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The Liturgy of the Word this Sunday for the First Scrutiny for catechumens centers on the law. The First Reading from Exodus lays out the Ten Commandments, and the Responsorial Psalm begins, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul;” and later, “the ordinances of the Lord are true, … more precious than gold,” declaring that these rules are a treasure and not shackles. The excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians strikes a different chord as he counters the demand for signs that resemble magic tricks, and affirms that the cross is the Christian’s sign. In John’s vivid Gospel account, Jesus cleanses the temple, asserting its place as protector of the law. Another set of readings is allowed this week, with the Gospel of John relating the familiar story of the woman at the well.

The weekday Mass is canceled Tuesday, March 5 as Monsignor Routhier joins the priests of the diocese for a Day of Prayer in Randolph. Parishioners are welcome at a 6:00 PM Mass in the chapel for the Knights of Columbus. The 12:05 PM Mass will return Wednesday, March 6.

Sonship is a theme of this second Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word. In the first reading – we are again in Genesis as for the First Week in Lent – we hear and imagine the familiar, but always searing story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his young son, Isaac at God’s command. God stays the patriarch’s hand as Abraham readies his knife over the bound boy, and in a burst of divine generosity, God assures His servant that He will greatly reward him for his obedience which extended even to the point of offering his child. The psalmist sings of obedience, assuring the Lord that he is His servant. In our second reading, St. Paul declares to the Romans that God who handed over His Son surely will give us everything good. Finally, our Gospel from Mark repeats the sonship theme, with the Transfiguration account and the voice of God confirming the identity of this Jesus as His beloved son.

The Vermont Right to Life Committee invites everyone to the first Pro-Life Lobby Day in five years Wednesday, February 21 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. VRLC is the host for this event which helps pro-lifers contact and meet with their state representatives to urge lawmakers support for life. Visit the VRLC website for more information: vrlc.net.

Religious Education classes for Grades 1-5 will meet Sunday, February 18 after the 10:00 AM Mass, at the Cathedral. There is no RCIA meeting this Sunday. For Confirmation information, please contact coordinator Monika Busse: [email protected].

Our first reading from Genesis sets the tone: God will be faithful and save us, as He saved Noah, his family, and the creatures in the ark. The Psalm echoes this hope in the Lord: “you are God my savior,” “Remember that our compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old.” The First Letter of Saint Peter, the second reading, encourages us to believe that Christ will lead us to God. Finally, our Gospel reading from St. Mark recounting Christ’s temptation in the desert is short, and leaves out the details of each temptation by the devil. The passage, however, reassures us that Jesus overcame the devil then as He will again on Easter Sunday at the Resurrection. The second part of the Gospel mentions John the Baptist’s arrest, and how Jesus persevered in spite of this ominous news, and came into Galilee to proclaim the Gospel and call for repentance. We hear of hope in spite of calamity and Jesus’s confident proclamation of God’s kingdom.

Daily Mass will be at 9:00 AM in the chapel, with 11:30 AM and 12:05 PM Confessions and Mass cancelled. Parish offices and Joseph's House will be closed that day.

Candidates and catechumens will take part in the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion as they prepare for formal initiation into the Catholic Church this Easter season. The ceremony is at 3:00 PM in the upstairs Cathedral church. Monsignor John McDermott, Diocesan Administrator, will declare the RCIA students "elect" from testimony offered by the students' sponsors and teachers.

This trip visits major shrines, cathedrals, and Catholic historical sites for eleven days April 14 - 24, 2024. Lourdes, Lisieux, Notre Dame de Chartres and Paris, and Ars are among the destinations. Please find flyers at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. The booklet describes the tour and lists internet links for more information including videos.

Donations are welcome in the collection baskets at the Ash Wednesday Masses, but also may be mailed to Catholic Charities, 55 Joy Drive, Burlington, VT 05401. Here is an address to contribute online:vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/catholic-charities/ ash-wednesday-appeal. You also may find the donation link on the front page of the diocesan website: vermontcatholic.org. Please help Catholic Charities provide emergency aid, counseling, support for prisoners, and elder care homes.

Fr. Raj, who joined the Cathedral parish last fall, is transferring to Christ the King, Rutland, after this weekend. He will celebrate his last Mass at 10 AM Sunday.

The Cathedral will celebrate Mardi Gras with a potluck dinner after the 4:00 PM Mass, Saturday, February 10 in the parish hall. Please sign up on the sheets posted at church, to bring a dish for your family and to share. Ash Wednesday will be February 14.