Saturday Mass - March 21, 2026

This mass is being offered for the This mass is being offered for the repose of the souls of Conchita repose of the souls of Conchita repose of the souls of Conchita Manois Vinanuera Manois Vinanuera Manois Vinanuera Cheryl McLellan Cheryl McLellan Cheryl McLellan Maria Aurora Amati Maria Aurora Amati Maria Aurora Amati Helen Felix Helen Felix Helen Felix and for the intentions of Melvin Gomez and for the intentions of Melvin Gomez and for the intentions of Melvin Gomez Alan Nicola Romero Alan Nicola Romero Alan Nicola Romero Damadao Entrance Antiphon Entrance Antiphon The ways of death rose about me. The ways of death rose about me. The ways of death rose about me. The pains of the nether world surrounded The pains of the nether world surrounded The pains of the nether world surrounded me. me. me. In my anguish, I called to the Lord In my anguish, I called to the Lord In my anguish, I called to the Lord and from his holy temple, he heard my and from his holy temple, he heard my and from his holy temple, he heard my voice. voice. voice. In the name of the Father and of the Son 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 Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge 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.

You were sent to heal the contrite of You were sent to heal the contrite of heart, Lord have mercy. heart, Lord have mercy. heart, Lord have mercy. You came to call sinners, Christ have You came to call sinners, Christ have You came to call sinners, Christ have mercy. mercy. mercy. You are seated at the right hand of the You are seated at the right hand of the You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. Lord have Father to intercede for us. Lord have Father to intercede for us. Lord have mercy. mercy. mercy. 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. everlasting life. everlasting life. Let us pray. May the working of your mercy, oh Lord, May the working of your mercy, oh Lord, we pray we pray we pray direct our hearts alright. direct our hearts alright. direct our hearts alright. For without your grace, we cannot find For without your grace, we cannot find For without your grace, we cannot find favor in your sight. favor in your sight. favor in your sight. 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. A reading from the book of the prophet A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Jeremiah cried out in anguish. Jeremiah cried out in anguish. Jeremiah cried out in anguish. It was the Lord who made it known to me It was the Lord who made it known to me It was the Lord who made it known to me and I knew. and I knew. and I knew. Then you showed me their evil deeds. Then you showed me their evil deeds. Then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the But I was like a gentle lamb led to the But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. slaughter. slaughter. And I did not know it was against me And I did not know it was against me And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes saying that they devised schemes saying that they devised schemes saying let us destroy the tree with its fruit. let us destroy the tree with its fruit. let us destroy the tree with its fruit. Let us cut him off from the land of the Let us cut him off from the land of the Let us cut him off from the land of the living living living so that his name will no longer be so that his name will no longer be so that his name will no longer be remembered. remembered. remembered. But you, oh Lord of hosts, who judge But you, oh Lord of hosts, who judge But you, oh Lord of hosts, who judge righteously righteously righteously who try the heart and the mind who try the heart and the mind who try the heart and the mind let me see your retribution upon them. let me see your retribution upon them. let me see your retribution upon them. For to you I have committed my cause. For to you I have committed my cause. For to you I have committed my cause. The word of the Lord. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Oh Lord, my God in you I take refuge.

Oh Lord, my God in you I take refuge. Oh Lord, my God in you I take refuge. Save me from all my pursuers and deliver Save me from all my pursuers and deliver Save me from all my pursuers and deliver me. me. me. Or like a lion that will tear me apart Or like a lion that will tear me apart Or like a lion that will tear me apart they will drag me away with no one to they will drag me away with no one to they will drag me away with no one to rescue. rescue. rescue. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. Judge me, oh Lord, according to my Judge me, oh Lord, according to my Judge me, oh Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the righteousness and according to the righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. integrity that is in me. integrity that is in me. Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end but establish the righteous. an end but establish the righteous. an end but establish the righteous. You who test the minds and the heart, oh You who test the minds and the heart, oh You who test the minds and the heart, oh righteous God. righteous God. righteous God. Lord, my God, I take shelter in you. God is my shield who saves the upright God is my shield who saves the upright in heart. in heart. in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who God is a righteous judge and a God who God is a righteous judge and a God who has indignation every day. has indignation every day. has indignation every day. Lord, my God I take shelter in you.

Praise to you, Lord, king of eternal Praise to you, Lord, king of eternal glory. Blessed are they who have kept the word Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and you are with a generous heart and you are with a generous heart and you are harvest through perseverance. [singing] Praise to you, Lord, king of eternal Praise to you, Lord, king of eternal glory. The Lord be with you. The Lord be 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. Jesus had been teaching in the temple at Jesus had been teaching in the temple at Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem when the people heard his words, some in when the people heard his words, some in when the people heard his words, some in the crowd said, the crowd said, the crowd said, "This is really the prophet." "This is really the prophet." "This is really the prophet." Others said, Others said, Others said, "This is the Messiah." "This is the Messiah." "This is the Messiah." But some asked, But some asked, But some asked, "Surely the Messiah does not come from "Surely the Messiah does not come from "Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he?

Galilee, does he? Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said Has not the scripture said Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David that the Messiah is descended from David that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, and comes from Bethlehem, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?" the village where David lived?" the village where David lived?" So there was a division in the crowd So there was a division in the crowd So there was a division in the crowd because of him. because of him. because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, Some of them wanted to arrest him, Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. but no one laid hands on him. but no one laid hands on him. Then the temple police went back to the Then the temple police went back to the Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked chief priests and Pharisees, who asked chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, them, them, "Why did you not arrest him?" "Why did you not arrest him?" "Why did you not arrest him?" The police answered, The police answered, The police answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this." "Never has anyone spoken like this." "Never has anyone spoken like this." Then the Pharisees replied, Then the Pharisees replied, Then the Pharisees replied, "Surely you have not been deceived, too, "Surely you have not been deceived, too, "Surely you have not been deceived, too, have you? have you? have you? Has anyone of the authorities or of the Has anyone of the authorities or of the Has anyone of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? Pharisees believed in him? Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the But this crowd, which does not know the But this crowd, which does not know the law, law, law, they are accursed." they are accursed." they are accursed." Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before and who was one of them, and who was one of them, and who was one of them, asked, asked, asked, "Our law does not judge people without "Our law does not judge people without "Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out first giving them a hearing to find out first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?"

what they are doing, does it?" what they are doing, does it?" They replied, "Surely you are not also They replied, "Surely you are not also They replied, "Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? from Galilee, are you? from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see Search and you will see Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from that no prophet is to arise from that no prophet is to arise from Galilee." We've all had moments when we tried to We've all had moments when we tried to do the right thing do the right thing do the right thing and it didn't go well. and it didn't go well. and it didn't go well. Maybe at work, Maybe at work, Maybe at work, at home, at home, at home, or even in the parish. or even in the parish. or even in the parish. We meant well, We meant well, We meant well, but we were misunderstood but we were misunderstood but we were misunderstood or pushed aside. or pushed aside. or pushed aside. And that can be discouraging. And that can be discouraging. And that can be discouraging. And this is exactly what we see in And this is exactly what we see in And this is exactly what we see in today's readings. today's readings. today's readings. The prophet Jeremiah in the first The prophet Jeremiah in the first The prophet Jeremiah in the first reading reading reading describes himself as a gentle lamb led describes himself as a gentle lamb led describes himself as a gentle lamb led to the slaughter.

to the slaughter. to the slaughter. He's just speaking God's truth, He's just speaking God's truth, He's just speaking God's truth, calling people back to him. calling people back to him. calling people back to him. And yet, And yet, And yet, instead of listening, instead of listening, instead of listening, they turn against him. they turn against him. they turn against him. He suffers He suffers He suffers not because he is wrong, not because he is wrong, not because he is wrong, but because he's faithful. but because he's faithful. but because he's faithful. And then in the Gospel, we see something And then in the Gospel, we see something And then in the Gospel, we see something similar happening to Jesus. similar happening to Jesus. similar happening to Jesus. People are confused about who he is. People are confused about who he is. People are confused about who he is. Some believe in him, Some believe in him, Some believe in him, others question him, others question him, others question him, and some reject him. and some reject him. and some reject him. And we can feel the tension And we can feel the tension And we can feel the tension building. building. building. Jesus, too, Jesus, too, Jesus, too, who is the Lamb of God, will suffer who is the Lamb of God, will suffer who is the Lamb of God, will suffer not because he has done anything wrong, not because he has done anything wrong, not because he has done anything wrong, but because he remains faithful to the but because he remains faithful to the but because he remains faithful to the Father. Father. Father. Then we notice this figure Then we notice this figure Then we notice this figure in the Gospel, in the Gospel, in the Gospel, Nicodemus, Nicodemus, Nicodemus, the one who once came to Jesus at night, the one who once came to Jesus at night, the one who once came to Jesus at night, still searching.

still searching. still searching. He doesn't have it all figured out. He doesn't have it all figured out. He doesn't have it all figured out. He isn't bold or outspoken, He isn't bold or outspoken, He isn't bold or outspoken, but he takes a small step. but he takes a small step. but he takes a small step. He speaks up for what is fair. He speaks up for what is fair. He speaks up for what is fair. It's simple, It's simple, It's simple, but it matters. but it matters. but it matters. And maybe that is where we find And maybe that is where we find And maybe that is where we find ourselves, too. ourselves, too. ourselves, too. Sometimes we might not be the one Sometimes we might not be the one Sometimes we might not be the one suffering, suffering, suffering, but we may see it happening around us. but we may see it happening around us. but we may see it happening around us. Someone being judged Someone being judged Someone being judged or treated fairly or treated fairly or treated fairly unfairly. unfairly. unfairly. And like Nicodemus, And like Nicodemus, And like Nicodemus, we may hesitate. we may hesitate. we may hesitate. Should I say something? Should I say something? Should I say something? Should I step in? The Gospel reminds us that even a small The Gospel reminds us that even a small voice for truth matters. voice for truth matters. voice for truth matters. It doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect. Even a nice word, Even a nice word, Even a nice word, a gesture of support, a gesture of support, a gesture of support, or simply standing with someone can make or simply standing with someone can make or simply standing with someone can make a difference.

a difference. a difference. In those moments, In those moments, In those moments, we are not alone. we are not alone. we are not alone. The Lord gives us the courage we need. The Lord gives us the courage we need. The Lord gives us the courage we need. So when we face moments like this, So when we face moments like this, So when we face moments like this, when doing what is right becomes when doing what is right becomes when doing what is right becomes difficult, difficult, difficult, we don't need to have all the answers. we don't need to have all the answers. we don't need to have all the answers. We just need to stay close to the Lord We just need to stay close to the Lord We just need to stay close to the Lord and take the next small step. and take the next small step. and take the next small step. He was with the prophet Jeremiah. He was with the prophet Jeremiah. He was with the prophet Jeremiah. He is with Jesus. He is with Jesus. He is with Jesus. And he is with us. And he is with us. And he is with us. And as we take that step, And as we take that step, And as we take that step, we stay close to the Lord we stay close to the Lord we stay close to the Lord and just tell him what's going on, and just tell him what's going on, and just tell him what's going on, simply and honestly. simply and honestly. simply and honestly. Even just a quiet prayer, Even just a quiet prayer, Even just a quiet prayer, "Lord, "Lord, "Lord, you see this. you see this. you see this. Help me." Help me." Help me." And that is enough. So today, as we come to the end of the So today, as we come to the end of the fourth week of Lent, fourth week of Lent, fourth week of Lent, whatever we are carrying inside our whatever we are carrying inside our whatever we are carrying inside our hearts, hearts, hearts, especially anything that feels unfair, especially anything that feels unfair, especially anything that feels unfair, place it in the hands of the Lord.

place it in the hands of the Lord. place it in the hands of the Lord. Because Jesus, Because Jesus, Because Jesus, the innocent one who suffered for us, the innocent one who suffered for us, the innocent one who suffered for us, understands us, understands us, understands us, walks with us, walks with us, walks with us, and will never leave us. and will never leave us. and will never leave us. Just place it in his hands, Just place it in his hands, Just place it in his hands, and he will be with you and he will be with you and he will be with you always.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you. have received the bread we offer you. have received the bread we offer you. Fruit of the earth and work of human Fruit of the earth and work of human Fruit of 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. Blessed are you, Lord God of all Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you. have received the wine we offer you. have received the wine we offer you. Fruit of the vine and work of human Fruit of the vine and work of human Fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual hands, it will become our spiritual hands, it will become our spiritual drink.

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. 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, of the Christian faith, of the Christian faith, graciously purify them by the working of graciously purify them by the working of graciously purify them by the working of this sacrifice through Christ, our this sacrifice through Christ, our this sacrifice through Christ, our [snorts] Lord. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. Lift up your hearts. Lift up your hearts. Lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 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, give you thanks, give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. God. God. For you will that our self-denial should For you will that our self-denial should For you will that our self-denial should give you thanks, give you thanks, give you thanks, humble our sinful pride, humble our sinful pride, humble our sinful pride, contribute to the feeding of the poor, contribute to the feeding of the poor, contribute to the feeding of the poor, and so help us imitate you in your and so help us imitate you in your and so help us imitate you in your kindness.

kindness. kindness. And so we glorify you with countless And so we glorify you with countless And so we glorify you with countless angels, angels, angels, as with one voice of praise, we acclaim, as with one voice of praise, we acclaim, as with one voice of praise, we acclaim, Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of Blessed is he who comes in the name of Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. You therefore, almighty Father, we bless You therefore, almighty Father, we bless through Jesus Christ your son, who comes through Jesus Christ your son, who comes through Jesus Christ your son, who comes in your name. in your name. in your name. He himself is the word that brings He himself is the word that brings He himself is the word that brings salvation, salvation, salvation, the hand you extend to sinners, the hand you extend to sinners, the hand you extend to sinners, the way by which your peace is offered the way by which your peace is offered the way by which your peace is offered to us, to us, to us, when we ourselves had turned away from when we ourselves had turned away from when we ourselves had turned away from you on account of our sins. you on account of our sins. you on account of our sins. You brought us back to be reconciled, oh You brought us back to be reconciled, oh You brought us back to be reconciled, oh Lord, Lord, Lord, so that converted at last to you, we so that converted at last to you, we so that converted at last to you, we might love one another through your son, might love one another through your son, might love one another through your son, whom for our sake you handed over to whom for our sake you handed over to whom for our sake you handed over to death.

death. death. And now celebrating the reconciliation And now celebrating the reconciliation And now celebrating the reconciliation Christ has brought us, we entreat you, Christ has brought us, we entreat you, Christ has brought us, we entreat you, sanctify these gifts by the outpouring sanctify these gifts by the outpouring sanctify these gifts by the outpouring of your spirit that they may become the of your spirit that they may become the of your spirit that they may become the body and blood of your son, whose body and blood of your son, whose body and blood of your son, whose command we fulfill when we celebrate command we fulfill when we celebrate command we fulfill when we celebrate these mysteries. these mysteries. these mysteries. For when about to give his life to set For when about to give his life to set For when about to give his life to set us free, us free, us free, as he as he as he reclined at supper, reclined at supper, reclined at supper, he himself took bread into his hands, he himself took bread into his hands, he himself took bread into his hands, and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, blessing, blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his broke the bread, and gave it to his broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples, saying, disciples, saying, disciples, 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, For this is my body, For this is my body, which will be given up for you.

In a similar way on that same evening, In a similar way on that same evening, he took the chalice of blessing in his he took the chalice of blessing in his he took the chalice of blessing in his hands, hands, hands, confessing your mercy, confessing your mercy, confessing your mercy, and gave the chalice to his disciples, and gave the chalice to his disciples, and gave 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, For this is the chalice of my blood, 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, covenant, 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. The mystery of faith. The mystery of faith. We proclaim your death, oh Lord, and We proclaim your death, oh Lord, and We proclaim your death, oh Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come profess your resurrection until you come profess your resurrection until you come again.

again. again. Celebrating therefore the memorial of Celebrating therefore the memorial of Celebrating therefore the memorial of the death and resurrection of your son, the death and resurrection of your son, the death and resurrection of your son, who left us this pledge of his love, who left us this pledge of his love, who left us this pledge of his love, we offer you what you have bestowed on we offer you what you have bestowed on we offer you what you have bestowed on us, us, us, the sacrifice of perfect reconciliation. the sacrifice of perfect reconciliation. the sacrifice of perfect reconciliation. Holy Father, we humbly beseech you to Holy Father, we humbly beseech you to Holy Father, we humbly beseech you to accept us also together with your son, accept us also together with your son, accept us also together with your son, and in this saving banquet, graciously and in this saving banquet, graciously and in this saving banquet, graciously to endow us with his very spirit, who to endow us with his very spirit, who to endow us with his very spirit, who takes away everything that estranges us takes away everything that estranges us takes away everything that estranges us from one another. from one another. from one another. May he make your church a sign of unity May he make your church a sign of unity May he make your church a sign of unity and an instrument of your peace among and an instrument of your peace among and an instrument of your peace among all people. all people. all people. And may he keep us in communion with Leo And may he keep us in communion with Leo And may he keep us in communion with Leo our Pope and Francis our Bishop, and all our Pope and Francis our Bishop, and all our Pope and Francis our Bishop, and all the bishops and your entire people. the bishops and your entire people. the bishops and your entire people. Just as you have gathered us now at the Just as you have gathered us now at the Just as you have gathered us now at the table of your son, table of your son, table of your son, so also bring us together with the so also bring us together with the so also bring us together with the glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with your blessed apostles and all the with your blessed apostles and all the with your blessed apostles and all the saints, with our brothers and sisters, saints, with our brothers and sisters, saints, with our brothers and sisters, and those of every race and tongue and those of every race and tongue and those of every race and tongue who have died in your friendship.

Bring us to share with them the unending Bring us to share with them the unending banquet of unity in a new heaven and a banquet of unity in a new heaven and a banquet of unity in a new heaven and a new earth, where the fullness of your new earth, where the fullness of your new earth, where the fullness of your peace will shine forth in Christ Jesus peace will shine forth in Christ Jesus peace will shine forth in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through him and with him and in Through him and with him and in [singing] him, [singing] him, [singing] him, oh God, almighty Father, oh God, almighty Father, oh God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, [singing] [singing] [singing] all glory and honor is yours forever all glory and honor is yours forever all glory and honor is yours forever [singing] [singing] [singing] and ever. 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. And lead us not into temptation, but And lead us not into temptation, but And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. deliver us from evil. 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. 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, that by the help of your mercy, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe we may be always free from sin and safe we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, from all distress, from all 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 you. Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith Look not on our sins, but on the faith Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her of your church, and graciously grant her of 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, will, will, who live and reign forever and ever.

who live and reign forever and ever. who live and reign 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. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. the world, have mercy on us. the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, the world, the world, have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 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, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. By the precious blood of Christ, By the precious blood of Christ, the blood of a spotless and unblemished the blood of a spotless and unblemished the blood of a spotless and unblemished blemish lamb, we have been redeemed.

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.

May your holy gifts purify us, oh Lord, May your holy gifts purify us, oh Lord, we pray. we pray. we pray. And by their working, render us more And by their working, render us more And by their working, render us more fully pleasing to you. fully pleasing to you. fully pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord. Through Christ our Lord. Through Christ our Lord. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. Bow down for the blessing. Look upon your people, oh Lord, and as Look upon your people, oh Lord, and as they draw near to the coming they draw near to the coming they draw near to the coming festivities, festivities, festivities, bestow upon them abundance of heavenly bestow upon them abundance of heavenly bestow upon them abundance of heavenly grace, grace, grace, that by help by the consolation of this that by help by the consolation of this that by help by the consolation of this world, world, world, they may be impelled more readily toward they may be impelled more readily toward they may be impelled more readily toward higher goods that cannot be seen. higher goods that cannot be seen. higher goods that cannot be seen. Through Christ our Lord. Through Christ our Lord. Through Christ 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 in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. 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. 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, the power of God, the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil cast into hell Satan and all the evil cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world spirits who prowl about the world spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

seeking the ruin of souls. seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Amen. Amen. Have a blessed day and a wonderful Have a blessed day and a wonderful Have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend. It was on March [music] 19th, 1976, It was on March [music] 19th, 1976, in the Kenora room of what was then the in the Kenora room of what was then the in the Kenora room of what was then the Four [music] Seasons Sheraton Hotel, Four [music] Seasons Sheraton Hotel, Four [music] Seasons Sheraton Hotel, today the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, today the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, today the 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 what is now the ShareLife Campaign what is now the ShareLife Campaign >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> 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 [music] his simple statement, all human [music] his simple statement, all human [music] his simple statement, all human life is sacred from the first mysterious life is sacred from the first mysterious life is sacred from the first mysterious moment of conception to the declining moment of conception to the declining moment of conception to the declining days of advanced stage. days of advanced stage. days of advanced stage. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thus began the ShareLife Campaign, which >> Thus began the ShareLife Campaign, which >> Thus began the ShareLife Campaign, which annually raises funds in support of the annually raises funds in support of the annually raises funds in support of the Catholic charities. Each year since its Catholic charities. Each year since its Catholic charities. Each year since its inception, ShareLife has succeeded its inception, ShareLife has succeeded its inception, ShareLife 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, life, life, publicly embracing a key tenant of our publicly embracing a key tenant of our publicly embracing a key tenant of our beliefs as a Catholic community. beliefs as a Catholic community. 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, in Toronto, in Toronto, he communicated the courageous decision he communicated the courageous decision he communicated the courageous decision stating, and I quote, stating, and I quote, stating, and I 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, abortion, abortion, we recall with gratitude his prophetic we recall with gratitude his prophetic we recall with gratitude his prophetic words, and redouble our efforts to words, and redouble our efforts to words, and redouble our efforts to advocate for to protect and cherish advocate for to protect and cherish advocate for to protect and cherish every human life every human life every human life from the moment of conception to natural from the moment of conception to natural from the moment of conception to natural death. death. 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 [music] life.

human [music] life. human [music] 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 Share Archbishop Pocock established the Share Archbishop Pocock established the Share Life Appeal, Life Appeal, Life 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 [music] Archdiocese of Toronto, to [music] Archdiocese of Toronto, to [music] Archdiocese of Toronto, to ensure that the gospel values of Christ ensure that the gospel values of Christ ensure that the gospel values of Christ were shared through social services with were shared through social services with were shared through social services with the wider community. the wider community. the wider 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 Share Life. Share Life. Share Life. 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. sisters in Christ. sisters in Christ. 50 years [music] of responding to our 50 years [music] of responding to our 50 years [music] of responding to our neighbors in need. neighbors in need. 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] teachings of Jesus [music] teachings of Jesus [music] to love and serve selflessly through to love and serve selflessly through to love and serve selflessly through more than 40 Share Life funded agencies more than 40 Share Life funded agencies more than 40 Share Life funded agencies serving the greater community across the serving the greater community across the serving 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 families find stability in moments families find stability in moments [music] of crisis. [music] of crisis. [music] of crisis. 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 struggling to meet this most basic struggling to meet this most basic [music] human need. [music] human need. [music] human 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. [music] trials. [music] trials. [music] 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, dignity of man, dignity of man, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and the right of every individual." >> and the right of every individual." >> and the right of every 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, embrace the gospel of life, embrace the gospel of life, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our Catholic values, and share them with >> our Catholic values, and share them with >> our Catholic values, and share them with our brothers and sisters in Christ, not our brothers and sisters in Christ, not our brothers and sisters in Christ, not to mention the wider society. to mention the wider society. to mention the wider society. The Share Life campaign is more than a The Share Life campaign is more than a The Share Life campaign is more than a collection. collection. collection. It represents [music] what we believe It represents [music] what we believe It represents [music] what we believe in, in, 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 every day to It is how we come together every day to It is how we come together every day to live out the parable [music] of the Good live out the parable [music] of the Good live out the parable [music] of the Good Samaritan. Samaritan. 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 life.

times in their life. times in their 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 by to ensure that the agencies supported by to ensure that the agencies supported by Share Life Share Life Share Life 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 and to life through their life-giving and to life through their life-giving and compassionate [music] work. compassionate [music] work. compassionate [music] 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. kingdom of God in our midst. kingdom of God in our midst. Please join me in [music] carrying Please join me in [music] carrying Please join me in [music] carrying forward our mission by making a forward our mission by making a forward our mission by making a contribution to the Share Life campaign contribution to the Share Life campaign contribution to the Share Life campaign in this milestone [music] in this milestone [music] in this milestone [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, ensure that our legacy of faith, ensure that our legacy of faith, which now stands in our care, will which now stands in our care, will which now stands in our care, will faithfully continue and be handed down faithfully continue and be handed down faithfully continue and be handed down to future generations. to future generations. to future generations. Thank you for the countless ways Thank you for the countless ways Thank you for the countless ways >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that you live the gospel every day. >> that you live the gospel every day. >> that you live the gospel every day. For 50 years, your faith in action For 50 years, your faith in action For 50 years, your faith in action [music] has been a blessing to our [music] has been a blessing to our [music] 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 And may God reward you And may God reward you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> abundantly and powerfully.