Monday Message, March 10, 2025
KNOW
This week, all catechists will receive a task via LEAD. Bishop Caggiano is assigning this task and involves a simple request: Ask for a show of hands of those who attended Mass this past weekend. Catechists will be given a link where they can record their answers. We will ask this question two sessions in a row. All schools had a similar task before their summit on evangelization.
We will discuss this survey and the upcoming faith formation audit at our Parish Leader Check-in on Tuesday. The link can be found here.
Will we see you at any of the Eucharistic Retreat opportunities this week? Discover more here.
If you have not yet submitted your preferred month for Confirmation using the new form, I encourage you to do so this week. Early birds get better choices. Remember only to choose the 1st of the month for the month you prefer (do not, as some have, choose the exact date as you are unlikely to get it).
We have updated our collection of Lenten Resources. Check it out here. This year, we are not printing a poster. Instead, watch our social media channels for great resources. First Witnesses did create some great work worth sharing.
On May 1st, Bishop Caggiano has invited all parish catechectical leaders and pastors to an Evangelization Summit to discuss how we can engage parents in the formation of their children. Read the invitation here. If you have not asked pastors to save the date, please do.
Project Beloved would like to invite you to the open house for Luminous Women’s Health & Wellness. Please visit us at 1250 Summer Street, Suite 202 in Stamford on April 4th from 11am -4pm or April 12th from 9am-2pm. Our center is also seeking volunteers. If you are a faithful Catholic, passionate about helping women and babies, please contact Noelle.
REFLECT
In the early Church and, to a lesser extent still today, there were two fasts. There was the “total fast” that preceded all major feasts or sacramental events. The ancient name for this fast was “statio” from the verb “sto, stare” to stand watch, on guard or in vigil. The second fast was a fast of abstinence from certain foods, e.g., meats or fats. This was more an act of self-discipline and self-control. The statio fast was total and a means of watching and waiting…i.e. for something. The fast of abstinence was more general and personal, to help oneself be more disciplined or self-controlled. The total fast is still kept today prior to reception of Holy Communion. Following Holy Communion, the total fast ceases because Jesus had explicitly stated that we don’t fast when the bridegroom is here, in other words, what we’re keeping vigil for has arrived, the wait is over. On the other hand, the fast of abstinence was allowed on Sundays because the continuity of abstinence can be important for it to be effective.
LAUGH
