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CHURCH OF SAINT MARK 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time January 15, 2017 Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058 E-mail:[email protected] · website:www.st-mark.net Parish Staff Maintenance Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Rectory Care Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Church Care Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Secretary Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Offertory Program Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Bookkeeper Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Liturgy Altar Servers Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Altar Servers (Sp) Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Altar Society Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 Eucharistic Ministry: In Church MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 To the Sick (Eng) Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 In Church Romeo Santos………..720-0084 To the Sick (Sp) Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Ministry of the Word English Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Spanish Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Wedding Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Quinceañera Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Music Music Director Maeve Becker ............. 902-0109 Adult Choir Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Spanish Choir Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Organist/Pianist Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Ushers Steve Gunning (Eng) ..306-9035 Parish School Principal Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Secretary Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Secretary Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Religious Education Director Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Office Secretary Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Confirmation Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 R.C.I.A. Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Fritz Hirt....................... 827-1585 Guadalupanas Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Knights of Columbus Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Power House of Prayer Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Prayer Group (Esp) Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Legion of Mary Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Pastoral Council Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 Young Adult [email protected] St. Vincent de Paul …………………….424-272-1629 Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Sp) Fernando Guzman…..702-7701 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunday Masses: Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm Daily Masses: Monday - Saturday 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic First Monday of each month Adoration : 8:30am to 8:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm Baptism: 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office. Marriage: 6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office. Anointing of Sacrament for the sick is celebrated The Sick: upon request. Please contact the rectory office. Holy Eucharist Communion is given upon request. for the Sick: Please contact the rectory office.

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CHURCH OF SAINT MARK 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time January 15, 2017

Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058

E-mail:[email protected] · website:www.st-mark.net

Parish Staff Maintenance Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Rectory Care Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Church Care Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Secretary Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Offertory Program Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Bookkeeper Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Liturgy Altar Servers Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Altar Servers (Sp) Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Altar Society Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 Eucharistic Ministry: In Church MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 To the Sick (Eng) Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 In Church Romeo Santos………..720-0084 To the Sick (Sp) Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Ministry of the Word English Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Spanish Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Wedding Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Quinceañera Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Music Music Director Maeve Becker ............. 902-0109 Adult Choir Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Spanish Choir Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Organist/Pianist Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Ushers Steve Gunning (Eng) .. 306-9035 Parish School Principal Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Secretary Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Secretary Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Religious Education Director Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Office Secretary Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Confirmation Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 R.C.I.A. Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Fritz Hirt ....................... 827-1585 Guadalupanas Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Knights of Columbus Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Power House of Prayer Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Prayer Group (Esp) Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Legion of Mary Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Pastoral Council Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 Young Adult [email protected] St. Vincent de Paul …………………….424-272-1629 Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Sp) Fernando Guzman…..702-7701

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunday Masses: Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm Daily Masses: Monday - Saturday 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic First Monday of each month Adoration : 8:30am to 8:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm Baptism: 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office. Marriage: 6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office. Anointing of Sacrament for the sick is celebrated The Sick: upon request. Please contact the rectory office. Holy Eucharist Communion is given upon request. for the Sick: Please contact the rectory office.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Mark Church January 15, 2017

Pastor’s Corner Over the past few months many famous celebrities - movie stars, sports stars, and musicians - have passed away. Each one of them received a lot of coverage on the news and in magazines. Everyone knew who they were, and wanted to read more about them. However, last month, there was a small obituary in the Los Angeles Times for a Sister Mary Ann Stark, who had also been known as Sister Clara Mary. She was 86 years old and was a professed Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus for 65 years! I never knew Sister Clara Mary, but what caught my eye was the fact that she had been a teacher here at Saint Mark School. I don't know what years she was here, and I don't know what grade she taught. But reading about her life made me reflect on the Dominican Sisters who taught me in our Catholic elementary school back in the 1960's. These women were dedicated to God, and made sure that every child learned about Jesus, learned the true meaning of Christ-mas and Easter. and learned to pray and to treat others with respect. Now there are very few Religious Sisters in Ameri-ca. The average age of the nuns in our country is 67 or 68. And very few young women are entering the convent to be-come Sisters. As a result, parents, grandparents, and lay teachers are taking on the responsibility of raising our children in our Catholic faith. When a child is Baptized, the parents promise to fulfill their roles as the primary teachers of the faith, both by their words and their actions. Grandparents and Godpar-ents also assume their roles as teachers, and our teachers in our Catholic Schools and our Catechists in our Religious Education programs do the same. We are all called to be missionaries, beginning right here at home. In two weeks we will begin our celebration of Cath-olic Schools Week. Once again, we will have an opportunity to recognize those teachers who share our faith with our chil-dren. And, we will recognize those who teach in our Reli-gious Education program. Perhaps you have felt a call to teach children about our faith. Or have considered volunteering in our High School Confirmation program, or our RCIA program. If so, please call Judy Girard, our Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation, She would love to talk with you. And, her phone number is on the cover of the bulletin. As we begin this new year, let us give thanks to God for all of those who have taught us about our faith, and ask God for His guidance so that we can share the Good News of the Gospel from generation to generation! May the Lord continue to bless us always and in all ways,

Father Paul Spellman

FROM OUR PASTOR

La Esquina del Párroco En los últimos meses muchas famosas estrellas de cine, deportistas y músicos han fallecido. Cada uno de ellos recibió mucha cobertura en las noticias y en las revistas. Todo el mundo sabía quienes eran y querían leer más sobre ellos. Sin embargo, el mes pasado, hubo un pequeño obitua-rio Los Ángeles Times para una hermana Mary Ann Stark, quien también había sido conocida como hermana Clara Mary. Ella tenía 86 años de edad y era una hermana de Holy Name of Jesus por 65 años. Yo no conocí a la hermana Clara Mary, pero lo que me llamó la atención fue el hecho de que había sido maestra en la escuela de San Marcos. No sé qué años estuvo aquí, y no sé qué grado enseñó. Pero leyendo acerca de su vida me hizo re-flexionar acerca de las Hermanas Dominicas que me enseñaron en la escuela primaria católica en los años 60. Estas mujeres eran dedicadas a Dios y aseguramos que cada niño que apren-dió acerca de Jesús, aprendió el verdadero significado de la Navidad y Semana Santa. Y aprendió a orar y a tratar a los demás con respeto. Ahora hay muy pocas hermanas religiosas en Améri-ca. La edad promedio de las monjas en nuestro país es 67 o 68. Y muy pocas mujeres jóvenes están entrando en el convento para ser hermanas. Como resultado, los padres, abuelos y maestros laicos están asumiendo la responsabilidad de criar a nuestros hijos en la fe católica. Cuando un niño es bautizado, los padres prome-ten a cumplir con sus funciones como profesores de primaria de la fe, tanto por sus palabras y sus acciones. Abuelos y los padrinos también asuman sus roles como docentes así como nuestros maestros en nuestras escuelas católicas y nues-tros catequistas en nuestros programas de educación religiosa. Todos estamos llamados a ser misioneros, empezando aquí en casa. En dos semanas se iniciará la celebración de la sema-na de escuelas católicas. Una vez más, tenemos la oportunidad de reconocer a los maestros que comparten nuestra fe con nuestros hijos. Y también reconocemos a los que enseñan en nuestro programa de Educación Religiosa. Tal vez han sentido un llamado a enseñar a los niños acerca de nuestra fe. O han considerado ser voluntarios en nuestro programa de Confirmación de la escuela secundaria, o nuestro programa de RICA. Si es así, por favor llame a Judy Girard, nuestra Directora de Educación Religiosa y formación en la fe, a ella le encantaría hablar con usted. Su número de teléfono esta en la cubierta del boletín. Al comenzar este nuevo año, demos gracias a Dios, a todos aquellos que nos han enseñado acerca de nuestra fe y pidamos a Dios su dirección para que compartamos las Buenas Nuevas del Evangelio de generación en generación. Que el Señor nos siga bendiciendo siempre y en todas las formas, Padre Paul Spellman

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Mark Church January 15, 2017

SPIRITUAL LIFE SPIRITUAL LIFE

ANNUAL ST. MARK PARISH MEN’S RETREAT The Annual St. Mark Parish Men’s Retreat will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of Sierra Madre. The retreat which is preached by the Passionist Retreat Team begins this Friday, January 20, 2017 in the evening and con-cludes Sunday, January 22, 2017. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth. For reservations please contact: Fritz Hirt at 310-827-1585 or Rick Winter at 310-699-1098

WOMEN’S SILENT RETREAT The Annual Women’s Silent Retreat will be held at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. The retreat begins Friday, February 3rd at 5:00pm and lasts until 12:30pm Sunday, Feb-ruary 5th. Rev. Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, will be the retreat Master and the theme will be “Streams of Grace and Mercy”. For reservations please call Shu-Hwei Zimmerman at (805) 373-1099. Car pools are available from St. Jude’s Church. For more information contact Mary Latini at 310-821-7515.

RETIRO DE HOMBRES DE SAN MARCOS El retiro de hombres de la parroquia de San Marcos se llevará a cabo en El Centro de Retiros de Mater Dolorosa en la ciudad de la Sierra Madre. El retiro empezara el viernes, 20 de enero de 2017 (en la noche) y concluye domingo, 22 de enero de 2017 (mediodía). Los jardines y la tranquilidad de Mater Dolorosa hacen de este un lugar perfecto para un fin de semana de renovación espiritual y de crecimiento. Para reservaciones póngase en contacto con: Fritz Hirt: (310) 827-1585 Rick Winter: (310) 699-1098

RETIRO DE MUJERESEl retiro anual de mujeres se llevara a cabo en “Sacred Heart Retreat House” en la Alhambra. El retiro comienza el viernes 3 de febrero a las 5:00pm y dura hasta 12:30 el domingo 5 de febrero. Reverendo Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, será el líder principal y el tema será "Arroyos de gracia y misericor-dia". Para reservaciones por favor llame a Shu-Hwei Zimmer-man en (805) 373-1099. Para obtener más información pón-gase en contacto con Mary Latini en 310-821-7515.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The St. Mark Vincent de Paul Conference is part of a world-wide organization of lay Catholic women and men who are committed to live and grow their Christian faith through pray-er and personal involvement in charitable works. The volun-teers of the St. Mark Conference are now bringing Catholic Social Teaching into practice by going in teams of two to meet personally with Friends in Need in our parish area. If you feel the call to participate with the Vincentians please call 424-272-1629.

SOCIEDAD DE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL La Conferencia de St. Vincent de Paul de San Marcos es par-te de una organización a nivel mundial de mujeres y hombres laicos católicos que se comprometen a vivir y crecer en su fe cristiana a través de la oración y el compromiso personal en obras de caridad. Si usted siente el llamado a participar con ellos por favor llama 424-272-1629.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Pala Casino bus trip fund raiser on Saturday, February 18th. The event costs $25 and includes $5 in gambling money, drinks and food, and the bus. The bus will leave St Mark at 9:30 am and will return around 7:00 pm. Reservations are required. For more infor-mation please contact Terry Ballentine at 310-351-9743.

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THE PARISH Greetings my St. Mark Family, I would like to first thank you for your open arms in receiving me in the Parish. My year and a half here has been an amaz-ing time to learn and grow in love, spirituality and faith. I have decided to leave Juan Diego House of Formation for Seminarians but that does not mean I have stopped practicing my faith and being on fire with our Lord. The process of dis-cernment never stops. Knowing that I am still young, I know that God is not finished working through me. I would like to ask you to please continue to pray for me and all those dis-cerning God’s call in their life. Your brother in Our Lord, William King

MENSAJE ESPECIAL PARA LA PARROQUIA Saludos a mi familia de San Marcos, Me gustaría primero darle las gracias por recibirme con bra-zos abiertos en la parroquia. Este año y medio aquí ha sido un tiempo increíble para aprender y crecer en el amor, la espiri-tualidad y la fe. He decidido dejar la casa de Juan Diego de formación para seminaristas, pero eso no significa que he de-jado de practicar mi fe y de sentir el fuego de nuestro Señor. El proceso de discernimiento nunca se detiene. Sabiendo que todavía soy joven, sé que Dios no ha terminado haciendo su trabajo a través de mi. Me gustaría pedirle que por favor con-tinúen orando por mí y todos los que discernir el llamado de Dios en su vida. Su hermano en nuestro Señor, William King

LOS CABALLEROS DE COLON Los caballeros de Colón han organizado un viaje en autobús a los casinos de Pala el sábado, 18 de febrero. El evento cuesta $25 e incluye $5 de dinero para jugar, bebidas y alimentos y el autobús. El autobús saldrá de San Marcos a las 9:30 y re-gresará a las 7:00pm. Reservaciones son necesarias. Para obtener más información póngase en contacto con Terry Ballentine en el 310-351-9743.

Sat. Jan 14 5:30pm Mary Latini & Family Sun. Jan 15 7:30am Mary Latini & Family 9:00am Manuel & Isabel Centeno † 10:30am Mezey Family 12:00pm Angela Perez † 5:30pm Trini Martinez † Mon. Jan 16 8:00am Betty Isabella Zito † Tues. Jan 17 8:00am Citlali Pizarro Wed. Jan 18 8:00am George Vanderwall † Thurs. Jan 19 8:00am Duane Olsen Fri. Jan 20 8:00am Tamara Avila Sat. Jan 21 8:00am Burke Family

Sat. Jan 21 5:30pm Fr. Paul Spellman Sun. Jan 22 7:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 9:00am Fr. Tom King 10:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 12:00pm Fr. Michael Tang 5:30pm Fr. Michael Tang

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Mark Church January 15, 2017

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The glory of the Lord shows through Israel, a light to all nations, that salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6). Psalm — Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will (Psalm 40). Second Reading — All those who call upon the name of the Lord are called to be holy (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). Gospel — John the Baptist testifies: The one who comes after me, on whom the Spirit comes down and remains, is the Son of God (John 1:29-34).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura —Tú eres mi servidor, Israel. Te voy a poner como una luz para el mundo (Isaías 49:3, 5-6). Salmo — Aquí estoy, Señor, para hacer tu voluntad (Salmo 40 [39]). Segunda lectura — A los que Dios santificó en Cristo Jesús . . . tengan bendición y paz, de parte de Dios Padre y de Cristo Jesús, el Señor (1 Corintios 1:1-3). Evangelio — Ahí viene el Cordero de Dios, el que quita el pecado del mundo. Él es el Hijo de Dios (Juan 1:29-34).

This Week at St. Mark’s Jan 16 - Jan 22, 2016 Mon. 8:00am Mass - Church Meditation Group 6:30pm - School Bible Study 7:00pm - School Spanish Leaders 7:00pm - School Tues. 8:00am Mass - Church RE Grades 7-8 at 6:30pm - School Wed. 8:00am Mass - Church RCIA Inquiry 6:30pm - School Legion of Mary 7:00pm - School Thurs. 8:00am Mass - Church Spanish Youth Group 7:00pm - School Spanish Prayer Group 7:00pm - Church Fri. 8:00am Mass - Church Sat. 8:00am Mass - Church Adult Confirmation Prep #1 8:00am - Hall Early Childhood 9:00am - School RE Grades 1-6 at 9:00am - School English Baptism 10:00am - Church Spanish Baptism 11:00am - Church Confessions 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Church 5:30pm Mass - Church Sun. 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm(Sp) 5:30pm Children’s Liturgy 9:00am - Church/School Confirmation Years 2 at 12:30pm - Hall

Adult Confirmation If you are an adult who has not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation this is the last week to register for the annual preparation sessions. Sessions begin on January 21 and con-tinue on February 4, 11 and 18. Confirmation will be cele-brated at St. Mark in May. Please call the Religious Educa-tion Office for information and registration. New Bible Study The prophet Jeremiah spoke on God's behalf using words and symbolic actions to encourage the people to turn back to the ways of God. His prophetic ministry also announced a new covenant to be written on the hearts of God's people. Come begin the new year as we study this important message each Monday evening at 7pm in the school.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Mark Church January 15, 2017

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

SAFE GUARD THE CHILDREN

PROTEGIENDO A LOS NINOS

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Help children communicate by reading between the lines When children express that something is wrong at school or with other activities, it's often the job of caregivers to read between the lines to determine what's really going on. They might say "I'm bored" and need your guidance finding a better school-life balance or engaging in more challenging academic work. Ask them to give examples and to help you understand what is going on. If the child is still being vague, remind them that they can tell you anything and that you'll listen with an open mind. As parents and caregivers, you have the oppor-tunity to help kids deal well with negative feelings and chal-lenges. And, if they are being mistreated in some way, keep-ing an open line of communication with kids will enable you to be their advocate. For a copy of the VIRTUS© article “Communication Tip No. 15: When Children Complain about School,” email [email protected] or call (213) 637-7227.

For particular help you may call Suzanne Healy, director of Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or Helene Hickey at 310-821-6612.

Ayude a comunicarse con los niños leyendo entre líneas Cuando los niños expresan que algo está mal en la escuela o con otras actividades, a menudo es tarea de los cuidadores leer entre líneas para entender lo que realmente está pasando. Po-drían decir “estoy aburrido” y necesito tu guía para encontrar un mejor equilibrio en la vida escolar o participar en un traba-jo académico más desafiante. Pídales que den ejemplos y que le ayuden a entender lo que está sucediendo. Si el niño sigue siendo vago, recuérdeles que pueden decirle cualquier cosa y que usted escuchará con una mente abierta. Como padres y cuidadores, usted tiene la oportunidad de ayudar a los niños a lidiar con los sentimientos y desafíos negativos. Y, si están siendo maltratados de alguna manera, mantener una línea abierta de comunicación con los niños le permitirá ser su de-fensor. Para obtener una copia del artículo de VIRTUS© “Communication Tip No. 15: When Children Complain about School” (Consejo de comunicación No. 15: Cuando los niños se quejan de la escuela), envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al (213) 637-7508. Para obtener ayuda puede llamar a Suzanne Healy, directora del Ministerio de Ayuda al (213) 637-7650 o llame a Helene Hickey 310-821-6612.

Lunes: Heb 5:1-10; Sal 110 (109):1-4; Mc 2:18-22 Martes: Heb 6:10-20; Sal 111 (110):1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c; Mc 2:23-28 Miércoles: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Sal 110 (109):1-4; Mc 3:1-6 Jueves: Heb 7:25 - 8:6; Sal 40 (39):7-10, 17; Mc 3:7-12 Viernes: Heb 8:6-13; Sal 85 (84):8, 10-14; Mc 3:13-19 Sábado: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Sal 47 (46):2-3, 6-9; Mc 3:20-21 Domingo: Is 8:23 — 9:3; Sal 27 (26):1, 4, 13-14; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt 4:12-23 [12-17]

Monday: Heb 5:1-10; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday: Heb 6:10-20; Ps 111:1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c; Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 3:1-6 Thursday: Heb 7:25 — 8:6; Ps 40:7-10, 17; Mk 3:7-12 Friday: Heb 8:6-13; Ps 85:8, 10-14; Mk 3:13-19 Saturday: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Mk 3:20-21 Sunday: Is 8:23 — 9:3; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt 4:12-23 [12-17]

SPIRITUAL LIFE

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION As soon as Christmas ends, people begin planning for Easter! Originally, the source of our Paschal Triduum was but a sin-gle liturgy extending from Saturday sundown to sunrise on Easter Sunday. The two days leading up to the liturgy were days of fast, not only for the elect, but for the church prepar-ing to baptize them. A fifth-century pope explained that the church imitated the apostles, who were in hiding with their grief from the arrest of Jesus, and therefore sacraments, even penance, were forbidden. Inevitably, though, people wanted to come together, and so eventually a Liturgy of the Word developed for Good Friday. This was the first step toward today’s shape of the Triduum, and gradually new ideas were embraced, including the veneration of the cross and a simple Communion service. Interestingly, the Word remained cen-tral, since we know that in those days the pope did not receive Communion at this liturgy, even though the faithful had that option. In the other churches of Rome, priests and people re-ceived Communion under both species. Although the custom of Communion on Good Friday took hold, it did not endure past the Middle Ages. The central liturgies of the year slowly unraveled and disappeared from parish life. Remember that there were no seminaries in those days, and books were a rare luxury. Most priests could only manage to celebrate a simple “low” Mass, and few parishes could afford the ritual books that would guide a priest through the complex forms. Holy Week remained important in private devotion, but for a time the liturgies virtually disappeared.