For a related activity see Lent and the Liturgical Calendar. (answers here)

First Sunday of Lent - Year B

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Genesis 9:8-15

When the earth was created, God proclaimed it as good. Over the course of time, however, human sinfulness caused God to reconsider and indeed, destroy most of the original creation. Following the flood, God promised never to destroy creation again and gave us a rainbow in the sky to seal the covenant.

READING II
1 Peter 3:18-22

Noah and his family were saved through water; and we, too, will be saved through the waters of baptism. As the flood waters destroyed sinfulness in the world, the waters of baptism purify us for a life in Christ. Like the patience and energy required during the forty days of the flood, Lent requires something of us.

GOSPEL
Mark 1:12-15

Today’s gospel is filled with much tension as Jesus goes from the cool waters of the Jordan River to the harsh forty days in the desert. From the peaceful, loving dove descending at his baptism, Satan confronts him in the desert. By the end of the reading, Jesus proceeds from thirst, hunger and torment, to the ministration of the angels.

Tension fills our lives. Sometimes things go our way and we make all the right decisions; sometimes, we fail and lose sight of what is right. How will you use the tools of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this Lent to bring about peace in your life and/or the lives of others?

After much suffering, the angels came to comfort Jesus. As we begin Lent think about people in your family, school, or community who suffer. What can you do to minister to at least one person during this season of Lent?

March 1 – St. David of Wales
St. David of Wales was a monk who lived during the sixth century in Britain. David founded several monasteries, which served as places of refuge for the homeless as well as centers for education. They were havens of peace in a hostile environment.

March 2 – St. Chad
St. Chad is remembered as a leader who learned to change. He lived during the seventh century, when sweeping changes were taking place in Church administration and worship. He strongly resisted the changes, but, when outnumbered at the Synod of Whitby, he gracefully accepted the decisions of the Synod and supported the new moves into the future.

March 3 - St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel was well-educated, widely-traveled, and wealthy. This American woman began her own community of sisters, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She spent her inheritance on the poor, fought injustice against Native and African Americans, and opened missions and schools. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded Xavier University of Louisiana, the first university for African Americans, in 1915. Mother Katharine Drexel died March 3, 1955, at the age of 96. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized her.

March 4 - St. Casimir
St. Casimir was a Polish prince in the 15th century who would not fight the battles his father wanted him to fight because he did not want to kill people. He was commonly called "the Peacemaker." He died of lung disease at the age of 26, and was named the patron saint of Poland in 1602.

March 5 - St. Gerasimus
St. Gerasimus was a monk who lived in Palestine, near the Dead Sea, in the fifth century. A story told about him says he once took a thorn out of a lion's paw, named the lion Jordan, and trained him to fetch and carry for the monks. When Gerasimus died, it is said that Jordan was so sad, he lay down on his master's grave and died, too.

March 6 - St. Fridolin
St. Fridolin lived around 650 and traveled constantly, spreading the gospel. His nickname was "the Wanderer." Fridolin established a monastery, a convent, and later a school for boys on an island near Switzerland.

March 7 - Saints Perpetua and Felicity
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were strong and brave African women who died in 203 because of their Christian beliefs. Perpetua was a wealthy woman who had opened her home to other Christians. Felicity, a slave, gave birth to a baby girl in prison shortly before her death.

Olympic Winter Games
The XX Olympic Winter Games opened in Turin, Italy in 2006. These games afforded athletes from 86 countries the opportunity to compete in an international event. The Olympic motto is "faster, higher, stronger." It places emphasis on bettering one's achievements rather than focusing on coming in first.

2nd Sunday of Lent - Year B

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

After giving Sarah and Abraham a miraculous baby, Isaac, it would seem that God was calling him back. Always faithful and obedient, Abraham prepared to sacrifice this gift because God asked him to. An angel appeared to Abraham praising his faith in God and confirmed that a nation of descendants would derive from Abraham.

READING II
Romans 8:31b-34

God did the same that Abraham was asked to do. God’s overwhelming love for us is made clear in the sacrifice of the Son. Paul asks the community: if there is a God who is for us to that extent, who could possibly be against us?

GOSPEL
Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where they saw Jesus transfigured in a dazzling white light. A voice called out to the three instructing them to listen to the words of Jesus, God’s Son. They did not yet understand the Resurrection and instead, focused on the earthly glory of Jesus.

There is a saying that we sometimes miss the next great gift God has for us, because we hold so tightly to the last one we received. This could have been an easy mistake for Abraham if he refused to sacrifice his son. Instead, Isaac was saved and Abraham’s descendants formed a nation. What do you need to let go of so that you can receive the next great gift from God?

Before a movie or video begins, we almost always see previews to upcoming films. The transfiguration event in today’s gospel is like a preview of what God has promised. Is there someone you know who you might show a preview of God’s Kingdom by your actions or words?

This Week’s Feast

March 14 – Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary, the Mother of God, suffered spiritual martyrdom and showed great compassion at the sufferings of her son, Jesus. The sorrows we commemorate on this feast day include the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in Jerusalem, meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the cross, Jesus being taken from the cross, and the burial of Jesus.

March 8 – St. John of God
This is the memorial of St. John of God, a man who was born in Spain in 1495. John ran away from home at the age of eight and joined the army. After leading a wild life, he settled down and took care of people who were suffering. He opened a hospital in Granada. He is called the patron saint of nurses and the sick.

March 9 - St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Catherine traded in a courtly life to join the Poor Clares religious community. She was known for her holiness, piety and charity. A painter and manuscript illuminator, she is the patron of artists.

March 10 - Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Forty Martyrs of Armenia)
The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (also called the Forty Martyrs of Armenia), in fourth century Armenia, refused to deny their Christian faith. Their refusal followed the command of the emperor that they offer sacrifice to idols. Because they would not comply, they were put to death.

March 11 - St. Sophronius
St. Sophronius was a bishop who died in Jerusalem in 638. He traveled around Egypt and Palestine, making many friends. He became a sort of "tour guide" to important people. Sophronius was called "Sophronius the Learned," and it is said that his friendliness had a positive influence on powerful people who would have treated Christians much worse had it not been for him.

March 12 - St. Theophanes
St. Theophanes, the Chronicler, grew up in Constantinople and became a monk. Some of his historic writings, which were remarkable in his day (he died in 817), are still being studied.

March 13 - St. Gerald of Mayo
We remember St. Gerald, an English monk who lived in the 8th century and served as abbot to missionary monks in Ireland. By his prayers and example, St. Gerald helped many people lead peaceful and loving lives.

March 14 - St. Matilda
St. Matilda was a German queen during the tenth century. Her greedy sons fought among themselves and were jealous when Matilda was generous to the poor and the Church. She died with a great reputation for kindness and generosity among people.

Marian Anderson
In 1902, Marian Anderson, one of the world's great singers, was born. She grew up to sing for kings and queens all over the world, but was prevented from appearing in the United States because she was African American. But her reputation continued to grow and Marian Anderson became, in 1955, the first African American singer to appear with the Metropolitan Opera.

See Scrutinies for a related activity.

3rd Sunday of Lent - Year B

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Exodus 20:1-17

God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God gave them specific responsibilities for living together in community and for loving and serving God. The Israelites knew them as The Ten Words, but today we call them The Ten Commandments.

READING II
1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Paul points out that the Jewish contemporaries of Jesus want signs of God’s presence in the same way that Greeks want wisdom. The crucified Christ, Paul says, is the power and wisdom of God.

GOSPEL
John 2:13-25

In what appears to be a fit of anger, Jesus clears the Temple of people using it to conduct business. The people did not understand Jesus’ claim that he could rebuild the temple in three days when it had already been under construction for 40 years. They lacked the faith to understand that Jesus meant his body would be raised up in three days–a temple they did not recognize.

If you have ever lent a vehicle, garment, appliance, or tool to a good friend only to have it returned in worse condition than you lent it, you have an idea of how Jesus felt about the Temple in today’s gospel. When we care deeply about something, we want others to show the same respect that we do. Is there something Jesus calls us to care for that we neglected?

Jesus did not like the way people misused the Temple. We see areas in our lives and in our world where people misuse what God intended. Can you take an action step to begin to correct one of these misuses?

March 15 – St. Louise de Marillac
St. Louise de Marillac founded the Daughters of Charity community in 1633. She was a friend of St. Vincent de Paul, who depended on her assistance. She was an intelligent and generous woman and had great stamina and determination. In 1960, Pope John XXIII declared her patron of social workers.

March 16 - St. John de Brébuf (One of the Martyrs of North America)
The Martyrs of North America were eight Jesuit men from France who died in the New World preaching the gospel between the years 1642 and 1649. On this date St. John de Brébuf and at least one other priest was slain. A shrine to these priests exists today in Midland, Ontario, along with a replica of their mission post. The feast day for the North American Martyrs is celebrated on October 19.

March 17 - St. Patrick
St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, was one of the most successful and popular Christian missionaries in that country. Patrick was born in Britain in the fifth century, kidnaped at age 16 and forced to be a swineherd. After six years he escaped and returned home to England. His family and friends were astonished when Patrick announced his decision to return to Ireland as a missionary.

March 18 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem
St. Cyril of Jerusalem was a bishop. When famine hit that city, he sold some of the Church's most prized possessions to care for those who were starving. Rich people were angry with him for this and drove him out of town. He endured many controversies and is remembered as wise and kind. He has been named a Doctor of the Church.

March 19 - St. Joseph
This is the memorial of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, and the man Jesus called "daddy." Joseph was a good father and husband. He was kind, steady, and protective. He was a carpenter and taught Jesus his trade, among other things. His influence on Jesus was inestimable and his life was a tribute to the value of simple, everyday human goodness.

March 20 - St. Cuthbert
St. Cuthbert was an English bishop and a great teacher and preacher. He believed that really holy living meant a life of service. He took good care of the poor and needy and had a special talent for encouraging people. He also had a great appreciation for animals and nature.

March 21 - St. Serapion
St. Serapion the Scholastic, the Bishop of Thmuis, wrote a "sacramentary," or collection of liturgical texts. Modern scholars did not discover it until the end of the 19th century. His writings have taught us a lot about early public worship in Egypt.

First Orbiting Space Station
This month in 1996, Russians launched a space station to orbit the earth. Its Russian name, Mir, means Peace. International crews used the station for 15 years. It was taken out of service and crashed safely in the South Pacific in 2001 after 86,331 orbits. This experience has shown that people from different parts of the world can work together for the betterment of all.

For a related activity see Lent and the Liturgical Calendar.

4th Sunday of Lent - Year B

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

God’s people ignored and disobeyed the warnings of the prophets and as a result, they were exiled from their homeland for 70 years. They were victims of foreign rule and disaster, but by God’s grace and mercy alone, the people returned to Israel. This reading points toward the hope found in today’s gospel.

READING II
Ephesians 2:4-10

The theme of mercy continues in this letter showing that Christ brought salvation to the pagans and Jews alike. God has known from the beginning of time, that those who believe would be saved to return to him. We did not earn this salvation from our work, but rather, as believers in Christ, we are called to share in the work to bring about God’s Kingdom.

GOSPEL
John 3:14-21
The world is in need of healing, and nothing will do but that God give his only son to save the world. Jesus must either be accepted or rejected. This choice is not God’s but is the choice of the people choosing darkness or light.

Most of us have people in our lives who we love so deeply that we cannot imagine life without them. We make sacrifices for them; and even when they disappoint us, we continue to love them deeply. How do you show God’s light to these people in your life?

Think of someone you know who is experiencing a time of darkness. This might be someone who seems sad at school and doesn’t have many friends; or it might be a neighbor or relative who is not feeling well. What can you do to brighten their day with Christ’s light?

This Week’s Feast

March 25 – The Annunciation of the Lord
This ancient feast is observed nine months before Christmas. It marks the day when the angel Gabriel visited Mary and hailed her as full of grace. On this day we celebrate the beauty of God’s power in exalting the lowly handmaid of Nazareth.

March 22 – St. Nicholas Owen
From 1559-1829, in England, Catholics were punished for practicing their faith. During his life, St. Nicholas Owen used his talents to build secret hiding places for priests throughout England. St. Nicholas is credited for saving the lives of many priests and laypersons. He was finally caught, arrested and killed in 1606.

March 23 - St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
Born in Spain in 1538, Turibius grew up to become a university professor and a judge. He was a good Christian lay person. Surprisingly he was appointed archbishop and sent to Peru. There was a need for an archbishop there. Turibius was ordained a priest. He built churches, hospitals, and schools in Peru. He learned many languages. St. Turibius is the patron of bishops in Latin America.

March 24 - St. Catherine of Sweden
St. Catherine is the daughter of St. Bridget. After Catherine's husband died, Catherine worked with her mother in Rome, spending time in meditation and working with the poor. She later became superior of the Order of the Holy Savior in Sweden.

March 25 - St. Dismas
Dismas is remembered as the Good Thief crucified with Christ on Calvary in the first century. He rebuked the other sinner for mocking Jesus. Dismas is the patron saint of condemned prisoners.

March 26 - St. Margaret of Clitherow
Margaret lived in England during the sixteenth century. She and her husband John had two children. She later became a Catholic during the Reformation. It was a time when Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith. She provided hiding places for Catholic priests during that time. St. Margaret was caught, arrested, imprisoned, and put to death in 1586.

March 27 - St. John of Damascus
In the Greek Church, St. John is remembered on December 4. In the Latin Church he is remembered this day. In his youth John was tutored by a monk and became a great defender for the use of icons and images in churches.

March 28 - St. Tutilo
A Benedictine monk, Tutilo was a popular teacher at the abbey school in Switzerland. Many of his paintings, sculptures, and metal works are displayed in European galleries and monasteries. He was also an accomplished musician. St. Tutilo died in the year 915.

Dr. Seuss
Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as "Dr. Seuss," was born in 1904. Although his books are for children, they include many important issues, from environmental consciousness to pacifism.

5th Sunday of Lent - Year B

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Jeremiah 31:31-34

Until now, the Israelites passed on God’s rules, the Ten Commandments, from one generation to the next. Jeremiah forecasts a great day coming when people will obey God because they just can’t help themselves. This will be a new pattern for the old where God loves and provides while the people turn away from sin.

READING II
Hebrews 5:5-9

Jesus is our perfect model of one who is willing to obey God. Although Jesus asked God to lift him from the suffering of death, Jesus did what God wanted. It was God’s will that Jesus become the sacrifice and source of our salvation.

GOSPEL
John 12:20-33

Jesus knows that his earthly mission will soon end and that he must endure the cross before he returns to be glorified by his father. He illustrates this to the disciples by explaining how a seed must die before it can produce abundant life. What seems to be finality in this world will actually be a new life that comes from death.

How often we pray asking “thy will be done,” but still point out to God a suggestion for what “thy will” might be. Even Jesus asked to be spared suffering, but God’s will remained, and Jesus obeyed that will. How do past experiences of God’s will and your will differing, give you more courage and faith to obey God now and in the future?

Jesus explained to the disciples how new life can only come from a seed that dies. It is often hard for us to let something in our lives end. Can you see a place in your life where one thing has ended so that something new could begin? How does this strengthen your faith?

March 29 - St. Berthold
St. Berthold was a hermit in Palestine. He is credited with laying the foundations for the order of Carmelite Friars begun in the early 13th century.

March 30 - St. Leonard Murialdo
After ordination in 1851, St. Leonard Murialdo founded the Society of St. Joseph of Turin. This organization still supports young apprentices. He also founded a center for delinquent boys. He is a model for Christian social workers as he advocated an eight-hour day in 1885.

March 31 - St. Balbina
St. Balbina was a religious sister during the persecutions led by Roman Emperor Hadrian. She was martyred in Rome in 130. According to legend, she is buried in the catacombs along with her father.

April 1 - St. Hugh of Grenoble
St. Hugh of Grenoble was named a saint two years after his death in 1132. He resisted the power of the rich men of his diocese who did not like his concern for the poor. Hugh was a bishop for 52 years, from the age of 27.

April 2 - Blessed Pedro Calungsod
Blessed Pedro Calungsod was born in the Philippines in 1655. As a teenager he became a missionary catechist in the Marianas. He was martyred at the age of 17. He is the patron of young people. Pope John Paul II beatified him in March 2000.

April 3 - St. Luigi Scrosoppi
Luigi felt a call to the priesthood as a teenager. As a priest, he helped direct an orphanage in Udine, Italy. In 1856, he became provost of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, a community devoted to charity and learning. Luigi Scrosoppi was canonized June 10, 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

April 4 - St. Benedict the Black
Benedict was born the son of African slaves in Sicily in 1526. As a young man he joined the Franciscans. With them he lived a simple life of prayer, with humility and cheerfulness. St. Benedict was not a Moor, but has been called "il Moro," Italian for black.

First Person in Space
Yuri Gagarin, a Russian cosmonaut, was born on this day in 1934. Gagarin became the first person to travel in space, orbiting the earth for 108 minutes. In 1961 he was launched into orbit in the Vostok I spaceship, which reached a maximum altitude of 203 miles, and circled the earth once.

Daylight Saving Time
It is time to "spring forward" and lose an hour. Since 2007, daylight saving time has begun two weeks earlier in spring and extended one week later in fall than in previous years. Congress stated energy conservation as the main reason for this change.