5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Discussion Questions for Reading 1 - Acts 14:21-27: This reading reminds us that trials were part of the Christian life from the beginning. Our trials may seem small by comparison. Can you name some things that can be trials for us? What should be our attitude?  Christians are still persecuted in places throughout the world. You may want to find out where and why. Keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers. Is there something else you can do for them?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2 - Revelations 21:1-5a: The One on the throne promises, "Behold, I make all things new." What is your dream? What in your life needs to be made new again?  Doing new things or committing ourselves anew to choices we have made is not always easy. What would you say to someone who is thinking of doing something new or trying to make better choices?

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=70&language=eng&book=0

Discussion Questions for Gospel - John 13:31-33a, 34-35: What are the obstacles in my life that hinder or impede me from freely loving as Jesus did—universally, completely, and without reserve?  When did I see Jesus’ love in the actions or words of someone?

http://www.wholecommunitycatechesis.com/pages/questions.html

Tonight's Happenings

Grades 1-6 have religious education this evening from 6:15 PM until 7:30 PM; Grade 8 will meet this evening beginning at 6:00 PM and ending at 7:30 (unless you are going on the Amazing gRace adventure).  High School Youth Ministry is having their Amazing gRace adventure this evening beginning at 7:00 PM in the loft.

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Discussion Questions for Reading 1, Acts 13:14, 43-52 - Paul and Barnabas were Jews. They were very devout and religious Jews, and it was natural for them, after they discovered Jesus and his message, to share that message with those who shared their belief in God. For the Jews who accepted Jesus and his message, this meant a change. Why do you think the Jewish leaders of the synagogue resisted Paul and Barnabas? When do you resist a new idea? Why?  Because of this resistance, Paul and Barnabas begin their mission to the non-Jews, the Gentiles who were pagans. These were people who, if they believed at all, believed in pagan gods and goddesses. Why do you think they were open to the message that Paul and Barnabas brought to them? When are you open to new ideas? Why?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2, Revelations 7:9, 14b-17 - Do the long white robes and the palm branches remind you of anything? The newly baptized at the Easter Vigil are given a white garment to wear. Newly baptized infants wear baptismal gowns that are white. White is the color of victory. It is the color of resurrection! The palm branches are symbols of victory, too. When do we carry palm branches in our liturgy?  This reading calls Jesus, "the Lamb." When do we pray to the Lamb of God in the liturgy? What do we ask for in that prayer? Jesus is the lamb who sacrificed himself for us. Why do you think we pray this litany just before receiving Holy Communion? 

Discussion Questions for Gospel, John 10:27-30 - Did you know that the brain capacity of the average dog is about the same as that of a three-year-old child? This means that dogs can understand quite a lot! It also means that there is still a lot that they cannot understand. They do not understand traffic lights, or what makes chicken bones or rat poison bad to eat.  This is why it is up to us to keep our dogs out of danger. We often use our voices to do this: "Come! Heel! Sit! Down!" This is what a good shepherd does for sheep. Just as a dog recognizes its owner's voice, sheep recognize the shepherd's voice. We, as the flock of Jesus, hear and recognize Jesus' voice. When do we hear his voice? How do we recognize it?  What can you do this week to show that you have truly heard the Good Shepherd's voice?   http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=69&language=eng&book=0

THIS WEEKEND

1st Communion at all weekend liturgies.  Catechist training at 6:30 PM Sunday, April 25 in meeting room 2.

tonight's events

Grades 1-6 have religious education from 6:15 until 7:30; Grade 7 has religious education from 6:00 until 7:30; High School Youth Ministry will be meeting in the Loft from 7:00 until 8:30.

3rd Sunday of Easter

Discussion Questions for Reading 1, Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 - Do you remember that, shortly after the death of Jesus, the apostles were so frightened that they hid in an upper room and locked the doors? After reading today's scripture passage, how would you describe their behavior? Why do you think they are acting so differently?   How will you try to obey God's will even when it is not popular to do so? Where will you find help and support?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2, Revelations 5:11-14 - Have you ever had a dream in which animals could talk? This is the kind of vision John had. "Every creature" joined the angels and the elders in praise. The resurrection of Jesus affected every creature in the world.  Of course we know that, in the everyday world, animals do not speak in human language. However, they do praise God simply by being--by running, jumping, eating, and sleeping. We need animals, even the tiniest insects, to help keep our world in balance. Animals also help make the world a more beautiful and happier place.   God intended for all his creation to live in harmony. God wants us to care for all creation. What does that tell us about the place of animals in our world? How can you help the wild animals in our world, especially the ones in danger of extinction? If you have a pet, how can you be a responsible pet owner? How can you show respect for and kindness to animals as creatures of God?
Discussion Questions for Gospel, John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14 - Why do you think the apostles took Jesus' advice about throwing the net on the other side of of the boat? Suppose they had had the know-it-all attitude, "Well, what does Jesus know about fishing? He was a carpenter, not a fisherman. We're the professionals here!" Where would this arrogance have gotten them?

WEEKEND EVENTS

Saturday, April 17, Confirmation, will take place at the 5:00 PM Mass.  Sunday, April 18, 1st Communion, will take place at the 10:30 AM Mass.

Tonight's Happenings

Grades 1-6, religious education classes from 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM; Grade 8, Confirmation rehearsal, at 6:00 PM in the church, following the rehearsal the parents will meet with Gina Ostrowski to learn about our High School Youth Ministry Program, in the school cafeteria; the 8th graders will be spending time with the Youth Ministry Team in the "Loft," until 7:30 PM; Grade 7 Small Faith Groups are scheduled to meet this week.

2nd Sunday of Easter

Reading 1, Acts 5:12-16 - Just like the early Church, we are called to carry on the mission of Jesus. We can do this only when we grow in the knowledge and experience of the risen Christ in our lives. How can you use the Easter season to do this? 
For those newly baptized or received into the Church, Eastertime is the time of mystagogia. This means "learning about the mysteries" of our faith. Pray for the new members of the Church, that they may grow into strong branches on the vine of Christ. How can you learn more about your faith during this Easter season?
Reading 2, Revelations 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 - Reread the passage from John. What in the description of Jesus--his voice, his clothing, his surroundings--tells us that he is a very special person?  What is the difference between the image of Jesus standing among the seven gold lamp stands and the image we see of Jesus on the crucifix?  Why do we need both images to understand who Jesus is?
Gospel, John 20: 19-31 - Thomas is remembered in the Church as "doubting Thomas." Yet, Jesus respected his doubts, and answered them in a beautiful way. Thomas did not keep his doubts to himself. He shared them with the community and with Jesus. What can you do when you have a doubt or a question about something?

Tonights Events

There is religious education classes this evening for Grades 1-6 beginning at 6:15 PM and ending at 7:30 PM and for Grade 7 beginning at 6:00 PM and ending at 7:30.  High School Youth Ministry will be meeting beginning at 7:00 PM and ending at 8:30 PM.

Thank You 7th and 8th Graders

The 7th & 8th religious education classes each held a baby shower for the Apple Pregnancy Care Center during Lent.  The pictures in the slide show are just a few of the items that they brought for Apple to use for emergency help or for the Apple clients to purchase using the points they earn by particpating in the Smart Women Earn While you Learn Program.