these days of penance. The obligation to do penance is a serious one; the obligation to observe, as a whole, or "substantially”, the days of penance is also serious. Moral theologians remind us that some people are excused from fasting and/or abstinence because of sickness or other reasons.

       In his "Apostolic Constitution on Penance”, Pope Paul VI did more than simply reorganize Church law concerning fast and abstinence. He reminded us of the divine law that each of us in our own way do penance. We must all turn from sin and make reparation to God for our sins. We must forgive and show love for one another just as we ask for God's love and forgiveness.

       The Code of Canon Law and our bishops remind us of other WORKS OF MERCY and means of doing penance: prayer, acts of self-denial, almsgiving and works of personal charity. Attending Mass daily or several times a week, praying the Holy Rosary, making the Stations  of the Cross, attending the Parish Retreat, teaching the illiterate to read, reading to the blind, helping at a soup kitchen, visiting the sick and shut-ins and giving an overworked mother a break by baby-sitting - all of these can be even more meaningful and demanding than simply abstaining from meat on Friday.

 

LENT

Lent is the time of  prayer, fasting & almsgiving. In addition to this traditional trio we give you some other (10) suggestions:

Stations of the Cross (every Friday after 8.00AM     & 6.00PM Masses);

Rosary (pray for peace around the world and in our families; vocations) etc.;

Extra daily Holy Mass;

Lenten Lamentations (all Sundays of Lent at 5.00PM; (Sun. Feb. 24 & March 9 -   4.30PM);

Sacred Scripture Reading;

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Friday’s 2.00PM - 3.15PM & Saturdays 4.00PM - 4.45PM

7.              Self-denial of special food, drinks, tobacco or TV programs;

Visit the sick or the homebound;

Almsgiving to the poor;

Come always on time and stay till the end of the Holy Mass. Wait till the last Blessing. Give to the Almighty God the whole Mass.

       Maybe you have some better ideas? Try to do something extra for God, neighbor and for yourself. Put these ideas into action!!!!!!!

FROM

CATHOLIC

FUNERAL,
CREMATION AND

CEMETERY SERVICES

Planning a Loved One’s Catholic Funeral - Informational Workshop

Join us for this informational workshop, co-sponsored by Holy Angels and St. Ambrose, on Tuesday, February 26, from 7:00 -8:30 pm, at St. Ambrose Parish Hall. Learn how to plan a funeral and about the Catholic Funeral Rite from Fr. Joseph Mathew. His presentation will cover the Vigil, Mass and Committal and allow an opportunity for answers to your questions. Representatives from Holy Angels Funeral and Cremation Services and St. Joseph’s Cemetery will speak and answer your questions regarding what goes into arranging a funeral and what your burial and cremation options are. St. Ambrose Parish is located at 1145 Gilman Street, Berkeley. Please RSVP your call to Eduardo De Loa at: 510-223-1265, or e-mail: eduardodcatholiccemeteries.org   

 

HOLY CHRISM MASS

The Chrism Mass will be held on Thursday March 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM at St. Felicitas Parish; 1662 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro. The Most Reverend Bishop Allen Vigneron will bless 3 Oils: Holy Oil of Chrism (used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Ordination of Priests) Holy Oil of Catechumens (used to anoint those preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism) and Holy Oil of the Sick (used in the Sacrament of the anointing of the Sick). Bishops, clergy and parish delegations of the laity gather at St. Felicitas Church in solemn ritual.  Parish representatives carry these oils back home where they will be part of their parish’s celebration of sacraments for the coming year, beginning with the Easter Vigil. On that day, all Priests of the Oakland Diocese renew their priestly promises.

      Please note that those who bear the Holy Oils are asked to arrive at 6:00-6:45 PM. Further instructions to parish representatives will be provided upon arrival at the Chrism Mass.

EASTER LILIES

Easter lilies did not exist in North America until about 120 years ago. The white trumpet lily, which blooms naturally in springtime, was introduced here from Bermuda. The popular name “Easter Lilies” comes from the fact that they bloom around Eastertime. They have become associated with Easter as much as poinsettias are with Christmas. In early Christian art, the lily was a symbol of purity because of its delicacy of form and its whiteness. For the same reason, it serves well as a symbol of the Resurrection.

       Donations for Easter decorations can be made by using special forms & envelopes found at the entrances to the church (to our registered parishioners we mailed them with the Lenten Letter). These donations may be made in memory, or honor, of family or friends, living or dead.