Sunday Mass - March 8, 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 the hymns and acclamations in the all the hymns and acclamations in the all the hymns and acclamations in the mass. The numbers are listed in the mass mass. The numbers are listed in the mass mass. The numbers are listed in the mass program and they can be found in the program and they can be found in the program and they can be found in the blue hymn books in your pew. blue hymn books in your pew. blue hymn books in your pew. Please stand and join in the entrance Please stand and join in the entrance Please stand and join in the entrance hymn, number 87 I, There's a wideness in hymn, number 87 I, There's a wideness in hymn, number 87 I, There's a wideness in God's mercy, number 87 I. >> [music] >> [music] >> in God's >> in God's >> in God's mercy. There's a There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. There's a There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> mercy.

There's a There's a >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> wideness >> wideness >> wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. mercy. mercy. >> [music] >> There's a >> There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. [music] There's a There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. >> [music] >> [music] >> There's a >> There's a >> There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. mercy. mercy. >> [music] >> There's a >> There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. There's a There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. >> [music] >> [music] >> There's a >> There's a >> There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. mercy. mercy. >> [music] >> There's a >> There's a wideness wideness wideness in God's in God's in God's mercy. [music] [singing]

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[singing] [chanting] >> 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. Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to our sins and so prepare ourselves to our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. I confess to almighty God and to you my I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters brothers and sisters brothers and sisters that I have greatly sinned that I have greatly sinned that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words in my thoughts and in my words in my thoughts and in my words in what I have done and what I have in what I have done and what I have in what I have done and 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 you virgin all the angels and saints and you virgin all the angels and saints and you my brothers and sisters to pray for me my brothers and sisters to pray for me my brothers and sisters to pray for me to the Lord our God. to the Lord our God. 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. >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] Oh God author of every mercy and of all Oh God author of every mercy and of all goodness goodness goodness who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin have shown us a remedy for sin have shown us a remedy for sin look graciously on these confession of look graciously on these confession of look graciously on these confession of our loneliness our loneliness our loneliness that we who are bowed down by our that we who are bowed down by our that we who are bowed down by our conscience may always be lifted up by

conscience may always be lifted up by conscience may always be lifted up by your mercy. your mercy. your mercy. 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. unity of the Holy Spirit. unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever. Amen. A reading from the book of Exodus. A reading from the book of Exodus. In the wilderness, the people thirsted In the wilderness, the people thirsted In the wilderness, the people thirsted for water. for water. for water. And the people complained against Moses And the people complained against Moses And the people complained against Moses and said, and said, and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt "Why did you bring us out of Egypt "Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and to kill us and our children and to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?" livestock with thirst?" livestock with thirst?" So, Moses cried out to the Lord, So, Moses cried out to the Lord, So, Moses cried out to the Lord, "What shall I do with this people? "What shall I do with this people? "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me." They are almost ready to stone me." They are almost ready to stone me." The Lord said to Moses, The Lord said to Moses, The Lord said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people "Go on ahead of the people "Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel and take some of the elders of Israel and take some of the elders of Israel with you.

with you. with you. Take in your hand the staff with which Take in your hand the staff with which Take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go. you struck the Nile and go. you struck the Nile and go. I will be standing there in front of you I will be standing there in front of you I will be standing there in front of you at the rock at Horeb. at the rock at Horeb. at the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock and water will come out Strike the rock and water will come out Strike the rock and water will come out of it of it of it so that the people may drink." so that the people may drink." so that the people may drink." Moses did so Moses did so Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. in the sight of the elders of Israel. in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massa He called the place Massa He called the place Massa and Meribah and Meribah and Meribah because the children of Israel quarreled because the children of Israel quarreled because the children of Israel quarreled and tested the Lord saying, and tested the Lord saying, and tested the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us "Is the Lord among us "Is the Lord among us or not?" The word of the Lord. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to >> O that today >> O that today you would listen to the voice of the you would listen to the voice of the you would listen to the voice of the Lord.

Lord. Lord. Do not harden your hearts. Do not harden your hearts. Do not harden your hearts. O that today O that today O that today you would listen to the voice of the you would listen to the voice of the you would listen to the voice of the Lord. Lord. Lord. Do not harden your hearts. hearts. O come, [singing] let us sing to the O come, [singing] let us sing to the O come, [singing] let us sing to the Lord. Lord. Lord. Let us make a joyful noise to the rock Let us make a joyful noise to the rock Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. of our salvation. of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with Let us come into his presence with Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. thanksgiving. thanksgiving. Let us make a joyful noise to him with Let us make a joyful noise to him with Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise. songs of praise. songs of praise. O that today O that today O that today you would listen [music] to the voice of you would listen [music] to the voice of you would listen [music] to the voice of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Do not harden your hearts.

hearts. O come, let us worship and bow down. O come, let us worship and bow down. O come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God and we are the people For he is our God and we are the people For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture [singing] of his pasture [singing] and the sheep of his hand. and the sheep of his hand. Oh, that today Oh, that today Oh, that today you would listen to [music and singing] you would listen to [music and singing] you would listen to [music and singing] the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. Do not harden [singing] your hearts. hearts. Oh, that today you would listen to his Oh, that today you would listen to his Oh, that today you would listen to his voice. voice. voice. Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, [singing] as on the day at Massah in the as on the day at Massah in the wilderness. When your ancestors tested me and put me When your ancestors tested me and put me to the proof, to the proof, to the proof, though they had seen my work.

though they had seen my work. though they had seen my work. Oh, that today Oh, that today Oh, that today you would [singing and music] listen to you would [singing and music] listen to you would [singing and music] listen to the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. the voice of the Lord. Do not [singing] harden [music] Do not [singing] harden [music] Do not [singing] harden [music] your A reading from the letter of St. Paul to A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, since we are justified by faith, since we are justified by faith, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God we have peace with God we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. through our Lord Jesus Christ. through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through whom we have obtained access Through whom we have obtained access Through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand.

And we boast in our hope of sharing the And we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. glory of God. glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us And hope does not disappoint us And hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into because God's love has been poured into because God's love has been poured into our hearts our hearts our hearts through the Holy Spirit through the Holy Spirit through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. that has been given to us. that has been given to us. For while we were still weak For while we were still weak For while we were still weak at the right time Christ died for the at the right time Christ died for the at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ungodly. ungodly. Indeed rarely will anyone die for a Indeed rarely will anyone die for a Indeed rarely will anyone die for a righteous person righteous person righteous person though perhaps for a good person though perhaps for a good person though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. someone might actually dare to die. someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us But God proves his love for us But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners in that while we were still sinners in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. >> Praise to you, oh

>> Praise to you, oh Lord, king of eternal glory. Lord, king of eternal glory. Lord, king of eternal glory. Praise [music and singing] to you, oh Praise [music and singing] to you, oh Praise [music and singing] to you, oh Lord, Lord, Lord, king of eternal king of eternal king of eternal glory. glory. glory. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Lord, you are truly the savior of the >> Lord, you are truly the savior of the >> Lord, you are truly the savior of the world. world. world. Give me living water that I may never be Give me living water that I may never be Give me living water that I may never be thirsty. >> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. >> [chanting] >> A reading from the holy gospel according >> A reading from the holy gospel according to John. to John. to John. >> [chanting] >> [chanting] >> [chanting] [singing] >> Jesus came to a Samaritan city called >> Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Sychar, near the plot of ground that Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there. Jacob's well was there. Jacob's well was there. And Jesus, And Jesus, And Jesus, tired out by his journey, were sitting tired out by his journey, were sitting tired out by his journey, were sitting by the well. by the well. by the well. It was about noon. It was about noon. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, A Samaritan woman came to draw water, A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, and Jesus said to her, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." "Give me a drink." "Give me a drink." His disciples had gone to the city to His disciples had gone to the city to His disciples had gone to the city to buy food. buy food. buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, The Samaritan woman said to him, The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" of me, a woman of Samaria?" of me, a woman of Samaria?" Jews do not share things in common with Jews do not share things in common with Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans. Samaritans. Samaritans. Jesus answered her, Jesus answered her, Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it "If you knew the gift of God, and who it "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, is that is saying to you, is that is saying to you, "Give me a drink." "Give me a drink." "Give me a drink." You would have asked him, You would have asked him, You would have asked him, and he would have given you living and he would have given you living and he would have given you living water. water. water. The woman said to him, The woman said to him, The woman said to him, "Sir, "Sir, "Sir, you have no bucket, you have no bucket, you have no bucket, and the well is deep.

and the well is deep. and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Where do you get that living water? Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, Are you greater than our father Jacob, Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, who gave us the well, who gave us the well, and with his children and his flocks and with his children and his flocks and with his children and his flocks drank from it?" drank from it?" drank from it?" Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will "Everyone who drinks of this water will "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. be thirsty again. be thirsty again. But the one who drinks of the water that But the one who drinks of the water that But the one who drinks of the water that I will give will never be thirsty. I will give will never be thirsty. I will give will never be thirsty. The water that I will give him will The water that I will give him will The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water, become in him a spring of water, become in him a spring of water, gushing up to eternal life." gushing up to eternal life." gushing up to eternal life." The woman said to him, The woman said to him, The woman said to him, "Sir, "Sir, "Sir, give me this water, give me this water, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty, so that I may never be thirsty, so that I may never be thirsty, or have to keep coming here to draw or have to keep coming here to draw or have to keep coming here to draw water. water. water. I see that you are a prophet. I see that you are a prophet. I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this Our ancestors worshipped on this Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, mountain, mountain, but you say that the place where people but you say that the place where people but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem."

must worship is in Jerusalem." must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "Woman, "Woman, "Woman, believe me, believe me, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the hour is coming when you will worship the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor the Father neither on this mountain nor the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know. You worship what you do not know. You worship what you do not know. We worship what we know, We worship what we know, We worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. for salvation is from the Jews. for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming and is now here, But the hour is coming and is now here, But the hour is coming and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship when the true worshippers will worship when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. the Father in spirit and truth. the Father in spirit and truth. For the Father seeks as these to worship For the Father seeks as these to worship For the Father seeks as these to worship him. him. him. God is spirit, God is spirit, God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship and those who worship him must worship and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." in spirit and truth." in spirit and truth." The woman said to him, The woman said to him, The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming, "I know that the Messiah is coming, "I know that the Messiah is coming, who is called the Christ. who is called the Christ. who is called the Christ. When he comes, he will proclaim all When he comes, he will proclaim all When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." things to us." things to us." Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, Jesus said to her, "I am he, "I am he, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you."

the one who is speaking to you." the one who is speaking to you." Many Samaritans from that city believed Many Samaritans from that city believed Many Samaritans from that city believed in Jesus. in Jesus. in Jesus. So, when they came to him, they asked So, when they came to him, they asked So, when they came to him, they asked him to stay with them, him to stay with them, him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. and he stayed there two days. and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his And many more believed because of his And many more believed because of his word. word. word. They said to the woman, They said to the woman, They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you "It is no longer because of what you "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, said that we believe, said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, for we have heard for ourselves, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the and we know that this is truly the and we know that this is truly the savior of the world." The Gospel of the Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord As we approach the halfway point of As we approach the halfway point of Lent, Lent, Lent, about 18 days after Ash Wednesday, about 18 days after Ash Wednesday, about 18 days after Ash Wednesday, we face a very important question we face a very important question we face a very important question in today's readings.

At the heart of those readings is a very At the heart of those readings is a very human experience, human experience, human experience, thirst. What are we truly seeking? What are we truly seeking? Whom are we searching for? Whom are we searching for? Whom are we searching for? With so many distractions in our daily With so many distractions in our daily With so many distractions in our daily lives, lives, lives, what are we truly thirsting for? what are we truly thirsting for? what are we truly thirsting for? Think of that moment when your mouth is Think of that moment when your mouth is Think of that moment when your mouth is dry dry dry and you reach for water. and you reach for water. and you reach for water. If you have ever been really thirsty, If you have ever been really thirsty, If you have ever been really thirsty, perhaps after working out, perhaps after working out, perhaps after working out, going on a hike, going on a hike, going on a hike, or working on a hot summer day, or working on a hot summer day, or working on a hot summer day, you know how powerful that feeling is. you know how powerful that feeling is. you know how powerful that feeling is. When we are thirsty, When we are thirsty, When we are thirsty, nothing else seems to matter until we nothing else seems to matter until we nothing else seems to matter until we find water. find water. find water. That image of thirst runs through all That image of thirst runs through all That image of thirst runs through all the readings today. In the first reading, the Israelites are In the first reading, the Israelites are thirsty in the wilderness thirsty in the wilderness thirsty in the wilderness and begin to complain against Moses, and begin to complain against Moses, and begin to complain against Moses, questioning why they were brought out of questioning why they were brought out of questioning why they were brought out of Egypt.

Egypt. Egypt. When people are thirsty, When people are thirsty, When people are thirsty, impatience quickly follows. impatience quickly follows. impatience quickly follows. But something deeper But something deeper But something deeper is happening here. is happening here. is happening here. The people are not only thirsty for The people are not only thirsty for The people are not only thirsty for water. water. water. They are struggling to trust God. In today's gospel, we encounter another In today's gospel, we encounter another person who comes looking for water. person who comes looking for water. person who comes looking for water. The Samaritan woman at the well. The Samaritan woman at the well. The Samaritan woman at the well. There are many insights that we can draw There are many insights that we can draw There are many insights that we can draw from the gospel. from the gospel. from the gospel. The one thing we can see clearly The one thing we can see clearly The one thing we can see clearly is the progression of the Samaritan is the progression of the Samaritan is the progression of the Samaritan woman's faith. woman's faith. woman's faith. At first, At first, At first, like the Israelites in the first like the Israelites in the first like the Israelites in the first reading, reading, reading, she focuses only on the service of the she focuses only on the service of the she focuses only on the service of the water, water, water, which could temporarily quench her which could temporarily quench her which could temporarily quench her thirst. thirst. thirst. But Jesus speaks of something deeper. But Jesus speaks of something deeper. But Jesus speaks of something deeper. The living water that can quench her The living water that can quench her The living water that can quench her thirst forever.

thirst forever. thirst forever. When Jesus asks her for a drink, she When Jesus asks her for a drink, she When Jesus asks her for a drink, she responds with surprise. responds with surprise. responds with surprise. "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me?" of me?" of me?" At first, At first, At first, she sees Jesus simply as a stranger. she sees Jesus simply as a stranger. she sees Jesus simply as a stranger. Then she says, Then she says, Then she says, "Sir, "Sir, "Sir, you have no bucket." you have no bucket." you have no bucket." And then a little later, she says, "Sir, And then a little later, she says, "Sir, And then a little later, she says, "Sir, give me this water." give me this water." give me this water." She becomes more open, more polite, She becomes more open, more polite, She becomes more open, more polite, even calling Jesus "Sir." even calling Jesus "Sir." even calling Jesus "Sir." Then she says, Then she says, Then she says, "I see that you are a prophet." "I see that you are a prophet." "I see that you are a prophet." Now she begins to see something more in Now she begins to see something more in Now she begins to see something more in him. him. him. Finally, Finally, Finally, she wonders whether the Messiah is she wonders whether the Messiah is she wonders whether the Messiah is coming. coming. coming. Little by little, her conversation with Little by little, her conversation with Little by little, her conversation with Jesus becomes a journey of faith. Jesus becomes a journey of faith. Jesus becomes a journey of faith. Eventually, she leaves her water jar Eventually, she leaves her water jar Eventually, she leaves her water jar behind and runs back to her town to tell behind and runs back to her town to tell behind and runs back to her town to tell others about him.

The woman who came seeking water becomes The woman who came seeking water becomes someone who shares living water with someone who shares living water with someone who shares living water with others. Perhaps we are not so different from Perhaps we are not so different from that Samaritan woman. Let me share a little of my own journey Let me share a little of my own journey of faith. I did not really know Jesus for the I did not really know Jesus for the first 29 years of my life. first 29 years of my life. first 29 years of my life. And then after graduating from And then after graduating from And then after graduating from university, university, university, I worked at CIBC for 12 years, I worked at CIBC for 12 years, I worked at CIBC for 12 years, focusing mainly on making money focusing mainly on making money focusing mainly on making money and climbing the corporate ladder. and climbing the corporate ladder. and climbing the corporate ladder. From the outside, life looked successful From the outside, life looked successful From the outside, life looked successful and stable, and stable, and stable, but deep down, but deep down, but deep down, something was still missing. something was still missing. something was still missing. I could not quite explain it at that I could not quite explain it at that I could not quite explain it at that time, time, time, but there was a thirst in my heart but there was a thirst in my heart but there was a thirst in my heart that nothing nor 9-5 job seemed to that nothing nor 9-5 job seemed to that nothing nor 9-5 job seemed to satisfy. satisfy. satisfy. And then in 2009, my aunt invited me to And then in 2009, my aunt invited me to And then in 2009, my aunt invited me to join RCIA.

join RCIA. join RCIA. I didn't realize it then, I didn't realize it then, I didn't realize it then, but that invitation would slowly change but that invitation would slowly change but that invitation would slowly change the direction of my life. the direction of my life. the direction of my life. In 2011, I was baptized as a Catholic. Even then, the journey continued. Even then, the journey continued. There were years of searching, There were years of searching, There were years of searching, questioning God, questioning God, questioning God, and struggling with difficult decisions and struggling with difficult decisions and struggling with difficult decisions whether I should be married whether I should be married whether I should be married or join the religious life. or join the religious life. or join the religious life. And then after much prayer and And then after much prayer and And then after much prayer and discernment, discernment, discernment, I left my full-time job in 2017 I left my full-time job in 2017 I left my full-time job in 2017 and entered religious life. and entered religious life. and entered religious life. And I was ordained as a priest last And I was ordained as a priest last And I was ordained as a priest last year. Looking back now, Looking back now, I can see how patiently God had been I can see how patiently God had been I can see how patiently God had been leading me all along, leading me all along, leading me all along, step by step, step by step, step by step, just as Jesus patiently led the just as Jesus patiently led the just as Jesus patiently led the Samaritan woman. Perhaps we too have experienced moments Perhaps we too have experienced moments of searching in our lives.

of searching in our lives. of searching in our lives. At times, we may have focused on things At times, we may have focused on things At times, we may have focused on things that did not truly satisfy the deeper that did not truly satisfy the deeper that did not truly satisfy the deeper thirst of our hearts. thirst of our hearts. thirst of our hearts. Each of us has our own faith journey. Each of us has our own faith journey. Each of us has our own faith journey. Some grow up in the faith. Some grow up in the faith. Some grow up in the faith. Some may not practice it for a while Some may not practice it for a while Some may not practice it for a while and come back to church after a long and come back to church after a long and come back to church after a long time. time. time. Others discover it later in life, Others discover it later in life, Others discover it later in life, like myself. like myself. like myself. But brothers and sisters in Christ, it But brothers and sisters in Christ, it But brothers and sisters in Christ, it really does not matter so much where we really does not matter so much where we really does not matter so much where we come from. come from. come from. What matters is where our faith journeys What matters is where our faith journeys What matters is where our faith journeys are headed. In a special way today, the church also In a special way today, the church also prays for those preparing to be baptized prays for those preparing to be baptized prays for those preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. at the Easter Vigil. at the Easter Vigil. The elects. The elects. The elects. Over the next three Sundays, the Gospel Over the next three Sundays, the Gospel Over the next three Sundays, the Gospel of John will guide them on the journey of John will guide them on the journey of John will guide them on the journey of faith.

of faith. of faith. This Sunday, we hear the Samaritan woman This Sunday, we hear the Samaritan woman This Sunday, we hear the Samaritan woman who discovers living water. who discovers living water. who discovers living water. Next Sunday, Next Sunday, Next Sunday, the man born blind who receives sight. the man born blind who receives sight. the man born blind who receives sight. And then two Sundays later, And then two Sundays later, And then two Sundays later, Lazarus who is raised to new life. These readings remind all of us that our These readings remind all of us that our own faith journey own faith journey own faith journey is also a journey from thirst is also a journey from thirst is also a journey from thirst to light to light to light to new life in Christ. to new life in Christ. to new life in Christ. Our ultimate goal in life is to seek the Our ultimate goal in life is to seek the Our ultimate goal in life is to seek the living water whose source is God himself living water whose source is God himself living water whose source is God himself and eventually to receive the gift of and eventually to receive the gift of and eventually to receive the gift of eternal life. As we continue reflecting on this As we continue reflecting on this journey of faith, journey of faith, journey of faith, St. Paul reminds us in the second St. Paul reminds us in the second St. Paul reminds us in the second reading to the Romans, reading to the Romans, reading to the Romans, and we hear this beautiful statement, and we hear this beautiful statement, and we hear this beautiful statement, "Hope "Hope "Hope does not disappoint us." This may sound familiar This may sound familiar because last year's ordinary Jubilee because last year's ordinary Jubilee because last year's ordinary Jubilee Year reminded us that we are all called Year reminded us that we are all called Year reminded us that we are all called to be pilgrims of hope.

to be pilgrims of hope. to be pilgrims of hope. At the closing mass of the Jubilee Year, At the closing mass of the Jubilee Year, At the closing mass of the Jubilee Year, our shepherd here in the Archdiocese of our shepherd here in the Archdiocese of our shepherd here in the Archdiocese of Toronto, Cardinal Leo, Toronto, Cardinal Leo, Toronto, Cardinal Leo, reminded us that even though the Jubilee reminded us that even though the Jubilee reminded us that even though the Jubilee Year had ended, Year had ended, Year had ended, hope should never fade from our lives. hope should never fade from our lives. hope should never fade from our lives. Why? Why? Why? Because as St. Paul says in today's Because as St. Paul says in today's Because as St. Paul says in today's reading, reading, reading, God's love has been poured into our God's love has been poured into our God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, hearts through the Holy Spirit, hearts through the Holy Spirit, like living water filled filling the like living water filled filling the like living water filled filling the deepest thirst of the human heart. deepest thirst of the human heart. deepest thirst of the human heart. In our baptism, In our baptism, In our baptism, confirmation, and other sacraments, confirmation, and other sacraments, confirmation, and other sacraments, that grace is like the living water that grace is like the living water that grace is like the living water Jesus promises in today's gospel. Christ died for us sinners, Christ died for us sinners, showing us just how much he loves us, showing us just how much he loves us, showing us just how much he loves us, even though we may stumble from time to even though we may stumble from time to even though we may stumble from time to time, time, time, so that we may also rise one day so that we may also rise one day so that we may also rise one day to gain eternal life.

So, as we approach this midpoint of So, as we approach this midpoint of Lent, Lent, Lent, perhaps we can reflect on a few perhaps we can reflect on a few perhaps we can reflect on a few questions. questions. questions. First, First, First, what are we truly searching for and what are we truly searching for and what are we truly searching for and thirsting for at this stage in our thirsting for at this stage in our thirsting for at this stage in our lives? Maybe our grades at school, Maybe our grades at school, our friendships and relationships, our friendships and relationships, our friendships and relationships, our families, our families, our families, our careers, [snorts] our careers, [snorts] our careers, [snorts] our retirements, our retirements, our retirements, our grandkids, our grandkids, our grandkids, our vacations. our vacations. our vacations. And there's absolutely nothing wrong And there's absolutely nothing wrong And there's absolutely nothing wrong with those things. Absolutely nothing with those things. Absolutely nothing with those things. Absolutely nothing wrong. wrong. wrong. However, However, However, should we also prioritize should we also prioritize should we also prioritize and spend more time seeking this living and spend more time seeking this living and spend more time seeking this living water water water gushing up to eternal life? Second, Second, how has the Lord brought you here? how has the Lord brought you here? how has the Lord brought you here? We all have different faith journeys. We all have different faith journeys. We all have different faith journeys. Yours is different from mine Yours is different from mine Yours is different from mine or the Samaritan woman's.

or the Samaritan woman's. or the Samaritan woman's. During Lent, it's good to reflect on During Lent, it's good to reflect on During Lent, it's good to reflect on them and see how the Lord has brought them and see how the Lord has brought them and see how the Lord has brought you here and now. Third, Third, during times of difficulty, during times of difficulty, during times of difficulty, do we lose hope and trust in the Lord do we lose hope and trust in the Lord do we lose hope and trust in the Lord as the Israelites did in the first as the Israelites did in the first as the Israelites did in the first reading? reading? reading? Or do we remind ourselves Or do we remind ourselves Or do we remind ourselves that hope that hope that hope would never disappoint us? Fourth, Fourth, in the collect that we pray today, in the collect that we pray today, in the collect that we pray today, we heard that the offer of every mercy we heard that the offer of every mercy we heard that the offer of every mercy has given us remedies for sin through has given us remedies for sin through has given us remedies for sin through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. How are our Lenten practices going so How are our Lenten practices going so How are our Lenten practices going so far far far in the first 2 and 1/2 weeks? If we haven't been very faithful to our If we haven't been very faithful to our resolutions, resolutions, resolutions, that's okay. It's never too late. that's okay. It's never too late. that's okay. It's never too late. We still have more than 3 weeks left in We still have more than 3 weeks left in We still have more than 3 weeks left in Lent.

So, we can start picking up steam So, we can start picking up steam if we haven't been loyal to our if we haven't been loyal to our if we haven't been loyal to our resolutions. resolutions. resolutions. Fifth, Fifth, Fifth, for those of us who have been baptized, for those of us who have been baptized, for those of us who have been baptized, remember the significance of the water remember the significance of the water remember the significance of the water used to cleanse our original sin used to cleanse our original sin used to cleanse our original sin and all our personal sins on the day of and all our personal sins on the day of and all our personal sins on the day of our baptism. our baptism. our baptism. Most of us do not remember our baptism, Most of us do not remember our baptism, Most of us do not remember our baptism, unlike myself who was baptized as an unlike myself who was baptized as an unlike myself who was baptized as an adult. adult. adult. However, every time we enter the church However, every time we enter the church However, every time we enter the church and dip our fingers in holy water, and dip our fingers in holy water, and dip our fingers in holy water, we are reminded of that moment. Friends, Friends, in a few moments when we come forward in a few moments when we come forward in a few moments when we come forward for communion, for communion, for communion, we will receive that same living water we will receive that same living water we will receive that same living water in another form, in another form, in another form, the body and blood of Christ. the body and blood of Christ. the body and blood of Christ. The one who spoke to the Samaritan woman The one who spoke to the Samaritan woman The one who spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, now comes to meet us here at the well, now comes to meet us here at the well, now comes to meet us here at this altar.

This spiritual food and drink strengthen This spiritual food and drink strengthen us and give us the grace to get through us and give us the grace to get through us and give us the grace to get through the week until we return next Sunday the week until we return next Sunday the week until we return next Sunday or if we choose to come to receive this or if we choose to come to receive this or if we choose to come to receive this living water living water living water even daily. As the responsorial Psalm says today, As the responsorial Psalm says today, "Oh, that today you will listen to the "Oh, that today you will listen to the "Oh, that today you will listen to the voice of the Lord. voice of the Lord. voice of the Lord. Do not harden your hearts." Do not harden your hearts." Do not harden your hearts." We have indeed listened to the voice of We have indeed listened to the voice of We have indeed listened to the voice of the Lord the Lord the Lord at Mass today. at Mass today. at Mass today. So, like the Samaritan woman, So, like the Samaritan woman, So, like the Samaritan woman, let us come to Jesus with our thirst. let us come to Jesus with our thirst. let us come to Jesus with our thirst. And like her, And like her, And like her, let us leave the cathedral ready to let us leave the cathedral ready to let us leave the cathedral ready to share that living water with the people share that living water with the people share that living water with the people we meet in our daily lives. I would like to leave you with a famous I would like to leave you with a famous quote that St. Augustine of Hippo, quote that St. Augustine of Hippo, quote that St. Augustine of Hippo, a 4th century church father a 4th century church father a 4th century church father and doctor of the church, and doctor of the church, and doctor of the church, said in his book, said in his book, said in his book, the beginning of his book, the beginning of his book, the beginning of his book, The Confessions, "Our hearts are restless "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, oh Lord."

Because Christ alone can satisfy the Because Christ alone can satisfy the deepest thirst deepest thirst deepest thirst of the human heart. >> Let us now stand and profess the Nicene >> Let us now stand and profess the Nicene Creed. I believe in one God, the Father I believe in one God, the Father almighty, almighty, almighty, maker of heaven and earth, maker of heaven and earth, 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, I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the only begotten Son of God, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, born of the Father before all ages, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God God from God, light from light, true God God from God, light from light, true God from true God, from true God, from true God, begotten, not made, begotten, not made, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father, consubstantial with the Father, consubstantial with 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, For us men and for our salvation, For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, he came down from heaven, he 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, He suffered death and was buried, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in and rose again on the third day in and rose again on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. accordance with the scriptures. accordance with the scriptures. He ascended into heaven He ascended into heaven He 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, forgiveness of sins, forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection and I look forward to the resurrection and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, of the dead, of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. We should pour forth prayers at all We should pour forth prayers at all times, dear brothers and sisters, times, dear brothers and sisters, times, dear brothers and sisters, but above all, in these days of Lent, we but above all, in these days of Lent, we but above all, in these days of Lent, we ought to watch more intently with ought to watch more intently with ought to watch more intently with Christ, and direct our petitions more Christ, and direct our petitions more Christ, and direct our petitions more fervently to God. For our leaders in the church, For our leaders in the church, who must respond to the demands of the who must respond to the demands of the who must respond to the demands of the people, people, people, that God may stand with them as he did that God may stand with them as he did that God may stand with them as he did with Moses, with Moses, with Moses, providing the waters of life in the providing the waters of life in the providing the waters of life in the church church church through their ministry. through their ministry. through their ministry. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. For the people of the earth, For the people of the earth, For the people of the earth, that they may not test and tempt God that they may not test and tempt God that they may not test and tempt God with immortality with immortality with immortality and injustice, and injustice, and injustice, but listen to his voice, and respond but listen to his voice, and respond but listen to his voice, and respond with reverence and obedience.

with reverence and obedience. with reverence and obedience. 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 the Christian faithful, For the Christian faithful, For the Christian faithful, that we may give Jesus the cool water of that we may give Jesus the cool water of that we may give Jesus the cool water of our faith and our love, our faith and our love, our faith and our love, and that we may understand the gift of and that we may understand the gift of and that we may understand the gift of God, God, God, knowing that Jesus is the one knowing that Jesus is the one knowing that Jesus is the one who gives us the living water of who gives us the living water of who gives us the living water of everlasting life. everlasting life. everlasting life. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our prayer. For our catechumens, For our catechumens, For our catechumens, that they may be true worshipers that they may be true worshipers that they may be true worshipers who adore the Father in spirit and in who adore the Father in spirit and in who adore the Father in spirit and in truth, truth, truth, and who may have no other spiritual food and who may have no other spiritual food and who may have no other spiritual food than to do the will of the one who has than to do the will of the one who has than to do the will of the one who has chosen them. chosen them. chosen them. 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 the sick, For the sick, For the sick, especially Janet Wait, especially Janet Wait, especially Janet Wait, that Jesus, who gently led the Samaritan that Jesus, who gently led the Samaritan that Jesus, who gently led the Samaritan woman to salvation, woman to salvation, woman to salvation, may reach out to all souls who need to may reach out to all souls who need to may reach out to all souls who need to come home to his love come home to his love come home to his love during this holy season.

during this holy season. during this holy season. 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 our faithful departed ones, For our faithful departed ones, For our faithful departed ones, especially Jack Biolo especially Jack Biolo especially Jack Biolo and Pressy Gemelo, and Pressy Gemelo, and Pressy Gemelo, that they, who were justified by faith, that they, who were justified by faith, that they, who were justified by faith, may now be at peace with God in heaven may now be at peace with God in heaven may now be at peace with God in heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ. through our Lord Jesus Christ. through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Grant, we pray, oh Lord, that your Grant, we pray, oh Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their people may turn to you with all their people may turn to you with all their heart, heart, heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in so that whatever they dare to ask in so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer, they may receive by your fitting prayer, they may receive by your fitting prayer, they may receive by your mercy mercy mercy through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

God God >> [music] >> Blessed are you, Lord God of all

>> Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Blessed are you, Lord God of creation. Blessed are you, Lord God of creation. Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. We have received the bread all creation. We have received the bread all creation. We have received the bread we offer you. we offer you. we offer you. Through what the earth and work of human Through what the earth and work of human Through what the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread hands, it will become for us the bread hands, it will become for us the bread of life. of life. of life. Blessed be God forever. >> Bless the Lord God of all creation for >> Bless the Lord God of all creation for the fruit of the vine and work of human the fruit of the vine and work of human the fruit of the vine and work of human hands. hands. hands. Through him we receive wine and water Through him we receive wine and water Through him we receive wine and water for human health. for human health. for human health. May they become our spiritual drink. [singing]

[singing] [music] >> Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and >> Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the yours may be acceptable to God the yours may be acceptable to God the almighty father.

Be pleased, oh Lord, with these Be pleased, oh Lord, with these sacrificial offerings and grant that we, sacrificial offerings and grant that we, sacrificial offerings and grant that we, who beseech pardon for our own sins, may who beseech pardon for our own sins, may who beseech pardon for our own sins, may take care to forgive our neighbor take care to forgive our neighbor take care to forgive our neighbor through Christ our Lord. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. >> [chanting] [singing] [singing] >> Lift up your hearts. >> Let us give thanks to the >> Let us give thanks to the our God. It is truly right and just, It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, our duty and our salvation, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you always and everywhere to give you always and everywhere to give you thanks, thanks, thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our [singing] Lord.

God, through Christ our [singing] Lord. God, through Christ our [singing] Lord. For when he asked the Samaritan woman For when he asked the Samaritan woman For when he asked the Samaritan woman for water to drink, for water to drink, for water to drink, he had already created the gift of faith he had already created the gift of faith he had already created the gift of faith within her. within her. within her. And so ardently did he thirst for her And so ardently did he thirst for her And so ardently did he thirst for her faith faith faith that he kindled in her the fire of that he kindled in her the fire of that he kindled in her the fire of divine [singing] divine [singing] divine [singing] love. love. love. And so we too give you thanks And so we too give you thanks And so we too give you thanks and with the angels praise your mighty and with the angels praise your mighty and with the angels praise your mighty deeds as we [singing] deeds as we [singing] deeds as we [singing] acclaim. >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [chanting] [chanting] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] >> You are indeed holy, O Lord, and from

>> You are indeed holy, O Lord, and from the world's beginning are ceaselessly at the world's beginning are ceaselessly at the world's beginning are ceaselessly at work, work, work, so that the human race may become holy, so that the human race may become holy, so that the human race may become holy, just as you yourself are holy. just as you yourself are holy. just as you yourself are holy. Look, we pray, upon your people's Look, we pray, upon your people's Look, we pray, upon your people's offerings and pour out on them the power offerings and pour out on them the power offerings and pour out on them the power of your spirit of your spirit of your spirit that they may become that they may become that they may become the body and blood of your beloved Son, the body and blood of your beloved Son, the body and blood of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in whom we, too, are your Jesus Christ, in whom we, too, are your Jesus Christ, in whom we, too, are your sons and daughters. sons and daughters. sons and daughters. Indeed, though we once were lost and Indeed, though we once were lost and Indeed, though we once were lost and could not approach you, could not approach you, could not approach you, you loved us with the greatest love. you loved us with the greatest love. you loved us with the greatest love. For your Son, who alone is just, For your Son, who alone is just, For your Son, who alone is just, handed himself over to death handed himself over to death handed himself over to death and did not disdain to be nailed for our and did not disdain to be nailed for our and did not disdain to be nailed for our sake to the wood of the cross. sake to the wood of the cross. sake to the wood of the cross. But before his arms were outstretched But before his arms were outstretched But before his arms were outstretched between heaven and earth between heaven and earth between heaven and earth to become the lasting sign of your to become the lasting sign of your to become the lasting sign of your covenant, covenant, covenant, he desired to celebrate the Passover he desired to celebrate the Passover he desired to celebrate the Passover with his disciples.

with his disciples. with his disciples. As he ate with them, As he ate with them, As he ate with them, he took bread he took bread he took bread and giving you thanks, and giving you thanks, and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, he said the blessing, he said the blessing, broke the bread, broke the bread, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples, and gave it to his disciples, and gave it to his disciples, saying, saying, saying, "Take this, "Take this, "Take this, all of you, and eat of it, all of you, and eat of it, 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 when supper was ended, >> In a similar when supper was ended, knowing that he was about to reconcile knowing that he was about to reconcile knowing that he was about to reconcile all things in himself all things in himself all things in himself through his blood to be shed on the through his blood to be shed on the through his blood to be shed on the cross, cross, cross, he took the chalice he took the chalice he took the chalice filled with the fruit of the vine, filled with the fruit of the vine, filled with the fruit of the vine, and once more giving you thanks, and once more giving you thanks, and once more giving you thanks, handed the chalice to his disciples, handed the chalice to his disciples, handed the chalice to his disciples, saying, saying, saying, "Take this, "Take this, "Take this, all of you, and drink from it.

all of you, and drink from it. all of you, and drink from it. For this is the chalice of my blood, the For this is the chalice of my blood, the For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, blood of the new and eternal covenant, blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for which will be poured out for you and for which will be poured out for you and for many many many for the forgiveness of sins. for the forgiveness of sins. for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me." >> Mysterium >> Mysterium fidei. [music] [music] [singing] >> Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial >> Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of your son, Jesus Christ, who is our of your son, Jesus Christ, who is our of your son, Jesus Christ, who is our Passover and our surest peace, Passover and our surest peace, Passover and our surest peace, we celebrate his death and resurrection we celebrate his death and resurrection we celebrate his death and resurrection from the dead, from the dead, from the dead, and looking forward to his blessed and looking forward to his blessed and looking forward to his blessed coming, We offer you, who are our coming, We offer you, who are our coming, We offer you, who are our faithful and merciful God, this

faithful and merciful God, this faithful and merciful God, this sacrificial victim, who reconciles to sacrificial victim, who reconciles to sacrificial victim, who reconciles to you the human race. you the human race. you the human race. Look kindly, most compassionate Father, Look kindly, most compassionate Father, Look kindly, most compassionate Father, on those you unite to yourself by the on those you unite to yourself by the on those you unite to yourself by the sacrifice of your Son, sacrifice of your Son, sacrifice of your Son, and grant that by the power of the Holy and grant that by the power of the Holy and grant that by the power of the Holy Spirit, as they partake of this one Spirit, as they partake of this one Spirit, as they partake of this one bread and one chalice, bread and one chalice, bread and one chalice, they may be gathered into one body in they may be gathered into one body in they may be gathered into one body in Christ, who heals every division. Christ, who heals every division. Christ, who heals every division. Be pleased to keep us always in Be pleased to keep us always in Be pleased to keep us always in communion of mind and heart, together communion of mind and heart, together communion of mind and heart, together with Leo our Pope and Francis our with Leo our Pope and Francis our with Leo our Pope and Francis our Bishop. Bishop. Bishop. Help us to work together for the coming Help us to work together for the coming Help us to work together for the coming of your kingdom of your kingdom of your kingdom until the hour when we stand before you, until the hour when we stand before you, until the hour when we stand before you, saints among the saints in the halls of saints among the saints in the halls of saints among the saints in the halls of heaven with the Blessed Virgin Mary, heaven with the Blessed Virgin Mary, heaven with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, the Blessed Apostles and Mother of God, the Blessed Apostles and Mother of God, the Blessed Apostles and all the saints, and with our deceased all the saints, and with our deceased all the saints, and with our deceased brothers and sisters, whom we humbly brothers and sisters, whom we humbly brothers and sisters, whom we humbly commend to your mercy.

commend to your mercy. commend to your mercy. Then free at last from the wound of Then free at last from the wound of Then free at last from the wound of corruption and made fully into a new corruption and made fully into a new corruption and made fully into a new creation, creation, creation, we shall sing to you with gladness the we shall sing to you with gladness the we shall sing to you with gladness the Thanksgiving of Christ, who lives for Thanksgiving of Christ, who lives for Thanksgiving of Christ, who lives for all eternity. Through him and with him and in Through him and with him and in [singing] him, [singing] him, [singing] him, O God, almighty Father, O God, almighty Father, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours forever forever forever [singing] and ever. [singing] and ever. [singing] and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [chanting] >> 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. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.

be done on Earth as it is in heaven. be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and Give us this day our daily bread and Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses forgive us our trespasses forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us. us. us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver Lead us not into temptation but deliver Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. us from evil. 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. evil. evil. Graciously grant peace in our days Graciously grant peace in our days 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 save from all always free from sin and save from all always free from sin and save from all distress distress distress as we await the blessed hope and the as we await the blessed hope and the as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles apostles apostles "Peace I leave you, my peace I give "Peace I leave you, my peace I give "Peace I leave you, my peace I give you." you." you." Look not on our sins but on the faith of Look not on our sins but on the faith of Look not on our sins but on the faith of your church and graciously grant her your church and graciously grant her your church and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your peace and unity in accordance with your peace and unity in accordance with your will who live and reign forever and will who live and reign forever and will who live and reign forever and ever. ever. 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. peace. peace. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [chanting] [music] [music] [singing] >> In receiving of your body and blood, >> In receiving of your body and blood, Lord Jesus Christ, do not bring with it Lord Jesus Christ, do not bring with it Lord Jesus Christ, do not bring with it judgment and condemnation, judgment and condemnation, judgment and condemnation, but for your loving mercy, be for me but for your loving mercy, be for me but for your loving mercy, be for me protection in mind and body and healing protection in mind and body and healing protection in mind and body and healing remedy.

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. the world. the world. Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. of the Lamb. 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 under my roof, enter under my roof, enter 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 I love you above all things, and I I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. desire to receive you into my soul. desire 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 were already I embrace you as if you were already I embrace you as if you were 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.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Et Filio. >> Et Filio. >> Et Filio. >> [singing] Sicut erat Sicut erat >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> in principio. Et in Et in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> saecula saeculorum. Amen. Amen. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Qui tollis >> Qui tollis >> Qui tollis peccata mundi. peccata mundi. peccata mundi. Miserere nobis. art art so fair and so and so >> [music] >> Thou >> Thou who art who art who art so so so fair fair fair and so >> Thou

>> Thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who >> who >> who art art art so so so fair fair fair and so fair fair >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> and so >> and so >> and so fair and Thou Thou who art who art who art so so so fair fair fair >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and so Thou Thou who art [singing] who art [singing] who art [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> so >> so >> so fair and >> Please join in singing hymn number 70,

>> Please join in singing hymn number 70, 40 days and 40 nights, number 70. >> 40 days [singing and music] >> 40 days [singing and music] and 40 nights I was [music] I was [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> fasting >> fasting >> fasting in the wild. one 40 one 40 >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> days and 40 nights 40 nights and and and >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> felt Sun Sun beams beams beams scorching scorching scorching >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all day. through just rightly through just rightly >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> shed. >> shed. >> shed. Howling Howling Howling beasts howl beasts howl beasts howl above [music and singing] above [music and singing] above [music and singing] thy way.

thy way. thy way. Storms Storms Storms I I I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> will over thy head. Shall Shall >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> not we >> not we >> not we thy thy thy watching watching watching share? share? share? And And And from from from >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> earthly >> earthly >> earthly joys joys joys abstain. abstain. abstain. Fasting [music] Fasting [music] Fasting [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> with unceasing >> with unceasing >> with unceasing prayer. prayer. prayer. Gladly Gladly Gladly >> [music] How How sweet sweet sweet >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and blessed are blessed are fasting fasting fasting and and and prayer prayer prayer to us. to us. to us. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> How >> How >> How blessed blessed blessed we we we shall be >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> we may >> we may >> we may not faint not faint not faint from thee. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> shall we have >> shall we have >> shall we have peace divine.

peace divine. peace divine. For For For your your your goodness goodness goodness >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our shall be. >> our shall be. >> our shall be. Round >> [music] >> [music] >> us [singing] shall >> us [singing] shall >> us [singing] shall angels shine. angels shine. angels shine. as as as minister minister minister >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> to thee. [singing] [singing] [music] As we receive the pledge of things yet

As we receive the pledge of things yet hidden in heaven and are nourished while hidden in heaven and are nourished while hidden in heaven and are nourished while still on earth with the bread that comes still on earth with the bread that comes still on earth with the bread that comes from on high, we humbly entreat you, O from on high, we humbly entreat you, O from on high, we humbly entreat you, O Lord, that what is being brought about Lord, that what is being brought about Lord, that what is being brought about in us in mystery may come to true in us in mystery may come to true in us in mystery may come to true completion through Christ our Lord. As you leave today, do you remember the As you leave today, do you remember the St. Vincent de Paul boxes? Next weekend, St. Vincent de Paul boxes? Next weekend, St. Vincent de Paul boxes? Next weekend, there will be a seminarian from St. there will be a seminarian from St. there will be a seminarian from St. Augustine Seminary who will be speaking Augustine Seminary who will be speaking Augustine Seminary who will be speaking at all the masses, and this begins Share at all the masses, and this begins Share at all the masses, and this begins Share Life Life Life campaign. And so we have a seminarian. campaign. And so we have a seminarian. campaign. And so we have a seminarian. So next weekend at all the masses, Um, So next weekend at all the masses, Um, So next weekend at all the masses, Um, we'd like to thank our senior choir for we'd like to thank our senior choir for we'd like to thank our senior choir for being with us today. Thank you very being with us today. Thank you very being with us today. Thank you very much. much. much. Um, they won't be here next weekend and Um, they won't be here next weekend and Um, they won't be here next weekend and the following weekend. They'll be on the following weekend. They'll be on the following weekend. They'll be on March break. So, pray for them. March break. So, pray for them. March break. So, pray for them. Um, more importantly, pray for their Um, more importantly, pray for their Um, more importantly, pray for their families because they have to be with families because they have to be with families because they have to be with them for 1 week. But, thank you to all them for 1 week. But, thank you to all them for 1 week. But, thank you to all the moms and dads for all the great work the moms and dads for all the great work the moms and dads for all the great work that you do and uh the support that you that you do and uh the support that you that you do and uh the support that you give these young men. Have a great week.

>> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. Bow down for the blessing. Direct, O Lord, we pray the hearts of Direct, O Lord, we pray the hearts of your faithful and in your kindness grant your faithful and in your kindness grant your faithful and in your kindness grant your servants this grace your servants this grace your servants this grace that abiding in the love of you and that abiding in the love of you and that abiding in the love of you and their neighbor, they may fulfill the their neighbor, they may fulfill the their neighbor, they may fulfill the whole of your commands through Christ whole of your commands through Christ whole of your commands through Christ our Lord. our Lord. our Lord. And may the peace and blessing of And may the peace and blessing of And may the peace and blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and almighty God, the Father, the Son, and almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and the Holy Spirit come down on you and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you forever. remain with you forever. remain with you forever. Go and announce the gospel of the Lord. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the in battle. Be our protection against the in 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. God rebuke him, we humbly pray. God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly And do thou, O prince of the heavenly And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into host, by the power of God, cast into host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who hell Satan and all the evil spirits who hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin prowl about the world seeking the ruin prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

of souls. of souls. Amen. Amen. Amen. Please join in singing the closing hymn, Please join in singing the closing hymn, Please join in singing the closing hymn, number 83, Father of Mercy, number 83. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> mercy, God of >> mercy, God of >> mercy, God of consolation, consolation, consolation, >> [music] >> look >> look on your on your on your >> [music] [singing] [singing] >> people, >> people, >> people, gather his gather his gather his who praise you. who praise you. who praise you. Hear Hear Hear >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> our >> our >> our weakness, weakness, weakness, come come come and and and comfort comfort comfort >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> us, >> us, >> us, source source source of all of all of all >> [singing] Lord of all Lord of all creation, come [music] come [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> as our Jesus, Jesus, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> friend >> friend >> friend of sinners.

Grant Grant >> [music and singing] in in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> our hearts >> [music] >> [music] >> us and save >> us and save >> us and save >> [singing] >> Joy-giving >> Joy-giving >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> spirit, be be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our light in darkness, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to befriend >> to befriend >> to befriend >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> help >> help >> help us bear our us bear our us bear our burdens, >> [music] >> [music] >> give >> give >> give us true us true us true >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> breathe >> breathe >> breathe >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your peace Save Save >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> us all. >> us all. >> us all. >> [singing] >> God >> God >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> in three >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> persons, come come >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to >> to >> to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> us, >> us, >> us, dwell dwell dwell in your church with in your church with in your church with glory.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Grant >> Grant >> Grant us your us your us your >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> healing, >> healing, >> healing, bless bless bless >> [chanting]