Saint Ann youth ministry Weekly Newsletter November 29th, 2020 The 1st Sunday of Advent Vol II, Issue XXII

Cover Page pg. 1 Catechists Needed pg. 6 Headlines pg. 2 Introduction to Lectio Divina Faith Formation Contact Information Sacramental Prep: Confirmation Parent Discernments Middle School Faith Formation - Audio Encyclicals High School Faith Formation pg. 6 Sacramental Prep: Confirmation Girl’s Discipleship Formation and Fellowship Position Returned Faith Formation Home Study pg. 6 Knights of Columbus Poster Contest Following Christ We Need Your Feedback The Life of Grace November Podcast Updates Our Life in the Church The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth pg. - Introduction to Catholicism Sunday Mass Readings pg. 3 Understanding the Scriptures

Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B, 64:2-7 Our Moral Life in Christ

Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 The History of the Church

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Youth Fellowship pg. 7

Mark 13:33-37 Introduction to Lectio Divina Scripture and the Catechism pg. 4 High School Lectio Divina Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B, 64:2-7 The Art of Lectio Divina

-None What Did the Popes Say? pg. 8 Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 John Paul II – Fides et Ratio:44-45

-None Francis – Fratelli Tutti:37-42

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Ecumenical Councils pg. 10 -CCC: 401 Council of Ephesus: Session I

Mark 13:33-37 -Extracts from the Acts (continued) -CCC: 672, 2849 Session II: Extracts from the Acts Office of Youth Ministries pg. 4 Bite Size Catechesis - Office of Youth Ministry Schedule Saint Eligius pg. 11 Youth Schedule Newsletter pg. 12 Youth Faith Formation Program Content Contribution Youth Ministry Newsletter Contributor Youth Ministry Podcast Quinceañera Program

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to their position closer to the front of the newsletter. As

Headlines COVID subsides, we gain more Catechists, and we are able to once again offer more classes and ministries, this Faith Formation Contact Information section will continue to grow to keep the parish apprised of our youth activities. Director of Religious Education – Trisha Vasquez 817-426-1101 [email protected] Knights of Columbus Poster Contest (11/15/2020) Director of RCIA – Maru Ramirez 817-295-5621 x8 [email protected] Saint Ann Knights of Columbus are hosting their

Director of Youth Ministries – August Klein annual Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest. If you 817-295-5621 x7 [email protected] would like to participate, fill out an entry form from the slot-board in the back of the Church and turn in with a completed poster. The poster must be on an 11x17 poster and using permanent marking materials. If pastels, chalk Parent Discernments (11/22/2020) or charcoal is used, the poster must be laminated. Posters must be turned in to the Youth Ministry Office no later With the expansion of Guided Discernments for th th th than December 13 . all youth from 6 through 12 grade, Saint Ann Youth Ministry is extending the opportunity for parents who so desire to participate in their own guided discernment. We Need Your Feedback (11/8/2020) This initiative is intended to give parents the opportunity to experience discernment the way their children will Saint Ann Youth Ministries has engaged in experience it, however, the experience will not be several endeavors to help serve both our youth and their identical that of your child’s. Instead, the guided parents, both in teaching the faith to our youth and helping discernment will be tailored to you as a parent. If you are our parents as first catechists share the faith with their interested in attending a guided discernment, please children. To help us provide the best resources and keep contact the youth minister to schedule an appointment. everyone up to date, we would appreciate your input and opinions on what parts of the newsletter and other ministry activities you find particularly helpful or Audio Encyclicals (11/22/2020) unhelpful. You may send your correspondence to the Director of Youth Ministries at [email protected] or Saint Ann Youth Ministry has released an audio you may come in anytime to talk about the youth ministry recording of the Papal document Testem Benevolentiae program or any other aspect of the faith. Nostrum by Pope Leo XIII in the Faith Formation Parent Portal on the Saint Ann Webpage for free download. As time permits, we hope to be able to offer more audio downloads for various papal documents. November Podcast Updates (11/8/2020)

With October completed, we have our final Sacramental Prep: Confirmation (11/22/2020) number of downloads for the month. The Saint Ann Youth Ministry Podcast has had a number of downloads The dates for our Winter Sacramental Preparation each month as seen below. Class have been set. Confirmation preparation will begin st May 69 this winter on January 31 , 2021. If you wish to enroll in June 38 Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation, please contact July 110 the Youth Minister for guided discernment. The August 69 interview and all necessary paperwork for this class must th September 103 be turned in by January 29 to attend this class. For more October 45 details go to www.stanninburleson.com/youthconfirmation

Formation and Fellowship Position Restored

(11/15/2020) 2

As we have begun to have a more frequently Page updated information for our Youth Formation and Fellowship programs, these sections have been returned

Sunday Mass Readings 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Brothers and sisters:

Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B, 64:2-7 Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ. You, Lord, are our father, I give thanks to my God always on your Our redeemer you are named from of old. Why do you make us wander, Lord, from your ways, account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ And harden our hearts so that we do not fear you? Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with Return for the sake of your servants, all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to The tribes of your heritage. Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the With the mountains quaking before you. revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you While you worked awesome deeds we could not hope for, firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Such as had not been heard of from of old. Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were No ear has ever heard, nor eye ever seen, called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Any God but you Working such deeds for those who wait for him. Mark 13:33-37 Would that you might meet us doing right, That we might be mindful of you in our ways! Jesus said to his disciples: Indeed, you are angry; we have sinned Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when We have acted wickedly. the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. We have all become like something unclean, He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each All our just deeds are like polluted rage; with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the We have all withered like leaves, . Watch, therefore; you do not know when the And our crimes carry us away like the wind. lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or There are none who call upon your name, None who rouse themselves to take hold of you; at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he For you have hidden your face from us not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say And have delivered us up to our crimes. to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” Yet, Lord, you are our father; We are the clay and you our potter: We are all the work of your hand.

Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19

O Shepherd of Israel, lend an ear, You who guide Joseph like a flock! Seated upon the cherubim, shine forth, Stir up your power, and come to save us. Turn back again, God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see; Visit this vine, The stock your right hand has planted, And the son whom you made strong for yourself. May your right hand be with the man on your right, With the son of man whom you made strong for yourself. Then we will not withdraw from you; Revive us, and we will call on your name.

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heart," and Jesus prayed for us to the Father: "Keep Scripture and the Catechism them in your name." The Holy Spirit constantly seeks to awaken us to keep watch. Finally, this petition takes on Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B, 64:2-7 all its dramatic meaning in relation to the last temptation of our earthly battle; it asks for final perseverance. "Lo, I None am coming like a thief! Blessed is he who is awake."

Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 Office of Youth Ministries

None Office of Youth Ministry Schedule (11/29/2020) The office of youth ministry schedule for the

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 week is as follows.

11/29/2020: Out of Office 401 After that first sin, the world is virtually inundated 11/30/2020: Out of Office by sin. There is Cain's murder of his brother Abel and the 12/1/2020: 9AM-4PM universal corruption which follows in the wake of sin. 12/2/2020: 11AM-3PM Likewise, sin frequently manifests itself in the history of 12/3/2020: 9AM-3PM Israel, especially as infidelity to the God of the Covenant 12/4/2020: 9AM-4PM and as transgression of the Law of Moses. And even after 12/5/2020: Out of Office Christ's atonement, sin raises its head in countless 12/6/2020: 9AM-4PM ways among Christians. Scripture and the Church's If you would like to schedule a meeting with the Tradition continually recall the presence and universality Youth Minister please contact him using information of sin in man's history: provided at the top of page 2. What Revelation makes known to us is confirmed by our own experience. For when man looks into his own Youth Schedule (11/29/2020) heart he finds that he is drawn towards what is wrong and sunk in many evils which cannot come from his good creator. Often refusing to acknowledge God as 12/2/2020 his source, man has also upset the relationship which High School Lectio Divina (7:00PM) should link him to his last end, and at the same time he Art of Lectio Divina (7:00PM) has broken the right order that should reign within 12/3/2020 himself as well as between himself and other men and The Emmaus Encounter (English-Zoom) (7:30PM) all creatures. 12/8/2020 The Immaculate Conception 12/9/2020 Mark 13:33-37 High School Lectio Divina (7:00PM) Art of Lectio Divina (7:00PM) 672 Before his Ascension Christ affirmed that the 12/10/2020 hour had not yet come for the glorious establishment of The Emmaus Encounter (English-Zoom) (7:30PM) the messianic kingdom awaited by Israel which, 12/15/2020 according to the prophets, was to bring all men the The Emmaus Encounter (Spanish-Zoom) (7:00PM) definitive order of justice, love and peace. According to 12/16/2020 the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of High School Lectio Divina (7:00PM) witness, but also a time still marked by "distress" and the Art of Lectio Divina (7:00PM) trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers 12/17/2020 in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting The Emmaus Encounter (English-Zoom) (7:30PM) and watching. 12/25/2020 The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ 2849 Such a battle and such a victory become possible only through prayer. It is by his prayer that Jesus vanquishes the tempter, both at the outset of his public 4 mission and in the ultimate struggle of his agony. In this

petition to our heavenly Father, Christ unites us to his Page battle and his agony. He urges us to vigilance of the heart in communion with his own. Vigilance is "custody of the

Youth Faith Formation Program The Saint Ann Youth Ministry podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and the The Youth Faith Formation Program is designed Saint Ann Webpage at www.stanninburleson.com/podcasts. from top to bottom to both prepare our youth to receive You may always request a special topic by sending an the Sacrament of Confirmation and afterward prepare e-mail to [email protected] them to use the graces from the Sacrament of Confirmation in living out their life as a Catholic with Quinceañera Program great intentionality. The Faith Formation program is carried out in The Saint Ann office of youth ministries is in the two phases, Middle School and High School formation. process of providing a fuller, more developed and Each year rather than learning a standard set of topics, methodological Quinceañera program. they will choose two topics which they would like to learn To receive a Quinceañera blessing at Saint Ann about that year to prepare the to receive the Sacrament of you must fulfill the following pre-requisites set forth by Confirmation. In this way, our youth can take greater the Diocese Fort Worth on page 4 of the Quince Años ownership of their faith formation, and certain subjects Celebration Guidelines and Resources. remain open to our youth, even if they did not attend particular classes in a particular year. This helps prevent 1. The participant shall be baptized. any youth from being “left behind” because they missed 2. The participant should have received the a year in which certain topics may be discussed. sacraments of First communion and Penance or be preparing for the reception of the sacraments. Youth Ministry Newsletter 3. The participant (or family) should be registered members of the parish in which they are asking The Saint Ann Youth Ministry Newsletter is a for the Quince Años celebration or ask permission from weekly publication which was started at the direction of the Pastor to prepare at another parish. Trisha Vasquez as the Director of Religious Education. 4. The participant should be registered in the The Saint Ann Youth Ministry Newsletter was and is parish religious education program presently and the year intended to provide weekly updates on the programs and prior to their Quince Años celebration or be in some faith events taking place within Saint Ann Youth Ministries, formation process like Catholic school or authorized provide information on other pertinent events throughout home study. the Church, as well as share articles and information about the faith and the saints which parents can use to help teach If you fulfill these pre-requisites and would like the faith to their children and young adults. to schedule a Quinceañera, please contact the Youth Along with our parish Ann, the Minister. You may find the contact information on the patron of the Youth Ministry Newsletter is Saint top of Page 2. Maximilian Kolbe. Saint Maximilian Kolbe was arrested by the German Third Reich for resuming the publication of a journal which was critical of the Nazi party. He was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp where he died when he took the place of another man who was to be starved to death in a bunker. Saints Ann and Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.

Youth Ministry Podcast (11/29/2020)

On November 25th, we released the 32nd episode of the Saint Ann Youth Ministry Podcast. This episode was titled “Happy New Year Saint Ann.” This Sunday marks the beginning of the New Liturgical year, or as one could say, the beginning of the Catholic Year. While each

year we renew our journey with Jesus Christ, it seems that

more and more people are forgetting our history and 5 where we come from. Why we believe what we do. This week we talk about the importance of the liturgical Page calendar and how it helps us to remember Christ and our relationship with him, for Auld Lang Syne.

Catechists Needed Middle School Faith Formation

Introduction to Lectio Divina (11/29/2020) High School Faith Formation Saint Ann Youth Ministries is in need of one more Virtus certified adult volunteers who is interested in Girl’s Discipleship (11/22/2020) learning and leading Lectio Divina for our Middle School Youth. If you are interested, we have several options to Girl’s Discipleship met via Zoom on November help prepare you to learn and lead our youth in Lectio 15th where they continued their lessons on the Theology Divina before we create this class. Introduction to Lectio of the Body using the YOU curriculum. In addition they Divina will take place in the Formation Building on began to work on their review of the movie they watched Wednesday evenings after Mass, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. about St. Therese of Lisieux. Catechists: Sonya Wray, Catherine Fuchs. Sacramental Prep: Confirmation (11/15/2020)

Saint Ann Youth Ministries is in need of three Faith Formation Home Study Catechists to help teach Confirmation Preparation in the Spring. This class is currently expected to consist of five Following Christ (11/22/2020) 1-hour session. These sessions will likely take place on Grade: 6 January 31st, February 14th, 21st, 28th and March 7th. If you are interested, please contact August Klein in the Youth There are no additional classes which need to be Ministry Office. completed at this time. All youth enrolled in Following Christ should have completed up to Lesson 7: The Cross and True Riches. Although Original Sin is washed away in Baptism, its effects still remain in us. The greatest of these lasting effects is a tendency to sin. The Church teaches us to practice self-denial to overcome this tendency. By denying ourselves in small things and bearing with patience the trials that come to us, we develop the moral strength and self-discipline to avoid sin and choose to do good. In this, we become imitators of Christ, who freely chose to submit to his Father’s will and freely gave his life for us.

The Life of Grace (11/22/2020) Grade: 7

There are no additional classes which need to be completed at this time. All youth enrolled in The Life of Grace should have completed Lesson 7: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After many centuries of waiting, Jesus, the promised Messiah, came into the world. Just as the prophets had foretold, he was born of a virgin in Bethlehem under a great shining star. He was raised in a human family and was like us in all things but sin. Jesus had two natures-one divine and one human-united in one Divine Person. Through the centuries, many heresies have denied his divinity or his humanity, but the Church has defended the truth about Christ.

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Our Life in the Church (11/22/2020) The History of the Church (11/22/2020) Grade: 8 High School

There are no additional classes which need to be There are no additional classes which need to be completed at this time. All youth enrolled in Our Life in completed at this time. All youth enrolled in The Life of the Church should have completed Lesson 7: The Grace should have completed Lesson 7: Iconoclasm, Church Sanctifying: Sacraments of Membership. Renaissance, and Schism. In this lesson they will learn Through the Church, the grace won by Christ on the Cross about the cultural and social differences between the East is poured out into our souls. The Sacraments are the and West, caesaropapism, the Iconoclastic controversy primary means by which we receive this grace. Of the and explain the Church’s teaching on sacred art. They seven Sacraments, three-Baptism, Eucharist, and will also learn about the Church’s alliance with Confirmation-are set apart as Sacraments of Initiation. Charlemagne and the Filioque controversy as well as why By them, we receive new life in Christ, nourish that life, the Pope maintains primacy over other Church leaders. and are strengthened in it. All Catholics around the world and in all times have celebrated these Sacraments, although the manner in which they’re celebrated differs Youth Fellowship among rites. Introduction to Lectio Divina (11/1/2020) Introduction to Catholicism (11/22/2020) High School Saint Ann Youth Ministries is currently looking for two Catechists who are interested in learning and There are no additional classes which need to be leading Lectio Divina for our Middle School youth. This completed at this time. All youth enrolled in Introduction will be a discipleship group with a maximum of 6 youth. to Catholicism should have completed Lesson 7: The If you are interested, please contact August Klein in the Holy Spirit. In this lesson they will learn about Christ’s Youth Ministry office. promise of the Holy Spirit, the effects of the Holy Spirit Catechists: None on the Apostles, the mission of the Holy Spirit, its effects, gifts and fruits. High School Lectio Divina (11/22/2020)

Understanding the Scriptures (11/22/2020) On 11/18/2020, High School Lectio Divina High School studied and prayed on the Gospel for the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Our youth prayed There are no additional classes which need to be about the parable of the judgment of nations where Jesus completed at this time. All youth enrolled in separates the sheep and the goats, sending the goats to Understanding the Scriptures should have completed eternal punishment and the sheep to eternal life. The Lesson 7: The Exodus. In this lesson they will learn youth explored how the reading is not limited to only about the story of Moses from his birth during the those who are hungry, thirsty, ill or a stranger, but extends slaughter of the young, through God’s liberation of his to those who lack the necessities of the body, have the people from Egypt, to the reception of the Covenant on desire for justice, or those who society excludes from our Sinai. hearts, and how by fulfilling these needs in our brothers, we fulfill them in Christ. Attendees: 6/7 Our Moral Life in Christ (11/22/2020) Maximum Class Size: 7 Catechists: Drew Thomas, Bob Grubb, August There are no additional classes which need to be Klein completed at this time. All youth enrolled in Our Moral Life in Christ should have completed Lesson 7: Sin and Conversion. In this lesson they will learn about the The Art of Lectio Divina (11/22/2020) meaning and types of sin, the origin of sin and our personal responsibility for it. They will also learn about The Art of Lectio Divina is a Lectio group the means of conversion and the forgiveness of sins. oriented toward High School Girls who have grown to have a more mature and intentional disposition toward 7 their faith, prayer, and Lectio Divina itself. This week the Art of Lectio Divina had near perfect attendance. Page Attendees: 3/4 Catechist: Tanya Streibich

“apostle of the truth”. Looking unreservedly to truth, What Did the Popes Say? the realism of Thomas could recognize the objectivity

of truth and produce not merely a philosophy of “what Pope John Paul II seems to be” but a philosophy of “what is”. Fides Et Ratio: 44-45 On the Relationship between Faith and Reason The Drama of the Separation of Faith and Reason

CHAPTER IV 45. With the rise of the first universities, theology came THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND more directly into contact with other forms of learning REASON and scientific research. Although they insisted upon the organic link between theology and philosophy, Saint Important Moments in the Encounter of Faith and Albert the Great and Saint Thomas were the first to Reason recognize the autonomy which philosophy and the sciences needed if they were to perform well in their 44. Another of the great insights of Saint respective fields of research. From the late Medieval Thomas was his perception of the role of the Holy period onwards, however, the legitimate distinction Spirit in the process by which knowledge matures into between the two forms of learning became more and wisdom. From the first pages of his Summa more a fateful separation. As a result of the exaggerated Theologiae, Aquinas was keen to show the primacy of rationalism of certain thinkers, positions grew more the wisdom which is the gift of the Holy Spirit and radical and there emerged eventually a philosophy which opens the way to a knowledge of divine realities. which was separate from and absolutely independent of His theology allows us to understand what is distinctive the contents of faith. Another of the many of wisdom in its close link with faith and knowledge of consequences of this separation was an ever deeper the divine. This wisdom comes to know by way of mistrust with regard to reason itself. In a spirit both connaturality; it presupposes faith and eventually sceptical and agnostic, some began to voice a general formulates its right judgement on the basis of the truth mistrust, which led some to focus more on faith and of faith itself: “The wisdom named among the gifts of others to deny its rationality altogether. the Holy Spirit is distinct from the wisdom found In short, what for Patristic and Medieval among the intellectual virtues. This second wisdom is thought was in both theory and practice a profound acquired through study, but the first 'comes from on unity, producing knowledge capable of reaching the high', as Saint James puts it. This also distinguishes it highest forms of speculation, was destroyed by systems from faith, since faith accepts divine truth as it is. But which espoused the cause of rational knowledge the gift of wisdom enables judgement according to sundered from faith and meant to take the place of faith. divine truth”. Yet the priority accorded this wisdom does not lead the Angelic Doctor to overlook the presence of two other complementary forms of wisdom- philosophical wisdom, which is based upon the capacity of the intellect, for all its natural limitations, to explore reality, and theological wisdom, which is based upon Revelation and which explores the contents of faith, entering the very mystery of God. Profoundly convinced that “whatever its source, truth is of the Holy Spirit” (omne verum a quocumque dicatur a Spiritu Sancto est) Saint Thomas was impartial in his love of truth. He sought truth wherever it might be found and gave consummate demonstration of its universality. In him, the Church's

Magisterium has seen and recognized the passion for truth; and, precisely because it stays consistently within 8 the horizon of universal, objective and transcendent Page truth, his thought scales “heights unthinkable to human intelligence”. Rightly, then, he may be called an

Pope Francis 40. “Migrations, more than ever before, will play Fratelli Tutti: 37-42 a pivotal role in the future of our world.” At present, On Fraternity and Social Friendship however, migration is affected by the “loss of that sense of responsibility for our brothers and sisters on which CHAPTER I every civil society is based.” Europe, for example, DARK CLOUDS OVER A CLOSED WORLD seriously risks taking this path. Nonetheless, “aided by its great cultural and religious heritage, it has the means Pandemics and Other Calamities in History to defend the centrality of the human person and to find the right balance between its twofold moral responsibility 37. Certain populist political regimes, as well as to protect the rights of its citizens and to assure assistance certain liberal economic approaches, maintain that an and acceptance to migrants.” influx of migrants is to be prevented at all costs. 41. I realize that some people are hesitant and Arguments are also made for the propriety of limiting aid fearful with regard to migrants. I consider this part of our to poor countries, so that they can hit rock bottom and find natural instinct of self-defense. Yet it is also true that an themselves forced to take austerity measures. One fails to individual and a people are only fruitful and productive if realize that behind such statements, abstract and hard to they are able to develop a creative openness to others. I support, great numbers of lives are at stake. Many ask everyone to move beyond those primal reactions migrants have fled from war, persecution and natural because “there is a problem when doubts and fears catastrophes. Others, rightly, “are seeking opportunities condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of for themselves and their families. They dream of a better making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even – without future and they want to create the conditions for achieving realizing it – racist. In this way, fear deprives us of he it.” desire and the ability to encounter the other.” 36. Sadly, some “are attracted by Western culture, sometimes with unrealistic expectations that The Illusion of Communication expose them to grave disappointments. Unscrupulous traffickers, frequently linked to drug cartels or arms 42. Oddly enough, while closed and intolerant cartels, exploit the weakness of migrants, who too often attitudes towards others are on the rise, distances are experience violence, trafficking, psychological and otherwise shrinking or disappearing to the point that the physical abuse and untold sufferings on their journey.” right to privacy scarcely exists. Everything has become a Those who emigrate “experience separation from their kind of spectacle to be examined and inspected, and place of origin, and often a cultural and religious people’s lives are now under constant surveillance. uprooting as well. Fragmentation is also felt by the Digital communications wants to bring everything out communities they leave behind, which lose their most into the open; people’s lives are combed over, laid bare vigorous and enterprising elements, and by families, and bandied about, often anonymously. Respect for especially when one or both of the parents migrates, others disintegrates, and even as we dismiss, ignore or leaving the children in the country of origin.” For this keep others distant, we can shamelessly peer into every reason, “there is also a need to reaffirm the right not to detail of their lives. emigrate, that is, to remain in one’s homeland.” 39. Then too, “in some host countries, migration causes fear and alarm, often fomented and exploited for political purposes. This can lead to a xenophobic mentality, as people close in on themselves, and it needs to be addressed decisively.” Migrants are not seen as entitled like others to participate in the life of society, and it is forgotten that they possess the same intrinsic dignity as any person. Hence they ought to be “agents in their own redemption.” No one will ever openly deny that they are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we can show that we consider them less worthy, less important, less human. For Christians,

this way of thinking and acting is unacceptable, since it 9 sets certain political preferences above deep convictions of our faith: the inalienable dignity of each human person Page regardless of origin, race or religion, and the supreme law of fraternal love.

shown to your holy assembly. And now again for the

Ecumenical Councils corroboration of the Catholic faith, he has sent through us letters to all your holinesses, which you will bid to be read The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431 AD) with becoming reverence and to be entered on Session I the ecclesiastical minutes. Arcadius, a and legate of the Roman Extracts from the Acts (Continued) Church said: May it please your blessedness to give order that the letters of the holy and ever-to-be-mentioned- Cyril, the bishop of the Church of Alexandria, said: As with-veneration Pope Cœlestine, bishop of the Apostolic this letter of the most reverend See, which have been brought by us, be read, from which and pious Capreolus, bishop of Carthage, which has been your reverence will be able to see what care he has for all read, contains a most lucid expression of opinion, let it be the Churches. inserted in the Acts. For it wishes that the Projectus, a bishop and legate of the Roman ancient dogmas of the faith should be confirmed, and that Church said, May it please, etc. novelties, absurdly conceived and impiously brought And afterwards the most holy and beloved-of- forth, should be reprobated and proscribed. God Cyril, bishop of the Church of Alexandria, spoke as is next in order contained; Siricius, notary of All the at the same time cried out: These are the the holy of Rome read it. sentiments of all of us, these are the things we all say — Cyril, the bishop of Alexandria said: Let the letter the accomplishment of this is the desire of us all. received from the most holy and altogether most blessed Cœlestine, bishop of the Apostolic See of Rome be read Decree of the Council Against Nestorius to the holy Synod with fitting honour. Siricius, notary of the holy Catholic Church of As, in addition to other things, the impious Nestorius has the city of Rome read it. not obeyed our citation, and did not receive And after it was read in Latin, Juvenal, the holy bishops who were sent by us to him, we were the bishop of Jerusalem said: Let the writings of the compelled to examine his ungodly doctrines. We most holy and blessed bishop of great Rome which have discovered that he had held and published impious just been read, be entered on the minutes. doctrines in his letters and treatises, as well as in And all the most reverend bishops prayed that the discourses which he delivered in this city, and which have letter might be translated and read. been testified to. Compelled thereto by the canons and by Philip, the presbyter of the Apostolic See and the letter of our most holy father and fellow-servant Legate said: The custom has been sufficiently complied Cœlestine, the Roman bishop, we have come, with many with, that the writings of the Apostolic See should first be tears, to this sorrowful sentence against him, namely, read in Latin. But now since your holiness has demanded that our Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has blasphemed, that they be read in Greek also, it is necessary that decrees by the holy Synod that Nestorius be excluded your holiness's desire should be satisfied; We have taken from the episcopal dignity, and from care that this be done, and that the Latin be turned into all priestly communion. Greek. Give order therefore that it be received and read in your holy hearing. Session II Arcadius and Projectus, bishops and legates said, As your blessedness ordered that the writings which we Extracts From the Acts brought should be brought to the knowledge of all, for of our holy brethren bishops there are not a few who do not The most pious and God-beloved bishops, understand Latin, therefore the letter has been translated Arcadius and Projectus, as also the most beloved-of-God into Greek and if you so command let it be read. Philip, a presbyter and legate of the Apostolic See, then Flavian, the bishop of Philippi said: Let the entered and took their seats. translation of the letter of the most holy and beloved Philip the presbyter and legate of the Apostolic of God, bishop of the Roman Church be received and See said: We bless the holy and adorable Trinity that our read. lowliness has been deemed worthy to attend Peter, the presbyter of Alexandria and your holy Synod. For a long time ago our most holy and primicerius of the notaries read as follows: blessed pope Cœlestine, bishop of the Apostolic See, 10 through his letters to that holy and most pious man Page Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, gave judgment concerning the present cause and affair which letters have been

Saint Eligius

Bishop and Confessor

Eligius was born north of , Aquitaine, Eligius began to use his position and esteem to which would become part of modern day , in 588 obtain alms for the poor and to ransom captives of foreign AD. Chlothar II was the King of , of which tribes and nations who arrived at the slave market in Limoges was a subject. Eligius’ father would send him to . As Eligius became more devoted to the faith, Limoges to apprentice as a under a man named he began to take on the practice of self-mortification. Abbo. When Eligius was 11 years old in 599 AD, With King Dagobert’s consent, Eligius would send his Aquitaine became split when King Chlothar went to war servants throughout the towns and villages of the against his nephews Theuderic and Theudebert which he kingdom to take down the bodies of executed criminals lost, resulting in northern Neustria being given to his and give them a decent burial. nephews. Eligius began to live a strict monastic life along During this time when Neustria was split, Eligius with a friend Dado, which had been introduced into Gaul came to excel at goldsmithing, and traveled to the palace by saint . By 632 AD Eligius began to found at Neustria, where he worked under the royal treasurer monasteries and would introduce this rule into the Babo. In 610, King Chlothar II’s nephews went to war monasteries. with each other. Chlothar supported Theuderic in the war, While cordial to the faith, King Dagobert himself crushing Theudebert in exchange for the return of was not as faithful as his father to Church teaching. He northern Neustria to his control. Theuderic returned the divorced his wife Gormatrude to make his servant land, and then promptly invaded Neustria in 613 AD. Nanthild Queen. The two had a child in 634 AD named Theuderic died of dysentery soon after, and in the Clovis II. When King Dagobert I died in 639 AD, King confusion following his death, Chlothar secured not only Clovis II was only 5 years old and thus the Kingdom was Neustria, but Austrasia and Burgundy. ruled by Queen Nanthild. During her reign, Eligius began Occupying Neustria, Austrasia and Burgundy, to work toward the elimination of simony in the church, Chlothar II became the King of the . With his new where some of its members had engaged in the practice of title and position, Chlothar wished to have a new throne selling holy and sacred items, a grave sin. When Acarius, built for himself. Because of the quality of Eligius’ work, the Bishop of - died in 642 AD, at 54 years Babo recommended Eligius to build the throne. old the clergy and the populace unanimously supported King Chlothar was pleased with Eligius’ work, his appointment to the position. Although initially and soon after had him commissioned to work on the unwilling, Eligius submitted himself to the appointment, tomb of Saint Germain, the Bishop of Paris. Afterward, received Holy Orders, and traveled to his new diocese in Eligius became a member of the royal household, and was Noyon-Tournai. appointed by Chlothar as the master of the mint at The majority of the inhabitants of the region were Marseilles. King Chlothar himself remained one of the pagans, and Eligius began to undertake the conversion of few Merovingian Kings that did not practice polygamy, the Germanic tribes along the North Sea coast. Eligius instead remaining faithful to a single wife until her death. founded many monasteries and churches in his diocese, King Chlothar also remained faithful to the Church and and in his own Episcopal City built a nunnery for virgins. its doctrines, remaining an ally of the Catholic Church. A legend has circulated regarding Saint Eligius, King Chlothar died in 629 AD, and was of a horse that refused to be shod and was thought to be succeeded by King Dagobert I. King Dagobert possessed by demons. Eligius reportedly cut off the recognized Eligius’ friendship with his father Chlothar, horse’s foreleg, and while the horse remained standing of and appointed Eligius chief councilor. Eligius reputation three legs and watched, Eligius re-shod the hoof of the spread quickly so that it became common practice for amputated leg, before miraculously re-attaching the leg to ambassadors to first seek out his council and pay their the horse. respects to him before going to the King. Eligius’ Saint Eligius died in December of 660 at the age accomplishments reached so far that he succeeded in of 72. He is the patron Saint of coin collectors,

encouraging the Breton Prince, Saint Judicael, to enter a , horses, laborers, locksmiths and pact with King Dagobert including peace between their metalworkers, and his feast day is December 1st people. 11 . Page

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We are currently looking for content contributors who may want to write on various subjects pertaining to the Youth Formation, Youth Fellowship and Youth Ministry programs. All youth from grades 6-12 are also welcome to create content for the Newsletter for which they will receive service hours. Publishable submissions will range between 300 and 500 words.

Contributors

August Klein: August Klein is the Youth Coordinator at Saint Ann Catholic Church and currently writes the entirety of the Saint Ann Youth Ministry Weekly Newsletter. He published the first issue on February 4th, 2020 at the direction of the Director of Religious Education, Trisha Vasquez. August is a revert to Catholicism. After leaving the church around 2001, he returned to the Catholic Church with his family at the end of 2014 the last Sunday of Ordinary Time before the beginning of advent. In 2015 after Lent, he had his children Baptized and his wife Kelly joined the Church the following year through RCIA. During his children’s first year of faith formation, August began to fill in for teachers who could not make it on a given day and was subsequently asked to teach his own Children’s Faith Formation starting in 2016. In 2017 he was asked to help teach Youth Confirmation and with parent formation for Children’s Holy Communion. In 2019 when his children began attending Middle School Faith Formation, August was again asked to teach Middle School Formation, during which time he was hired as the Youth Coordinator for Saint Ann Catholic Church. His patron saint is Saint Augustine.

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