A Warm & Welcoming Catholic Family of Faith, Love & Service
The Virgin Mary’s Love for Humanity
As recounted in the Gospel of St. John, while upon the cross, Jesus gave his mother to “the disciple whom he loved” (John 19:26). While most scholars believe this was a reference to St. John the Apostle specifically, theologians also refer to this passage and explain how Jesus was giving his mother to all of humanity, especially Christian disciples.
This means that the Blessed Mother was destined not only to become the mother of Jesus, but also the Mother of All the Living, the new “Eve” in a spiritual sense. Mary was thus transformed into a spiritual mother who looks tenderly upon us all, desiring that we draw closer to her Son. For those who want to draw closer to Jesus Christ, one of the most effective ways is to let the Virgin Mary guide you. She knows the Way better than anyone else and can provide us safe passage, protecting us as any loving mother would want to do. Remember the immensity of the love she has for you and allow her to lead you to her Son, the source of all love. www.aleteia.com
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If only I had more money, more time, more assistance, more talent. We all have a pretty impressive laundry list of why we can’t be of more service to God and to others. Even Saint Paul had his “thorn in the flesh,” some private difficulty that seemed to hold him back from being the apostle he sought to be. Paul kept praying for its removal so he could be free of this impediment. Finally he reinterpreted the thorn: not an impediment, but an opportunity to let God be God. Maybe it’s time to stop protesting and start serving! |
Mark 6:1. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” |
The Eucharist is one of the principal ways we connect to the perfect love of God. It is love given in sacrifice for the sake of others. If you’re not receiving enough love, give more love – be the love you want to receive. Take your needs to the Eucharist; ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to give more love instead of focusing on getting more, then ask Jesus to multiply the love that you give so it’s more than enough for your needs as well as the needs of others.
The Committed Catholic Father is the model of Catholic fatherhood, attempting to fully live out the truth and mercy of Christ in a balanced way. He not only is highly devout in his commitment to know Jesus Christ, but he enthusiastically leads (with his wife) the family in prayer, scripture, the sacraments, catechesis of the faith and in acts of mercy to serve those in need. He has a rich Catholic faith life and has built strong bonds of brotherhood with other Catholic fathers in his parish, men of faith who help build his faith, as “Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another” (Prov 27:17).
The Committed Catholic Father ensures that his children know the fullness of the truth of the Catholic faith, ensuring that his children come to have a deep knowledge, love and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is Truth itself. He personally engages in the catechesis of his children at home and may help mentor and teach the Catholic faith to other young people in the parish. The Committed Catholic Father seeks to demonstrate Christ’s mercy in overt ways to his children by actively loving their mother and them.
Most importantly, the Committed Catholic Father relies on the supernatural power from the graces of the Sacraments and his own diligent efforts in the never-ending ascent towards living the perfect balance of Christ’s truth and mercy in all his dealings with his family.
See the full article, This Father’s Day: Vow to be a Committed Catholic Father, at www.catholicworldreport.com.
Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a Catholic family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee's family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love--a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family's killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman's journey through darkness will inspire
After our solemn commemoration of the last days and death of Our Lord we will spend the month of April celebrating. As Spring breaks forth even nature will join us as buds and blooms begin to surface, and we spend this month basking in the joy of the Resurrection. We continue throughout the entire month to cry out, "Christ is risen, Christ is truly risen." Easter offers us the opportunity to begin again as though we were newly baptized. The unfathomable mercy of God is made manifest today if we but accept God’s most gracious offer. Easter is the feast of feasts, the unalloyed joy and gladness of all Christians. This truly is "the day that the Lord has made." From Sunday to Sunday, from year to year, the Easters of our lives will lead us to that blessed day on which Christ has promised that He will come again with glory to take us with Him into the kingdom of His Father. Catholicculture
Advent can serve as a reminder of the holiness of waiting. Faithful hope is a virtue, a grace, even a joy. Many expectant moms have shared that while they eagerly look forward to the birth of their child, the pregnancy itself is filled with joy. Paradoxically, Christian waiting also encourages us to find God in our present—not simply in our future. God is not only coming; God is already here. So while we anticipate the future with hope, we know that living mindfully in the present is a key way to encounter God. Remember that God does not say to Moses in Exodus, “I was” or “I will be.” God says, “I am.” Here and now. One of the great joys of Christianity, however, is that God always has something good prepared for our future. For the people of Israel is was a messiah. For us now it is greater intimacy with Christ, who is alive in the Spirit. And for us at the end of our earthly lives, it is eternal life. Find God today—but wait in hope for a beautiful future. –In All Seasons for All Reasons, J. Martin, SJ
Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage." --George W. Bush
President, USA
In today’s fast-paced world, having quality time with others can be a real struggle, a real sacrifice. In light of this fact, Lent, a season of sacrifice and reflection, is the perfect time to circle the wagons and draw near to one another, to reconnect and to be renewed. Below are suggestions to get the most out of your family time this Lent:
Compare schedules, mark a time each day/week to gather as a family and commit to it!
Take turns reviewing the good, the bad, and the ugly of your day/week. In doing so, give thanks to God for the good moments, ask for God’s help and forgiveness for the bad ones and patience for when things get downright ugly.
Take stock of what you are thankful for. This is especially helpful for the times we find ourselves drifting through Mass on Sunday. Mass is a time of thanksgiving, a time when God and we express our gratitude to each other. Bring your list of “thanksgivings” to Mass, reflect on them, as a family, after communion. Don’t just sit together. Pray together.
Take turns praying from the heart. There is no better way to end your quality time together than with prayer. Prayer from the heart is exceptionally powerful, as we express faith in our own words which, in turn, confirms and strengthens us and those around us.
Ideas to enrich your celebration of Lent at home:
Lenten Family Mealtime: In addition to “Meatless Friday,” designate one evening a week to prepare a meal together. Assign a different dish or task to each family member. Before starting, discuss how each family member is giving to the others—giving time, effort, and care to nourish the entire family to go out and do God’s will. Begin with a prayer of thanks and petition.
Family Lenten Reading: Prominently display the Bible and other books that feature topics such as Lent, forgiveness, prayer, Scripture, generosity, social justice and service for others. Invite family members to choose books and discuss what you read.
Family Kindness and Sharing: On slips of paper, write random acts of kindness, such as give a compliment, say hi to an old friend, carry someone’s heavy load. Present each family member with a slip of paper as he or she leaves in the morning. Invite each family member to perform the kindness without seeking recognition. Afterward, talk together about what happened. Pray with one another that your kindnesses will be passed on throughout Lent and beyond.
Giving to Charities: Ask each family member to find three to five high-quality, useful items that would be appreciated by those who are less fortunate. Donate the items to a favorite charity. Pray together for those who will receive them.
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Washington D.C., March 4, 1801
Abortion builds on the lie that the smallest and weakest among us have less value and can even be discarded. Teaching children about abortion is not as difficult as many think. Children are particularly receptive to the message of equality of all people, and to the truth that might does not make right. They have a keen sense of justice and fairness. They know what it means to need protection from dangers they can neither withstand nor understand. They know what a baby is, and they know it is wrong to kill a baby.
Furthermore, they have not been around long enough to practice the mental gymnastics of denial that are necessary for developing and maintaining a pro-choice position.
It is not necessary to teach children the details of reproduction before they learn that abortion is a bad thing. The basis for teaching about abortion is not the reproductive system, but the dignity and worth of every human person, whether that person is big or small, young or old, healthy or sick, wanted or unwanted, convenient or inconvenient.
The basis for teaching young people about abortion is the same basis on which we teach that the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” applies to any other category of people . –Father Frank Pavone; full article from Priests for Life on our website .
Why not tie your faith to some of your New Year’s resolutions/goals? Below are more ideas (continued from last week) to implement doing just that.
A Catholic Smartphone?
Surprisingly, you’ll find plenty of smartphone apps to help you become a better Catholic. Simply type “Catholic” in your phone’s app store search index, and you’ll find a long list of apps including prayers, Catholic radio stations, Confession guides, Bibles, etc. Instead of texting or checking email during idle time, make use of those apps to learn more about your faith.
Find a Patron Saint
If you don’t have a patron saint, it’s time to find one! Saints are our heroes in faith and are powerful intercessors for us in heaven. You might want to learn more about the saint you were named after, your Confirmation saint, the patron saint of your profession or hobby or any saint who interests you.
Attend Daily Mass
Most parishes, including ours, offer daily Mass during the week in the morning or during lunch. Most daily Masses take only about 30 minutes of your day. The Eucharist nourishes and strengthens our faith!
With the New Year 2017 comes new hope for a new beginning. A new beginning is a perfect time to decide to strengthen your Catholic faith life. Why not tie your faith to some of your New Year’s resolutions/goals? Below are some ideas to implement doing just that. Prayer – Add more prayer to your daily life. Faith Formation – No matter how old you are (children and adults alike), there are religious education programs designed to deepen your faith knowledge and formation. Find out what our Parish offers and join a program designed to deepen your faith or a Bible Study group. Be Active and Get Involved – Going to Mass on Sunday is only part of being a Catholic Christian. There are so many ministries within the Catholic Church and all of them need volunteers to keep them running. What ministries are offered within our Parish? What interests you? Do you see an unmet need within our Parish? Attend Mass – Try to attend daily Mass as often as your schedule will allow. What better way to start the day?
Today's Catholic is called to take an intelligent, spiritual approach to God’s Word in the Bible. Below are pointers for more fruitful Scripture reading:
Bible reading is for Catholics. The Church encourages Catholics to make reading the Bible part of their daily prayer lives. Reading these inspired words, people grow deeper in their relationship with God and come to understand their place in the community God has called them to in himself. --Prayer is the beginning and the end. Reading the Bible is not like reading a novel or a history book. It should begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the Word of God. Scripture reading should end with a prayer that this Word will bear fruit in our lives, helping us to become holier and more faithful people. (continued next week…)
Know what the Bible is – and what it isn't. The Bible is the story of God's relationship with the people he has called to himself. It is not intended to be read as history text, a science book, or a political manifesto. In the Bible, God teaches us the truths that we need for the sake of our salvation. The sum is greater than the parts. Read the Bible in context. What happens before and after – even in other books – helps us to understand the true meaning of the text. The old relates to the new. The Old Testament and the New Testament shed light on each other. While we read the Old Testament in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has its own value as well. Together, these testaments help us to understand God's plan for human beings.
You do not read alone. By reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture, Catholics join those faithful men and women who have taken God's Word to heart and put it into practice in their lives. We read the Bible within the tradition of the Church to benefit from the holiness and wisdom of all the faithful. What is God saying to me? The Bible is not addressed only to long-dead people in a faraway land. It is addressed to each of us in our own unique situations. When we read, we need to understand what the text says and how the faithful have understood its meaning in the past. In light of this understanding, we then ask: What is God saying to me? Reading isn't enough. If Scripture remains just words on a page, our work is not done. We need to meditate on the message and put it into action in our lives. Only then can the word be "living and effective."(Hebrews 4:12). www.usccb.org
Keeping Sundays holy does not mean that you have to completely change your lifestyle. If your job requires that you work on Sunday, you don’t have to quit. Instead, try to incorporate the holiness of the day into whatever you do; try to set aside some time during the day to reflect on God. If your family members are sports fans, turning off the TV or refusing tickets to a game would only create resentment and could actually turn people away from God. The key is to look at sports as a form of rest and recreation which allows you to appreciate God’s gift of athletic ability. If you’re invited to the theater or some special performance on Sunday, it’s not wrong to go. Be grateful to God and enjoy yourself. But, remember to do ALL things for the glory of God! To Him goes ALL the glory!
When God wants to work in your life, God always gives you a dream — about yourself, about what God wants you to do, about how God will use your life to impact the world. How do you know when a dream is from God? If a dream comes from God, it will be so big that you can’t do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn’t need faith. –R. Warren
1. Pray
Prayer must be directed at developing an intimate relationship with Christ. There are many ways to pray, including the prayers of the Mass, the Rosary, the prayers we have memorized since childhood, and simply sitting down, imagining that Jesus is sitting next to you and speaking with him. St. Thérèse of Lisieux describes this sort of prayer as “a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” This prayer, as is all prayer, is a response to God’s love. It is most appropriate when we receive the Eucharist, our highest form of prayer. Use all forms of prayer.
2. Study
We need to know our faith. [Your] parish offers several ways of doing this through religious education classes, but I would also like to recommend getting a subscription to the National Catholic Register to learn from a faithful Catholic source just what is really going on in the Church worldwide. Find out where to find the answers to questions. An excellent Bible for this purpose is the Catholic Answers Bible. We must immerse ourselves in our faith. We should have religious symbols in our homes. I have several Jewish friends and when I go to their house the first thing I see is a mezuzah on their doorpost. They have Menorahs and Hebrew writings in their homes. They are fighting for the survival of their faith. Let’s be honest, in our families, we are, too!
3. Be Generous
We should be generous not only with our Parish but with our neighbors and friends and even those we don’t particularly like. Jesus tells us that our Father sends the rain on the good and the bad. (Matthew 5:45) and that we are to be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48).
4. Evangelize
Proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In the Gospel, Jesus sent out the twelve apostles as an example for us. (Mark 6:7). St. Peter tells us that we should “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do so with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15). We must evangelize with faith and humility. (Matthew 5:48).
The Church faces several challenges with regard to engaging the family, including hectic schedules and divided attention. A recent study showed a shocking decrease in the amount of time devoted solely to family conversation, a 33 percent decrease in families eating dinner together, and a 28 percent drop in family vacations. In the same period, the time children spent in structured sports doubled, and passive spectator leisure time increased five-fold. Another study showed that 28 percent of Americans say they are spending less time with their families than in the previous year and this rise appears to be related to more time on digital media. Let’s be on guard and work at giving that precious time and attention back to the family—the domestic Church.
1. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Although it’s a Sacrament that many of us shy away from, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a blessing. It’s a powerful way to ask God’s forgiveness for our sins and a powerful way to receive that mercy. It’s an invitation to start anew.
2. Help People in Need
We are all called to see the face of Christ in others. At the same time, we are all called to let the light of Christ shine within us. Volunteering to help those in need and joyfully giving what we can to assist them is a wonderful way to fulfill both callings. Praying for people on a prayer list and souls in Purgatory are also great ways to bless others.
3. Join a Church Ministry
God gives us all unique gifts. Sharing them with our fellow Parishioners in service of God, the Church and our neighbors are excellent ways to show God our appreciation. Our parishes are also a great place to nurture our gifts, so we can share them with our communities and our world.
4. Go to Eucharistic Adoration
What better gift can we give Jesus (and ourselves) than to spend quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament? Pope John Paul II used to spend hours there. Beliefnet.com Continued next week…
5. Participate in a Retreat or Workshop
Christian retreats, seminars and workshops can enrich our faith in various ways. They can reignite our passion for God’s Word and our love for Jesus. They can also inspire us by giving us new ways to pray to, praise and serve God. The blessings of fellowship and friendship also enhance our lives in amazing ways. 6. Pray the Rosary In St. John Paul II’s “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” the beloved pope stated “With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of His love.” With information available on many Catholic websites, at religious bookstores, in churches and on Catholic cable channels, it is easy to learn how to pray the Mysteries of the Rosary. It’s a beautiful way to draw closer to Jesus. (We say it every Thursday night at 7pm in our Adoration Chapel! Join us!) Beliefnet.com Continued next week…
In Ephesians 6:17, the apostle, Paul, writes “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” If we hope to understand God’s teachings and let them guide us, spending quality time with The Bible will help us accomplish this goal. By exploring our faith in new ways, we can find many treasures. Inspiration, peace of mind, wisdom, compassion, fellowship and the saving love of Jesus can be found along the path. If we resolve to refresh our faith through any of these opportunities, our journey as Catholics can be revitalized in ways we never imagined. Beliefnet.com
It is important to know why you want to become financially free. This may seem like a “no-brainer.” After all, why would you want to be in financial bondage because of debt? Freedom-from-debt looks like the logical choice. Nevertheless, your motivation for becoming debt free is important. Being released from the tension and anxiety of debt and being able to do what you want, when you want, might be high on a priority list. But for the Christian, learning God’s biblical principles of finances, and practicing them in order to become debt free, actually is a path to know Christ more intimately and be financially free to serve Him. This means, however, that you must trust God and be willing to submit to His will and direction. We say we trust God, but there’s a great difference between saying and trusting. Often we trust if it’s convenient or necessary as a last resort. God expects us to trust Him daily, in all things. If you’re serious about becoming financially free, take these action steps: Transfer ownership to God. Recognize that God really owns what you have and that includes your family as well as your time and things. Recognize this biblical principle or it will be impossible to free yourself financially. "The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it." (Psalm 24:1 NASB) www.focusonthefamily.com
Get Out of Debt
Break the habits that keep you in debt – like spending more than you earn and borrowing. Save so you don’t have to borrow. "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it." (Proverbs 15:16 NASB) Accept God’s Provision for You. God is wiser than you are and He will provide for your needs just as He promised. "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ " (Matthew 6:31 NASB). Refuse Temptations to Make Hasty Financial Decisions. Don’t buy into get-rich-quick schemes or be pressured to make quick decisions based on incomplete information. "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5 NASB) www.focusonthefamily.com
Strive for excellence in all you do
Set high standards for yourself and your family. Humility doesn’t mean second best. "Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterance of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever." (1 Peter 4:11 NASB) Seek contentment through your relationship with God. A discontented spirit produces greed and covetousness. Contentment results from a proper relationship with God based on accepting the lifestyle that He has made provision for in your life. "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (Philippians 4:11-12 NASB) www.focusonthefamily.com
Believe God’s Promise That Your Needs Will Be Met
Sometimes God will do this through the abundance of others. However, He never promises to provide equally for everyone. As a Christian, learn to accept God’s provision for you, because it is clear evidence of the role He has designed for you in His plan. Accept His provision without resentment because, "At this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality." (2 Corinthians 8:14 NASB)
Spiritual reading of Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels, is an important form of meditation. This spiritual reading is traditionally called divine reading. The first element of this type of prayer is reading: take a short passage from the Bible, preferably a Gospel passage and read it carefully, perhaps three or more times. Let it really soak-in. The second element is meditation: By using your imagination enter into the Biblical scene in order to "see" the setting, the people, the unfolding action. It is through this meditation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life. The next element is prayer or your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation. Contemplation is a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God: By God's action of grace, you may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality. In contemplation, you come into an experiential contact with the One behind and beyond the text.
The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium. It is an echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb. With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer. —On the Most Holy Rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae)
Eucharistic Adoration is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which occurs in every Mass: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb." Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the sacrifice of the Mass and serves to deepen our hunger for Communion with Christ and the rest of the Church.