vol 22 no 25
April 6, 2014 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
+ Ezekiel 37: 12-14 + Romans 8: 8-11 + John 11: 1-45 +
Masses this Sunday at 10:30am and 6:30pm
Mass Intentions:
| Sunday | 4.6 | 10:30am 6:30pm | For the SAU Community Pro Life Mass |
| Monday | 4.7 | Noon | +Terry Haywood '81 |
| Tuesday | 4.8 | 4:30pm | +Norman & Delores Peterson |
| Wednesday | 4.9 | 9:15pm | Student Intentions |
| Thursday | 4.10 | 4:30pm | +Eugene Hippler, Academy '50 |
| Friday | 4.11 | Noon | +Merle Cooper, SAC grad |
This Week's Activities Include:
Monday: Music Ministry 7pm (Chapel)
Tuesday: "Joy of the Gospel" Discussion 12 noon (Chapel Gathering Space), College Bible Study 7pm; Bridge Bible Fellowship 9pm (Gathering Space)
Wednesday: Midweek Reflection 12pm (Chapel); Ambrosians for Peace and Justice 8pm (Lower Chapel); Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions) 8:30pm; Mass and More 9:15pm (Chapel)
Thursday: Stations of the Cross 5pm (Chapel)
Campus Ministry Offices - Lower Chapel
333-6132 or ministry@sau.edu
Fr. Chuck Adam, Chaplain
Kelly Bush, Director of Service & Justice
Chris Clow, Director of Music and Liturgy
Sheila Deluhery, Director of Faith Formation
INDIFFERENCE: ANAESTHESIA OF THE HEART
Ambrosians display an extraordinary amount of caring for children with cancer and their families this Saturday as they participate in the Dance Marathon. Ambrosian caring can serve as a kind of antidote to the sad indifference we so often see in the news. This past week, in protest of our country’s broken immigration policies, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston and nine other bishops offered a mass at the US-Mexico border. A powerful image that was printed in newspapers showed him reaching through the fence to offer communion to people across the border in Mexico. It reminded me of a similar kind of protest Pope Francis made a year ago on the island of Lampedusa, the Italian refugee colony where a boat of refugees had sunk and many refugees lost their lives. In his homily that day Pope Francis decried indifference and asked if, in our world today, anyone feels "responsible" for what happened there. He said these powerful words:
"The culture of well-being, that makes us think of ourselves, that makes us insensitive to the cries of others, that makes us live in soap bubbles, that are beautiful but are nothing, are illusions of futility, of the transient, that brings indifference to others.” Pope Francis concludes with a prayer, "O Lord, we ask forgiveness for the indifference towards so many brothers and sisters. We ask forgiveness for those who are pleased with themselves, who are closed in on their own well-being in a way that leads to the anaesthesia of the heart….Forgive us, Lord!"
Difficult words! But the challenge of Lent, if taken seriously, is also difficult. Ash Wednesday’s scripture from the prophet Joel told us, “Rend our hearts, not your garments.” As we near the end of the Lenten season, let’s check our own hearts. Let’s awaken indifference. Let’s act for justice. That’s the best witness we can offer to show that our Lent has been fruitful. ---Fr. Chuck
•The Chrism Mass: Bishop Amos will preside at the annual Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport on Monday April 7 at 5:00 pm. At this mass the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick are blessed, sacred Chrism is consecrated, and priests of the Diocese renew their commitment to their ordination promises. All are welcome at this diocesan celebration. Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at 422 E 10th St., Davenport.
•Inaugural Lecture for SAU Middle East Institute: The Honorable Jim Leach will present the inaugural event of the new St. Ambrose University Middle East Institute on Thursday, April 10 at 7pm in Christ the King Chapel. Leach will present “What is Old, New, and Unprecedented in America’s Relationships with the Middle East.” Leach is currently a visiting professor of law and the University of Iowa Chair in Public Affairs, and represented Eastern Iowa in Congress for 30 years, many as a ranking member of the House Committee on International Relations. In addition, Leach has taught at Princeton, served as an interim director at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, holds 13 honorary degrees, has received decorations from two foreign governments, and is the recipient of various prestigious awards for his service in politics. All are welcome. Contact Ryan Dye to learn more: dyeryand@sau.edu.
•“The Joy of the Gospel:” Only two chapters left in our discussion of Pope Francis’ “The Joy of the Gospel.” Come, bring your lunch, and join us at 12 noon in the Gathering Space on Tuesday!
•College Bible Study: Make studying Scripture a part of your Lenten practice, and spend time in discussion with readings for the upcoming Sunday. Come meet with College Bible Study on Tuesdays at 7pm in the Lower Chapel Conference Room. Email ministry@sau.edu to learn more!
•Wednesday Midweek Quiet Reflection: Join us each Wednesday of Lent at 12 noon for a brief, 15 minute prayer service with a Taize song, scripture, and silence - a little silence goes a long way!
•Stations of the Cross: Be sure to pray with our online stations, featuring SAU student reflections and the beautiful etchings of the late Fr. Edward Catich: http://saustations.blogspot.com.
•Service on Saturday: Are you interested in service opportunities in our local community? Join fellow students Saturday, April 12th from 2pm-4pm for visiting ministry and BINGO at the Kahl Home! Please email Kaitlyn Koniuszy at koniuszykaitlync@sau.edu to learn more or sign up!
•CRS Rice Bowl Reflection: Haiti: This week, CRS Rice Bowl invites us to enter into solidarity with the people of Haiti. We are encouraged to reflect on the Catholic social teaching principle, Call to Family, Community and Participation, and reminded that, as social beings, we are called to seek God together. Please continue to fill your Rice Bowl with your fasts, and support hunger relief locally and worldwide. Turn in your Rice Bowls next week (Holy Week--April 13-17).
•SOUP/PRISM: Please join SAU PRISM for a Vigil against all forms of hatred and violence toward LGBT members of society. It will take place Wednesday, April 9th, at 8pm in the Gottlieb Conference Center. Join us in speaking out against hate.
•Fast Fest - Week 4: (April 6-12) This week for Fast Fest, strive to do away with hurtful and negative language, and resolve to lift yourself and others up in what you say and do with the Complaining and Gossip Fast. And be sure to sign up to take part in the final fast for Fast Fest - the Meal Fast next week, to donate a meal to help local food pantries!
•Music for Commencement Mass: All SAU students, faculty, and staff are invited to assist with music for the Commencement Mass on Sat, May 10 at 9am in the Chapel. This mass provides a beautiful send-off for our graduates and their families, and is a wonderful SAU tradition. Rehearsals will start on Monday, April 14 at 7pm. Please email Chris Clow at ministry@sau.edu if you would like to help out!
•Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies: Courses offered this summer during June 12-15 and July 10-13. This program is perfect for those who want to work with high school youth, and courses can be taken for Theology credit. Email Chris Clow at ministry@sau.edu to learn more.
•DUBUQUE’S GOT SISTERS! Are you interested in checking out religious life? An opportunity for women age 19 and older to come together with sisters and other women who are asking how to best serve the people of God is being offered. Join us for prayer, conversation and chance to get to know communities of women who have given their life in service to people on the margins: Meals and an overnight stay will be provided – at no charge. The retreat will begin with dinner and prayer on Friday, April 11th at 5:00 and close with dinner on (to conclude by 6:00 pm)Saturday, April 12th. To register or for more info contact Sister Ginny Heldorfer - email: heldorferv@osfdbq.org/ phone: 952-457-5193.
