In this e-weekly:
- Quotes from Saints throughout e-weekly
- South Carolina Teen Launches Non-Profit to Help Homeless (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
- South Carolina Teen Launches Non-Profit to Help Homeless (Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Catholicism: Journey Around the World and Deep into the Faith, Excellent DVD Series (Helpful Hints for Life)
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
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 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103022.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 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103022.cfm
All Saints Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110122.cfm
All Soul's Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110222.cfm
All Soul's Day Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110222.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.”
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.]
SAINT Angela Merici (1474-1540)
“Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family.”
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.]
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’
By Word on Fire
By Word on Fire
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.”
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 29, 2022Helping 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.
For the Doucette family, rosary-making is a family activity. (photo: Courtesy of the Doucette Family)
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
MEXICO 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.”
“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.”
Prayer for All the Faithfully Departed
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R. and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R. and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen
+JMJ+
SUNDAY MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 30th, 2022
The First Reading- Wisdom 11:22-12:2
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!
Reflection
Today’s Reading is an excerpt from a philosophical reflection on God’s justice and mercy as demonstrated during the Ten Plagues on Egypt (11:17-12:22). The sacred author asserts the essential goodness of all created things and God’s love for all that he has made. It is not simply clear from direct observation that everything created is good. Our recognition of the goodness of creation is complicated by the fact that the creation we observe today is fallen—it suffers from the effects of human sin, and the cosmological consequences that sin introduced (Rom 8:22-23). It takes divine enlightenment to recognize the essential goodness of creation. The author of Wisdom looks past superficial appearances to recognize that being in itself is good, and that a good creator must have had a good intention for everything to which he has gifted existence.
Adults - Where do you most see goodness in the world?
Teens - Have you ever seen God bring something good out of something bad?
Kids - Where do you see the goodness of God in your surroundings?
Responsorial- Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
R.I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Reflection
-Psalm 145 is the quintessential “kingdom” psalm. The concept of the kingdom of God is rare in the psalms: outside of Psalm 145, the kingdom is mentioned only twice (once each in Psalms 103 and 105). But Psalm 145 mentions God’s kingdom four times. The Psalmist has been given insight into the fact that human kingdoms are all transitory, and that the ultimate guiding force of history is the reign of God, who alone is eternal. In earlier Scriptures, God’s rule was closely tied to the visible kingdom of David. While not abandoning the kingdom of David, Psalm 145 develops a supernatural and transcendent view of the nature of God’s kingdom.
Start your prayer time with praise this week.
The Second Reading- 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
Brothers and sisters: We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a "spirit," or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Reflection
The Thessalonians were the original end-times enthusiasts. St. Paul writes to them to teach them more accurately about the second coming of Christ, and also exhort them not to let their eagerness for the return of Christ become an excuse for laziness or neglect of their duties of state. They have to concentrate on growth in holiness while they are in this life (“We pray that God may make you worthy of his calling …”).
Reflect on the life of your favorite saint this week. What do you most admire about him or her?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
Reflection
Zacchaeus tends to be sentimentalized in contemporary Christianity, probably because of Sunday school songs and flannelgraphs where he looks short, cute, and appealing. But Zacchaeus should not be sentimentalized. Zacchaeus is like the spider, the hawk, or the wolf—the creature of God in whom we can’t see any goodness. We give up on him. Jesus sees things through a broader frame of reference. He sees the created goodness that remains in Zacchaeus despite the evil that he has done. And his visit with Zacchaeus leads to repentance, and not just repentance but reparation. It is key that Zacchaeus vows to make good his wrongs. This is an issue that effects every Christian—you, me, all of us. We have to exercise care: if we are going to speak to others of the forgiveness of God, let us first do what Zachaeus did, and ensure that we have made all things right with those we have wronged, (and that we have extended forgiveness as well.) This is what we call making reparation. Reparation is the demonstration that our repentance is real.
Adults - How can we make reparation when we wrong or hurt someone in our daily lives?
Teens - Reparation must come from authentic contrition. Is there a relationship in your life that you need to work on repairing?
Kids - If you have to apologize to someone this week, also do a good deed for them.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –“Zacchaeus was not so stubborn or so foolish. The story of his conversion is put before us today, not as a matter of historical interest, but as a matter of vital spiritual interest. We are all sinners to a greater or lesser degree. Jesus is approaching each one of us today by means of this very lesson which we have read. Let each one of us try to see what Jesus is like. He is a loving brother who died that we might live, a fellowman who suffered tortures that we might have eternal joy. He was also the Son of God, the God of infinite love. At the same time, let Jesus see us as we really are. Let us expose and confess to him all our earthly weaknesses and injustices against God and neighbor. He will find a remedy for us. He will put us back once more on the straight road to heaven. Today, salvation will come to us and to our house. We will become again true sons of Abraham, true heirs to heaven.” Let us live with that knowledge this week! — Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, 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 MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 30th, 2022
The First Reading- Wisdom 11:22-12:2
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!
Reflection
Today’s Reading is an excerpt from a philosophical reflection on God’s justice and mercy as demonstrated during the Ten Plagues on Egypt (11:17-12:22). The sacred author asserts the essential goodness of all created things and God’s love for all that he has made. It is not simply clear from direct observation that everything created is good. Our recognition of the goodness of creation is complicated by the fact that the creation we observe today is fallen—it suffers from the effects of human sin, and the cosmological consequences that sin introduced (Rom 8:22-23). It takes divine enlightenment to recognize the essential goodness of creation. The author of Wisdom looks past superficial appearances to recognize that being in itself is good, and that a good creator must have had a good intention for everything to which he has gifted existence.
Adults - Where do you most see goodness in the world?
Teens - Have you ever seen God bring something good out of something bad?
Kids - Where do you see the goodness of God in your surroundings?
Responsorial- Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
R.I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Reflection
-Psalm 145 is the quintessential “kingdom” psalm. The concept of the kingdom of God is rare in the psalms: outside of Psalm 145, the kingdom is mentioned only twice (once each in Psalms 103 and 105). But Psalm 145 mentions God’s kingdom four times. The Psalmist has been given insight into the fact that human kingdoms are all transitory, and that the ultimate guiding force of history is the reign of God, who alone is eternal. In earlier Scriptures, God’s rule was closely tied to the visible kingdom of David. While not abandoning the kingdom of David, Psalm 145 develops a supernatural and transcendent view of the nature of God’s kingdom.
Start your prayer time with praise this week.
The Second Reading- 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
Brothers and sisters: We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a "spirit," or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Reflection
The Thessalonians were the original end-times enthusiasts. St. Paul writes to them to teach them more accurately about the second coming of Christ, and also exhort them not to let their eagerness for the return of Christ become an excuse for laziness or neglect of their duties of state. They have to concentrate on growth in holiness while they are in this life (“We pray that God may make you worthy of his calling …”).
Reflect on the life of your favorite saint this week. What do you most admire about him or her?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
Reflection
Zacchaeus tends to be sentimentalized in contemporary Christianity, probably because of Sunday school songs and flannelgraphs where he looks short, cute, and appealing. But Zacchaeus should not be sentimentalized. Zacchaeus is like the spider, the hawk, or the wolf—the creature of God in whom we can’t see any goodness. We give up on him. Jesus sees things through a broader frame of reference. He sees the created goodness that remains in Zacchaeus despite the evil that he has done. And his visit with Zacchaeus leads to repentance, and not just repentance but reparation. It is key that Zacchaeus vows to make good his wrongs. This is an issue that effects every Christian—you, me, all of us. We have to exercise care: if we are going to speak to others of the forgiveness of God, let us first do what Zachaeus did, and ensure that we have made all things right with those we have wronged, (and that we have extended forgiveness as well.) This is what we call making reparation. Reparation is the demonstration that our repentance is real.
Adults - How can we make reparation when we wrong or hurt someone in our daily lives?
Teens - Reparation must come from authentic contrition. Is there a relationship in your life that you need to work on repairing?
Kids - If you have to apologize to someone this week, also do a good deed for them.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –“Zacchaeus was not so stubborn or so foolish. The story of his conversion is put before us today, not as a matter of historical interest, but as a matter of vital spiritual interest. We are all sinners to a greater or lesser degree. Jesus is approaching each one of us today by means of this very lesson which we have read. Let each one of us try to see what Jesus is like. He is a loving brother who died that we might live, a fellowman who suffered tortures that we might have eternal joy. He was also the Son of God, the God of infinite love. At the same time, let Jesus see us as we really are. Let us expose and confess to him all our earthly weaknesses and injustices against God and neighbor. He will find a remedy for us. He will put us back once more on the straight road to heaven. Today, salvation will come to us and to our house. We will become again true sons of Abraham, true heirs to heaven.” Let us live with that knowledge this week! — Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, 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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