Happy New Year!!

We trade a 2014 calendar this year at New Years for a 2015 calendar. What does that mean to you? Are you hoping for a healthier year? Or for a less hectic year? Is the resolution list longer that it should be? Here is a fun way to usher out the old year and usher in the new one.

Instead of throwing out that 2014 calendar make a new tradition by celebrating the switch. When you take down the 2014 calendar sit with it for a while, look through it see all of your notes, appointments, etc. Talk about how the year went with your family remembering the good times and the not so good times.

Have some hot cider for everyone, and toast the old year, maybe sing “Auld Lang Syne” as a way to say good-bye to the past year. Then if you can do so safely, either in a fireplace or outside in a fire pit, or a grill, along with some Christmas greens, set the 1014 calendar on fire. As the smoke rises let it carry your thanksgivings and petitions to heaven. If burning the calendar isn’t an option then try to think of a way to reverent and affectionate way to say good-bye. Maybe you are able to bury or even tuck into your compost pile so it will become part of the earth as it originally was when it was a tree.

Next make a ceremony of carrying the new calendar across the threshold and into your home. To do this think of a creative place outside to store the new calendar, perhaps the trunk of the car. Welcome the New Year into your home like it is a newfound friend. As part of this ceremony, decorate the calendar with ribbons, or greenery or flowers. Then flip through the new calendar much like you to said good-bye to the old one, check to see when Ash Wednesday is and then Easter. Does your new calendar have the phases of the moon on it? If it does…Easter should be on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the 1st day of Spring. You could also find everyone’s birthdays and mark them appropriately. What about anniversaries? Is anyone you know getting married in 2015? When is the last day of school?

Then bless this gift of time give to you by the Lord. Ask God, for “peace and prosperity for all the world’ this year. Then hang the calendar in a prominent place and as you do so everyone should shout “hallelujah!
(from Take Me Home Too, ©1997, LTP)

Mary, Mother of God

Blessed by God

Reading I: Numbers 6:22–27 (the priestly blessing)
Reading II: Galatians 4:4–7 (free sons of God in Christ)
Gospel: Luke 2:16–21 (the shepherds’ visit)

Key Passage: So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. (Galatians 4:7)
Adult: Which of God’s blessings are you most thankful for right now?
Child: What does it mean to you to be a child of God?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Holy Family, Year B

Compassion

Reading I: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 (duties toward parents)
Reading II: Colossians 3:12–21 (the practice of virtues; the Christian family)
Gospel: Luke 2:22–40 (circumcision of Jesus; presentation in the temple)

Key Passage: As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Adult: How do your family members know that you are a compassionate person?
Child: What family member needs your compassion and kindness right now?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Christmas: Dawn

Reading I: Isaiah 62:11–12 (your salvation comes)
Reading II: Titus 3:4–7 (the loving kindness of God our Savior appeared)
Gospel: Luke 2:15–20 (the birth of the Savior)

Key Passage: Luke 2:19 (Mary treasures these events in her heart)

Adult: What will you do during this Christmas season to reflect in your heart, as Mary did, on God’s gift of the Savior?
Child: What would you say to Jesus as you stand before the nativity scene in your church?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

You are probably thinking why am I reading about the 12 Days of Christmas this week this should have been posted on December 13? Wrong, The 12 Days of Christmas are actually the days following Christmas running December 26 through January 6. That can’t be right you say? Well, actually January 6 is the traditional celebration of the Epiphany which is when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem to worship the “Newborn King.” And if you remember they came baring gifts for Jesus.

Perhaps this year you could find a way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas and have it become a tradition in your family. One way is to have the Magi move through your house getting a bit closer to your nativity scene each day and on the 12th day they will arrive at the stable. They could be moved throughout the house, moving from room to room…

Another way, that might be a bit late to do this year but can be kept in mind for future years is to have a small gift for each person to open each night, a candy bar one night, a pack of gum another, (the Dollar Tree would be a good place to shop for these small gifts) and maybe ending with a bigger gift on January 6th. Keep the celebration of Jesus’ birth alive throughout the Christmas season which doesn’t end on December 25th, but actually ends on January 11th when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.

On December 26th we celebrate St. Stephen’s Day which might be a perfect day to sing Christmas Carols especially “Good King Wenceslas,” which is about a saint who fed a poor man on the “feast of Stephen.” In honor of this saint maybe you could remember to bring a donation for the food pantry when you come to church on the weekend of December 27 and 28.

This year on December 28 we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, maybe you could plan a fun family day to just enjoy each other. This is the day we also will remember the “Holy Innocents,” which are the infants that died when King Herod tried to have Jesus killed. Say a prayer for all children this day and thank God for the blessing that they are to our lives.

On New Year’s Eve, you can chase away the old year and welcome in the new year by blowing horns and clanging bells. Then think about having guests for New Year’s Day, remember that a guest in your home is Christ in your home and we surely want to have Christ in our home to celebrate the Christmas season with us.
(from Take Me Home: ©LTP 1991)

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

Acceptance of God’s will

Reading I: 2 Samuel 7:1–5, 9–11, 16 (the Lord’s promises to David)
Reading II: Romans 16:25–27 (doxology)
Gospel: Luke 1:26–38 (the annunciation of the Lord)

Key Passage: Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Adult: How do you open your heart to what God wants for you? How do you follow the pathway that leads to happiness?
Child: Is there something hard you need to do this week? What might make it easier?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

This is the time we become more and more excited about the coming of Christmas and the coming of Jesus.

During the final days of Advent there are special prayers that can be said each day, asking Jesus to come soon. We know these as the “O Antiphons.” Beginning on December 17th and continuing through December 23rd, each evening, one of the 7 “O Antiphons is said (sung). They begin with the titles for Jesus which were chosen from the Bible.

The Song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a version of the O Antiphons so if you know that song you can choose the correct verse each evening and sing that. Here is a list of the days and the “O Antiphon” that corresponds: December 17 is “O Wisdom”; December 18 is “O Adonai” (which means Lord in Hebrew); December 19 is “O Flower of Jesse” (Jesse was King David’s Father and the Savior was to come from the root of Jesse); December 20 is “O Key of David”, these are quite a few different names for Jesus. Can you think of a reason why he might be called each of these wonderful names? The antiphon for December 21st is “O Daystar” (and since the 21st is the shortest day of the year this is the perfect way to use the old word for the sun); December 22nd is “O King”; and December 23rd is “O Emmanuel” (this means God is with us). Then on December 24th at sundown our Advent waiting is over and Christmas begins.

This might be a good year to start an Advent tradition of using the “O Antiphons” with your family. A wonderful way to end the day and give praise to Jesus at bedtime.
(from Take Me Home: ©LTP 1991)

Our Lady of Guadalupe

On December 12 we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Senora de Gduadalupe). This day is a remembrance of the day that Mary appeared to Juan Diego whose feast day we celebrated early this week on December 9th. This happened in Mexico.

Mary left a picture of herself on his cloak and is shown shining with the light of the sun, moon and stars. Mary has a cinto, or sash worn by pregnant women, wrapped around her. This honors her pregnancy with Jesus.

On this day in Mexico, which always falls during Advent, the people are called from their homes early in the morning (around 4:30AM)and they gather in the darkness of this December morning outside the churches. They offer up a morning serenade (mananitas) to Mary. Then the church doors are opened and everyone enters to celebrate Mass.

After Mass there is an elaborate breakfast. Pastries, sweet Mexican chocolate, hot bread and menudo, (a hot tripe soup, that has garlic added and is thickened with hominy; it also has ancho and pasilla peppers which gives it a spicy dimension. The menudo is topped with sliced radishes, cilantro, oregano, chopped onion and lime juice. What a breakfast that is!

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of all peoples of the Western Hemisphere. On this day honoring Mary offer up a prayer to her. And you could toast her with a cup of hot chocolate with maybe a touch of cinnamon added.

3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B

Bringing joy through justice

Reading I: Isaiah 61:1–2, 10–11 (the mission to the afflicted)
Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 (Christian conduct; blessing)
Gospel: John 1:6–8, 19–28 (John as witness to the light)

Key Passage: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. (Isaiah 61:10)

Adult: What work of justice could you do this week to bring someone joy?
Child: What could you do for someone this week to make them happy?
(fromPastoralPlaning.com)

Pope's Prayer Intentions for December 2014

The Pope’s universal intention is: “That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.”

His intention for evangelization is: “That parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.”

Second Sunday of Advent, Year B

Patience

Reading I: Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11 (promise of salvation)
Reading II: 2 Peter 3:8–14 (Christ will come in judgment)
Gospel: Mark 1:1–8 (John the Baptist)

Key Passage: The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Adult: With whom could you be more patient this week, as God has been patient with you?
Child: With whom can you be more patient?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Waiting for the Lord

This season we call Advent is all about waiting. How can we be expected to be patient and wait when we are bombarded with ads and flyers touting the latest and greatest deals of the “holiday” season? It starts way before Thanksgiving and keeps escalating right up to December 25th and then continues after with all the great deals you can get on items that haven’t sold and stores do not want keep in stock.

We need to be intentional about Advent, since this is the liturgical season that is building toward Christmas. Advent is not Christmas it is the time before December 25. And we need to remember as we build toward this Holy Day that the season of Christmas lasts well into the new year not just one day in the form of December 25. We need to wait with patience to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

I know this idea is difficult for those of you with children but waiting until as close as possible to decorate your home is one way of anticipating the great celebration. Then you will be able to leave your decorations up for the entire season of Christmas which ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which is January 11 2015 this year. One way I did this when my children were younger was to start the season with the Advent wreath the first week of Advent. Then the 2nd week add some of the festive decorations that decorate the house, maybe turn on the outside lights that 2nd week, (which I do put up early when the weather is still warm, just because they are up does not mean they need to be turned on.) Another idea is to put your tree up that 2nd week with the lights but hold off on the decorations until the 3rd week of Advent (Gaudete Sunday). You get the idea, when you prolong the decorating the anticipation grows with each thing added.

And of course remember to wait to place Baby Jesus in your manger scene until Christmas Eve. When I had an outdoor nativity scene that would be the last thing to be lit and come to life on Christmas Eve. I would gradually light more of the outdoor lights leading up until that night. The lights around it would become brighter and brighter each week until the figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were lit that special night.

Earlier I mentioned that the Christmas Season lasts well into the new year. You could have a 12th night party as part of the celebrations. Did you ever wonder where the carol
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” came from? If you count 12 days from December 25 you will end up on January 6 which is the traditional day to celebrate Epiphany which is day we celebrate the Magi visiting Jesus and giving him the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The things you can adapt as new traditions are endless.

Have a very blessed Advent Season.

Christ the King, Year A

The final judgment

Reading 1: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 (parable of the shepherds)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 (Christ, the first fruits)
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 (the last judgment)

Key Passage: [The Son of Man] will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” (Matthew 25:45)

Adult: Who are the least of your sisters and brothers for whom you do care? Who are those whom you ignore?
Child: To which person did you especially try to show the love and care of Jesus?
(From PastoralPlanning.com)

8th Annual Saint Nicholas Feast

St. Nicholas Party for children 2yrs old to 1st grade December 3rd ~ 6:15 to 7:30 PM St. Olaf Fr. Agnew Parish Center.

On December 3rd, Saint Nicholas will stop at St Olaf’s weather permitting. He was sorry to have had to cancel his visit last year but is hoping for better weather this year. He is looking forward to visiting with the younger children. The Outreach Council hopes that
you will join with them to welcome St. Nicholas to our community. The evening will start with music at 6:15, prior to the arrival of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas will spend time with the children as his story is read. Craft activities will be set up to round out the evening along with a snack.

To those of you who have joined us in the past, we hope to see you & your children again. To those who are new to this event, we look forward to seeing you & your children & hope that this becomes an Advent tradition for your family. In order to plan for the event, the Outreach Council would appreciate RSVP’s to be called into the Parish Office by November 26th, (while this would be nice it isn’t
necessary). We are always are in need of parent helpers, so if you would like to help please leave this information at the Parish Office with your RSVP’s.

In the event of bad weather notice will be posted on the St Olaf’s Facebook page by 4:00. Kathy Pichler’s voicemail at St Olaf’s (ext 103) would also have this message along with WAXX105 radio station.

St. Olaf Outreach Council

Martinmas

Snow and frost on St. Martin’s Day, November 11, were once welcomed as Martin’s own blessing. His feast day comes about the time of the year that winter announces itself. So Martin is sometimes depicted as “Old Man Winter,” or “Furry Martin.” Martin most often though is depicted as a soldier.

Legend tells us that Martin was a Roman centurion and when he was riding his horse one snowy day and he met a beggar. Martin didn’t have anything to give the beggar so he cut his cloak (coat) in half and gave have to the beggar. The story goes on to tell us that Martin had a dream that night and in the dream Christ appeared to him and he was wearing the half cloak Martin had given the beggar.

That revelation led to Martin’s becoming a Christian. He went through a lot of red tape to then leave the army as a “conscientious objector.” To be a “conscientious objector” means that a person is listening to his or her conscience telling them it is wrong to fight in wars. Martin felt that since he was a Christian it was not lawful for him to fight. He would from now forward be a soldier for Christ.

There are many traditions associated with St. Martin’s Day. The day is celebrated on the evening of November 11 in a small part of Belgium (mainly in the east of Flanders and around Ypres). Children go through the streets with paper lanterns and candles, and sing songs about St. Martin. In Germany there are widespread bonfires and the children here too go through the streets carrying paper lanterns and candles. In the Netherlands the children go door to door with the paper lanterns singing songs hoping to receive candy in return, similar to trick or treating in the United States. In Sweden St. Martin's Day is a celebration of the goose. In early November, geese are ready for slaughter, and on St. Martin's Eve, November 10, it is time for the traditional dinner of roast goose.

One way to celebrate St. Martin’s Day is to make horse-shoe shaped cookies. Roll the cookie dough to a ¼” thick and cut it into strips ½” x 6”. Then on a cookie sheets curve the strips into horseshoe shapes (like the letter U). Press sliced almonds into the dough and bake for 15 minutes at 325°.
(from Take Me Home, LTP 1991)

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Reading 1: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 3:9C-11, 16-17; Gospel: John 2:13-22

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”

Are you helping to build the Church or do you view that as someone else’s responsibility?

Are your words and actions grounded in your faith so that they continue to build on Jesus’ foundation, or do they come from a different foundation?
(from NCCL's CL weekly)

Pope’s November Intentions

Every month, the Pope asks Christians all around the world to pray together for two specific intentions.

Pope Francis asks Christians to pray in November so that “all who suffer loneliness may experience the closeness of God and the support of others.”

His missionary intention for the month is “that young seminarians and religious may have wise and well-formed mentors.”

The Commemoration of All the Faithfully Departed (All Soul's Day)

Reading 1: Wisdom 3:1-9; Reading 2: Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; Gospel John 6:37-40

Discussion Questions for Reading 1: What does it mean to be "at peace" in your family? at school?

Discussion Questions for Reading 2: Why is Baptism a source of new life? Discuss how Baptism is both a dying and a rising to new life.

Discussion Questions for Gospel: What is your image of Eternal Life? Does your image motivate you to live as Jesus taught? Who of your family and friends has gone before you to Eternal Life? Do something in memory of those people today.
(from: http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/weeksliturgy.cfm?id=400)

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Social responsibility

Reading I: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 (rewards to Cyrus, king of Persia)
Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 (a model for believers)
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21 (paying tax to the emperor)

Key Passage: At that [Jesus] said to them “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

Adult: How much responsibility do you feel the government should take for meeting the needs of the less fortunate in our society? How willing are you to contribute?
Child: Who needs help in your neighborhood or community? What could you and your family do to help?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Living our faith

Reading I: Isaiah 25:6-10 (a feast for all peoples)
Reading II: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 (generosity)
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 (the wedding banquet)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

Adult: How do you translate your faith into the work of the Reign of God?
Child: What three things can you do this week to show that you are a follower of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Dealing with injustice

Reading I: Isaiah 5:1-7 (the vineyard song)
Reading II: Philippians 4:6-9 (joy and peace in Christ)
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43 (parable of the tenants)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:43)

Adult: How have you used your talents and abilities well for the Reign of God?
Child: What can you do in your week to help the love of God grow in the world?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

The challenge to forgive

Reading I: Ezekiel 18:25-28 (personal responsibility)
Reading II: Philippians 2:1-11 (imitating the humility of Christ)
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32 (parable of the two sons)

Key Passage: A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28–31)

Adult: When have your actions not measured up to your promises? What was the outcome?
Child: Why is it important to follow through on your promises to others?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Jonah

Every year we celebrate and dread the autumnal equinox, OK 1st day of fall! One way to make things fun is to find a person to associate the day with. For those of us who are Christian we could think of Jonah on this day when the day and night are in balance, each are 12 hours long and when the sun rises due east and sets due west.

Jonah is always remembered as being swallowed by the whale and then spit out by said whale on the shores of Nineveh. But, the question is why. This story is appealing to tell to young children since they have the vivid imaginations that lets them wonder at a person being swallowed by a whale and living in its stomach until one day the whale burps and there he is on a shore.

God called Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn the people to give up their selfish ways, to straighten out their lives or there would be drastic repercussions. Jonah did not listen to God’s call because he felt the people of Nineveh weren’t worth saving, he decided to sail away on a ship. While he was on board the ship a terrible storm came up and the ship was in danger of capsizing. Jonah new the storm was because he was trying to run away from his responsibilities so he told the crew to throw him overboard and was promptly swallowed by a huge fish. Jonah ended up on the shore of Nineveh when the fish spit him out. And because of this sign Jonah followed God’s plan for him. He did not succeed in convincing people the 1st time around but did succeed the 2nd time. We can learn a lot from that, especially if we fail at something we try we need to ask God for help and try again.

Take some time and read the book of Jonah to follow his journey to being God’s spokesman, (prophet).

St. Matthew

Did you know that St. Matthew is the patron saint of the unpopular? I vaguely remember hearing that in my growing up years but hadn’t thought of it until I read it when looking for ideas for this blog post. Remember, Matthew was a tax collector before he became an apostle of Jesus. So, not only is he the patron saint of the unpopular but of those who work with money such as bakers, financial planners and tax agents. I am sure you have figured out where the unpopular comes in. When you think of tax collectors or the IRS we are necessarily happy to have to deal with the, thus they are unpopular with most people. Anyone for that fact who do make a living doing something most people don’t like are unpopular.

If you aren’t very sure on what a patron saint is a particular is a saint who is a good example for someone to follow. Knowing about this particular saint’s life can help show us how to live out our Catholic Christian faith at work, in school or at home.

When Matthew met Jesus he decided that Jesus’ message and mission here on earth were more important than collecting money from those who had next to nothing. He left his job and everything he held dear to work with Jesus. September 21st is his feast day and that may be a good day for us to ponder about the things and the people who we think are important. What do you value most in your life? Is there anything you value that could be left behind? Sometimes our treasures multiply faster when we give them away as I am sure Matthew discovered when her repaid those he had taken money from and lived the life that Jesus wants us all to follow.

To celebrate St. Matthew’s feast day you could give your family and/or friends chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Or as an old custom at harvest time goes use gold or silver paint or foil to cover walnuts/almonds to share with people.
(Take Me Home, LTP, 1991)

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

God’s generosity

Reading I: Isaiah 55:6-9 (seeking the Lord)
Reading II: Philippians 1:20-24, 27 (spreading the gospel)
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 (the laborers in the vineyard)

Key Passage: [The landowner] said “Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:14–15)

Adult: What lessons do you draw from today’s Gospel? How has God been generous to you in this way?
Child: Who is generous to you, even when you do not always deserve it?
(from: PastoralPlanning.com)

The Sorrows of Mary

Yesterday we celebrate the Triumph of the Cross and today, September 15 we honor Mary, “Our Lady of Sorrows.” Mary stood at the bottom of the cross as her son was dying and suffered along with him. I can only imagine the sorrow she felt and I know that anyone who has watched a child suffer and even die would know how Mary felt in those final hours of Jesus’ life. Her faith sustained her through it all and she knew that he would be reunited with her for all of eternity.

In “Take Me Home Too” I discovered that “dolors” is an old word for sorrows so today (Sept. 15) is the name-day of those named Delores. “Today we remember the seven dolors of Mary: 1. Hearing the prophecy of Simeon that a ‘sword of sorrow’ would open her heart.’
@. Fleeing into Egypt with her family to escape King Herod’s plot to murder her baby.
3. Losing the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem.
4. Seeing Jesus carry his cross.
5. Witnessing the death of Jesus, when the sun wen dark and the earth itself shook with sorrow.
6. Receiving Jesus’ dead body in her arms.
7. Burying the body of Jesus in the earth.” (1)
These sorrows could be the sorrows of each of us who follow Jesus. We are called to open our hearts to Jesus and live our faith according to the gospel. Sometimes that means losing what we love the most with the faith that Jesus is with us and will carry us through our sorrow. That may mean giving witness to and suffering like Mary the Mother of Jesus. We need to remember that in the suffering there is certain hope of resurrection as we embrace and then bury those we love who have died.

One of the flowers that is abundant in September is the gladiola, which derives its name from the Latin word for sword, gladius, if you look closely the flower has sword shaped leaves. So if you have gladiolas in your garden or access through a friend, floral shop or farmer’s market use the flowers next to your cross today just as you may have used basil or herbs yesterday. To do this is remembering Simeon’s words to Mary that a
“sword of sorrow” would open her heart.

Triumph of the Holy Cross

Reading 1: Numbers 21:4b-9; Reading 2: Phillipians 2:6-11; Gospel: John 3:13-17

On September 14 we will celebrate the Triumph of the Holy Cross. This day we celebrate the cross of Jesus as a sign of glory. We are remembering that almost 6 months ago we held up the cross on Good Friday. This is not a symbol that we pull out once a year during Holy Week to remind us of Jesus’ suffering and death for our sins. This is a symbol of the living Christ who lives in each of us and loves us even to death.

St. Helena who lived about 300 years after Jesus and was the mother of Constantine who was the first emperor to be baptized a Christian brought the Cross to the forefront of people’s minds. According to legend she did this by setting off to Jerusalem to search for the cross of Jesus. When I read about this I thought an impossible task, how could you find a wood cross that is over 300 years old since it should have most likely disintegrated at that point? Then I thought a little more and determined that it is a holy object, one that held the body of our Lord, Jesus as he gave his life for us it would of course still be intact. The legend goes on to tell us that St. Helena did indeed find the Cross on a hillside and it was covered with basil, which we all know is a wonderful herb with a very aromatic scent. One of the little known facts that most of do not know about basil is that it is a symbol of resurrection because it can sprout in dry soil and grow very quickly.

Do you have a crucifix or cross hanging in your home? If you do is it in a place of honor? We should be proud as Catholic Christians to display this reminder of Christ’s love for us. One of the ones we have in our home was a gift from my husband’s godparents for our wedding. How about you does one of the crucifixes you own have a special memory associated with it?

The Christians in Ethiopia pout fresh basil and other late summer herbs and wildflowers by their cross on September 14. This could be a custom to start in your home, especially if you are a gardener and have an abundance of herbs at this time of the year. Another way to celebrate is to make a cross shaped dessert like a cake or sugar cookies and decorate them for the occasion.

Whatever way you choose to honor this day always keep in mind that Jesus died so we could be united with him in heaven.
(The information in this post came from Take Me Home Too, published by LTP, 1007)

Happy Birthday Mary, Mother of God!

Did you know that September 8 is the anniversary of Mary’s, the Mother of Jesus, birth? We should all plan on celebrating this wonderful day, for without her birth and yes to the Angel she would not have been the Mother of God. And remember Mary was born without sin so she would be able to carry Jesus in her womb.

We all celebrate our birthdays with parties, cards, a special meal, a cake or good wishes from family and friends. What would happen if we celebrated the other milestones associated with our birth? What are those you ask? Well most likely you were given a Saint’s name when you were born. You could research what Saint is associated with your given name. When you discover who the Saint is you could then find out his or her feast day and celebrate on that day with a special meal etc. The other special milestone associated with our birth would be your Baptism when you were born into the new life of Jesus.

Some people have several names. Mary, the Mother of Jesus is also known by, “rose of Sharon and lily of the valley.” What you say why those names? The names actually come from the Bible. The Old Testament to be exact in the Song of Songs. So since Mary’s birthday is September 8 and we celebrate that day in her honor anyone with the name Rose or Rosa, Sharon, Lily or Lillian, Mary or any of its variations like Marie, Maureen, Miriam etc. has a name day that day and that would call for a name day celebration.

Even if you don’t have a name that derives from Mary the Mother of God you can celebrate her birthday. You could have a statue of Mary on your table for the day and place roses by the statue. Have a special meal and use your “good” dishes to make everything feel special. And of course you need to have a birthday cake because what is a birthday celebration without cake?

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Helping others grow

Reading I: Ezekiel 33:7-9 (the prophet a watchman)
Reading II: Romans 13:8-10 (love fulfills the Law)
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20 (fraternal correction)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” (Matthew 18:15)

Adult: How have you been able to follow Christ more closely because others patiently loved you?
Child: How can you help another person do the right thing?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Back to School is a Rite of Passage

I am a bit late posting this so I hope you can still feel the celebration that comes with a new school year even though everyone is a couple of days into it by now.

We always hear how excited parents are to have their children back in school. There is a routine that is back in the family lifestyle. No more hearing “I am bored,” or “There is nothing to do,” or “Why can’t we do something fun for a change?” Some parents think, the children are back in school we should do something fun. And the children are thinking oh no school, too much homework, a mean teacher, a new school I won’t have any friends etc. What if instead of focusing on the negatives we focus on the positives?

We should be celebrating the chance for our children to grow in knowledge and experience. How can we do that? In Russia, the first day of school means a time to celebrate learning. The teachers receive flowers and in turn have bags of candy for the students. In India the students are wearing flowers. And in Israel honey cookies are made in the shape of the letters of the alphabet.

Do you have any special rituals to celebrate the return to school and the excitement of learning new things this year? What about having a special meal the night before school starts? You could serve alphabet themed items, such as alphabet soup. Do you make a day of back to school shopping and stopping to have a meal out with the children? You could make everyday things seem exciting, when you have that special meal the night before school starts use a table cloth and the good dishes. After the meal gather all of the new school supplies (already in backpacks) and then thank the Lord for the new year and as His blessing on everyone (teachers included).

Labor Day

Why do we celebrate this holiday on the 1st Monday of September? Is it a nod to the end of summer so we need to get on last weekend of camping or other types of outdoor activities in before school begins? That is how most of see Labor Day. In actuality the roots of this celebration are far removed from the end of summertime activities. And no it has nothing to do with women giving birth!

Labor Day is in place to celebrate the rights of those who work. The have the right to a fair wage, decent working hours, safe conditions to work in and fair treatment in the workplace. Does this sound familiar? I you have been keeping track of blog posts here this summer you will have noticed that these same rights we celebrate on Labor Day are discussed in the papal encyclicals on social justice. We celebrate to honor the fact that these rights have been fought for and are now in place, but we still must remember there are still places where workers still struggle for these rights. Work should offer us dignity not destroy us.

However you celebrate Labor Day, plan to begin the day with your family with this prayer from Catholic Household Blessings and prayers: “God our creator, we are the work of your hands. Guide us in our work, that we may do it, not for ourselves alone, but for the common good. Make us alert to injustice, ready to stand in solidarity, that there may be dignity for all in labor and in labor’s reward. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Come, follow me

Reading I: Jeremiah 20:7-9 (Jeremiah’s interior crisis)
Reading II: Romans 12:1-2 (sacrifice of body and mind)
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27 (first prophecy of passion and resurrection; doctrine of the cross)

Key Passage: Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Adult: In what concrete ways do you take up your cross and follow Jesus?
Child: When has it been difficult to be a follower of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

August 29th - The Passion of St. John the Baptist

As summer winds down, we hear the crickets chirping and will soon hear the honking of geese as they fly south for the winter. And, yes we have less than one month of summer left as September 23 will be the first day of autumn, and you will hear some meteorologists telling you that meteorological autumn begins September 1st. I like the September 23rd date better myself!

Remember back in June when we celebrated the beginning of summer and on June 24th the birth of St. John the Baptist? And remember he grew up to announce the arrival of Jesus as the Messiah. Well in August at the end of the summer we recognize the death of St. John the Baptist. He was thrown into prison by King Herod and then murdered under King Herod’s orders. This story is told to us in the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

For us his death is a tragedy and we observe the day as one of sorrow. The saddest part of this story is that for King Herod and his court the beheading of John the Baptist was nothing more than a lark, one that gave great entertainment to the partiers but in the end was a loss for all of those that John touched. Since we remember this anniversary of John’s death as a day of sorrow we can observe it by eating simply, maybe not eating between meals or skipping a dessert. We could also take a break from technology for the day. There are lots of ways we can show our respect for the cousin of Jesus who went before him proclaiming him as the Messiah.

Often, people who are sad do not feel like eating. By fasting as suggested in the previous paragraph we can be in union with those who may be feeling sad about something in their lives right now. What do you do when you are feeling sad? Can you think of ways that you could help someone you know who is feeling sad? Sometimes all it takes to lift someone spirits is a phone call or a visit. And there may be times when just sitting with the person in silence will be enough, they know you are there and that you care about them.

Remember, Jesus tells us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” You could be the one who is doing the comforting today and tommorrow someone may comfort you.

Catholic Social Teaching Part Four

St. Pope John XXIII wrote another encyclical on social justice in 1963, 2 years after he wrote his first one “Christianity and Social Progress.” The second one is titled “Peace on Earth” or “Pacem in Terri.”

In “Peace on Earth” St. Pope John XXIII wants us to know that “peace can be established only if the social order set down by God is fully observed.” (1) He laid out a list of things to be followed by everyone, not only the Church, but governments, communities, and individuals. St. Pope John XXIII said that peace should be “founded on truth, built according to justice, vivified (animated) and integrated by charity, and put into practice in freedom.” (1)

He wrote “Peace on Earth” during the 1st year of Vatican II. And it was published right after the Cuban Missile Crisis and the construction of the Berlin Wall. This encyclical spoke to a world that knew all too clearly the dangers of a nuclear war. Since the world knew the dangers, “the optimistic tone and the development of a philosophy of rights” had a significant impact on not only Catholics but non-Catholics as well. (1)

Section 9 in the encyclical says, “Every human is a person, endowed with intelligence and free will, who has universal and inviolable rights and duties.” This tells us we are equal to one another and in being equal comes the rights due to all, but also we have the duty to make sure the rights are upheld and everyone is included. This means not just our next door neighbor but our brothers and sisters around the world.

Saint Pope John XXIII reiterates in this encyclical what the other “Social Justice” encyclicals have said. Everyone has the right to life, a good standard of living, freedom of speech, the right to work for a just and sufficient wage and the right to choose what one wants to do in life whether it be pursuing a vocation, raising a family, etc. Along with these expressed rights Saint Pope John XXIII also wrote we have the right to religion and conscience. In other words, no one can tell us we can’t believe in God and they cannot force us to do something we believe is wrong. Along with these rights come the duties as well. We need to respect the rights of others, work collaboratively with each other, to act responsibly for others and to preserve life.

To complete the quote used at the beginning from section 167 of the document which sums it up like this: “Peace will be but an empty sounding word unless it is founded on the order which the present document has outlined…an order founded on truth, built according to justice, vivified (animated) and integrated by charity, and put into practice in freedom.”
(1) Catholic Social Teaching Our Best Kept Secret, 1995

Twenty–first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Representatives of Christ

Reading I: Isaiah 22:15, 19-23 (Eliakim chosen by God)
Reading II: Romans 11:33-36 (praise of God)
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter the rock)

Key Passage: He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15–16)

Adult: If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him?
Child: Who do you tell people Jesus is?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

All are welcome

Reading I: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 (the Lord’s house open to all)
Reading II: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 (Israel’s final conversion; the triumph of God’s mercy)
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28 (faith of the Canaanite woman)

Key Passage: For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56:7)

Adult: The woman in this story was persistent in prayer. For what do you pray insistently?
Child: For what do you ask God to give you most often?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Saint of the Day: St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1107&calendar=1

As a child, one night Maximilian Mary Kolbe prayed to Our Lady to tell him what would happen to
him. She appeared, holding in her hands two crowns, one white, one red and asked which he would
chose: the one of purity, or the other of martyrdom. He said, “I choose both.” From that moment,
his focus in life changed. He entered the minor seminary and became a novice at 16.

Ordained at 24, he saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of the day and he set out to
combat it. He had already founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with
the witness of the good life, prayer, work and suffering. He dreamed of and then founded Knight of
the Immaculata, a religious magazine to preach the Good News to all nations.

In 1939 the Nazis overran Poland; Kolbe and his friars were arrested, but then released in less than
three months on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In 1941 he was arrested again and sent to
Auschwitz. When a prisoner escaped, the commandant announced that 10 men would die. As they
were being marched away to the starvation bunkers, Number 16670 dared to step from the line. “I
would like to take that man’s place. He has a wife and children.” “Who are you?” “A priest.” No
name, no mention of fame. The commandant, dumbfounded, perhaps with a fleeting thought of
history, kicked Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek out of line and ordered Father Kolbe to go with the
nine. In the “block of death” they were ordered to strip naked; their slow starvation began. But there
was no screaming – the prisoners sang. By the eve of the Assumption four were still alive. As Kolbe
sat in a corner praying, he was killed with an injection of carbolic acid. They burned his body with all
the others. He was beatified in 1971 and canonized in 1982.

Comment: Father Kolbe’s death was not a sudden, last-minute act of heroism. His whole life had
been a preparation. His holiness was a limitless, passionate desire to convert the whole world to
God. His beloved Immaculata was his inspiration.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Acting with courage

Reading I: Isaiah 55:1-3 (invitation to grace)
Reading II: Romans 8:35, 37-39 (indomitable love of Christ )
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21 (Jesus feeds five thousand)

Key Passage: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39)

Adult: To whom could you bring the assurance of Christ’s love this week?
Child: Jesus fed the crowds today. How does he offer you spiritual nourishment?

(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Catholic Social Teaching Part Three

In 1961, thirty years after Pope Pius XI’s encyclical The Reconstruction of the Social Order, Pope John the XXIII wrote Mater et Magistra or Christianity and Social Progress. He reviews Pope Pius XI’s and Pope Leo XIII’s encyclicals and then goes on to tell us that new political, social and economic advancements caused him to write this new encyclical on social justice. Pope John XXIII felt the need to write this to address the drastic imbalances between the rich and poor throughout the world and the importance of the laity in working to bring the Church’s social teaching to those in the world around us.

Pope John XXIII addressed several key areas that he felt needed attention. One in particular was that families need to have a just wage so they can live with dignity. He felt that there was too much imbalance between what was spent on arms and “national prestige,” and what wages were given to the everyday workers. Does this sound familiar? His thoughts could very well have been written yesterday. We are still struggling over the just distribution of goods and services.

John XXIII also felt that the more imbalance that exists between countries the more difficult it becomes to have peace. He believed to help with this it was the duty of all countries to take care of the poor and to “establish effective programs of emergency assistance” as a way of carrying that out. Another way he offered to aid the poor was for “industrial countries to respect the culture of developing countries,” and to offer aid when needed without putting restrictions on that aid. That imbalance is still in existence today, right? We wouldn’t be seeing the news of war breaking out in the Middle East and the upheaval in Iran today if everyone felt equal to one another. At least in my humble opinion that would go a long way in helping.

Pope John XXIII also wanted the Church and individual Christians to “foster a unity between peoples and advance human dignity.” This is so hard for all of us to take on when we look at the worldwide picture but if we look closer to home and do what we can in our own families, neighborhoods and communities it becomes more doable. Instead of berating a spouse or child for something they did wrong, help them to see what is they did in a loving way and how they can grow from it. As I have said before a smile can work wonders for someone who is feeling down whether from joblessness, depression, etc., so rather than ignore those around you, smile and say hello. It is the seeds we plant that will grow into the “flowers and vegetables” of tomorrow’s world.

(Catholic Social Teaching, Out Best Kept Secret, 1995)

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Commitment

Reading I: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 (wisdom of Solomon)
Reading II: Romans 8:28-30 (God’s love for all)
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46 (the treasure and the pearl)

Key Passage: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)

Adult: What would you be willing to “sell,” or do without, in order to achieve your dreams for yourself or your family?
Child: What good thing do you want so much that you would give up something else to get it?

Feast of St. James

O Glorious St. James, because of your fervor and generosity Jesus chose you to witness his glory on the Mount and his agony in the Garden. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending struggles of this life. Help us to follow Christ constantly and generously, to be victors over all our difficulties, and to receive the crown of glory in heaven. Amen. http://www.catholicdigest.com/quiet_moment/

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene has been called the second-most important woman in the Gospels, after Jesus’ mother, Mary. The Gospels mention her 12 times, more than most of the apostles.


Her name comes from her origin in Magdala, a region in northern Galilee. The Gospels of Mark and Luke tell us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene. After that, she traveled with Jesus and his followers, and took a prominent role in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.


She remained at the foot of the cross when most of Jesus’ followers left him, and she is remembered for her courage in faithfully standing with Jesus even as he faced death.


Mary Magdalene is the only person noted by all four Gospels as testifying to Jesus’ resurrection. John and Mark portray her as the first witness of the resurrection, and St. Augustine honored her with the title “the apostle to the apostles” because she was the first to share the news of the resurrection.


For generations, tradition confused Mary Magdalene with two other women of the Gospel. She is not the same person as Mary of Bethany, who is sister to Martha and Lazarus. She is also not the unnamed woman of Luke’s Gospel (7:36-50), who was uncritically assumed to be a prostitute. Both of these other women anoint Jesus’ feet with oil, which is why Mary Magadalene is mistakenly portrayed with a jar of ointment, as in this stained glass window from the Basilica.


We do know that Mary Magdalene was a pillar of the early Christian community, a faithful follower of Jesus who was healed by him, and one of the first people to witness and share the good news.


Various traditions compete to tell the story of what happened to Mary Magdalene in her later life. One legend has it that she retired to Ephesus with Jesus’ mother, Mary. Another has it that she was transported to France with others and evangelized that area. The relics of St. Mary Magdalene rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and she is depicted in stained glass in the Basilica as well as in a wall mural there.


St. Mary Magdalene, who stood with Jesus at the cross, and was the first witness of the resurrection, pray for us!

(from: http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&gid=609&sitebuilder=1&pgid=10813)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Overcoming weakness

Reading I: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 (on God’s mercy)
Reading II: Romans 8:26-27 (the intercession of the Spirit)
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30 (the parable of the weeds)

Key Passage: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

Adult: What weakness can the power of the Spirit help you overcome?
Child: When will you need the help of the Holy Spirit this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Catholic Social Teaching Part Two

The next encyclical I want to share with you is The Reconstruction of the Social Order. This was written by Pope Pius XI in 1931. Not quite 100 years old but close. Forty years separated Pope Leo XIII’s The Condition of Labor and Pope Pius XI’s publishing of his encyclical which in Latin is titled Quadragesimo Anno. Pope Pius XI covers 3 areas: he talks about how Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical impacted the Church and other areas; he also expands on the social and economic ideas from The Condition of Labor and finally he asks for a positive role for the Church in economic and social affairs. He goes on to speak in favor of a unity between labor and capital along with urging for a reform of the social order. Pope Pius XI in his writing asks to see a “moral revolution of society coupled with action for justice based on love (1).”

In The Reconstruction of the Social Order Pope Pius XI encourages the Church to be adaptable to changing situations in the world and he wants the clergy and lay people to be committed to the Church’s teaching on social justice. By doing this, we as the Church make an effort to help the lower classes, and works of charity will be multiplied. Remember, Jesus told his disciples (and in turn us since we too are his disciples) that whenever we do something for the least of our brothers we are doing it for him.

Pius XI discusses the ethical implications of the social and economic order. He describes the major dangers for human freedom and dignity arising from unrestrained capitalism and totalitarian communism. He also calls for the reconstruction of the social order based on the principle of solidarity…(2)

Are these implications still relevant today? I believe they are, given what we see and hear about in our world today. Outside our back door we might not see the economic distress of others or the abuse of workers when things don’t get completed quickly enough in the 3rd world work environments, but they do happen. When our “neighbor” cannot find work that will support his/her family, even though it is full time, it is relevant to not only us, but to the world. Do we turn away from those who are down on their luck? I hope not. I always tell myself “there but for the grace of God go I.”

So, you ask “what can but one small cog in the wheel of this world we live do?” Look for opportunities to make a difference. What does your parish offer in ways of working for social justice in your community? Maybe you could volunteer to help with one of those projects. “I am busy, I have young children” you say…then try the simplest thing of all. As a family take time each day to pray for those in need whether it be for monetary reasons or for situations over which they have no control. One prayer at a time times many families praying a similar prayer will help work toward change.

1 pg 37 of Catholic Social Teaching, 1995
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadragesimo_Anno

Saint of the Day: Servant of God Francis Garcés and Companions

from: http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1449&calendar=1

A contemporary of the American Revolution, Francisco Garcés was born in 1738 in Spain, where he
joined the Franciscans. After ordination in 1763, he was sent to Mexico. Five years later he was
assigned to San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, one of several missions the Jesuits had founded in
Arizona and New Mexico before being expelled in 1767 from all territories controlled by the
Catholic king of Spain. In Arizona, Francisco worked among the Papago, Yuma, Pima and Apache
Native Americans. His missionary travels took him to the Grand Canyon and to California.

Father Garcés was greatly loved by the indigenous peoples among whom he lived unharmed for a
long time. They regularly gave him food and referred to him as “Viva Jesus”, which was the greeting
he taught them to use. For the sake of these indigenous converts, the Spanish missionaries wanted
to organize settlements away from the Spanish soldiers and colonists. But the commandant in
Mexico insisted that two new missions on the Colorado River, Misión San Pedro y San Pablo and
Misión La Purísima Concepción, be mixed settlements.

A revolt among the Yumas against the Spanish resulted in the deaths of Friars Francisco Garcés,
Juan Barreneche, Juan Diaz, and Matias Moreno. Ultimately, it was government interference in the
missions and land-grabbing that sparked the Indian uprising which cost these friars their lives.

Comment:
In the 18th century the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest saw Catholicism and Spanish
rule as a package deal. When they wanted to throw off the latter, the new religion had to go also. Do
we appreciate sufficiently the acceptable adjustment our faith can make among various peoples? Are
we offended by the customs of Catholics in other cultures? Do we see our good example as a
contribution to missionary evangelization?

Saint Benedict of Nursia

On July 11 we will celebrate the Feast Day of St. Benedict. In the midst of chaos within the old Roman government over 1500 years ago St. Benedict organized a community for men, which has become known as the Benedictine Community. And his sister St. Scholastica organized one for women. During this time there was an army in upheaval with the soldiers breaking rank. The police stopped working to protect the people so the bandits were preying on the people who had no protection against them. Roads became impassable due to no repairs and food quickly ran out at the markets because the goods could not be brought in over those roads.

When St. Benedict and then St. Scholastica organized their respective communities they used a set of rules St. Benedict put together titled, “Rule for Life.” This is still today a very sensible set of guidelines that help people work together effectively and to get along with each other. “The Rule” says that to live in community there cannot be any grudges held against one another, pride must be put aside, greed cannot be a way of life and laziness is not acceptable. Rather, everyone in the community needs to work hard not just for themselves but for everyone. And the way to bring order out of chaos is to practice generosity, charity and forgiveness with each other. “The Rule” also says that all guests should be received as if they were Jesus and so anyone visiting is greeted with joy and treated with great hospitality.

Since the world in which these communities was in a chaotic state the communities thrived on the order and kindness that “The Rule for Life” asked of the members. And since they thrived more communities were begun. Today there are Benedictine communities all around the world.

The daily life of the communities then and now are organized according to the Latin motto, ora et labora, “prayer and work.” We as families can adopt this motto for our own as well as treat each other as if it is Jesus we are with.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time , Year A

Seeds of faith

Reading I: Isaiah 55:10-11 (triumph of God’s word)
Reading II: Romans 8:18-23 (destiny of glory)
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23 (parable of the seed)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:7–8)

Adult: How do you provide “good soil” for the faith of others to grow?
Child: What are you doing to help the seeds of your faith grow each day?

Catholic Social Teaching a Secret or Not?

Did you know that the Catholic Church has letters (encyclicals) written by various Popes, on Catholic Social Teaching? You didn’t? That is not surprising, this is one of the best kept secrets of our church according to the book “Catholic Social Teaching: Our Best Kept Secret” by authors Peter J. Henriot, Edward P. DeBerri and Michael J. Schultheis.

Why is this such a big secret? I think we all believe in the idea of Social Justice. That we are all created equal and we should all be treated the same. The Catholic Church’s teaching on this goes so much deeper than this basic belief. Over the next few weeks I am going to discuss some of the teachings and where the Church stands on them. As a disclaimer this is something dear to me, but I am by no means an expert and may stumble at times as I try to convey what the teachings are and why they are just as meaningful today as they were when they were written whether it be 2 or 3 decades ago or over a hundred years ago.

One of the earliest encyclicals was written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, is titled, The Condition of Labor (in Latin: Rerum Novarum). I know this was written over a hundred years ago so how on earth could it pertain to life today? Well first a little tidbit of history. At the end of the 19th century in Europe and North America there was devastating exploitation and rampant poverty among the working peoples in both countries. Does this sound familiar? We certainly hear of the poverty and, yes, even exploitation of workers throughout the world still today.

Pope Leo XIII looked at the wealth of a few and the devastating situations of the poor when he wrote his encyclical. He wanted us to know that we have all been created equal and the goods of nature belong to everyone equally, not just those that have wealth. We all have talents, though they are not necessarily the same for everyone, but even with that God has given us all the gift of equal dignity, which means no matter how much different my situation is from my neighbor’s situation that does not make either one of us more or less of a person than the other.

We all have the right to benefit from the fruits of our labor, and in turn we should use those fruits as best we can to benefit our fellow man. That is not to say that labor is not necessary, we all need to earn our way to feel the dignity we have through God. Although, that does not mean that everything will be handed to us. There will be hardships throughout our lives and we must trust in God to help us through the trying times.

Pope Leo XIII went on to tell us that the Church has the right to speak out on matters of social justice, particularly the ones that affect religion and morality. And the Church, through use of the Gospel, can help to reconcile and unify all rich, middle class and poor. The Church also needs to take the lead on educating people to act justly or, in the words of Jesus, to treat one another as we would like to be treated.

This sounds overwhelming doesn’t it? And in many ways it is. We need to remember that with each of us doing our part to ensure that our fellow human beings are being treated fairly and equally in the work place the easier it is. It may be as simple for some of us as greeting a fellow worker or a person on the street with a smile and a hello rather than putting our head down and keeping on keeping on. By ignoring those around us whether the working poor, the unemployed, the homeless, or yes even those with the means to support themselves and help others, we are adding to the failure of how our world ignores the dignity of each of us.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Laying down your burdens

Reading I: Zechariah 9:9-10 (restoration under the Messiah)
Reading II: Romans 8:9, 11-13 (indwelling of the Spirit)
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 (Jesus and his Father)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

Adult: When has Jesus refreshed you when you felt burdened by problems?
Child: What burden do you need Jesus to help you carry?

July

This is the month that the citizens of the United State celebrate the birth of our country. Specifically we do this on July 4th. Is there something special that you do to celebrate the birth of our nation? Some of us will go on picnics, or maybe make homemade ice cream. Does anyone make a red, white and blue dessert? This is also a day that memories are created not only for our families and friends but for our country as well why else would we be celebrating if not to remember?

Fireworks are also part of this annual celebration. Does your family go and watch an area fireworks display or perhaps you have your own version of fireworks at your home? When the fireworks go off it like hearing thunder and creating a rainstorm of colorful and sparkling streaks in the sky. One of the reasons for fireworks is to chase away what is bad and welcome what is good into our lives. What bad needs to be chased away in our country? What good can be helped along? Are there ways we can make our land brighter?

As we celebrate on July 4th this year keep in mind that this wonderful country of ours was created by courageous men who were putting their lives and in most cases their fortunes on the line to defend what they stood for, that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” To these courageous men liberty was an outcome of human dignity and wanting to protect human dignity was the reason there was a war of independence. As we celebrate this day perhaps there is a way you can think of to promote human dignity and the right to pursue happiness and in doing that you would be making our land brighter.

Have a very safe and joyful 4th of July!

Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis for July

That sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth

That the Holy Spirit may support the work of the laity who proclaim the Gospel in the poorest countries.

July: Month of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord

The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood. The feast of the Precious Blood of our Lord was established in 1849 by Pius IX, but the devotion itself is as old as Christianity. The early Church Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood. Popes have confirmed that the feast of the Most Precious Blood of Christ would be celebrated on the 1st Sunday of July.

• Catholic doctrine teaches us that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and His Divinity united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

• As such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration properly given which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word.

• It is for this same reason that we honor the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage found in the oldest document, outside of sacred scripture, to be exact, from Pope St. Clement I, dated about 96 A.D. Says Pope Clement: "Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious It is, seeing that it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world."
To understand the meaning of the Precious Blood we must have some understanding of the seriousness of sin, of the nastiness of hurting God, because it required the Blood of the Son of God to forgive that sin. We are living in an age in which to sin has become fashionable.

During this month of July you might include this prayer in your daily prayer time: “Lord Jesus, You became Man in order by your Passion and Death and the draining of your Blood on the Cross, might prove to us how much You, our God, love us. Protect us, dear Jesus, from ever running away from the sight of blood. Strengthen our weak human wills so that we will not only not run away from the cross, but welcome every opportunity to shed our blood in spirit in union with your Precious Blood, so that, dying to ourselves in time we might live with You in Eternity. Amen”

Catholic ID: The "Be" Attitude - Archdiocese of Milwaukee

For the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul, Year A

“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

What does it feel like when you know you are relying on the Lord’s strength and not your own?

How will you listen to that inner voice so that you rely
more on the Lord?

(from clWeekly)

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, June 29

At this time of the year we are thinking of planting things or at least thinking about things we could have planted or did plant. We are not thinking of harvesting things yet, but actually some harvesting is taking place already if the weather has been cooperative. Farmers have hopefully started on their 1st crop of hay if they haven’t finished with it already. We are already visiting the Farmer’s Markets to take advantage of spring vegetables and fruits. The church celebrates the beginning of the harvest season with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. They are remembered together for “beginning the ‘harvest of the church.” (1) And because of their harvest we are part of the crop, or God’s harvest.

You may want to celebrate these 2 saints by having a seafood meal, to honor St. Peter the fisherman, with a glass of grape juice (or wine) to honor St. Paul as he recommends in his epistle to Timothy (5:23), “Take a little … for your stomach’s sake.” Another way to celebrate SS. Peter and Paul is to make or buy fresh bread and share that with your family and/or friends. Bread is made with grain and we all know that is harvested before it can be made into bread.

As you celebrate SS Peter and Paul remember those who earn their living off of the harvest. Say a prayer that the weather will be kind to them this year when it is time to bring in their harvest as well as it grows and flourishes beforehand.
( 1 - Take Me Home, Liturgy Training Publications, 1991)

June 24 – Midsummer Nativity

June 24 is when we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. Halfway between the beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn. It is also 6 months since Christmas and in turn that means in 6 months Christmas will return. June 24 is also 3 months from the time that Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth (John’s mother) who was then 6 months with child and right after the Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she said yes to being the Mother of God.

This is the time of the year when daylight lasts the longest in the Northern Hemisphere. From now on daylight hours will begin to get shorter until Christmas time. And then we start all over again. Isn’t that amazing, as John the lamp that holds the light is born the light begins to decrease until Christmas time when Jesus the Light of the World is born and then the light increases again. Just as John is the lamp that holds the light so are we. When we are baptized we receive the light of Christ and we become the lamp that carries Jesus to all we meet.

In the past, a long, long, time ago, nighttime bonfires were lit in honor of St. John the Baptist. How can you celebrate this midsummer event? Do you have a fire pit, if you do you could have a bonfire and invite your friends over to celebrate. Or you could put luminarias out, don’t know what those are? They are paper bags with sand in the bottom and then a lit candle is placed in the sand, they can be put out to light the path to your door. If you don’t have a fire pit and do not want to fiddle with paper bags, sand and candles have a “bonfire” in your grill as you cook your evening meal and bless the fire with this prayer from “Take Me Home” published by Liturgical Press in 1991: “Oh God almighty, unfailing ray and source of light, sanctify this fire that we have kindled with joy at the birth of John, the herald of you Son, and grant that, after the darkness of this life, we may come to you, who are light eternal. Amen.”

Body and Blood of Christ , Year A

Bread for others

Reading I: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 (God’s care)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (the Eucharist vs. pagan sacrifices)
Gospel: John 6:51-58 (the living bread)

Key Passage: I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:51)

Adult: What does it mean for you right now to be bread for others as Jesus was?
Child: In what ways can Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist help you do good things for others?
(from PastoralPlaning.com)

June – The month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When I ran across this I thought to myself why didn’t I know this? But then the more I thought about it I realized that I did know this from my childhood. Why is it that some things we readily remember and others slip away maybe never to be retrieved or if we do retrieve them it is only with a not so gentle reminder? I don’t expect an answer to that just my mind rambling….

The Feast of the Sacred Heart has been in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar since 1856, and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost. As Pentecost is always celebrated on Sunday, the Feast of the Sacred Heart always falls on a Friday. This make the feast day a moveable feast, but for the most part it always falls in June so that is why June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This year the date is June 27.

The name Sacred Heart of Jesus expresses what we know about Jesus. It represents the mystery surrounding Him, the sum of His being. We know his is the Son of God, the Word Incarnate and our Savior. Pope Benedict explained it like this: The Sacred Heart is a symbol "of the Christian faith that is especially dear, to ordinary people as well as to mystics and theologians, because it expresses the 'good news' of love in a simple and authentic way, encapsulating the mystery of Incarnation and Redemption." The Sacred Heart reminds us that Jesus is truly man and truly God.

“The heart is the center of a person, the place from which he/she makes the choices which will affect the world within them and around them. Devotion to the Heart of Jesus reminds us that it is in His Sacred Humanity that we find the pattern for becoming fully human ourselves. In His Incarnation, saving life, death and Resurrection, we receive both the pattern - and the means - to become more like Him. The Feast of the Sacred Heart reminds us of our mission in a Culture which has forgotten God. Let us spend the month of June in Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, lifting up our Nation, indeed the whole world, to the One in whom we place all of our trust. He will not disappoint; His Heart still beats with Mercy and Love for the world.” Taken from: http://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=51278 I found this on Catholic.org and it explains it way better than I can.

Planting Seeds

I tell the catechists all the time not to get too excited if the children they are working with don’t seem to be taking anything into their brains since they are planting seeds and the harvest may be many years in the offing. We never know when a seed we plant will burst into bloom we just patiently wait for it to happen.

This is the time of year people love to plant vegetable gardens, flower beds, patio pots etc. Do you plant a garden even if it is a patio pot? There is something so refreshing about picking fresh vegetables and then preparing them for yourself or your family that gives a person a feeling of being one with the earth. What about fresh flowers. I must admit those are my downfall, I have 5 and a half flower beds. The half one is a work in progress. Not that they all aren’t, but it is a new one. Flowers are easy to grow from seed and can be kept in pots or in the ground. Just think God gave us the earth to nurture and enjoy so we need to take advantage of that and do as he wanted.

When we grow vegetables or flowers they take a little bit of work too not just stick them in the dirt and hope for the best. We need to keep the weeds pulled so they don’t crowd out the good plants. Sometimes we even need to thin out the seedlings we have planted so the others can grow strong and produce a great yield. When we are tending to our gardens whatever form they take it is a good time to pray a blessing over the things we have planted and pray to God to watch over his creation with love and caring. In that short prayer we can also ask God to help us see the way that best works to take care of the earth he has given us to care for.

By the end of the summer perhaps even in time for Assumption Day in August we should be seeing benefits of our work with flowers blooming and vegetables forming for us to use as nourishment. Imagine that if this happens by planting seeds, bulbs or seedlings what will be waiting for us on the day of resurrection.

Trinity Sunday, Year A

A God of love

Reading I: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 (renewal of the tablets)
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (farewell)
Gospel: John 3:16-18 (belief in the Son sent by the Father)

Key Passage: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Adult: We live within the Trinity whenever we live in love. How does this mystery connect to your daily life?
Child: How do you choose to live as a more loving person?

Trinity Sunday

The Sunday after Pentecost is when we celebrate the Blessed Trinity. But wait a minute shouldn’t we be celebrating the Trinity every Sunday? We should and we do by attending Mass each week. Is there something else we can do to make every Sunday special?

In the busyness of our lives we tend to show up for Mass in what we chosen to wear for the day, maybe forget to turn off our cell phone, etc. Then during Mass we tune out to what is happening as what we should or could be doing begins to intrude into our thoughts. What was it Father just said? Seems like it was important but …

Maybe we should make a conscious effort to make our Sunday Mass obligation special whether it be the vigil Mass on Saturday or Sunday morning. I can remember when I was a child that we would get dressed up to go to church for Mass. How often does that happen these days unless it is a special occasion for a family such as Christmas, Easter a Baptism, 1st Communion, wedding or a special anniversary? How much effort would it take for you or me to change into even casual dress clothes rather than blue jeans or shorts and t-shirts? If you try I would hazard a guess it wouldn’t take a significant amount of time. I know when I make the effort to change before heading to Mass on a Saturday it is only a matter of a few minutes. And if you think about it Sunday morning you can just dress for church when you get ready in the morning and then change to more casual clothes when you arrive back home.

What else can you do to keep Sunday special? In years gone by all businesses were closed. That is not so anymore. We can still try to keep Sunday a day for family by trying to get any errands done during the week or on Saturday. Or maybe plan each week to have a special meal on Sunday and make it the expectation that all family members will be present for the meal. You could plan on doing something fun, visiting the zoo, taking a hike, going to the beach or pool depending on the time of year. The ideas are endless. How will you keep the Lord’s Day each week?

School’s Out

This is an exciting time of the year for all those who have been attending school over the past 9 months. It signals freedom from teachers, endless days of doing nothing but play or endless days of parents hearing I am bored, there’s nothing to do … You all have heard it before don’t deny it. Then there are those children who do not want the year to end because they have a hard time with change and don’t want a new teacher or school next year. All sorts of emotions are flying around right?

Some of the emotions of not wanting things to change can be eased by assuring a child that they can stay in touch with their friends from school over the summer and reminding them that their friends will be with them at school again in the fall. Another things to ease their fears would be to remind them that they can stop and visit their “old” classroom and teacher when they have free time. And it might help too to remind them that even adults have trouble with change as well, it always scary starting a new job, meeting a new boss or co-worker.

To overcome the, I’m bored there’s nothing to do syndrome it might help to make a “bucket” list of things to do during summer vacation. Make family time a priority, maybe have a story time each evening, prayer time each morning before everyone heads off to work and play. Take time to visit a local zoo, swimming pool/waterpark, nature reserve, museum, beach, planetarium, etc. Weekly picnics is a fun idea too, maybe visiting a different park each week. The ideas are endless we just need to remember to take the few minutes it takes to plan the outing and include prayer in the planning since with God’s help all things are possible.

Enjoy God’s wonderful creation this summer!

Pentecost

What is Pentecost you say? Remember from long ago when you were in religion classes you learned that Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles? And you must remember the pictures of the apostles with flames above their heads right? Is there more to it than that?

Of course there is Pentecost is when we celebrate the birth of the Church. The apostles seemed to have instant understanding and use that understanding to proclaim the Good News to all who were within hearing even those who did not speak the language of the apostles. (Remember the last post on the Tower of Babel?)

On Pentecost (June 8 this year) we can celebrate the fire of the Spirit by wearing the bright colors of fire: red, orange, and hot pink. Or by having a Pentecost party and decorating your yard/house with these colors. Have sparklers for everyone to celebrate the fire and to celebrate the wind have wind chimes, wind socks and flags or maybe even have kites to fly.

Invite your family, friends and neighbors for a barbecue. Have a fire theme by renaming your barbecue specialties with a fire oriented name…i.e. flame kissed burgers. And you can make this dessert to serve, Flame Berries, recipe below.

On Saturday, (the day before Pentecost) gather your ingredients for Flame Berries: 30 large strawberries (or however many you need for your party just remember to adjust the rest of the recipe as well), wash them and dry them. You will need a regular box of vanilla pudding, a cup of milk, ½ pint of whipping cream and 1 orange.

On Sunday, before you are going to serve the Flame Berries, mix the pudding and the cup of milk together. Whip the cream and fold it into the pudding. Grate the orange peel onto a sheet of wax paper. Then line the strawberries pointed side up and cut an X half way down. With a spoon fill the X with the pudding, mounding it over the top and then sprinkle each of the berry flames with the grated orange peel and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. (Recipe from “Take Me Home,” “A Fiery Finale”)

Pentecost , Year A

Sent to serve
Reading I: Acts 2:1-11 (descent of the Holy Spirit)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (many gifts, one Spirit, and the analogy of the body)
Gospel: John 20:19-23 (appearance to the disciples)

Key Passage: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21–22)

Adult: What important work does Jesus ask of you at this time in your life?
Child: How would Jesus want you to treat your friends and family this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

The Tower of Babel and Pentecost

Do you remember this story from Genesis 11: 1-9 when the people tried to congregate in one spot and build a tower to heaven rather than inhabit and fill the earth? God sees this as a sin of pride and arrogance that the people are ignoring his command from Genesis 1:28 to “fill the earth.” So God decides to confuse their language to upset their plan. The people cannot understand each other so they give up on their idea and the tower of Babel was never completed. We have to remember that it is not the language that separates people but our pride.

Then at Pentecost what happened at Babel is reversed. In the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2 the Holy Spirit enables everyone to understand what the apostles are saying even though they are from different lands. God wants the Good News to be proclaimed to all so we can all have the opportunity to reach Heaven. The Good News is universal and unites everyone we encounter no matter what language we speak.

At Pentecost we celebrate the birth of the Church and along with that we remember the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that enabled the apostles to speak so everyone could understand them. The 7 gifts are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety and respect. And the 12 fruits are: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, endurance, mildness, faith, modesty, continence and chastity. These are all virtues and they are powerful and rare in our world today.

To celebrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit why don’t you serve a 12 fruit salad for dinner on Pentecost? You could serve it with a simple dressing of honey, and fresh lime juice with some ginger or mint for seasoning.

Wine

Do you remember last week from the “Bread” post that yeast causes the bread to rise? Well guess what, yeast is also involved in the wine making process. Yes, you read that correctly yeast is involved in the wine making process it turns the sugar in the grapes into alcohol which in turn then eventually kills the yeast and stops the process.

Sometimes the process of winemaking can be explosive, it definitely is bubbly as the yeast works with the sugar. Because of the effervescence of the wine as it works we can think of this as a symbol of the Spirit at work, the one who brings joy, unity and friendship to all in perhaps a great explosion of creative energy. The alcohol in the wine keeps if from spoiling. This helped in time when there was not any refrigeration.

Wine can be one of the many good things of life and it can also be used for harmful things. Part of growing up is learning how to put things to good use and not use things in a way that can hurt yourself or others. In the book of Sirach it says this: “Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit, to quarrels and mumbling.” (31:28-29)

Do you remember how wine became part of our celebration of the Eucharist? Just as he did with the bread at the last supper Jesus shared the cup with his disciples and commanded them to do the same in memory of Him. Just as the bread becomes Jesus’ body at the consecration so the wine becomes his blood, which he poured out for all of us on the cross. Jesus may have had that verse from Sirach on his mind as he shared that cup wanting his disciples to rejoice in their hearts and share that joy and gladness with all.

PRAYER INTENTIONS OF POPE FRANCIS—JUNE 2014

That the unemployed may receive support and find the work they need to live in dignity.

That Europe may rediscover its Christian roots through the witness of believers.

Ascension, Year A

Reading I: Acts 1:1–11 (Jesus’ final instructions and ascension)
Reading II: Ephesians 1:17–23 (exaltation of Christ)
Gospel: Matthew 28:16–20 (I am with you always)

Key Passage: Acts 1:8 (power to proclaim the good news)

Adult: Jesus promises to be with us always. How do you experience his presence most?
Child: What good news about Jesus could you share with someone?
(from PastoralPlanning.com

Bread

During the Easter Season we have celebrated the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Can you remember back to when you received your 1st Communion? I have vague memories of that special day. I remember I was very excited and nervous. And I made my 1st Communion when Catholics were still fasting at least 3 hours prior to Mass, so that had me worried I would eat or drink something and then I wouldn’t be able to be part of the 1st Communion Mass. At least now an hour fast is not as worrisome. You did know we are supposed to fast for an hour before Mass right? I also remember wondering if the host would stick to roof of my mouth and then what would I do to get it off since to touch it would be a disaster. We have come a long way since then but the traditions are still with us even if the way things are done have change a bit.

To make bread we need to use yeast. Yeast is a fungus, and is a living thing. As the yeast slowly grows throughout the dough it gives off carbon dioxide which in turn expands the dough or makes it rise. A long time ago people kept a lump of yeast alive by feeding it. Yes, I said feeding it. They did that by adding flour and water. Whenever they wanted to make bread they would take a small lump from the yeast. Once in a while the yeast lump would become contaminated with other funguses and have to be thrown out. When that happened they would borrow some from a neighbor.

Every year at Passover the Hebrew people get rid of all things that contain yeast that they have in their homes. They do this as a sign of new beginnings. It is not exactly the same but this could be likened to how the New Year is celebrated in our culture. We try to throw out old habits by making resolutions.

The bread that becomes the Body of Christ at the Consecration is unleavened like the bread at Passover. Have you ever wondered why that is? It is a tradition we take from our Jewish ancestors for sure, but another reason may come from St. Paul who more or less said in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, that stinky contaminated yeast is like the rotten things we do or in other words sin. So we should toss out those things that are contaminated and start over fresh like unleavened bread.

Ascension

Did you know that during the 6th Week of Easter is when the solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated? This always falls on a Thursday and is when Jesus returns to His Father in Heaven. In many diocese the church continues the celebration of the Ascension during the following weekend.

A custom that has been around for a long time is to bless the first fruits of spring on Ascension Day. This is done to remember Jesus’ blessing of his apostles the first fruits of his mission here on earth.

If you have a garden there may be some first fruits you can harvest such as parsley, rhubarb even peas or flowers can be used. If not you could visit the produce section at the grocery store to get some produce or check out what the Farmer’s Market might have to offer. Once you have some fresh garden produce or flowers gather your family for a blessing before dinner using the following prayer from “Take Me Home” published by Liturgy Training Publications:
“Bless, O Lord, these fruits that you have brought to maturity by the dew of heaven by plentiful rains and by tranquil and favorable weather. You have given us this food for our use that we may receive it with thanks in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.”

Another way to celebrate Ascension Day is to have a picnic. You can be outside to do some cloud gazing and take in all of the wonderful springtime sites that abound throughout the Easter Season. If you can’t be outdoors for a picnic due to weather consider having an indoor picnic on your living room floor. The possibilities are endless on how to celebrate the Risen Lord’s Ascension into Heaven to be with his Father.

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A

The strength of faith

Reading I: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 (Philip in Samaria)
Reading II: 1 Peter 3:15-18 (on Christian suffering)
Gospel: John 14:15-21 (promise of the Paraclete)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)

Adult: The Spirit gives us inner wisdom and strength. When have you experienced this?
Child: The Holy Spirit makes you strong inside. When do you need to be strong?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Easter Animal Legends

Did you realize there are other animal legends associated with the Easter Season besides the Easter Bunny? There are and it is amazing what stories come from these animals both real and imaginary. The most interesting of these Eastertime legends are about mythological animals that are symbols of our risen Lord.

The unicorn is one. Yes, you read that correctly the mythical one-horned animal that resembles a horse is also known for laying down its life for the innocent. Just as Jesus laid down his life for all of us. Another one is the hydra, which is a many headed serpent. It is claimed that the hydra was swallowed whole by a crocodile and it freed itself by munching away at the crocodile from the inside out. Just as Jesus fought his way through sin and death to rise again and bring salvation to all. Then the pelican that is said to feed its babies from its own blood. Sound familiar? We to eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus when we celebrate the Eucharist. The phoenix, which is the beautiful bird that dies in a fire of palm fronds, rises again from the ashes to become even more beautiful. Again, there is the rising from the dead.

In Revelation and in other books of the Bible dragons are mentioned as being fierce and even having many heads. Jesus is said to slay the dragon or in reality sin and death. St. George who is said to have battled with a dragon and won has his feast day on April 23rd. Is it any wonder that this slayer of the dragon is celebrated during the Easter Season? Jesus has won the victory over sin and death and we celebrate his resurrection with joy and anticipation of joining Him in heaven someday.
( resources from Our Easter Zoo ©1991, Liturgy Training Publications, Christine Kenny-Sheputis)

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A

Jesus, the Way

Reading I: Acts 6:1-7 (the need of assistants)
Reading II: 1 Peter 2:4-9 (living stones)
Gospel: John 14:1-12 (last discourse: the way, the truth, and the life)

Key Passage: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Adult: In a challenge you face right now, what will it mean to live the way of Jesus Christ?
Child: Name some ways you can be more like Jesus when you are playing with your friends or family.
(from PastoralPlanning.com