Whether you are exploring Catholicism for the first time or are a long-time Catholic, we hope that this eNewsletter will be a useful resource as you (re)discover the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. From September through May, we are following along with the topics discussed in our Becoming Catholic (RCIA) process. Our goal is to share practical, credible Catholic resources that are freely available to anyone. Enjoy!

Today we reflect on the Paschal Mystery, which the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as "Christ's work of redemption accomplished principally by his Passion, death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension." Together with the Mystery of the Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery helps us understand who Jesus is and what is his mission.

There is a difference between knowing about Jesus... and knowing Jesus. What is an encounter with Jesus? What does it look like? How can we make one happen (or, how will Jesus make it happen)? Today, Sr. Alicia Torres is here to help you facilitate an actual come-to-Jesus moment.

From Episode 6 of The Search, "Am I saved?":

What Jesus did for us through his life, death and resurrection was the greatest act of love in history. He saved us. He did this for each one of us. Personally. But some might feel unworthy of this gift of love. We may feel we have too much baggage. We may feel unlovable. But God didn’t come to reveal himself to us on a pedestal, he came to enter into our messy human condition. To fix us from within. To transform us from the inside out. Some might be surprised by how generous the love of God really is. We don’t deserve God’s love, but that’s the amazing reality of God’s mercy. This relationship with God isn’t all about our love for Him. It’s about His love for us that changes our lives forever.

Watch for free on Formed.org through our parish subscription. If this is your first time using Formed.org, click here to get started.

The author of the Anima Christi ("Soul of Christ") is unknown, but this was a favorite prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. In 2023, composer Francesca LaRosa visited Saint Pius X and recorded her setting of the Anima Christi with the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir and the choir of Saint Pius X. How do the words of this prayer express trust in the Paschal Mystery?

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds, hide me.

Separated from Thee let me never be.

From the malignant enemy, defend me.

At the hour of my death, call me.

And bid me come unto Thee

That with Thy Saints, I may praise Thee

For ever and ever. Amen.

The Paschal Mystery - and especially the cross - can seem daunting. After all, who wants to suffer? No one! But Jesus makes it very clear that sacrifice and suffering are part of discipleship: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, popularly known as "the Little Flower," promoted a "little way" of living out the Christian life that is accessible to everyone. Ordinary, everyday acts of love and sacrifice can become powerful means of uniting ourselves to Jesus and his cross.

Looking for more opportunities to deepen your faith here at Saint Pius X? Visit our website to learn more!

• StPius.net/Faith Homepage for seasonal adult faith formation programs
• StPius.net/Bible Bible studies and Bible study resources, including our Living Water Bible Study blog
• StPius.net/Groups Grow in faith with a group! Check out That Man is You! and She Shall Be Called Woman
• StPius.net/Resources Parish lending library, subscriptions to Catholic periodicals, and instructions for accessing Formed.org