Dear Parishioners and Friends, Jesus tells his Apostles that the time for his suffering and death on the cross is approaching. Their faith, however, has not yet matured. They cannot understand that this suffering is necessary for every ones salvation. Therefore, they cannot accept it. They, like all people, had a natural instinct to eliminate suffering from life. They do not want their Master to suffer, especially since they know he can work miracles. However, in order to strengthen their faith and valor while diminishing their fears Jesus takes three of them -- Peter, James and John -- to Mount Tabor and transforms himself in their presence. For a moment they experience the beauty and charm of life in heaven. They are so enchanted that they do not want to leave the mountain. Thus, let the words of today’s Gospel strengthen our faith to the brave living-out of daily difficulties and suffering. Our life, not depending on position, education or possessions, is always associated with suffering and the cross until we reach our eternal homeland. Do you realize that for those of us, here on earth, that Mass is the most precious way for us to unite with the heavenly Church, when together with the saved, we adore with the Holy Spirit the joyful elation of God’s Majesty, singing together one song of praise? With the Mass the greatest possible unity occurs with the saints in giving glory to God. The Mass is a precious gift for the living and more valuable to the one who left this world and the time of gaining merit is ended. The Mass is the most beautiful way of adoring God and asking for the grace of forgiveness and for forgiving the punishment of purgatory. Give your deceased parents, relatives and friends a gift for which they are waiting. When the priest celebrates the following Masses there are multiple intentions: the English language Mass on Saturday at 4:30pm and the Polish language Masses on Sundays at 9:00am, 1:30pm and at 7:00pm; holiday Masses, the evening Masses on the first Friday of the month and on Tuesdays at the conclusion of Eucharistic Adoration. The Sunday Masses in the English language and Masses on weekdays in the English and Polish languages can have only one intention. You can always reserve a Mass by coming to our parish office. Thanks to your Mass offerings we are able to support our St. Constance Parish School. The Office for Evangelization invites all men to a special conference -- the Chicago Catholic Men’s Conference -- which will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, in the “Donald E. Stephens Convention Center” in Rosemont. Many well-known speakers are invited: Fr. William Casey, Fr. Jim Goode, Patrick Madrid, Curtis Martin, Hector Molina, His Eminence Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I. You can register on the internet www.CatholicMenOfChicago.org. Additional information, brochures and registration forms can be obtained by calling Douglas Stearns at 312-534-5288. I heartily encourage men to take part in this extraordinary conference. I wish Rev. Thomas Rzepiela the best of everything on the occasion of his birthday. May our Lord Jesus bless us all and our guests who are visiting us today.