It will not be long before Churches are open, Sacraments are again available, and society works its way back to normal. What should the "new normal" look like? Two articles for your consideration
One of the most profound transformations that Crusoe experiences is spiritual. Alone, he begins to meditate on the Bible he recovered from the shipwreck, reading Scripture three times per day. He attributes his newfound ability to “look on the bright side of my condition” to this habit, which gives him “such secret comforts that I cannot express them.”
Not only will America then survive this present trial, but it will be well-positioned to joyfully witness the fulfillment of Our Lady’s promise at Fatima when she said: “Finally, my Immaculate Heart will triumph!
Here then is another criterion for Easter joy. Only when we are willing to leave sin behind – to leave behind the devil’s hold on our lives – will we be able to rejoice fully in Easter. Only when we are willing to set aside our comfortable, familiar old sins – really willing to have them taken away – will we know the risen Christ fully. This is why Mother Church always has us prepare for Easter by a season of repentance. We spend forty days considering our enslavement so that we can rejoice more in our freedom.
"As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. "As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators. Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise." (Par. 2229)
Are you discouraged that you will not be able to receive the special graces of Divine Mercy Sunday promised directly by our Lord through St. Faustina in the 1930s? Don’t be. Even though churches are closed and you cannot go to Confession and receive Holy Communion, you can receive these special graces this Sunday, April 19, Divine Mercy Sunday. And we’re going to tell you how.
St. Rose and EWTN (Both linked on shorecatholics.com homepage) are having 3:00pm Divine Mercy Services. Here is a guide for a DIY home (or Zoom) version, if you are so inclined. Take advantage of the bountiful graces available to you and your loved ones!
However, God can also surprise us by asking us for a great gift and sacrifice. Our love for Him must take us to the point that we convert and amend our lives, as the Blessed Mother requested at Fatima. Our pleas for aid cannot take us to a return to the “normal” pre-corona gravely sinful world. We must desire a culture and society that follow God’s law. As the coronavirus crisis stands, things look bleak. Let us confide in the surprises of God.
Join Jason Evert, Sarah Swafford, Fr. Agustino Torres and young adults from across the country for the first National Theology on Tap. Each fast-paced interview will include personal stories, hopeful inspiration, and a few surprises.
"So it’s up to us...armed with the weapons of prayer and charity, to take the initiative at a moment like this. As we emerge from this lockdown, which has taught us a deeper love for the Eucharist, we must provide renewed witness to make the Church not only purer, but larger – the universal instrument of salvation Christ meant her to be."
Consider a Perfect Contrition and a Spiritual Communion to enjoy the graces of Divine Mercy. Also consider some of the novenas that are currently available in many places online.
In times of emergency, a Catholic can receive full absolution by performing a perfect contrition. This act of contrition must be motivated by a love for God, and NOT by fear of punishment or any other reason. Desire for communion with God defines a perfect contrition. If done, you are fully absolved. The only additional condition is that once the emergency passes and penance with a priest becomes available, you must go and give confession to the priest. Meanwhile, you are covered!!
Feed your faith, not your fears! Look at all the opportunities for a great Triduum on the Shorecatholics.com homepage, in the middle, under Holy Week Reflections! God Bless You All!