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Happy Birthday, John the Baptist! 😇🐚 Did you know the Church celebrates three birthdays on the liturgical calendar? 1. John the Baptist, the Forerunner 2. Blessed Virgin Mary 3. Our Lord Jesus Do let our voices resonate most purely, miracles telling, far greater than many; so let our tongues be lavish in your praises, Saint John the Baptist. - Hymnus in Ioannem 🙏 Saint John the Baptist, pray for us! #Faith #Catholic #JohnTheBaptist #prayer

Happy Birthday, John the Baptist! 😇🐚 Did you know the Church celebrates only three birthdays on the liturgical calendar? 1. John the Baptist, the Forerunner 2. Blessed Virgin Mary 3. Our Lord Jesus Do let our voices resonate most purely, miracles telling, far greater than many; so let our tongues be lavish in your praises, Saint John the Baptist. - Hymnus in Ioannem #Faith #Catholic #JohnTheBaptist

The Moon of Muharram — ‘By the ten nights …’ Amina Mujtaba Syed . .#imamhussain . #HusaynIbnAli #muharram #muharram1446 #ahlebait #ahlulbayt #karbala #najaf #hussain #imamhussain #محرم #کربلا #حسین

Hajj Mubarak to you and your family

Reflection: Perhaps one of the most surprising practices on Good Friday is that the Mass is not celebrated. Instead, Jesus’ saving Sacrifice is commemorated by the full reading of the Passion account, the veneration of the Cross, and the distribution of Holy Communion that was consecrated the day before. Why wouldn’t we celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass on Good Friday? Saint Thomas Aquinas gives a profound answer to this question in his masterful work, Summa Theologica (See III.83). In part, he says the following: Reply to Objection 2. The figure ceases on the advent of the reality. But this sacrament is a figure and a representation of our Lord’s Passion, as stated above. And therefore on the day on which our Lord’s Passion is recalled as it was really accomplished, this sacrament is not consecrated. A careful reading of that passage, as well as the rest of that article, tells us that there is great power in the Liturgical Year, and in our annual Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. We celebrate Mass daily throughout the year, except on Good Friday, so that we can receive the fruit of the Passion every day. The Church teaches that Mass is an efficacious sign, meaning that the Mass both signifies Christ’s sacrifice and actually makes it present. But on Good Friday, we celebrate our Lord’s Passion in the reality of time. Therefore, in terms of grace, nothing is lost by the absence of Mass on Good Friday. Instead, we must understand that the day of Good Friday itself becomes a powerful instrument of grace. Our liturgical Commemoration of our Lord’s Passion on Good Friday enables us to share in His saving act of redemption, just as the Mass does every other day of the year. Setting aside the profound depth of theology present in this teaching, what does this mean, practically, for those who participate in the Good Friday Liturgy today? Here are a few thoughts for pondering. As you prayerfully participate in the Liturgical Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, know that this day itself is endowed with grace and power. The grace does not come through the sacramental “Memorial” of the Lord’s Passion but from the reality encountered in this once-a-year Commemoration. This day itself is a real and sanctifying participation in the fruit of Jesus’ saving Sacrifice. To better understand this, look into your own soul and consider any ways that you have experienced God’s grace powerfully and uniquely on Good Friday. Perhaps, in years past, you entered into the Triduum in a prayerful and recollected way. Call that experience to mind, and understand that this deep encounter with our Lord was especially made possible because those days are holy. Today, as you celebrate Good Friday, understand that the floodgates of Heaven are opened to you in a way unlike any other day of the year. Seize this moment in time. Seize this once-a-year opportunity to enter into our Lord’s suffering and death. Do so prayerfully, meditatively, truly, and intentionally. Especially honor the hours between noon and three o’clock. Try to set that time aside for nothing other than prayer and recollection. This day is sanctified. Time is sanctified. By entering into prayer during these hours of sanctified time, you will discover that God is especially present to you. Read the Passion. Pray the Stations of the Cross. Recite the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Gaze at a crucifix. Fast, keep vigil, be attentive, and be open to the abundance of grace our Lord wishes to bestow upon you this Good Friday, especially by participating in the liturgical Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion during the sacred hours when our Lord hung on the Cross. Today, “the figure ceases on the advent of the reality.” Today, the reality is here, captured in time, made present to you. Stand before His sacred Cross, and allow His mercy to pour forth upon you from His wounded side. (From My Catholic Life)

Remember God’s Faithfulness at Passover! And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when He struck down the Egyptians.’ Then the people bowed down and worshiped! Exodus 12:26-27 God called the Jewish people to observe Passover, a symbolic celebration with a sacrificial lamb foretelling the coming Messiah, the Lamb of God, to be sacrificed for the sins of the world! Passover begins each year and falls in March or April! It remembers and celebrates God passing over the Israelites’ firstborn during the final of the ten plagues visiting Egypt, leading up to their exodus from Egyptian bondage and slavery! Exodus 12:14 This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come, you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance!' God gave very specific instructions concerning the sacrificial blood of the lamb! Exodus 12:7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs!" He instructed Israel, "On that same night, I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt! I am the LORD! The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt! Exodus 12:12-13 Passover’s Result! As God foretold, "At midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well! Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead! Exodus 12:29-30 After the Passover, the Egyptians couldn’t rid themselves fast enough of the Jews. "During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me! Exodus 12:31-32 Through the sacrificial lamb’s blood, Passover revealed God’s power over life and death. "The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. ‘For otherwise,’ they said, ‘we will all die!’” Exodus 12:33 Jesus’ Role in Passover! Jesus, too, observed Passover while living on earth, as recorded in the New Testament, knowing what was to come. "It was just before the Passover Festival! Jesus knew that the hour had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father! Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end!" John 13:1 John the Baptist understood, too, as recorded in John 1:29, "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” The crucifixion of Jesus occurred during Passover, fulfilling the prophecy! As Christians, We remember the faithfulness of God to all who placed the blood of the sacrificial lamb across their doorposts, of how God spared them from death, and how through the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are spared from death, too! Remembering Passover prepares our hearts to celebrate the Resurrection by remembering how the blood of Jesus covers our sins and frees us from death everlasting! "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all! Hebrews 10:10 Dear Father, We praise You for Your faithfulness in saving us through all generations! We are deeply grateful to You for loving us and sending Your Son, the perfect sacrifice, to redeem us and give us everlasting life! "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy!" Hebrews 10:14 Soften our hearts today and every day to remember Your faithfulness and tell others what You have done for us In Jesus' mighty name we have prayed Amen! Hallelujah! Awesome God! Thank You Jesus!

✝️ 14 Stations, One Powerful Journey – Join Us April 18th at 7 AM. 1,000 Expected for Good Friday Main Street Pilgrimage in Sarasota This year, 27 ministers from 14 denominations will participate in the Good Friday Stations of the Cross Pilgrimage down the center of Main Street in downtown Sarasota. With four denominational leaders participating, including The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas F. Scharf, VI Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of SW Florida over 100 congregations will be represented. This Good Friday, April 18, is the 24th year Sarasota will observe the worldwide Stations of the Cross tradition. What began in 15th-century Jerusalem is now celebrated in over 200 countries on Good Friday of Holy Week. During the pilgrimage, the 14 Biblically recorded events that happened to Jesus on his way to crucifixion are remembered, station by station. A service booklet sharing the acts of worship corresponding to the historic 14 stations will be distributed to all pilgrims. Church of the Redeemer, in collaboration with the Sarasota Ministerial Association, coordinates the walk each year. Everyone is invited to attend the free pilgrimage and experience this community event. The Sarasota Ministerial Association began to co-host the observance with Church of the Redeemer 23 years ago. Redemer’s Friday Men’s Breakfast Prayer Group founded the event in 1996. At that time, about 15 people participated. In 2024, nearly 1,000 pilgrims participated, and even more are expected in 2025. Pilgrims begin to gather at 7 a.m., and the pilgrimage starts at 7:20 a.m. in front of the Regal Hollywood movie theater (1993 Main St., just off U.S. 301). City of Sarasota Commissioner Kyle Battie and Sarasota County Commissioner Tom Knight will preside over the first station. Sarasota Police officers will escort the procession so people can safely walk down the center of Main Street. The pilgrimage offers an opportunity to reflect on the moments of Christ’s journey to his crucifixion 2,000 years ago. Pilgrims will reach the final station, Church of the Redeemer, at about 8:30 a.m. At that time, everyone will be invited to attend a brief Morning Prayer service inside the church. PARKING INFORMATION Parking is available at the final station (Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave.), where a free trolley will transport people to Regal Hollywood starting at 6 a.m. There is free street parking in front of Redeemer on Gulfstream Avenue. People can also park at Redeemer's Strawberry Hill parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard. There is public parking in the garage across the street from the front of the United Methodist Church (104 S. Pineapple Ave.). There is also parking available at First Sarasota, The Downtown Baptist Church’s parking lot behind the sanctuary at 1661 Main St. (First Sarasota is the sixth station on the pilgrimage). Contact: Sarasota Ministerial Association | 941-724-5018 | ChaplainTomPfaff@gmail.com Church of the Redeemer | 941-955-4263 | GFerguson@RedeemerSarasota.org #GoodFridayWalk #SarasotaTradition #SarasotaEvents #ViaDolorosa #ChurchOfTheRedeemer #SarasotaCommunity

I love the years that Passover and Easter are celebrated at the same time. And, of course, that's the way it all began, with Jesus gathering His disciples for the Passover seder at the beginning of Passover in Jerusalem that year ~ what we Christians refer to as "The Lord's Supper." Both the Passover Seder and The Lord's Supper have been compared to a traditional Jewish wedding feast. Indeed, the story of God and his Chosen People throughout history is the most epic love story of all time. No best-selling novel is more exciting, nor more romantic. God chose this "this oddball tribe, this raggle-taggle band, this race of wanderers" (as Thomas Cahill describes them) to show the extravagance of His love to the world, To entice the world to know for themselves that same wild and faithful love. And then, in the climax of all history, the God of the Universe offered His own Son, the long-awaited Messiah, as the fulfillment of all He had foreshadowed in His relationship with His Chosen Ones, Tearing the curtain in His Temple that separated the place of His Presence from the ordinary person, Giving access to all. And sending His Holy Spirit to live now in the very hearts of ALL who choose to follow Him, Jew and Gentile alike. And we Gentiles who follow Him are grafted in, with God's original chosen ones, being nourished from the same root, which is the love of God. (Romans 11:17) CHOSEN, To share an intimate relationship with the God of the Universe, And to romance the world to the wildness of His Love. Selah!

The Virtue of Fasting Six Days of Shawwal The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Reported by Muslim) Great Reward: Completing these six days after Ramadan multiplies your reward, as though you have fasted the entire year. Continuity of Worship: This practice reminds us of the importance of carrying on good deeds beyond Ramadan, not stopping when the month is over. Flexible Timing: You can fast the six days consecutively or spread them out over Shawwal, according to what suits you best. Tip: Strive to complete these days as a sign of steady devotion, seeking forgiveness and Allah’s pleasure. #ShawwalFasting | #SixDaysOfShawwal | #ContinuousWorship | #RamadanHasPassed | #ElHudaa

The Virtue of Fasting Six Days of Shawwal The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Reported by Muslim) Great Reward: Completing these six days after Ramadan multiplies your reward, as though you have fasted the entire year. Continuity of Worship: This practice reminds us of the importance of carrying on good deeds beyond Ramadan, not stopping when the month is over. Flexible Timing: You can fast the six days consecutively or spread them out over Shawwal, according to what suits you best. Tip: Strive to complete these days as a sign of steady devotion, seeking forgiveness and Allah’s pleasure. #ShawwalFasting | #SixDaysOfShawwal | #ContinuousWorship | #RamadanHasPassed | #ElHudaa

The countdown to Holy Week 2025 is on! ✨ This is the most powerful time in Christianity—a journey from triumph to sacrifice to ultimate victory. 🌿 Palm Sunday (April 13 | 11:15 AM) ✝️ Good Friday (April 18 | 7:30 PM) 🌅 Easter Sunday (April 20 | 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM) Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to deepen your faith and experience God’s love in a fresh way. Mark your calendar and invite someone to join you! We’re praying for you! #HolyWeek #EasterAtTheSanctuary #RisenKing

Myth: Easter is just a modern adaptation of a pagan festival and therefore, according to a few of our commenting friends on social media, it should not be celebrated. Of course, there were already several holidays in ancient times being observed by many different cultures that were adopting Christian beliefs. Some of the practices associated with these holidays became associated with Easter (like bunnies & eggs) . But they are just traditional customs from various places, not why we celebrate. In short, we’re not accidentally worshipping Ishtar or some other pagan entity by reflecting on the resurrection story of Christ. If our heart is focused on Jesus, then we can’t “accidentally” worship something else. That’s just silliness. A tiny sliver of the 2.38 billion Christians in the world claim this. But for the rest of us Easter is the season that is devoted to celebrating His resurrection and taking on the ideals of Christ. #GraceFilled #Jesus #Christ

It will take a lot of effort for a believer to enter the hellfire. Unfortunately we make that a lot of effort today. Allah has created so many avenues for us to be admitted to paradise and this includes fasting SINCERELY in Ramadan. Take these few days to TOTALLY shun all vices and fast only to please Allah and He will not fail his promise.

Choose #GraceForLent at these participating locations! 😃 #GraceForLent #Lent2025 #GRACEGoodMove #GoodMove

Alright, let’s dig into Laetare Sunday. It’s kind of like the Advent counterpart, Gaudete Sunday, but it happens during Lent. In 2025, Laetare Sunday will fall on March 30th. The name comes from the Latin word Laetare, meaning “rejoice”, and it’s taken from the opening words of the traditional introit for the Mass on that day: “Laetare Jerusalem” (“Rejoice, O Jerusalem” from Isaiah 66:10). Lent is typically a pretty serious time. It’s all about penance, fasting, and preparing for Easter. But Laetare Sunday is like a little oasis of joy in the middle of the desert. It’s a day to take a breather, to step back from the intensity of Lent, and to remember that Easter—the ultimate celebration—is coming. That’s why the priest wears rose (pink) vestments, and sometimes the decorations lighten up a bit. Rose is a color of joy, sitting between the penitent purple of Lent and the pure white of Easter. Historically, it was also a time when fasting rules were relaxed, and people might enjoy a bit of a feast. In Rome, Laetare Sunday was known as “Refreshment Sunday”. It’s also called “Mothering Sunday” in some traditions, where folks would visit their “mother church” or even give gifts to their own mothers. The rose-colored vestments and a more joyful tone in the liturgy all point to this sense of refreshment and hope—a reminder that the joy of Easter is not too far off.

Ramadan Begins Today—Here’s What It’s All About Today (March 1st) marks the first day of Ramadan—a special month for Muslims around the world, including those in our community! If you’re not Muslim and curious about what this month entails, here’s a quick introduction: 1. Fasting from Dawn to Sunset Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. It’s a time to build self-discipline, practice gratitude for blessings, and remember those in need. 2. Evening Meals (Iftar) Once the sun sets, families and friends gather to break their fast with a meal called Iftar. It’s a beautiful moment of community and celebration each evening. 3. Renewed Focus on Kindness and Spiritual Growth Muslims aim to do more charity, spend extra time in prayer, and deepen their connection to God. Many also read the Quran more frequently and engage in late-night congregational prayers. 4. Learning from Ramadan—Even If You’re Not Fasting • Discipline & Empathy: Fasting heightens empathy for the hungry, encouraging acts of kindness and social good. • Mindful Living: Limiting food and drink fosters gratitude for everyday necessities. • Community Spirit: Sharing meals and goodwill brings people closer together, regardless of faith. Open Houses & Iftar Invitations for Non-Muslims Many Islamic centers warmly invite neighbors and friends of all faiths to experience this tradition firsthand. If you’re curious and want to attend a community Iftar or open house event, reach out for details—it’s a friendly way to learn, enjoy a delicious meal, and see the spirit of Ramadan in action. We’d love to answer your questions—just drop a comment or visit our website. Whether you’re new to the concept of Ramadan or simply intrigued, this is a wonderful time to explore and connect. Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe, and to everyone else: come join us, share a meal, and learn more about this special month! #Ramadan #ramadan2025 #Fasting #Community #OpenHouse #LiveIslam

Ramadan Begins Today—Here’s What It’s All About Today (March 1st) marks the first day of Ramadan—a special month for Muslims around the world, including those in our community! If you’re not Muslim and curious about what this month entails, here’s a quick introduction: 1. Fasting from Dawn to Sunset Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. It’s a time to build self-discipline, practice gratitude for blessings, and remember those in need. 2. Evening Meals (Iftar) Once the sun sets, families and friends gather to break their fast with a meal called Iftar. It’s a beautiful moment of community and celebration each evening. 3. Renewed Focus on Kindness and Spiritual Growth Muslims aim to do more charity, spend extra time in prayer, and deepen their connection to God. Many also read the Quran more frequently and engage in late-night congregational prayers. 4. Learning from Ramadan—Even If You’re Not Fasting • Discipline & Empathy: Fasting heightens empathy for the hungry, encouraging acts of kindness and social good. • Mindful Living: Limiting food and drink fosters gratitude for everyday necessities. • Community Spirit: Sharing meals and goodwill brings people closer together, regardless of faith. Open Houses & Iftar Invitations for Non-Muslims Many Islamic centers warmly invite neighbors and friends of all faiths to experience this tradition firsthand. If you’re curious and want to attend a community Iftar or open house event, reach out for details—it’s a friendly way to learn, enjoy a delicious meal, and see the spirit of Ramadan in action. We’d love to answer your questions—just drop a comment or visit our website. Whether you’re new to the concept of Ramadan or simply intrigued, this is a wonderful time to explore and connect. Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe, and to everyone else: come join us, share a meal, and learn more about this special month! #Ramadan #ramadan2025 #Fasting #Community #OpenHouse #LiveIslam

🌙✨ The First Night of Ramadan – A Night of Blessings & Forgiveness ✨🌙 📢 O Allah, let this month begin with peace, faith, safety, and submission to You, and grant us success in what You love and are pleased with! 🤲💛 🌟 The first night of Ramadan has arrived, bringing with it the light of forgiveness, the blessings of worship, and the breeze of divine mercy. 🌙 It’s a fresh start, a chance to draw closer to Allah and seek sincere repentance. 💛 The first night of Ramadan sets the tone for the entire month—let’s embrace it with prayer, remembrance, and devotion! ✅ Recommended Acts on the First Night of Ramadan: ✔️ Dua upon sighting the crescent moon: “O Allah, let this month come upon us with security and faith, safety and submission, and success in what pleases You.” ✔️ Making sincere intention for fasting & repentance ✔️ Performing Qiyam (night prayers) & reading the Quran ✔️ Feeding the fasting & spreading goodness 📌 O Allah, make this month a beginning of goodness, fill our hearts with joy, erase our sins, and grant us Your infinite mercy. 🌙 Wishing you a blessed Ramadan! 🤲✨ 🔗 Share this post with your loved ones and prepare for Ramadan with worship and dua! #FirstNightOfRamadan #OAllahLetUsReachRamadan #RamadanKareem #15YearsOfGiving #alimanfoundation