The word Catholic comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning universal. One of the most beautiful aspects of our Church is that no matter where we go in the world, we can enter a Catholic church and recognize the Mass—even if it is in a different language—because of the Church’s universality.  

I have been blessed to live and study in different countries and travel through several more. Now, as a priest, I can celebrate Mass wherever I go, but when I was a seminarian, I had to attend Mass in different languages, which allowed me to experience the universality of the Church firsthand. One concrete way this unity is expressed is through the common use of certain parts of the Mass in ancient languages: the Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy) in Greek, and the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), the memorial acclamation, and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) in Latin. Catholics from all over the world, regardless of their native language, usually know these parts of the Mass.  

As you may have noticed this past weekend, we are singing these prayers in Greek and Latin here in the parish, and we will continue to do so throughout Lent. Unfortunately, I noticed that at the Masses I celebrated, many people were not participating in singing them. If you were among those who didn’t even try this weekend, I encourage you to reconsider. These prayers unite us with Catholics across the world and throughout history. Be universal. Be Catholic!  

Winter Weather Policy Reminder  
Ash Wednesday did not go as planned, as we had to cancel Masses due to our winter weather policy. Many were disappointed, and a small number of people let us know—some in a less-than-charitable manner.  

As I mentioned last week, Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. So, following our established policy, when Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools canceled classes due to weather, we canceled Masses as well. Was it disappointing? Absolutely. But the purpose of a weather policy is to remove uncertainty so that no one has to venture out only to find out Mass has been canceled.  

We always announce cancellations on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), through KTIV, and by removing the affected Masses from our website.  

To reiterate: unless it is a holy day of obligation, if Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools cancels school due to weather, we do not have Masses, and all other parish activities are canceled. If the school has an early dismissal, our evening Mass and activities are also canceled. For holy days of obligation, please check our website and social media for updates.  

Fish Tacos  
As I mentioned last week, our parish will join others in the city in offering a Lenten fish meal—though with our own cultural touch. Given the makeup of our parish, we will be serving fish tacos instead of the traditional fish fry. Since this is our first year offering them, we will start with just two Fridays, the first of which is this week, on March 14. Join us from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Hall for dinner. As with all other parish meals, there is no fixed price—donations are free-will offerings.  

Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy  
We still have a few spots available for our Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy, which will take place November 3–14, 2025. Some options are already running out—for example, only one double-bed room remains! If you are considering joining us, I encourage you not to wait too long to sign up. You can register at:  
Select International Tours – Miracles and Saints 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy.