Feast of the Holy Family

Respect for elders

Reading I: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 (duties toward parents)
Reading II: Colossians 3:12–21 (the practice of virtues)
Gospel: Luke 2:41–52 (the finding in the temple)

Key Passage: Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. (Luke 2:51a)

Adult: What does your family do to honor and respect its older members?
Child: Why did Jesus leave the temple? How can Jesus be an example for you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Christmas Day

Reading I Isaiah 52:7–10 (the one who brings glad tidings)
Reading II Hebrews 1:1–6 (God speaks through his Son)
Gospel John 1:1–18 (in the beginning was the Word)

Key Passage: John 1:10–11 (“His own did not accept him”)

Adult: If Jesus were to be born today, do you think you would accept him and follow him? Why or why not?
Child: What could you and your family do for others during the next week to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

Obedience to God’s will

Reading I: Micah 5:1–4a (restoration through the Messiah)
Reading II: Hebrews 10:5–10 (the second covenant)
Gospel: Luke 1:39–45 (the visit to Elizabeth)

Key Passage: Elizabeth said, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)

Adult: When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times?
Child: When is it hardest for you to obey a parent or teacher? What can help you obey with more trust?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Advent, Year C

The joy of kindness

Reading I: Zephaniah 3:14–18a (promise of a Savior)
Reading II: Philippians 4:4–7 (joy and peace)
Gospel: Luke 3:10–18 (John calls the people to justice)

Key Passage: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. (Philippians 4:4–5)

Adult: To whom have your past acts of kindness brought joy? What act of kindness could you do this week?
Child: What kind thing have you done for someone lately? Whom could you make happy by your kindness this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Pope's December Intentions

Universal: Experiencing God’s mercy, that all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving.

Evangelization: Families, that families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C

Prayer of repentance

Reading I: Baruch 5:1–9 (Jerusalem consoled)
Reading II: Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11 (gratitude and hope)
Gospel: Luke 3:1–6 (John the Baptist)

Key Passage: John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 3:3)

Adult: In what areas of your life do you need God’s forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?
Child: What do you want to ask God to forgive you for? What can you do during Advent to show you are sorry?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

First Sunday of Advent, Year C

The habit of prayer

Reading I: Jeremiah 33:14–16 (restoration of Jerusalem)
Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 (plea for growth in holiness)
Gospel: Luke 21:25–28, 34–36 (coming of the Son of Man)

Key Passage: Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

Adult: What have been the strengths of your prayer life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during this Advent season?
Child: What prayers will you say each day and each week during Advent?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

ST. OLAF GIVING TREE

The leaves are dropping from the trees; the mornings have a briskness; the air has a crispness and freshness that we feel as we inhale its life giving oxygen into our lungs – it leaves us feeling short of breath, yet filled with life. The wondrous part of living in
Wisconsin – we are graced to live the four seasons and to experience the cycles of life. We are exhilarated at this time of the year, we live in a sense of anticipation of all that this time of the year ushers forth – winter is around the corner, and we look forward to the joy and to the season that it brings. What so many of us look forward to in anticipation, many render themselves to in apprehension. Heat is more than a setting on the thermostat for many of our brother and sisters who live in this community of the Chippewa Valley that we all call home. Some cannot turn up the thermostat because they do not have the resources to pay the
increased cost. Many cannot go to the local department store and buy a new coat for themselves or their children. Many do not even have an old coat that can last just one more season. To steal a phrase from Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Ours is not to wonder why…” To steal a phrase from Matthew 26:35-36 “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me, …” Yes, there are agencies and organizations, of which the church is one, that exist to help the less fortunate than we.

WE ARE THESE ORGANIZATIONS & AGENCIES – WE ARE THE CHURCH.

On November 14th the “Charlie Brown” giving tree will again appear in the gathering space. The familiar ornaments for “Spirit of Christmas” will hang in hopes of being “picked” and the ornaments for Catholic Charities (Scrip requests that may be purchased after each mass or from the office) are hanging loosely and can be easily “plucked” from the branches. The “Spirit of
Christmas” and Catholic Charities are our way of being able to reach out, with others, to be the “Light Brigade” that responds to the Gospel – simply because it is the Gospel Message. Please return the ornament, with your gift of life, hope and love and place it beneath the “Giving Tree” on or before Dec 6th, which will allow
distribution of gifts to the “Spirit of Christmas” and make Scrip available to Catholic Charities so that both may reach out to those in need in our name.

May God’s grace abound in your lives – Deacon Bob

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Giving from our need

Reading I: 1 Kings 17:10–16 (Elijah and the widow)
Reading II: Hebrews 9:24–28 (the sacrifice of Jesus)
Gospel: Mark 12:38–44 (hypocrisy of the scribes, and the widow’s mite)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43–44)

Adult: What are you willing to give out of love for God that would be a hardship for you?
Child: What would you be willing to give up for someone else?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Giving from our need

Reading I: 1 Kings 17:10–16 (Elijah and the widow)
Reading II: Hebrews 9:24–28 (the sacrifice of Jesus)
Gospel: Mark 12:38–44 (hypocrisy of the scribes, and the widow’s mite)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43–44)

Adult: What are you willing to give out of love for God that would be a hardship for you?
Child: What would you be willing to give up for someone else?
(fromPastoralPlanning.com)

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for November

•Universal: That we may be open to personal encounter and dialogue with all, even those whose convictions differ from our own.
•Evangelization: That pastors of the Church, with profound love for their flocks, may accompany them and enliven their hope

Sunday, November 1, All Saints

Reading I: Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14 (rejoicing of the elect)
Reading II: 1 John 3:1–3 (children of God)
Gospel: Matthew 5:1–12 (the beatitudes)

Key Passage: Matthew 5:12 (blest are you)

Adult: What is the greatest challenge of the beatitudes for you?
Child: What does it mean to be blessed by God?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The eyes of faith

Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7–9 (the restoration)
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1–6 (Jesus, the high priest)
Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 (the blind Bartimaeus)

Key Passage: Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10:52)

Adult: What have your eyes of faith helped you see in a new way?
Child: What do you like most about the story of Bartimaeus? Why?
(from Pastoral Planning.com)

Sharing my thoughts:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Eccl 3:1) Reading between those lines one can then assume that there is a season for slowing down – a season for retirement. The beginning of Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes is familiar to most; however, verse 22 is not quite so familiar: “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot...” Therein lies the difficulty in the discernment of my retirement. Privileged to serve the Body of Christ at St Olaf for sixteen (16) years as Deacon and graced to be a member of this faith community for twenty-five (25) years has been, and continues to be, a blessing in my life. Although I was unable to bring myself to the decision to retire; I was able to convince myself that it was time to slow down. Beginning October 17, 2015, I will continue to be Deacon of the Mass at all three masses on the third weekend of each month. The remaining weekends I will be Deacon of the Mass at one mass each weekend. My mass of attendance will change each weekend; however, my attendance will rotate between all three weekend masses so that I may join in prayer with each segment of this community. I will continue with my involvement in parish life: Outreach Committee, various parish ministries and interaction with parish members. On the Eau Claire Deanery level, I will continue my work with the Marriage Preparation Program as I so enjoy the interaction with the engaged couples and the married couples who so graciously share their lives and experiences with those beginning the journey of marriage. May the Lord bless your lives and may your lives be a blessing for all whom you encounter on the journey of life.
†Deacon Bob

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Quiet sacrifice

Reading I: Isaiah 53:10–11 (the suffering servant)
Reading II: Hebrews 4:14–16 (Jesus, compassionate high priest)
Gospel: Mark 10:35–45 (ambition of James and John)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)

Adult: Why is it hard to do good works if you will not be acknowledged for them?
Child: Are you willing to do a good deed even if no one knows that you did it? Why?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Childlike faith

Reading I: Genesis 2:18–24 (second story of creation, the creation of woman)
Reading II: Hebrew 2:9–11 (Jesus’ exaltation through abasement)
Gospel: Mark 10:2–16 (question of divorce and Jesus blessing the children)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

Adult: What could keep you from embracing the kingdom of God like a little child?
Child: How do you feel when you hear the wonderful stories of God’s love for you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Setting priorities

Reading I: Numbers 11:25–29 (sharing the gift of prophecy)
Reading II: James 5:1–6 (saving the right focus)
Gospel: Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48 (sharing our possessions)

Key Passage: Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. (James 5:4)

Adult: What are the three most important values motivating your daily decisions?
Child: Could a poor person who is wise be richer in a way than a foolish person who has many things? Why?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

True wisdom

Reading I: Wisdom 2:1, 17–20 (the wicked speak)
Reading II: James 3:16—4:3 (true wisdom and worldly desires)
Gospel: Mark 9:30–37 (second teaching of the paschal event and words against ambition and envy)

Key Passage: He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Adult: What evidence do you see in the world around you that many do not accept Jesus’ teaching on power and ambition?
Child: Why is it wrong to feel envy for what belongs to another?
(from Pastoral Planning.com)

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Faith and works

Reading I: Isaiah 50:4–9 (salvation through the Lord’s servant)
Reading II: James 2:14–18 (faith and good works)
Gospel: Mark 8:27–35 (first teaching of the paschal event and the doctrine of the cross)

Key Passage: Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. (James 2:17–18)

Adult: Why should faith always lead to good works?
Child: What good works can you do to show your faith in Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Rich in faith
Reading I Isaiah 35:4–7 (Israel’s deliverance)
Reading II James 2:1–5 (against favoritism)
Gospel Mark 7:31–37 (healing of a deaf-mute)

Key Passage Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (James 2:5)

Adult: When has your faith in Jesus enabled you to speak out on an issue of importance?
Child: What does your belief in Jesus mean to you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Doers of the word

Reading I: Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–8 (advantages of fidelity)
Reading II: James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27 (response to God’s gift)
Gospel: Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 (Jesus and the Pharisees)

Key Passage: Welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. (James 1:21–22)

Adult: Which words of Jesus provide the most inspiration for the Christian work that you do?
Child: How do you welcome the words of Jesus into your heart?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time , Year B

Christian marriage

Reading I: Joshua 24:1–2, 15–17, 18 (reminder of the divine goodness)
Reading II: Ephesians 5:21–32 (Christian wives and husbands)
Gospel: John 6:60–69 (effect of the bread of life discourse)

Key Passage: This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church. Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:32–33)

Adult: In what way has the example of Christian marriage (your own or that of another couple) helped you understand the relationship between Christ and his church?
Child: What can you do for your family to show them Jesus’ love and care?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

The Psalms

I can’t talk about prayer without talking a little bit about the Psalms. Yes prayer and Psalms go together like chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. Psalms are part of the Bible and are discussed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). They are the prayers of the people of Israel, most of which are attributed to being written by King David.

The Psalms express how the people of Israel encountered God. The Psalms as prayer shows us how the Israelites communicate with their creator and they express a wide range of emotions, from joy to anger to fear… Today we can use the Psalms, in the same way. Our world today may seem completely different than when the Psalms were written, but if we take the time to read the Psalms we will find that they are pertinent to today’s world as well.

There are Psalms of lament, the people of Israel crying out to God in an unadulterated and direct manner or complaining about anything and everything that is wrong with their lives. They then go on to express their trust in God, petition Him for help, praise Him and give their words of promise to follow Him in all ways.

The Psalms of Thanksgiving are the peoples way of acknowledging how that their laments were answered, particularly recovery from an illness. In that day sickness was seen as a punishment for not following God’s Commandments and then the recovery was seen as God’s love for the person afflicted. If recovery was not granted it was assumed that the person was not a friend of God.

Finally, there are Hymns. They were considered to be a call to worship and often indicated that the premise of the Palms was to be praise and this was introduced as to what the praise if for.

The Hebrew alphabet played a role in some of the Psalms when some of them were formed in the way of an acrostic poem. These are poems where each line or section of the poem begins with the successive letter of the alphabet, which in the case of the Psalms would be the Hebrew alphabet, so in our looking at them we wouldn’t necessarily see that pattern.

The CCC tells us that “…the psalms were gradually collected into the five books of the Psalter (or “Praises”), the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament.” It goes on to explain to us that the prayer of the Psalms recalls the events in the lives of the Hebrew people, the promise God made, what may happen in the future even to the end of time. Christ as a Hebrew prayed the Psalms and the Psalms were fulfilled in Him. They are seen as a spontaneous and simplistic prayer showing the desire for God throughout.

So, perhaps it is time to step back and take a second look at the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament and really let the meaning sink in to help us in today’s world.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church: October 2010, USCCB, Libreria Editrice Vaticana; Collegeville Bible Handbook: 1997, Liturgical Press, Collegville MN)

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Promise of eternal life

Reading I: Proverbs 9:1–6 (forsake foolishness)
Reading II: Ephesians 5:15–20 (sing praise to the Lord)
Gospel: John 6:51–58 (discourse on the bread of life, continued)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.” (John 6:54)

Adult: How does Jesus’ promise of eternal life affect the way you live today?
Child: How often do you think about heaven? Does it make a difference in the choices you make?
(from PatoralPlanning.com)

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The eyes of faith

Reading I: Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15 (manna in the desert)
Reading II: Ephesians 4:17, 20–24 (renewal in Christ)
Gospel: John 6:24–28 (discourse on the bread of life)

Key Passage: So they said to Jesus, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing?” (John 6:30)

Adult: When has your faith helped you believe without “seeing signs” from God?
Child: Who helps you believe in things you cannot see?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Gifts of hope
Reading I: 2 Kings 4:42–44 (Elisha: the multiplication of loaves)
Reading II: Ephesians 4:1–6 (unity in the Mystical Body)
Gospel: John 6:1–15 (multiplication of the loaves)

Key Passage: When [the people] were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. (John 6:12–13)

Adult: When has the generous gift of another offered you hope?
Child: What loving gift could you give to another person this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Moses as Mediator

Are you thinking what does Moses have to do with prayer since that seems to be the theme this summer? Well the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) tells us that the prayer of Moses has become known as “the most striking example of intercessory prayer.” (CCC 2574) The definition for intercession on thefreedictionary.com says:

“1. Entreaty in favor of another, especially a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another. 2. Mediation in a dispute.”

Well this definitely describes what Moses did between Yahweh and His people during the Exodus don’t you think?

Moses doesn’t go into this prayer relationship with God easily if you remember. He made excuses, questioned “why me?” and flat out refused. God kept nudging him, revealed the name Yaweh to Moses and led him to the realization that with God’s help Moses would be able to reveal the one true God to the people. The CCC tells us that “Moses converses with God often and at length, climbing the mountain to hear and entreat Him and coming down to the people to repeat the words of God for their Guidance.” (CCC 2576) If Moses can do this so can we…he tried to get out of this intercessor role by saying he wasn’t fluent with words, God had a comeback in the form of Moses’ brother Aaron, telling Moses that Aaron would be able to speak for him if necessary. God doesn’t let us get out of prayer that easily, nor does He want us to keep that prayer to ourselves. We are to carry His word to those we meet each and every day. We even should bring the requests of those we meet to God being the intercessor just as Moses was between God and the people.

The love God has for us is steadfast and unwavering. Can we say that about our love for God? When our prayers aren’t answered right away or how we think they should be answered we sometimes give up on God and try to go it on our own. That sure doesn’t work well for me anyway. In Moses’ time when the people tried to go their own way, by beginning to worship idols like the Egyptians that had enslave them they found out the one true God could get very angry. Again Moses interceded and came back to the people with the 10 Commandments.

God continues to offer us the chance to recognize our need for Him in our lives and that prayer is the way to communicate with Him. Sometimes the prayer is hard to communicate, that is when we need to rely on others to intercede for us. The power of prayer is wonderful we only need to use it.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church: October 2010, USCCB, Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Come away and rest

Reading I: Jeremiah 23:1–6 (messianic reign)
Reading II: Ephesians 2:13–18 (all united in Christ)
Gospel: Mark 6:30–34 (return of the disciples)

Key Passage: The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” (Mark 6:30–31a)

Adult: What do you do to rest so that you can return to work refreshed?
Child: When will you take time to stop and pray this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Sharing good news

Reading I: Amos 7:12–15 (Amos called by God to prophesy)
Reading II: Ephesians 1:3–14 (blessing for Jew and Gentile)
Gospel: Mark 6:7–13 (the mission of the Twelve)

Key Passage: He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. (Mark 6:7)

Adult: What good news of Jesus can you share with others this week?
Child: What good news of Jesus can you share with others this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Papal Intentions for July

The Vatican has announced the prayer intentions of Pope Francis for July 2015.

The Pope’s universal intention is: “That political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.”

His intention for evangelization is: “That, amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society.”

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Self-acceptance

Reading I: Ezekiel 2:2–5 (the Lord speaks to Ezekiel)
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (Paul’s weakness)
Gospel: Mark 6:1–6 (Jesus at Nazareth)

Key Passage: [Paul said,] Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8)

Adult: What unavoidable weakness in yourself do you struggle to accept?
Child: What have you wished would be different or better about you?
(from PastorlPlanning.com)

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Rich in love

Reading I: Wisdom 1:13–15; 2:23–24 (God’s justice and its rejection by the wicked)
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9:13–15 (liberal giving)
Gospel: Mark 5:21–43 (the daughter of Jairus; the woman with a hemorrhage)

Key Passage: For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Adult: When have you felt enriched by a sacrifice you made for another?
Child: Whom could you help by your acts of kindness this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

The Universal Call to Prayer

This title is actually the subheading of Chapter 1 in Section 1 of Part Four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) on Prayer. Did I lose you with that sentence? I wouldn’t be surprised if I did since I almost got lost myself in writing it.

The CCC (2567) explains that we should not “forget” our God or even “hide far” from Him. He calls us always to pray each and every day, whenever we have the opportunity so we stay connected to Him. This invitation to prayer has been there from the beginning of time and is still unfolding with us and will continue with our children and our children’s children until the end of time.

God has called us to prayer particularly “beginning with our father Abraham”, (CCC 2569) using covenant as the word to describe this relational prayer. Abraham could have said, “You are crazy, why would I do what you are telling me to do?” when God called him, but he didn’t. Abraham knew in his heart that the Word of God was the true way and he obeyed. Paying attention to what your heart is saying when praying is essential in a life of prayer. Our present day minds tell us not to listen to our “heart”, that what the media, advertising and other people tell us is what we need to believe. How can we overcome those outside “voice” to listen to the one voice we need to hear when we pray? Practice, practice, practice… Really, you say? Yes, really. No matter how often or how long we pray the majority of us need to refocus more often than not. Some times are better than others depending on our state of mind, but for the most part we need to become disciplined in being quiet and listening. “Prayer restores man to God’s likeness and enables him to share in the power of God’s love that saves the multitude.” (CCC 2572)

Are you willing and able to let prayer lead your life? That is a question we all wonder if it is possible. When we do let this happen things may not go as we think they should, but in the final analysis the outcome is very similar to what we had hoped for with our original prayer. If we ignore the fact that we can pray and instead try to take matters into our own hands the bumps in the road are huge and we wonder where we went wrong.

Who else in the Old Testament turned themselves over to God in prayer to be led to His Kingdom? Check back and see.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church: October 2010, USCCB, Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time , Year B

Gift of peace
Reading I: Job 38:1, 8–11 (the Lord’s speech to Job)
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 (the ministry of reconciliation)
Gospel: Mark 4:35–41 (the storm on the sea)

Key Passage: Jesus said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:39–40)

Adult: When has the Lord calmed the stormy seas of your life?
Child: What fear would you like the Lord to help you overcome?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Solstice

Solstice, in December and June we hear this word quite often, in particular from meteorologists. Why is this so important? The term “solstice” means “sun stands still.” And this can be seen when for several days before and after the solstice the length of daylight stays about the same. Of course in December for the winter solstice daylight hours are short and in June for the summer solstice daylight hour are much longer. Although, keep in mind that in the northern hemisphere this is the norm, but in the southern hemisphere it is opposite, so June is their short daylight time and December they have longer hours of daylight. All due to the earth’s rotation around the sun. God planned things so well when he created the earth and all living things that inhabit our planet.

Another interesting bit of information that surrounds the solstices is that there are days around each that we celebrate special occasions. Can you think of what those might be? The winter solstice has to be obvious, it is Christmas on December 25 and then the New Year on January 1st. What about summer solstice? June 21st, hmmm…. Well the obvious is July 4th but is there anything closer? July 1st is Canada’s birthday. But, what about any church related celebrations…since December 25 is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and January 1st is when Mary Mother of God is celebrated…what about in June? We have 2 celebrations that fall near the summer solstice, June 24th we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, who is Jesus’ cousin. Remember Mary visited his mother Elizabeth after she found out she was to be the mother of Jesus? And when she arrived the baby in Elizabeth leapt for joy! Then on June 29th we honor Saints Peter and Paul who were both instrumental in getting our Catholic Church off to a healthy start. Isn’t it funny that we always think of those well-known celebrations that are more secular before we think of religious celebrations? Of course the argument can be made for Christmas and the New Year celebrations are both secular and religious celebrations, but for the summer ones we definitely have 2 that are not secular in any way.

Why would there be celebrations around the solstices each year? For many generations there have been celebrations surrounding the solstices with the focus on fire and light. If you think about it this does make sense, we are a light oriented people for the most part, the longer hours of daylight as spring progressed into summer makes us feel happy and wanting to enjoy the bounty of Gods nature around us. In the summer we can see fireflies as dusk begins to descend, after a storm moves through these days we see photos of lightning against dark clouds, or coming to the ground on social media and our weather stations. Fireworks is part of the 4th of July celebrations in our country, and they are used around the world to welcome in the New Year. Light the source of so much happiness. Jesus came to us as the Light of the World so that we might see the way to heaven.

As June 21st (the summer solstice) approaches we should give thanks to God for his creation and bringing the order of days and nights to us. God alone created the world we live in, even the turning of the seasons is part of His plan.
(Take Me Home, Too; copyright 1997; LTP; June 20/21 was the inspiration for this post)

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary, Year B

Time Living in God’s kingdom

Reading I: Ezekiel 17:22–24 (prophecy of the restoration of Israel)
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 5:6–10 (walking by faith)
Gospel: Mark 4:26–34 (seed grows by itself and the mustard seed)

Key Passage: Yet when [the mustard seed] is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade. (Mark 4:32)

Adult: What is the “good soil” that has allowed your faith to grow like the mustard seed and provide shelter for others?
Child: How do you help your faith grow like the mustard seed?
(from @Pastoral Planning.com)

Prayer in Today’s World

Did you know that part four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is devoted entirely to prayer? If you didn’t you do now. Prayer is such an important part of a Catholic Christian’s life that it rates its own section of the Catechism. Yet, many of us take our prayer lives for granted thinking we only need to worry about praying when something catastrophic affects us or maybe those around us. The other time is when we want something that will benefit us. When things don’t turn out the way we want we figure prayer doesn’t work, forgetting that prayer is not a one way street to having God do things for us. He will see us through each and very thing He places in our path both the good things and the not so good things and He will answer in his own way and time. I know we are an impatient society so this does not sit so well with the majority of us but the truth is we do need to be patient and not always expect an immediate answer or the answer we want to hear from God.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2559 “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Do we always raise our hearts and minds to God or do we just beg, think it’s not worth the effort or it only works for the really holy people? We all have our dry spells when it comes to prayer and it is at those times that the prayers of others lift us up. The power of prayer does work, not always the way we see fit but the way God wants us to see. As I have experienced the ups and downs of a prayer life I have come to realize that when someone asks for my prayers I tend to pray for those involved to have the strength to deal with whatever an outcome might be. We sometimes forget that we need to have the strength to deal with not only the bad but with the good as well. Good might mean a life is saved, but will need months of care and rehabilitation. Any one of us would need the strength to carry on no matter what the outcome. Stop and think about how your prayers are said and how they are answered. It isn’t always what we expect, but in the long run we will see the results are what was needed and should be seen as a gift from God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church also tells us, 2564, “Christian prayer is a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ. It is the action of God and of man, springing forth from both the Holy Spirit and ourselves, wholly directed to the Father, in union with the human will of the Son of God made man.” Wow, a covenant that establishes a personal relationship with God. Covenant is talked about in the Bible a lot. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a covenant is “a formal and serious agreement or promise.” Prayer puts us in a covenant relationship with God, where each side is respected equally. By denying the outcome of a prayer as God not wanting to help us we are denying a covenant relationship with God. God gave us the gift of free will to accept or reject what is right or wrong, our covenant relationship with God through prayer helps us to make those choices and accept what is best in the long run.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church: October 2010, USCCB, Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

Body and Blood of Christ, Year B

Bread for others

Reading I: Exodus 24:3–8 (ratification of the covenant)
Reading II: Hebrews 9:11–15 (the sacrifice of Jesus)
Gospel: Mark 14:12–16, 22–26 (Passover preparation)

Key Passage: While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” (Mark 14:22)

Adult: In what ways have you practiced the words of Jesus and been bread for others?
Child: What can you do to prepare to celebrate Holy Communion with your parish family?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Trinity Sunday, Year B

Signs of God’s love

Reading I: Deuteronomy 4:32–34, 39–40 (proofs of God’s love)
Reading II: Romans 8:14–17 (sons of God through adoption)
Gospel: Matthew 28:16–20 (commission of the Apostles)

Key Passage: Moses said to the people, “For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of?” (Deuteronomy 4:32)

Adult: What signs of God’s love have you witnessed in your life?
Child: How can you be a sign of God’s love to others this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year B

Praying for others

Reading I: Acts 1:15–17, 20–26 (Matthias chosen)
Reading II: 1 John 4:11–16 (love for one another)
Gospel: John 17:11–19 (Jesus’ prayer for the disciples)

Key Passage: [Jesus prayed to his Father,] “I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours.” (John 17:9)

Adult: Who needs you to pray for them this week, as Jesus prayed for his disciples?
Child: Who will you pray for this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Love of your neighbor

Reading I: Acts 10:25–26, 34–35, 44–48 (Peter in Caesarea)
Reading II: 1 John 4:7–10 (God’s love and ours)
Gospel: John 15:9–17 (a disciple’s love)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Adult: How is love of others connected to love for God?
Child: Who needs Jesus’ love this week? How can you show them his love?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Strengthening your faith

Reading I: Acts 9:26–31 (Saul visits Jerusalem)
Reading II: 1 John 3:18–24 (the actions of believers)
Gospel: John 15:1–8 (the vine and the branches)

Key Passage: [The vine grower] removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. (John 15:2)

Adult: When have you been “pruned” by your experiences in a way that led to greater abundance?
Child: When have you felt stronger or better because you did something hard to help another person?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Called to be shepherds

Reading I: Acts 4:8–12 (the stone that has become the cornerstone)
Reading II: 1 John 3:1–2 (recognizing the Son)
Gospel: John 10:11–18 (the Good Shepherd)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Adult: Whom are you shepherding in your life right now, and who shepherds you?
Child: Who has been like a shepherd to you by their example? For whom could you be a shepherd?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Easter, Year B

The living Christ

Reading I: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19 (Peter’s discourse on Jesus’ resurrection)
Reading II: 1 John 2:1–5 (keeping the commandments)
Gospel: Luke 24:35–48 (Jesus appears to the Eleven)

Key Passage: Jesus said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.” (Luke 24:38–39)

Adult: What questions about Jesus still arise in the midst of your faith?
Child: What question would you like to ask someone about Jesus’ appearance to the Apostles?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Second Sunday of Easter, Year B

Following the example of Jesus

Reading I: Acts 4:32–35 (life of the Christians)
Reading II: 1 John 5:1–6 (belief in Jesus Christ)
Gospel: John 20:19–31 (appearance to the disciples)

Key Passage: Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul; no one claimed private ownership of any possessions; everything they owned was held in common. (Acts 4:32)

Adult: What could you do this week to inspire your family to resemble the early Christians more closely?
Child: What could you and your family do to help others who are in need?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Father Joseph Walijewski

Tune in this Saturday, April 11, to watch the EWTN feature on the
Servant of God Father Joseph Walijewski! Fr. Joe is a priest who served for the Diocese of La Crosse and was instrumental in making sure the children in orphanage (Casa Hogar) he began in South American were well taken care of.
http://www.frjoesguild.org/

The Readings for Triduum and Easter Sunday

Holy Thursday
Remembrance
Reading I: Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14 (the Passover ritual prescribed)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (the Lord’s Supper)
Gospel: John 13:1–15 (the washing of the feet)
Key Passage: For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Adult: How has your understanding of the Eucharist increased since you were a child?
Child: How does the Mass help you remember the events of Jesus’ life and death?

Good Friday
The suffering servant
Reading I: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 (suffering and triumph of the servant of the Lord)
Reading II: Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 (Jesus, compassionate high priest)
Gospel:John 18:1—19:42 (the passion of Jesus)
Key Passage: Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
Adult: What new insight for your life are you receiving through your reflection on the mysteries of Christ’s passion during the Holy Week liturgies?
Child: What do you think of as you hear the story of Jesus’ passion and death?

Holy Saturday
From death to life
Reading I: Genesis 1:1—2:2 (first story of creation)
Reading II: Genesis 22:1–18 (the testing of Abraham)
Reading III: Exodus 14:15—15:1 (crossing of the Red Sea and destruction of the Egyptians)
Reading IV: Isaiah 54:5–14 (the new Zion)
Reading V: Isaiah 55:1–11 (an invitation to grace)
Reading VI: Baruch 3:9–15, 32—4:4 (prayer of wisdom in the Law of Moses)
Reading VII: Ezekiel 36:16–17a, 18–28 (regeneration of the people)
Epistle: Romans 6:3–11 (death to sin, life in God)
Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 (the women at the tomb)
Key Passage: Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)
Adult: How has your celebration of the Eucharist over the years deepened your understanding of life?
Child: What have you learned about being a good Christian from your celebration of Sunday Mass?

Easter Sunday
Hope of salvation
Reading I: Acts 10:34, 37–43 (Peter’s discourse)
Reading II: Colossians 3:1–4 (mystical death and resurrection) Or 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 (unleavened bread of sincerity and truth)
Gospel: John 20:1–9 (Peter and the disciple at the tomb)
Key Passage: When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Adult: Why do you believe that you will live with Christ for all eternity?
Child: Who has helped you believe that you will live with Jesus forever?

Passion (Palm) Sunday, Year B

Surrender to God’s will

Procession: Mark 11:1–10 (entry into Jerusalem) or John 12:12–16

Reading I: Isaiah 50:4–7 (salvation only through the Lord’s servant)
Reading II: Philippians 2:6–11 (imitating Christ’s humility)
Gospel: Mark 14:1—15:47 (the passion of Jesus)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36)

Adult: When have you found it hardest to accept God’s will? What enabled you to accept it?
Child: When is it hardest for you to obey?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B

The reward of faith

Reading I: Jeremiah 31:31–34 (the new covenant)
Reading II: Hebrews 5:7–9 (Jesus, compassionate high priest)
Gospel: John 12:20–33 (the coming of Jesus’ hour)

Key Passage: Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)

Adult: When and in what way have you seen life come from death?
Child: When have you felt stronger because you sacrificed something for a friend or member of your family?
(PastoralPlanning.com)

Sunday Mass

Do you know that Sunday Mass is considered a Holy Day of Obligation? What is that you say? Well according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” Which means we should be attending Mass each Sunday. This comes from the 3rd Commandment which tells us to keep holy the Sabbath. God rested on the 7th day in the story of creation, not because he was tired but because he wanted us to see that rest is important in our lives.

So why if we are to rest should be go to Mass? We can always pray at home or in the woods or in the car, the places are endless. When we pray in these places for the most part this is individual prayer one on one with God. When we pray in church with everyone we are praying with our entire being, using all of our senses and joining our prayer with those around us.

We are part of a community of believers and when we raise our voices together in prayer at Mass we are hearing each other. We see others praying as we do and we see the sacred objects in our church. The Crucifix is much larger in a Church than the small ones we may have hanging in our homes. If incense is used at Mass we smell the scent as it carries our prayers upward. Some of us can even smell the candles burning. Our sense of touch is used as we participate in greeting each other with a handshake at the sign of peace. We also can feel the Holy Water as we bless ourselves with it and feel the smoothness of the wood of the pews.

We do many things at a Mass when we pray that we don’t do when we pray privately, such as genuflecting or bowing before we enter the pew, we sit, stand and kneel. At home we most likely would be sitting as we pray or some of us might even pray in bed. We sing songs praising God. We here a homily that helps us to understand the Scripture readings. We are blessed by the priest before we leave and are sent forth to carry the Word of God to those we meet in our everyday lives.

Yes, we can pray anywhere at any time, but we also need to pray with one another, to connect as a community of faith. This allows us to know we are not alone in our beliefs. To take the time for one hour or so a week to come together is a benefit to everyone and we realize we are part of something bigger than we are.

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B

Through the eyes of faith

Reading I: 2 Chronicles 36:14–17, 19–23 (dissolution of Judah)
Reading II: Ephesians 2:4–10 (generosity of God’s plan)
Gospel: John 3:14–21 (Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus)

Key Passage: Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)

Adult: Do you see the world as basically evil, or as good? What difference does this make in the way you live?
Child: Where do you see goodness in God’s world?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Lent, Year B

Trust and doubt

Reading I: Exodus 20:1–17 (the ten commandments)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:22–25 (the wisdom and folly of the cross)
Gospel: John 2:13–25 (cleansing of the temple)

Key Passage: For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. (1 Corinthians 1:22–23)

Adult: When has the message of the cross seemed absurd to you, and when have you seen its wisdom?
Child: What puzzles you in the gospel stories? Which story makes you the most hopeful?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Gratitude

The definition of gratitude is: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Do we show gratitude to God for all that we have and who we are? I don’t mean when something wonderful happens or when a medical outcome is good, I mean do we thank God for our everyday lives? When we wake up in the morning do we whine and complain about having to get up too early or about what is in store for us throughout the day? And the same thing at night when we go to bed, are we thankful for all the day held for us? Even the time in between morning and night time we can be thankful.

Being thankful is part of being a prayerful person. Instead of thinking the worst when we wake up we should start the day with a quick prayer of thankfulness for the rest we just had. Then at night thank God for the day with all of its ups and downs. We take so many things for granted in our everyday lives that we sometimes forget to be grateful for those small things that make our days what they are.

During Lent in particular many of us vow to get into a more regular routine for prayer. Maybe as a family you could find time to pray together. I know a lot of parents pray with their children at bedtime, perhaps during Lent that prayer time could include all family members in one room. The rooms could be traded off so no one feels left out, or rather than praying in the bedroom maybe turn off all the daily living distractions and pray in your family room. Another routine you might start if you don’t already do it is to bless each other as you leave the house each day, maybe using your thumb and making a sign of the cross on your children’s or spouse’s forehead, saying a quick prayer of thanksgiving as you do so.

May this Lent result in gratitude becoming part of your everyday prayer rituals.

Second Sunday of Lent, year B

The assurance of faith

Reading I: Genesis 22:1–2, 9, 10–13, 15–18 (the testing of Abraham)
Reading II: Romans 8:31–34 (God’s love for humanity)
Gospel: Mark 9:2–10 (Jesus transfigured)

Key Passage: Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Mark 9:5)

Adult: How deeply do you believe that since God is for you, no one can destroy you?
Child: What would you like to ask God to do for you and your family?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Forty Days and Forty Nights

The title of this post sounds like a poor movie title doesn’t it? Yet the number 40 shows great significance in the Bible. Forty is seen as denoting a period of trial and testing. Remember the time Jesus spent in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11 and also in Luke 4:1-13 when the devil tested him? From these two Bible readings we can see how Lent has taken on the 40 days symbolism.

We begin Lent with Ash Wednesday, which we all know and a majority of us took advantage of receiving ashes to start off Lent prayerfully. But, did you know that the 40 days does not start until the 1st Sunday of Lent? If you count the days until Holy Thursday it will be exactly 40. And on Holy Thursday we begin the Triduum which lasts until Easter Sunday.

Maybe you could think of a fun way to keep track of those 40 days. In Spain it is the custom to make a paper scorpion with 40 legs. The paper scorpion represents the “sting of death” that St. Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. He tells us “The sting of death is sin…” Each day during Lent (in Spain) one of the scorpion’s legs is torn off and then on Easter the legless creature is tossed into the bonfire. This represents that “in Christ, death itself dies.” Of course we wouldn’t harm a real scorpion, but the symbolism is what we see with this idea.

If you are crafty you could have a special place with a green cloth where you could add a cotton ball sheep each day until you have a flock of 40 sheep. Maybe you like creating paper birds using the origami technique, you could fold one bird per day and add them to the green cloth until you have a flock of 40 birds or bring a bare tree branch in and put it in a vase and hang the birds from the smaller branches.

Remember one of the other areas we see the number 40 in the Bible is the in the story of Noah’s Ark, Genesis 6:5 – 8:22. There were 40 days of rain while Noah was on the Ark with his family and the animals which he had brought in by pairs. Make a cardboard ark and add 2 animals each day and by the end of the 40 days you will have an ark full of 80 animals or 40 pairs.

On your dining table you could place a cloth with a bowl on it and add 40 prayer intentions to the bowl. Each night at dinner you could take a prayer intention from the bowl and the family could pray for that intention. Leave the prayer intention on the cloth so by Holy Thursday your bowl will be empty surrounded by all those things your family prayed for as a family during Lent. Then on Easter you could take a container to church and fill it with Holy Water from the newly blessed water and then take it home and pour it into the empty prayer bowl. As you eat your Easter meal everyone can bless themselves with the Holy Water before your say our meal prayer.

What other ways can you think of to count the 40 days and 40 nights?

First Sunday of Lent, Year B

A change of heart

Reading I: Genesis 9:8–15 (covenant with Noah)
Reading II: 1 Peter 3:18–22 (the purpose of Christ’s suffering)
Gospel: Mark 1:12–15 (Jesus’ temptation; the call to conversion)

Key Passage: For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

Adult: When or how could you step away from your daily responsibilities to renew yourself, so that you can do a better job of following in the footsteps of Jesus?
Child: What good habit could you work on during Lent so you could grow closer to God?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Lent 2015

Here we are again at Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This journey happens every year around this time and yet some of us are surprised that it has arrived so quickly. This is the day we receive ashes to remind us that we need to turn away from sin and live the Gospel, or that we were dust and unto dust we shall return. This morning at Mass Father talked about the three things we need to be aware of during our Lenten journey, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. When I was trying to decide what to post today for this 1st day of Lent I found some information on those 3 subjects and decided to add a few thoughts on them.

The first thing I discovered was that Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are called the “three pillars” of not only a Catholic life but of a Christian life. All three of these help us have a full and healthy life. Lent is the time we need to step back and look at how we are doing with these “pillars” can we do better are we spending more time on one and neglecting the others? By following these three disciplines we become stronger and better disciples of Jesus.

Prayer is having a conversation with God. We should be doing this daily, yet I can say that is a very hard thing to “fit” into the rest of the busyness of life. But, if we stop and think about it we can talk with God as we are getting out of bed each morning and as we lay down to sleep each night. If we do this the busyness in between will seem less hectic and our days will be filled with the joy of God rather than the temptations of the devil.

Fasting is denying ourselves of something, traditionally food. I can hear you now (yes I can) fasting is for crazy people it doesn’t have any relevance for the everyday life. Stop and think about it. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness to prepare himself for his life’s work. There are healthy ways to fast from not only food but other things that take over our lives and separate us from those we love. We can fast from unhealthy foods during Lent, as a child I gave up candy. That may seem a bit trite now, but if I look at what I eat on a daily basis there are things I could manage without and in their place eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Or maybe you are a healthy eater what else in your life might take you away from your family or friends? Too much time spent on social media, so connected to work through your smart phone you can’t leave it alone to have dinner with your children and/or spouse? Does the television or radio have to be on constantly for background noise? If you turned off the TV or radio for a half hour before bed you would have a perfect time to have those conversations with God.

Then there is the almsgiving, which means “sharing compassion.” This means we don’t just give things away we don’t need any longer but giving away things that we still may use if someone else is in need of it. A lot of time it means giving until it hurts. Giving until it hurts might not necessarily mean monetary giving, it could mean giving of precious time that we are all short of. By helping at Sojournor House or Beacon House when they need volunteers we would be taking away time spent on personal things and giving to those in need.

“St. Augustine said that fasting and almsgiving are the two ‘wings’ that help our prayers ‘fly to heaven’.” These three go together, they are the ways we ask God to help us get rid of the selfishness in our lives and help Christians live a full life.

(Take Me Home, Too ©1997, LTP)

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary, Year B

Time Models of Christ

Reading I: Leviticus 13:1–2, 44–46 (on leprosy)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1 (imitation of Christ)
Gospel: Mark 1:40–45 (healing of a leper)

Key Passage: Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Adult: Would you have the courage to tell others to do as you do in order to be a Christian? Why or why not?
Child: What can you do this week to be an example to others?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Saint Blaise

On February 3rd we celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise. St. Blaise was a bishop in Armenia, over 1600 years ago.

Legend says that St. Blaise lived alone in woods, more or less like Jesus did when he spent the 40 days in the desert fasting and praying. It is said that the animals of the forest would come to him when they were injured or sick and he would heal them. Another legend tells us that he saved a boy from choking on a fish bone. And ever since then people have prayed for St. Blaise to cure them of illnesses particularly ones to do with the throat.

Today many parishes have a blessing of the throats on St. Blaise’s feast day. At St. Olaf this will happen on Tuesday, February 3rd during the 8:30 AM daily Mass. The candles used to bless the throats are themselves blessed on February 2nd which is Candlemas day (that is the day candles used throughout the year are blessed). The priest will cross 2 candles and hold them by people’s necks and he says a blessing as he does this. This comes during a good time of the year since flu season is in full swing so an extra blessing for good health is always welcome.

Another time we take care of those ailing in our churches is through the Sacrament of the Sick. We pray for the healing of those who are sick and the priest anoints them with the Oil of the Sick. During Lent we will be celebrating during the weekend Masses on the weekend of March 14th and 15th. We can find the roots of this sacrament in the 5th chapter of James in the New Testament of the Bible. Many times we are too embarrassed and do not want anyone to know we are ill or if we are healthy want to stay clear of those who are obviously ill or at times stay away from those who are maybe not so obviously ill as well. As Christians that is not what we are called to, we are called to love and care for those who are ill whether it be an obvious illness or one that is not so obvious. That is one of the reason we have this sacrament to lovingly touch them with the healing oil. This sacrament is a sign of God’s love for us.
(from Take Me Home, Too; ©1997, LTP)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary, Year B

Time Sharing good news

Reading I: Deuteronomy 18:15–20 (a prophet like Moses)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 7:32–35 (the state of virginity)
Gospel: Mark 1:21–28 (cure of a demoniac)

Key Passage: They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)

Adult: What can you tell others about Jesus with the most assurance?
Child: What is the most important thing you would like others to know about Jesus? How will you show or tell them?
(from PastoralPlanning.com, 2011)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Repent and believe

Reading I: Jonah 3:1–5, 10 (conversion of Nineveh)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 (encouragement within a hostile world)
Gospel: Mark 1:14–20 (call of the first disciples)

Key Passage: Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:14–15)

Adult: What part of your life is Jesus calling you to change right now?
Child: In what way do you think you can be a better follower of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Second Sunday in Ordinary, Year B

Time Come and see

Reading I: 1 Samuel 3:3–10, 19 (revelation to Samuel)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20 (against sexual immorality)
Gospel: John 1:35–42 (the first disciples)

Key Passage: They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. (John 1:38b–39)

Adult: What qualities do you have that would cause others to recognize you as a disciple of Jesus?
Child: What does it take to be a follower of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Baptism of the Lord, Year B

All are welcome

Reading I: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7 (the servant of the Lord)
Reading II: Acts 10:34–38 (Peter’s discourse)
Gospel: Mark 1:7–11 (the baptism of Jesus)

Key Passage: Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34–35)

Adult: To whom have you been guilty of showing partiality? What can you do to correct that?
Child: How can you help others feel part of your class’s or group’s games and activities?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Cancelation

Due to the subzero temperatures there will be NO Religious Education classes at St. Olaf this evening.

Epiphany

Epiphany is the day Christ is revealed to the world. The Magi arrive with gifts for the newborn King. This is when the star of Bethlehem drives away the darkness of the night to welcome the Messiah, the Prince of Peace.

Epiphany is considered to be the merriest day of Christmastime. It is a time to make our homes glitter with gold and the burning frankincense and myrrh helps our prayers rise to God as the incense rises. One big part of the Epiphany celebration is the blessing of the home in the new year.

On the eve on Epiphany or on the exact day when family members sit down to eat together have a special cake to serve as dessert. Before the meal cut the cake so each person will have a piece and then hide a dried bean or a coin in one of them. Then when you pass the cake out after the meal is finished the person whose pieces has the dried bean or coin in it will be the queen or king for the night. They will get to lead the blessing of the house. Have a crown for the royal person to wear, a piece of chalk, and evergreen branch with a bowl of water.

Gather at the front door of you home and the royal person will lead your family in saying the Our Father. Then the crowned person will write in chalk over the door (or on a sheet of paper that you can hang over your door): 20 + C + M + B + 15.
The numbers represent the year, the crosses stand for the four seasons and the letters stand for the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

Then the queen or king will bless the house beginning with the front door and moving through each room of the house, sprinkling each room with water. As you walk through your home you could sing “We Three Kings” or “Joy to the World.” This ritual will help you see how Christ’s blessings will be with you throughout the new year.
(from Take Me Home: ©LTP 1991)

Epiphany

Unexpected gifts

Reading I: Isaiah 60:1–6 (glory of the new Zion)
Reading II: Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6 (commission to preach God’s plan)
Gospel: Matthew 2:1–12 (the visit of the magi)

Key Passage: On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother. (Matthew 2:10)
Adult: When have you found the presence of Christ in an unexpected place?
Child: Where and in whom will you look for Jesus this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)