Author: Jenna Violi

Public Schools are NOT God Free Zones!

Posted on by Jenna Violi

Please take 8 minutes to watch this important video, it will be time well spent!  If you think that these problems are NOT occurring here in Upper Merion, you are sadly mistaken.   Our children’s faith is being suppressed every day; we must take a firm stand to allow them to openly express their faith.

Last year we were very fortunate to have Barbara Samuells, President of Catholics for Religious Freedom, speak with us about the state of our country with regard to Religious Freedom.  After listening to Barbara and hearing other stories of children being told that they were not able to discuss their faith in public schools, one mother in attendance at the seminar openly told the following story about her child’s experience in Upper Merion:  Her child was filled with happiness on receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time and  excitedly approached her teacher to share about her wonderful weekend, only to be told that it is unacceptable to discuss such events in Upper Merion public schools.   Imagine how embarrassed that child must have felt, to be told that her faith is unacceptable!   Another child was wearing a crucifix necklace only to be told to remove it; while another student was wearing a t-shirt that spoke of his faith and he was asked to turn the shirt inside out so that he did not offend any other student.

How can we allow this to happen in our own backyard?  You probably noticed that the students represented in the video are high school students.  They realize that they have certain protections afforded them as citizens of this country and that these rights are being violated.  However the children discussed, who are members of our parish, are very young and have no idea that they actually have rights.   It is up to us, the responsible adults in their lives, to protect them and their rights!

 

DON’T MISS THIS LIVE LENTEN PLAY

Posted on by Jenna Violi

DON’T MISS THIS LIVE PASSION PLAY!

We are blessed once again to offer the live musical drama entitled “Whom Shall I Send”.  This beautifully produced play is being presented to us in the sanctuary of the church on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

Whom Shall I Send? Is an exciting musical that finds its roots in the New Testament as it depicts God’s call to the disciples and their response.  The play explores the humanity of the disciples—their doubts, fears and joys as they respond to the call of the risen Christ.  The energetic dialogue, vibrant songs and dances celebrate the spiritual journey of Peter, Paul, John, Mary Magdalene and Lydia.  It explores the unique way that each character is called by God and inspires audiences to reflect on the call of God in their lives.   This poignant and moving drama engages  the audience in a story of faith, love and friendship.

The Xavier Company is a group of professional actors, singers and dancers in residence at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan under the direction of Carol Ferrone.

Entrance to this play is free, but we urge you to help with the work of Xavier Company by placing a free will offering in the basket located at the break.  Thank you.

 

 

Mary’s Way of the Cross and 24 Hours for the Lord

Posted on by Jenna Violi

“24 Hours for the Lord” is an initiative of the Holy Father begun three years ago. During this time, the faithful will have the opportunity to pray before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament which will be exposed for this purpose.

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD begins here at Mother of Divine Providence Parish on Friday, March 29th and continues through Saturday, March 30th until 2:45 PM.

As we celebrate this special time in our parish, we will begin with the live presentation of “Mary’s Way of the Cross” at 7:00 PM on March 29th. This live version of the Stations of the Cross is presented in Mary’s words. Nancy Server Thompson, Music Director at Camilla Hall will play the part of Mary; Sister Anne Phillip will be the narrator. Our “24 Hours for the Lord” will continue immediately after this program as the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. Sign-up sheets are located at the doors of the church this weekend. Please help us to make sure that Our Lord is never unattended from 8:00 PM March 29th through 3:00 PM on March 30th.  Please be sure to continue your Lenten journey by participating in this special time.

On Friday, March 29th, join us for the opening of “24 Hours for the Lord” beginning with a a presentation of “Where You There”.  A Passion Play from the perspective of Our Lord’s mother, Mary.  Exposition of the Blessing Sacrament will begin immediately after the Stations and Adoration will continue throughout the night.

Forty Hours Parish Retreat

Posted on by Jenna Violi

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has established a special tradition of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament spread throughout its parishes over the course of the year.

Mother of Divine Providence is home to this 40 Hour period of adoration on the first Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the Lenten Season each year. Our parish has set aside these days of prayer and adoration as an all parish retreat or mission centering ourselves on Christ though adoration and responding to the call he asks of us. We engage in prayer throughout the day in his presence from the conclusion of 8:00 AM Mass until we come together in the evening at 7:30 PM for an inspirational presentation and fellowship.

 

 

Lent Begins…

Posted on by Jenna Violi

On Ash Wednesday, March 6th, we enter the Season of Lent; a time of prayer, fasting and alms giving.   Remember to participate fully in as many Lenten activities as possible so that you are well prepared to enter into the Triduum and Easter.

Ashes will be distributed at all Masses on Wednesday, March 6th:  8:00 AM, 12:05 PM and 7:30 PM.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence, while all other Friday’s of Lent are days of abstinence.   The list shown below is taken directly from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website and should assist you in understanding the difference between abstinence and fasting:

Questions and Answers about Lent and Lenten Practices

 

Q. Why do we say that there are forty days of Lent?  When you count all the days from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, there are 46.

A. It might be more accurate to say that there is the “forty day fast within Lent.”  Historically, Lent has varied from a week to three weeks to the present configuration of 46 days. The forty day fast, however, has been more stable. The Sundays of Lent are certainly part of the Time of Lent, but they are not prescribed days of fast and abstinence.

Q. So does that mean that when we give something up for Lent, such as candy, we can have it on Sundays?

A.  Apart from the prescribed days of fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the days of abstinence every Friday of Lent, Catholics have traditionally chosen additional penitential practices for the whole Time of Lent.  These practices are disciplinary in nature and often more effective if they are continuous, i.e., kept on Sundays as well.  That being said, such practices are not regulated by the Church, but by individual conscience.

Q. I understand that all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat, but I’m not sure what is classified as meat.  Does meat include chicken and dairy products?

A.  Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs — all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat.  Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden.  However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste).  Fish are a different category of animal.  Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.

Q. I’ve noticed that restaurants and grocery stores advertise specials on expensive types of fish and seafood on Fridays during Lent.  Some of my Catholic friends take advantage of these deals, but somehow I don’t feel right treating myself to the lobster special on Fridays during Lent.

A.  While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of misses the point.  Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice.  On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer.

Q. I understand that Catholics ages 18 to 59 should fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, but what exactly are the rules for these fasts?

A.  Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal.  Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal.  Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals.

Q.  Are there exemptions other than for age from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?

A.  Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes.  Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.  In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

MAKE IT A “GOOD” LENTEN SEASON!

Forty Hours will begin on Sunday, March 10th, immediately after the 10:30 AM Mass, and continues through Tuesday evening, March 12th.  Please take some time during your day to visit with and adore Our Lord.  Be sure to join us each evening at 7:30 PM, as Father Thomas O’Donald helps us to enter this Lent in the proper frame of mind.

 

Jesus…Our Catechist Par Excellance

Posted on by Jenna Violi

Deacon Greg Maskarinec’s Homily from September 16th – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When I think back to teachers in high school, my math teacher Mr. Pickens comes to mind.   He was an “old man”, probably younger then I am today! He stressed discipline in learning and emphasized the basics of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.  He put us on the spot by asking us questions and ordering us up to the black board to solve problems in front of the class.  I didn’t always enjoy his class, but I came to appreciate all that I had learned from him.   I regret not going back to high school and thanking him for all that he taught me, specifically about math and more generally about discipline when learning a new subject.  But I give witness to him in word and action by speaking about him, as I am right now, by using the skills and knowledge I learned from him and by passing it on to others. Continue reading “Jesus…Our Catechist Par Excellance” →