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Chi Rho Letters - Palm Sunday

Mar 28, 2026 4:31 pm

March 28, 2026 - Volume II, Issue 5

"God doesn't want you to simply believe in Him, God wants you to belong to Him."

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Editor’s Note

I'm noticing how long-winded I'm getting in these Editor's Notes. To keep things moving from your perspective, I'll be posting the full text of my reflections on my new Substack, linked below. I appreciate you early subscribers for rolling with the reformats I'm making on the fly! You guys are the best!

My home parish always breaks up the parts to read the Gospel for Palm Sunday. The "script" is adapted from different Gospels, depending on the year, but the message is always gut wrenching. One of our lectors, who is a teacher by trade that can project and has a nice reading voice, takes on the mountainous task of being the narrator. The priest celebrating Mass always reads the part of Christ. A deacon typically reads the "Voice" for miscellaneous lines not covered by another part.

The rest of us play the part of the "Crowd" an antagonistic role throughout the selected Gospel. This year, in Matthew, the "Crowd" gets to say the lines...

Reflection on Substack

Now, onto the Headlines -

Pope Leo has continued to speak out against the War in Iran, asking leaders on all sides to enter into dialogue. The Vatican Secretary of State and some US Bishops have spoken out that this this war doesn't meeting the Church's "Just War" principles. The impact is still significant on the region, with the Cardinal Pizzaballa cancelling the annual Chrism Mass due to the violence and invites all the faithful to pray a Rosary for peace today, Saturday, March 28th. Please also consider donating to Catholic Relief Services. They are on the front lines responding and serving those displaced by this war.

Other news relating to governance in the Church include the Diocese of Albany announcing a $148 million settlement for abuse victims, the Vatican Bank and a key Vatican legal department receiving new appointees, a Belgian Bishop risking excommunication, and a case dismissed against a Brazilian priest for alleged role in a coup.

When it comes to Pro-Life news, in following Christ, I would like to ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Kermit Gosnell, a notorious abortionist and convicted murderer serving time at SCI Huntington in Pennsylvania, who passed away this past week. As tough as it is, we need to remember to pray for our "enemies" and their salvation. Not doing so because we think they are "too far gone" shows our lack of faith in God's mercy.

Finally, I added a new section Papal Watch that will follow the workings of Pope Leo that don't quite fit any of our other buckets. Along with the new section, we have stories of a surge in catholic conversions, the elevation of a youth program founder to "Venerable" (two steps away from sainthood), a story about Catholic Sisters serving the sick and forgotten in Bangladesh.

The final headline is about remembering Mother Angelica's legacy in founding EWTN. I'm not going to say that I watch it very much, or at all, but I cannot ignore the significant contribution its founding has had to the landscape of Catholic media and culture. One of my good friends from college was a Southern Baptist, and it was, in part, because of the wit and wisdom of Mother Angelica that he entered the Catholic church in 2014. Keep my buddy John in your prayers this week.

Thanks again for putting up with another reformatting. Hope you enjoy!

Sunday Readings

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion - Link

Reading 1: Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Reading 2: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66

Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

who as an example of humility for the human race to follow

caused our Savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross,

graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering

and so merit a share in his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Headlines

Contemplative Corner

A Catholic's Guide to Holy Week by Dynamic Catholic

Holy Week is the most important week in Catholicism. This week of great reverence and reflection spans the final eight days of Jesus’ life—from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. It is astounding how much wisdom, insight and inspiration are available to us during this one week. Dynamic Catholic put together this guide you can use to emmerse yourself into the celebration this week.

Read: Catholic Guide to Holy Week

Apostolate Spotlight

Catholic Relief Services - Focus on Middle East Conflict - Link

As conflict and displacement continue to affect communities across the region, Catholic Relief Services is working with trusted local partners to provide lifesaving assistance and su pport families forced from their homes. With your gift, families across the Middle East will continue to receive vital relief and care as they seek refuge and relief. Please give now to support families across the Middle East.

The Liturgical Week Ahead

Coloring indicates Liturgical Color, links provided to USCCB site.

March 30, 2026 | Monday | Monday of Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7 | John 12:1-11

March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Tuesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6 | John 13:21-33, 36-38

April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Wednesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9a | Matthew 26:14-25

April 2, 2026 | Thursday | Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday)

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | John 13:1-15

April 3, 2026 | Friday | Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday)

Isaiah 52:13—53:12 | Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 | John 18:1—19:42

April 4, 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday

Community Prayer Intentions

For Strength and Comfort

Families of Servicemembers
Those affected by the Iranian and Ukrainian wars
My buddy John
Myers Family
Demers Family
Pope Leo XIV

Eternal Rest

Noel Demers
Bernice Myers
Emma Niese
Jack Flewelling
Kermit Gosnell
Noelia Castillo Ramos
Dominic
Those killed in the wars in Iran and Ukraine
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis

Saints in Progress, pray for us!

Thank you!

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Please know of my prayers for you, and please continue to pray for me and my family. I’ll see you next time, but in the meantime, God Bless!

–☧ Rob

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