Chaplain's Corner
In the Bible, in the Book of Leviticus, a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years. 49 years was considered seven weeks of seven years, and the 50th year was the “extra” year. This extra year was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with neighbours, and with all of creation. This was done through the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a year for the earth to not be cultivated and seeded. Since the writing of Leviticus to modern times, recognizing and keeping a Jubilee year has evolved to the current practice of every 25 years, which means that 2025 is our next Jubilee year.
Now, we prepare for the Jubilee year of 2025. The Pope is asking us to intensify our prayer life – to rediscover the great value and absolute need for prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world. Three topics to pray for are for those countries that are still struggling after the CoVid pandemic, for peace in the war torn countries of our world, and for shelter and homes for the millions of refugees that have NO home due to war and climate change.
There are 7 characteristics of a Jubilee Year. As we go through this school year, we will focus on a different characteristic each month to hopefully make this Jubilee year a memorable one for everyone. The 7 characteristics are: pilgrimage, Holy Door, reconciliation, prayer, liturgy, profession of Faith, and indulgences. In the month of October, we have focused on Prayer through the Rosary, the Angelus, and teacher-led classroom prayer. The Jubilee prayer and Jubilee Hymn were incorporated in our Opening Liturgies and Masses, and we incorporate the Pope’s Prayer intention for October in daily prayer. Grade 9s were given crosses at their retreat that they could hold in their hands to remind them of the presence of Jesus in all of their struggles and joys.
Please continue to pray for us as we Journey to Jubilee. We will be praying for you.
All the Saints at the Holy Cross of Jesus, pray for us.
Please find attached:
November and December Jubilee Year Preparation – Indulgences
Pope Paul VI summed up the current practices of Indulgences for Catholics, “If the faithful offer indulgences by praying for the deceased, they cultivate charity in an excellent way and while raising their minds to heaven, they bring a wiser order into the things of this world.” Another way to receive indulgences is through making charitable donations. Here are some awesome ways that you can use your time, talent and treasure to give another person a chance to “indulge” in some happiness at Christmas. (To volunteer for any of these – please contact Mrs. Dale – wdale@gscs.ca )
