From the stark, fearsome beauty of last Sunday’s desert terrain, we are led today with the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples to mountain heights and a momentary vision of Christ’s glory as the Son of God. In the light of such an experience, doubt gives way to certainty and flagging commitment to steely resolve. Peter’s words fall from our lips, "Master, it is good that we are here."

And we want to remain here . . . contemplating the mystery and the glory of Christ. Saint Leo the Great (400-461) comments on one aspect of this mystery: "The writings of the two testaments support each other. The radiance of the transfiguration reveals clearly and unmistakably the one who had been promised by signs foretelling him under the veils of mystery. As Saint John says, 'The law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.' In him, the promise made through the shadows of prophecy stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the one who teaches the truth of prophecy through his presence and makes obedience to the commandments possible through grace."

Deep down, though, we all understand that the real measure of faith is disclosed, not in the peak moments when we stand atop the mountains of profound religious experience with confidence unshaken, but in the day-to-day struggle to believe and to live out our profession of faith in Jesus.

And so, the Lord calls us, as he did the apostles, to descend to where we really live and to grow in professing him before others.

MASS SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 28

OUR STEWARDSHIP OF GOD'S BLESSINGS

The bread and wine for Mass this week are offered in loving memory of the deceased and living members of the Choe Family by Philip and Susanna Choe.

NOCTURNAL ADORATION

The First Friday prayer vigil will take place this Friday, March 5, in the Parish House, starting at 9:00 p.m. and continuing through Mass at 12:00 Midnight. All are welcome. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available.

POINTING THE WAY:
IMAGES OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Art historian, author, and lecturer Jeanne Chenault Porter will explore the dynamic and varied representations of our church’s patron saint, who retreated into the wilderness, challenged conventional ways and called for conversion, baptized the Lord Jesus, and was martyred for his uncompromising fidelity to truth.

SOUPTALK: FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL

Our Lenten SoupTalk series continues through March 29. Join us for a simple meal of delicious soup, bread, and fruit, followed by a short reflection.

Father Anthony Schueller will be the presenter this Monday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center when the topic is "Transfiguration: If We Are Asleep, What Will We Miss?" All are welcome; RSVP to 212.288.5082.

HOMES FOR HAITI

Almsgiving, one of the traditional disciplines of Lent, brings us to live with compassion for others.

As needed repairs are made to our house of worship, let us help the people of Haiti rebuild. "Homes for Haiti" is Saint Jean's almsgiving initiative to raise money to build safe, comfortable homes.  Food for the Poor estimates the cost of one house at $2,600. Be creative in finding ways that you and your family can sacrifice something for those who have lost everything.

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Theology on Tap NYC is an apostolate for Catholics in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s. It features interesting speakers, good company, and lively conversation. "Does God Really Forgive Sins in the Confessional?" (March 1), "Does Your Conscience Have a Driver’s License?" (March 8), and "Grill the Priest" (March 15). Location: Metro 53 Bar and Restaurant, 307 East 53 Street. Happy Half-Hour at 7:00 p.m., lecture at 7:30.

BOOMERS AND BEYOND

Boomers and Beyond invites you to "Be a Saint (in less than an hour!)." What do the lives of the saints of our Catholic tradition have to say to us today? Plenty!

Father James Martin, S.J., author of My Life with the Saints, will show us how the lives of these holy men and women teach us that being a saint is simply being yourself. Wednesday, March 3, 7:00 p.m., Wallace Hall, Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 980 Park Avenue. Also, an exclusive early launch of Father Martin’s new book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.

Boomers and Beyond is an inter-parochial organization of Catholics age 50-plus who are widowed, divorced, or have never been married and wish to join with others of similar age and interests.  For more information, go to www.boomersandbeyondnyc.com.

FOCUS ON CALL

Holiness is a challenge for all of us, whatever our specific vocation in life. We are called to be holy and to reflect God’s goodness and holiness to those around us. This is an ongoing process, often slowed by setbacks. The saints, when they were alive, did not regard themselves as saints; they knew they were sinners and imperfect instruments in God’s hands. Have you ever considered a life of service to the church as a priest, sister, or brother? Call Father Bernard Camiré or Brother Michael Perez or Sister Peggy Doyle at the Parish House if you would like to pray and discern your special call.

THE ARCHDIOCESAN STEWARDSHIP APPEAL

"You must deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow me. For if you wish to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake you will save it" (Lk 9:23-24).

Help support needy schools and parishes, prepare future priests and deacons to serve the Archdiocese of New York, and provide funding for charitable programs to meet the needs of the poor, the hungry, and refugees.

The Archdiocesan Stewardship Appeal is the new name of the Cardinal’s Annual Appeal. When you receive your letter from Archbishop Dolan, please complete the pledge card and send it in.

Stewardship is a way of life. It asks us to recognize our individual gifts and talents and to share our blessings with others.

Invest in your faith; make your gift to the 2010 Stewardship Appeal. Your generosity also funds:

WELCOME TO SAINT JEAN BAPTISTE

Founded in 1882 as a national parish for the French Canadian population of Yorkville, Saint Jean Baptiste Church quickly became a spiritual center embracing many nationalities.

Since 1900, the church has been under the care of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, an international religious order dedicated to the Eucharist, the central sacrament of Catholic life and worship. Saint Jean Baptiste High School, founded in 1929, is administered by the Congregation of Notre Dame.

The present church opened in spring 1913. Its design, by Nicholas Serracino, won first prize at the International Exhibition in Turin, Italy, in 1911. It is of Italian Renaissance classical revival, with twin towers of 150 feet rising from the façade and a central dome soaring 175 feet above the floor. A major restoration of the church was completed in late 1997.

On entering the church from the northwest, you immediately see an imposing statue of the church’s patron, the Jewish prophet John the Baptist. It depicts John holding a cruciform staff, with a lamb’s hoof around his neck and a lamb at his feet. It was John who called Jesus the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29).

Beneath the dome stands the stately altar of sacrifice on which the Eucharist is celebrated. It is here that exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs during daytime hours, for prayerful contemplation. At the back of the sanctuary is the high altar, testimony to the Catholic Church’s long tradition of Eucharistic faith and practice. Side altars honor Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, and Saint Anthony of Padua.

The stained glass windows were crafted in the renowned studios of Chartres, France, just prior to World War I. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the only other area Catholic church with Chartres windows.

More About Saint Jean's

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