Here is the description they provide. “During the first fourteen days of Advent, we will explore what the Scriptures say about fourteen women of the First Testament and their parallels to Mary. Then we will look more closely at Mary as chosen daughter of Israel, at the Annunciation, and at the Visitation. Finally, we will concentrate on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, as the Catholic Church anticipates his birthday in the so-called O'Antiphons.”
http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/adventca.html
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
ADVENT IS COMING!
As Advent draws near I find myself wondering how I will "wait" for the Lord this year and then it occurred to me that many of you were probably asking the same question.. There are a few resources I would like to share with you that perhaps might be helpful.
Creighton University's On Line Ministries has an excellent Advent page...here is the link...check it out...perhaps link it to your parish website or publish the link in the bulletin....
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/
Fr. John Ludwig, pastor of St. John the Apostle in Norwalk prepares a discussion starter/study guide for Advent each year and then he makes it available for all who might be interested. I am posting it here on the blog, but if you would like it in your IN BOX, simply email me at cfournier@dmdiocese.org.
First Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1-9 · 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 · Mark 13:33-37
1. “Be watchful! Be alert!” Think about some times when you were waiting for someone or something: a package to arrive, a phone call to come in, news from a relative, the results of some medical test. What methods do you use to stay watchful and alert? Have you ever fallen asleep and missed an appointment? Can you think of times when the waiting was for something joyful? How about times when you were waiting for something frightening?
2. “Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways?” Have you ever felt as though you had wandered far from God’s ways? Do you have friends or relatives who you feel have wandered from God’s ways? What were the circumstances that slowly led you (or them) away from God’s ways? How did you find your way back? How did they find their way back? Were there important people involved in the process?
3. “No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him.” Have you ever felt God was answering your prayer in a most concrete way? What were you praying for? Have you spoken with anyone who felt as though God had almost directly answered a prayer for them? How about the reverse – have you ever felt as though God couldn’t be bothered with your needs or intentions? How do you reconcile those two different experiences?
4. “We are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Can you name several different things? Did any of them turn out to be what you have become? Do you feel that God was “molding” you as you made your choices? How do we figure out what God wants us to do? Have you found that easy or difficult to discover?
5. “He leaves home and places his servants in charge….” Can you remember when your parents left you “in charge?” What did they leave you in charge of? Did that make you feel important and grown up? Or did it make you feel burdened? Have you ever left someone else in charge of a situation? What led you to trust that they were the right ones to be in charge? Are there some people or some things that God has left you “in charge” of?
6. “I give thanks to God always on your account.” At Thanksgiving time we come up with all kinds of things that we are thankful for. What are some of those for you? Do you notice that some of them have changed since last year at this time? Can you name some people for whom you give God great thanks? Has anyone ever told you that they give God thanks for you or for something that you have done? Can you share that with the group?
7. “…You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gifted and Talented programs caught a lot of attention when they were first introduced. Do you feel as though you are gifted and talented in some respects? What are you good at? There seem to be times in our lives when we feel that we are lacking in all kinds of spiritual gifts! What do you think St. Paul might have been thinking of when he told the Corinthians this? Can you name some “spiritual gifts?”
8. “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.” If today was you last day on earth, what are some of the things that you have left undone? Is there something that you would like to do but just haven’t gotten around to doing yet? What’s keeping you from working on that project? How many days, months, years do you think God will give you?
- Nov. 30, 2008
Second Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 40:1-5; 9-11 · 2 Peter 3:8-14 · Mark 1:1-8
1. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Who do you remember being the first to tell you about your faith? Was it a parent? A relative? A teacher? Can you recall any of the feelings of those earliest memories? New Testament scholars believe that Mark’s gospel was the first of the four gospels to be written. It is clearly the shortest of the four. Do you have a favorite gospel? How about a favorite gospel passage or story? Try reading Mark all the way through during the next week or two – you’ll be surprised how quickly you can do it.
2. “John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey.” John the Baptist must have been a strange character. Do you know some strange characters in your neighborhood or where you work? What about them is strange? Do you ever wonder if you are acting strange? Do you have some practices or tastes that are not in the mainstream? Do they sometimes “put off” other people? Has God ever used someone strange to make you look at things differently? Can you think of two or three very strange or eccentric people in your life?
3. “One mightier than I is coming after me.” John the Baptist realized that Jesus was going to do even greater things. We usually want our children and our grandchildren to “have things better than we did.” What are some of the wishes that you have for younger members of your family? Are they mostly material improvements or are there some less tangible things that we’d like them to have? What things are better for you and your generation than for your parents or grandparents?
4. “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is literally a “dunking” in water. John dunked his followers in water, but Jesus “dunks” us in the Holy Spirit. What do you think that means – to be dunked in the Holy Spirit? Sometimes today we feel as though we have been dunked in consumerism, in materialism, in calories, etc. How would our lives be different if we were dunked in God’s Holy Spirit? Share some ideas with your group.
5. “Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.” Have you ever sent someone on ahead to get things ready for something (a wedding, a picnic, a birthday party, a surprise gathering)? What were the circumstances? Did you pick the right person? Did they get things ready? Sometimes older members of a family feel that they have to “pave the way” for the younger members? Was that true in your family? Has anyone ever suggested that YOU go ahead to get things ready? How has that worked out?
6. “Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years….” Have you ever had a day that never seemed to end? Was this because of some terrible occurrence? What happened? Who were the people that were part of that day? Can you remember some of the details? Have you ever had a day that was over before you noticed? Was this because of some wonderful occurrence? Do the “good times” seem to pass more quickly than the “bad times?” St. Ignatius of Loyola (the founder of the Jesuits) asked his followers to conclude each day with a review or “examen” of how God had been present in the many moments of the day. He suggested that we try to name the best part of the day and the worst part of the day, the moment of God’s greatest grace and the moment when we felt God’s absence most. Have you ever tried to end each day with this review or “examen?”
7. “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs.” Spend a few quiet moments with this image of God’s care for you. Can you picture God looking for you, feeding you, and leading you where you need to go? - Dec. 7, 2008
Third Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 61:1-2a; 10-11 · 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 · John 1:6-8, 19-28
1. “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.” What are some reasons that you rejoice—friends, relatives, new skills you’ve acquired, some big worry over and done with? Have others shown you how to rejoice? Have you ever shown anyone else how to rejoice in some wonderful event? Do you find it easier to find reasons NOT to rejoice? Talk this over with your group.
2. “There is one among you whom you do not recognize, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” How many times have we failed to recognize a friend or acquaintance if it’s been a long time since we’ve seen them? When someone is seriously ill or has been in an accident, have you barely been able to tell who it is? Have you discovered that sometimes people don’t always recognize you? Sometimes we tell others that they’ve done something that “is not like them” – usually something bad! Can you recall being told that you aren’t “acting like yourself?” What did they mean? Have you ever felt that you were in the presence of someone truly great (whose sandal strap you weren’t worthy to untie)? If you feel comfortable, tell the group about this occasion.
3. “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert.” Every now and then we feel like no one is listening to us. This is how John the Baptist is portrayed. What are some of the issues or concerns that you think people don’t pay enough attention to?
4. “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.” What do you think Paul meant when he said “pray without ceasing?” How would that be possible? Have you been at some religious service that seemed as though it would never end? Is this what Paul had in mind? When are the times that you find you pray the most? Do you pray in the morning? In the evening? At mealtime? On special anniversaries? When do you find it the most difficult to pray? Have you ever tried to teach someone how to pray? What is your favorite form of prayer? Are you familiar with the Jesus Prayer? Centering Prayer? The Rosary?
5. “Test everything; retain what is good.” Blessed Pope John XXIII was famous for a similar saying: “See everything. Overlook a great deal. Improve a little.” John meant that we should not be blind to the tough realities, but we are limited creatures capable of limited influence. What are some of the things that you see that you WISH you could do something about, that you have to “overlook?” Can you think back to one or two great improvements that you have made in your life?
6. “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.” This reading is often used at ordination ceremonies. It can be just as fitting, however, for the average person. How do you feel God has chosen you? What task or role does God have set for you in particular? Do you feel that the spirit of the Lord is upon you?
7. “I am not the Christ.” “The Christ” means “the anointed (or chosen) one.” Have people ever made you feel as though they considered you like the messiah, even figuratively? How did you feel when you discovered that this was how they viewed you or the role you were playing?
8. “In all circumstances give thanks.” Does Paul really mean ALL circumstances? Are there times when you simply haven’t been able to give thanks? Share some of these difficult situations if you feel comfortable. What are the times when you feel that it is easiest to give thanks? Each time we pray the Eucharistic Prayer, the invitation is given: “All powerful God, it is our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks.” It’s a lifelong project, isn’t it?
- Dec. 14, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Advent Year B: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 · Romans 16:25-27 · Luke 1:26-38
1. “The angel Gabriel was sent from God….” The angel’s name is Gabriel, or Gabri-el. There are many names that end in “El” (Elohim), one of the Old Testament names for God. For example: Micha-el, Rapha-el, Dani-el, Samu-el. “Gabriel” means “man of God.” Do you know what your name means? Theodore and Dorothy are two versions of the same name: “gift of God.” John, Joan, etc., mean “God has been gracious.” Many Native American names mean something very concrete, viz., “Crazy Horse,” “Sitting Bull,” “Dances with Wolves.” The word “angel” comes from the Greek which means a “messenger.” Have you ever felt like God had sent an “angel” into your life to help you with something or to open your eyes to something? What were the circumstances? Did anyone ever tell you that you were like an “angel” from God?
2. “Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Sometimes people who adopt a child become pregnant after they have their adopted child. Do you know anyone who has had trouble conceiving a child? Have they considered adoption? During the time of Jesus, having children was considered a blessing from God, and being “barren” was thought a sign of God’s disfavor. Do you think people still think that way about this subject? How might it be different?
3. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” The Beatles had a song based on this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel. Maybe you recall it: “Let It Be.” This prayer of openness to the will of God is still an example to us. It comes from the prayer we call the “Magnificat.” Have you ever prayed that you would be open to whatever God had in mind for you? What “reservations” might you have about praying a prayer that is like a “blank check?”
4. “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent.” A new church or a new home can tell us how we think about our faith or about our family. How do we design it? What do we think is important? What do we cut costs on? When you look at your home, are there things that you wish were different? If you were building a home from scratch, what would you definitely include? What churches have you visited that have caught your attention? Have you visited them when they are full of worshipers or when they are empty? What difference might that make?
5. “She was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” The angel announces to Mary that she is to be the mother of the Messiah (the Christ). But this is to happen in a very extraordinary way? Do you think that Mary’s misgivings remained after the angel left? Have you ever met someone who made you uneasy? Was it the message they brought to you or the person him/herself? If Mary is a model of discipleship for us, is it any wonder that we sometimes worry and are troubled at what God may be telling us?
6. “I will give you rest from all your enemies.” Sometimes we discover that our worst enemies are ourselves. Do you find that sometimes this is true for you? Explain. Do you think you have any big enemies? Do we have enemies within our companies, schools, organizations, etc.? Does our country have any real enemies? How do you come to your conclusion?
7. Christmas is only a few days away. Do you find yourself exhausted? If so, why? What difference does the birth of Christ make to your life this year? What would you say is the central meaning of the “Incarnation” means for our world? Our custom is to exchange gifts to celebrate our joy at the Lord’s birth. What other customs could we use to celebrate that joy?
- Dec. 21, 2008
Creighton University's On Line Ministries has an excellent Advent page...here is the link...check it out...perhaps link it to your parish website or publish the link in the bulletin....
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/
Fr. John Ludwig, pastor of St. John the Apostle in Norwalk prepares a discussion starter/study guide for Advent each year and then he makes it available for all who might be interested. I am posting it here on the blog, but if you would like it in your IN BOX, simply email me at cfournier@dmdiocese.org.
First Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1-9 · 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 · Mark 13:33-37
1. “Be watchful! Be alert!” Think about some times when you were waiting for someone or something: a package to arrive, a phone call to come in, news from a relative, the results of some medical test. What methods do you use to stay watchful and alert? Have you ever fallen asleep and missed an appointment? Can you think of times when the waiting was for something joyful? How about times when you were waiting for something frightening?
2. “Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways?” Have you ever felt as though you had wandered far from God’s ways? Do you have friends or relatives who you feel have wandered from God’s ways? What were the circumstances that slowly led you (or them) away from God’s ways? How did you find your way back? How did they find their way back? Were there important people involved in the process?
3. “No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him.” Have you ever felt God was answering your prayer in a most concrete way? What were you praying for? Have you spoken with anyone who felt as though God had almost directly answered a prayer for them? How about the reverse – have you ever felt as though God couldn’t be bothered with your needs or intentions? How do you reconcile those two different experiences?
4. “We are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” What did you want to be when you grew up? Can you name several different things? Did any of them turn out to be what you have become? Do you feel that God was “molding” you as you made your choices? How do we figure out what God wants us to do? Have you found that easy or difficult to discover?
5. “He leaves home and places his servants in charge….” Can you remember when your parents left you “in charge?” What did they leave you in charge of? Did that make you feel important and grown up? Or did it make you feel burdened? Have you ever left someone else in charge of a situation? What led you to trust that they were the right ones to be in charge? Are there some people or some things that God has left you “in charge” of?
6. “I give thanks to God always on your account.” At Thanksgiving time we come up with all kinds of things that we are thankful for. What are some of those for you? Do you notice that some of them have changed since last year at this time? Can you name some people for whom you give God great thanks? Has anyone ever told you that they give God thanks for you or for something that you have done? Can you share that with the group?
7. “…You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gifted and Talented programs caught a lot of attention when they were first introduced. Do you feel as though you are gifted and talented in some respects? What are you good at? There seem to be times in our lives when we feel that we are lacking in all kinds of spiritual gifts! What do you think St. Paul might have been thinking of when he told the Corinthians this? Can you name some “spiritual gifts?”
8. “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.” If today was you last day on earth, what are some of the things that you have left undone? Is there something that you would like to do but just haven’t gotten around to doing yet? What’s keeping you from working on that project? How many days, months, years do you think God will give you?
- Nov. 30, 2008
Second Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 40:1-5; 9-11 · 2 Peter 3:8-14 · Mark 1:1-8
1. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Who do you remember being the first to tell you about your faith? Was it a parent? A relative? A teacher? Can you recall any of the feelings of those earliest memories? New Testament scholars believe that Mark’s gospel was the first of the four gospels to be written. It is clearly the shortest of the four. Do you have a favorite gospel? How about a favorite gospel passage or story? Try reading Mark all the way through during the next week or two – you’ll be surprised how quickly you can do it.
2. “John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey.” John the Baptist must have been a strange character. Do you know some strange characters in your neighborhood or where you work? What about them is strange? Do you ever wonder if you are acting strange? Do you have some practices or tastes that are not in the mainstream? Do they sometimes “put off” other people? Has God ever used someone strange to make you look at things differently? Can you think of two or three very strange or eccentric people in your life?
3. “One mightier than I is coming after me.” John the Baptist realized that Jesus was going to do even greater things. We usually want our children and our grandchildren to “have things better than we did.” What are some of the wishes that you have for younger members of your family? Are they mostly material improvements or are there some less tangible things that we’d like them to have? What things are better for you and your generation than for your parents or grandparents?
4. “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is literally a “dunking” in water. John dunked his followers in water, but Jesus “dunks” us in the Holy Spirit. What do you think that means – to be dunked in the Holy Spirit? Sometimes today we feel as though we have been dunked in consumerism, in materialism, in calories, etc. How would our lives be different if we were dunked in God’s Holy Spirit? Share some ideas with your group.
5. “Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.” Have you ever sent someone on ahead to get things ready for something (a wedding, a picnic, a birthday party, a surprise gathering)? What were the circumstances? Did you pick the right person? Did they get things ready? Sometimes older members of a family feel that they have to “pave the way” for the younger members? Was that true in your family? Has anyone ever suggested that YOU go ahead to get things ready? How has that worked out?
6. “Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years….” Have you ever had a day that never seemed to end? Was this because of some terrible occurrence? What happened? Who were the people that were part of that day? Can you remember some of the details? Have you ever had a day that was over before you noticed? Was this because of some wonderful occurrence? Do the “good times” seem to pass more quickly than the “bad times?” St. Ignatius of Loyola (the founder of the Jesuits) asked his followers to conclude each day with a review or “examen” of how God had been present in the many moments of the day. He suggested that we try to name the best part of the day and the worst part of the day, the moment of God’s greatest grace and the moment when we felt God’s absence most. Have you ever tried to end each day with this review or “examen?”
7. “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs.” Spend a few quiet moments with this image of God’s care for you. Can you picture God looking for you, feeding you, and leading you where you need to go? - Dec. 7, 2008
Third Sunday of Advent Year B: Isaiah 61:1-2a; 10-11 · 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 · John 1:6-8, 19-28
1. “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.” What are some reasons that you rejoice—friends, relatives, new skills you’ve acquired, some big worry over and done with? Have others shown you how to rejoice? Have you ever shown anyone else how to rejoice in some wonderful event? Do you find it easier to find reasons NOT to rejoice? Talk this over with your group.
2. “There is one among you whom you do not recognize, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” How many times have we failed to recognize a friend or acquaintance if it’s been a long time since we’ve seen them? When someone is seriously ill or has been in an accident, have you barely been able to tell who it is? Have you discovered that sometimes people don’t always recognize you? Sometimes we tell others that they’ve done something that “is not like them” – usually something bad! Can you recall being told that you aren’t “acting like yourself?” What did they mean? Have you ever felt that you were in the presence of someone truly great (whose sandal strap you weren’t worthy to untie)? If you feel comfortable, tell the group about this occasion.
3. “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert.” Every now and then we feel like no one is listening to us. This is how John the Baptist is portrayed. What are some of the issues or concerns that you think people don’t pay enough attention to?
4. “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.” What do you think Paul meant when he said “pray without ceasing?” How would that be possible? Have you been at some religious service that seemed as though it would never end? Is this what Paul had in mind? When are the times that you find you pray the most? Do you pray in the morning? In the evening? At mealtime? On special anniversaries? When do you find it the most difficult to pray? Have you ever tried to teach someone how to pray? What is your favorite form of prayer? Are you familiar with the Jesus Prayer? Centering Prayer? The Rosary?
5. “Test everything; retain what is good.” Blessed Pope John XXIII was famous for a similar saying: “See everything. Overlook a great deal. Improve a little.” John meant that we should not be blind to the tough realities, but we are limited creatures capable of limited influence. What are some of the things that you see that you WISH you could do something about, that you have to “overlook?” Can you think back to one or two great improvements that you have made in your life?
6. “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.” This reading is often used at ordination ceremonies. It can be just as fitting, however, for the average person. How do you feel God has chosen you? What task or role does God have set for you in particular? Do you feel that the spirit of the Lord is upon you?
7. “I am not the Christ.” “The Christ” means “the anointed (or chosen) one.” Have people ever made you feel as though they considered you like the messiah, even figuratively? How did you feel when you discovered that this was how they viewed you or the role you were playing?
8. “In all circumstances give thanks.” Does Paul really mean ALL circumstances? Are there times when you simply haven’t been able to give thanks? Share some of these difficult situations if you feel comfortable. What are the times when you feel that it is easiest to give thanks? Each time we pray the Eucharistic Prayer, the invitation is given: “All powerful God, it is our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks.” It’s a lifelong project, isn’t it?
- Dec. 14, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Advent Year B: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 · Romans 16:25-27 · Luke 1:26-38
1. “The angel Gabriel was sent from God….” The angel’s name is Gabriel, or Gabri-el. There are many names that end in “El” (Elohim), one of the Old Testament names for God. For example: Micha-el, Rapha-el, Dani-el, Samu-el. “Gabriel” means “man of God.” Do you know what your name means? Theodore and Dorothy are two versions of the same name: “gift of God.” John, Joan, etc., mean “God has been gracious.” Many Native American names mean something very concrete, viz., “Crazy Horse,” “Sitting Bull,” “Dances with Wolves.” The word “angel” comes from the Greek which means a “messenger.” Have you ever felt like God had sent an “angel” into your life to help you with something or to open your eyes to something? What were the circumstances? Did anyone ever tell you that you were like an “angel” from God?
2. “Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Sometimes people who adopt a child become pregnant after they have their adopted child. Do you know anyone who has had trouble conceiving a child? Have they considered adoption? During the time of Jesus, having children was considered a blessing from God, and being “barren” was thought a sign of God’s disfavor. Do you think people still think that way about this subject? How might it be different?
3. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” The Beatles had a song based on this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel. Maybe you recall it: “Let It Be.” This prayer of openness to the will of God is still an example to us. It comes from the prayer we call the “Magnificat.” Have you ever prayed that you would be open to whatever God had in mind for you? What “reservations” might you have about praying a prayer that is like a “blank check?”
4. “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent.” A new church or a new home can tell us how we think about our faith or about our family. How do we design it? What do we think is important? What do we cut costs on? When you look at your home, are there things that you wish were different? If you were building a home from scratch, what would you definitely include? What churches have you visited that have caught your attention? Have you visited them when they are full of worshipers or when they are empty? What difference might that make?
5. “She was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” The angel announces to Mary that she is to be the mother of the Messiah (the Christ). But this is to happen in a very extraordinary way? Do you think that Mary’s misgivings remained after the angel left? Have you ever met someone who made you uneasy? Was it the message they brought to you or the person him/herself? If Mary is a model of discipleship for us, is it any wonder that we sometimes worry and are troubled at what God may be telling us?
6. “I will give you rest from all your enemies.” Sometimes we discover that our worst enemies are ourselves. Do you find that sometimes this is true for you? Explain. Do you think you have any big enemies? Do we have enemies within our companies, schools, organizations, etc.? Does our country have any real enemies? How do you come to your conclusion?
7. Christmas is only a few days away. Do you find yourself exhausted? If so, why? What difference does the birth of Christ make to your life this year? What would you say is the central meaning of the “Incarnation” means for our world? Our custom is to exchange gifts to celebrate our joy at the Lord’s birth. What other customs could we use to celebrate that joy?
- Dec. 21, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Free On-Line Presentation
Googling God – A FREE Online Speaker presentation
With a grant from Our Sunday Visitor Institute, the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association has been sponsoring the Catholic Speakers Online (CSO) series. The latest offering will feature Mike Hayes of bustedhalo.com speaking on Googling GOD: The Religious Landscape of People in their 20s and 30s. Mike, who was a presenter for both NACMP and NCCL at last year’s conference in Houston will discuss how world events and personal experiences coupled with a technologically fast-paced world are influencing religious culture amongst younger people today. He will address the latest religious trends and the changing religious desires of today. He will also share ideas about helping those outside the church to find the richness of our tradition and those already involved to stay connected to their faith. There will be some time for discussion.
The session will take place Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 2:00-3:00 PM EST. All you need to participate is a connection to the internet and a computer headset or speakers for the audio. The session is free, but registration is required. To register, go to this site.
Monday, October 27, 2008
University of Dayton 2009 Calendar
The calendar for the University of Dayton's on-line learning process, the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is now available. You can learn more about the VLCFF by visiting the UD website at http://vlc.udayton.edu You may also contact Cheryl Fournier at the Pastoral Center at 1-515-237-5006 or by email at cfournier@dmdiocese.org for additional information as well. The calendar will soon be available on the Adult Faith Formation page of the diocesan web site.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Catholic News Service Bible Resources and BLOG!
Last week Catholic News Service launched its Bible Blog, a series of stories on books of the Bible or aspects of biblical study by some excellent scholars in Rome, the U.S. and Canada. Each scholar will post a 300-500 word piece almost daily throughout and after the world Synod of Bishops on the Bible, which runs Oct. 5-26 at the Vatican.
The Catholic News Service link is http://www.catholicnews.com/biblesynod/ I think you will find this a fascinating place to visit. Let me suggest that you subscribe to the RSS feed, which will let you know when the site has been updated!
The Catholic News Service link is http://www.catholicnews.com/biblesynod/ I think you will find this a fascinating place to visit. Let me suggest that you subscribe to the RSS feed, which will let you know when the site has been updated!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
World Synod of Bishops
SYNOD OF BISHOPS 2008 The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church
There are many features on the website, including a daily blog being authored by
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Catholic Bible Study on St. Paul from Our Sunday Visitor!
A special Year of St. Paul Bible study
Written especially for Catholics!
Immerse yourself in the person of the Apostle Paul--heroic in his martyr's death--but so recognizably human in his conversion story and subsequent letters to the faithful. Gain fresh insights into your own personal growth potential through the Scripture of St. Paul. Great for individual or group Bible studies!
Just $8.95» Order today»
Read an excerpt here from Mitch Pacwa's St. Paul: A Bible Study for Catholics»
Written especially for Catholics!
Immerse yourself in the person of the Apostle Paul--heroic in his martyr's death--but so recognizably human in his conversion story and subsequent letters to the faithful. Gain fresh insights into your own personal growth potential through the Scripture of St. Paul. Great for individual or group Bible studies!
Just $8.95» Order today»
Read an excerpt here from Mitch Pacwa's St. Paul: A Bible Study for Catholics»
Friday, August 22, 2008
Faithful Citizenship
Each election year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops publishes a very useful resource entitled Faithful Citizenship which explores political responsibility and conscience formation. The link below will take you to EXCELLENT resources from the USCCB for every group in your local community from children to adults! Why not give it a look see.
http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/
http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Publisher Offers St. Paul Resources
RCL-BENZIGER has an excellent website that will assist with basic information concerning St. Paul that would be beneficial for any member of your local faith community. You can find the site by clicking on the link below and then click on the St. Paul logo....
http://www.rclbenziger.com/
http://www.rclbenziger.com/
Monday, August 18, 2008
What is Evangelization?
What is Evangelization?Saturday, October 18• 9:00 AM– 2:30 PM
Registration & hospitality from 8:30 AM
All Saints Parish Center, Stuart
The mission of the Church is Evangelization.
This day long workshop with Bishop Pates will break open the
meaning of evangelization for us as the Catholic Community in Southwest Iowa.
Priests, Deacons, members of parish staffs, pastoral councils, councils for catechesis, boards of education, adult faith formation committees, RCIA teams, principals of Catholic schools, Catholic school faculty members, and the faithful of every parish community are encouraged to attend.
Come prepared to share in the dialogue; to be evangelized as we
evangelize others!
Registration fee is $15.00 per person...lunch is included.
Deadline for registration is October 10, 2008
For more information contact Cheryl Fournier at 515/237-5006
cfournier@dmdiocese.org
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Catholic Update for the Year of Paul
Catholic Updates are affordable resources made available by St. Anthony Messenger Press located in Cincinnati, Ohio. In July they released an excellent update about St. Paul. This short, 4-page essay would work well in any setting as as introduction to Paul and his role in forming and framing our Church. The Update is: Introducing St. Paul the Apostle
His Life and His Mission
By Ronald D. Witherup, S.S.
You can find it on-line at www.americancatholic.org and then clicking on "Catholic Updates" or by following this link directly: http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0708.asp
His Life and His Mission
By Ronald D. Witherup, S.S.
You can find it on-line at www.americancatholic.org and then clicking on "Catholic Updates" or by following this link directly: http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0708.asp
Looking for Something DYNAMIC for Young Adults?
Not too long ago I stumbled upon a website that I think is quite good. It is produced by a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago with the blessings of Cardinal Francis George. The website is entitled Word On Fire. Fr. Robert Barron offers on this website weekly homilies based on the Sunday readings, which are available as mp3 files and podcasts. Additionally there is a link to faith clips featuring Fr. Barron on YouTube. I have found this site inviting, attractive, and stimulating. Perhaps this is something you would like to check out for your communities...
http://www.wordonfire.org/
http://www.wordonfire.org/
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bishop Pates to Speak October 18 in Stuart!
The fall workshop is fast approaching and we are pleased to announce that Bishop Pates will be the presenter. The workshop will be held in Stuart on Saturday, October 18, beginning at 9:00 and concluding by 2:30. The day will touch on the importance of evangelization in our local communities. More information will be coming soon. You will not want to miss this opportunity!
Friday, July 11, 2008
More Web Resources for the Year of Paul
From RCL:
http://faithfirst.com/html/paulineyear/prayer.html
From Sadlier:
http://www.webelieveweb.com/catechist_development.cfm
From St. Mary’s Press:
http://www.smp.org/ResourcePage.cfm?Article=541
From Our Sunday Visitor:
http://www.osv.com/YearofStPaulNav/YearofStPaul/tabid/6133/Default.aspx
From Loyola Press:
http://yearofsaintpaul.com/
A Blog:
http://jubileeyearofsaintpaul.blogspot.com/
Jubilee Website: St. Paul Outside the Walls:
http://www.annopaolino.org/index.asp?lang=eng
From American Catholic (St. Anthony Press):
http://www.americancatholic.org/News/YearofStPaul/default.asp
From the Catholic News Agency:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/paulineyear/
http://faithfirst.com/html/paulineyear/prayer.html
From Sadlier:
http://www.webelieveweb.com/catechist_development.cfm
From St. Mary’s Press:
http://www.smp.org/ResourcePage.cfm?Article=541
From Our Sunday Visitor:
http://www.osv.com/YearofStPaulNav/YearofStPaul/tabid/6133/Default.aspx
From Loyola Press:
http://yearofsaintpaul.com/
A Blog:
http://jubileeyearofsaintpaul.blogspot.com/
Jubilee Website: St. Paul Outside the Walls:
http://www.annopaolino.org/index.asp?lang=eng
From American Catholic (St. Anthony Press):
http://www.americancatholic.org/News/YearofStPaul/default.asp
From the Catholic News Agency:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/paulineyear/
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Catholic Network for Adult Faith Formation
The link to the Catholic Network for Adult Faith Formation below has a host of resources available to support your ministry efforts in this year of Paul. I encourage you all to look at the list and take advantage of the materials being made available. The list is a combined project of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL, Adult Faith Formation Committee) and the National Advisory Committee on Adult Religious Education (NACARE).
http://www.cnaff.org/index.htm
http://www.cnaff.org/index.htm
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Pauline Year Resources Available!
As you know, Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year (June 28, 2008-June 29, 2009) a year of Jubilee in honor of St. Paul. I am happy to be able to forward to you some resources that may assist you in planning for this special time in the life of our Church. From time to time throughout the year I will be forwarding to you resources and web links that may assist you in developing events and programs that highlight the life and ministry of Paul.Below you will find an excellent resource available from LOYOLA PRESS….their site provides background information on St. Paul and offers a list of resources for the Pauline Year. The web address is:
http://www.yearofsaintpaul.com/
Additionally you will find some information including the declaration of the Pauline year on the Bishops Conference Website…the link is included here:
http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/stpaul/index.shtml
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Its Not Too Late!
RCIA Workshop Concerning the Period of the Catechumenate to be held this JULY!
The DM diocese is hosting the 2-day institute with North American Forum on the Catechumenate.“Focus on Initiation—Catechumenate” begins Friday morning, July 18 and concludes 4:00 PM Saturday, July 19.All institute sessions will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 6th and Grand, DM.Focus of the institute is the period of the Catechumenate itself—its intent and activities, the formation the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults calls for,the skills which coordinators and team members need.It is an excellent opportunity to discover the full meaning of “the baptismal catechumenate as the model for all faith formation.”Presenters will be
Mary Birmingham, author of Year Round Catechumenate and Word and Worship Workbook, Year A, B, C; and
Rev. Steve Lanza, pastor in the Chicago archdiocese, author for Catechumen’s Lectionary and the Foundations in Faith series.
Registration fee until May 16: $200/person ($190/person if 2 or more from the parish register together).FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARISHES AND RCIA TEAMS. THE APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 16.A 1-page flyer about the institute is attached.The flyer and a 4-page brochure about the “Catechumenate” institute are posted on our diocesan web page: www.dmdiocese.org
The DM diocese is hosting the 2-day institute with North American Forum on the Catechumenate.“Focus on Initiation—Catechumenate” begins Friday morning, July 18 and concludes 4:00 PM Saturday, July 19.All institute sessions will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 6th and Grand, DM.Focus of the institute is the period of the Catechumenate itself—its intent and activities, the formation the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults calls for,the skills which coordinators and team members need.It is an excellent opportunity to discover the full meaning of “the baptismal catechumenate as the model for all faith formation.”Presenters will be
Mary Birmingham, author of Year Round Catechumenate and Word and Worship Workbook, Year A, B, C; and
Rev. Steve Lanza, pastor in the Chicago archdiocese, author for Catechumen’s Lectionary and the Foundations in Faith series.
Registration fee until May 16: $200/person ($190/person if 2 or more from the parish register together).FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARISHES AND RCIA TEAMS. THE APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 16.A 1-page flyer about the institute is attached.The flyer and a 4-page brochure about the “Catechumenate” institute are posted on our diocesan web page: www.dmdiocese.org
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Bishop Pates Installed
On May 29th over 2000 faithful gathered in Hyvee Hall in downtown Des Moines to celebrate the installation of the diocese's ninth bishop, Richard Edmond Pates. At the side you will find some of the photos from this historic event in the life of the church in Southwest Iowa!
Monday, May 12, 2008
On-Line Formation in Faith through the University of Dayton
Many of you are aware that the Diocese of Des Moines partners with the University of Dayton to provide quality on-going formation in faith. Below you will find the schedule for cycles 5, 6 and 7. If you would like more information, please contact Cheryl Fournier at 515-237-5006 or by e-mail at cfournier@dmdiocese.org.
Feel free to look at the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation web site at http://vlc.udayton.edu.Cycle 5: Jul 13 - Aug 16
(Registration: May 20 - Jul 9)
· Evangelization and Discipleship
· General Introduction to Syro-Malabar Qurbana
· History of Catholic Social Action
· Jesus
· Marianist Studies: Social Justice
· National Directory for Catechesis
· Our Hearts Were Burning (Seminar)
· Overview of the GDC & NDC (Seminar)
Cycle 6: Aug 31 - Oct 4
(Registration: Jul 15 - Aug 27)
· Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan
· Islam
· Marianist Studies: Community
· Marianist Studies: Leadership
· National Directory for Catechesis
· Overview of the GDC & NDC (Seminar)
· Pastoral and Evangelizing Communication
Cycle 7: Oct 19 - Nov 22
(Registration: Sep 2 - Oct 15)
· Introduction to Christian Morality
· Jesus
· Mary in Scripture and Tradition
· National Directory for Catechesis
· Our Hearts Were Burning (Seminar)
· Overview of the GDC & NDC (Seminar)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
RCIA Workshop Concerning the Period of the Catechumenate to be held this JULY!
The DM diocese is hosting the 2-day institute with North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
“Focus on Initiation—Catechumenate” begins Friday morning, July 18 and concludes 4:00 PM Saturday, July 19.All institute sessions will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 6th and Grand, DM.
Focus of the institute is the period of the Catechumenate itself—
its intent and activities, the formation the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults calls for,
the skills which coordinators and team members need.
It is an excellent opportunity to discover the full meaning of “the baptismal catechumenate as the model for all faith formation.”
Presenters will be
“Focus on Initiation—Catechumenate” begins Friday morning, July 18 and concludes 4:00 PM Saturday, July 19.All institute sessions will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 6th and Grand, DM.
Focus of the institute is the period of the Catechumenate itself—
its intent and activities, the formation the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults calls for,
the skills which coordinators and team members need.
It is an excellent opportunity to discover the full meaning of “the baptismal catechumenate as the model for all faith formation.”
Presenters will be
- Mary Birmingham, author of Year Round Catechumenate and Word and Worship Workbook, Year A, B, C; and
- Rev. Steve Lanza, pastor in the Chicago archdiocese, author for Catechumen’s Lectionary and the Foundations in Faith series.
Registration fee until May 16: $200/person ($190/person if 2 or more from the parish register together).
FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARISHES AND RCIA TEAMS.
THE APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 16.
A 1-page flyer about the institute is attached.
The flyer and a 4-page brochure about the “Catechumenate” institute are posted on our diocesan web page: www.dmdiocese.org
BISHOP RICHARD PATES APPOINTED 9th BISHOP OF DES MOINES
Installation is scheduled for Thursday, May 29th at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lenten Resources
If you are looking for some great Lenten resources, consider looking at the US Bishops website. They have some great resources for all ages including examinations of conscience .... The resources will focus on justice and stewardship...I think you will find them helpful...additionally there is a link for an on-line radio retreat that is downloadable...check the archives for pieces you may have missed....
www.usccb.org/lent/morality.shtml#practices
www.usccb.org/lent/morality.shtml#practices
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