Lenten-2015-Booklet

Dear Friends,
Once again, it is with great joy that I present our Annual Lenten Re-
flection Booklet, a work created for and by our Immaculata family to
accompany us on our Lenten Journey. This booklet is a concrete re-
minder that we do not make the Journey of Lent alone. Rather, we
travel together from winter to Spring, from Darkness to Light, from
Death to Eternal Life – Easter Day.
As we begin this journey, I offer a poem written by John Cardinal
Newman, the modern day patron of Catholic Universities. As a young
priest, Newman found himself sick, away from home, and trying to
make the long journey by ship from Italy to his beloved England.
While on that journey, he penned these lines. Newman’s poem has
become a prayer. A prayer voiced by thousands over the years and
one that can lead us through this Lent to Easter, our Eternal Home.
LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home—
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
At Sea.
June 16, 1833.
Fr. Rogers
Introduction

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole
heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your
hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kind-
ness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again
relent and leave behind him a blessing. Offerings and liba-
tions for the Lord, your God. (Joel 2: 12-18)
No one said it was going to be easy, it’s an uphill climb, it will
get worse before it gets better, you have to go through the bad to
get to the good…
How often have we heard these words, phrases or quotations in
reference to something negative happening in our lives, our com-
munity or the world? Plenty, I’m sure! And, depending on our
mood- we may roll our eyes in frustration or find comfort in the
words.
St. Jerome’s commentary on the Joel scripture says: “fasting
now, you may be filled after, weeping now, you may laugh after,
mourning now, you may be comforted after”. These historical
words say basically the same thing- we have to go through the
bad to get to the good. But, we do not have to do this alone!
This season of Lent is yet another reminder that God and his Son
are with us always and even though bad things may happen, if
we walk with God and use the power of prayer- we will be
blessed in the end. May we all feel his healing presence.
Lord, I know there is darkness
within me and around me.
Bless these days with your Word.
Let your Light shine in the darkness and help me long for that
Light.
Sueann Robbins
Associate Director of Graduate Admission
Ash Wednesday

Then He said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow
me.” (Luke 9: 23)
What does it mean to follow Jesus? During his earthly ministry,
Jesus called many diverse people to follow him. In some instanc-
es, he asked men and women to leave material things behind; in
some cases, he asked others to examine their hearts.
The season of Lent provides us with the opportunity to examine
what keeps us from living the abundant life Christ wants us to
have. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4),
He recognized her isolation and her need to be accepted. She
was astounded that he knew everything about her and still treat-
ed her with respect. Jesus responds to each of us in the same
way: he provides living water that always satisfies in ways that
material things cannot.
Consider the things in your life that keep you from God. See
what you can set aside during this season of Lent, so you can
“Choose life” and develop your true self. Reflect on the Gospel
stories that show us a God who is open to loving and forgiving
us as we show a willingness to deny ourselves and follow him.
Loving God, we come before you with hearts open and with a
willingness to examine the things in our lives and the attitudes
we hold that keep us from following you completely.
Nancy Allen, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean
College of LifeLong Learning
Thursday After Ash Wednesday

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound
shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call,
and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say:
Here I am! (Isaiah 58: 8-9)
It was not until a few years ago that I realized how beautiful the season
of Lent truly is. Before, Lent was just the forty days I sacrificed some-
thing, wishing the days would go by faster to reach Holy Week. Yet, I
was forgetting the reason why I was making these sacrifices and why I
was looking forward to Holy Week. This absence became aware to me
one Lent and I suddenly felt an emptiness and lack of fulfillment.
What was it that I was missing? After searching for an answer, I came
to the conclusion that I was missing God’s invitation to help and guide
me through my struggles, not only during Lent but throughout my en-
tire life. All I had to do was call to God for help, something so simple
yet so comforting. God never expects us to go through life alone. He is
the friend we can call in the middle of the night for help; the one who
will never keep us waiting or ignore our needs.
While reflecting on this verse from Isaiah, a song came to mind-
“Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher. The words from this song that
capture how we should respond to God’s eternal invitation to help us
are “Every hour I need You; My one defense, my righteousness; Oh
God, how I need You.” We need God’s help no matter where we are in
life. As we continue the Lenten journey, let us always remember to
listen for God saying “Here I am!”
Beloved Father, as you watch over your children in need, with love
and protection, help us to remember your presence at every moment of
our daily and imperfect lives. May we never fear you, for you are our
Lord and friend. And as we look upon the crucifix, let us accept your
welcoming embrace and recall the sacrifice you made out of pure love.
Thank you for always being with us, Lord. Amen.
Breanna Goldstein
Class of 2018
English/Secondary Education, Minor in Theology
Friday After Ash Wednesday

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs
post. He said to him, “Follow me. And leaving everything
behind,” he got up and followed him. (Luke 5: 27-28)
When called, Levi leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.
Fishermen Peter and Andrew immediately abandoned their nets
when Jesus said to them “Come after me, and I will make you
fishers of men.” (Matthew 4: 19-20) James and John were in a
boat with their father when Jesus called them. The gospel of
Matthew (4: 21-22) recounts that James and John immediately
left their boat and their father and followed Jesus.
What motivated the disciples to leave behind their family,
friends, jobs, and possessions to follow Jesus? Knowing that
there were no definitive plans defining their work with Jesus
makes the disciples leap of faith even more astonishing. Can
you leave behind everything that keeps you from following Je-
sus? What possessions, habits, and actions draw you away from
Jesus and His teachings?
These are difficult and uncomfortable questions for us. During
this Lenten season, may our prayers and sacrifices help us to be-
come comfortable with leaving behind everything that keeps us
apart from Jesus.
Dear Jesus, you offer transformational opportunities to us so
that we may follow your teachings. May we be open to your
transforming love and recognize those circumstances that keep
us from following You. Amen.
Mary Elizabeth “M.E.” Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Computer Science,
Information Technology
Saturday After Ash Wednesday

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained
in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among
wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. (Mark 1:12-15)
Throughout our lives we experience times of desperation, times
in which we are truly vulnerable. During these times we may be
faced with temptations of our desires, whether it is the following:
wanting power over life and death, control over our future eco-
nomic status, or simply that new pair of shoes. Like Jesus in the
desert, tempted by Satan, we must remain strong, know that God
is with us, and resist these temptations. We must focus on what
God wants for us and not what we want of God.
The season of Lent is a time for reflection and prayer. We must
ask God for the strength to resist temptations and put our faith in
him for He has a plan for each one of us. We must also remem-
ber that Jesus understands our difficulties for he too was human
and suffered during His life on earth. Therefore it is important
for us to pray for the strength to endure our sufferings without
giving into temptations.
Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our
prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil
thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy
Holy Spirit.
Eva Smith
Class of 2017
Psychology, Minor in Music
1st Sunday of Lent

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the king-
dom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you
gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and
you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you
visited me.” Matthew 25: 31-46
Belief is a very important part of our lives but when you get
down to the basics it is what we have done that truly counts. In
this parable Jesus talks about what is ultimately important in our
existence. We are called to love and love knows no boundaries.
The six needs that the Parable cites are illustrative and not ex-
haustive. The possibilities for mercy are endless and we are con-
fronted with these possibilities every day. Jesus isn’t asking us
to do anything extraordinary. These needs are very basic and
each one of us has the potential to provide them.
At the beginning of each Mass as we call to mind our sins and
failings, let us not forget to focus on “the good that I have failed
to do.” We interact with people every day. Let us resolve to
meet them at the point of their need.
Prayer: “I saw a stranger yestre’en , put food in the eating
place, drink in the drinking place, music in the listening place.
And in the sacred name of the Triune God, he blessed myself and
my house, my cattle and my dear ones. And the lark sang in her
song, often, often, often, goes the Christ in stranger’s guise, of-
ten, often, often, goes the Christ in stranger’s guise.”
CELTIC PRAYER
Sister Catarin P. Conjar, IHM
International Student Services
1st Monday of Lent

Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. I
sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from
all my fears. (Psalm 34: 4-5)
When I was young, I used to dread Lent. Back then, the season
seemed long, gloomy, and centered on what I was going to give
up or the sacrifices I was supposed to make. Fortunately, as I
matured, my outlook on Lent did too. I see it now as a blessing,
a retreat in the midst of our busy lives, which ultimately brings
us closer to God if we are open to its possibilities.
The Psalmist tells us that if we seek God, God will deliver us
from all our fears. What do we fear – terrorism, the inability to
get a job after graduation, illness or death among family and
friends, financial security? Many things can trouble us, but are
often far beyond our control and keep us from focusing on the
essential, spiritual aspects of our lives. But each Lent, God gen-
tly whispers to us, “Return to me with all your heart; do not be
afraid, I cradle you in the palm of my hands.” Each Lent we get
another chance to focus on what is truly important; we are given
the gift of time to turn our minds and hearts to God and to quiet
down to hear God’s reassuring words of love. So this Lent, as
members of the Immaculata community of faith, service, and
learning, let us walk together, not fearfully but confidently, ex-
tolling God’s name, the God we love and trust to take care of all
our needs.
Loving God, we turn to you now, thankful for each grace-filled
Lenten moment. Calm our minds and hearts so that we can hear
and respond to your quiet words of love, and then share that love
with everyone we meet.
Mary D. Calderone, Ed.D.
Professor, Education Division; Director, Ed.D. Program
1st Tuesday of Lent

“Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” and
when the people believed God, they proclaimed a fast and all
of them, great and small, put on sackcloth…When God saw
by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he re-
pented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he
did not carry it out. (Jonah 3:1-10)
As Jonah walked through the town of Nineveh, he observed a
prevalence of immoral and decadent behavior. No wonder he
proclaimed that in forty days Nineveh would be destroyed. This
pronouncement evoked a wake-up call by the King. He stated
that it was time for the people to show their belief in God, to
fast, and put on sackcloth.
It is not easy to free ourselves from the environment of sin that
surrounds us in 2015. Sin permeates every facet of modern life.
We find it in all forms of entertainment, in addiction to drugs,
sex and alcohol, and in the killing of innocents. Temptation
abounds and it is only through prayer and sacrifice that we are
able to lead lives that are centered in Christ.
The world needs strong leaders who, like the king of Nineveh,
will give us the mandate to turn from our evil ways. It is not
necessary for us to be covered with sackcloth and ashes. What
we must do is show by our actions that we are willing to repent
and offer God “a heart contrite and humbled…a heart that God
will not spurn.”
Dear Jesus give me the grace to use these forty days of Lent to
take time to speak to you as a friend. I know that you will listen
to my every prayer and that you will give me all the graces need-
ed “to turn away from that which is evil.”
Associate ProfessorEmerita
Sister Ann Coyle
1st Wednesday of Lent

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)
As we continue on with our journey in Lent, it is vital that we
remember to “seek” the guidance of those surrounding us. We
should not be afraid of asking our peers for assistance and sup-
port during times of struggle. While the help of our friends is
important, there is nothing more essential that the presence of
God in our life. When we fail or undergo a hardship, we some-
times get angry with God or forget that He is always with us.
During our Lenten journey, we must not be fearful to pray to
God. No matter how great the suffering may be, God’s love will
always be greater. God has given us everything that we need,
and He has opened up a door of endless possibilities for us. We
just need to step through the doorway and seek what is inside.
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.
Amen.
Mary Kate Walsh
Class of 2018
English/Secondary Education
1st Thursday of Lent

Thus says the Lord God: If the wicked man turns away
from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes
and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall
not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remem-
bered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has
practiced. (Ezekiel 18: 21-28)
In the face of sinful or difficult choices, it is easy to lose our
focus on God. When school, work, peers, family and a thousand
other aspects of our lives demand our attention, it may be easy
to forget the virtues in which the Lord wants us to live. No mat-
ter how far we stray, it is comforting to know of the Lord’s un-
conditional love, and that we can always repent and turn back to
Him! How great it is to have a Heavenly Father who will always
accept our penance, no matter how long or how far we have
strayed, as long as we practice a life of virtue. In return, he
promises that we shall not die, but live in His kingdom.
The Lord promises us a hope and a future. Lent is not only a
time that we may peacefully reflect on this promise, but also a
time in which we can remember that His only son died on the
cross to save us so we may surely live and not die. May we use
this Lenten season to remember this sacrifice, to repent our sins,
and to find our way back to the virtuous path He has planned.
Dearest Savior, may we live in a way that only serves Your will.
Even when we sin, may we repent and reflect upon our choices
in order to learn from You, and not stray from Your path. In the
midst of all the challenges we may face, may we never lose sight
of Your unconditional love and forgiveness. God, grant us the
strength to turn away from sin so we may live virtuously, in or-
der to carry out Your plans. Amen.
Sarah Pasternak
Class of 2017
English/Secondary Education
1st Friday of Lent

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neigh-
bor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you, … So be perfect, just
as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-4, 48)
The directive to “love your enemies” is one of the most famous,
and oft-repeated, teachings of Jesus; rightly so. I wonder if its
notoriety is partly due to its being so distinctive, so counter-
intuitive: why would anyone love his/her enemy?! If we are
righteous, surely those who oppose us deserve only our scorn
and contempt?
I wonder if the Lord offered us this wisdom for two complimen-
tary reasons; the most obvious is directly related to His love of
peace, and His desire for us to live with each other in harmony.
The second is potentially even more profound: embracing our
enemy in a true spirit of mercy and love may be the singular act
that brings us closest to appreciating, to internalizing, the beauty
of His own sacrifice of love and forgiveness.
Even if I were to try, in this life I will never “be perfect”. But,
by following His commandment I can both deepen my relation-
ship to Him and make the world a slightly merrier place. For
any sinner, that is a comforting thought.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is ha-
tred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there
is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
(credited to St. Francis)
Timothy W. Fallis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English/Communication
1st Saturday of Lent

I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as
countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the sea-
shore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of
their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the
earth shall find blessing—all this because you obeyed my
command. (Genesis 22:17-18)
This then is the promise. If we answer the call, if we hear the
Lord’s voice, if we understand and obey – then we shall be
blessed. However, the blessing He bestows is not just for us, but
rather for all those who follow.
As I read this passage I thought of our children. If God called
me to that test could I lay JC, Travis, Harper or Claire before
Him? Well, in reality, we do every day. We cannot protect our
children from the world around them; no matter how hard we try
or how much we love them. We cannot protect our students ei-
ther, no matter how hard we try or how much we love them.
Thus, we have to answer His call. “Here we are, Lord.”
I/we answer Him, on behalf of our children and our students,
then we are modeling for them. I/we shun the call, if we are too
busy, if we are conflicted, if we are distracted then the loss is not
merely ours. The loss is for those who rely upon us; our fami-
lies, our friends, our faith communities and, certainly, our stu-
dents.
Dear Lord,
Today, at this very moment, let us hear your call. Let us hear
your call so that we may know your promise. May we, as your
descendants, share with all the nations of the earth that we have
found your blessing simply be because we obeyed your com-
mand. “We are here Lord!”
John C. Church, Jr.
Associate Professor, English & Communication Department
2nd Sunday of Lent

Lord, great and awesome God, you keep your merciful cove-
nant. (1 Daniel 9)
This winter has been filled with snow, fog, freezing rain, ice and
wind! The dark days of winter just seem to make everything
about normal life a little harder, a little heavier, a bit more over-
cast.
By contrast, we are entering the month of March. Even if wintry
weather still holds us in its tight grip, we start gaining a sense of
hope. We see light at the end of the darkness even as the nursery
rhyme hails: March winds give way to April showers, and then
come May flowers. These contrasts of darkness and light echoed
in our weather forecasts vividly reflect the seesaw interaction of
man with God.
We sin, God forgives; we sin again, God comes with compas-
sion; we repeat our offenses, God comes in glory to deliver us;
we are held captive by our failures, God pours forth pardon right
into our laps. Truly...: what a great and awesome God!
Lord, do not deal with us as our sins deserve despite the fact that
we rebel and pay no need to Your loving and wise com-
mands. Be real to us! May we give thanks to you forever!
Sister Ann Heath, IHM
Vice President for Academic Affairs
2nd Monday of Lent

Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before
My Eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice
your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, de-
fend the widow. Come now, let us set things right, says the
Lord. (Isaiah 1:16-18)
During this season of Lent, we reflect and repent. In this long
and busy season on campus, is this an overarching goal or a daily
focus? When and where can we seek moments of silence to grow
spiritually and learn each day? How will we carry all that our
Lenten reflections teach us into the Easter season and beyond?
We are called to seek justice and care for the orphan and the
widow. Who are these people in our lives? How are we actively
living our faith? Although it can be difficult at times, contempla-
tion, prayer and reflection must be met with words and deeds.
Let us pray for the strength to wash ourselves clean and do as the
Lord bids:
Lord, help me to seek You. Help me to carve out time in my hec-
tic days to reflect on my choices, my life and my relationship
with You. Lord, You are my source of strength and perseverance.
You have entrusted me to be Your Hands here on earth. Help me
to serve You well by humbly serving my neighbor. Guide me so
that I may grow closer to You and build up Your Kingdom here
on earth. Amen.
Anne Marie DeCarolis
Business Management & Marketing Management Major,
Theology Minor
Class of 2017
2nd Tuesday of Lent

But my trust is in You, God. I say, “You are my God; in
Your hands is my destiny.” (Psalm 31:15-16)
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a simple, bilingual plan-
ner from South America. It is bursting with colors, shapes and
important dates. I’ve always loved filling in my new planners
with dates, times and assignments. So, the first week back to
school, I transferred everything into my brand new planner. I
color coded different events, put stickers in important places and
even highlighted a few things. I had the next few months
planned well in advance.
Of course, my color-coding didn’t last very long, nor did the
highlighting. In fact, many of the plans changed. I’m usually a
type A personality when it comes to being organized. But not too
long ago, I learned to be more flexible with “my plans.” So of-
ten, we fall into being as organized and as obsessed with having
set plans as possible. Of course, there are others who do not plan
at all and find stress in the unplanned. I learned quickly that be-
ing a Campus Minister means I never know who is going to walk
into my office at any given time, student, faculty or administra-
tion. I learned that I could have any event planned and it could
be cancelled or postponed due to weather or other causes.
I’ve adapted my type A personality to fit the needs of my type B
job requirements. But, I’ve also adapted my type A personality
to the rest of life. If I trust in God, let Him take the reigns of my
life and my plans, I rest assuredly. My destiny is in the Lord (and
so is the destiny of my job.)
“God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that can-
not be changed, courage to change the things which should be
changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accept-
ing hardship as a pathway to peace.” (Serenity Prayer)
Rebecca L. Gutherman, ‘14
Campus Minister, Mount St. Joseph Academy
2nd Wednesday of Lent

Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in human
beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns
away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert
that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a
salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the
Lord, whose hope is in the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5-7)
Too often I find myself not completely trusting in our Lord.
Times when I try to wrest control from him and steer the ship
that is my life. When I try to put earthly things at the forefront of
my life. How easy it is to fall into this trap.
Yet, when I trust, when I surrender to our Lord Jesus, peace en-
ters my heart. When I let go and let God steer my ship, he com-
forts me. The key is to seek the light of God’s truth and let him
lead me on the path of righteousness. To remember, we, his
faithful are meant to be light to the world. In word and deed, we
are called to shine God’s truth to the world. Let us trust in the
risen Lord to lead us on the path to salvation.
Lord Jesus, I need you, every minute, every hour, of every day.
Send your Holy Spirit to guide me along life’s journey. May I
place complete trust and fully surrender to you, Lord. Allow my
heart to become your heart. That I may love as you love. That I
may forgive as you forgive. Count on me Jesus to lead your lost
sheep back to you. Amen.
Hank Fila
Friend of Immaculata
2nd Thursday of Lent

So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in
Dothan. They noticed him from a distance, and before he
came up to them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one
another: “Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us
kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could
say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what
comes of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:12-13A)
I’m sorry. I was wrong. What can I do to make things right
again? These are simple words. But when used in times of con-
flict and pain, they can be some of the most powerful words we
can say to one another. As the Scripture above points out, people
will hurt one another. Brothers will hurt brothers. People will be
cruel and hurt with words, deeds, and actions. As members of
the Immaculata University community; it is the responsibility of
each one of us to be as kind and civil to one another as we can be.
But, we are also human and therefore we make mistakes. Re-
gardless of the severity of the hurt, the only way through the pain
is forgiveness. Let us lift one another up by recognizing when
we have wronged someone and then asking for forgiveness. Let
us also be kind to one another by accepting an apology when giv-
en and forgiving.
Forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior.
Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the forgiveness you have given to me.
Help me by your Holy Spirit to extend such forgiveness to others.
Amen.
Erin R. Ebersole
Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness
Graduate Student, EdD in Higher Education, Class of 2015
2nd Friday of Lent

Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of
praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not
neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is
pleased by sacrifices of that kind. (Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21)
Growing up I was always under the impression the lent was
about giving something up, but that one thing was something
that made you happy, or that you depended upon, or looked for-
ward to everyday. After reading and reflecting upon this verse it
is clear to see that you don’t always have to give something up.
Sacrifice is important and I understand Jesus sacrificed His life
for us, but He also preached to us about service, doing good, and
living well. It is important for us to not only give up something
that we feel as though we “need”, but we must also remember to
give something as well. God created beautiful and wonderfully
made people some with creative minds and abled bodies to help
those who are less fortunate.
“Dear God: Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart
and my life. Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind. Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots
that may find a home in my heart. Release me from the could
nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life. And most
of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart
and my life all of the 'am nots' that I have allowed to hold me
back, especially the thought that I am not good enough. AMEN”
Brittany Holland
Exercise Science
Head Resident Assistant
Class of 2015
2nd Saturday of Lent

Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may
be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You
shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall
not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neigh-
bor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not
covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or
donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus
20:12-17)
The last six commandments listed in Exodus 20:12-17, focus on
man and his actions towards others.
In today’s world, there is so much negativity that is presented to
our young and impressionable people through the news, on so-
cial media, at school and even home. Instead of allowing our
children to focus on the bad that is going on around them, let us
move that energy to more positive things. Let us be examples to
our young people and remind them of these last six command-
ments. Let us teach them how to translate the commandments
into their own lives. Repeat to them the “Golden Rule” of “Do
unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You”.
By reading these last six commandments, you can clearly see
that God has given us the tools, the blueprint, which we need to
live a happy and fulfilling life. It is our duty to live by that plan
and spread this knowledge to those that need it.
Direct me now, O gracious Lord, to hear aright Thy holy Word;
Assist thy minister to preach, and let thy holy spirit teach, and let
eternal life be found by all who hear the joyful sound.
Angela Rafine
Organization Dynamics, Business Administration and
Human Performance Management
Accel Program, College of Lifelong Learning
3rd Sunday of Lent

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth:
“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native
place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in
the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a
half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It
was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow
in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many
lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not
one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all
filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and
led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been
built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the
midst of them and went away. (Luke 4:24-30)
Reading about how the people drove Jesus out of the synagogue
makes me think about times in my life that I may have driven
Jesus out of my own heart. Current culture, temptation and diffi-
cult moments in life can lead me to drive Jesus out. In such mo-
ments, it is helpful to remember that Jesus is the Truth. And
while the Truth is not always easy, if I welcome Jesus into diffi-
cult moments, the grace is there for me to do the next good thing.
Then no matter what happens, Jesus is kept at the center of my
heart.
Lord, please let me to be always open to You. Through prayer,
open my heart to accept the truth, no matter how difficult or
challenging. Keep my heart centered on You so that in every-
thing I do, You are the center.
Amen
Lucas Grudi
Nutrition
Class of 2016
3rd Monday of Lent

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother
sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as
seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times
but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18, 21-22)
Lent is a perfect time to think about forgiveness, not just asking
for forgiveness for our sins but also as an active “forgiver”.
When we read the words above, it reminds us that as much as we
wish for God and others to forgive us, we must also open our
own hearts and forgive those who sin against us. As Jesus indi-
cated, we should forgive others “seventy times seven”. Some-
times others are unkind and hurt us intentionally, and sometimes
we are injured without the offender even being aware of the inju-
ry. Think how many times we might be the injurer, and might
not even be aware that we have hurt others.
Today, I suggest we all pray the Our Father and really focus on
the words about forgiveness. As we pray, let us to remember to
ask the Lord, to open our hearts that we may forgive, and fer-
vently ask our Father to forgive us for our many sins even if they
exceed, “seventy times seven”.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy
Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Eileen Eckhart-Strauch
Graduate Student, in the Ed.D in Higher Education program
Dixon Cohort (Harrisburg, PA)
3rd Tuesday of Lent

For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as
the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?
(Deuteronomy 4:7)
Looking at the verse from Deuteronomy above, it makes me stop
and think about the way people may be inclined to see the world
around them. At least for me, reading about the idea of a
“nation” brings to mind images of borders, different sets of laws,
different customs, and so forth. In considering further the line
from Deuteronomy, however, I began to think that there are
things that unite people of different nations. People all seem to
want the best life for themselves and those they love; additional-
ly, they seem to want to have a god or higher power to believe in
for any number of reasons. To think that there were, and contin-
ue to be, people who put their faith in God alone, appears to me
to be a unifying quality through all the differences of various na-
tions and cultures. It is amazing to think that I can share the
same faith in the same God as someone halfway around the
world someone I know nothing about, someone who might not
even speak the same language as me, but we are united in a way
that would appear virtually unmatched by much else in this
world. That is a beautiful thought to remember, and keep me
humble in my faith and actions. It is also beautiful to think that
any of us can call on God any time we need Him, and He will
hear us and answer our prayers.
God, thank You for Your presence throughout the world. Thank
You for uniting us to one another in ways we might not be able
to imagine. Thank You for constantly being wherever we need
You to be, and blessing us as much as You do, especially with
things we take for granted. May we see You in every person we
encounter, and seek to be examples of Your love and goodness to
others. Amen.
Elly Duffy
Politics
Class of 2015
3rd Wednesday of Lent

3rd Thursday of Lent
Thus says the Lord: This is what I commanded my people:
Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be
my people. (Jeremiah 7:23)
Hearing and listening are often used synonymously. However,
they are profoundly different. Hearing simply means perceiving
sound- it is a physical act. Listening involves giving attention,
heeding, and responding. Listening opens our heart to wonder,
devotion, and ultimately to God. Yet, all we hear may block our
ability to listen. This is not only a twenty-first century dilemma.
Medieval mystic, Thomas a Kempis wrote, “Blessed are the ears
which hear God's whisper and listen not to the murmurs of the
world.” Perhaps Kempis should have switched where he placed
the verb listen, and hear. Still his sentiment was accurate then,
and resonates with us today. We need to turn down the noise,
hear less, and listen more. As we approach the midpoint of the
Lenten season, we are challenged to take time for quiet reflection
in order to listen. James W. Jones quotes Mahatma Gandhi in In
the Middle of This Road We Call Life as stating, “God speaks to
us every day only we don't know how to listen.” Spiritual listen-
ing is a disposition of the heart that can be cultivated. God has
already promised the reward for developing this skill: we will be
God’s people. Who can imagine a better Easter gift?
How often do I cry to You to hear my prayer? How often are my
prayers filled with pleadings for favors from You? All the time
you are here, asking me to listen to you. You have heard me
prayers. Now, it is my turn to listen to your response. Still I
plead, “Teach me to listen to you today and always.”
Eileen F. Wilkinson, M.A.
Student, Educational Leadership

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is
the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first
is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all
your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark
12:28-32)
When Jesus was asked which Commandment was of most im-
portance, He responded that it was not one but a combination of
all of them that was most important.
It is not enough only to love God. It is just as important to love
others. This is a reflection of our love for God. By loving oth-
ers, we share God’s love for us.
As we go about our busy daily lives, we tend to attempt the im-
possible, checking off our list of accomplishments as if our lives
depend on it. We believe that a complete list equals a perfect
life; however, oftentimes we go about our tasks thinking only of
our own needs and forgetting the needs of others. We fail to put
God first and move further and further from His love and light.
Instead, we need to make it a point each day to reflect on our
ways and ask ourselves two questions:
Have we placed God first today?
Have we remembered and taken care of the needs of
others today?
A Prayer by St. Pio of Pietrelcina:
May your heart always be the temple of the Holy Spirit. May Je-
sus always be the helmsman of your little spiritual ship. May
Mary be the star which shines on your path and may she show
you the safe way to reach the Heavenly Father.
Amen.
Patti Bachman
English/Communications
3rd Friday of Lent

Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the
dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the
light of day! (Hosea 6:1-6)
As students of Immaculata University and people of faith we
must remember to keep God a part of our everyday lives. It is
hard to remember that God is always with us especially on days
of hardships and when we find ourselves struggling. We have to
open ourselves and our hearts to the Lord. The more we make
Him a part of our life the more He will be involved with us.
On our worst days God is the one who helps pick us up. By
opening up and allowing Him to enter into our lives we are
showing Him how thankful we are. He will help us see there is a
rainbow after every storm. Today and every day, try to and keep
Him in your mind and open yourself to Him. He will take care of
everything else.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not
stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the
knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and under-
standing. And we pray this in order that you may live a life wor-
thy of the Lord and may please him in every way. (Colossians
1:9-12)
Erica Buckley
Elementary Ed Major, Class of 2017
3rd Saturday of Lent

Early and often did the Lord, the God of their fathers,
send his messengers to them, for he had compassion on his
people and his dwelling place. (2 Chronicles 36:15)
We tend to stray away and forget God. We disregard God when
we are self-sufficient (so we think!) and seem to be in control of
our situation. However, when our life is turned upside down by
our circumstances and the solution that we have in our hands is
not working, then we come to the end of ourselves. We lost our
strength of control and we are shaken, fearful, discouraged and
in despair.
In the midst of our situation, the Lord is pursuing to get our at-
tention. He is so full of compassion and concern that He sends
people to speak to us. If we will learn to listen, look and turn our
attention to the One who is higher than ourselves, our situation
can lead us to a new awakening. The end of our rope can be a
new beginning in God’s hands.
Father, have mercy upon us. Please forgive us for not thinking of
you in our self-sufficiency. You are a God full of compassion
and mercy. Here we are stripped of ourselves of what life has
brought us. With your unending compassion, You will send help
as You have always promised.
Nel F. De Guzman, RN
RN-BSN Program (ACCEL), 2015
4th Sunday of Lent

Thus says the Lord: Lo, I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth; the things of the past shall not be remem-
bered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoic-
ing and happiness in what I create... (Isaiah 65:17).
These words promise a new world to the people of Israel, recent-
ly released from captivity in Babylon. Unlike earlier prophetic
visions of a return to the serenity of the Garden of Eden, these
words look to a restored Jerusalem and a future free of sorrow.
Naturally, many people looked for a political solution, and when
there was no immediate restoration of the Kingdom, they com-
plained that God had not given them the gift they expected.
Do we find fault with the early Israelites, or are we very like
them? What is the prophet actually saying to the Israelites and
to us?
Isaiah reminds his listeners that God has not forgotten his peo-
ple. For believers, the words above are more than poetry. They
are a token of God’s provident care. It is a passage about the
hope and faith that lead to Jesus, the fulfillment of the promise,
the healer and life-giver.
The prophet’s words are light in our Lenten path to Easter –
Christ’s return guarantees a future in which sin and sorrow will
be defeated. His peace is a springtime of joy and renewal.
With the Isaiah and the poet (G.M. Hopkins), we gather our
hopes for an eternal future and pray;“Let him easter in us, be a
dayspring to the dimness of us, be a crimson-cresseted east…”
Sister Marie Hubert Kealy, IHM
Department of English
4th Monday of Lent

“Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered
by the flow from the sanctuary.” (Ezekiel 47:12)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with responsibility so that you begin
to question what you are doing? I know I have. Have you ever no-
ticed how many people reply “busy” when you ask them how they are?
We get so busy with classes, busy with work, busy with friends, and
busy with family, we begin to wonder is it all worth it? Are we really
accomplishing anything? We strive to be holy and become Saints but
how do we know we are bearing fresh fruit in the busyness of our
lives?
When I find myself asking these questions, I am reminded to STOP. I
remind myself that only Jesus can “make me well” and turn the busy-
ness of my life into fruitful service and good works. When I listen for
direction from the Spirit my busyness is turned into acts of prayer and
adoration for the gifts I am given and being busy takes on new mean-
ing. When I am completing assignments at 2:00 a.m., I can praise God
for the intellect he has given me even though I am tired. At work, I am
better able to see Jesus in everyone, especially the most annoying col-
league. My friends and family become fellow Saints on the journey
and our relationship with each other is guided by our faith in God.
When we are busy, stopping for time spent in prayer, reading scripture,
and with the Eucharist to let the “living water” flow is as essential as
the air we breathe and time well spent.
On this feast of Saint Patrick, we find a spiritual leader who reminds
us of the importance of God in our lives. He is a good example for us.
Along with prayer, scripture, and the Eucharist, spending time with the
Saints is another great way to focus our efforts. The Saints can also
help lead us to the living water which helps us to bear good fruit.
Heavenly Father, sometimes I am so overwhelmed I don’t know wheth-
er I am producing good fruit. Give me Your grace and the courage to
persevere. Let me draw strength from You in the Eucharist so that I
can become the Saint you call me to be. It is through You that all
things are accomplished and we are healed. Thank you God for this
gift of life and the opportunity to be holy and to lead others to You
through the busyness of my life. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Lynda Michaels
Higher Education Doctoral Student
4th Tuesday of Lent

“Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth, break forth into song,
you mountains, For the Lord comforts his people and shows
mercy to his afflicted.” (Isaiah 49:13)
As Christians, we are called to worship and praise God. Have
you ever stopped to ask yourself why we should praise Him?
During this Lenten season, I am challenged and encouraged to
explore that question. One reason that I choose to praise Him is
because He does comfort me, just as the verse says. In our time
of need and hurting, He will show mercy, healing, and comfort.
If we call upon The Lord, we will experience a deep love and
comfort that we have never experienced before. We will experi-
ence a never-ending, ever-present, unconditional, and unfailing
love that comes straight from God. I choose to worship that same
God whose radical love and comfort has saved me when I need-
ed it the most. This love will instill passion in you and will ignite
your life; all while comforting your soul.
Lord, we worship You and thank you for loving us so deeply. Al-
low us to feel Your comfort during this Lenten season. Open up
our minds and our hearts to receive and accept Your love. Show
us Your mercy and healing in our times of hurting. Let our
hearts be ignited through You, and let us be living testimonies of
Your love and comfort. Amen.
Cassandra McCullough
Social Work and Sociology
Class of 2016
4th Wednesday of Lent

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever
wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:23-24)
We are all fairly familiar with the gospel passage today. We all
have crosses bear but sometimes we forget that they are crosses.
We see our daily struggles as just a routine part of life. Our
stubbed toes or bothersome roommates, late buses or the general
frustration of waking up tired are quietly held within or passed
off as a nonchalant remark. "I'm tired, but whatever." 'He's a pain
but what's complaining going to do?" Why are we so quick to
plead for God's assistance in times of great distress and unwill-
ing to ask his help in overcoming our daily worries? Why do we
think ourselves so strong, that by our own self will we can shrug
off the 'little' things? We must lose our self will in every aspect
to be able to truly love the Lord. And the next time you feel anx-
ious or distressed about a passing thing, consider that it is God
offering you a chance to connect with Him.
God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and to do with me
what Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may bet-
ter do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them
may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power, Thy love,
and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always.
Matthew Hoffman
Class of 2011
Solemnity of St. Joseph

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are
crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just
man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. (Psalm
34:18)
There are a few, if any, events in life as traumatic, heart-
wrenching, and crushing as the death of a child. When my son
John died, a part of me died with him. A child is a symbol of the
future and losing that child represents loss of hopes and dreams.
How can I have faith after losing my son? It has been my experi-
ence that after losing my son, people took the opportunity to
preach about God. People have told me it was God’s will, God
needed an angel, pray for strength, trust in God, and that they are
“praying for me”. All I could think about was how could God
take a child? I had to learn how to shake off the mortal form of
my son and learn about spirituality. Spirituality is the way that I
found meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace. When I feel that
the pain is too unbearable, I ask the Lord for strength to get me
through the day and that is why I truly believe that the Lord is
close to the brokenhearted. Thanks to the Lord, my broken heart
still beats.
Merciful Lord of Life, I lift up my heart to you in my suffering
and ask for your comforting help. I know that you would with-
hold the thorns of this life if I could attain eternal life without
them. So I throw myself on your mercy, resigning myself to this
suffering. Grant me the grace to bear it and to offer it in union
with your sufferings. No matter what suffering may come my
way let me always trust in you.
Donna J. Curtis
Immaculata CLL Student
Emergency Planning and Management
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May, 2016
4th Friday of Lent

But, you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge, searcher of mind
and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause! (Jeremiah 11:20)
Have you ever felt all alone, like no one is on your side? Have
you ever had the experience of others ganging up on you? That
feeling that others are against us will inevitably happen from
time to time. The question is: how do we react to it? As chil-
dren of God and followers of Christ, we must strive to react so
that our actions reflect the good of Christ. Just as Jesus, our Sav-
ior, embraced the way of the cross so that we may live in eternal
life, we too must have forgiving hearts and resist the temptation
to react in anger and spite. “Like a trusting lamb led to slaugh-
ter,” in these difficult times, we must trust in the Lord and turn to
him in prayer so that we may act as children of God and follow-
ers of Christ.
O Lord, searcher of mind and heart,
Help us to forgive those who seek to destroy us.
As you carried your own cross,
Guide us as we carry our own burdens in this life.
So that our actions may reflect your love.
In your name we pray.
Amen
Brianne Earnest
Nursing
Class of 2015
4th Saturday of Lent

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them
and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall
be my people. (Jeremiah 31: 31-34)
What pictures conjures one’s mind when he or she hears the word cov-
enant? Better yet, how does want live up to the potential of fulfilling
such covenant he or she has with others, especially God? A covenant is
an agreement between two parties, thus, throughout the first reading
according to Jeremiah, God created a covenant with the people of Isra-
el, in which he will establish a new covenant or commitment with
compelling relationship with the old covenant, however, is indeed
new. Thus, with an ultimate purpose or goal to construct a re-
illustration and stimulate the connection between him and his people.
Furthermore, during the days of Moses, the Lord summoned Moses to
Mt. Sinai, where he engraved on some tablets a set commandments for
Moses and the people of Israel to abide by. In relation to the reading
and pertaining to our daily lives, the Lord wants us to not only read the
Bible and the commandments, but he wants us to instill these cove-
nants within our hearts and include them within our everyday lives,
such that the decisions that we make, as well as the actions we take. In
other words, God has transitioned and or changed the phase of his cov-
enant between him and his people, thus re-directing from an external
platform, in the case of the commandments engraved on the tablet giv-
en to Moses, to an internal platform, where there will be some changes
within our hearts and conscience, hence making the covenant an ele-
ment God’s people rather than a legal aspect. Lastly, being that we are
all sinners, in order to enhance his intention of his people knowing him
better and drawing us closer to him, God granted forgiveness to sin-
ners, where they will sin no more.
Father Lord, I would like to take this time to give you thanks and
praise for waking me up this morning and being able to see this day,
as many may not have that opportunity. Father Lord I would also like
to take this moment to magnify your name and give you the thanks and
glory for all you have done and will continue to do. Continue to lead
me in the direction that you have foreseen.. O Lord, continue to grant
me the wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence throughout my everyday
life. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.
Victor Dorbor
Business Administration, Class of 2016
5th Sunday of Lent

Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his
finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened
up and said to them, “let the one among you who is without
sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down
and wrote on the ground. And, in response, they went away
one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone
with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and
said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one con-
demned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said,
“Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on
do not sin again.” (John 8: 6-11)
It is rightly said that people’s judgment of others often says more
about themselves than about the person being judged. In the
Gospel, a woman accused of adultery is brought to Jesus by the
scribes and Pharisees. They want Jesus to judge and condemn
her. Instead of judging her, however, Jesus shows compassion
and mercy towards her.
In judging and condemning others we manifest our own self-
insecurity. This insecurity stems from not being grounded in the
love God has for us. The more secure I am in the love God has
for me, the less inclined I am to judge others. Mother Teresa of
Calcutta put it this way: “If you judge people, you have no time
to love them.” And, if you do not love people, is it, perhaps, be-
cause you are judging them?
Good and generous God, hear the prayers we cry out to you this
day. Answer them as is good for us, that we might be washed
clean in your mercy and compassion. Bless those for whom we
pray with well-being. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Sister Cathy Nally, IHM
Executive Director, Office of Mission and Ministry
5th Monday of Lent

He went on (Jesus) “You belong to what is below; I belong to
what is above. You belong to this world—a world which
cannot hold me. That is why I said you would die in your
sins. (John 8: 23-24 )
It is very easy in this fast paced world to get caught up in world-
ly trappings. We are so busy with work, family, school, and life
in general we forget the real goal in life…Heaven the real re-
ward. So many times we worry can we buy that new gadget, or
car, or new clothes? We should just be still and let God speak to
us, for he is from above where we hope to be with him in glory
for all eternity.
Dear Lord, I pray that today you guide my thoughts and actions,
that all I do today is for you and your glory. Lord be with me
today and always, help me always to remember the real reason
for my time on this earth to earn eternal peace and happiness
with you in Heaven. I ask your blessings on all I do and say to-
day.
Amen.
Stephanie Maurer R.N. to B.S.N CLL
Anticipated Graduation May 2016
5th Tuesday of Lent

Solemnity of the
Annunciation of Our Lord
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
How beautiful it is that Mary accepted God’s call and allowed
Him to take full control of her life! Often I think it is hard to
“let go and let God” as they say. There’s so much I
want to plan and organize for myself that I fail to recognize
that God is ultimately in control. He is the One in Whom I have
my being, and He is the One that gave us life. He created all of
us and knows us better than we know ourselves. Our compli-
cated life is like a puzzle; while we try to fit the pieces together
on our own, we should realize that only from God’s view can
the puzzle be solved. For all the times I do not understand my
struggles and problems or even am confused as to why some-
thing so great happened to me, I will remember that I should be
like Mary - fully trusting in God and allowing His Will to be
my life story.
Lord
, come into my life and show me the path You want me to take.
Let not the worries, fears, doubts, and lies of the world blind me
from the Truth. Help me to feel Your Presence and live accord-
ing to Your Word as did Mary, our Mother. As we live with
confidence in You, please let others join us and experience the
peace that comes only from You.
Lauren Monreale
Fashion Merchandising
Class of 2017

In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O
my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart…
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. (Psalm 40:7)
As a graduating senior in Music Education from a Catholic Uni-
versity, I plan to use my degree to educate students in the field of
Music as I believe is God’s will for me. I must remember that
God’s law is within my heart and will continue to inspire me to
share the gifts He bestowed on me to bring the gift of Music into
the hearts of the students He leads me to instruct.
I am grateful to God for giving me the gift of Music and for His
direction in leading me to share this with many others through
my education at this university. I will go forth into my future
according to God’s will and it will be my great delight to educate
others with the gift I have been given. I will remember always
that God’s law is within my heart and I plan to do my best to
share this knowledge with all the students I am given the privi-
lege to work with as I enter the next phase of my life in the
teaching profession.
Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy king-
dom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temp-
tation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and
the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen
Amanda Dannaker
Music Education
Class of 2015
5th Thursday of Lent

“But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my
persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail.” (Jeremiah
20:11)
Today’s first reading faces many of us with an all too familiar
situation. We find Jeremiah, a prophet of God, being at-
tacked by all of those around him. Even Jeremiah’s friends
turn on him and denounce him. These people all wait for Jer-
emiah to make a mistake so that they may prevail over him
and take their vengeance. This theme is very similar to the
way the Scribes and Pharisees would set up Jesus Himself in
the hopes that He would be caught violating the Law. It is
this same struggle which continuously evolves into new
forms in order to challenge every follower of Christ.
In these moments Christians must stand firm, much like Jere-
miah did in this reading. Jeremiah seizes the opportunity to
once again flex his confidence in God, like a great muscle
helping to strengthen his faith. Keeping faith in the God of
truth and justice, the righteous can follow in the path of both
Jesus and Jeremiah. Standing up against the many who at-
tacked the Kingdom of God, Jeremiah shows us that those
brave enough to stand for God are not left to stand alone. No
words or weapons can kill the Spirit of the righteous follower
of God.
Jesus, Prince of Peace, you have asked us to love our ene-
mies and pray for those who persecute us. We pray for our ene-
mies and those who oppose us. With the help of the Holy Spir-
it, may all people learn to work together for that justice which
brings true and lasting peace. To you be glory and honor for
ever and ever.
Ryan Schwalm
Class of 2015
Marketing Management
5th Friday of Lent

No longer shall they defile themselves with their idols, their
abominations, and all their transgressions. I will deliver
them from all their apostasy through which they sinned. I
will cleanse them so that they will be my people, and I will be
their God. (Ezekiel 37:23)
It seems that in the secular world of today, people put too much
focus on everything but God. Whether money, health or success,
there is always time to fulfill these selfish needs. But is there ev-
er time for God? We get so worked up with our daily lives and
our routines that we forget to have a talk with Him. Thankfully,
He has promised to help us regain our purpose in life. While it is
a nice goal to be healthy and successful, we need to recognize
God amongst it all. He only wants the best for us, but we have to
give Him credit too. Think of it, how many people actually thank
God in their speeches after they have become a success? Our
desires can easily change from a simple goal to a new obsession.
But He will aid us in making sure that we do not allow these
“idols” to control us. And through Him, we will be cleansed of
every sin so that we may be closer to Him. Then we will regain
our sense of being His people. Then, we will remember that He
is our God.
Lord, help us to find you amidst the rush of our lives, that we
may feel your presence. Remind us to take heart that you are our
light in everyday, that you will cleanse us of our sins. Let us re-
member that we are your people and you are our God.
Victoria Robinson
Class of 2018
Music Therapy
5th Saturday of Lent

The crowd cried out: Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:10)
“Then what do you want me to do with the man you call the
king of the Jews?” They shouted again, “Crucify
him.” (Mark 15)
My, what a fickle person and fair weather friend I can be! When
things are going my way, it is all hoorays and hosannas. Yet,
when things become difficult, it is quite a different story.
In mid-November, I was humming the words to many of the
songs from “GODSPELL”. By the end of the first week in De-
cember, I was frantic trying to be sure that the darlings had satis-
factorily completed their garments.
In today’s Gospel, this difference occurs within the span of an
hour. At the beginning of Mass, I join my fellow participants in
shouting: “Hosanna in the highest!” and by the end of the Gos-
pel, I shout my angry “Crucify Him” as did the crowd on Good
Friday so many years ago.
Lord, please help me to sing my hosannas to you whether things
are going my way or not and to stand by your side through thick
and thin without being fickle or a fair weather friend.
Sister Denise M. Mollica, IHM
Fashion-Family and Consumer Sciences
Palm Sunday

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Laz-
arus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave
a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus
was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a
liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic
nard and anointed the feet of Jesus*
and dried them with her
hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. (John
12: 1-3)
In John’s gospel today, Jesus is at the home of his friends, Mary,
Martha, and Lazarus whom he raised from dead. Martha is busy
serving, Lazarus is reclining at table with Jesus, and Mary wor-
ships Jesus by anointing his feet. This is a beautiful picture of
what we are to be as followers of Christ. Martha shows us that
friends of Jesus are servants who serve him and one another but
also the poor. Mary reminds us that our time is well spent with
Jesus in prayer and worship; a mark a true love and friendship.
These values of true believers require a balance of prayer, wor-
ship and service in our daily lives.
Let us pray. Jesus you know the longing of our hearts. We want
to worship you in spirit and in truth and to serve you and others
in our daily lives. We ask for your Holy Spirit to empower us to
do your will now and always until we recline at table with you in
the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Dr. Thomas F. O’Brien
Associate Dean, College of Graduate Studies
Monday of Holy Week

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply trou-
bled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will
betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as
to whom he meant. (John 13:21-22)
Betrayal can be seen as the ultimate breaking of the trust and
confidence that we have in another person. It is one of the most
hurtful things that you could to do another. Betrayal causes so
much hurt and pain that you might think that it would happen
infrequently and that as human beings we would know better
than to betray another. Yet in today’s society stories of betrayal
abound in the news, through social media, in the films we watch,
and the rumors that we hear.
During this Holy Week, we pause to remember how Jesus was
betrayed. Our Lord was troubled and pained. He understands the
pain and hurt that betrayal brings. If someone has broken your
trust or has hurt you deeply, bring that pain to our Savior. He
will comfort you.
Lord, we live in difficult times where it often appears that our
human brothers and sisters are more intent on tearing each oth-
er down than building each other up. You too have experienced
the pain of betrayal and were troubled. Through our faith in
You, may we seek to build trust, confidence and love in each oth-
er. Comfort those who are suffering the pain of betrayal and
forgive us for when we wrong another. We ask this in your name,
Amen.
Bridget A. Haines-Frank
Assistant Dean of Students
Tuesday of Holy Week

“The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I
might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse
them...See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me
wrong?” (Isaiah 50: 4, 9A)
The readings today challenge each of us to look within and take
a look at our choices in daily life particularly the words we
speak. The Gospel tells us that Judas has betrayed our Lord and
the Lord says “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me
is the one who will betray me…Then Judas, his betrayer, said in
reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said
so.” It is interesting, Judas asks that it is surely not him when he
knows in his heart he has betrayed our Lord. Sometimes we lie
or do not want to admit the truth to ourselves. Isaiah tells us that
we need to speak the truth with a well-trained tongue that articu-
lates what is in our hearts. This well trained tongue comes about
through our prayer and our listening to and embracing fully
God’s word. Let God’s words speak to you today.
Lord God, I ask that you hear my prayer that I sincerely pay at-
tention to the words that come out of my mouth today. I desire a
well-trained tongue that gives encouragement, that does not han-
dle the truth carelessly, that does not lie to myself, a tongue that
gives glory to You.
Sister Mary Henrich IHM
Theology Department
Wednesday of Holy Week

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your
feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a
model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should
also do. (John 13:14-15)
Today, we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This Mass is
full of ancient tradition and symbolism such as when twelve pa-
rishioners have their feet washed as Jesus washed the feet of the
twelve disciples. This is symbolic of the absolute humility and
service Jesus showed towards His disciples. After Jesus washed
their feet, he stated, “as I have done for you, you should also
do.” This sentiment is incredibly powerful to us as members of
the Body of Christ. Jesus calls us to emanate his love towards
others. This is reflected in Matthew 25:40, “whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for
me.” God is in every person. We are called to see Him where
others may not, and do unto them as Jesus did to others. Jesus
sacrificed everything, His own life, for us. Let us show our grati-
tude by following His commandment of love. The church hymn
“As I Have Done for You” is traditionally sung during the wash-
ing of the feet. I invite you to listen and meditate on this power-
ful hymn and read the following meditation based off of it.
Lord of all things, You are mighty enough to make the moon and
stars, and yet You will kneel down before me and wash my lowly
feet. You do so out of love, humility, and servitude. If You would
do this for me, I should follow Your commandment to love and
serve Your people. Lord, You tell me, “My precious child, do not
be afraid” Let me trust in Your word. Help me to understand
Your eternal love for me. Help me to trust in Your will and Your
way.
Alicia A. Lawler
Sophomore
Nursing Major, Theology Minor
Holy Thursday

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)
In the first reading, there is thanksgiving for the servant prophet.
The servant remains one with all people in sorrow and yet dis-
tinct from them in innocence of life. The servant says nothing.
The dominant action is silent contemplation. The responsorial
psalm expresses prayer and trust. “In Your care I entrust my
life.” In Luke 23:46 Jesus utters this serene expression just be-
fore He dies. In the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is called great
high priest. Elsewhere in the epistle, the author writes of Jesus
as high priest or simply priest. The author might wish to empha-
size Jesus’ status as priest relative to the Jewish high priest with
whom He is compared. Perhaps the approach to the throne of
grace refers to our confident access to God that has been assured
by the redemptive work of Jesus. Jesus’ ability to sympathize
with us sinners is based on the fact that He shared in flesh and
blood and knew temptation. Biblical commentary suggests that
the verses before the gospel illustrate that Jesus lived out perfect-
ly the demands of human existence before God. Further, Jesus’
obedience is rewarded because He placed himself totally at the
divine disposition. The selflessness of Jesus has given scope to
God’s grace, which has fullness when human will is not grasp-
ing. The reader of the passion narrative becomes aware that Je-
sus’ death is not a just humiliation or defeat, but a glorious return
to the Father.
“Life and death, words and silence, are given us because of
Christ. We speak to confess him, and are silent to meditate on
Him and enter deeper into His silence, which is at once the si-
lence of death and of eternal life–the silence of Good Friday
night and the peace of Easter morning.” Thomas Merton
Sister Paula Jameson, IHM
Nursing Faculty
Good Friday

Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the
week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one anoth-
er, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to
the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone
had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the
tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed
in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed.
The scripture is from the Holy Saturday gospel. Here we are two
thousand years later and I think we all are still utterly amazed at
the saving power of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus is the one, and the
only one who can roll back the stone from our tombs of sin.
Many times in our life the stone seems to be immovable and de-
nies us from having a more fulfilling and peace-filled life of spir-
ituality. So let us enter into this Easter Sunday with the faith and
confidence that God wants all his children to be happy!
Dear Heavenly Father, by your son Jesus’ death and crown of
thorns you have given all your children the opportunity to wear
the crown of glory manifested through the resurrection. Let’s us
this day always turn to Jesus to remove any obstacles in our life
that might entomb us in sin.
Dr. Dean Julian
Director of Online Learning, CLL
Holy Saturday

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb
early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone re-
moved from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to
the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have
taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put
him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the
tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial
cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after
him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and
the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but
rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and be-
lieved. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had
to rise from the dead. (John 20:1-9)
Just over forty days ago, we began the Journey of Lent. Today, the
journey takes a dramatic turn as we walk with Mary to the tomb early
in the morning while it is still dark. Her discovery there changes the
world. And it leads directly to the Good News of Christian Faith, the
Good News that is this Easter Day. Namely, that the Lord is Risen! He
is Risen indeed, Alleluia! Mary’s walk to the tomb that morning,
turned into a run, back to the apostles and became a race back to the
tomb with Peter and John. Upon arrival, they bent down, went in, saw
and believed.
Today, as we arrive upon this Easter day, the Mystery of our Faith is
revealed: God has come to us. He has bent down, entered into our hu-
man nature. He experienced everything we could possibly experience
except sin. He suffered, He died, and was buried. And out of those
depths, He was raised up! The only human to walk out of his grave!
Jesus lives, He is risen! Alleluia!
Let us pray, God our Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for
sending us Jesus and raising Him from the dead. As this Easter Day
dawns, fill our hearts with the Joy of the Gospel, the Good News of
Easter Day. So that together with all who have gone before us, we
may run the race of faith, with hope and with perfect love Amen.
Fr. Christopher Rogers
Chaplain/Director of Campus Ministry
Easter Sunday

Immaculata University
Office of Mission and Ministry
and
Campus Ministry

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