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ADULT FAITH FORMATION/EDUCATION TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THIS
PAGE Click on a topic to jump to that article: Have
a richer experience of the Mass Part
I v
Do
some homework: The more we know the more
we can feel a part of the Mass and appreciate it.
Learn more: read
Chapter 14 – “The Celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ” –
in the United States Catholic Catechism
for Adults. (available
in the Carpenter Shop) v
Prepare
ahead of time: Read
the readings before going to Mass, asking God to speak to you through
them. Living
with Christ is a monthly spiritual companion containing all the
Sunday and daily readings and all the prayers of the liturgy.
www.livingwithchrist.us.
v
Sit
in a different spot: A
new pew might bring a whole new perspective.
v
Pray
and sing with enthusiasm. Just
imagine if you were to say, “I love you” to your spouse or children in
a bored voice looking as though you couldn’t wait to leave the room.
Who would believe you? v
Arrive
on time: Easier
said than done. Arriving on
time – or better yet, early – helps put you in a calm and prayerful
state of being in which you can be receptive to listening to God’s Word
and to experiencing Mass as part of a community.
Give yourself time before coming to Mass to list any to-dos for the
day so you won’t be mentally listing them during v
Make
a great entrance: If
you find yourself arriving anxious or angry for any reason, take a moment
before getting out of the car to acknowledge your feelings, take a deep
breath and center yourself. Adapted
with permission from Catholic
Digest.
Have a richer experience of the
Mass Part
II v
Get
to know people: Getting
involved in a church activity can transform a church full of strangers
into a one of community. Greet
the presider after Mass, introduce yourself to the people in the pew next
to you, compliment the music director on a particular selection, etc, etc.
v
Serve
at Mass: Participating
as a reader, choir member, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, usher
or greeter can help give you an entirely new perspective on the v
Listen.
Really listen: Just
listen for the word or phrase God wants to speak into your heart today.
When you find your attention wandering, gently bring yourself back. v
Imagine
Jesus is present, because He is: How
would your attitude at Mass change if you were to envision Jesus Himself
sitting in one of the pews or standing at the altar or proclaiming one of
the readings? How much more
would you pay attention? With
how much more joy would you sing? v
Pray:
The Mass is the source
and summit of our lives as Catholics.
Pray before Mass begins and ask God to open your ears to God’s
word, your eyes to see God in the parishioners around you, your heart to
God’s message, your mouth to joyfully praise God and profess your love. v
Leave
Mass with a mission. In
the quiet time after communion, think about how God has spoken to you
today. What is God calling you
to do? How will you be more
like Christ this week? By
forgiving someone? Asking
forgiveness? By being more
patient? Helping someone who
is ill? By smiling and thus
lightening the day for someone? Try
not to leave until you’ve committed to at least one small, concrete way
to live the v
Work
for justice: Over
the last 100 years the Church has reinforced the connection between
Eucharist and justice. In his
letter on the Year of the Eucharist 2003, John Paul II pleaded with
Catholic communities to commit themselves to alleviating poverty and the
ills that come with it. “We
cannot delude ourselves. We
will be recognized as true followers of Christ by our mutual love and our
concern for those in need. This
will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic
celebrations is judged.” Adapted
with permission from Catholic
Digest. The most useless thing to do .................................Worry
Source Unknown Ten
reasons why the little one squirming in the pew in front of you is a gift
from God Children are
messengers from God. They
bring grace into our lives. Here’s
how: 1. Children are fresh. They look at the world with new eyes. The baby sees people in the pew, the stained glass windows, all of existence with total directness. The child doesn’t understand what she’s seeing, yet is open to life, hungry for it! 2. Children cry. They express their feelings this way yet are a disturbance for anyone who needs tranquility to pray. Crying is a reminder of the imperfection of life. It’s a railing against the frustrations of existence. 3. Children are flexible. Flexibility is seen in the contortions kids will put their bodies through. They help us see ourselves as we once were – and help us feel a connection to the baby we once were. 4. Children trust. They reach out to anyone willing to shake little outreaching hands. 5. Children believe. Infants and preschoolers aren’t likely to have much of an idea about God yet they do have faith in Mom and Dad. Being picked up – held by Mom or Dad helps them at a later time to envision God as the one Who embraces 6. Children are curious. They wonder about all that’s around them and all they hear. The church environment makes them wonder. They may hear the words of Jesus as “many are cold but few are frozen.” 7. Children are friendly. Mass is a pretty boring time for kids. They have to sit still and be quiet. Much or all of what is happening does not engage them yet in the moment when they see another child or someone they know they are filled with excitement. 8. Children listen. Generally children pay attention to parents; e.g. to sit still (if only for a few moments). The child tries. 9. Children love. Watch them! Kissing a parent; reaching out to a sibling in the same pew or to another adult in front or behind them. 10. Children are filled with hope. They don’t get hung up on the negative. They’re open to life with all its mystery. They know good things can happen; they expect good things to happen. Their world is awash with possibilities. They don’t court disappointment. They’re courageous in their own ways. It’s in this we can take heart. Adapted
from article with the same title in U.S.
Catholic. Patrick T.
Reardon. June 2007. Sampling
of books in the Carpenter Shop – come, browse, buy, read, grow! Note
the schedule in the bulletin *Lent: An Uncommon Love
Story—Antoinette Bosco *Lent and Easter: Wisdom from
Thomas Merton –brief reflections for every day of Lent through the 2nd
Sunday of Easter. *A Season of Rebirth: Daily
meditations that are invitations to ponder our lives and to open
our listening hearts to the voice of God – Marc Foley, OCD. *Woman, Why are you weeping? Daily
Meditations for Lent – reflections on the identity of
Jesus, the meaning of Christ’s passion, why and how Jesus died
for us; the
importance of
the Resurrection.—John Timmerman *The Little Black Book – invites you to spend six minutes each day
walking through the
scripture focusing on the Passion according to Matthew on the
right-hand side of the
book; the left-hand page provides a variety of information
appropriate to the Lenten season. These
reflections were written by Bishop Untener, Bishop of Saginaw prior to his recent death.
*Sacred Space for Lent 2007 – Spend 10 minutes praying wherever you
are with the help of
this prayer guide and scripture chosen for each day.
Each reflection has a question to
ponder. General
Reading *Henri Nouwen –
Multiple titles *Benedict Groeschel,
CFR – Multiple titles *Mother Teresa –
Books about *Padre Pio – Books
about *Joyce Rupp –
Multiple titles This lent learn about
the saints – Multiple titles Armed
Forces Prayer Book (Catholic
edition) – send to someone in the military Echo
in the Heart – 125 years – Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey
provides interesting
reading about our diocese. Is
there a bible in your home? This
lent would be a good time to purchase one. Lent
on line! Sites for Lenten
reflection. Any one of these
will lead you to other links. A
new way to pray! Needed:
Internet access and quiet time. www.usccb.org
-- click the latest in church news; there is also availability to the
Daily
www.americancatholic.org
– includes saint of the day, minute meditations and much more which is updated regularly. www.cptryon.org/prayer/season/index.html
-- mediations, Sunday readings, “Especially for children” section. www.jusuit.ie/prayer
-- has a particularly good section called Sacred Space (see book
section);
also Praying with the Pope. www.creighton.edu/collaborativeministry/daily.html
-- A treasure chest! Includes Via
Crucis:
Las estaciones de la cruz en espanol.
Explore its many links. Contact
Sr. Helen Demboski to borrow any of the following: 732-349-0018 ext. 2230 DVD *Dying to Live: A Migrant’s
Journey – a profound look at the human face of the migrant; a
reflection on the human struggle for a more dignified life and the search
to find God in the midst of it all. *The Diary of Immaculee – a true story of a remarkable woman’s
experiences in the midst of the tragic events in *Picturing Mary – visits museums, chapels and cathedrals in 8
countries to view masterpieces which span an artistic journey of almost
2000 years and crossing four continents. VHS *Gospel Attitudes – Finding
Peace; Questioning Priorities;
Choosing Health (3 videos) *Creativity: Touching the
Divine – Meet imaginative people who will enliven your mind and
refresh your spirit. *The Path of the Messiah – EWTN original documentary – travel the
*Where Is God When Life Hurts? – The Mystery of Suffering.
Offers insights into the mind and heart of the person in pain.
*Why We Go to Mass – Liturgy and Our Lives – Provides an
understanding of our liturgy as a dynamic celebration with a walk through
the order of the Mass, explaining how each part calls for our “full,
conscious, active participation” in God’s work on earth. You say: "It's impossible" Check your bible for any
passage that engages you and see what else God says! O God, you spoke to
Samuel not as a rushing wind but as a still, small voice. O God, you trusted
Noah with the care of your creatures while O God, as a father
you put young Jesus under Joseph's care. Permission
for one time use only.
Someone
asked Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, why he
continually practiced on his clarinet.
His reply:
“So that, even when I’m bad, I’m
good.”
When we set our sights high, even if we
fall short, we may be well above average!
A few suggestions: v
Give
up bitterness; turn to forgiveness. v
Give
up hatred; return good for evil. v
Give
up negativism; be positive. v
Give
up complaining; be grateful. v
Give
up pessimism; be an optimist. v
Give
up harsh judgments; think kindly thoughts. v
Give
up worry, trust Divine Providence. v
Give
up discouragement; be full of hope. v
Give
up anger; be more patient. v
Give
up pettiness; be more mature. v
Give
up gloom; enjoy the beauty around you. v
Give
up jealousy; pray for trust. v
Give
up gossiping; control your thoughts. v
Give
up sin; turn to virtue. St.
Paul encouraged us to “fill our minds with
everything that is true, good, and
beautiful.”
He realized it wouldn’t be easy;
however, he knew there is always grace.
All the saints agree on this:
holiness is possible.
Your holiness is possible!
Don’t give up on yourself! Liturgy
Update Part
I Why
are there changes being made now? What
is the GIRM? What
does the GIRM say about the presence of Christ? A
second way is in the person of the priest, called the presider.
The presider leads the community in prayer and helps us to
understand the words and actions of the Mass. A
third form of Christ’s presence is in the Word of God proclaimed in
scripture. Each time we hear
God’s Word, Christ is there for us and with us. A
fourth way is in what the Church calls the “Eucharistic species.”
This is the preeminent presence of Christ.
Christ is present in the bread and wine that become the Body and
Blood of Christ. St.
Augustine tells us: “We
become what we eat and drink.” Is
there any place for silence in the liturgy?
If so, why? When
are the times for silence during Mass? What
is the purpose of these moments of silence? Will
there be any different postures during Mass? What
is the posture and gesture of reverence for Holy Communion? www.stjoesparish.org
Then click Adult Faith Formation/Religious Education. May
I receive
the host on my tongue? Liturgy
Update Part II Are
there times other than when receiving Communion that we either bow or
genuflect? Outside
the celebration of Mass, it is appropriate to genuflect (with the right
knee) whenever passing in front of the tabernacle. Genuflecting
toward the tabernacle and bowing toward the altar are physical gestures.
They remind us that our religion is incarnational, and since Christ
became “like us in all things but sin,” all aspects of our humanity
ought to be involved in praising God. Will
I notice any other changes during the celebration of Mass? You
will also notice that the deacon will announce the intercessions to the
Assembly during the Prayers of the Faithful.
This is a function of service on the part of the deacon.
When a deacon is not present, the reader will present the
petitions. Are
there any practical implications for these ritual changes and emphases? If
the GIRM calls for silence in the celebration, we can benefit from
an examination as to the place of silence in the rest of our lives.
Do we ever turn off the television at home or the radio in the car?
What difference might a few moments of silence make in our lives?
We will never know unless we try! Why
is there this emphasis on liturgy? Conclusion
“Receiving the Bread of Life, the disciples of Christ ready
themselves to undertake with the strength of the Risen Lord and his Spirit
the tasks which await them in
their ordinary life. For the
faithful who have understood the meaning of what they have done, the
Eucharistic celebration does not stop at the church door.
Like the first witnesses of the Resurrection, Christians who gather
each Sunday to experience and proclaim the presence of the Risen Lord are
called to evangelize and bear witness in their daily lives.” On Keeping the
Lord’s Day Holy
#45 Participation makes all
the difference! 1.
Read the scriptures beforehand.
Notice themes, connections and especially challenges for your life.
Then listen attentively to the readings and homily. 2.
Be welcoming. Smile
and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.
This is especially important in a parish our size. 3.
Sing with gusto. Notice
the words you are singing so you can consciously pray them. 4.
Say responses and prayers with feeling.
When you say “Amen” or “Thanks be to God” or “Lord, have
mercy,” mean it. 5.
Actively listen through the entire celebration. 6.
Pray that God will open your heart and work through you.
God longs to pour grace into your heart.
You have to be willing to accept it. 7.
Arrive on time or even earlier.
Join in the singing of the closing hymn and leave when the hymn is
completed. 8.
During the course of the week recall the gospel message and find
ways to put the Word of God into practice. Choose and work on the one/s that will help you participate more fully in each week’s liturgy.
TITLES
OF JESUS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT These titles can be used as prayers in themselves. Imagine you are near the road as Jesus passes by. Repeat the most meaningful titles slowly, as a way of calling out to Jesus. Spend as much or as little time on one name as you need. Some people like to repeat just one or two over and over again as they pray, or throughout the day. Some place the word “Jesus” in front of any title used. Do whatever is most comfortable for you.
Reflection
Questions: Which one
or two of these scriptural titles catch your attention? Why? Which ones make you feel close to God? Which ones are most foreign to your way of praying?
Are you aware of any other titles of Jesus in the New Testament?
If yes, what are they? Do you know where in the New Testament to locate these titles? Proceed below the line after you try to identify the book/s in which the title/s is found. TITLES
OF JESUS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Some of these titles can be referenced in New Testament books other than the ones identified. Definitely, you will find them in the source noted. Read the title in context and you will have a better understanding of that title of Jesus in the New Testament.
Reception of Communion Under Both Kinds Beginning October 2-3 we will be offering the Cup with the Precious Blood at all weekend Masses. PART
1: Reception of Communion Under Both Kinds. Jesus
at the Last Supper took bread, blessed it,
broke it, gave it to his disciples, “Take
this and eat it; this is my body.”…. Christ is present in both elements. Christ is received whole and entire even when
received under one kind. 13th
century – the practice of giving communion only in the form of bread
became dominant in the Western church. This practice was declared general law in the Latin-rite
Church in 1415. Exceptions to
this law were few in number. Vatican
II – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy – The bishops of the world
established principles by
which the entire Eucharistic liturgy was revised, including
receptionofcommunion under both forms. 20th
century liturgical movement – aimed to restore the practice of
drinking from the chalice so all could participate fully in the Lord’s
Supper in the manner in which Christ
instituted it. 1984
– This Holy and Living Sacrifice,
a document of the U.S. Bishops, marks for the U.S. a major goal of the
liturgical movement: the (nearly)
total restoration of receiving communion under both kinds.
It remains the individual’s choice not to drink from the chalice
when offered under both kinds. The
example of Jesus at Last Supper is adequate justification for drinking
from the chalice. Other reasons noted in This Holy and Living Sacrifice:
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