Archdiocese of Dubuque
Marriage & Family Life Office
1229 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 556-2580, x233
www.dbqarch.org/family-life
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Ways to Learn and Live the Faith
as a Catholic Family
Lenten Activities for Your Family 
Holy Week
March 25 - Palm Sunday
March 27 - Chrism Mass 
Join Archbishop Jackels at the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque on Tuesday, March 27th at 2:00 PM. During this beautiful Mass, witness and experience the blessing of the oils which are used for baptism, confirmation, ordination, and anointing of the sick.
The Easter Triduum
March 29 – Holy Thursday
March 30 – Good Friday
Learn about Good Friday
March 31 – Holy Saturday
Learn about Holy Saturday
12 Things You Need to Know About Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday Prayer
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Marriage Matters
 Getting Ready for Lent
Lent has begun! Lent is an opportunity to grow in virtue through developing good habits and pushing aside distractions. This year, try to work as a team with your spouse to make the most of Lent. Click here for a short article with some helpful ideas.
If you have not already, you're invited to discuss with your spouse what commitments you can make to each other and to the Lord to grow in faith this Lent and help each other achieve those goals. Click here for another article with ideas to consider for Lenten resolutions for your marriage.
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Saints of the Month
March 3 – St. Katharine Drexel
March 4 – St. Casimir
- Learn more about St. Casimir here.
March 8 – St. John of God
- St. John of God is the patron saint of booksellers. Take the family to the library for story time or enjoy a fun day at the book store.
 March 14 – St. Matilda
- Learn more about St. Matilda here.
March 17 – St. Patrick
March 19 – St. Joseph
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Website Spotlight
 Founded by Lacey Rabideau, a Catholic mother of four, Catholic Icing specifically targets those working with Catholic children and families, and is read by thousands of Catholic parents every week.
Catholic Icing offers free crafts, recipes, and hands-on ideas for Catholic families. Readers can subscribe to get email updates with new craft ideas, free printables and downloads.
(From www.catholicicing.com)
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There's An App For That!
Xt3 Lent
 Give God a moment this Lent with Xt3.com.
The 2018 Xt3 Lent Calendar App and Website is full of meditations, videos and reflections that will help you journey through the Lenten season.
The first door of the Calendar will open on February 14th, Ash Wednesday. App users will be able to open a new door of the Calendar every day until Easter Sunday, and will continue until Divine Mercy Sunday.
Watch the promotional video.
Watch the introductory video.
View the calendar online here.
Download the iPhone App
Download the iPad App
Download the Android Phone App
Download the Android Tablet App
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Interest in Pinterest
March Pinterest Highlights for Families
from the Education Resource Center, Archdiocese of Dubuque
www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
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Book of the Month
 The Secret of the Shamrock
(Chime Travelers Series)
by Lisa Hendey
When Patrick has to work on his church’s cleaning team on a Saturday, he thinks his weekend fun is ruined. But when the old church bells start chiming, Patrick and his pet frog, Francis, are suddenly taken back through time to ancient Ireland. Will the strange shepherd he meets be able to help him get home, or will Patrick be stuck taking care of sheep in the rain and mud forever? Find out in The Secret of the Shamrock.
(from www.amazon.com)
For ages 7-10 years old (Grade level 2-5)
For more information and to purchase the book, click here.
This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: BK #201466.
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March Movie Pick
 Check out this month's movie pick:
The Passion of the Christ
*Adult content, not suitable for children
This film depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ, starting from His prayers in the Garden or Gethsemane and His betrayal at the hands of Judas Iscariot. It goes on to show the trials He endured under Pontius Pilate and King Herod as well as the torture and ridicule He suffered in between. Once the death sentence is pronounced, He carries a heavy wooden cross to Golgotha amidst throngs of jeering citizens and horrendous beatings, while a few citizens do what they can to help Him. Throughout this time, we are shown memories from His past with His mother and the Disciples, where He gives His teachings. Finally, Jesus is crucified, dies, and is buried,and resurrects from the dead on the third day.
(from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335345/plotsummary)
- Watch the movie trailer by clicking here.
- Purchase a DVD of this movie here.
- Online Discussion Questions are available here.
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Prayers and Reflections
St. Patrick is not only the patron saint of Irish people; he is also the patron of excluded people. During this month dedicated to awareness of intellectually and developmentally challenged people, as we strive to be inclusive to all, let us look to St. Patrick for guidance and intercession.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ shield me this day:
Christ be with me,
Christ within me,
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ beside me,
Christ to win me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ in quiet,
Christ in danger,
Christ to comfort me and restore me,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every person
who thinks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
http://catholicsaints.info/saint-patrick/
Meditate on these words with a musical version of this prayer here.
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All Are Welcome
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Each year, March is set aside as Disability Awareness Month, since the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Declaration in 1978 which stated, “There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities. We are one flock that serves a single shepherd.” Including persons with disabilities in all aspects of parish life continues to be our guiding principle. Here in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Office of Persons with Disabilities provides valuable education, resources, retreat opportunities, and support to help parishes and catholic schools live out this goal.
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Upcoming Events
Spring Retreat Weekend for Adults with Varied Abilities
April 14-15, 2018 at Camp Albrecht Acres, Sherrill, IA. For information and registration, contact Jim Betzner at dbqcffpc@dbqarch.org.
Catholic Men's Conference
Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids.
Keynote speaker: Matt Fradd
More information, including registration, is forthcoming.
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