The Transfiguration—a window through which we see the Resurrection and the Risen Lord. With the Middlers, we wondered whether we should call it The Transparency instead. We lit three candles on the main altar—one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. We held up a window in front of the candles, whose light only became apparent through the transparency of the cross. We only saw the light of the Resurrection and the Risen Lord because we went through the suffering and death of the cross. That’s what Jesus is telling us when he says, “Tell no one until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” As plain as those words are, they are so hard to understand.

Then, we scanned the day’s headlines from The NY Times. “9.0 Earthquake,” “Tsunami Kills More Than 10,000,” “Third Reactor Explodes,” “Workers Evacuated from Troubled Reactor.” The last article reported 1400 workers were evacuated from the Fukushima Power Plant, while 80 remained behind. We asked, “Did th0se 80 who remained face suffering and death?” “YES.” “Was it to save themselves?” “NO.” “Was it to save a power plant?” “NO.” “Was it to save others in Japan and in the world beyond?” “YES.” Through suffering and death to resurrection—maybe we don’t get it, or maybe we do.

8th Grade Generously Volunteers

for Japan Relief

We asked the 8th Graders to brainstorm about what we could do for Japan Relief. And brainstorm they did! They have set the date for:

JAPAN RELIEF SUNDAY

May 22nd

They have already begun to plan: Bake Sale, Silent Auction, Japanese Food Sale, Tae Kwon Do demonstration and instruction, local media coverage and so much more. All proceeds to go to Catholic Relief Services—Japan Relief. The 8th Graders are taking charge and will lead the rest of us at KidsRelig in this effort to save others. And all of this coincides with Lent (or should I say, gives Lent real meaning).

PARENTS—WE NEED YOUR HELP

Once the 8th Graders finalize the plans for Japan Relief Sunday, we will establish subcommittees to help execute the plans. Parents are needed for those subcommittees. Please show our kids that we follow their good example and volunteer to help. As with all the good that is done here, nobody does it alone. Watch for more information and how to volunteer.

Pillows for Puppies—Building Up Creation

The McCarthy-LePage Family is spearheading an effort to protect rescued dogs and puppies. There is a big box in the Front Hall of the Upper Church to accept donations of pillows, blankets, towels, dog food and more. Information is posted on the box explaining this effort and the items needed. This is another Lenten project of KidsRelig. We are called to be co-creators with the Creator in building up the earth and caring for all its creatures, which demands sacrifice of us.

Grace Before Snacks

This week, we used an amazing grace written by Sephanie Garbuio’s 1st Grade:

Jesus,

thank you for our food

and for loving us and the life we live.

Thank you for showing us

that when we do things for others

we respect them and help each other.

We are faithful.

We love you forever. AMEN.

Told you it was an Amazin’ Grace!!!

Love,

Deacon Charlie