The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity June 7, 2020 Read this week’s Gospel and use the questions from Fr. Hans for reflection and discussion. Watch Mr. Storm’s reflection for this Sunday (added each Saturday by noon):

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl3Zty5qVd3Es6QdQ9lekJPCf4rE1AD5T

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Check out the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network for reflections and videos from Pope Francis: http://popesprayerusa.net/

You can download the Click to Pray app as well: https://clicktopray.org/ Parents of middle and high school youth: check out ProjectYM Live — a live, online, FREE weekly Catholic Youth Night on Sundays at 5:00pm! The Archdiocese of Portland is one of nearly 50 dioceses working in cooperation to bring this opportunity together. Each broadcast is an hour long and includes games, music, and teaching for the kids, and they have additional resources for parents to have follow up conversations with them after the event. Learn more and sign up to participate at: https://projectym.com/live/ This PDF includes content from:

• Fr. Hans

• Diana Macalintal

• USCCB (http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/usccb-president-reflection-and-prayer-during-coronavirus.cfm)

• Magnificat (www.magnificat.com)

Questions for Reflection and Faith Sharing for:

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

• What is my understanding of Fatherhood? What does it mean to

call God “Father”?

• “Eternal” literally means “not time” or “without time.” How do I

understand “eternal life”?

• Do I believe in Jesus? Do I believe that I will not perish?

• Why does Jesus say that whoever does not believe in him has

been condemned? How do I reconcile this with God’s mercy?

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C E L E B R AT I O N O F T H E W O R D

The Most Holy Trinity

This is a celebration of the Word to aid your worship this Sunday, alone or with family. If possible, place a simple cross or crucifix prominently in the room and light one or more candles. You can also place an image of the Virgin Mary there if possible. As a family, choose the one who leads the prayer, and someone to do the readings.

Whoever leads the prayer can say:

The Catechism teaches that “by sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the ful-lness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange” (221). “The complete Trinity dwells in us” (M.-M. Philipon). By worshiping the Trinity we realize the full truth of ourselves. “In the communion of grace with the Trinity, man’s ‘living area’ is broadened and raised up to the supernatural level of divine life. Man lives in God and by God” (Saint John Paul II).

Sign of the CrossAfter a moment of silence, let everyone begin by making the Sign of the Cross:In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

HymnChoose an appropriate hymn.We place ourselves before the Lord, beginning with an act of contrition: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

The following are the readings of the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

A reading from the Book of Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

Early in the morning Moses went up Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, taking along the two stone tablets.

Having come down in a cloud, the Lord stood with Moses there and proclaimed his name, “Lord.” Thus the Lord passed before him and cried out, “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. Then he said, “If I find favor with you,

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O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet par-don our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Dn 3)R/ (52b) Glory and praise for ever!

Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; and blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages. R/

Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever. R/

Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. R/

Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. R/

A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 13:11-13

Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of

love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Alleluia, alleluia. Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;/ to God who is, who was, and who is to come. Alleluia, alleluia.

God sent his Son that the world might be saved through him.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 3:16-18

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that every-one who believes in him might not perish but might have eter-

nal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,

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but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Allow for a few minutes of silence and meditation. In a family, the leader could offer some words of consolation and reflection at this moment, such as: “Almighty and eternal God, you revealed yourself through your Word. You sent your Son for our redemption and gave us your Holy Spirit to ignite our souls. God of love and peace, help us to understand the mystery of your Holy Trinity—three divine persons united in one substance, one nature—and in our limited understanding, help us to glorify you with our faith and in our actions.”

M E D I T A T I O N O F T H E D A Y

The Most Holy TrinityThe Creator and Lord of all so loved his people that for their salvation he sent his Son,

the Prince and Savior of the faithful, who washed and dried our wounds. And he exud-ed the sweetest balm, from which flow all good things for salvation…. For the Father is the Father, the Son is the Son, and the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit, and these three Persons are indivisible in the Unity of the Divinity….

As the flame of a fire has three qualities, so there is one God in three Persons. How? A flame is made up of brilliant light and red power and fiery heat. It has brilliant light that it may shine, and red power that it may endure, and fiery heat that it may burn. Therefore, by the brilliant light understand the Father, who with paternal love opens his brightness to his faithful; and by the red power, which is in the flame that it may be strong, understand the Son, who took on a body born from a Virgin, in which his di-vine wonders were shown; and by the fiery heat understand the Holy Spirit, who burns ardently in the minds of the faithful…. Therefore as these three qualities are found in one flame, so three Persons must be understood in the Unity of the Divinity.

And as three causes for the production of words are seen, so the Trinity in the Unity of the Divinity is to be inferred. How? In a word there is sound, meaning, and breath. It has sound that it may be heard, meaning that it may be understood, and breath that it may be pronounced. In the sound, then, observe the Father, who manifests all things with ineffable power; in the meaning, the Son, who was miraculously begotten of the Father; and in the breath, the Holy Spirit, who sweetly burns in them…. Therefore, in these three Persons recognize your God, who created you in the power of his divinity and redeemed you. Saint Hildegard of Bingen

Saint Hildegard of Bingen († 1179) was a German Benedictine nun, physician, composer, and mystic. She is a Doctor of the Church.

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Intercessions

The leader can begin with these words:

God has revealed the truth of who he is: an eternal exchange of love—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and he has destined us to share in that exchange. Filled with joy we now pray:

R/ Lord, hear our prayer.

That the preaching and teaching of the Church will bless all with the desire to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity. R/

That through the justice of earthly rulers all will come to know God’s authority and majesty. R/

For our parish community: that our unity in the faith and as children of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will never diminish. R/

For those who live without faith: that the love of the Blessed Trinity will awaken their minds and give hope to their hearts. R/

For those who struggle with depression, addiction, loneliness, or mental illness: that they will experience the consolation of knowing they are loved by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. R/

For the grace this week to live each moment consciously united to God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R/

For an end to the coronavirus pandemic, for God’s mercy on all who are suffering and dying, and for strength and protection on all healthcare workers dedicated to fighting it. Let us pray to the Lord. R/

Personal intentions

Our Father….

An Act of Spiritual Communion:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

To conclude the celebration, you can sing or recite the following or another suitable hymn. Turn and face an image of Mary, if you have one.

Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia,

has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V/ Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia!

R/ For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia!Or:

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia, quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,

resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia; ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V/ Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.R/ Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

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A Litany of Blessing in Time of GriefBefore we breathed our first, O God,

you etched our names upon your hands, like stretchmarks on our mother’s skin.

And those same hands that bear our lives will carry us home as we breathe our last.

So even in our grief, O God, let every breath we carry within

announce your goodness with praise unending. For you have made us to be your own,

a people of your Spirit with blessing on our lips.

Therefore: Sun and moon: Bless the Lord! Stars of the sky: Bless the Lord! Depths of ocean: Bless the Lord! Birds of air: Bless the Lord! Let all creation: Bless the Lord!

“A Litany of Blessing in time of Grief.” Copyright © Diana Macalintal, 2020. Used with permission.

Blessed be God for doctors and nurses: Blessed be God forever! For scientists and researchers: Blessed be God forever! For pharmacists and technicians: Blessed be God forever! For social workers and caregivers: Blessed be God forever! For all who endeavor to keep us safe: Blessed be God forever!

Blessed be God for grocery clerks and janitors: Blessed be God forever! For restaurant chefs and fast-food workers: Blessed be God forever! For farmers and delivery drivers: Blessed be God forever! For field laborers and postal carriers: Blessed be God forever! For all who feed and care for us: Blessed be God forever!

Blessed be God for pastoral staffs: Blessed be God forever! For clergy and religious who pray for us daily: Blessed be God forever! For catechists teaching in creative new ways: Blessed be God forever! For liturgical ministers tackling technology: Blessed be God forever! For all who serve the domestic church: Blessed be God forever!

Blessed be God for teachers and parents: Blessed be God forever! For those who sing and those who dance: Blessed be God forever! For musicians, artists, composers, and poets: Blessed be God forever! For comedians, actors, and story-tellers: Blessed be God forever! For all who inspire and sustain our hearts: Blessed be God forever!

And blessed be God for the human spirit: Blessed be God forever! That strives to live in more gentle ways: Blessed be God forever! That connects with others while staying apart: Blessed be God forever! That weeps and laughs and sits in silence: Blessed be God forever! For the human family in deeper communion: Blessed be God forever!

In faith and love, we ask you, God, let not this virus consume our world. But breathe your Spirit in us again that we may praise you unceasingly

with Christ our Lord, from whom all good things come.

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Prayers of Trust

Father, who can describe your trustworthiness, your love, your delight in being loved by your tiny unworthy creatures? Your blessed Spirit moves in us, and we catch a vision, a presence, a joy that pulls us forward to a complete abandonment to you: such that even in darkness and pain and doubt, we can never turn from you or withdraw from you or forget your name. (Fr Francis Martin)

We have gathered some prayers on the theme of this Sunday’s Gospel, which could be used during the week and beyond.

O God, our refuge and our shield, even when we walk in the shadow of death you are there at our side. Be with your people in this time of danger: bring strength to the afflicted and protection to those untouched by disease. Give us love and courage, that we may trust in your power to save and reach out to all who need our care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Trust in JesusO sacred heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee, Whatever may befall me, Lord, though dark the hour may be; In all my woes, in all my joys, though nought but grief I see, O sacred heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee.When those I loved have passed away, and I am sore distressed, O sacred heart of Jesus, I fly to thee for rest. In all my trials, great or small, my confidence shall be Unshaken as I cry, dear Lord, I place my trust in thee.This is my one sweet prayer, dear Lord, my faith, my trust, my love, But most of all in that last hour, when death points up above, O sweet Saviour, may thy face smile on my soul all free. Oh may I cry with rapturous love, I’ve placed my trust in thee.

Prayer of Saint Ignatius of LoyolaO Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence, your love, and your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see your hand, your purpose, your will through all things.

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Prayer of Saint John Henry NewmanO Mother of Jesus, and my mother, let me dwell with you, cling to you and love you with ever-increasing love. I promise the honor, love, and trust of a child. Give me a mother’s protection, For I need your watchful care.

From the end of the Te DeumMay your mercy always be with us, Lord, For we have hoped in you. In you, Lord we put our trust: we shall not be put to shame.

Let nothing disturb you,Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing away:God never changes.

Patience obtains all thingsWhoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.(Saint Teresa of Ávila)

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The Month of May with Mary‘‘…It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restric-tions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity….I am also providing two prayers to our Lady that you can recite at the end of the Rosary, and that I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you.… Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing.’’

—Pope Francis, April 25, 2020

First Prayer

O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith.

“Protectress of the Roman people,” you know our needs, and we know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For he took upon himself our suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

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Second Prayer

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God.”

In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers, and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity, and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude, and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in develo-ping and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realise that we are all members of one great family and to reco-gnize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust oursel-ves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Prayer for JeSuS to coMe to uS

M y Jesus, I long ardently For you to come to me this day; Without you life is misery.

Come to me soon, I pray.

Without the fervor that you bring, O Love, I languish night and day; And do you not desire my love? Inflame my heart, I pray.

Good Shepherd, bear your lost sheep home Within your arms, whene’er I stray; From ravening wolves that round me roam Oh, keep me safe, I pray.

O bread of Life, for you I sigh, Give me yourself without delay; For otherwise my soul must die. Give me to eat, I pray.

O fount of living waters clear, How long and weary is the way;

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Refresh my soul which thirsts for you. Give me to drink, I pray.

O loving Lord, my soul is chilled By icy winds that round me play; O fire of love, let me be filled With warmth from you, I pray.

Like the blind man who cried to you: Have mercy on me, Lord, I say, O Mary’s Son, that I may see; Increase my faith, I pray.

Lord, I am sick beyond all cure, But with a word you can display Your power; without you death is sure. O heal me, Lord, I pray.

My Lord, I knock upon your door; Your favors I can ne’er repay, Yet in my want I beg for more. Fulfill my needs, I pray.

I am not worthy, Lord, that you Should come into my house today As heavenly food; say but the word And heal my soul, I pray.

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Lord, you alone are my true friend, My treasure which can ne’er decay; All earthly joys do you transcend. Do visit me this day.

Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort

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The above prayer is from Prayers for the Moment

which is available for purchase at www.magnificat.com/bookstore

Litany of Compassion for the Sick

We pray with special love and concern for all those who are ill or infirm, asking the Lord for his consoling grace to strengthen the sick in times of trial.

R/ Lord, be close to give your comfort.

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◖ When pain or distress is overwhelming: R/◖ When the healing process goes slower than hoped: R/◖ When terrified by treatments or therapy: R/◖ When it’s hard to let go of long-held plans: R/◖ When the feeling of alienation arises: R/◖ When worn out and weary: R/◖ When troubled by impatience and negativity: R/◖ When loneliness adds to anxiety: R/◖ When sickness makes it difficult to communicate: R/◖ When discouragement or despondency sets in: R/◖ When fear makes it impossible to face the future: R/◖ When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem: R/◖ When anger and resentment assail: R/◖ When beset by worry or fretfulness: R/◖ When it’s hard to rely on others for care: R/◖ When envy arises toward those who are healthy: R/◖ When pessimism or cynicism holds sway: R/◖ When anguish is intensified by the need for

reconciliation: R/◖ When sickness is mistaken for punishment: R/◖ When loved ones are far away: R/

◖ When sickness causes financial hardship that leads toworry or despair: R/

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◖ When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for: R/◖ When weakness makes it impossible even to think: R/◖ When friends draw back, fearful of disease: R/◖ When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable: R/◖ When haunted by regret and the shame of past sins: R/◖ When it’s difficult to sleep: R/◖ When there’s loss of appetite: R/◖ When there’s resistance to necessary change: R/◖ When tempted by denial: R/◖ When nobody seems to understand: R/◖ When bound to home or when restricted in movement: R/◖ When listlessness and apathy threaten: R/◖ When medication seems to make things worse: R/◖ When all that’s needed is a caring touch: R/◖ When it’s impossible to maintain familiar routines: R/◖ When it’s hard to find the strength to go on: R/◖ When it becomes difficult to pray: R/◖ When suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear: R/◖ When death draws near: R/

Closing PrayerMost merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm laid before him. We place before you all those who are ill and in need of healing grace. May the love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus.

The above prayer is fromBlessing Prayers: Devotions for Growing in Faith

which is available for purchase atwww.magnificat.com/bookstore

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“Often it is the people closest to us who need our help. We should not go out in search of some unknown business to accomplish. It is better to begin with the simplest, which the Lord tells us is the most urgent.”

—Pope Francis General Audience (10/12/2016)

The Corporal Works of MercyThe Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise; they “are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs” (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults).

FEED THE HUNGRY• Check in with your parish community

to see if there are parishioners who can-not (or should not) go grocery shopping themselves.

• Check in with your parish to see if the food pantry is adequately stocked.

• Organize a network of volunteers in each parish/community to grocery shop for parishioners in need, especially the more vulnerable populations in our community.

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY• Do not purchase or hoard more water than

you need.

• While handwashing is vitally important, make an effort not to waste water—in soli-darity with our brothers and sisters in Christ who do not have access to clean water and suffer from the lack of this basic necessity.

SHELTER THE HOMELESS• Consider donating toiletries and sanitary

items to a local shelter since those who suffer homelessness—and the facilities that minister to them—are especially vulnerable at this time.

• Financially support organizations that are working to support the homeless population in your community.

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy During the

COVID-19 Pandemic

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VISIT THE SICK• While in-person visits are not advisable

during this time, please invest time in reaching out via phone/video call or by sending a letter or card to those who may feel particularly isolated during this time.

• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members by grocery shopping or cooking for them so they do not have to risk exposure.

• Reach out to health care workers in your community who may be overworked, burdened, or in need of specific support at this time.

VISIT THE PRISONERS• Explore whether your parish or diocese has

a prison ministry and, if so, check whether they are in need of supplies or support.

• Given that people in prison can be espe-cially isolated and vulnerable during this pandemic, consider how to support those who are ministering to them and bringing them the Word of God.

BURY THE DEAD• Now that funerals may be limited or

restricted, reach out with cards or phone calls to those who have recently lost a loved one.

• If possible, visit the cemetery to pray for those you have lost—and to ask their intercession on behalf of all those facing death today.

GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR• Reach out to those who may have been

especially burdened during this pan-demic, especially those whose occupa-tions make them more vulnerable to economic instability.

• Remember that the lack of public celebra-tion of Masses may result in parishes strug-gling financially in the next few months; be sure to continue your support and if possi-ble, increase offerings for those who cannot donate due recent financial hardship or inability to work.

• Remember that Catholic Relief Services continues to serve the most vulnerable and consider making a donation or praying for them as you are able.

The Spiritual Works of MercyThe Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history; just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbor in their spiritual needs” (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults).

COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL• Reassure and support those who may be

especially anxious during this time.

• If someone asks you for advice, orient your response to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT• With public celebration of Masses unavail-

able, learn and/or teach someone else how to make a Spiritual Communion.

• Take this time to recommit to your own study and formation and, for those home with children, take advantage of this time to reflect on the faith as a family.

ADMONISHING THE SINNER• Being confined in close quarters for long

periods of time with families or housemates can test us in more ways than one, so be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their mistakes.

• Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare in daily interactions and strive to cultivate the corresponding virtues needed to resist your personal temptations.

COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL• Write a letter or send a card to someone

who is suffering and let them know you are thinking of them.

• Remember that a few moments of your day may make a lifetime of difference to some-one who is going through a difficult time.

• Consider sharing links to spiritual resources with those who may be isolated, such as livestreamed Masses, so that they can par-ticipate in community worship from home.

FORGIVING INJURIES• For families, this time may maximize oppor-

tunities to exercise forgiveness, so take this

time to model the importance of forgiveness both for this life and the next.

• If the sacrament of Reconciliation is not available in your parish at this time, commit to making a regular examination of conscience.

• Learn and/or teach your family members the Examen prayer and/or the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY• Practice developing and strengthening the

virtues of temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice.

• When frustrated with someone, step away from the situation, take a few deep breaths, and pray the Our Father, asking God for patience.

• Commit to praying the Stations of the Cross once a week.

PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD• Pray the rosary with family members, via

video conference or conference call if needed, for all those who are suffering from the effects of this pandemic.

• Keep your own book of prayer intentions, writing down the names of those who you are keeping in your prayers, and let people know that you are praying for them.

• Ask a friend or family member if there is anything you can pray for them about.