The Fr. Corapi retreat was great success. We had a near full church for the talks. A show of hands indicated that about one hundred were our own Holy Family parishioners. I was proud that we were able to host this life-changing event. The desire for renewal was evident in the great number of confessions. Fr. Ramon and I spent about nine hours each in the confessionals during the retreat. Also there were visiting priests who helped with confessions. And in terms of finances the retreat was a great help for our parish. We netted a little over ten thousand dollars from registrations and collections. Special thanks Tony Ritchie who was overall coordinator, to Betty Weller and those who worked with her on preparation of lunch and other hospitality, to Greg Miller who coordinated publicity and served as Master of Ceremonies, to Paul Grady and his magnificent choir, to our Knights of Columbus for helping with the parking and security during the event.
As a follow up to the Fr. Corapi retreat, I have invited lay evangelist Mark Shea to give a conference on April 3. His theme is Why Be Catholic? While there might be many things which attract or repel a person from the Catholic Church, there is – as Mark will show – really only one reason for being a Catholic. Mark Shea is an enjoyable and thought provoking speaker. Father of four boys, he and his wife live in the Seattle area. He gives conferences throughout the nation and the world. There is no charge for the conference, but we will take a free will donation for the lunch and will have for sale Mark’s books and tapes. The first talk will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3.
Last year many people participated in the Novena to the Child Jesus (Infant of Prague). Different folks told me about blessings received. For example one person presented the family’s financial difficulties before the Lord and exactly on the ninth day of the Novena received a job offer. This is a good time for us to place before God our needs as individuals, families and a parish. Our school is doing significant fundraising, especially with the Spring Auction. Our parish council is working on stabilizing our operating budget and addressing our indebtedness. This weekend parish council member Tim Riley will be giving a presentation at all English Masses and we will have a similar presentation during the Spanish Masses. The parish council is also hammering out the final details regarding deferred maintenance needs and a capital campaign. The Annual Catholic Appeal this year will connect with needs here in our own parish. For all this we need your prayers. Below are the prayers for the Novena to the Child Jesus which you can say individually, as a family or by coming to the various daily Masses between March 17 and 25.
Novena to Child Jesus
CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY CHILD
OF PRAGUE O Divine Child Jesus, only-begotten Son of the Father, You are the
true light that enlightens everyone coming into this world. It is through You
that I am, it is through You that all things have been made, and without You
nothing would be. It is therefore just that I devote myself to You without
reserve. In gratitude for all the love with which You love me, I devote to you
all the love my heart is capable of. I ardently desire to love you still more,
to offer You a heart less unworthy of You. Accept this ardent desire, O amiable
Child-God, and kindly bless it.
You have suffered for us and
have borne our infirmities, in order that we might one day deserve to be
associated with Your eternal happiness. I want to unite my sufferings to Yours,
so that You may give them merit and they may be sanctified. As You have been
weeping for me, because of my sins, help me by Your grace to weep for them
myself.
I also devote to You all my
joys. I only have the ambition and the will to seek those things pleasing to
your service, by the practice of the virtues taught in the mysteries of Your
Divine Childhood. I beg You to help me by Your grace to acquire the gentleness,
the humility, the childlike simplicity, the filial confidence and the perfect
obedience, of which you give me such a splendid example.
May I progress in holiness and
one day possess the rewards promised in heaven to those who practice the
lessons of your Holy Childhood. Amen
NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS
DAY 1 (Wednesday, March 17, St.
Patrick, 6 p.m. Mass)
O Sweet Child Jesus, here at
Your feet is a soul that, conscious of its nothingness turns to You, who are
all. I have so much need of Your help. Look on me O! Jesus, with love since You
are all powerful, help me in my poverty.
Our Father...Hail
Mary...Glory Be... By your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant the grace that I now
ask (Express it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not
look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite
mercy.
Day 2 (Thursday, March 18, St.
Cyril, 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Mass) O Splendor of the heavenly Father, in whose
face shines the light of the divinity. I adore You profoundly and I confess You
the true Son of the living God. I offer You, O Lord, the humble homage of all
my being, Grant that I may never separate myself from You, my highest goal.
Pray the BOLD response
Day 3 (Friday, March 19, Feast
of St. Joseph, 8:30 a.m. Mass, Stations at 6:30 followed by bilingual Mass at
7:15 p.m.) O Holy Child Jesus, in gazing upon Your countenance, from which
comes the most beautiful of smiles, I feel myself filled with a lively trust.
Yes. I hope for all from Your goodness. Shed, O Jesus, on me and on those dear
to me Your smile of grace and I will praise Your infinite mercy. Pray the BOLD
response
Day 4 (Saturday, March 20, 8:00
a.m. & 5 p.m. Masses) O Child Jesus, whose forehead is adorned with a
crown, I accept You as my absolute sovereign, I do not wish to serve any longer
the evil one, my passions, or sin. Reign, O Jesus over this poor heart and make
it all Yours forever. Pray the BOLD response
DAY 5 (Sunday, March 21, 8 a.m.
& 11 a.m. English Masses, 6 p.m. Filipino) I gaze upon You, O Most Sweet
Redeemer, dressed in a mantle of purple. It is Your royal attire. How it speaks
to me of blood! That Blood which You have shed solely on my account. Grant, O
Child Jesus that I may respond to Your great sacrifice and not refuse when You
offer me some difficulty to suffer with You and for You. Pray the BOLD response
DAY 6 (Monday, March 22, 8:30
a.m. & 7 p.m. Masses) O Most Lovable Child, in contemplating You as You
sustain the world, my heart fills with joy. Among the innumerable beings that
You sustain, I also am one. You look on me, uphold me at every instant and
guard me as Your own. Look after, O Jesus, this humble being and help it in its
many necessities. Pray the BOLD response
Day 7 (Tuesday, March 23, 8:30
a.m., 7 p.m. & 8:30 Latin Mass) On Your breast, O Child Jesus, shines a
Cross. It is a standard of our redemption. I also, O Divine Savior, have my
cross, that, although light, very often weighs me down. Help me to bear it and
may the carrying of it be fruitful. You well know how weak and worthless I am.
Pray the BOLD response
Day 8 (Wednesday, March 24, 6
p.m. Mass) Together with the cross, I see on Your breast, O Child Jesus, a
little golden heart. It is the image of Your heart, which is truly golden on
account of its infinite tenderness. You are the true friend that generously
gives Himself; even immolates Himself, for the one He loves, Continue to pour
out on me. O Jesus, the enthusiasm which Your love inspires and teaches me to
respond always to Your great love. Pray the BOLD response
Day 9 (Thursday, March 25, Feast
of Annunciation, 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. concluding Mass) How many blessings, O
Little Child has Your almighty right hand poured out on those who honor You and
call upon You. Bless me also, O Child Jesus, my soul, my body and my interests.
Bless and help me in my necessities, and grant me what I now desire. Listen
with compassion to my prayers and I will bless Your Holy Name everyday. Pray
the BOLD response
Esta
semana damos la bienvenida al Padre Oscar Dueñas que nos dará el retiro
cuaresmal. Cada día está dedicado a
diferentes grupos de la comunidad:
niños, jóvenes, parejas, etc. El
día miércoles iniciamos también la novena al Niño Jesús. Es una oportunidad de poner ante el Señor
todas nuestras necesidades, especialmente las de índole económica. El año
pasado recibimos muchas bendiciones por medio de la Novena, incluyendo a una
persona que me contó que recibió una oferta de trabajo en el mero noveno día de
la Novena. También tenemos muchos
desafíos económicos en la parroquia, por ejemplo las reparaciones de la Ailbe
House, escuela e iglesia. La intención
parroquial es la resolución de nuestros problemas económicos. También se puede
añadir intenciones individuales o familiares – por ejemplo, de encontrar un
buen trabajo, salud, poder tener un niño, etc. La siguiente es una oración que
se puede rezar cada día antes o después de las oraciones de la novena.
Divino
niño Jesús de Praga, atraído por tus palabras de confianza y de tu mirada de
paz, vengo a Tí para conversar de amigo a amigo. Sólo en Tí, Salvador mío,
podré encontrar la paz que mi corazón ansía, y que en ninguna parte puedo
encontrar. Perdona mis pecados, buen Jesús, sé que mucho te he ofendido, pero
tú prometiste perdonar a quien acudiera a tí con fe y con amor... Necesito tu
gracia y tu fortaleza para seguir el camino del bien. Sé Tú el Maestro que me
guíe por este mundo de tinieblas y de confusión. El ejemplo de Tu infancia sea
para mí norma y recuerdo en todas mis actividades y ocupaciones, y me haga
merecedor de Tu promesa: "Cuanto más me honréis, más os favoreceré".
Amén.
NOVENA
AL NIÑO JESÚS DE PRAGA (Para problemas económicos, salud, niños)
Día
primero (Miércoles, 17 de marzo, San Patricio, Misa en Español a las 7 p.m.: Oh
dulce Niño Jesús, a tus pies, consciente de mi poquedad, me dirijo a Tí que
eres mi todo. Tengo gran necesidad de tu ayuda. Mírame con piedad y, ya que
eres omnipotente, socorre mi necesidad.
Padre
nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina infancia, oh Jesús, concédeme la
gracia que insistentemente te pido (se expresa) si es un bien para mí y es
conforme a tu voluntad. No mires mis pecados, sino mi fe y tu gran
misericordia.
Himno
del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús: Jesús,
dulce memoria,del corazón armonía,más que el vino, más que todo,tu presencia es
alegría. Tu canto es el más suave el más grato al oído;tu pensamiento es el más
dulce,Jesús, Hijo de Dios y Rey mío.Esperanza del penitente,benigno con quien
te invoca,bueno con quien te busca,¿Qué será el encontrarte? La lengua no puede
decir,ni la palabra expresar,sólo quien te encontró,sabe lo que es amar. Jesús,
eres nuestra alegría,eres nuestro premio eterno;en Tí está nuestra gloria ahora
y por los siglos. Amén.V. Bendito sea el nombre del Señor.R. Ahora y por
siempre
Oración
Oh Dios, que has constituido a tu Unigénito Salvador del género humano, y
quisiste que fuese llamado Jesús, concédenos un día poder contemplar en el
cielo Aquel que veneramos en la tierra con el Santo Nombre. Amén.
Día
segundo (Jueves, 18 de marzo, Misa en inglés a las 8:30 a.m. y bilingüe a las 7
p.m.) Oh esplendor celeste del Padre, en quien brilla la divinidad, te adoro
profundamente, mientras te confieso verdadero Hijo de Dios. Te ofrezco el humilde
homenaje de todo mi ser. No permitas que jamás me separe de Tí, mi sumo bien.
Padre nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina Infancia, etc.
Día
tercero (Viernes, 19 de marzo, Fiesta de San José, Misa Inglés 8:30 p.m.;
bilingüe 7:15 p.m.) Oh Niño Jesús, al contemplar tu semblante, me siento con
gran confianza; sí, todo lo espero de tu bondad. Irradia, oh Jesús, tu gracia
sobre mí y mis seres queridos, así podré cantar tu infinita misericordia. Padre
nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina Infancia, etc.
Día
cuarto (Sábado, 20 de marzo, Misa en Inglés 8 a.m., español 6:30 p.m.) Oh
Jesús, te reconozco mi soberano absoluto. No quiero servir al demonio, a mis
pasiones, al pecado. Reina, oh Jesús, sobre este pobre corazón y hazlo tuyo
para siempre. Padre nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina Infancia, etc.
Día
quinto (Domingo, 21 de marzo, Misas en español a las 9:30 y 12:30) Yo te
contemplo, oh redentor dulcísimo, revestido de un manto de púrpura. Es tu
uniforme real. ¡Cómo me habla de sangre! Sangre derramada por mí. Haz, oh
Jesús, que corresponda a tanto sacrificio y no rechace cuando se me presente
cualquier trabajo de sufrirlo por tí. Padre nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu
divina Infancia, etc.
Día
sexto (Lunes, 22 de marzo, Misa en inglés, 8:30 a.m. y bilingüe a las 7 p.m.) Oh amabilísimo Niño,
al mirarte sostener el mundo, mi corazón se llena de gozo. También a mí me
sostienes cada instante, me guardas como tuyo. Cuídame, oh Jesús, y socorre
todas mis necesidades. Padre nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina
Infancia, etc.
Día
séptimo (Martes, 23 de marzo, Misas en inglés, 8:30 a.m., bilingüe 7 p.m.,
latín 8:30 p.m.) Sobre tu pecho, oh Niño Jesús, brilla una Cruz. Es el
estandarte de nuestra redención. También yo, oh Divino Salvador, tengo mi cruz,
que, si bien es ligera, con frecuencia me agobia. Ayúdame a sostenerla, para
que la lleve siempre con fruto. Bien sabes cuán débil soy. Padre nuestro - Ave
María - Gloria Por tu divina Infancia, etc.
Día
octavo (Miércoles, 24 de marzo, Misa en español a las 7 p.m.) Junto con la
Cruz, sobre tu pecho vislumbro, oh Niño Jesús, la imagen de tu corazón. Tú eres
el verdadero Amigo, que generosamente se prodiga y se inmola por la persona
amada. Lléname de caridad, oh Jesús, y enséñame a corresponder a tu Amor. Padre
nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu divina Infancia, etc.
Día
noveno (Jueves, 25 de marzo, Misa en inglés 8:30 a.m.; bilingüe 7 p.m.) Tu
diestra omnipotente, oh Niño Jesús, cuántas bendiciones ha derramado sobre
aquellos que te honran y te invocan. Bendíceme también y bendice toda mi vida.
Bendice mis deseos y socorre mis necesidades. Escucha piadoso mis votos, y
bendeciré cada día tu Santo Nombre. Padre nuestro - Ave María - Gloria Por tu
divina Infancia, etc.