Last week, women in the “Behold — Visio Divina: Praying with Art” group at St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison contemplated Christ’s sacrifice for us depicted in the painting. However, they also wondered about the Blessed Virgin Mary maybe observing the horrific scene — her pain, inner strength and trust in God? On Tuesday nights, a group of women, from college age to 80, gather in the diocesan evangelization center at 7:30 p.m. to examine the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary by prayerfully reflecting on religious art that portrays various scenes of the Passion — all to strengthen their relationship with the Lord. This series — comprised of a closed group of 15 women — began on Jan. 21 and will conclude on Feb. 18.

Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Rockaway where he celebrated the vigil Mass Feb. 1 to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after the birth of Jesus. It is also known as Candlemas Day, since the blessing and procession of candles is often included in that day’s liturgy.

The first scene begins with the opening of front doors of a church — dramatic symbolism that introduces a new video to promote “Welcome Home to Healing.” This diocesan program invites the faithful to receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at local churches on Monday nights during Lent, starting on March 2.

A vinegary aroma fills the kitchen in the parish center at Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville, as cucumbers boil in large pots on the stove on their way to becoming delicious pickles. Some members of the Catholic Zoomers youth ministry stir the pickle brine as others form an assembly line to help make and package the pickles, called “Fr. Phil’s Dills” — an entrepreneurial endeavor that also let them enjoy the sweet smell of success.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court took up a case that will have far-reaching effects on our religious liberty. At issue are the Blaine Amendments, currently the law of the land in 37 states, mandating that no government funds benefit religious schools.