A Word on the Word for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd and Vocation Sunday 2007

To listen click here.

Hallelujah. This is A Word on the Word recorded live at Saint Gregory the Great, the Diocese of Bridgeport - Connecticut USA. Our pastor is Father Angelo Arrando. We are so glad you could join us today.

This week please pray for Margaret P., Rose M., Victims of the Iraqi Conflict, Victims of terrorists and all sick and deceased members of the parish. At the Crossroad, Jesus knows us and calls us. Our prayer this week is for vocations.

The readings for this the Fourth Sunday of Easter - Good Shepherd Sunday are from the Acts of the Apostles, the book of Revelations and the Gospel according to John. To hear them click on our link to the left. But now here is Father Phil.

• We are very selective in our hearing, seeing and the way we feel things.
• Jesus insists that sheep know the shepherds voice.

• Don't trust so much in yourself, but trust in Jesus. "Follow Me" and I will lead you to happiness.

• You will have eternal life, you will not perish.

• What belongs to the Father no one can take away from the Father.

• The relationship between us and our pets is a functional relationship
• The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is an organic relationship.
• A shepherd will do anything for his sheep, lead them to clean water and good grass even die for them.

• Those who have heard and accepted the words of Christ become like Paul, a preacher of the Word.

• Paul's message is that Jesus, the Messiah, was put to death but is now alive and invites everyone to hear his voice.

• At an inner city Boston church, Father Gaudette brought everyone of different backgrounds together, to become a whole parish. That is the Gospel message: that Christ is calling us to come together, to see His image in everyone. He is a living God.

Recorded at Saint Gregory the Great - Danbury, Connecticut April 29, 2007, noon Mass. Thank you Father Phil.


Announcements from the bulletin

NEW TO OUR CHURCH
Please join us next Saturday, May 5th at the 4:30pm Mass to welcome all newly-registered families to our parish. If you have no church of you own feel free to stop by at Saint Gregory the Great and see how you like it. If you are not in our area stop by any local church or house of worship and get that extra feeling of God's love for yourself.

MOTHER’S DAY
The Sunday after that is Mother’s Day, May 13th. On the tables in the vestibules of Saint Gregory the Great, you will find Mother’s Day Spiritual Bouquet cards for all Mothers, living or deceased. Please pick one up and drop the offering in the collection basket. Nothing says “I love you” like flowers. If your church does not have a formal offering or if you do not belong to a church take a few moments to remember your mother and offer her a prayer or kind thought.

Vocation Sunday
This is also Vocation Sunday and as reported in First Coast News: Roman Catholic convents around the country say they are experiencing an upturn in new nuns for the first time in decades. The Church is drawing from a millennial generation, inspired by Pope John Paul II and looking for an alternative lifestyle that draws them closer to God. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate says sisterhood has dropped dramatically since its peak about 40 years ago, from about 180,000 US nuns in 1965 to just over 66,000 in last year.
If you hear the Holy Spirit calling you, stop and listen. God has a plan for men and women. Take the time find out what it is. One place that can help is the office of Vocations for the Diocese of Bridgeport. There is also an ongoing story at the Daily Breakfast, where Father Roderick recounts his call to the priesthood.

------

For more information, details or questions, about Bulletin announcements go to the Saint Gregory the Great web site or contact us and we will forward your request.

--
Now here is a word from Vatican Radio...


We come to the Crossroad and find you must know that Jesus is the Lord who shepherds His flock and gives them eternal life. Paul & Barnabas proclaim the Word of God to Jew & Gentile alike. So we ask Adults & Teens: When can I take time this week to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd? And Children: Who helps you feel safe and protected? Whom can you take care of and help to feel safe?

Our CROSSROADS Opportunities
The Easter season is a season of new life. Many people have celebrated the sacraments of initiation. We all renewed our baptismal promises at Mass on Easter Sunday and often during the Easter season. Today’s second reading tells us that the Lamb, the center of the throne, will lead us to life-giving water. What are some of the “springs” of life-giving water that have made your faith come alive?
Discuss this question at dinner with your household. You could mention receiving the Eucharist each Sunday; the sacrament of Reconciliation; reflecting on the liturgical readings; the example of other people; the help of parish ministers; family prayer together; personal prayer and/or personal quiet time. How can your household continue to draw life from these springs?
In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells us, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow Me.” Jesus is our Good Shepherd. What are some of the things you have heard from Jesus that have been helpful in your life and the lives of your household members? How have your lives been enriched by following Christ?
By virtue of our Baptism we all share in the precious gift that is greater than all else-we share the vocation to care and to be cared for-to shepherd each other. We are all that special someone called to watch over our beloved-and that includes all of humankind.
Today has been designated “World Day of Prayer for Vocations”. Please pray this week for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.



The background music is Shepherds Serenade by The Brobdingnagian Bards, playing Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o'Celtic fun. This is The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin has made them one of the most-popular Celtic music groups online where they give away thousands of free Celtic MP3 downloads daily. This selection is from the Podsafe Music network.




From the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops; English Prayers for Vocations.
Father, we're your people, the work of your hands. So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus. Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn, to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love. We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how. Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers. With our hearts you continue to love your people. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.


Well that's A Word on the Word for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. This PodCast is released under a Creative Commons license, some rights are reserved. Links to the Daily readings, Morning and evening prayers, music and more can be found to the left. The Saint Gregory Home page is www.danbury.org/stgreg.


A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek. Please let us know what you think. If you have questions or answers, we can include your comments if you drop us a line by clicking under"About Me' on the left. On behalf of Saint Gregory the Great parish, God bless and Peace be With you. Hallelujah.

A Word on the Word for the Third Sunday of Easter 2007

Click here to listen.

Hallelujah. This is A Word on the Word recorded live at Saint Gregory the Great, the Diocese of Bridgeport - Connecticut USA Third Sunday of Easter 2007. Our pastor is Fr. Angelo Arrando. This week Music from Paul Lisney at the PodSafe Music Network, the Homily from Deacon Bill, plus news from Saint Gregory the Great and the Vatican. There is the Crossroad message: Jesus feeds us so we can feed and serve others, and a Prayer for Eternal rest. Please pray for Margaret P., Victims of the Iraqi Conflict, Victims of terrorists, the 32 students and faculty of Virginia Tech and their families, and all sick and deceased members of the parish.

The readings for this week are from the Acts of the Apostles, the Book of Revelation and the Gospel according to John. To hear them click on our link. But now here is Deacon Bill.

• How often do we see the face of Jesus in those around us?
• Look more carefully to see the face of God in those around us.
• The most challenging words of today's Gospel are the last two, "Follow me".
• Respond with action to the calls of Jesus.
• Break the cycle of violence and retribution in our world.
• Show the Lord we love him by reaching out with the same love and kindness He showed to us.
• Take the Easter message of love and hope, peace and forgiveness, out into our families, our community, our nation and the world.

Recorded at Saint Gregory the Great - Danbury, Connecticut April 22, 2007. Thank you Deacon Bill.


Announcements from the bulletin.

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” PRESENTATION
Immaculate High School will present The Sound of Music on May 11 and May 12. A Character Luncheon will also be offered on May 12 at 12 noon before the matinee. Tickets go on sale April 23.

----------------
St. Gregory the Great School, one of the Danbury Catholic elementary schools, was established for the purpose of giving students a God-centered, Catholic outlook on life. We are committed to academic excellence, self-discipline and Global service. Please contact Danbury Catholic Schools to set up an appointment and additional information about Catholic schools.


The Superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport was singled out this week by U.S. President Bush for the fine work being done in Catholic education. At a press conference President Bush said, "... we just heard from Margaret Dames who has got a marvelous school program in Bridgeport, Connecticut. We want all schools to be excellent. We want every school, public or parochial, to meet expectations and to give our children the skill sets necessary to realize the great promise of the country." The President continued, "One thing is for certain, if you're interested in educational excellence, you can look at the Catholic schools in the United States of America, because they provide it -- and for that, this country is very grateful."
Thank you President Bush and Doctor Dames.


And look for One Family in Faith, the Diocese of Bridgeport's new TV show, airing throughout Fairfield County and on Danbury Cable, Channel 23. Check for local times.

------

For more information, details or questions, about Bulletin announcements go to the Saint Gregory the Great web site or contact us by following "About me" on the left.

--
Now here is a word from Vatican Radio.


We come to the Crossroad and find Jesus appears to seven of His disciples: among them Peter who proclaims his unfailing love for the Lord. Jesus commissions him to feed His sheep. And so we ask Adults & Teens: In what ways can I answer Jesus’ command to Peter to “feed my sheep”? And Children ask yourselves: What can I do to take care of others as Jesus asked Peter to do?

The celebration of Christ’s Resurrection continues with festivity and joy. Each year on the Third Sunday of Easter, the Gospels proclaim a post-Resurrection appearance of Jesus in which He shares a meal with His disciples. The Eucharistic theme is obvious and we celebrate the fact that through the Paschal Mystery, Christ found a way to remain with us through this mystery of our faith.
John’s Gospel recounts the breakfast that Jesus shared with His disciples at the seashore. In the first reading we hear Peter’s response to the Sanhedrin’s charge to cease preaching in the name of Christ-- [Peter answers] ”We must obey God rather than men”. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in the apostles. This remarkable change in the disciples three days after the crucifixion of Jesus is a most convincing argument for the power of the Resurrection. How will belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus change the actions in your household?
Today is also Earth Day. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 when people came together all over the United States to show their concern. The Environmental Protection Agency was created as a result of these concerns. Today the problems may be different but the concern is still warranted. Air pollution, climate change or global warming, clean water - a staple for life - is not available to over one billion people.
Have a discussion with your household members. Think of the products you consume on a regular basis.

• What can you use less of - Reduce?
• What can be used again before discarding -- Reuse?
• What can be made into something else - Recycle?

How can you preserve God’s creation?
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth... God looked at everything He had made, and He found it very good.”

The music is from Paul Lisney and his Triumph Of The Lamb. Paul is a Catholic singer/songwriter, writing and performing for 30 years. This song is located at the Podsafe Music network. His other music can be found on his website.


This prayer of Eternal Rest is offered for those who lost their lives at Virginia Tech, their families and friends and all those who have died.
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."


Well that's A Word on the Word for the Third Sunday of Easter. This PodCast is released under a Creative Commons license, some rights are reserved. Links to the Daily readings, Morning and evening prayers, music and more can be found to the left. The Saint Gregory Home page.
Thank you for joining us.
A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek. Please let us know what you think, click the e-mail link. On behalf of Saint Gregory the Great parish, God bless and Peace be With you. Hallelujah.

A Word on the Word for the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday 2007

To listen click here.

Hallelujah. This is A Word on the Word recorded live at Saint Gregory the Great, the Diocese of Bridgeport - Connecticut USA for the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday. Our pastor is Fr. Angelo Arrando. This week the Music is Belief from The Svengali Project at the PodSafe music network; the Homily from Father Angelo; news from Saint Gregory the Great and the Vatican plus the Crossroad message: 'Belief Demands Action'; and a prayer from Saint Faustina.

The readings for this week are from the Acts of the Apostles, the Book of Revelation and the Gospel according to John. To hear them click on our link. Here is Father Angelo' message:

• Thomas was not a doubter.
• Revelation is not about the future but about the Resurrection.
• Jesus is already victorious. He has defeated death and has risen to Heaven.
• Jesus is Lord and God.
• Be faithful to Him as He is faithful to us.
• Be His Witness.
• Forgive as we want to be forgiven
• Be accepting and loving to all.
• Thomas is witness to the Christian Community.

Recorded at Saint Gregory the Great - Danbury, Connecticut April 15, 2007 noon Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday. Thank you Father Angelo.

Announcements from the bulletin.

THANK YOU
A special “Thank You” to all the generous hearts who gave to our Easter collection. May our risen Lord shower you with His blessings.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP !!!
Would you like to know about the stories in the Bible? What do they tell us about God’s relationship with His earliest followers? Would you like to be more comfortable discussing the Bible with others? Please join with other members of the parish in a study of Israel’s Story. We meet Wednesday mornings in the parish office community room between 9:30 and 11:00 A.M.

HELP OUR HOMELESS WITH WELCOME BASKETS
Let us try to help Danbury’s homeless families. Leave the following items in the baskets by the chapel. Needed are: Laundry baskets, laundry detergent, liquid chlorine bleach, all fabric bleach, dish towels and sponges, anti-bacterial spray, trash bags, food storage bags, aluminum foil, bathroom cleaner, dust pans, adhesive bandages, First Aid cream, cotton balls and q-tips, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, bath soap, hand soap. Bring one item or bring many. The homeless will be so grateful. To paraphrase Saint Mathew: “When I was homeless, you gave Me a home.”

DAILY BREAD FOOD PANTRY
Also located at the doors of the Church are large baskets, there to collect your donations for The Daily Bread Food Pantry. The Food Pantry operates year round with your generosity. Please bring cereal, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and fruit juice for use by Daily Bread. Thank you for your continuing weekly donations of food. Your contributions help relieve the hunger that is with us year round.
------
For more information, details or questions, about Bulletin announcements go to the Saint Gregory the Great web site or contact us at A Word on the Word at G-Mail dot com and we will forward your request.

Now here is a word from Vatican Radio...


We come to the Crossroad and find: As Thomas believed - because he saw the risen Jesus, so too were many brought to faith through the various signs and wonders wrought by the apostles. We ask Adults & Teens: What doubts do I experience about my faith? What can I do to strengthen my beliefs? And Children: When have you felt afraid? When do you feel peaceful?
The fifty days of the Easter Season are an invitation to explore more deeply “the weather of the heart” to awaken our memory of God’s presence and power in our lives, to look more closely at all the rich and varied textures of creation. In short, Pentecost is a time for learning how to say yes to God’s calling in a culture that wants us to keep on saying no.

This season is a time to grow in our understanding of the paschal mystery and to make it part of our lives - through our renewed attentiveness to God’s Word, that we hear each weekend; through our participation in the Eucharist; and through our renewed dedication to acts of charity and justice. As we celebrate this season, we become more deeply aware of Christ’s abiding presence with us that is daily transforming us into the image of Jesus.

Since the Easter season is 50 days long, it will take some effort on our part to extend its celebration for the full seven weeks - until May 27th. One way to turn Easter into a series of celebrations and to keep its spirit alive is to connect ourselves to the long chain of Christian witnesses who have preceded us. Gather your household and read aloud First Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 1 through 11. Invite your household to update this chain of witnesses from Paul’s time to your present time by naming those who have been most important in handing on the living traditions to you and yours (Be they: family, friends, mentors, spiritual persons you have admired, patron saints, etc.) Write down the names to create your household’s unique connection to the Easter tradition of spreading the good news.

The readings for this weekend show us how belief spurs people on to a new relationship with God and others. In trusting God’s goodness, their actions change the lives of those around them.

In the first reading, the believers bring their sick to the apostles, certain of healing. The gospel tells us of doubting Thomas as we reluctantly admit that we sometimes have doubts. It also shows us that by accepting Jesus, Thomas had to find ways to live out his faith. We too are called to action in living out our faith and by doing so we are led closer to God and to one another.

The music is Belief from The Svengali Project. The Svengali Project is Aaron Jackson with help from friends. The project was designed to take one look at the expanding world of downtempo music. There is more of this and other musical styles at the PodSafe Music network.


This week's prayer, The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy, is from Saint Faustina:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world; for the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
-------------

Well that's A Word on the Word for Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday. This PodCast is released under a Creative Commons license, some rights are reserved. Links to the Daily readings, Morning and Evening prayers, music and more can be found to the left. The Saint Gregory Home page is triple dub danbury.org/stgreg.
Thank you for joining us.

A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek. Please let us know what you think, click the e-mail link. On behalf of Saint Gregory the Great parish. God bless and Peace be With you. Hallelujah.

A Word On The Word for Easter Vigil- The Resurrection of the Lord 2007

To listen click here.

Hallelujah.
This is A Word on the Word recorded live at Saint Gregory the Great, the Diocese of Bridgeport - Connecticut USA for Easter Vigil- The Resurrection of the Lord 2007. Our pastor is Fr. Angelo Arrando. This week the Music of Charlie Crowe from Music.Podshow.com, the Homily from Father Angelo, news from Saint Gregory the Great and the Vatican plus the Crossroad message: New Life in Christ and a prayer from the priests of our Parish.

The readings for this week are from the Book of Genesis, the Book of Exodus, the Prophet Isaiah, the Prophet Baruch, the Prophet Ezekiel, the Epistle from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans, and the Gospel according to Saint Luke. To hear them click on our link.
Father Angelo' message:

• The resurrection is the core center of what it means to be a Christian.
• Every evil power has been defeated in the resurrection.
• The trouble is we don't believe it.

• No evil power in the world is more powerful than the risen Christ.
  
• The power of the resurrection does not lie in the empty tomb. The power of the resurrection lies in the empty room.
• The Apostles left the locked room and went out into the world and testified that Christ was resurrected.

• The power of the resurrection is your power given to you in baptism. Live as He asks us to live: agents of mercy and love.
  

Recorded at Saint Gregory the Great - Danbury, Connecticut Easter Vigil Saturday night 8:00. Thank you Father Angelo.

Announcements from the bulletin

Today we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, the central mystery of our Christian Faith. We have journeyed to Easter.

ALLELUIA!

Along the way we listen to the account of the Easter story and we are reminded that Jesus, our Hope, has been raised from the dead. Let us enter this Eastertide celebrating with Faith, Hope and Love.
A BLESSED EASTER TO ALL!!
------
A special THANK YOU to our musicians, the Choir, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Servers, Ushers and all who helped decorate the Church for the Easter Season.
------
Located at the doors of the Church are large baskets. The baskets are there to collect your donations for The Daily Bread Food Pantry. The Food Pantry operates year round with your generosity. Please bring cereal, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and fruit juice for use by Daily Bread. Thank you for your continuing weekly donations of food. Your contributions help relieve the hunger that is with us year round.
------
We wish to welcome all visitors, members and children who worship with us today. We pray that worshipping with us will give you a sense of fellowship with Jesus and with us as God’s people, as well as comfort and strength for all your needs. If you have no Church of your own, we invite you to make this your home Church. But above all, we invite you to come to worship with us at any time.
--
Now here is a word from Vatican Radio.


We come to the Crossroad and find On this day of days, we offer joyful praise to the Father who raised His Son from the dead. Let us focus upon the life Christ offers us; Christ, our Passover, who has been sacrificed. The question for Adults & Teens: In What way have you risen from “deadness” in your life? And Children: What is good and new in your life?
During the Easter Season, we are invited to renew our baptismal promises after the proclamation of the gospel and the homily. We should note that these promises unfold into two distinct parts. First, we renounce evil and its hold on us and acknowledge that this takes us away from the loving relationship we wish to have with God. Second, we express our belief in our Triune God and in all that God has done for us, especially His giving us the new life of faith.
In the two parts of our baptismal renewal, we are reminded of the dying and rising of the paschal mystery into which we are plunged at baptism. We are also reminded of the truth of ourselves, of our humanity-that we are sinners but at the same time loved by the God who saved us. We, too, share in Christ’s humanity and divinity, in His suffering and death as well as His resurrection.
The observance of the forty days of Lent is better known than the longer and more festive Easter Season. Many people think Easter is over when the sun sets on Easter evening. Actually, the celebration of this greatest of feasts lasts fifty jubilant days. Fifty days are a week of weeks, plus a day-a symbol of eternity. Fifty days are a seventh of the year. The Easter Season is the most joyous time of our liturgical year-and we should continue the celebration by enjoying the new life of spring that is seen in all of God’s creation. Let these signs of new life all around us be an endless reminder of Christ’s gift to us of everlasting life by His death and resurrection.
Our RCIA candidates, who celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil, now take on the title of “neophytes”- beginners or novices in our expression of faith. They enter into the Period of Mystagogia (which can last as long as a year) as they slowly adjust to the responsibilities they have taken on as full members of our Church. The RCIA team continues to encourage and support their efforts as does the entire parish community.


This week the music Joy played by Charlie Crowe. In Feb. 2006, Charlie Crowe resigned as lead guitarist for mega-duo Brooks & Dunn. After 12 years of touring, his final B&D gig was in Omaha opening for the Rolling Stones. As an accomplished instrumental guitarist and BMI award-winning songwriter, Crowe now focuses on family, writing, and guitar. Hear more of his music at the PodSafe Music Network. Follow the link on our page.


This week's prayer comes from the priests of Saint Gregory the Great, Danbury; Fr. Angelo Fr. Ray and Fr. Phil.

We pray that the joy of Easter may fill your hearts and homes. May you always rejoice in the Father’s Love.



Well that's A Word on the Word for Easter Vigil- The Resurrection of the Lord 2007. This PodCast is released under a Creative Commons license, some rights are reserved. Links to the Daily readings, Morning and evening prayers, music and more can be found in our show notes. Tthe Saint Gregory Home page is danbury.org/stgreg.

Thank you for joining us.

A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek. On behalf of Saint Gregory the Great parish, God bless and Peace be With you.

He has risen. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

A Word On The Word for Holy Thursday Mass of Lord's Supper 2007

To Listen click here.

Peace be with you. This is A Word on the Word recorded live at Saint Gregory the Great, the Diocese of Bridgeport - Connecticut USA for Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper. Our pastor is Fr. Angelo Arrando. Today the Homily from Father Phil, a tour of Gethsemane from Vatican Radio and the Saint Gregory the Great Choir opening the way for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.


The readings are from the Book of Exodus, the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, and the Gospel according to Saint John. To hear them click on our link.
Recorded at Saint Gregory the Great - Danbury, Connecticut April 5, 2007 during the 7:30 Mass of the Lord's Supper. Father Phil reminds us:

• There is great symbolism in Holy Week.
• These symbols are the glue which hold us together.
• Without the Eucharist we are not a community.
• We have to be the Saviors of one another.
• If we don't do that we are not the disciples of Christ.
• We have to develop a special relationship with the Lord in the Eucharist.

Thank you Father Phil.


Vatican radio gives us a tour of the garden of Gethsemane.

Following Mass, it is traditional to remain for a time in the presence of God in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. The Saint Gregory the Great Choir leads the congregation with the hymn Sing, My tongue, The Savior's Glory.

A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek. Drop us a line. From Saint Gregory the Great parish, God bless and Peace be With you.

A Word On The Word for Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion 2007

To listen click here.
Produced for Saint Gregory the Great Danbury, Connecticut April 1, 2007

Peace be with you. Our pastor is Fr. Angelo Arrando. This week Music from Citizen Six, in place of the Homily: Vatican Radio describes Palm Sunday at Saint Peter's Square, news from Saint Gregory the Great and the Vatican plus the Crossroad message; 'Jesus shows us how much He truly loves us' and a message from Pope Benedict for Holy Week. Please pray for Marion R., Arthur B., Edmund S., Victims of the Iraqi Conflict, Victims of terrorists and all sick and deceased members of the parish.

The readings for this week are from the Prophet Isaiah, the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians plus the Gospel and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. To hear them click on our link.

Bulletin announcements include:
This is Holy week. Take a look in the bulletin in your parish and find out when the Holy week services are to be held. There is a link to the Diocese of Bridgeport there as well. If you are from another church check your local listings. And note that many Parish Offices will be closed Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
------------
MANY THANKS to the volunteers who prepared and completed the necessary but laborious task of the parish Easter mailing last week: Kora A., Tori A., Nick C., Jonathan D., Olivia D., Rachael D., Stephanie D., Alex F., Megan H., Allison I., Richard M., Devan N., Stephanie S., Nicole S. and Justin W. We are grateful for your effort and time commitment. Thank you so much!
------------
KNOW GOD’S LOVE AGAIN
Are you someone who regrets having an abortion and believes that you’re not welcome in Church anymore? Do you feel the pain of your decision and long to feel the Lord’s love and mercy once again? If so, then a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat can restore you and help you feel the loving touch of our Lord.
This retreat will be held from 7:00 pm Friday, April 13, through 4:00 pm Sunday, April 15, in a private, small and confidential setting. For more details. All contacts are kept in the strictest confidence.
--------------
Following in the footsteps of the Vatican and Saint Gregory the Great parish Bishop Lori has embarked, this week, onto the World Wide Web. Find his entry at BishopLoriBlog.org. As he says in his first entry: Pope Benedict has urged that "we must use the modern methods of making ourselves be heard in a reasonable way - or better yet, of making the voice of the Lord accessible and comprehensible ". So good luck Bishop Lori as we all travel this road together.
----------

Now here is a word from Vatican Radio...
The faith is for everyone, This is world youth day, There are symbols of faith all around us, and this is the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI encyclical on the Development of Peoples.

-----------
We come to the Crossroad and find Jesus, humbling Himself out of love for us. He did not shield His face from buffets and spitting but offered His life on the cross. He relied on His Father’s love. So we ask Adults & Teens: When have I betrayed the confidence of another; as Peter did when he denied Jesus? What can I do about this?
And Children: How and when can I share my love for each member of my family this week?

Today begins Holy Week - the week that has as its purpose, the remembrance of Christ’s passion, beginning with His Messianic entrance into Jerusalem.
In today’s gospel, when Jesus announces that one of the apostles will betray Him, it causes great anxiety among them. They ask each other, “Which of us would do this?” We learn about Judas and Peter and we know that almost all of Jesus’ friends betrayed Him by abandoning Him. Beneath their question is the suspicion that anyone of them could fall short and betray Jesus’ call to truth and love, if the cost is too great. It reminds us that we, too, can and have betrayed Jesus’ mission of love and service.

Jesus understands our struggle. Later in the gospel, He says “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do.” We are called again and again to love and to serve, to fall and to rise in the hope and knowledge of the resurrection. We are called to accept God’s love for us-so much that He gave His only Son to save us.

The Triduum, which is Latin for “three days”, comes at the end of Holy Week and comprises the three-day period of prayer - leading to the Easter feast: the fulfillment of the entire liturgical year.
On Holy Thursday, the Church celebrates the Lord’s Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. The custom of footwashing, recalling how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, is often observed.
Good Friday is the only day of the year on which Mass is not celebrated. Our Liturgy consists of proclaiming John’s passion account, intercessions, veneration of the cross, and a communion service.
The The Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday ends the Triduum and begins our celebration of the Resurrection. It is at this liturgy that our RCIA candidates enter the fullness of our Church by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Our music this week is the Arrival by Citizen Six; who writes score music for movies that do not exist.

-------------------
This week we end with a wish from Pope Benedict XVI as he spoke to the crowd at the general audience the day before Maundy Thursday last year.
"This is what I wish all of you from my heart, dear brothers and sisters, hoping that you will prepare with faith and devotion for the imminent Easter celebrations. May you be accompanied by Mary Most Holy, who, after having followed her divine Son in the hour of the passion and cross, shared the joy of his resurrection."
For the entire message.

-------------
Well that's A Word on the Word for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion 2007. The production is released under a Creative Commons license, some rights are reserved. Please drop us a line, let us know what you think at A Word on the Word [at] gmail.com.

A Word on the Word Executive producer is Father Angelo Arrando, and is produced by Gregory Wencek, on behalf of Saint Gregory the Great parish. God bless and Peace be With you.