Lent

Are you looking for a different way to embrace Lent this year? If you are you might want to check out Busted Halo's Fast, Pray, Give calendar. This Lenten calendar tries to help you find relevant ways to practive your Catholic Faith during Lent. Here is the link to the site: http://bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give-2014

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Overcoming fear
Reading I: Isaiah 49:14-15 (restoration of Zion)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 4:1-6 (Christ judges his ministers)
Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34 (dependence on God)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30)

Adult: What things do you worry about most frequently? How do you deal with your worry?
Child: What can help you worry less about something that might happen?
(from: PastoralPlanning.com)

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Love of enemies
Reading I: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 (various rules of conduct)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 (the work of God’s ministers)
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48 (new law of retaliation; love of enemies)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43–44a)

Adult: What is the point of “turning the other cheek” in an argument, and why is it so hard to do?
Child: Who are the people you find it most difficult to forgive?
(from: PastoralPlanning.com)

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Implications of the new law
Reading I: Sirach 15:15-20 (our free will)
Reading II:1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (true wisdom)
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37 (the old Law and the new)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24)

Adult: How do you reconcile with those who have offended or hurt you?
Child: When have you taken the first step to make up with someone who has hurt you or whom you have offended?
(from: PastoralPlanning.com)

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Feb. 9)

Spreading the light of Christ

Reading I:Isaiah 58:7-10 (true fasting)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (preaching on Christ crucified)
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16 (the similes of salt and light)

Key Passage:Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Adult: In what way might you be hiding the light of Christ from others? What could you do to improve this?
Child: How can you let the light of Christ in you shine for others this week?
(from: PastoralPlanning.com)

Papal Intentions for February

Universal Intention: That the Church and society may respect the wisdom and experience of older people.

Evangelization Intention: That priests, religious, and lay people may work together with generosity for evangelization.