September 14, 2025 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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Things to talk about:

• One of the most widely used passages in Scripture is from this Gospel, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes him may have eternal life,” (John 3:16) Why do you think that is?
• How does it feel to know that Jesus came to save the world, not condemn it?

Things to do:

• The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross falls on September 14th every year. On this feast, we celebrate the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The cross, which is a symbol for all Christians, reminds us of Jesus’ victory over death. When an image of the cross has the image of Jesus’ body on it, it is called a crucifix. Count how many crosses or crucifixes you see in the Chapel and Church.
• Find time this week to attend Eucharistic Adoration. Whether you go for a few minutes or an entire hour, reflect on John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” After Adoration, take a few moments to share with someone about your experience in prayer. Click Here for Adoration hours.
• Do you have a cross or crucifix (cross with Jesus’ body) in your home? If not, consider purchasing one and asking one of our priests to bless it and display it in a prominent place. The sign of the cross reminds us of our baptism when we died to sin to rise to glory with Jesus. Notice the different types of crosses and crucifixes that are displayed in the Chapel and Church. Research some of the unique crosses that represent figures in our Christian tradition (St Peter’s cross, St Francis, St Andrew, the papal cross, celtic cross…).

Closing Prayer

Who is Jesus to me?  
Jesus is the Word made Flesh.  
Jesus is the Victim,  
       offered for our sins on the Cross. 
Jesus is the Bread of Life – to be eaten.  
Jesus is the Hungry – to be fed. 
Jesus is the Thirsty – to be satiated.  
Jesus is the Naked – to be clothed. 
Jesus is the Homeless – to be taken in.  
Jesus is the Drunkard – to listen to him. 
Jesus is the Sick – to be healed. 
Jesus is the Beggar – to give him a smile.  
Jesus is the Old – to be served.  
Jesus is the Lonely – to be loved.  
Jesus is the Way – to be walked. 

 Lord, open our eyes,  
That we may see you in our brothers and sisters. 

Lord, open our ears,  
That we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, 
the frightened, the oppressed. 

Lord, open our hearts, 
That we may love each other as you love us. 

Renew in us your spirit  
Lord, free us and make us one. 

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Prayer taken from “Jesus Is My All in All: Praying with the ‘Saint of Calcutta'”

Catholic Insights

We exalt in God’s love for us. The cross is our sign of our salvation. The symbol of the great love Jesus has for us, so great that he died for us. We celebrate this love every time we come together in prayer and worship.

In this Gospel passage, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders, who was interested in what Jesus was teaching. He was afraid to be known as a follower of Jesus, so came to speak to Jesus at night.

God sent Jesus to forgive us and save us. Each time we make the sign of the cross or look at the cross we remember the incredible love and mercy of God.

This week in Alpha we explore “Who is Jesus?” In this Gospel, we are reminded of Jesus crucified on the cross and His victory over death. We are reminded of Jesus’ absolute, un-conditional love and promise of eternal life for each of us who believe.

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Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati & Saint Carlo Acutis

How very exciting that these 2 young men were canonized during our life time. The canonization took place in St. Peter’s Square on September 7, 2025, presided over by Pope Leo.

Read more and be inspired by the lives of these two young men:

St Carlo Acutis, a young Italian boy who died at the age of fifteen from leukemia became the first millennial saint. “He is a role model for young people and indeed for all of us of how to use technology without being manipulated or controlled by it.” Listen to or read this article about St Carlo Acutis.

Frassati was a handsome, athletic and fun-loving young man from a rich, aristocratic Italian family who turned from a life of privilege to one devoted to working with the poor, suffering and homeless, and was a courageous witness of Christian faith and charity to many others. An avid mountain climber, Frassati exemplified a great love for life, nature and humanity. He died at the age of 24 from polio. Watch the video, “If I didn’t have love” on FORMED, https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1438863

Heroic Virtue: How Pier Giorgio Frassati Can Be a Role Model For Us, Listen or read more….

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection