Throughout our two thousand years of Church history, Sunday has been set aside as "the Lord's Day" to celebrate God's greater creation of the world. According to the Catechism of the Catholic church, "The Sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a respite. It is a day of protest against the servitude of work and worship of money." (CCC 2172). Observing Sunday as the Lord's Day helps us to keep our worship of God outward, visible, public and regular.

Sunday is also the day we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. The Church instructs us to attend Mass each Sunday because that is where Jesus gives us what we need to stay strong in the world. Just as we take food into our bodies, so we take in Christ through the Eucharist. His body is real food and His blood is real drink (John 6:55-57). The resulting grace helps us to overcome our daily temptations and fulfill our responsibilities. And our faithful Communion will bring us eternal life in Heaven.

"AND GOD SAID 'LIGHTEN UP' ………"

The news is so full of tragedy and misery around us that we can sometimes forget the joy of being a child of God. Try these tips to lift your spirits:
"Therefore I commend mirth, because there is nothing good for man under the sun except eating and drinking and mirth" (Ecclesiastes 8:15). Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. The change isn't permanent, but it makes everything okay for a while. Each day try to find at least one thing that makes you smile. Even the act of looking can help.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again : Rejoice! … Have no anxiety at all." (Philippians 4:4, 6a) St. Paul wrote that while he was in prison - not a place conducive to hope. He knew that like the most loving father, God wants us to be happy and carefree. All we have to do is trust him. Turn your worries over to the Lord, and know that he will handle them better than you can.

WHY DOES THE PRIEST KISS THE ALTAR?

In the early Church, the altar came to symbolize Christ himself since it is the site of his sacrifice in the Mass. Also, relics of martyrs, used to be (and sometimes still are) placed in the altar so that the Mass was celebrated over them. This made the altar a special place in the church.

In addition, the priest has a special relationship to the altar through his reception of Holy Orders, and his connection to Christ. His kiss celebrates that relationship.

Editorial

Praying with Sacred Images
- Fr. P. Ribes, s.j.

Parish Happenings (Saphale Trek, Confirmation Camp, Youth Camp, Lectors Meet)

Celebrating St. Ignatius Loyola
- Marie D'Souza

The Assumption Day of Independence
- Tess Mascarenhas

How would you like to be a Parish Priest?

Balloons???