In this e-weekly:
- Quotes from Saints throughout e-weekly
- Twins Baptized by Twins: Babies Welcomed into the Church by Priest, Deacon Twin Brothers (Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Catholicism: Journey Around the World and Deep into the Faith, Excellent DVD Series (Helpful Hints for Life)
- Quotes from Saints throughout e-weekly
- Twins Baptized by Twins: Babies Welcomed into the Church by Priest, Deacon Twin Brothers (Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Catholicism: Journey Around the World and Deep into the Faith, Excellent DVD Series (Helpful Hints for Life)
+JMJ+
“All Saints” and “All Souls” surrounding the Most Holy Trinity
Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Solemnity of All Saints, Commemoration of All Souls
“I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9
“All Saints” and “All Souls” surrounding the Most Holy Trinity
Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Solemnity of All Saints, Commemoration of All Souls
“I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
The solemn month of November always begins with Solemnity of All Saints followed by the Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed (All Soul's Day). On Nov. 1, we honor and imitate all our brothers and sisters who await us and help us from heaven, the next day, Nov. 2, and especially the rest of the entire month we pray for those who are being purified in purgatory so that they will be with God forever.
There are about 4,000-5,000 canonized saints in the Church. Those who the Church has said with absolute certainty are in heaven. A ‘saint’ can mean to be anyone redeemed by Jesus Christ, but is almost always used in the Catholic Church to refer to someone who is with God.
The seventh Spiritual Work of Mercy is “To pray for the living and the dead.” A priest has special permission to offer 3 Masses on All Soul’s Day, and Catholics are strongly encouraged to attend the Holy Mass on November 2nd. ALL the souls of purgatory cannot help themselves because their time on earth, their time of merit is over, so while slowing being purified, they await our prayers to help them.
Our world needs saints today perhaps more than ever. A saint is simply ‘a sinner who perfectly accepts the mercy of God.’ You and I can do that! God and those we love NEED us to do that. From now on, do the simple things of your life with great love, and you will be saint!
Honor, love, and receive help from the saints as they give it to the souls of purgatory. Fight the good fight here on earth, pray for the souls of purgatory, and ask for their prayers for you. Then one day, if you and I are faithful, we will join ALL Saints and ALL souls of purgatory in heaven! Thank you Jesus for the Communion of Saints!!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. Please check out the term and website section for more information and for a history of All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day.
P.S.S. This Sunday is the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm
The solemn month of November always begins with Solemnity of All Saints followed by the Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed (All Soul's Day). On Nov. 1, we honor and imitate all our brothers and sisters who await us and help us from heaven, the next day, Nov. 2, and especially the rest of the entire month we pray for those who are being purified in purgatory so that they will be with God forever.
There are about 4,000-5,000 canonized saints in the Church. Those who the Church has said with absolute certainty are in heaven. A ‘saint’ can mean to be anyone redeemed by Jesus Christ, but is almost always used in the Catholic Church to refer to someone who is with God.
The seventh Spiritual Work of Mercy is “To pray for the living and the dead.” A priest has special permission to offer 3 Masses on All Soul’s Day, and Catholics are strongly encouraged to attend the Holy Mass on November 2nd. ALL the souls of purgatory cannot help themselves because their time on earth, their time of merit is over, so while slowing being purified, they await our prayers to help them.
Our world needs saints today perhaps more than ever. A saint is simply ‘a sinner who perfectly accepts the mercy of God.’ You and I can do that! God and those we love NEED us to do that. From now on, do the simple things of your life with great love, and you will be saint!
Honor, love, and receive help from the saints as they give it to the souls of purgatory. Fight the good fight here on earth, pray for the souls of purgatory, and ask for their prayers for you. Then one day, if you and I are faithful, we will join ALL Saints and ALL souls of purgatory in heaven! Thank you Jesus for the Communion of Saints!!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. Please check out the term and website section for more information and for a history of All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day.
P.S.S. This Sunday is the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm
All Saints Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110123.cfm
All Soul's Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110223.cfm
All Soul's Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110223.cfm
585. With what spirit of communion and mission do we pray to God as “our” Father? (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2791-2793, 2801)
a) a spirit that prays with all people and for all people
b) one that acknowledges that it is a common blessing for the baptized
c) a mission that joins in Jesus’ prayer for the unity of His disciples
d) all of the above
586. What does the phrase “Who art in heaven” mean? (CCC 2794-2796, 2802)
a) it is a place in the sky only
b) it is the place where God creates artwork
c) with Christ we already live there
d) none of the above
587. What is the structure of the Lord’s Prayer? (CCC 2803-2806, 2857)
a) there is no particular structure to the Our Father
b) it is has nearly 100 petitions
c) it goes from least important to most important
d) God-centered petitions with our poverty and expectations
(Answers below)
a) a spirit that prays with all people and for all people
b) one that acknowledges that it is a common blessing for the baptized
c) a mission that joins in Jesus’ prayer for the unity of His disciples
d) all of the above
586. What does the phrase “Who art in heaven” mean? (CCC 2794-2796, 2802)
a) it is a place in the sky only
b) it is the place where God creates artwork
c) with Christ we already live there
d) none of the above
587. What is the structure of the Lord’s Prayer? (CCC 2803-2806, 2857)
a) there is no particular structure to the Our Father
b) it is has nearly 100 petitions
c) it goes from least important to most important
d) God-centered petitions with our poverty and expectations
(Answers below)
SAINT Catherine of Siena:
"God is closer to us than water is to a fish."
"God is closer to us than water is to a fish."
Catholic Term
“A saint is simply a sinner who perfectly accepts the Mercy of God.”
“A saint is simply a sinner who perfectly accepts the Mercy of God.”
protodulia (from the Latin word proto”first”)
-first veneration or honor given to St. Joseph after Blessed Mary but before any other saints or angels
term review
latria (from the Greek latreia “service, worship”)
- Latin word used in English meaning worship due to God alone
dulia (Latin word used in English)
-veneration or honor given to saints as servants of God
hyperdulia (Latin word used in English)
-higher veneration or honor given to Mary as the most exalted of all creatures
purgatory (from Late Latin purgatorius “purging”)
- A temporary state in which the souls of those who have died in grace must be made perfect by being fully conformed to Christ Jesus. (All souls in purgatory will eventually go to heaven.) [Read more in the Website section.]
-first veneration or honor given to St. Joseph after Blessed Mary but before any other saints or angels
term review
latria (from the Greek latreia “service, worship”)
- Latin word used in English meaning worship due to God alone
dulia (Latin word used in English)
-veneration or honor given to saints as servants of God
hyperdulia (Latin word used in English)
-higher veneration or honor given to Mary as the most exalted of all creatures
purgatory (from Late Latin purgatorius “purging”)
- A temporary state in which the souls of those who have died in grace must be made perfect by being fully conformed to Christ Jesus. (All souls in purgatory will eventually go to heaven.) [Read more in the Website section.]
SAINT Angela Merici (1474-1540)
“Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family.”
“Helpful Hints of Life”
TV Series, Catholicism
"Shook me to the core..."-Mike Leonard, NBC Today Show Correspondent and Executive Producer of CATHOLICISM
"This is the most important media project in the history of the Catholic Church in America. A stimulating and compelling exploration of the spiritual, moral, and intellectual riches of the Catholic world. " -George Weigel, Biographer of Blessed John Paul II
Catholic News Service: "‘Catholicism’
TV Series, Catholicism
"Shook me to the core..."-Mike Leonard, NBC Today Show Correspondent and Executive Producer of CATHOLICISM
"This is the most important media project in the history of the Catholic Church in America. A stimulating and compelling exploration of the spiritual, moral, and intellectual riches of the Catholic world. " -George Weigel, Biographer of Blessed John Paul II
Catholic News Service: "‘Catholicism’
October 15 : The Catholic News Service featured a review of CATHOLICISM on their website. Read the review below.
A visually splendid and intellectually satisfying introduction to Catholic Christianity is provided by the 10-part video series “Catholicism.” Written and hosted by Father Robert E. Barron, the complete documentary is available for purchase on DVD at Word on Fire.
A priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Father Barron is certainly not lacking in academic credentials. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from France’s Institut Catholique de Paris and serves as the Francis Cardinal George professor of faith and culture at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He’s also been a visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame and Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, colloquially known as the Angelicum.
Like his august – and equally well educated — forerunner Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, however, Father Barron displays a knack for conveying complex ideas in easily grasped, television-friendly terms. His enthusiasm as a narrator also serves to keep the pace pleasingly rapid.
As he explores the identity of Jesus, the main topic of “Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Become Man,” the first episode screened, the globetrotting Father Barron visits lushly photographed holy sites in Bethlehem, Galilee and Jerusalem before traveling on to various sacred locales around Rome. Classical religious artwork – smoothly panned and zoomed in the style justly known among broadcasters as the Ken Burns effect — provides further engaging imagery.
The substantive discussion carried on behind these visuals introduces viewers to the messianic expectations laid down in the prophecies of the Old Testament and to the surprising, sometimes paradoxical, manner in which Jesus — by his life, death and resurrection — fulfilled them.
A first-rate DVD resource for teen and adult religious education, whether in a parish setting or at home – and must-watch public television programming for all old enough to profit from it – “Catholicism” enlists sophisticated production values
and an elegantly crafted script in the service of explaining — and celebrating — the faith.
A visually splendid and intellectually satisfying introduction to Catholic Christianity is provided by the 10-part video series “Catholicism.” Written and hosted by Father Robert E. Barron, the complete documentary is available for purchase on DVD at Word on Fire.
A priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Father Barron is certainly not lacking in academic credentials. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from France’s Institut Catholique de Paris and serves as the Francis Cardinal George professor of faith and culture at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He’s also been a visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame and Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, colloquially known as the Angelicum.
Like his august – and equally well educated — forerunner Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, however, Father Barron displays a knack for conveying complex ideas in easily grasped, television-friendly terms. His enthusiasm as a narrator also serves to keep the pace pleasingly rapid.
As he explores the identity of Jesus, the main topic of “Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Become Man,” the first episode screened, the globetrotting Father Barron visits lushly photographed holy sites in Bethlehem, Galilee and Jerusalem before traveling on to various sacred locales around Rome. Classical religious artwork – smoothly panned and zoomed in the style justly known among broadcasters as the Ken Burns effect — provides further engaging imagery.
The substantive discussion carried on behind these visuals introduces viewers to the messianic expectations laid down in the prophecies of the Old Testament and to the surprising, sometimes paradoxical, manner in which Jesus — by his life, death and resurrection — fulfilled them.
A first-rate DVD resource for teen and adult religious education, whether in a parish setting or at home – and must-watch public television programming for all old enough to profit from it – “Catholicism” enlists sophisticated production values
and an elegantly crafted script in the service of explaining — and celebrating — the faith.
SAINT Francis de Sales:
"Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and fearful imaginings. Trust in the Giver of all good gifts."
"Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and fearful imaginings. Trust in the Giver of all good gifts."
All Saints’ Day
This Tells of the Day:
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2022-11-01
Here is a History of All Saints’ Day in the Catholic Church:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm
All Souls’ Day
This Tells of the Day:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-11-02
Here is a History of All Souls' Day in the Catholic Church:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315b.htm
Catholic Biblical Apologetics for Purgatory
http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap090400.htm
This Tells of the Day:
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2022-11-01
Here is a History of All Saints’ Day in the Catholic Church:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm
All Souls’ Day
This Tells of the Day:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-11-02
Here is a History of All Souls' Day in the Catholic Church:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315b.htm
Catholic Biblical Apologetics for Purgatory
http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap090400.htm
Best Parish Practices
PARISH CAN HAVE 'HELP DESK' IN GATHERING PLACE OUTSIDE OF CHURCH
Have a desk with someone at it to help people questions about your parish and some material from the Parish Office (after pandemic).
BENEFITS:
It usually takes a lot for someone to talk to the Parish Priest or even come by the Parish Office, or the hours never fit some schedules. Many have questions when they come to Mass, but forget to ask later. Having a 'Help Desk' with someone at it can do all this and more, and the desk can have items from Kleenexes and hand sanitizer to schedules, Mass Intentions, to parish ministries, etc.
HOW:
Talk to your Parish Priest and ask if he is open to it. Then get a desk of some type (standing desks work best) for a person to be at with all the things that might be helpful for visitors and regular Mass goers along with someone who is eager to help others.
SAINT Francis of Assisi
“Man should tremble, the world should vibrate,
all Heaven should be deeply moved
when the Son of God appears on the alter
in the hands of the priest.”
“Man should tremble, the world should vibrate,
all Heaven should be deeply moved
when the Son of God appears on the alter
in the hands of the priest.”
By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Oct 28, 2023 / 07:00 am
Twins Gianna and Andrew Renwick were born on July 18, each weighing slightly less than 6 pounds. One month later, on Aug. 20, they were baptized at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, by Father Ben Daghir and Deacon Luke Daghir, clergy from the Diocese of Erie who happen to be twin brothers.
Luke and Kristin Renwick are parents to four under 4: Arthur, Grace, Gianna, and Andrew. The Catholic couple told CNA that they always prayed for twins knowing that it runs in the family. Kristin’s mom is a twin and her mother’s grandfather was a twin. But, after suffering a miscarriage last fall, twins were not on the Renwicks’ mind.
“When we got pregnant again, we were blessed with twins so we ended up doubling up the family,” Luke Renwick said.
Kristin added: “We had always prayed for twins. You just never actually think — will God grant us these prayers? But, certainly, prayers were answered and God is good.”
CNA Staff, Oct 28, 2023 / 07:00 am
Twins Gianna and Andrew Renwick were born on July 18, each weighing slightly less than 6 pounds. One month later, on Aug. 20, they were baptized at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, by Father Ben Daghir and Deacon Luke Daghir, clergy from the Diocese of Erie who happen to be twin brothers.
Luke and Kristin Renwick are parents to four under 4: Arthur, Grace, Gianna, and Andrew. The Catholic couple told CNA that they always prayed for twins knowing that it runs in the family. Kristin’s mom is a twin and her mother’s grandfather was a twin. But, after suffering a miscarriage last fall, twins were not on the Renwicks’ mind.
“When we got pregnant again, we were blessed with twins so we ended up doubling up the family,” Luke Renwick said.
Kristin added: “We had always prayed for twins. You just never actually think — will God grant us these prayers? But, certainly, prayers were answered and God is good.”
Parents Kristin and Luke Renwick with Father Ben Daghir, Deacon Luke Daghir, and their baptized twins, Gianna and Andrew Renwick. Credit: Don Wojtaszek
When the Renwicks found out they were expecting twins, they were excited to share the news with their parish priest, Father Ben Daghir, who was ordained in the spring of 2022, since he is also a twin.
Luke explained that as they got closer to the delivery date, they spoke with Daghir about setting up the baptism.
“We asked him to do it and within that conversation he’s like, ‘Hey, would you be open to my brother being a part of it as well? Because he’ll be a [transitional] deacon at that point and then it would be twins baptizing twins,’” he shared.
“We just thought that was the coolest thing in the world, and I mean, how unique is that?” Luke said.
When the Renwicks found out they were expecting twins, they were excited to share the news with their parish priest, Father Ben Daghir, who was ordained in the spring of 2022, since he is also a twin.
Luke explained that as they got closer to the delivery date, they spoke with Daghir about setting up the baptism.
“We asked him to do it and within that conversation he’s like, ‘Hey, would you be open to my brother being a part of it as well? Because he’ll be a [transitional] deacon at that point and then it would be twins baptizing twins,’” he shared.
“We just thought that was the coolest thing in the world, and I mean, how unique is that?” Luke said.
The Renwicks decided that instead of having a separate ceremony, they would do it during Mass “because we really wanted other people to experience it as well,” Luke said.
Kristin added: “I think it was the witness of it, what made it so much more special.”
Another unique circumstance was being able to have two sets of godparents — one set for each baby. Gianna’s godparents are Kristin’s sister and brother-in-law and Andrew’s godparents are Luke’s sister and a close family friend who is currently in seminary.
For Kristin, having three sets of twins present at the baptism was special.
“It was the Daghir twins and then my mom and my aunt, and then the babies, and we have this really cool picture of all of them together,” she said.
The Renwicks shared that the meaning behind each of their twins’ names also has a special significance.
Kristin added: “I think it was the witness of it, what made it so much more special.”
Another unique circumstance was being able to have two sets of godparents — one set for each baby. Gianna’s godparents are Kristin’s sister and brother-in-law and Andrew’s godparents are Luke’s sister and a close family friend who is currently in seminary.
For Kristin, having three sets of twins present at the baptism was special.
“It was the Daghir twins and then my mom and my aunt, and then the babies, and we have this really cool picture of all of them together,” she said.
The Renwicks shared that the meaning behind each of their twins’ names also has a special significance.
Andrew Renwick is presented to St. Mary's of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, as their newest baptized Christian. Credit: Don Wojtaszek
Since 2015, the couple has been involved in “Alpha,” a program for adult faith formation that emphasizes evangelization. During a talk one day, the speaker said: “We can’t all be St. Peters, but we can all be St. Andrews” — referring to the fact that Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus. This resonated with Luke.
“I’ve always loved the fact that that’s kind of what we’re here for is just to introduce people to Jesus,” he said.
One of Kristin’s favorite saints is St. Gianna Molla.
“I’m a family physician. So, I was always drawn to St. Gianna because she was a pediatrician, of course, and led the pro-life movement as well, which is so special to me. So, it was kind of a no-brainer,” Kristin explained.
Gianna and Andrew, who are now 3 months old, already have a unique “connection.” Kristin shared that seeing the two snuggle up together and interact “is incredible” and a “miracle from God.”
Since 2015, the couple has been involved in “Alpha,” a program for adult faith formation that emphasizes evangelization. During a talk one day, the speaker said: “We can’t all be St. Peters, but we can all be St. Andrews” — referring to the fact that Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus. This resonated with Luke.
“I’ve always loved the fact that that’s kind of what we’re here for is just to introduce people to Jesus,” he said.
One of Kristin’s favorite saints is St. Gianna Molla.
“I’m a family physician. So, I was always drawn to St. Gianna because she was a pediatrician, of course, and led the pro-life movement as well, which is so special to me. So, it was kind of a no-brainer,” Kristin explained.
Gianna and Andrew, who are now 3 months old, already have a unique “connection.” Kristin shared that seeing the two snuggle up together and interact “is incredible” and a “miracle from God.”
Connor Farrell (second from right) and his siblings assemble care packages for Bright Lights in Greenville, South Carolina (photo: Courtesy of Connor Farrell)
Kathy Schiffer BlogsOctober 29Helping people has always been important to Connor Farrell. His parents set an example, taking into their home foster children who were facing a crisis situation. And as the Farrells drove to and from school, they often saw homeless individuals along their route; so the Farrell children — Mary Kate, Connor, Evan and Maggie — helped to distribute snacks and toiletries to those in need.
During the pandemic, the problem loomed even larger: With people isolated at home, there was an increase in demand; but at the same time, supply chain delays meant that common self-care products were often hard to obtain. Additionally, there was an increase in the homeless population in Greenville, South Carolina, where the Farrells made their home.
Connor and his family, members of St. Mary Magdalene parish in Simpsonville, sat down and discussed how they could better help those in need. Driving to and from school, they had passed the Triune Mercy Center, a non-denominational church that ministered to the homeless population, and had often seen people in need gathered there; so Connor and his siblings reached out to the pastor to ask how they might help. The four Farrell children began packaging hygiene kits which included basic necessities such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, razors and washcloths. In addition, they tucked into each hygiene kit an inspirational Bible quote. Each month, the family dropped off the hygiene kits at the Triune Mercy Center and at the Upstate Office of Catholic Charities.
Things have changed in the ensuing years. Mary Kate, the oldest of the Farrell children, has gone on to attend college at Villanova University, and the younger children have gone on to pursue other interests. Connor Farrell, now a junior at St. Joseph High School in Greenville, has continued the project and has taken it to a new level. With support from his father, an attorney, Connor founded a nonprofit organization, Bright Lights Greenville, to better meet the needs of the area’s homeless population. Connor applied for and received a 501(c)(3) status for his charitable organization, making it easier for people who sympathize with his cause to join in support. Earlier this year, Connor’s Bright Lights Greenville was awarded a $1,500 Global Youth Mobilization Grant sponsored by the World Health Organization. That grant enabled Connor to expand the outreach and to launch a new website (www.brightlightsgreenville.com).
The organizations which Connor’s ministry helps have been more than grateful for his generous contributions to the homeless in the local community. Jennifer Foust Sheorn, pastor and director of the Triune Mercy Center, had met Connor when she began her work at the Center in July 2020. She reported that she had enjoyed getting to know the young man through emails, which he had initiated, asking what he and his family could do to help those experiencing homelessness in the Greenville area. “I’ve been most impressed with this young man,” she said.
Connor is a self-starter. He’s kind, intelligent, considerate, friendly and hardworking, and he has such a tremendous passion for service to the least of these.
Connor learned about Triune through his church, and now once a month he leads the way by packing and delivering over 50 hygiene kits to bring along with over 100 meals to serve to our parishioners. I wish that every freshman in high school had Connor’s drive and dedication to the disadvantaged. One of the common things we hear from our parishioners is how many of them feel like others look right past them and don’t really see them nor take the time to show them respect or grant them dignity. Connor is an exception to the rule. Through the generosity of Connor, his family and church community, we’re able to feed people and offer them a bag of dignity and respect in a hygiene kit. More than that though, Connor is setting an example for his peers through his selfless acts of service and approach to caring for others.Jessica Thrall, site administrator for the Upstate Regional Office of Catholic Charities of South Carolina, said:
Connor is a bright young man who exudes a passion for serving his community. It is a pleasure for Catholic Charities Upstate to partner with Bright Lights Greenville because through their partnership we are able to meet more of the community’s hygiene needs.Connor Farrell talked recently with the Register about his project, and about his hopes for expanding the service to a wider area — even as he approaches his college years. “Originally, it was a family project,” Connor said, “However, it became a personal project for me because I’m the one who’s taken it to a new level. And when the pandemic hit, there was a greater need — because of higher demand for hygiene products, and because of supply chain issues, coupled with an increase in the homeless population in Greenville.”
Connor has somehow managed to balance his schoolwork, athletics (he is a competitive swimmer on his high school team as well as a community team), and his management of Bright Lights GVL. With college on the horizon, Connor plans to continue managing the website and handling the organization from his dorm room. He hopes that his younger siblings can help to pack the hygiene packages, and he will continue the project as his time permits.
Connor described himself as “a very independent person” — so it made sense that he would pursue his goal of helping the homeless. Asked whether his Catholic faith played a part in his empathy for those in need, he answered:
Absolutely! Something that wasn’t mentioned in most of the news articles [about Bright Lights Greenville] is that usually we package in our hygiene kits a motivational Bible verse, along with personal care items. That’s one way that we bring the aspect of faith into our organization.The young entrepreneur understood that there are certain legal restrictions which prohibit a non-profit association from affiliating with a church. “Nevertheless,” he added, “we recognize that the homeless are valuable human beings, made in the image and likeness of God.”
Asked how readers could support his efforts, Connor suggested that they check out his website, Bright Lights Greenville, to make a donation or to learn more about the organization.
During the pandemic, the problem loomed even larger: With people isolated at home, there was an increase in demand; but at the same time, supply chain delays meant that common self-care products were often hard to obtain. Additionally, there was an increase in the homeless population in Greenville, South Carolina, where the Farrells made their home.
Connor and his family, members of St. Mary Magdalene parish in Simpsonville, sat down and discussed how they could better help those in need. Driving to and from school, they had passed the Triune Mercy Center, a non-denominational church that ministered to the homeless population, and had often seen people in need gathered there; so Connor and his siblings reached out to the pastor to ask how they might help. The four Farrell children began packaging hygiene kits which included basic necessities such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, razors and washcloths. In addition, they tucked into each hygiene kit an inspirational Bible quote. Each month, the family dropped off the hygiene kits at the Triune Mercy Center and at the Upstate Office of Catholic Charities.
Things have changed in the ensuing years. Mary Kate, the oldest of the Farrell children, has gone on to attend college at Villanova University, and the younger children have gone on to pursue other interests. Connor Farrell, now a junior at St. Joseph High School in Greenville, has continued the project and has taken it to a new level. With support from his father, an attorney, Connor founded a nonprofit organization, Bright Lights Greenville, to better meet the needs of the area’s homeless population. Connor applied for and received a 501(c)(3) status for his charitable organization, making it easier for people who sympathize with his cause to join in support. Earlier this year, Connor’s Bright Lights Greenville was awarded a $1,500 Global Youth Mobilization Grant sponsored by the World Health Organization. That grant enabled Connor to expand the outreach and to launch a new website (www.brightlightsgreenville.com).
The organizations which Connor’s ministry helps have been more than grateful for his generous contributions to the homeless in the local community. Jennifer Foust Sheorn, pastor and director of the Triune Mercy Center, had met Connor when she began her work at the Center in July 2020. She reported that she had enjoyed getting to know the young man through emails, which he had initiated, asking what he and his family could do to help those experiencing homelessness in the Greenville area. “I’ve been most impressed with this young man,” she said.
Connor is a self-starter. He’s kind, intelligent, considerate, friendly and hardworking, and he has such a tremendous passion for service to the least of these.
Connor learned about Triune through his church, and now once a month he leads the way by packing and delivering over 50 hygiene kits to bring along with over 100 meals to serve to our parishioners. I wish that every freshman in high school had Connor’s drive and dedication to the disadvantaged. One of the common things we hear from our parishioners is how many of them feel like others look right past them and don’t really see them nor take the time to show them respect or grant them dignity. Connor is an exception to the rule. Through the generosity of Connor, his family and church community, we’re able to feed people and offer them a bag of dignity and respect in a hygiene kit. More than that though, Connor is setting an example for his peers through his selfless acts of service and approach to caring for others.Jessica Thrall, site administrator for the Upstate Regional Office of Catholic Charities of South Carolina, said:
Connor is a bright young man who exudes a passion for serving his community. It is a pleasure for Catholic Charities Upstate to partner with Bright Lights Greenville because through their partnership we are able to meet more of the community’s hygiene needs.Connor Farrell talked recently with the Register about his project, and about his hopes for expanding the service to a wider area — even as he approaches his college years. “Originally, it was a family project,” Connor said, “However, it became a personal project for me because I’m the one who’s taken it to a new level. And when the pandemic hit, there was a greater need — because of higher demand for hygiene products, and because of supply chain issues, coupled with an increase in the homeless population in Greenville.”
Connor has somehow managed to balance his schoolwork, athletics (he is a competitive swimmer on his high school team as well as a community team), and his management of Bright Lights GVL. With college on the horizon, Connor plans to continue managing the website and handling the organization from his dorm room. He hopes that his younger siblings can help to pack the hygiene packages, and he will continue the project as his time permits.
Connor described himself as “a very independent person” — so it made sense that he would pursue his goal of helping the homeless. Asked whether his Catholic faith played a part in his empathy for those in need, he answered:
Absolutely! Something that wasn’t mentioned in most of the news articles [about Bright Lights Greenville] is that usually we package in our hygiene kits a motivational Bible verse, along with personal care items. That’s one way that we bring the aspect of faith into our organization.The young entrepreneur understood that there are certain legal restrictions which prohibit a non-profit association from affiliating with a church. “Nevertheless,” he added, “we recognize that the homeless are valuable human beings, made in the image and likeness of God.”
Asked how readers could support his efforts, Connor suggested that they check out his website, Bright Lights Greenville, to make a donation or to learn more about the organization.
For the Doucette family, rosary-making is a family activity. (photo: Courtesy of the Doucette Family)
Joseph Pronechen FeaturesOctober 24
Joseph Pronechen FeaturesOctober 24
When Matt and Elizabeth Doucette were students at Franciscan University of Steubenville and first dating, she wanted to get him a rosary for a Christmas gift. Shopping for one, she couldn’t locate “the” rosary she wanted, so she ended up gathering beads for a rosary and other parts, including the crucifix and medal, and making the special rosary she really had in mind but couldn’t find.
“That was the little seed all the way back,” Matt said, because at that time neither realized that six years after they would marry in 2006, they would launch Design My Rosary (DesignMyRosary.com), their family business run from home. Elizabeth already had experience making rosaries with her mother for the Fathers of Mercy in Kentucky. “My mom was making rosaries for them. That’s how I learned,” she said. Then Matt presented the inspiration to start Design My Rosary. With his experience, Matt designed their website and worked with his wife to make rosaries.
The family is always happy to hear the stories behind the unique rosary creations. As Matt shared, “We find we often make them for children being baptized.” The Doucettes share this family tradition, he said: “We make a rosary for each of the children and have it blessed at their baptism.”
“And lots of people tell us about one for a convert entering the Church,” he added. The Doucettes feel honored and privileged “to be included in those stories and those moments. We feel we’re part of it when they ask us to make that rosary.”
There are the sad stories, too, whether for funerals or the loss of a child. These stories stick out for Elizabeth. “As a mother we’ve done several memorial rosaries for infants that have passed away. I’ve always been touched by that. We had a close friend who we did that for as well.”
Many happy occasions include making rosaries for weddings. Often people buy rosaries to go in the bride’s bouquet. “One of the most fun things is when we have made rosaries for the entire wedding party,” Elizabeth said.
In fact, it might be said the Rosary led to the Doucettes’ marriage. The time-honored devotion brought Matt and Elizabeth together in 2002, when they were students at Franciscan University. “We met because of the Rosary,” Matt explained. “We happened to be in a similar random collection of students that began praying the Rosary at the grotto,” Elizabeth added, referring to a popular devotional site on campus.
“Over time we’d hang around talking, then developed a friendship and started dating.”
Naturally, the Rosary has always continued to be a big part of their lives, including as Matt transitioned to working full time with Elizabeth.
“One of the first things I did when I left teaching and Elizabeth was making the rosaries was to produce a Rosary DVD,” he said. “Our children inspired us to create ‘Pray the Rosary,’ a DVD that has helped us as a family pray the Rosary together, which can be a challenge with children.”
An animated Rosary is seen below each decade, each illustrated with beautiful artwork through all four mysteries, helping even the youngest pray-ers to keep their place.
The Rosary anchors their family life with eight children — Maximilian, 14; Isabella Clare, 12; Olivia Irene, 10; Benjamin Joseph, 8; Dominic, 7; Samuel, 5; Gabriel, 3; and Violet, who is going on 2 months — amid home schooling. As Elizabeth explained, “We’ve had times where we’ve really struggled to sit together and pray the Rosary as a family. We make a recommitment to pray it each day. I feel like the grace that comes from God and knowing I’m helping my children develop this prayer life and carry it into adulthood is wonderful. We struggle like any family. The baby will throw things across the room, and that gets giggles. That’s all part of the beauty of it.”
As she also shared, “I enjoy how as the kids have gotten older they can help lead each one of the decades, and it feels more like praying it as a family.”
In terms of the family business, the children assist with packing the rosaries into the gift boxes in which they’re shipped, labeling packages and mailing them. The two older girls learned how to make rosaries from their mother. Of the scores of different beads, Bella said, “There’s Cats Eye I really like working with.” Another favorite is a Christmas-themed one “that’s really pretty.” Livy has her favorites, too. “My favorite kind of bead is called tree agate.”
They may make rosaries as a family, but praying the Rosary is the most important legacy. As Elizabeth said, “We make a recommitment to pray it each day.”
WORLD | OCT. 24
Mexican Beauty Queen Discerns ‘Radical’ Move to Religious Life
Young woman joins the Poor Clare Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament.
Catholic News AgencyMEXICO CITY — Esmeralda Solís Gonzáles is a young Mexican woman who was crowned last year as a beauty queen in her hometown — and now she’s joined the Poor Clare Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament.
Twenty-year-old Gonzáles has watched her story go viral over the last week on social media over a post on the “Miss Mexico” Facebook page.
Gonzáles was born April 12, 1997, in Valle de Guadalupe, Jalisco State, to a Catholic family. She currently resides at the convent of the Poor Clare Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament of Cuernavaca in Morelos State, after leaving her career as a nutritionist.
“You really don’t know what religious life is until you’re within it. So far, I have been able to see from another perspective what the world is and what it offers you,” the young novice told CNA.
“I was very happy with everything I had, but it does not compare with the happiness that God now places in my heart.”
The young postulant met the Poor Clare Missionaries five years ago, at the age of 14, when her concern for a religious vocation “was awakening” through “vocational days, missions and camps.”
In addition, she pointed out how it was hardly a month after this process of discernment concluded, when on March 2017, she gave her first Yes to her vocation on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
“God’s timing is perfect. During this time [of discernment] he allowed me to have some experiences, such as being a beauty queen and other experiences, which forever left their mark and which allowed me to learn a lot for what was to come later.”
The discovery of the vocation to which she had been called was always present in her life like a “little thorn,” she said.
“I realized that I had to make room in my life to know what it was that God had planned for me. In the process of discerning my vocation, there was also fear and doubts, but the love that Our Lord was showing every day made me overcome any feeling of discouragement,” she said.
She said she had discovered that God was calling her “to serve him in a radical way,” that is, changing her “life to embrace the cross of Christ and live it more closely.”
“I have been in religious life very little time, but I truly have been very happy,” she said.
In order to discover her vocation, she spent a lot of time in prayer and charity, “knowing from the outside or from the world” what this change would involve.
“Change is hard for the family because it involves detachment, but I have always had the support of my parents, siblings and true friends. Even though I could have developed myself in some other setting, I feel that if the Lord needs me, then I can bear fruit in a different way,” she told CNA.
Offering advice for young people, she said that in any vocation there will be difficulties, “but if you go and take God’s hand, you'll always be able to take the next step.”
“In religious life every new day is a new beginning and a new opportunity to extend the Kingdom of God. This involves making a lot of sacrifices, but they are always rewarded with happiness,” she said.
The young novice also said that it is true that “the reality and the supposed happiness that the world sells is very attractive,” but “it is necessary to fix your eyes on what lasts.”
The Poor Clare Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament are a Religious Institute of Pontifical Right founded by Blessed María Inés Teresa Arias in 1945 in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
The spirit of the order is Eucharistic, Marian, priestly and missionary and is centered on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The missionaries work in clinics, youth groups, preschools and schools, university dorms, centers for the spiritual exercises and missions, among others. They are present in Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, the United States, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Vietnam and India.
“You mustn’t be afraid,” the young novice encouraged her peers. “If God is calling you, he’ll take care of everything. All you need to do is receive him with a lot of peace, joy and confidence. I believe fear is a big excuse that is responsible for truncating the true happiness that only God can offer.”
SAINT Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
“Great love can change small things into great ones,
and it is only love which lends value to our actions.”
A bit of humor…
-“So what have you been doing at school today, Johnny?”-“I don’t really want to talk about it mom. You’ll see it later on the news, anyways.”
-Little Johnny asks the teacher, “Mrs. Roberts, can I be punished for something I haven’t done?”-Mrs. Roberts is shocked, “Of course not, Johnny, that would be very unfair!”-Little Johnny is relieved, “OK Mrs. Roberts, sorry, I haven’t done my homework.”
-The sole purpose of a child’s middle name, is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
-I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
-The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.
-You know you’re texting too much when……you try to text, but you’re on a landline.
-I can't believe I got fired from the calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.
-I asked my daughter if she’d seen my newspaper. She told me that newspapers are old school. She said that people use tablets nowadays and handed me her iPad. The fly didn’t stand a chance.
THE NEW LAWYER
Joe grew up in a small town, then moved away to attend college and law school. He decided to come back to the small town because he could be a big man in this small town. He really wanted to impress everyone.
He opened his new law office, but business was very slow at first. One day, he saw a man coming up the sidewalk. He decided to make a big impression on this new client when he arrived.
As the man came to the door, Joe picked up the phone. He motioned the man in, all the while talking...
"No. Absolutely not. You tell those clowns in New York that I won't settle this case for less than one million..."
"Yes. The Appeals Court has agreed to hear that case next week. I'll be handling the primary argument and the other members of my team will provide support..."
"Okay. Tell the DA that I'll meet with him next week to discuss the details..."
This sort of thing went on for almost 5 minutes. All the while the man sat patiently as Joe rattled instructions.
Finally, Joe put down the phone and turned to the man.
"I'm sorry for the delay, but as you can see, I'm very busy. What can I do for you?"
The man replied "I'm from the phone company...I came to hook up your phone."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus
with them to Jerusalem. A small child replied: "They couldn't get a babysitter."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no
male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial
service, she wrote, "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I
don't want them to take me out when I'm dead!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you
had to arrest your own mother?" He said, "Call for backup."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Install a Cheap Home Security System
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work
boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a
copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim,
I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess
with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him
up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell
from all the blood. PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better
wait outside. -Cooter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SAINT Thérèse of Lisieux
“Oh, how well I know that happiness is not found in the things around us.
It is found in the secrecy of the soul.”
-“So what have you been doing at school today, Johnny?”-“I don’t really want to talk about it mom. You’ll see it later on the news, anyways.”
-Little Johnny asks the teacher, “Mrs. Roberts, can I be punished for something I haven’t done?”-Mrs. Roberts is shocked, “Of course not, Johnny, that would be very unfair!”-Little Johnny is relieved, “OK Mrs. Roberts, sorry, I haven’t done my homework.”
-The sole purpose of a child’s middle name, is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
-I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
-The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.
-You know you’re texting too much when……you try to text, but you’re on a landline.
-I can't believe I got fired from the calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.
-I asked my daughter if she’d seen my newspaper. She told me that newspapers are old school. She said that people use tablets nowadays and handed me her iPad. The fly didn’t stand a chance.
THE NEW LAWYER
Joe grew up in a small town, then moved away to attend college and law school. He decided to come back to the small town because he could be a big man in this small town. He really wanted to impress everyone.
He opened his new law office, but business was very slow at first. One day, he saw a man coming up the sidewalk. He decided to make a big impression on this new client when he arrived.
As the man came to the door, Joe picked up the phone. He motioned the man in, all the while talking...
"No. Absolutely not. You tell those clowns in New York that I won't settle this case for less than one million..."
"Yes. The Appeals Court has agreed to hear that case next week. I'll be handling the primary argument and the other members of my team will provide support..."
"Okay. Tell the DA that I'll meet with him next week to discuss the details..."
This sort of thing went on for almost 5 minutes. All the while the man sat patiently as Joe rattled instructions.
Finally, Joe put down the phone and turned to the man.
"I'm sorry for the delay, but as you can see, I'm very busy. What can I do for you?"
The man replied "I'm from the phone company...I came to hook up your phone."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus
with them to Jerusalem. A small child replied: "They couldn't get a babysitter."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no
male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial
service, she wrote, "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I
don't want them to take me out when I'm dead!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you
had to arrest your own mother?" He said, "Call for backup."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Install a Cheap Home Security System
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work
boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a
copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim,
I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess
with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him
up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell
from all the blood. PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better
wait outside. -Cooter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SAINT Thérèse of Lisieux
“Oh, how well I know that happiness is not found in the things around us.
It is found in the secrecy of the soul.”
+JMJ+
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 29, 2023
The First Reading - Exodus 22:20-26
Thus says the LORD: "You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword; then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans. "If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate."
Reflection
The alien is one who, because of war, plague, famine, or bloodguilt, was forced to leave his home. In his new abode, his civil rights are, understandably, less than those of his neighbors. As assurance that the Israelites would be hospitable to these unfortunates, the code reminds them of their former status as aliens in Egypt. Any wrong done to the unprotected widow and orphan would also incur the just wrath of the Lord. Extortion of interest on a loan to a fellow Israelite, particularly if he were needy, was sharply prohibited. However, the Old Testament does not proscribe all interest. From both Leviticus 25:35-38 and Deuteronomy 23:20-21, the injunction clearly regarded only a loan to one’s countryman. The deuteronomic code clearly allows interest to be demanded from foreigners. The loans addressed here are not for commercial purposes but to alleviate distress: to take interest on them would be to profit from another’s misfortune. The poor are specifically protected; their cloak, which also served as their blanket at night, had to be returned to them by evening. The compassionate God watches over the weak. Amos 2:8 accuses the wealthy of sleeping upon garments taken in pledge.
Adults - Do you consider the moral aspects of the purchases you make?
Teens - How can we as a society profit from others misfortune without even realizing it, and how can we prevent it?
Kids - What are some of the ways your family and your parish help the poor?
Responsorial- Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The LORD lives and blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
Reflection
Psalm 18 reminds us that God is our protector and has power over life, death, and all things. What does it mean for your life that God is the Lord of all?
The Second Reading- 1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10
Brothers and sisters: You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
Reflection - The reading for last week closed with a proclamation about how evangelization (preaching the gospel) was carried out. This week’s reading completes that verse by stressing that the apostle’s lifestyle is an important witness to the authenticity of their message.
-Does your way of life show others Christ?
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
Reflection The Pharisees had enumerated 613 commandments but there was no agreement as to what the ranking was. After all, one of them must be the most important, the first from which all the others descended. Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:5. Love is not primarily a feeling but covenant fidelity – a matter of willing and doing. Although this is part of the schema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21, Numbers 15:37-41), a prayer recited daily by faithful Jews and the principal Jewish confession of faith, it was not numbered among the commandments. Jesus now cites Leviticus 19:18, another one not numbered among the commandments. The rabbis said that the world hangs on Torah, temple service, and deeds of loving kindness – or on truth, judgment and peace. Jesus makes the Law itself depend upon deeds of love.
Adults - Who is your neighbor?
Teens - What does it mean to really love your neighbor as God loves?
Kids - How does God show you that He loves you?
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! - Where Christians can, and too often do fail, is in their true love of neighbor. Yet Christ says that this commandment is like the first. Love of neighbor is an essential part of our obligations toward God. If we fail in this we fail in our love for God, for we refuse to carry out this sacred duty. If we do not recognize our neighbor as our brother, we do not recognize God as our Father and we do not love him. As St. John puts it: "Anyone who says 'I love God' and hates (does not love) his neighbor is a liar" (1 Jn.3: 20).
Let each one of us ask himself today how seriously he takes this law of fraternal charity and how faithfully he carries it out. Not all of us may be able to give material help to a neighbor in need but the poorest of us can spare a kindly word, an encouraging word, for a neighbor weighed down with cares and troubles. All of us can pray for a neighbor who needs spiritual and temporal help. Most of us can deny ourselves some unnecessary luxuries in order to give a needed loaf of bread to a hungry fellowman, while those who have an abundance of this world's goods need not look far afield to find cases and causes worthy of their Christian charity.
Remember that whatever spiritual or material help is given out of true charity to a neighbor in need, is given to God, and whatever is given to God is soundly invested in heaven, and heaven pays handsome dividends.
-Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.
585. With what spirit of communion and mission do we pray to God as “our” Father? d) all of the above
Since praying to “our” Father is a common blessing for the baptized, we feel an urgent summons to join in Jesus’ prayer for the unity of his disciples. To pray the “Our Father” is to pray with all people and for all people that they may know the one true God and be gathered into unity.
586. What does the phrase “Who art in heaven” mean? c) with Christ we already live there
This biblical expression does not indicate a place but a way of being: God transcends everything. The expression refers to the majesty, the holiness of God, and also to his presence in the hearts of the just. Heaven, or the Father’s house, constitutes our true homeland toward which we are moving in hope while we are still on earth. “Hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), we live already in this homeland.
587. What is the structure of the Lord’s Prayer? d) God-centered petitions with our poverty and expectations
It contains seven petitions made to God the Father. The first three, more God-centered, draw us toward him for his glory; it is characteristic of love to think first of the beloved. These petitions suggest in particular what we ought to ask of him: the sanctification of his Name, the coming of his Kingdom, and the fulfillment of his will. The last four petitions present to the Father of mercies our wretchedness and our expectations. They ask him to feed us, to forgive us, to sustain us in temptations, and to free us from the Evil One.
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 29, 2023
The First Reading - Exodus 22:20-26
Thus says the LORD: "You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword; then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans. "If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate."
Reflection
The alien is one who, because of war, plague, famine, or bloodguilt, was forced to leave his home. In his new abode, his civil rights are, understandably, less than those of his neighbors. As assurance that the Israelites would be hospitable to these unfortunates, the code reminds them of their former status as aliens in Egypt. Any wrong done to the unprotected widow and orphan would also incur the just wrath of the Lord. Extortion of interest on a loan to a fellow Israelite, particularly if he were needy, was sharply prohibited. However, the Old Testament does not proscribe all interest. From both Leviticus 25:35-38 and Deuteronomy 23:20-21, the injunction clearly regarded only a loan to one’s countryman. The deuteronomic code clearly allows interest to be demanded from foreigners. The loans addressed here are not for commercial purposes but to alleviate distress: to take interest on them would be to profit from another’s misfortune. The poor are specifically protected; their cloak, which also served as their blanket at night, had to be returned to them by evening. The compassionate God watches over the weak. Amos 2:8 accuses the wealthy of sleeping upon garments taken in pledge.
Adults - Do you consider the moral aspects of the purchases you make?
Teens - How can we as a society profit from others misfortune without even realizing it, and how can we prevent it?
Kids - What are some of the ways your family and your parish help the poor?
Responsorial- Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The LORD lives and blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
Reflection
Psalm 18 reminds us that God is our protector and has power over life, death, and all things. What does it mean for your life that God is the Lord of all?
The Second Reading- 1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10
Brothers and sisters: You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
Reflection - The reading for last week closed with a proclamation about how evangelization (preaching the gospel) was carried out. This week’s reading completes that verse by stressing that the apostle’s lifestyle is an important witness to the authenticity of their message.
-Does your way of life show others Christ?
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
Reflection The Pharisees had enumerated 613 commandments but there was no agreement as to what the ranking was. After all, one of them must be the most important, the first from which all the others descended. Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:5. Love is not primarily a feeling but covenant fidelity – a matter of willing and doing. Although this is part of the schema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21, Numbers 15:37-41), a prayer recited daily by faithful Jews and the principal Jewish confession of faith, it was not numbered among the commandments. Jesus now cites Leviticus 19:18, another one not numbered among the commandments. The rabbis said that the world hangs on Torah, temple service, and deeds of loving kindness – or on truth, judgment and peace. Jesus makes the Law itself depend upon deeds of love.
Adults - Who is your neighbor?
Teens - What does it mean to really love your neighbor as God loves?
Kids - How does God show you that He loves you?
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! - Where Christians can, and too often do fail, is in their true love of neighbor. Yet Christ says that this commandment is like the first. Love of neighbor is an essential part of our obligations toward God. If we fail in this we fail in our love for God, for we refuse to carry out this sacred duty. If we do not recognize our neighbor as our brother, we do not recognize God as our Father and we do not love him. As St. John puts it: "Anyone who says 'I love God' and hates (does not love) his neighbor is a liar" (1 Jn.3: 20).
Let each one of us ask himself today how seriously he takes this law of fraternal charity and how faithfully he carries it out. Not all of us may be able to give material help to a neighbor in need but the poorest of us can spare a kindly word, an encouraging word, for a neighbor weighed down with cares and troubles. All of us can pray for a neighbor who needs spiritual and temporal help. Most of us can deny ourselves some unnecessary luxuries in order to give a needed loaf of bread to a hungry fellowman, while those who have an abundance of this world's goods need not look far afield to find cases and causes worthy of their Christian charity.
Remember that whatever spiritual or material help is given out of true charity to a neighbor in need, is given to God, and whatever is given to God is soundly invested in heaven, and heaven pays handsome dividends.
-Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.
585. With what spirit of communion and mission do we pray to God as “our” Father? d) all of the above
Since praying to “our” Father is a common blessing for the baptized, we feel an urgent summons to join in Jesus’ prayer for the unity of his disciples. To pray the “Our Father” is to pray with all people and for all people that they may know the one true God and be gathered into unity.
586. What does the phrase “Who art in heaven” mean? c) with Christ we already live there
This biblical expression does not indicate a place but a way of being: God transcends everything. The expression refers to the majesty, the holiness of God, and also to his presence in the hearts of the just. Heaven, or the Father’s house, constitutes our true homeland toward which we are moving in hope while we are still on earth. “Hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), we live already in this homeland.
587. What is the structure of the Lord’s Prayer? d) God-centered petitions with our poverty and expectations
It contains seven petitions made to God the Father. The first three, more God-centered, draw us toward him for his glory; it is characteristic of love to think first of the beloved. These petitions suggest in particular what we ought to ask of him: the sanctification of his Name, the coming of his Kingdom, and the fulfillment of his will. The last four petitions present to the Father of mercies our wretchedness and our expectations. They ask him to feed us, to forgive us, to sustain us in temptations, and to free us from the Evil One.
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