How are the readings for the Sundays of Lent chosen and structured?

The Lenten season is powerfully significant. A meticulous overall plan was envisioned for the Sunday readings that would convey the rich variety of Lenten themes. The three readings, along with the psalm, were all chosen to correspond thematically. A common theme runs through all the readings on each Sunday of Lent.

The Gospels for the first and second Sundays always cluster around the same Jesus events. The first Sunday highlights the temptation narrative of Jesus, while the second Sunday picks up the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Each liturgical year proclaims the account from the Gospel assigned to it: A to Matthew, B to Mark, and C to Luke.

The Gospels for the third, fourth and fifth Sundays form another cluster highlighting various themes in each year.

In year A, the Gospels are taken from John. Each narrative proclaims various aspects of the baptismal journey to Christ. In Year B, the Gospels are again all taken from John. The narratives zero in on the reality of the Paschal mystery -the call to follow Jesus in the challenging journey of dying and rising.

In Year C, the third and fourth Sundays are from Luke, and the fifth Sunday is again from John. These narratives highlight the significant Lenten themes of penance and conversion. The Gospel for Passion (Palm) Sunday is the narrative from Matthew, Mark or Luke of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

These Sundays provide a school for disciples desiring to unpack their baptismal commitment. Enjoy the learning.

©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc, New Berlin, WI 53151

Used with permission

We have received some very happy news from Habitat for Humanity via our Nativity KC’s:

This is an invitation from Habitat for Humanity for the Nativity Community and the Nativity Knights of Columbus to help dedicate the 4-plex we helped create. This was a huge and very sucessful project which we began planning one year ago.Please help dedicate this worthy project. See you on the 18th!

You are invited to join
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s 
dedication of the Apostle Condominiums Four-Plex

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010
5:30 PM
1106, 1108, 1110 &1112 1st Ave South, Fargo ND

Major build sponsors: Neighborhood Stabilization Program of the US Dept of HUD, ND Dept of Commerce, and the city of Fargo, with major support by Nativity Catholic Church,
Bethel Church, Atonement Lutheran Church
and Olivet Lutheran Church

After the dedication service, light refreshments will be served and you will be able to tour the new homes.

Thanks to the many, many people who made this possible:  the KC’s who stepped up to take on this project,  created a plan to raise the money needed for our participation and  organized the work, the workers who did the  actual construction, those who provided and served food at the site, and all who purchased calendars or made a cash donation in support of the project.  We share in the joy of the four families (including 11 children) who are ready to move into their new homes.

LIVE WEB CONFERENCE WITH THE HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF JAPAN FEATURING SURVIVIORS OF THE HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI ATOMIC BOMBINGS.
Paddy McLaughlin, President of the North Dakota Peace Coalition, has shared the following information about an exciting event taking place within the boundaries of our parish:

The North Dakota Peace Coalition is sponsoring In the Spirit of Hiroshima, a photo exhibit of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki tragedy along with a live web conference with survivors. The event takes place March 24, at Presentation Ministries, 3001 11th St. S. Fargo. The photo exhibit is open to the public from 1:00 to 9:00 PM with the live web conference beginning at 7:00 PM. The event is free.

With the opening of the exhibition in Fargo, ND, The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum of Japan will have reached a stated mission of delivering the important message of the need to abolish nuclear weapons and move towards the realization of genuine and lasting world peace to all 50 United States. The timing is imperative as May, 2010 sees a major world conference to review the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

For 26 years the North Dakota Peace Coalition has provided educational programs and sponsored events to eliminate weapons of mass destruction of any kind through out North Dakota.

Support Giving + Learning with Literacy CHARMM of the FM Area and Riverview Place by purchasing a book at the Fargo Barnes and Noble BookFair for CHARMM on Thursday, April 1st from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. Download this certificate, present it along with your purchase, and a portion (varies depending on book) will be donated to Literacy CHARMM.

Watch the Electronic Voice for more details.