Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop Robert C. Morlino Monday, September 8 - Thursday, September 11, 2003 Attend USCCB Administrative Committee Meeting, Washington, D.C. Friday, September 12, 2003 5:30 p.m. -- Host Gathering of Young Catholic Families in Madison, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, September 13, 2003 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Diocesan Institute for Lay and Diaconate Formation, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, September 14, 2003 9:00 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 6:00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison Wednesday, September 17, 2003 5:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Catholic School Principals of the Diocese of Madison, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, September 11, 2003 10:00 a.m. -- Preside at Morning Prayer, Parish Leadership Day, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, September 14, 2003 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. William Parish, Janesville

Recapturing full meaning of 'The Lord's Day'

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Friends,

We are beyond if not in "back to school season," and for many families these days bring both the opportunity and the necessity of planning our weekly schedule of activities. It seems more than appropriate for me to invite all of us to ponder together the full meaning of "The Lord's Day."

"At the beginning of the school year, it is good for us to question our presumption that we never have time. We do have time. It is sacred. It comes from Christ and belongs to Him."

Our Resurrection Faith teaches us that in the eternal moment when He rose from the dead Jesus proclaimed Himself the God of Time and the Lord of History - as the Easter Vigil liturgy prays so beautifully, "All seasons belong to Christ and all the ages. To him belongs all glory forever and ever."

All the seasons and all the ages belong to Christ - that means that every minute of every hour of every day of our lives in this world belongs to Christ. Our belief in the Resurrection touches directly what we believe about time - that it belongs to Christ and not to us.

Weekly tithe of time

The weekly tithe of time which the Lord asks of us takes the form of our Sunday observance. The practice of Saturday Mass is a wonderful help to many who experience the seemingly always conflicted schedules of our American way of life. And yet in fact, Saturday evening Masses were intended only for those who were really unable to attend Mass on Sunday.

The very centerpiece clearly of our Sunday observance, our weekly tithe to the Lord, is our participation in the Eucharistic Liturgy, hoping that our admittedly busy schedules would allow us to arrive early to quiet down in preparation for the wonder of the Eucharist and to remain for some moments afterwards in grateful thanksgiving. Again our admittedly conflicted schedules can really hamper our Sunday priorities, and yet we are called express our faith that all of our time, not just Sunday, belongs to Christ and not to us.

In addition to full, active, and fruitful participation in the Sunday liturgy, our Holy Father tells us that Sunday should include some special time for other communal or private prayer, especially, for example, Scripture reading or the family rosary. Our tithe of time on Sunday might also well include some growth in the understanding of our faith, for example, by setting aside some time for the careful reading of the Catechism of the Catholic Church each Sunday or some other manual or journal which would strengthen us, making us more deeply aware of what Christ really teaches through His Church.

Our tithe of time on Sunday might also well include works of charity toward others, particularly those who might be alone or feel abandoned as shut-ins in their own private homes or in the nursing home. To bring the joy of our communion in Christ celebrated at the Eucharistic Liturgy to someone who is ill or alone or both is a magnificent way to live out our faith about the Sunday tithe of time.

Rest of mind and body

Last but not least, our Holy Father tells us that Sunday is very much a day for rest of mind and body, and that we should set aside time for that rest which all of us truly need. Not every form of recreation is necessarily restful for every person. I have a friend who when he plays golf, always carries extra clubs in the trunk of his car in case he should break one or two clubs during the match - when he plays golf he likes to play for money. Golf can sound recreational, but it can be in fact quite stressful, which makes it less appropriate as a Sunday activity for those who get pulled into this stress. So the rest that we choose on Sunday should be carefully chosen according to the needs and desires of each temperament.

The Eucharistic liturgy, other communal or private prayer, study and reflection on our faith, works of kindness done for others, especially those who are alone, and genuine rest both for body and soul - in fact there is usually not enough time on Sunday to engage in all of those elements of the Sunday observance. But there is certainly plenty to do on this day when we give our tithe of time back to the Lord, professing our faith that all seasons and all ages belong to Him and not to us.

We do have gift of time

The scheduling of American life and of daughters and sons leaves us frequently with the conviction that whatever the matter, we don't have time. But we do have time - that time is the gift of our life that comes from God and is redeemed in Christ as the place where He saves us. And that time belongs to Him and not to us.

How precious is our life. How precious is the time we have been given. At the beginning of the school year, it is good for us to question our presumption that we never have time. We do have time. It is sacred. It comes from Christ and belongs to Him. How do we live that out, especially on Sunday?

Praised be Jesus Christ. Thank you for reading this and God bless each one of you.

Bishop's Letter

Dear Friends in Christ:

The annual combined collection for Peter's Pence and the Catholic University of America will be taken the weekend of Sept. 13 and 14.

The Peter's Pence collection supports the charitable works of Pope John Paul II. It aids those suffering as a result of war, oppression, famine, and natural disasters. An amazing 98 cents of each dollar collected directly supports the Holy Father's charities. The theme this year is No one has greater love than this.

In October we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the election of John Paul as Supreme Pontiff. Your contribution to this collection is an appropriate way to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution he has made to the Church and the world as Pope and person. He has sacrificially witnessed his great love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

The Catholic University of America, located in our nation's capital, is a visible sign of the commitment of the Church to encourage vigorous intellectual pursuit, guided by Church teaching. It also prepares men and women for active professional careers grounded in respect for the rights and dignity of all persons. Many will be leaders of the Church in years to come. Your prayers for the young people studying there, and your financial support, will further these important roles of CUA.

Thank you for your generous gifts in support of the Holy Father's charities and The Catholic University of America.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison