March 30, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANTHONY WROBLEWSKI
Every year I invite my parishioners to really enter into Holy Week. Years ago, employers tended to be generous with time off so that their employees could attend as many Holy Week Liturgies as they could. Sadly, this isn’t the case anymore. But even with these restrictions, it is very possible to enter into Holy Week fully! Most of the Liturgies occur when it’s possible for most of you to attend. And even if you can’t get time off on Good Friday during the day, we have added into the Holy Week calendar a Tenebrae Service on the evening of Good Friday. It is a beautiful and ancient service normally done on Good Friday. If you are able, you could attend a service earlier in the day of the Lord’s Passion, and then also come to the Tenebrae where we will feature beautiful solemn readings and music.
Having lived through three years of a pandemic that I never expected to last this long, and having had Covid twice, I give thanks that most of the worst is behind us! We have much to be grateful for, so I encourage you, as always, to make this week a retreat-like experience. We had a great Mission with the folks from Transformed by Love, whereby we really focused ourselves on the healing presence of Christ. Well, our greatest healing comes from the death and Resurrection of our Savior. Let’s make sure we take time to recall the events of our salvation and healing. This weekend of Palm Sunday, we hear the words: “Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s Paschal Mystery, that is to say, of his Passion and Resurrection. For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life.”
This week, we are not just to recall the great events of our salvation, but also to live them again, and put our lives on the line for Christ, just as He did for us. But how can we unless we make time for Christ in this sacred week? So I urge you to take the time this week to enter into a sort of retreat experience. Take time each day to pray additionally. On Holy Thursday, pray with the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. Take time on Friday to pray with Him as He dies on the cross for you. Experience incredible music on Good Friday evening when we once again celebrate a Tenebrae Service. And celebrate His Resurrection on Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. As we hopefully pray that we may be coming out of this crisis which we have lived, make this week holy!
In Christ & Mary Immaculate,
Fr. Tony
CALENDAR NOTE
Please note our parish offices will be closed on Good Friday, April 7 and Easter Monday, April 10.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights of Columbus Monsignor O’Shea Council invites all Catholic men to take the exciting step to join the Knights of Columbus and to participate in charitable service to our parishes and communities. Visit kofc.org/joinus today or call Bob Spehar 218-349-5051.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DEVOTIONS
On Sunday, April 16 at the Cathedral there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 1 PM with a sung Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction at 3 PM. Confession is available throughout.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Please join us Friday at 5:30 PM for Stations at the Cathedral.
Also, on Friday, March 31 all are invited to the Knights of Columbus Salmon Bake between 5-7. There is no Lenten Supper offered in the Social Hall that evening.
FAITH FORMATION HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT AND CINNAMON ROLLS!
High School Night will be next Wednesday, April 5th from 7:00 to 8:30 at Holy Rosary. There will be baking and games in the gym, followed by food and a reflection and discussion centered around Holy Week!
Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 23. There will be youth from our parishes selling warm cinnamon rolls in the narthex at the Cathedral after Sunday morning masses as a way to fundraise for their summer events. These events include their Steubenville Mission Trip as well as Camp Survive, which are both incredible opportunities for these teens to grow in their faith and they appreciate any and all support. Cinnamon rolls are $1 each or half a dozen for $5.
EAST DULUTH CATHOLIC FAITH FORMATION
Today we begin Holy Week, the days during which we journey with Jesus on his way to the cross and anticipate his Resurrection on Easter. This year on Palm Sunday, we read the Passion of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Matthew. The story of Jesus’ Passion and death in Matthew’s Gospel focuses particularly on the obedience of Jesus to the will of his Father. Matthew also includes many details in his Gospels' that are not found in the other Passion Gospel’s. One of those details being the price paid to Judas for betraying Jesus.
There are also many different vantage points that we can reflect on in Matthew’s Gospel. In the characters of Matthew’s Gospel, we may find reflections of ourselves and the many ways in which we sometimes respond to Jesus. Sometimes we may be like Judas, who betrays Jesus and comes to regret it. Sometimes we may be like Peter, who denies him, or like the disciples, who fall asleep during his darkest hour. No matter who we relate to, the same is true for all of us. Jesus died so that our sins will be forgiven.
Throughout this week, we remember the depth of love that Jesus showed in offering this sacrifice for us. Jesus was obedient even unto death so that our sins would be forgiven.
As we enter into this, the holiest week of the church, let us truly remember how profound these days are. Jesus loved us so much that he freely gave up his life for us, so that we may have eternal life with him.
Faith Formation will resume on April 19th
-Sonya Morris, Director & K-5 Coordinator
BE PART OF THE FUNERAL LUNCHEON MINISTRY
When a loved one dies and the family makes funeral arrangements, they are invited to have a luncheon or reception at the Cathedral. You can expect a call or email from a church volunteer seeking help for a few hours of your time to help set up, serve a catered lunch and clean up the social hall allowing the family to share a meal while visiting with guests and remembering their loved one. If you would like to be added to the funeral luncheon list, please contact Greg at greg.jung@duluthcatholic.org or 218-623-5013
BUSINESS MANAGER FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Mary Star of the Sea are hiring a full-time Business Manager for their parish cluster. The Business Manager is responsible for a variety of business, accounting and bookkeeping functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting, human resources and facility use. Please click the link below for the full job description. If you are interested in this position, please send a resume to lauren.finnegan@duluthcatholic.org.
GRIEF EDUCATIONAL & SUPPORT GROUP
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary will be offering a 5 week Educational/Support Grief Group for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. The Group will meet for 5 consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 18th and continuing April 25th, May 2nd, 9th and 16th. The Group will meet in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Multi-Purpose Room from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. To Register for the Group, please contact Bridget A. Leighton at 218-348-8593 or 218-724-8597.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY MEETING UPDATE
For the month of March, we will meet on the 16th and 30th (the 3rd and 5th Thursdays) at 6 PM in the Cathedral Multipurpose Room. There will be no meeting April 6. We resume our regular schedule on Thursday, April 20th. Questions? Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com.
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY
SAVE THE DATE! SMA’s spring gala, known as the Stellabration, will be held on Friday, May 19th at the SMA High School Campus. Enjoy an evening of fine foods, drinks, an auction and a dance! Tickets go on sale on April 11th! For more info and to buy your tickets visit www.stellamaris.academy
LITURGICAL MINISTERS & GIFT BEARERS
The sign up for Masses and Stations of the Cross in March at the Cathedral is available below.
If you are interested in becoming a Liturgical Minister, please contact Greg at greg.jung@duluthcatholic.org
HOLY INNOCENTS ADORATION CHAPEL IS OPEN
The Holy Innocents Adoration Chapel is open continuously from Sundays at 5 PM to Thursdays at 9 PM. We continue to look for adorers and the goal is to have at least two adorers per time slot. All are encouraged to reach out to friends or family members to share an hour with. To sign up as a regular adorer or a substitute, visit adorationpro.org/starduluth or call the Star of the Sea office at 218-722-3078.
