Introduction to the Liturgy – Word and Deed – Words and deeds figure prominently in today’s readings, with the first reading placing special emphasis on words. Sirach sees speech as the real test of a person’s mettle. In the gospel Jesus sees words and actions as reflective of inner dispositions. Both readings point to the fact that our words and actions say a great deal about who we are. In 1 Corinthians, Paul looks forward to the time of resurrection when death, sin, and the law will be definitely vanquished and victory will be obtained.

From the Church Fathers – St. Augustine of Hippo – “It is not the being seen of men that is wrong, but doing these things for the purpose of being seen of men. The problem with the hypocrite is his motivation. He does not want to be holy; he only wants to seem to be holy. He is more concerned with his reputation for righteousness than about actually becoming righteous. The approbation of men matters more to him than the approval of God.”

In your prayers kindly remember the sick and those who care for them, the lonely, the handicapped, those isolated, and those who have died, especially Sally Ryan, Blanche Gervais & Paul Gervais

HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

Your total offering for last Sunday was $3394.90

Thank you for your generosity and support

In your kindness, please remember St. Columbkille’s Cathedral Parish in your bequests and wills

You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are the Lord our God (Wis 11: 24, 25, 27)

Entrance Antiphon – Ash Wednesday

Looking for Sacristans – We are currently looking for active members of the perish to join the Sacristan Team. Duties would include – setting up before each Mass, cleaning up after Mass, changing linens as required and preparing the Cathedral for special celebrations throughout the year. Please contact Lance Patriquin at 613-633-1108 if you can help.

Adoration Cancelled this Week – 7pm Wednesday evening exposition will not take place this week.

Stations of the Cross – Stations of the Cross will take place at 7pm every Friday throughout Lent.

Tax Receipts – If you wish an Income Tax Receipt, please place a self-addressed envelope in the collection basket (stamped or not). Your receipt will be mailed out the following week.

The Synod’s Questions – The Synod’s questions can now be answered on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/article/you-can-now-answer-the-synods-questions-online.

Latin Mass – A Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 is offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral at 9 a.m. on March 5^th. This is basically the same form of the Liturgy which nourished the faith of many Catholics for centuries. English translations of the entire Mass are provided.

2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally – This is an annual event for Youth and Adults that focuses on evangelizing through uplifting music, testimonials, reflections, Divine Mercy celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. Whether you are coming for the first time or the twenty-ninth time, the Lift Jesus Higher Rally will open the door for God’s graces and blessings to flow into your life. It will be a day of compelling talks, spirit-filled praise and worship, and much more. 2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be streamed live on YouTube from Michigan, March 5^th. No Registration Required.  https://www.ljhr.ca/.

CWL – You are invited to the Cathedral CWL March 7^th meeting at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Parish Hall. This is a get together night for us. Let’s be together for an evening, as friends and CWL members. We do need to plan for our next garage sale and our financial priorities.

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent – Lent is the time before Easter during which the faithful abstain and fast in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on Calvary. There are two main ways that Catholics use to focus on growing closer to God during the Lenten season: abstinence and fasting.

Abstinence is the act of “doing without” or avoiding something. For example, someone may abstain from chocolate or alcohol by not consuming them. Particular days of abstinence during Lent are Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As canon law states, Catholics over the age of 14 are expected to abstain from the eating of meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays throughout the Lenten Season (Canon 1250 -1253). The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops permits the act of abstinence (except on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) to be substituted with an act of charity of piety, although abstinence is preferred. During Lent, Catholics are also encouraged to undertake some sort of personal penance or abstinence.

Fasting is the act of doing with less. In the Catholic Church, those ages 18 – 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (Canon 97). On such days, those fasting may eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength. However, together, the smaller meals should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not encouraged, but liquids are allowed. However, the Church excuses certain people from these obligations, such as those who are frail, pregnant or manual laborers. The Church understands that certain people are not able to commit to the Lenten fast. The time of Lent, through fasting and abstaining, may be an important reminder of what it means to suffer. This small suffering should not be met with misery but with great joy as we better understand the incredible sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for humanity. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

For further reading, see:

• Code of Canon Law, 1249-1253
• Apostolic Constitution on Penance (Paenitemini)
• https://www.cccb.ca/document/living-lent/
• https://www.catholic.org/lent/abfast.php