From the Pastor's Desk (3/1/26)

From the Pastor's Desk
3/1/26

This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I am Well Pleased
On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (17:1-9) is a momentary glimpse for the Apostles into a greater reality – the dazzling divinity of Jesus in conversation with Moses and Elijah, signifying the Law and the Prophets. While the beginning of the Father’s interruption echoes the announcement heard at the baptism of Jesus, there is a new addition at the end: “Listen to Him.” Sometimes, as in this Gospel episode, God’s voice is this clearly heard; at others, it’s more difficult to discern. When we hear the voice of God, whether in the Scriptures, the timely advice of a trusted friend, or a quiet nudge from the silence, we are willing to listen, or to follow where it leads? While the transfiguration is a major revelation of Jesus’ true nature, Jesus rarely if ever performs a miracle for its own sake. In this moment, Jesus’s own transfiguration reveals him as the true Word of God, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. If we listen to Jesus, he can transfigure us into his brothers and sisters, children of God, that we too may shine like the sun. (Living Liturgy, Liturgical Press, 2025)
 
A Prayer for the Second Sunday of Lent
Holy Spirit, give me the grace to hear the words of your Beloved Son at the center of my being and in the depths of my heart. Grant that in some way, I may bring his words to those who know them less or not at all. Amen. 
 
Lenten Wednesday Evening Mass Guest Homilists
This week, we welcome Father Robert J. Miller Parochial, Senior Vicar at Regina Coeli Parish, as our second Celebrant and Homilist of our Wednesday Evening Lenten Mass Series. Father Miller will be preaching on Sin and Temptation on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Fatima Church.
 
Monday Evening Confessions in Lent
In addition to our Saturday confessions, we are offering one hour of confessions on the Monday evenings of Lent (Feb. 23 – Mar. 30) at 6:30 PM at St. Frances Cabrini Church. 
 
Stations of the Cross with Bishop Eckman
This Friday, March 6, at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, we warmly welcome Bishop Mark Eckman as the Celebrant. This will be Bishop Eckman’s first official visit to Mary, Queen of Saints Parish since becoming Bishop of Pittsburgh last summer. I encourage you to join us in praying the Stations of the Cross with the shepherd of our diocese. 
 
Taking the DMI Survey
I highly encourage all of our parishioners to take the Disciple Maker Index Survey, which launched on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Palm Sunday. This important survey, designed by the Catholic Leadership Institute, is being taken by parishioners around our diocese and will greatly assist me and the soon-to-be newly installed Parish Pastoral Council in reviewing and revising our current pastoral plans in light of Bishop Eckman’s vision: that all parishes embrace the call to serve others though faith and works of charity. Instructions on how to take this survey can be found in this Sunday’s bulletin. 
 
Giving to the Annual Parish Appeal
As you may know, the 2026 Annual Parish Appeal was launched about two weeks ago across the Diocese of Pittsburgh. All registered parishioners received packets in the mail regarding this important annual appeal. I ask all of you to pray about how God is calling you to pledge to support this important campaign. All funds collected will help our diocese to continue to provide the formation of new priests and deacons, ministries on college campuses, chaplaincies to local hospitals and nursing centers, and training of catechists and pastoral leaders in our parishes. Your pledge, regardless of the amount, will help our parish and diocese spread the love and mercy of Jesus in our local community and across the region.
 
Questions About Lent
Q: What determines the date of Easter Sunday? A: In 325 AD, at the Council of Nicaea, the date of Easter was set as the Sunday following the 14^th day of the paschal full moon, which is the full moon whose 14^th day falls on or after the vernal (spring) equinox. The reason was because that was the date of Passover in the Jewish calendar, and the Last Supper (Holy Thursday) occurred on the Passover, Therefore, Easter was the Sunday after Passover. 
Q: Why will we be covering the Cross and statues in the church in the later weeks of Lent? A: The custom of veiling the Crucifix and the statues in the church during the last two weeks of Lent, known as Passiontide, hails from the former liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. The veiling or covering of the Crucifix and statues is meant to help us focus on the great essentials of Christ’s work of Redemption. The practice originated in Germany in the 9^th Century. 
Q: What is the significance of the color purple during Lent? A: The color purple is an additional symbol of penance. The Scriptures tell us that a purple garment was placed on Jesus during his passion as a mockery. It is fitting that the color be maintained during the days in which we focus on our own reality of sin that continues to be a mockery of the love and goodness of God. The color purple and the days of penance themselves will eventually give way to the color white and celebration of Christ’s victory over sin. In humility, we acknowledge our sin in penance so that we may share fully in the celebration to come.