Walk Humbly

On this week's episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge talks about:

• The eight men ordained to the transitional diaconate on April 23 along with another eight men to be ordained to the priesthood on June 4
  
  
• The news of Elon Musk buying Twitter and the significance it has for the Church
  
  
• His thoughts on the recent Supreme Court case regarding private speech rights of assistant football coach praying after games
  
  
• What the Special Religious Education Development (SPRED) initiative is and why it is an essential arm of our Catholic school system
  
  
• Upcoming events he’s looking forward to:
  
  
• Catholic Family Campout| Friday, May 6–Sunday, May 8
• EXALT Evening of Worship| Tuesday, May 12
• Ordination to the Priesthood| Saturday, June 4
• Diocesan Family Festival|Saturday, June 11

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• What is the difference between a “transitionaldeacon” and a “permanentdeacon”?
  
  
• If a priest who has been previously credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is contrite and has been forgiven by God, why can he not be reassigned to a ministry that does not involve children?

• Can you share more about the work of the women religious in our diocese?

It has been two weeks since we celebrated the glory and the triumph of the Resurrection of Christ. It is undeniable that Easter brings a newness to our lives, a renewal, and a vitality that may have been lacking as we continue to struggle with so many challenges. But now is the test. We must allow the momentum and the joy of the Easter season to continue and help us grow as people of faith. Be on guard against any temptations or distractions that could take us off course.  Instead, may we go forward with the confidence that Jesus is alive and with us, assured in the firm belief that we share in his victory over sin, suffering and death. And know, without hesitation or doubt, that in him alone we find the peace for which we long.

Few things bring more joy than hearing the carefree laughter of children. While many of us have memories of good times and innocent days gone past, sadly, there are many who have had the joy of childhood delights stolen from them. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse statistics are staggering and, in most cases of abuse, children are harmed by someone the family trusts. Dear friends it is incumbent that leaders in the Church and society unite with all people in protecting the health and well-being of the young; that we realize the lives of children are sacred; and that we understand there is an inherent dignity that belongs to every child of God. This month, and always, I invite all people of good will to be united in prayer for the safety and eradication of child abuse for all of God’s children.  

Good Friday encompasses the emotions of sadness and suffering, a day of somber silence, then leads to the greatest story ever told, for we know that with Christ’s Cross comes the greatest victory of all. Now is the time to embrace whatever crosses you are asked to endure, knowing that they too, united to the Lord’s, will lead to glory. On Easter Sunday, good news of great joy is proclaimed to us: “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who took up his Cross and died for our salvation, has been raised from the dead and is alive and with us!” Rise to newness of life in him, the one who transformed darkness to light; suffering to glory; and yes, even death to life. May God bless you and your loved ones this Easter, and always.

On this week's episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge talks about:

• One of his favorite liturgies of the year – the Chrism Mass – taking place on Holy Thursday, April 14
  
  
• The ramifications of Oregon’s decision to remove its residency requirement for assisted suicide
  
  
• The U.S. House of Representatives vote to federally decriminalize marijuana; what the risks are of legalized marijuana to health and teen suicide
  
  
• Child Abuse Prevention Month: what the Diocese is doing to remain vigilant against all forms of abuse through the Office of Child Protection and Victim Assistance

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• Are there protocols churches must follow before they commission stained-glass windows? For instance, is there an approval process or guidelines?
  
  
• I have an adult friend being received into the Church during the Easter Vigil. Any recommendations on what I can do to help support my friend in the first few weeks or months after he is received into the Church?

Be sure to send your questions for Bishop Burbidge by calling 703-831-7013 or by emailing [email protected].

This Sunday we will commemorate Palm Sunday. The readings begin with the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem; they end with the Passion of Our Lord. In the proclamation of this passage we are asked to be the voice of the crowd and respond: "Crucify him.”  It is unimaginable that for the One who affirmed the love of God the Father, embraced the sinner, and sought out the lost, we could repeat these words. Yet, it continues today, not through words but with actions that wound Jesus and fracture the Body of Christ. Dear friends, pray this week that we may have a permanent conversion of heart, that as we begin the holiest of weeks, we make sure our actions do not say, “Crucify him” but rather: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…Hosanna in the Highest.”

Spring is here, and along with it many feel energized, invigorated, ready to embrace a fresh, new season. But as Spring begins we also near the end of our Lenten journey. Sacred scripture tells us that “whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away, behold, new things have come.” We are reminded that God gave us the ministry of reconciliation, and he assures us that no sin is greater than his love. Now is the perfect time to examine our conscience, to prepare ourselves and our hearts for the glory that awaits us in just a few weeks. Spending time with the Lord allows us to unburden ourselves of anything that weighs us down. Just as Spring begins a new season, may we become a new creation as well!

Most of us have attended weddings where we hear the familiar reading about the enduring power of love. The bride and groom listen with intensity while attendees nod with approval. Married life has many wonderful moments. Yet we would be naïve to believe that marriage, or any relationship, would be free of challenges or the occasional struggle. Relationships take work. During those times when you experience discord in relationships with family members or friends, remember those words of St. Paul: “Love never fails!” He says true love is patient and kind; it is neither jealous nor quick tempered. To enjoy love, we must emulate the author of love: Jesus Christ, who offered his very life for us. Practice this kind of love in all your relationships, and you too will realize, it never fails!

On this week's episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge shares:

• His thoughts on the Church’s response to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25
   
• Details about the upcoming Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on April 23 and Ordination to the Priesthood on June 4
   
• Common threads from recent Synod listening sessions at the recent Men’s and Women’s Conferences
   
• Status of the Traditional Latin Mass

Bishop also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• For a young adult transitioning from college to independence/beginning of work career, how can we avoid losing touch with our faith during that time?
   
• I saw on Facebook that you celebrated the Rite of Election. Can you explain what that is?

This week, the Irish—and those who are Irish for a day—observe St. Patrick’s Day in honor of the 5thcentury saint who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle. It is a day many of us hold dear, circled on our calendars as we look forward to celebrating in friendship. This week also marks the second week of Lent. But do we have the 40 days of Lent circled and prioritized in our spiritual lives? As we celebrate St. Patrick, remember what made him truly great: his faith and devotion to God. So let this week be the week we focus on our Lenten experience. Just as St. Patrick travelled the wide expanses of lush, green fields on his journey to share the Gospel, let us embrace the blessed walk we take with Christ each day of Lent.