth. face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him and let Jesus said to them, "Unbind him and let Jesus said to them, "Unbind him and let him go."

him go." him go." Many of the Jews, therefore, who had Many of the Jews, therefore, who had Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus come with Mary and had seen what Jesus come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. These past few Sundays, we have been These past few Sundays, we have been listening to the Gospel from St. John. listening to the Gospel from St. John. listening to the Gospel from St. John. And St. John, the way he has divided his And St. John, the way he has divided his And St. John, the way he has divided his Gospel, the first part is the prologue, Gospel, the first part is the prologue, Gospel, the first part is the prologue, and we all remember St. John's Gospel and we all remember St. John's Gospel and we all remember St. John's Gospel starts in a very unique way. He says, starts in a very unique way. He says, starts in a very unique way. He says, "In the beginning was God, and the word "In the beginning was God, and the word "In the beginning was God, and the word was with God. In the beginning was the was with God. In the beginning was the was with God. In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word, and the word was with God, and the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God." word was God." word was God." The way the word came down and became The way the word came down and became The way the word came down and became flesh and lived among us, talking about flesh and lived among us, talking about flesh and lived among us, talking about Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So, that's the way St. John begins his So, that's the way St. John begins his So, that's the way St. John begins his Gospel, and then later on, it is the Gospel, and then later on, it is the Gospel, and then later on, it is the book of signs, miracles that Jesus did.

book of signs, miracles that Jesus did. book of signs, miracles that Jesus did. Today's Gospel and last Sunday's Gospel, Today's Gospel and last Sunday's Gospel, Today's Gospel and last Sunday's Gospel, two of the signs. two of the signs. two of the signs. And then the book of glory, And then the book of glory, And then the book of glory, which is about Jesus' passion, death, which is about Jesus' passion, death, which is about Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. And finally, the and resurrection. And finally, the and resurrection. And finally, the epilogue, which talks about the epilogue, which talks about the epilogue, which talks about the resurrection appearances. resurrection appearances. resurrection appearances. And the book of signs, why are these And the book of signs, why are these And the book of signs, why are these signs given to us? And at the end of signs given to us? And at the end of signs given to us? And at the end of John's Gospel, John says that these John's Gospel, John says that these John's Gospel, John says that these signs are given to us so that we may signs are given to us so that we may signs are given to us so that we may believe believe believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus is the Son of God, and believing in his name, and believing in his name, and believing in his name, we may have life. we may have life. we may have life. St. John, earlier in the Gospel, in John St. John, earlier in the Gospel, in John St. John, earlier in the Gospel, in John 10:10, he says that Jesus came that we 10:10, he says that Jesus came that we 10:10, he says that Jesus came that we may have life may have life may have life and have it in abundance, have it and have it in abundance, have it and have it in abundance, have it abundantly. abundantly. abundantly. And that is why Jesus came to give us And that is why Jesus came to give us And that is why Jesus came to give us life. life. life. But then, we always experience the But then, we always experience the But then, we always experience the reality of death.

reality of death. reality of death. And the miracle that Jesus does for And the miracle that Jesus does for And the miracle that Jesus does for Lazarus today reminds us that when we Lazarus today reminds us that when we Lazarus today reminds us that when we die, we don't just cease to exist. die, we don't just cease to exist. die, we don't just cease to exist. In the preface of the dead, it says, In the preface of the dead, it says, In the preface of the dead, it says, "When we die, life is changed, not "When we die, life is changed, not "When we die, life is changed, not ended." ended." ended." In the Catechism of the church, when it In the Catechism of the church, when it In the Catechism of the church, when it speaks about death, it says, speaks about death, it says, speaks about death, it says, "It is the separation of the soul from "It is the separation of the soul from "It is the separation of the soul from the body. The human body decays, and the the body. The human body decays, and the the body. The human body decays, and the soul goes to meet God while awaiting its soul goes to meet God while awaiting its soul goes to meet God while awaiting its reunion with its glorified body." That's reunion with its glorified body." That's reunion with its glorified body." That's number 997 in the Catechism. number 997 in the Catechism. number 997 in the Catechism. So, again, the soul goes to meet with So, again, the soul goes to meet with So, again, the soul goes to meet with God, the human body decays. God, the human body decays. God, the human body decays. And at death, And at death, And at death, we will face judgment. And so, how we we will face judgment. And so, how we we will face judgment. And so, how we live our daily lives matters. live our daily lives matters. live our daily lives matters. The choices we make. The choices we make. The choices we make. And so, sometimes we are so focused on And so, sometimes we are so focused on And so, sometimes we are so focused on taking care of our physical body and our taking care of our physical body and our taking care of our physical body and our physical needs that we forget about our physical needs that we forget about our physical needs that we forget about our souls.

souls. souls. And as the Catechism teaches, right? The And as the Catechism teaches, right? The And as the Catechism teaches, right? The the body is going to decay, but the soul the body is going to decay, but the soul the body is going to decay, but the soul is going to be with God. And so, St. is going to be with God. And so, St. is going to be with God. And so, St. Paul reminds us to consider another Paul reminds us to consider another Paul reminds us to consider another death, death, death, dying to sin. dying to sin. dying to sin. This means for us to consciously This means for us to consciously This means for us to consciously turn away from those things that will turn away from those things that will turn away from those things that will take us away from God. take us away from God. take us away from God. To repent, to change our ways. To repent, to change our ways. To repent, to change our ways. And again, in the Catechism, number And again, in the Catechism, number And again, in the Catechism, number 1849, it defines what sin is. Sin is an 1849, it defines what sin is. Sin is an 1849, it defines what sin is. Sin is an offense against reason, against truth, offense against reason, against truth, offense against reason, against truth, and right conscience. It is a failure in and right conscience. It is a failure in and right conscience. It is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor, genuine love for God and neighbor, genuine love for God and neighbor, caused by a perverse attachment to caused by a perverse attachment to caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. certain goods. certain goods. It wounds our nature, It wounds our nature, It wounds our nature, injures human solidarity, has been injures human solidarity, has been injures human solidarity, has been defined as an utterance, a deed, or defined as an utterance, a deed, or defined as an utterance, a deed, or desire contrary to God's law. desire contrary to God's law. desire contrary to God's law. And so, when we sin, we are more And so, when we sin, we are more And so, when we sin, we are more thinking about ourselves, we are thinking about ourselves, we are thinking about ourselves, we are forgetting forgetting forgetting our duty towards God and our neighbor.

our duty towards God and our neighbor. our duty towards God and our neighbor. And so, to avoid sin, we must form our And so, to avoid sin, we must form our And so, to avoid sin, we must form our conscience. conscience. conscience. So, that's why it's very important every So, that's why it's very important every So, that's why it's very important every night, or even anytime we get during the night, or even anytime we get during the night, or even anytime we get during the day, to do an examination of conscience, day, to do an examination of conscience, day, to do an examination of conscience, to first think to first think to first think about how much we are loved by God, and about how much we are loved by God, and about how much we are loved by God, and give thanks to God for all the blessings give thanks to God for all the blessings give thanks to God for all the blessings we receive. we receive. we receive. And then, to examine our lives. And then, to examine our lives. And then, to examine our lives. And the moral compass is the 10 And the moral compass is the 10 And the moral compass is the 10 Commandments. Commandments. Commandments. And Jesus has summarized the 10 And Jesus has summarized the 10 And Jesus has summarized the 10 Commandments in two, Commandments in two, Commandments in two, love God with all of our hearts, souls, love God with all of our hearts, souls, love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, and minds, and minds, and love our neighbor as we love and love our neighbor as we love and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. And every day, we're called ourselves. And every day, we're called ourselves. And every day, we're called to examine that journey with the Lord. to examine that journey with the Lord. to examine that journey with the Lord. The Lord who gives us life in abundance, The Lord who gives us life in abundance, The Lord who gives us life in abundance, and we need to stay open and we need to stay open and we need to stay open to that love that God has for us. And to that love that God has for us. And to that love that God has for us. And so, St. Paul reminds us of an important so, St. Paul reminds us of an important so, St. Paul reminds us of an important truth in the second reading. He says truth in the second reading. He says truth in the second reading. He says that if we live only for worldly that if we live only for worldly that if we live only for worldly desires, desires, desires, only things that we want, for me, only things that we want, for me, only things that we want, for me, myself, and I, then we cannot please myself, and I, then we cannot please myself, and I, then we cannot please God.

God. God. And so, we have to let go. And so, we have to let go. And so, we have to let go. It's so wonderful in today's Gospel, It's so wonderful in today's Gospel, It's so wonderful in today's Gospel, when Jesus when Jesus when Jesus is performing this great miracle, is performing this great miracle, is performing this great miracle, Lazarus comes out and is bound with Lazarus comes out and is bound with Lazarus comes out and is bound with cloth. cloth. cloth. And important words that Jesus says, And important words that Jesus says, And important words that Jesus says, "Unbind him. "Unbind him. "Unbind him. Let him go." Let him go." Let him go." "Unbind him. Let him go." "Unbind him. Let him go." "Unbind him. Let him go." This is what happens when you and I sin, This is what happens when you and I sin, This is what happens when you and I sin, and we are not sorry, and we don't and we are not sorry, and we don't and we are not sorry, and we don't confess the sin binds us. We are in confess the sin binds us. We are in confess the sin binds us. We are in bondage. bondage. bondage. And the Lord is inviting us to come to And the Lord is inviting us to come to And the Lord is inviting us to come to him. That is why we have the sacrament him. That is why we have the sacrament him. That is why we have the sacrament of reconciliation, to let go of reconciliation, to let go of reconciliation, to let go of all our sins of all our sins of all our sins and give it to him, and give it to him, and give it to him, and experience then healing, and experience then healing, and experience then healing, restoration of our souls. restoration of our souls. restoration of our souls. And sometimes it is very hard, And sometimes it is very hard, And sometimes it is very hard, but there's nothing greater than but there's nothing greater than but there's nothing greater than experiencing that peace experiencing that peace experiencing that peace from God, from God, from God, to be reconciled with God.

to be reconciled with God. to be reconciled with God. St. Augustine, reflecting on how you and St. Augustine, reflecting on how you and St. Augustine, reflecting on how you and I can live that life of grace, he says, I can live that life of grace, he says, I can live that life of grace, he says, "Suppose that God wishes to fill us with "Suppose that God wishes to fill us with "Suppose that God wishes to fill us with honey, honey, honey, a symbol of God's tenderness and a symbol of God's tenderness and a symbol of God's tenderness and goodness. goodness. goodness. But if we are full of vinegar, where But if we are full of vinegar, where But if we are full of vinegar, where where will he put the honey? where will he put the honey? where will he put the honey? The vessel that is our heart must first The vessel that is our heart must first The vessel that is our heart must first be enlarged and then cleansed, freed be enlarged and then cleansed, freed be enlarged and then cleansed, freed from the vinegar from the vinegar from the vinegar and its taste." and its taste." and its taste." So, our hearts need to be filled with So, our hearts need to be filled with So, our hearts need to be filled with honey, God's goodness, God's beauty, honey, God's goodness, God's beauty, honey, God's goodness, God's beauty, what we experience in the sacrament, to what we experience in the sacrament, to what we experience in the sacrament, to let go of the vinegar, let go of the vinegar, let go of the vinegar, to let go of all those harmful effects, to let go of all those harmful effects, to let go of all those harmful effects, because you and I are created by God in because you and I are created by God in because you and I are created by God in his image and likeness, called to live his image and likeness, called to live his image and likeness, called to live in a particular way. in a particular way. in a particular way. That's how we are our true selves. That's how we are our true selves. That's how we are our true selves. And so, how can we live this life of And so, how can we live this life of And so, how can we live this life of grace? How can we open our hearts, grace? How can we open our hearts, grace? How can we open our hearts, enlarge our hearts, enlarge our hearts, enlarge our hearts, so that till our dying day, we can stay so that till our dying day, we can stay so that till our dying day, we can stay focused?

focused? focused? Three things to think about. Three things to think about. Three things to think about. The first is desire, The first is desire, The first is desire, the second is commitment, the second is commitment, the second is commitment, and the third is rest. and the third is rest. and the third is rest. Desire. Desire. Desire. In the Catechism of the church, number In the Catechism of the church, number In the Catechism of the church, number seven number 27, it says this, seven number 27, it says this, seven number 27, it says this, "The desire for God is written in the "The desire for God is written in the "The desire for God is written in the human heart. human heart. human heart. We are created by God and for God, We are created by God and for God, We are created by God and for God, and God never ceases to draw us to and God never ceases to draw us to and God never ceases to draw us to himself." himself." himself." The desire for God is written in our The desire for God is written in our The desire for God is written in our hearts. hearts. hearts. And so, every day, we must have And so, every day, we must have And so, every day, we must have that desire to be with the Lord, because that desire to be with the Lord, because that desire to be with the Lord, because the fulfillment of all our desires, all the fulfillment of all our desires, all the fulfillment of all our desires, all our concerns, our concerns, our concerns, is to be with him. is to be with him. is to be with him. And it only comes when we are with him And it only comes when we are with him And it only comes when we are with him that we will have that peace. that we will have that peace. that we will have that peace. It doesn't mean that everything is going It doesn't mean that everything is going It doesn't mean that everything is going to go perfect, and here's where we have to go perfect, and here's where we have to go perfect, and here's where we have to think about Martha. She is so honest to think about Martha. She is so honest to think about Martha. She is so honest with our Lord.

with our Lord. with our Lord. Remember how when Jesus comes, she says, Remember how when Jesus comes, she says, Remember how when Jesus comes, she says, "Lord, if you had been here, "Lord, if you had been here, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." my brother would not have died." my brother would not have died." And maybe sometimes when we are before And maybe sometimes when we are before And maybe sometimes when we are before the Lord, we we we need to be honest. We the Lord, we we we need to be honest. We the Lord, we we we need to be honest. We say, "Lord, if you had been here, I say, "Lord, if you had been here, I say, "Lord, if you had been here, I would not be going through this would not be going through this would not be going through this struggle. But as Jesus told Martha, But as Jesus told Martha, he says, "Martha, believe." We need to he says, "Martha, believe." We need to he says, "Martha, believe." We need to believe. We need to know that the Lord believe. We need to know that the Lord believe. We need to know that the Lord is constantly with us. He'll never is constantly with us. He'll never is constantly with us. He'll never abandon us. abandon us. abandon us. Even in the most darkest and difficult Even in the most darkest and difficult Even in the most darkest and difficult moments of our lives. That's why another moments of our lives. That's why another moments of our lives. That's why another wonderful wonderful wonderful verse from today's gospel where Jesus verse from today's gospel where Jesus verse from today's gospel where Jesus weeps. weeps. weeps. How wonderful to know that we have a How wonderful to know that we have a How wonderful to know that we have a savior who understands what we go savior who understands what we go savior who understands what we go through and who who will never for one through and who who will never for one through and who who will never for one moment moment moment think of abandoning us. think of abandoning us. think of abandoning us. So, the desire is to be with the Lord So, the desire is to be with the Lord So, the desire is to be with the Lord every day, to make a commitment to be every day, to make a commitment to be every day, to make a commitment to be disciplined and spend those that time disciplined and spend those that time disciplined and spend those that time with the Lord every day.

with the Lord every day. with the Lord every day. Why? Because the Lord loves us so much Why? Because the Lord loves us so much Why? Because the Lord loves us so much and if ever we doubt, all we have to see and if ever we doubt, all we have to see and if ever we doubt, all we have to see look at the cross. There is God's love look at the cross. There is God's love look at the cross. There is God's love for all of us. And when he loves us so for all of us. And when he loves us so for all of us. And when he loves us so much, we need to be with him. we need to be with him. We need to spend that time with him just We need to spend that time with him just We need to spend that time with him just gazing and thinking and reflecting gazing and thinking and reflecting gazing and thinking and reflecting on his love. on his love. on his love. Then there's commitment. Believing in Then there's commitment. Believing in Then there's commitment. Believing in that love of God, we put that love into that love of God, we put that love into that love of God, we put that love into action. It's not something that we keep action. It's not something that we keep action. It's not something that we keep to ourselves. to ourselves. to ourselves. So, commitment whether So, commitment whether So, commitment whether you're married, whether you're single, you're married, whether you're single, you're married, whether you're single, ordained, religious, ordained, religious, ordained, religious, to be committed to wherever God whatever to be committed to wherever God whatever to be committed to wherever God whatever state in life God has called us to. state in life God has called us to. state in life God has called us to. And when we live that life, we must do And when we live that life, we must do And when we live that life, we must do it with great love. it with great love. it with great love. Pope St. Leo the Great said this, "If Pope St. Leo the Great said this, "If Pope St. Leo the Great said this, "If God is love, charity should know no God is love, charity should know no God is love, charity should know no limit. limit. limit. For God cannot be confined. Any time For God cannot be confined. Any time For God cannot be confined. Any time is the right time for charity."

is the right time for charity." is the right time for charity." So, we don't pick and choose when we So, we don't pick and choose when we So, we don't pick and choose when we want to be charitable and good and kind. want to be charitable and good and kind. want to be charitable and good and kind. No, at all times. Why? Because No, at all times. Why? Because No, at all times. Why? Because God loves us 24/7 365. Never stops God loves us 24/7 365. Never stops God loves us 24/7 365. Never stops loving us. loving us. loving us. And we must always That's why the desire And we must always That's why the desire And we must always That's why the desire to be with him, to think how patient, to be with him, to think how patient, to be with him, to think how patient, how kind, and then we must be patient how kind, and then we must be patient how kind, and then we must be patient and kind and kind and kind with our family members. When we are at with our family members. When we are at with our family members. When we are at work, to be able to do our best, to be a work, to be able to do our best, to be a work, to be able to do our best, to be a good witness at work. For me as a good witness at work. For me as a good witness at work. For me as a priest, for those of you are religious, priest, for those of you are religious, priest, for those of you are religious, to be faithful in our calling, in our to be faithful in our calling, in our to be faithful in our calling, in our vocation, and to do it vocation, and to do it vocation, and to do it with love, with love, with love, with charity. with charity. with charity. And finally, rest. And finally, rest. And finally, rest. It's wonderful in the gospel, It's wonderful in the gospel, It's wonderful in the gospel, the disciples have returned from mission the disciples have returned from mission the disciples have returned from mission and they're busy telling Jesus and they're busy telling Jesus and they're busy telling Jesus about the mission. about the mission. about the mission. And Jesus says something wonderful to And Jesus says something wonderful to And Jesus says something wonderful to them, "Come away and rest for a while. them, "Come away and rest for a while. them, "Come away and rest for a while. Come away and rest for a while."

Come away and rest for a while." Come away and rest for a while." If you want to grow in holiness, If you want to grow in holiness, If you want to grow in holiness, St. Teresa of Avila suggested this. St. Teresa of Avila suggested this. St. Teresa of Avila suggested this. I'm paraphrasing. Go to bed on time. I'm paraphrasing. Go to bed on time. I'm paraphrasing. Go to bed on time. Go to bed on time. Get up proper rest. Go to bed on time. Get up proper rest. Go to bed on time. Get up proper rest. Think about it. If we've had a restless Think about it. If we've had a restless Think about it. If we've had a restless night and we haven't been able to sleep, night and we haven't been able to sleep, night and we haven't been able to sleep, the next day would be pretty terrible. the next day would be pretty terrible. the next day would be pretty terrible. We'll be impatient. We'll get angry. We We'll be impatient. We'll get angry. We We'll be impatient. We'll get angry. We won't be able to do our daily duties. won't be able to do our daily duties. won't be able to do our daily duties. Why? Because we haven't rested. Why? Because we haven't rested. Why? Because we haven't rested. But today, because we have this But today, because we have this But today, because we have this wonderful gadget called a cell phone, wonderful gadget called a cell phone, wonderful gadget called a cell phone, sometimes we can, myself included, spend sometimes we can, myself included, spend sometimes we can, myself included, spend at night before going to bed and know we at night before going to bed and know we at night before going to bed and know we need the rest and we're busy scrolling need the rest and we're busy scrolling need the rest and we're busy scrolling and scrolling and scrolling and and scrolling and scrolling and and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. And sometimes it can start scrolling. And sometimes it can start scrolling. And sometimes it can start with, "Okay, I'll just go for 15 minutes with, "Okay, I'll just go for 15 minutes with, "Okay, I'll just go for 15 minutes to half an hour to 1 hour." to half an hour to 1 hour." to half an hour to 1 hour." And the next thing you know, we haven't And the next thing you know, we haven't And the next thing you know, we haven't got our rest. All these images in our got our rest. All these images in our got our rest. All these images in our mind. mind. mind. Get up in the morning, we're tired.

Get up in the morning, we're tired. Get up in the morning, we're tired. And we cannot do the normal things we're And we cannot do the normal things we're And we cannot do the normal things we're supposed to do. supposed to do. supposed to do. Rest. Rest. Rest. Because when we don't rest, what happens Because when we don't rest, what happens Because when we don't rest, what happens is we add to the stress in our lives. is we add to the stress in our lives. is we add to the stress in our lives. And all of us And all of us And all of us experience stress. We don't want to add experience stress. We don't want to add experience stress. We don't want to add to it. to it. to it. The body is the temple of the Holy The body is the temple of the Holy The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. We need to take care to rest We need to take care to rest We need to take care to rest and take care so that we can serve the and take care so that we can serve the and take care so that we can serve the Lord. Lord. Lord. And resting is not about just sitting in And resting is not about just sitting in And resting is not about just sitting in front of the TV and lazing around. No, front of the TV and lazing around. No, front of the TV and lazing around. No, resting is resting is resting is to be able to take care to be able to take care to be able to take care of the body so that I can serve the Lord of the body so that I can serve the Lord of the body so that I can serve the Lord and serve others. and serve others. and serve others. In the first reading, the prophet In the first reading, the prophet In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel Ezekiel Ezekiel consoles the people of Israel consoles the people of Israel consoles the people of Israel with God's promise. And what does God with God's promise. And what does God with God's promise. And what does God promise? That he will put his spirit promise? That he will put his spirit promise? That he will put his spirit within us within us within us and we shall live. and we shall live. and we shall live. And this promise And this promise And this promise we experience in the Holy Eucharist.

we experience in the Holy Eucharist. we experience in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus breathes life into all of us Jesus breathes life into all of us Jesus breathes life into all of us by sharing with us his body and blood. by sharing with us his body and blood. by sharing with us his body and blood. And he gives that food to all of us And he gives that food to all of us And he gives that food to all of us that we may live. that we may live. that we may live. And so, let us pray for the grace to And so, let us pray for the grace to And so, let us pray for the grace to surrender our lives, to let go of our surrender our lives, to let go of our surrender our lives, to let go of our sinfulness, sinfulness, sinfulness, and to put things in order, to be in a and to put things in order, to be in a and to put things in order, to be in a right relationship with God, right right relationship with God, right right relationship with God, right relationship with our neighbor. relationship with our neighbor. relationship with our neighbor. And in this way, may we experience peace And in this way, may we experience peace And in this way, may we experience peace in this life until the next. Amen.

And together, let us profess our faith And together, let us profess our faith using the words of the Nicene Creed. using the words of the Nicene Creed. using the words of the Nicene Creed. I believe in one God, the Father I believe in one God, the Father I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, almighty, maker of heaven and earth, almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. of all things visible and invisible. of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Father before all ages, God born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God from God, light from light, true God from God, light from light, true God from true God, from true God, from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with begotten, not made, consubstantial with begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. the Father. the Father. Through him all things were made. Through him all things were made. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he For us men and for our salvation, he For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, came down from heaven, came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. the Virgin Mary and became man. the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake, he was crucified under For our sake, he was crucified under For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried, and He suffered death and was buried, and He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in rose again on the third day in rose again on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. He accordance with the scriptures. He accordance with the scriptures. He ascended into heaven, ascended into heaven, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the and is seated at the right hand of the and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Father. Father. He will come again in glory to judge the He will come again in glory to judge the He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. living and the dead. living and the dead. And his kingdom will have no end.

And his kingdom will have no end. And his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, the giver of life, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the who proceeds from the Father and the who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Son, Son, who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, adored and glorified, adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. who has spoken through the prophets. who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one holy, Catholic, and I believe in one holy, Catholic, and I believe in one holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. apostolic church. apostolic church. I confess one baptism for the I confess one baptism for the I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. And I look forward forgiveness of sins. And I look forward forgiveness of sins. And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the to the resurrection of the dead and the to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. life of the world to come. Amen. life of the world to come. Amen. And together, let us offer up our And together, let us offer up our And together, let us offer up our prayers and petitions to our heavenly prayers and petitions to our heavenly prayers and petitions to our heavenly Father. For the church, that she may put her For the church, that she may put her trust in Jesus, the resurrection and the trust in Jesus, the resurrection and the trust in Jesus, the resurrection and the life, life, life, and believe in him through all the and believe in him through all the and believe in him through all the seasons of life and death on her seasons of life and death on her seasons of life and death on her spiritual journey, spiritual journey, spiritual journey, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. prayer. prayer. For refugees, for the oppressed and For refugees, for the oppressed and For refugees, for the oppressed and abandoned, that God may settle them upon abandoned, that God may settle them upon abandoned, that God may settle them upon their own land, putting his spirit of their own land, putting his spirit of their own land, putting his spirit of life in them again, we pray to the Lord.

life in them again, we pray to the Lord. life in them again, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. For the Christian faithful, that our For the Christian faithful, that our For the Christian faithful, that our spirits may be alive because of spirits may be alive because of spirits may be alive because of righteousness, giving room to the divine righteousness, giving room to the divine righteousness, giving room to the divine spirits of Jesus to work marvels of spirits of Jesus to work marvels of spirits of Jesus to work marvels of grace and peace in our souls, we pray to grace and peace in our souls, we pray to grace and peace in our souls, we pray to the Lord. For those who suffer, For those who suffer, whose dreams lie in a tomb, whose dreams lie in a tomb, whose dreams lie in a tomb, that the divine promise to open all that the divine promise to open all that the divine promise to open all graces and raise the dead may be active, graces and raise the dead may be active, graces and raise the dead may be active, bringing them healing and hope, we pray bringing them healing and hope, we pray bringing them healing and hope, we pray to the Lord. For our beloved dead, For our beloved dead, especially John Gazzalone, especially John Gazzalone, especially John Gazzalone, that Jesus, who wept at the loss of his that Jesus, who wept at the loss of his that Jesus, who wept at the loss of his friend Lazarus, friend Lazarus, friend Lazarus, may raise them up to the abundant life may raise them up to the abundant life may raise them up to the abundant life of heaven and console those they have of heaven and console those they have of heaven and console those they have left behind, left behind, left behind, we pray to the Lord. Heavenly Father, listen graciously to Heavenly Father, listen graciously to the prayers and petitions of your people the prayers and petitions of your people the prayers and petitions of your people and answer the desires of their hearts and answer the desires of their hearts and answer the desires of their hearts as according to your will. We ask all of as according to your will. We ask all of as according to your will. We ask all of this through Christ our Lord.

Please join in the singing of our Please join in the singing of our offertory hymn, number 80. offertory hymn, number 80. offertory hymn, number 80. Forgive our sins as we forgive, number Forgive our sins as we forgive, number Forgive our sins as we forgive, number eight zero. >> Forgive [singing] our sins as we >> Forgive [singing] our sins as we forgive. forgive. forgive. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You taught us, Lord, to pray, >> You taught us, Lord, to pray, >> You taught us, Lord, to pray, but [singing] you but [singing] you but [singing] you alone can grant us [singing] grace to alone can grant us [singing] grace to alone can grant us [singing] grace to live the words we say. How can your [singing] pardon How can your [singing] pardon reach and bless [music] reach and bless [music] reach and bless [music] the unforgiving [singing] the unforgiving [singing] the unforgiving [singing] heart that [singing and music] broods on that [singing and music] broods on wrongs and will not let wounds [singing] wrongs and will not let wounds [singing] wrongs and will not let wounds [singing] bitterness bitterness bitterness [music] [music] [music] depart?

In blazing [singing] In blazing [singing] light your cross reveals [music] light your cross reveals [music] light your cross reveals [music] the truth we dimly [singing] the truth we dimly [singing] the truth we dimly [singing] knew. How small the debts men owe to How small the debts men owe to >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> us, how great our debt [music] >> us, how great our debt [music] >> us, how great our debt [music] to you. Lord, cleanse the depths within [music] Lord, cleanse the depths within [music] our our our souls, souls, souls, and bid and bid and bid >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> resentments >> resentments >> resentments cease. to God and [singing] to God and [singing] man, man, man, our lives will [music] spread our lives will [music] spread our lives will [music] spread your peace.

Judica [music] Judica [music] causam quia quia potens [singing] es, Domine. Longe a salute mea verba rugitus Longe a salute mea verba rugitus mei. Judica Judica causam causam causam meam. meam. meam. Defende quia potens quia potens es, Domine. Deus, Deus meus, clamo per diem et non Deus, Deus meus, clamo per diem et non exaudis.

Nocte et non est requis me Nocte et non est requis me qui. qui. qui. Judica [music] Judica [music] Judica [music] causam meam. meam. Defende quia quia potens es, Domine. Pray, brothers and sisters, that my Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

Hear us, almighty God, and having Hear us, almighty God, and having instilled in your servants the teachings instilled in your servants the teachings instilled in your servants the teachings of the Christian faith, graciously of the Christian faith, graciously of the Christian faith, graciously purify them by the work of this purify them by the work of this purify them by the work of this sacrifice through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. And with your The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. spirit. spirit. Lift up your hearts. Lift up your hearts. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. We lift them up to the Lord. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just. It is right and just. It is right and just. It is truly right and just, our duty and It is truly right and just, our duty and It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to our salvation, always and everywhere to our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ almighty and eternal God, through Christ almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. our Lord. our Lord. For as true man, he wept for Lazarus, For as true man, he wept for Lazarus, For as true man, he wept for Lazarus, his friend, his friend, his friend, and as eternal God, raised him from the and as eternal God, raised him from the and as eternal God, raised him from the tomb, tomb, tomb, just as, taking pity on the human race, just as, taking pity on the human race, just as, taking pity on the human race, he leads us by sacred mysteries to new he leads us by sacred mysteries to new he leads us by sacred mysteries to new life.

life. life. Through him the host of angels adores Through him the host of angels adores Through him the host of angels adores your majesty and rejoices in your your majesty and rejoices in your your majesty and rejoices in your presence forever. May our voices we pray presence forever. May our voices we pray presence forever. May our voices we pray join with theirs in one chorus of join with theirs in one chorus of join with theirs in one chorus of exultant praise as we acclaim. Sanctus, Sanctus, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Sanctus, [singing] Pleni sunt [music] caeli et terra gloria Pleni sunt [music] caeli et terra gloria [singing] [singing] [singing] tua. tua. tua. Hosanna [music] in excelsis. Hosanna [music] in excelsis. Hosanna [music] in excelsis. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Benedictus >> Benedictus >> Benedictus qui venit [music] qui venit [music] qui venit [music] in nomine Domini. in nomine Domini. in nomine Domini. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Hosanna >> Hosanna >> Hosanna in excelsis.

You are indeed holy, oh Lord, and all You are indeed holy, oh Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you you have created rightly gives you you have created rightly gives you praise. For through your Son, our Lord praise. For through your Son, our Lord praise. For through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, but the power and working Jesus Christ, but the power and working Jesus Christ, but the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy. things and make them holy. things and make them holy. And you never cease to gather people to And you never cease to gather people to And you never cease to gather people to yourself so that from the rising of the yourself so that from the rising of the yourself so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. be offered to your name. be offered to your name. Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore you, but the same spirit graciously make you, but the same spirit graciously make you, but the same spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you holy these gifts we have brought to you holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration that they may become for consecration that they may become for consecration that they may become the body and blood of your Son, our Lord the body and blood of your Son, our Lord the body and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries. celebrate these mysteries. celebrate these mysteries. For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he himself took bread, himself took bread, himself took bread, and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it blessing, broke the bread, and gave it blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples, saying, to his disciples, saying, to his disciples, saying, "Take this, all of you, and eat of it, "Take this, all of you, and eat of it, "Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body which will be given for this is my body which will be given for this is my body which will be given up for you."

>> In a similar way, when supper was ended, >> In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice, he took the chalice, he took the chalice, and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the blessing and gave the chalice to his blessing and gave the chalice to his blessing and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, disciples, saying, disciples, saying, "Take this, all of you, and drink from "Take this, all of you, and drink from "Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, it, for this is the chalice of my blood, it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of you and for many for the forgiveness of you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. sins. sins. Do this in memory of me." >> Mysterium >> Mysterium fidei. fidei. fidei. Mortem [music and singing] tuam annuntiamus, annuntiamus, Domine, Domine, Domine, >> [singing] >> et tuam >> et tuam resurrectionem resurrectionem resurrectionem confitemur, [singing] confitemur, [singing] confitemur, [singing] >> [music] >> donec >> donec venias. [singing] venias. [singing] venias. [singing] [music] Therefore, oh Lord, as we celebrate the Therefore, oh Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your Son, his wondrous resurrection and Son, his wondrous resurrection and Son, his wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, ascension into heaven, ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to his second

and as we look forward to his second and as we look forward to his second coming, coming, coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy we offer you in thanksgiving this holy we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice. and living sacrifice. and living sacrifice. Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your church, and recognizing the sacrificial church, and recognizing the sacrificial church, and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we, reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we, reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we, who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son, and filled with his Holy of your Son, and filled with his Holy of your Son, and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit Spirit, may become one body, one spirit Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. May he make of us an eternal offering to May he make of us an eternal offering to May he make of us an eternal offering to you, so that we may obtain an you, so that we may obtain an you, so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially inheritance with your elect, especially inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, with the most blessed Virgin Mary, with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and spouse, with your blessed apostles and spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, and with all the glorious martyrs, and with all the glorious martyrs, and with all the saints on whose constant intercession in saints on whose constant intercession in saints on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing your presence we rely for unfailing your presence we rely for unfailing help. May the sacrifice of our reconciliation, May the sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray oh Lord, advance the peace and we pray oh Lord, advance the peace and we pray oh Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased salvation of all the world. Be pleased salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your to confirm in faith and charity your to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth with your pilgrim church on earth with your pilgrim church on earth with your servant Leo, our Pope, and Francis, our servant Leo, our Pope, and Francis, our servant Leo, our Pope, and Francis, our Bishop, the order of bishops, all the Bishop, the order of bishops, all the Bishop, the order of bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have clergy, and the entire people you have clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own.

gained for your own. gained for your own. Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before you. In your compassion, oh merciful you. In your compassion, oh merciful you. In your compassion, oh merciful Father, gather to yourself all your Father, gather to yourself all your Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world. children scattered throughout the world. children scattered throughout the world. To our departed brothers and sisters and To our departed brothers and sisters and To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who are pleasing to you at their to all who are pleasing to you at their to all who are pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind passing from this life, give kind passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. admittance to your kingdom. admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever the There we hope to enjoy forever the There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory through Christ fullness of your glory through Christ fullness of your glory through Christ our Lord through whom you bestow on the our Lord through whom you bestow on the our Lord through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. Through him and with him and in him, oh Through him and with him and in him, oh God, almighty Father, in the unity of God, almighty Father, in the unity of God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever all glory and honor is yours forever all glory and honor is yours forever and ever. and ever. and ever. Amen.

At the Savior's command and formed by At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say divine teaching, we dare to say divine teaching, we dare to say Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. be thy name. be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our day our daily bread and forgive us our day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into trespass against us and lead us not into trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days evil, graciously grant peace in our days evil, graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy we may be that by the help of your mercy we may be that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe from all always free from sin and safe from all always free from sin and safe from all distress as we await the blessed hope distress as we await the blessed hope distress as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus and the coming of our Savior, Jesus and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I give you." Look not on our sins, but on give you." Look not on our sins, but on give you." Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church and graciously the faith of your church and graciously the faith of your church and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign with your will, who live and reign with your will, who live and reign forever and ever.

forever and ever. forever and ever. The peace of the Lord be with you The peace of the Lord be with you The peace of the Lord be with you always. always. always. Let us offer each other the sign of Let us offer each other the sign of Let us offer each other the sign of peace. >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] >> Behold the Lamb of God.

>> Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of Behold him who takes away the sins of Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the world. Blessed are those called to the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. the supper of the Lamb. the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter enter enter under my roof, under my roof, under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall but only say the word and my soul shall but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

>> Act of spiritual communion. >> Act of spiritual communion. My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. in the most holy sacrament. in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire I love you above all things and I desire I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. to receive you into my soul. to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive Since I cannot at this moment receive Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, you sacramentally, you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. come at least spiritually into my heart. come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you are already I embrace you as if you are already I embrace you as if you are already there and unite myself wholly to you. there and unite myself wholly to you. there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from Never permit me to be separated from Never permit me to be separated from you. you. you. Amen.

>> Please join in the singing of our >> Please join in the singing of our communion hymn, number 67, communion hymn, number 67, communion hymn, number 67, Eternal Lord of love, Eternal Lord of love, Eternal Lord of love, number 67. >> Eternal >> Eternal Lord of love, behold [music] behold [music] your church walking on [music and singing] the walking on [music and singing] the pilgrim way of Lent, led by your cloud by led by your cloud by day, by night your fire, day, by night your fire, day, by night your fire, moved by your love moved by your love moved by your love and toward your presence bent, and toward your presence bent, and toward your presence bent, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for >> for >> for >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> yet here >> yet here >> yet here the goal the goal the goal of all So daily [music and singing] dying

So daily [music and singing] dying to the way of self, to the way of self, to the way of self, so [singing] daily [music] so [singing] daily [music] so [singing] daily [music] living living living to your way of love. to your way of love. to your way of love. We walk the road, Lord Jesus, [music] We walk the road, Lord Jesus, [music] We walk the road, Lord Jesus, [music] that you trod. that you trod. that you trod. Knowing Knowing Knowing ourselves [music and singing] ourselves [music and singing] ourselves [music and singing] baptized baptized baptized into your [singing] death, into your [singing] death, into your [singing] death, so [music] we are dead so [music] we are dead so [music] we are dead and live [singing] with you and live [singing] with you and live [singing] with you in God. Gifted [singing and music] Gifted [singing and music] in you, so in you we arise. in you, so in you we arise. in you, so in you we arise. You're the [singing] firstborn of all the faithful [singing] of all the faithful [singing] dead.

dead. dead. And as through [music] stony And as through [music] stony And as through [music] stony ground, [singing] the green shoots ground, [singing] the green shoots ground, [singing] the green shoots break, break, break, glorious glorious glorious in springtime in springtime in springtime dress of [music and singing] leaf and dress of [music and singing] leaf and dress of [music and singing] leaf and flower, flower, flower, so [music and singing] in the Father's so [music and singing] in the Father's so [music and singing] in the Father's glory glory glory >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> shall we We pray, almighty God, that we may

We pray, almighty God, that we may always be counted among the members of always be counted among the members of always be counted among the members of Christ, in whose body and blood we have Christ, in whose body and blood we have Christ, in whose body and blood we have communion, who lives and reigns forever communion, who lives and reigns forever communion, who lives and reigns forever and ever. This weekend is the first of the three This weekend is the first of the three ShareLife Sundays, and so um ShareLife Sundays, and so um ShareLife Sundays, and so um last weekend, as you know, we had a last weekend, as you know, we had a last weekend, as you know, we had a seminar, and St. Augustine Seminary is seminar, and St. Augustine Seminary is seminar, and St. Augustine Seminary is one of the beneficiaries of ShareLife, one of the beneficiaries of ShareLife, one of the beneficiaries of ShareLife, and so all your donation, all your and so all your donation, all your and so all your donation, all your prayers go to help the 40 agencies that prayers go to help the 40 agencies that prayers go to help the 40 agencies that are supported by ShareLife. So, thank are supported by ShareLife. So, thank are supported by ShareLife. So, thank you very much for your contributions. On you very much for your contributions. On you very much for your contributions. On March the 25th is the Solemnity of the March the 25th is the Solemnity of the March the 25th is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord. We will Annunciation of Our Lord. We will Annunciation of Our Lord. We will participate in the renewal of the participate in the renewal of the participate in the renewal of the consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Cardinal Leo will celebrate Mass and Cardinal Leo will celebrate Mass and Cardinal Leo will celebrate Mass here at 5:30 p.m. here at 5:30 p.m. here at 5:30 p.m. And so we'll have the act of And so we'll have the act of And so we'll have the act of consecration of Our Lady uh three Masses consecration of Our Lady uh three Masses consecration of Our Lady uh three Masses starting today, so after the St. Michael starting today, so after the St. Michael starting today, so after the St. Michael prayer, tomorrow, prayer, tomorrow, prayer, tomorrow, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and Tuesday. And then we'll all >> and Tuesday. And then we'll all >> and Tuesday. And then we'll all celebrate the Solemnity on March 25th.

celebrate the Solemnity on March 25th. celebrate the Solemnity on March 25th. We have another transition here at St. We have another transition here at St. We have another transition here at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica at the end Michael's Cathedral Basilica at the end Michael's Cathedral Basilica at the end of June. At that time, we will say of June. At that time, we will say of June. At that time, we will say goodbye to Father Kevin Adriano and goodbye to Father Kevin Adriano and goodbye to Father Kevin Adriano and welcome Father Simon Sarbyan. Father welcome Father Simon Sarbyan. Father welcome Father Simon Sarbyan. Father Kevin's new assignment is associate Kevin's new assignment is associate Kevin's new assignment is associate pastor at St. Patrick's in Brampton. pastor at St. Patrick's in Brampton. pastor at St. Patrick's in Brampton. It's still many weeks away, and so It's still many weeks away, and so It's still many weeks away, and so Father Kevin will be around to preach Father Kevin will be around to preach Father Kevin will be around to preach for more weekends, and we will have an for more weekends, and we will have an for more weekends, and we will have an opportunity to give him a proper goodbye opportunity to give him a proper goodbye opportunity to give him a proper goodbye and pray for him that God will continue and pray for him that God will continue and pray for him that God will continue to bless him. to bless him. to bless him. With this, I hope and pray all of you With this, I hope and pray all of you With this, I hope and pray all of you have a blessed week as you leave church have a blessed week as you leave church have a blessed week as you leave church to remember the St. Vincent de Paul to remember the St. Vincent de Paul to remember the St. Vincent de Paul boxes. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. May almighty God bless you, the Father, May almighty God bless you, the Father, May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your lives. lives. lives. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the battle. Be our protection against the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May wickedness and snares of the devil. May wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, by thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, by thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan the power of God, thrust into hell Satan the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl and all the evil spirits who prowl and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of throughout the world seeking the ruin of throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

souls. Amen. souls. Amen. Please join us for the act of Please join us for the act of Please join us for the act of consecration to Our Lady. In the name of the Father, and of the In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Blessed are those who hear the word of Blessed are those who hear the word of Blessed are those who hear the word of God and cherish it in their hearts. God and cherish it in their hearts. God and cherish it in their hearts. The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lord, have mercy. Mary. Lord, have mercy. Mary. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. God the Father of heaven, God the Father of heaven, God the Father of heaven, God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Holy Spirit, God the Holy Spirit, God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God, Holy Trinity, one God, Holy Trinity, one God, Heart of Mary, Heart of Mary, Heart of Mary, Heart of Mary, after God's own heart, Heart of Mary, after God's own heart, Heart of Mary, after God's own heart, Heart of Mary, in union with the heart Heart of Mary, in union with the heart Heart of Mary, in union with the heart of Jesus, of Jesus, of Jesus, Heart of Mary, the vessel of the Holy Heart of Mary, the vessel of the Holy Heart of Mary, the vessel of the Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, Heart of Mary, shrine of the Trinity, Heart of Mary, shrine of the Trinity, Heart of Mary, shrine of the Trinity, Heart of Mary, home of the Word, Heart of Mary, immaculate in your Heart of Mary, immaculate in your creation, creation, creation, Heart of Mary, flooded with grace, Heart of Mary, flooded with grace, Heart of Mary, flooded with grace, Heart of Mary, blessed of all hearts, Heart of Mary, blessed of all hearts, Heart of Mary, blessed of all hearts, Heart of Mary, throne of glory, Heart of Mary, throne of glory, Heart of Mary, throne of glory, Heart of Mary, abyss of humbleness, Heart of Mary, abyss of humbleness, Heart of Mary, abyss of humbleness, Heart of Mary, victim of love, Heart of Mary, victim of love, Heart of Mary, victim of love, Heart of Mary, nailed to the cross, Heart of Mary, nailed to the cross, Heart of Mary, nailed to the cross, Heart of Mary, comfort of the sad,

Heart of Mary, comfort of the sad, Heart of Mary, comfort of the sad, Heart of Mary, refuge of the sinner, Heart of Mary, refuge of the sinner, Heart of Mary, refuge of the sinner, Heart of Mary, hope of the dying, Heart of Mary, hope of the dying, Heart of Mary, hope of the dying, Heart of Mary, seat of mercy, Heart of Mary, seat of mercy, Heart of Mary, seat of mercy, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, the world, the world, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, the world, the world, Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Immaculate Mary, meek and humble of Immaculate Mary, meek and humble of Immaculate Mary, meek and humble of heart, Let us pray. Let us pray. Lord our God, you made the Immaculate Lord our God, you made the Immaculate Lord our God, you made the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary the home of your eternal Word and the home of your eternal Word and the home of your eternal Word and the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Give us a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Give us a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Give us a heart that is free from sin and heart that is free from sin and heart that is free from sin and attentive to your will, that faithful to attentive to your will, that faithful to attentive to your will, that faithful to your commandments, we may love you above your commandments, we may love you above your commandments, we may love you above all things and seek to help others in all things and seek to help others in all things and seek to help others in their need. Through our Lord Jesus their need. Through our Lord Jesus their need. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy with you in the unity of the Holy with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. In Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. In Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, the name of the Father, and of the Son, the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Please join in singing our concluding Please join in singing our concluding hymn, number 73. hymn, number 73. hymn, number 73. God of mercy and compassion, number 73. >> God of mercy [music and singing] and >> God of mercy [music and singing] and compassion, compassion, compassion, look with pity look with pity look with pity upon me. upon me. upon me. Father, [music] Father, [music] Father, [music] let me call [singing] thee Father, let me call [singing] thee Father, let me call [singing] thee Father, 'tis thy child [music] who returns to 'tis thy child [music] who returns to 'tis thy child [music] who returns to [singing] thee. [singing] thee. [singing] thee. Jesus, Lord, Jesus, Lord, Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. Let me not Let me not Let me not implore [singing] implore [singing] implore [singing] in vain. in vain. in vain. All my sins, [music and singing] All my sins, [music and singing] All my sins, [music and singing] I now detest them. Never will I now detest them. Never will I now detest them. Never will I sin again.

By my [music] sins, I have [singing] By my [music] sins, I have [singing] deserved deserved deserved death and endless death and endless death and endless misery. [singing] Hell with all its pain [music] and Hell with all its pain [music] and torments [singing] and for all and for all eternity. >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus, [singing] Lord, >> Jesus, [singing] Lord, >> Jesus, [singing] Lord, I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. Let me not implore [singing] Let me not implore [singing] Let me not implore [singing] in vain. in vain. in vain. All my sins, All my sins, All my sins, I now detest [music and singing] I now detest [music and singing] I now detest [music and singing] them. Never will them. Never will them. Never will I sin again. By my sins, I have abandoned By my sins, I have abandoned right and claim [singing] to heaven right and claim [singing] to heaven right and claim [singing] to heaven above. above. above. Where the saints rejoice Where the saints rejoice Where the saints rejoice forever forever forever in a boundless in a boundless in a boundless sea of love.

sea of love. sea of love. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Lord, Lord, Lord, I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. Let me not Let me not Let me not implore [singing] in vain. implore [singing] in vain. implore [singing] in vain. All my sins, All my sins, All my sins, I now detest [music] I now detest [music] I now detest [music] them. Never will them. Never will them. Never will I sin again. See our Savior See our Savior bleeding, [singing and music] dying bleeding, [singing and music] dying bleeding, [singing and music] dying on the cross of Calvary. on the cross of Calvary. on the cross of Calvary. To that cross, my sins have nailed him. To that cross, my sins have nailed him. To that cross, my sins have nailed him. Yet, he bleeds [singing and music] Yet, he bleeds [singing and music] Yet, he bleeds [singing and music] and dies for me. and dies for me. and dies for me. Jesus, [singing] Lord, Jesus, [singing] Lord, Jesus, [singing] Lord, I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. I ask for mercy. Let me not Let me not Let me not implore [music] in vain.

implore [music] in vain. implore [music] in vain. All my sins, [singing] All my sins, [singing] All my sins, [singing] I now detest I now detest I now detest them. them. them. Never will Never will Never will I sin again. It was on March [music] 19th, 1976, It was on March [music] 19th, 1976, in the Canara Room of what was then the in the Canara Room of what was then the in the Canara Room of what was then the Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, today the Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, today the Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, today the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, that Archbishop Pocock made a courageous that Archbishop Pocock made a courageous that Archbishop Pocock made a courageous declaration that led to the formation of declaration that led to the formation of declaration that led to the formation of what is now the ShareLife Campaign in what is now the ShareLife Campaign in what is now the ShareLife Campaign in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Archbishop Pocock, without hesitation, Archbishop Pocock, without hesitation, withdrew all Catholic charities from the withdrew all Catholic charities from the withdrew all Catholic charities from the United Way. His reasons were clear. In United Way. His reasons were clear. In United Way. His reasons were clear. In his simple statement, all human life is his simple statement, all human life is his simple statement, all human life is sacred from the first mysterious moment sacred from the first mysterious moment sacred from the first mysterious moment of conception to the declining days of of conception to the declining days of of conception to the declining days of advanced age. Thus began the ShareLife advanced age. Thus began the ShareLife advanced age. Thus began the ShareLife Campaign, which annually raises funds in Campaign, which annually raises funds in Campaign, which annually raises funds in support of the Catholic charities.

support of the Catholic charities. support of the Catholic charities. [music] [music] [music] Each year since its inception, ShareLife Each year since its inception, ShareLife Each year since its inception, ShareLife has succeeded its multi-million dollar has succeeded its multi-million dollar has succeeded its multi-million dollar goal. >> Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, >> Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it was 50 years ago this year that one it was 50 years ago this year that one it was 50 years ago this year that one of my esteemed predecessors, Archbishop of my esteemed predecessors, Archbishop of my esteemed predecessors, Archbishop Philip Pocock, made a bold and strong Philip Pocock, made a bold and strong Philip Pocock, made a bold and strong declaration concerning the sacredness of declaration concerning the sacredness of declaration concerning the sacredness of life, publicly embracing a key tenant of life, publicly embracing a key tenant of life, publicly embracing a key tenant of our beliefs as a Catholic community. our beliefs as a Catholic community. our beliefs as a Catholic community. Standing before the media, church Standing before the media, church Standing before the media, church representatives, and the wider community representatives, and the wider community representatives, and the wider community in Toronto, he communicated the in Toronto, he communicated the in Toronto, he communicated the courageous decision stating, and I courageous decision stating, and I courageous decision stating, and I quote, quote, quote, "I want to announce today a decision of "I want to announce today a decision of "I want to announce today a decision of conscience, conscience, conscience, which is a declaration on behalf of which is a declaration on behalf of which is a declaration on behalf of life, because we have been asked to life, because we have been asked to life, because we have been asked to embrace the spectra of death." embrace the spectra of death." embrace the spectra of death." At the time, the dignity of human life At the time, the dignity of human life At the time, the dignity of human life was being challenged, and he chose to was being challenged, and he chose to was being challenged, and he chose to stand by and profess our Catholic values stand by and profess our Catholic values stand by and profess our Catholic values with clarity and courage.

with clarity and courage. with clarity and courage. Today, in a country where euthanasia and Today, in a country where euthanasia and Today, in a country where euthanasia and assisted suicide is legal, as well as assisted suicide is legal, as well as assisted suicide is legal, as well as abortion, we recall with gratitude his abortion, we recall with gratitude his abortion, we recall with gratitude his prophetic words and redouble our efforts prophetic words and redouble our efforts prophetic words and redouble our efforts to advocate for, to protect, and cherish to advocate for, to protect, and cherish to advocate for, to protect, and cherish every human life from the moment of every human life from the moment of every human life from the moment of conception to natural [music] death. conception to natural [music] death. conception to natural [music] death. Archbishop Pocock further stated, Archbishop Pocock further stated, Archbishop Pocock further stated, "We believe that every human life is "We believe that every human life is "We believe that every human life is unique and priceless. We hold that human unique and priceless. We hold that human unique and priceless. We hold that human life must be respected at every stage of life must be respected at every stage of life must be respected at every stage of its development from the first its development from the first its development from the first mysterious moment of conception to the mysterious moment of conception to the mysterious moment of conception to the declining days of advanced age." declining days of advanced age." declining days of advanced age." That truth has not changed. That truth has not changed. That truth has not changed. Today, we are called to stand with even Today, we are called to stand with even Today, we are called to stand with even greater commitment and conviction for greater commitment and conviction for greater commitment and conviction for the dignity and sacredness of every the dignity and sacredness of every the dignity and sacredness of every human life. human life. human life. Not long after he read his statement, Not long after he read his statement, Not long after he read his statement, Archbishop Pocock established the Archbishop Pocock established the Archbishop Pocock established the ShareLife Appeal, ShareLife Appeal, ShareLife Appeal, thus bringing together seven agencies thus bringing together seven agencies thus bringing together seven agencies under the leadership of the Catholic under the leadership of the Catholic under the leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto to ensure that Archdiocese of Toronto to ensure that Archdiocese of Toronto to ensure that the gospel values of Christ were shared the gospel values of Christ were shared the gospel values of Christ were shared through social services with the wider through social services with the wider through social services with the wider community.

community. community. This year, we celebrate 50 years of This year, we celebrate 50 years of This year, we celebrate 50 years of putting our faith into action through putting our faith into action through putting our faith into action through ShareLife. ShareLife. ShareLife. 50 years of caring for our brothers and 50 years of caring for our brothers and 50 years of caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. 50 years of sisters in Christ. 50 years of sisters in Christ. 50 years of responding to our neighbors in need. responding to our neighbors in need. responding to our neighbors in need. 50 years of bringing the gospel to life 50 years of bringing the gospel to life 50 years of bringing the gospel to life and living a faith that acts in loving and living a faith that acts in loving and living a faith that acts in loving [music] service to others. [music] service to others. [music] service to others. Today, we follow the example and Today, we follow the example and Today, we follow the example and teachings of Jesus [music] to love and teachings of Jesus [music] to love and teachings of Jesus [music] to love and serve selflessly through more than 40 serve selflessly through more than 40 serve selflessly through more than 40 ShareLife funded agencies serving the ShareLife funded agencies serving the ShareLife funded agencies serving the greater community across the greater community across the greater community across the Archdiocese. Archdiocese. Archdiocese. We uphold the dignity of human life when We uphold the dignity of human life when We uphold the dignity of human life when families find stability in moments of families find stability in moments of families find stability in moments of crisis, [music] crisis, [music] crisis, [music] when newcomers fleeing persecution when newcomers fleeing persecution when newcomers fleeing persecution because of their faith are welcomed, because of their faith are welcomed, because of their faith are welcomed, protected, and given a place to belong. protected, and given a place to belong. protected, and given a place to belong. Our faith is at work when seniors are Our faith is at work when seniors are Our faith is at work when seniors are accompanied with care and dignity in accompanied with care and dignity in accompanied with care and dignity in their later years, their later years, their later years, when young people discover hope where when young people discover hope where when young people discover hope where once there was despair.

once there was despair. once there was despair. When food is placed on tables of those When food is placed on tables of those When food is placed on tables of those struggling to meet this most basic human struggling to meet this most basic human struggling to meet this most basic human need. need. need. When pregnancies are welcomed even in When pregnancies are welcomed even in When pregnancies are welcomed even in difficulties. difficulties. difficulties. When second chances are afforded to When second chances are afforded to When second chances are afforded to those who have come through terrible those who have come through terrible those who have come through terrible trials. trials. trials. Our blessed Lord taught us that whatever Our blessed Lord taught us that whatever Our blessed Lord taught us that whatever you did for one of these least, you did for one of these least, you did for one of these least, you did it for me. When Archbishop Pocock made his When Archbishop Pocock made his statement on behalf of life, statement on behalf of life, statement on behalf of life, he brought this message to the he brought this message to the he brought this message to the forefront, reminding us that the forefront, reminding us that the forefront, reminding us that the Catholic community would always minister Catholic community would always minister Catholic community would always minister generously to the poor and the generously to the poor and the generously to the poor and the marginalized, fostering a culture of marginalized, fostering a culture of marginalized, fostering a culture of care, of compassion, and of love. care, of compassion, and of love. care, of compassion, and of love. He went on to say, He went on to say, He went on to say, "Our task is that we shall endeavor to "Our task is that we shall endeavor to "Our task is that we shall endeavor to transmit this hope and restore the transmit this hope and restore the transmit this hope and restore the concept of the sacredness of life, the concept of the sacredness of life, the concept of the sacredness of life, the dignity of man, and the right of every dignity of man, and the right of every dignity of man, and the right of every individual."

individual." individual." Today, that task falls to us. Today, that task falls to us. Today, that task falls to us. We are called to continue to advocate We are called to continue to advocate We are called to continue to advocate for life at all stages, to firmly for life at all stages, to firmly for life at all stages, to firmly embrace the gospel of life, our Catholic embrace the gospel of life, our Catholic embrace the gospel of life, our Catholic values, and share them with our brothers values, and share them with our brothers values, and share them with our brothers and sisters in Christ, not to mention and sisters in Christ, not to mention and sisters in Christ, not to mention the wider society. the wider society. the wider society. The ShareLife Campaign is more than a The ShareLife Campaign is more than a The ShareLife Campaign is more than a collection. collection. collection. It represents what we believe in, It represents what we believe in, It represents what we believe in, what we do, what we do, what we do, and what we stand for as a Catholic and what we stand for as a Catholic and what we stand for as a Catholic community. community. community. It is how we come together [music] It is how we come together [music] It is how we come together [music] every day to live out the parable of the every day to live out the parable of the every day to live out the parable of the Good Samaritan. Good Samaritan. Good Samaritan. It is how we show care for one another It is how we show care for one another It is how we show care for one another and bring hope to those facing difficult and bring hope to those facing difficult and bring hope to those facing difficult times in their [music] life. times in their [music] life. times in their [music] life. Today, as your Archbishop, I embrace Today, as your Archbishop, I embrace Today, as your Archbishop, I embrace this responsibility and ask you to do this responsibility and ask you to do this responsibility and ask you to do the same the same the same to ensure that the agencies supported to ensure that the agencies supported to ensure that the agencies supported [music] by ShareLife [music] by ShareLife [music] by ShareLife are able to continue to bring the gospel are able to continue to bring the gospel are able to continue to bring the gospel to life through their life-giving to life through their life-giving to life through their life-giving [music] and compassionate work.

[music] and compassionate work. [music] and compassionate work. In doing so, In doing so, In doing so, we're strengthening and spreading the we're strengthening and spreading the we're strengthening and spreading the kingdom of God in our midst. [music] kingdom of God in our midst. [music] kingdom of God in our midst. [music] Please join me in carrying forward our Please join me in carrying forward our Please join me in carrying forward our mission by making a contribution to the mission by making a contribution to the mission by making a contribution to the ShareLife Campaign in this milestone ShareLife Campaign in this milestone ShareLife Campaign in this milestone [music] [music] [music] year. year. year. Your sacrificial gift will help to Your sacrificial gift will help to Your sacrificial gift will help to ensure that our legacy of faith, which ensure that our legacy of faith, which ensure that our legacy of faith, which now stands in our care, will faithfully now stands in our care, will faithfully now stands in our care, will faithfully continue and be handed down to future continue and be handed down to future continue and be handed down to future generations. generations. generations. Thank you for the countless ways that Thank you for the countless ways that Thank you for the countless ways that you live the gospel every day. you live the gospel every day. you live the gospel every day. For 50 years, your faith [music] in For 50 years, your faith [music] in For 50 years, your faith [music] in action has been a blessing to our action has been a blessing to our action has been a blessing to our brothers and sisters in need. brothers and sisters in need. brothers and sisters in need. And may God reward you abundantly and And may God reward you abundantly and And may God reward you abundantly and powerfully.