17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (A gift of hope)

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha and the multiplication of loaves); Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6 (our unity in the Mystical Body of Christ); Gospel: John 6:1-15 (multiplication of the loaves and fishes) Adults: When has a generous gift you received from another offered you hope?
Children: What loving gift of your time or talent could you give someone this week?

http://www.faithfirst.com/question_week.html

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Come away and be refreshed)

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (reign of the messiah); Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18 (all united in Christ); Gospel: Mark 6:30-34 (the disciples rest with Jesus after their journeys)
Adults: In what ways do you rest so that you can return to your work refreshed?
Children: How will you pray and spend time with your family this week?

http://www.faithfirst.com/question_week.html

Why Am I Still Catholic? - Busted Halo

Sometimes we all question our Catholic faith that is just the nature of who we are as human beings.  Or sometimes we are at a loss as to how we should answer those who question us as to why we are Catholic.  This article from Busted Halo will hopefully calm those of us who are thinking we are wrong for questioning are faith or unable to answer those who wonder why we would remain Catholic.
Why Am I Still Catholic? - Busted Halo

Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B (Sharing the Good News)

First Reading: Amos 7:12-15 (Amos called to be a prophet); Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7010 (all things summed up in Christ); Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 (The Abundance of Christ’s Love the mission of the Twelve Apostles)
Adults: What challenges might you face in sharing the good news with others this week?
Children: What good news of Jesus will you share with others this week?

5 Tips for a Spiritual Summer - Busted Halo

Check this out for a few ideas on how to keep your faith in your summertime plans.
5 Tips for a Spiritual Summer - Busted Halo

Welcome to Adventures on Promise Island, where God’s promises never change!

      Each day at Promise Island kids will participate in the excitement of Seaside Celebration, experience Bible stories about God’s promises at Lifeguard Lagoon, create service or craft projects at Project Pointe, enjoy snacks and learn more about God’s promises at the Coconut Café, and play great games at Fun Time Falls! And, through it all, they’ll discover God’s promises and His lifesaving love! 
      Amid the swaying palm trees, exotic wildlife, and welcoming sunshine, new friends at Promise Island—Kamalei, Hunter, and Madi—will help kids experience the powerful, unchanging promises of God. They’ll see Him at work in the lives of Old and New Testament Bible people and realize that God’s promises are for us too! Kids will discover that God promises to be with us, to care about us, to give us what we need, to save us, and to answer us.

August 6 - 10, 2012 - 9:00 am to Noon

Go to http://saintolafparish.org/wp/vacation-bible-camp-2012/ to download a registration form.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Accepting Ourselves)

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5 (God speaks to Ezekiel); Second Reading 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: (Paul’s concern about his weakness); Gospel: Mark 6:1-6 (Jesus’ teaching rejected in Nazareth)
Adults: What weakness in yourself has it been hard for you to accept?
Children: What have you wished could be different about you?

http://www.faithfirst.com/question_week.html

Papal Intentions for July

Pope Benedict XVI is dedicating the month of July to pray that everyone has safe working conditions. 
General intention: "That everyone may have work in safe and secure conditions."
Apostolic intention: "That Christian volunteers in mission territories may witness to the love of Christ."