Rood in the St. Joseph Church

If you haven't noticed, the iconic Crucifix that was usually seen hanging in the santuray (where the baptismal was formally located) is now back in the sanctuary, only this time, it hangs in a different loaction - rooftop, on the entrance to the sanctuary. This Crucifix is officially called a 'Rood' and according to Wikipedia, a Rood 'was originally the only Old English word for the instrument of Jesus' death'.
This Crucifix or Rood is one of the many iconic symbols which are featured in our Historic church. In the church's earliest days, this Crucifix was erected in this same position (rooftop of the sanctuary) but after some changes came, it was reloacted at various points throughout the church. It was once erected towards the back of the church and its recent location was in the sanctuary where the baptismal font was located. Now, the baptismal font has been omitted from the santuary and the Patronal statue of St. Joseph rests comfortably in its place.
The Rood is a life-like replica of the image of Jesus hanging on a cross and it is usually placed on the central axis of the church. Roods are tradionally placed on partition-like surface called a Rood Screen. Roods Screens are not commonly found in this region but it is still present in the European churches. The Rood which hangs in St. Joseph does not have a Rood Screen. Here is what a Rood Screen looks like, which is usually found in the European churches:

 

The cross is a symbol of unity and by Jesus hanging on the cross, it serves as a reminder of the greatest love that was shown to us by the greatest man of all. Here is a current look at where our parish's Rood is located:

--B.Durham, 2014

Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday always occurs on the second Sunday of Easter. On April 30th, 2000, Pope John Paul II declared this Sunday as Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church, universally. Jesus Christ had certain revelation with Sr. Faustina in which he he expressed a desire to have a day dedicated for the celebration of the Divine Mercy. In her diary, Jesus Christ clearly states "On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy."
A 9-day novena is usually said prior to this special feast day which begins on Good Friday. Plenary Indulgences are said to be granted on this day, according to Pope John Paul II, if Catholics recite specific prayers on that day. The priests are also called on this day to lead special devotions and hear confessions.
The Divine Mercy image is one of the most known elements of this day. This image was revealed to St. Faustina on February 22nd, 1931 from Jesus himself in which he asked her to "Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus I trust in You.  I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world." (Diary 47). Since then, this image has been venerated all across the world as Jesus requested. 
Jesus explains that the image in these words: " The two rays denote Blood and Water. the pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him." (Diary 299).

May the Mercy of God sustain us in our lives so that we will live righteous lives. Glory to God. Jesus, I Trust in you! Jesus, have mercy on me. 

Parish Notices for the 2nd Sunday in Easter

1. Let us praise the Lord in our prayers for the gift of the two Saint Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Let us be united tomorrow/today in our prayers with the entire Church. 
2. The Evening Friday Masses will be back from the coming Friday 2^nd of May. 
3. The next meeting of the Hermandad will take place on Friday 2^nd of April at 7 pm in the Presbytery. 
4. The First Communion and Confirmation classes will resume next Saturday. 
5. Next Sunday May 4th, the first Synod Priority will be held concerning 'The Importance of Family Worship'. The Speakers will be Peter Timothy and family and this empowering talk will begin at 4PM at St. Joseph RC Church. Please come out!

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week! 

Divine Mercy Devotions

Canonization of Popes John Paul II & John XXIII

On Sunday, April 27th 2014 (Divine Mercy Sunday), the Catholic Church universally will be in a celebratory mood as two former popes will be canonized as Saints. In a press release, Vatican officials stated that John XXIII's postulator, Fr. Giovangiuseppe Califano, always practiced resolutions which would help him become an actual saint. Similarly, John Paul II's postulator, Msgr. Slavomir Oder stated that the two had met at a university and he knew what he was seeing was a 'future saint' because of his prayer habits and reflections on the values of life. 

Back in September 2013, Pope Francis announced that a double canonization would take place on Divine Mercy Sunday of 2014. Rome states that they are expecting over 3 million visitors during the Easter celebrations and for the canonization and the New York Times has stated that 19 heads of states and 24 prime ministers among many other international guests are expected to attend the festivities at St. Peter's Square. Vicar for Rome, Cardinal Agostino Vallini revealed that some churches will remain open on the eve of the canonization to allow pilgrims to engage in special retreats. 

Some of the many notable moments which many people are remembering the former popes for is the fact that John XXIII lead the church in the Second Vatican Council and that Pope John Paul II served as a key interpreter, leaving the church a profound legacy that continues to shape her to this date. 

In May 2011, Pope John Paul II was beatified at the St. Peter's Basilica following a lavish ceremony after the Holy See discovered several miracles which occurred in the name of Pope John Paul II, making him the only Pope eligible for the fastest canonizing in modern history, following his death in 2005. Pope John XXIII, on the other hand, has had to wait 51 years for his canonization to take place. 

May God Bless these two men of faith as we will soon call them Saint. 

-- B. Durham, 2014

With Thanks......

On behalf of the Parish Priest and Deacon, we would like to extend our deepest and sincere thanks to all those that assisted in any way (both big or small) during the Easter Triduum Liturgies:

• Altar Servers
• Choir
• Lectors
• Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion
• Animators
• Decorators
• The various groups which led in the special prayer vigils and morning prayers (Tenebrae)
• The Parishioners
• Anyone we may have forgotten or wishes to remain anonymous. 

 May the Risen Lord bless and strengthen each and everyone of you to continue to do His work.

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers." - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

 

Easter Greetings

ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY! ALLELUIA!

DEATH HAS NO POWER OVER HIM ANYMORE!

TODAY NEW LIFE HAS BEEN GRANTED TO US!

LORD, YOU REIGN ABOVE ALL!

WE PRAISE AND GLORIFY YOU!

 

ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOSEPH/MT.D'OR

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A HAPPY EASTER!

MAY THE RISEN LORD SHINE UPON YOU IN A MIGHTY WAY!