DOCSLIB.ORG

Sacred Heart Church, Cincinnati, Ohio

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sacred Heart Church, Cincinnati, Ohio SACRED HEART CHURCH 2733 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE | CINCINNATI, OHIO 45225 WWW.SACREDHEARTCHURCHCINCINNATI.COM | (513) 541-4654 The Very Rev. Jon-Paul Bevak, C.O. Ext. 123 Pastor ................................... [email protected] Joyce Gordon Parish Secretary ................. [email protected] PARISH MASS SCHEDULE Sunday: 9:00 a.m. (English) & 11:00 a.m. (Latin) Weekday: 9:00 a.m. (Latin) Holy Day: 9:00 a.m. (Latin) 12:00 Noon (English) & 7:00 p.m. (Latin) SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Thirty minutes before Mass Sunday-Friday Saturday during Holy Hour DEVOTIONS Perpetual Novena of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: Tuesdays after Mass Holy Hour: Saturdays at 7:50 a.m. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Contact Parish Office SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Contact Parish Office at least six months in advance PARISH OFFICE Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS FIFTEENTH SUNDAY PER ANNUM (NEW) SUNDAY, JULY 16 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (II) 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions/Paul Gallagher 11:00 a.m. Special Intentions/Suzanne & Chris Clingman by Karen Mondro MONDAY 17 THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF COMPIEGNE (IV) 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions/Margaret Mary Henz by Don & Helen Henz TUESDAY 18 ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS (III) 9:00 a.m. Leo & Mary Cassini by Becky, Dylan, Brady, Aston, Connor & Ava WEDNESDAY 19 FERIA (NEW)/ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (III) 9:00 a.m Special Intentions/Tony & Angie Stockert Family by Paul Schmitt Family THURSDAY 20 ST. APOLLINARIS (NEW)/ST. JEROME EMILIANI (III) 9:00 a.m. Celebrant’s Intention FRIDAY 21 ST. LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI (III) 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions/Carlos & Angie Latorre Family by Paul Schmitt Family SATURDAY 22 ST. MARY MAGDALENE (III) 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions/Arnie & Theresa Filipi by Paul Schmitt Family SIXTEENTH SUNDAY PER ANNUM (NEW) SUNDAY 23 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (II) 9:00 a.m. Pro Populo 11:00 a.m. Fr. Keane by Paul Schmitt Family WEEKLY OFFERING Sunday, July 9, 2017: (443 Envelopes/225 Attendance) Your Gift to God through Your Parish: $2,450.00 PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK Alexander Piening, Jackson, Vivien Finnigan, Eric Bantle, Tony Bantle, Kay, Hilda Lowell, Jennifer Lowell, Melissa, Terri, Fr. Rob Jack, Katie, Vivian Rose, Dana Ray, Lisa Bergman, Elizabeth Hetrick, Grace Hetrick, Marianne, Emmy & Abby, Nathaniel Lee Taylor, Matthew & Edward OLD ST. MARY’S PARISH SCHEDULE Sunday 7:30 a.m. (Low Latin) 9:15 a.m. (Sung Latin Ordinary Form) 11:00 a.m. (German) 12:30 p.m. (English) & 7:00 p.m. (English) Monday-Friday 7:15 a.m. (Traditional Latin) & 12:10 p.m. (English) Saturday 6:45 a.m. (Traditional Latin) & 12:10 p.m. (English) Tuesday – Adoration 8:00 a.m. – Noon & 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Parish Holy Hour from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with Confession Sacrament of Penance offered before Sunday Mass (9:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.) Daily after 12:10 Mass until 1:00 p.m.; Tuesday 7:30 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. *You may drop your collection envelope at either parish and it will make its way to its intended destination. FROM THE PASTOR Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus! Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ! Thank you to those who assisted in anyway with Bible Camp. Your help is truly appreciated as we seek to hand on the Faith to our future generations. Without everyone's assistance and working together, at home, in the Church, in the world, this would not be possible. Thank you! As we enter into our summer slow down, we will begin a series of meditations from St. Francis de Sales on the Spiritual Life. St. Francis was the Bishop of Geneva, and the founder of an Oratory in Switzerland. As a spiritual son of St. Philip Neri, St. Francis de Sales has put into writing what St. Philip was unwilling to do during his life, and given life to the Spiritual Life promoted by St. Philip. These selections will be taken from his book "The Introduction to the Devout Life" this is a spiritual classic much loved by generations of Catholics. Please find a reflection on the Sacrament of Penance. Have a blessed week ahead! “Our Savior has bequeathed the Sacrament of Penitence and Confession to His Church, in order that therein we may be cleansed from all our sins, however and whenever we may have been soiled thereby. Therefore, my child, never allow your heart to abide heavy with sin, seeing that there is so sure and safe a remedy at hand. If the lioness has been in the neighborhood of other beasts she hastens to wash away their scent, lest it should be displeasing to her lord; and so the soul which has ever so little consented to sin, ought to abhor itself and make haste to seek purification, out of respect to His Divine Gaze Who beholds it always. Why should we die a spiritual death when there is a sovereign remedy available? Make your confession humbly and devoutly every week, and always, if you can, before communicating, even although your conscience is not burdened with mortal sin; for in confession you do not only receive absolution for your venial sins, but you also receive great strength to help you in avoiding them henceforth, clearer light to discover your failings, and abundant grace to make up whatever loss you have incurred through those faults. You exercise the graces of humility, obedience, simplicity and love, and by this one act of confession you practice more virtue than in any other. Be sure always to entertain a hearty sorrow for the sins you confess, however small they are; as also a steadfast resolution to correct them in future. Some people go on confessing venial sins out of mere habit, and conventionally, without making any effort to correct them, thereby losing a great deal of spiritual good. Supposing that you confess having said something untrue, although without evil consequences, or some careless words, or excessive amusement;-- repent, and make a firm resolution of amendment: it is a mere abuse to confess any sin whatever, be it mortal or venial, without intending to put it altogether away, that being the express object of confession.” - St. Francis de Sales PARISH NEWS Fr. Mario Rauzi, c.s. A Sung Requiem Latin Mass will be offered on July 24 at 7:00 p.m. for the repose of the soul of Fr. Mario. Please join us as we remember and pray for Fr. Mario! If you would like to extend your condolences to the family of Fr. Mario, please send to his niece, Mrs. Gemma Maurina, 9 Birch Dr., Pine Plains, NY 12567. Secretary Opening After years of faithful service, Joyce Gordon has decided to move on from Sacred Heart. We thank Joyce for all of her years of loyal service and wish her well in the future. We are accepting resumes from interested parties. The position is part time. For more details on the schedule, pay, and/or other details, please contact Fr. Jon-Paul directly. Inquires will be accepted until July 31. Sick Visits If you or someone in your immediate family is planning to have a major surgery, or has to stay in the hospital for some reason, and would like a visit from a priest, please contact Bro. Brent at [email protected]. He and Fr. Lawrence have begun visiting the sick of the Parish and would be happy to visit those temporarily in the hospital, as well. Please give some advanced notice, if possible, for scheduling purposes. Social after Sunday Mass Everyone is welcome to the parish hall for a social following the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Please join us, even if just for a moment. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share from time to time. Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Do you know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic? Or do you just want to learn more about the Faith? If you answered yes to any of these questions, contact Fr. Lawrence for information about upcoming classes! Italy Oratorian Pilgrimage November 6-16, 2017 We are down to only eight spots left for the Oratory pilgrimage this coming November. If you are interested in going on the Pilgrimage to Italy in November, please get your reservations in! There are some funds available to help cover the costs for those who may not be in the position to afford the entire cost. Contact the office with any questions. Adult Catechism Classes are held each Wednesday after the daily Mass at Sacred Heart. Please join us to learn more about the Faith! FORMED Please do not forget about our parish subscription to Formed. Every parishioner can have 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any device, including computer, smartphone, and tablet. You may register at www.formed.org/register. Our parish code is NFDBVP. Please take advantage of great opportunity to learn more about our Holy Faith! .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
    N ATIONAL S HRINE OF S AINT F RANCIS OF A SSISI SERVED BY THE CAPUCHIN FRANCISCANS The Very Reverend John De La Riva, O.F.M. Cap., Rector Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, J.C.D. Archbishop of San Francisco July 15, 2018 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time We might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. — Ephesians 1:12 Mass Times confessions Monday — Saturday: Monday—saturday: 12:15 PM 11:00 AM—12:00 Noon Also by appointment Sunday: 11:00 AM National Shrine hours Church: 10:00AM - 5:00PM Monday - Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM Sunday Open Certain Holidays Porziuncola Chapel: 10:00AM - 4:00PM Monday - Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM Sunday Saturdays in the Chapel: Holy Rosary Sodality at 2:30PM & Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00PM Baptism Marriages at the Shrine Contact the Shrine office for details By special permission All inquiries: Please contact the Shrine office for Rector’s initial assessment Note: Arrangements at least six months in advance Church & Office: 610 Vallejo Street (at Columbus) San Francisco, CA 94133 Office: (415) 986-4557 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Email: [email protected] Website: ShrineSF.org ELEVATOR ACCESS: Please ask the Rector or one of our Shrine volunteers if you need assistance with our Main Church elevator, or automatic door for the Porziuncola Nuova chapel. SUNDAY’S READINGS Mass Intentions— JULY 15 to 21 First Reading — Amos said, “The Lord took me Sunday 11:00 am † David Von Hatten from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy Monday 12:15 pm Cezanne Tocchini to my people” (Amos 7:12-15).
    [Show full text]
  • St. Francis of Assisi, Orange, TX
    St. Francis of Assisi CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 4300 Meeks Drive, Orange TX 77632 Office: 409-883-9153 Fax: 409-883-9154 Web: www.stfrancisorangetx.orgOffice Email:[email protected] Facebook.com/St.Francis.Church.Orange Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Religious Education Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm Wednesday 3-7pm during RE PASTOR: Rev. Sinclair K. Oubre, J.C.L. [email protected] Deacon Hector Maldonado [email protected] Deacon Tommy Ewing [email protected] Deacon Keith Hebert [email protected] MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5pm Sunday: 8am Bilingual 10:30am DAILY MASS Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30am Wednesday: 6:00pm RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 3:30-4:30pm SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call the Pastor to make arrangements for Infant Baptisms. Baptism class is held the third Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. This can be done at least seven (7) months before the birth in order to make proper sacramental preparations. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Diocesan policy requires a minimum of six (6) months of sacramental preparations for marriage. Engaged couples are invited to call the Pastor for an appointment. HOLY COMMUNION OR ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the Pastor if you or any family members are ill or plan to be hospitalized to arrange the reception of the Sacraments. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS - Catechumenate Those interested in becoming a Catholic or in completing their initiation are invited to contact Deacon Keith Hebert at the Church office to learn more about the Catechumenate Process. PARISH MEMBERSHIP Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community! Please register by obtaining a census form from the Parish Office or at one of the two front entrances to the Church.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Saint Francis De Sales Family, I Am Aware That Many of You Were Contacted Recently by a Group Soliciting Your Participation in Sending Letters of Support for Fr
    Dear Saint Francis de Sales Family, I am aware that many of you were contacted recently by a group soliciting your participation in sending letters of support for Fr. David Ryan to Cardinal Cupich and Bishop Grob. While I understand the sentiment expressed in that communication, I did not authorize, nor was the pastoral staff consulted with, or communicated to, about this letter. As the letter from Cardinal Cupich stated, the Archdiocese is following procedures used when an allegation is made against a member of the clergy, or a lay employee or volunteer. These include asking the accused to step aside while investigations are conducted. As the Cardinal’s letter also stated, this action is not meant to imply guilt or innocence. These procedures are aligned with national norms for handling allegations of sexual abuse of a minor as expressed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. We encourage anyone who believes they have been abused by Archdiocese employees to come forward and receive the help they deserve. Only by treating those bringing allegations and the accused in the same respectful Christian manner can we hope to restore trust and achieve healing. Father Ryan understands the value of this policy and is complying fully with the process. Please join your prayers to his and ours that everyone affected by the crime and sin of abuse finds healing. We will keep you informed as new information becomes available. Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerome J. Jacob Temporary Administrator of St Francis de Sales .
    [Show full text]
  • St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish
    St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish Jefferson, Wisconsin St. Francis of Assisi ________________________________ Pastoral Staff Catholic Parish Rev. Thomas J. Coyle, Pastor Sunday, July 18, 2021 Rectory: 920-674-9619 Mr. Bill Bare, School Principal [email protected] 920-674-5821 Ms. Donna J. Kiesling Office Manager Parish Center: 920-674-2025 Ms. Beth Schweiger [email protected] 920-674-2025 Ms. Tiffany Topel Dir. of Religious Ed. & Youth Ministry Bulletin [email protected] 920-674-5433 ext. 5 Mrs. Jodi El-Beri Coordinator of Religious Ed. Baptism Preparation [email protected] 920-674-5433 ext. 4 Ms. Cathey Sloane, RN Parish Nurse Parish Center: 920-674-2025 920-988-0397 Ms. Lizzett Perez Hispanic Ministry [email protected] 920-253-8464 Sr. Mary Ann Schroedl, OSF Pastoral Minister 920-674-4258 RCIA co-chairs Susan Dascenzo [email protected] 608-345-5426 St. John the Baptist Church St. Lawrence Church P. O. Box 269 P. O. Box 313 Rick Helman Jefferson, Wisconsin 53549 Jefferson, Wisconsin 53549 [email protected] 920-674-2025 920-674-2822 920-699-4029 Saturday Mass: 5:30 pm Saturday Mass: 4:00 pm Sunday Mass: 7:30 am | 10:30 am 12:30 pm (en Español) stfranciscommunity.net l stfrancisjefferson.flocknote.com . St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish Jefferson, WI MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, July 17 7:30 am +Rev. John L. Urban/Mass (SJB) 8:00 am Rosary & Reconciliation (SJB) 4:00 pm +Patricia Fietzek, Deceased Members of the Riedl Family/Mass (St. Lawrence) 5:30 pm +Robert & Marion Schicker, John & Tillie Schicker/Mass (SJB) Sunday, July 18/16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 am +Charlie & Addie Rader; St.
    [Show full text]
  • Following His Footsteps by Anselmo Del Alamo
    Following His Footsteps by Anselmo del Alamo Notice: Following His Footsteps (Siguiendo Sus Huellas) was published in Spain in 1963. The complete text is available only in Spanish. Some chapters have been translated into English and are available here. Contents. Chapter 6. The Interior Life, the Kingdom of God. Chapter 7. Mortification, Suffering. Chapter 8. Crosses. Chapter 22: The Last Things: Death and Judgment, Hell and Glory Chapter 6. The Interior Life, the Kingdom of God, Temple of the Holy Spirit Perhaps the experience of living has provided you with the knowledge that if it is joyful giving, it is even more joyful giving oneself. When you truly begin to experience it, you will be more like God, and you will participate more in his paternity. The interior life is nothing else than the development of grace within us. This seed of divinity, of immortality, is nothing else than a participation in his life, a spark of his love, a free gift of himself. It is given to us so that we may be a kingdom, an interior empire inside ourselves, with a throne, a scepter and a crown, a sanctuary of prayer and adoration, where he wants to be adored in spirit and in truth. Acknowledge your dignity: esteem and be grateful for his wonderful gift. 1. We should be intimately persuaded that just one interior soul, a soul that tends to perfection, gives more glory to God than millions of mediocre religious or Christians. Dom Godfrey Belorgey 2. In the saints, the Holy Ghost, together with the Father and with the Son, makes his dwelling in the most interior part of the soul, that is, he lives there, like God in his own temple.
    [Show full text]
  • Francis De Sales, the Galileo Affair and Autonomy of Modern Science by Alexander T
    1 Francis de Sales, the Galileo Affair and Autonomy of Modern Science by Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS (Paper Presented at the International Patristics, Medieval and Renaissance Conference, Villanova University, 1999) The perennial debate between science and religion appears to be heating up again, especially in the area of evolution where the conflict between the two has been the most pronounced and protracted. Richard Dawkins takes the position that science does not need religion or God to understand the origin and evolution of the universe, while Michael Behe sees the importance of an 'Intelligent Designer' as necessary for filling in a big gap in Darwinism.1 In a recent attempted rapprochement in this area, Pope John Paul II stated that he sees no inherent contradiction between the theory of evolution and Catholic teaching.2 It is not the intent of this study to argue for the complete autonomy of science in the sense of being totally unrelated to religion but rather to appreciate that they both can and should live in harmony. Religion, as one author has clearly, concisely, and persuasively demonstrated, can and should play a confirming role in its relationship to science.3 It is this confirming aspect of religion that will be emphasized. As an outstanding Christian humanist, Francis de Sales steeped himself in the knowledge of Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church and the writers of classical antiquity and exhibited an openness to all genuine human values and achievements.4 The further one delves into the works of this saint, the more one becomes convinced, as Karl Rahner says, that "Christianity is the most radical anthropology."5 For de Sales, the Incarnation is absolutely indispensable to the meaning and understanding of human nature and its relation to the whole of creation since he views the universe as "a book which contains the word of God, but a language which each person does not understand."6 The more we grasp the implications of the Incarnation, the deeper will be our understanding of humanity, our world and the role of the physical sciences.
    [Show full text]
  • Powerlessness Leads to Wrath St Francis De Sales
    Sunday of 3rd Week of Lent The deadly wound of powerlessness leads to the deadly sin of wrath. Wrath has control as its false god. When we feel overwhelmed or POWERLESSNESS LEADS TO WRATH don’t know what to do is when wrath can enter in. Some people when overwhelmed yell while others just shut down. Likewise some people “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not when they don’t know what to do will take out their frustration on lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole those around them. In both cases we feel out of control and want to world seems upset”. - Saint Francis de Sales protect ourselves from getting hurt. However, the more we feel powerless then the more we control and the more powerless we feel. God is the one we should surrender all control to like the saints and ST FRANCIS DE SALES Jesus did. In what ways do you show powerlessness in your daily life? St. Francis de Sales struggled with the deadly wound of powerlessness For your prayer which lead to the deadly sin of wrath and said it took him twenty years St. Francis would have prayed with John 2:13-25. Use your to control his temper. His father was a senator from the province of imagination as you slowly read John 2:13-25. Please reflect on how Savoy in France and he wanted Francis to become a lawyer and Jesus knew what to do when the temple was turned into a marketplace eventually take his place.
    [Show full text]
  • Biography of Saint Francis De Sales
    Biography of Saint Francis de Sales Feast Day – January 24 (August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622) Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually take his elder’s place as a senator from the province of Savoy in France. For this reason Francis was sent to Padua to study law. After receiving his doctorate, he returned home and, in due time, told his parents he wished to enter the priesthood. His father strongly opposed Francis in this, and only after much patient persuasiveness on the part of the gentle Francis did his father finally consent. Francis was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for the Calvinists. Francis set out to convert them, especially in the district of Chablais. By preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine, he had remarkable success. At 35, he became bishop of Geneva. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” Besides his two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God , he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. For his writings, he has been named patron of the Catholic Press. His writings, filled with his characteristic gentle spirit, are addressed to lay people. He wants to make them understand that they too are called to be saints.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock" Catholic Church
    St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock" Catholic Church 1118 North Grand Blvd. St Louis, MO 63106 314-533-0304 (ph) 314-533-4260 (fax) [email protected] (e-mail) www.stalphonsusrock.org (website) or Like us on Facebook at St Alphonsus “Rock” Liguori Catholic Church Rev. Stephen Benden, C.Ss.R., Pastor Rev. Rodney Olive, C.Ss.R., Associate Pastor Mission “To Joyfully Preach, Teach, and Live the Word of God” Theme “Leaning On His Everlasting Arms, Knowing That We Will Overcome In 2021” PASTORAL STAFF Sharon Cooney-Smith, Dir. Religious Education Roberta George, Secretary Deborah Grant, Clerical Support Angela Harris, Bulletin Editor SUPPORT STAFF Bro. Steve Fruge, Pastoral Staff Terrance Gipson, Maintenance Terri Schneider, Dir. Hardin Food Pantry Athletic Office: 314 533-0304 Teen Ministry: 314 533-0304 MUSIC MINISTRY Malcolm Speed Danny duMaine REDEMPTORISTS IN RESIDENCE Rev. Tom Donaldson, C.Ss.R. Rev. Dave Polek, C.Ss.R. Rev. Peter Schavitz, C.Ss.R. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Call for Appointment) SUNDAY MASSES: 10:00 a.m. DAILY MASSES: Monday 5:30 p.m. (Eucharistic Adoration 4:45 p.m. (W. Th & F.) 11:30 a.m. (Rectory Chapel) Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. (Church) MONDAY: Eucharistic Adoration 4:45 p.m.—5:30 p.m. TUESDAYS: Exposition & Benediction: 11:30 a.m. Our Perpetual Help Novena & Mass SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 18, 2021 There once was a young man who had just gotten ordained Weekly to the priesthood. He had in his own mind that he wanted Readings… to bring Jesus into the world. He was going to organize Sunday: the parish with different committees, and they would do Jer 23:1-6/Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 [1] so much work.
    [Show full text]
  • (Francis De Sales 1567-1622) Struggle with Truth
    STUDIES IN SALESIAN SPIRITUALITY ALEXANDER T. POCETTO, O.S.F.S., PH.D. Senior Salesian Scholar From Despair to Hope: One College Student’s Struggle with Truth (Francis de Sales, 1567-1622) Lehigh University Newman Center Lecture Wednesday, April 2, 2003 When I was Academic Dean at De Sales University, I once asked one of our students what she thought about the new art instructor we had hired. She replied, "He's a little unusual. He makes us draw the shadows instead of the objects themselves." I remarked, "Well, that seems to me to be a good way of appreciating the light because there are no shadows without light." This novel approach evidently worked well for the instructor, and also for his students. However, in our personal lives there is a danger of focusing on the shadows because we can easily become mesmerized by them and fail to see the light, especially with the current war in Iraq and the threat of terrorism. As one writer observed, "The agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane has seemed to many commentators, Christian and otherwise, a profound metaphor for the human condition today."1 The words of one the foremost Catholic theologians of the 20th century still ring true today: Fear mercilessly grips the human throat. It fills the psychiatrists' consulting rooms, populates the psychiatric hospitals, increases the suicide figures, lays blast-bombs, sets off cold wars and hot wars. We try to root it out of our souls like weeds, anesthetizing ourselves with optimism, trying 1 GeorgeWeigel, The Truth of Catholicism (New York: Harper-Collins, 2001),16.
    [Show full text]
  • 8. Francis De Sales Francis De Sales Exemplifies the Manner in Which
    8. Francis de Sales Francis de Sales exemplifies the manner in which 17th-century France dominated the profound renaissance of spirituality and mysticism that accompanied the reforms throughout the Catholic Church during this period of the counter- reformation. Mystic, saint, doctor of the Church, "Devout humanist," and "the master and restorer of sacred eloquence," de Sales is "the heavenly patron of all writers," and one who contributed much to the development of the modern French language. It surprised me years ago when I wrote an anthology of Christian mysticism that the one on Francis de Sales was the longest. 1. Introduction: The second mark of a true ecstasy is the ecstasy of work and life, a life elevated and united to God by denial of worldly lusts and mortification of [one 's] natural will and inclinations through interior gentleness, simplicity, and humility, and above all through constant charity. - Francis de Sales in Harvey D. Egan, Soundings in the Christian Mystical Tradition, 269. Francis de Sales: Example of 17th-century French dominance in mysticism. Mystic, saint, Doctor of the Church, "devout humanist," and "the heavenly patron of all writers." Brief Biography: When only four years of age, Francis uttered prophetically: "God's and my mother's love I hold most dearly." Educated to become a Renaissance gentleman. Conversion due to the Ignatian Exercises. However, Francis believed that he was doomed to hell. Healed through prayer before a statue of Our Lady of Good Deliverance. Despite inner conflict with predestination issues, he still resolved to live in "disinterested love" for God. During prayer, he heard the words stamped onto his soul with joyful love of God: "I do not call myself the damning one; my name [Jesus] is the one who saves." 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Church Teachings on Stewardship
    STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGES: CHURCH TEACHING ON STEWARDSHIP “Do not turn your back on the needy, but share everything with your brother and call nothing your own. For if you have what is eternal in common, how much more should you have what is transient.” Didache 4:8 “Possessions are gifts from God and are more for the sake of the brethren than one’s own soul. The Christian should not carry them about in his soul, nor allow them to bind and circumscribe his life. He is able with cheerful mind to bear their removal equally with their abundance.” St. Clement of Alex, 200 A.D. “For whatever is of God is common in our use, nor is anyone excluded from his benefits and his gifts, so as to prevent the whole human race from enjoying equally the divine goodness and liberality… In this example of equality, he who, as a possessor in the earth, shares his returns and his fruits with fraternity, while his is common and just in his gratuitous bounties, is an imitator of God the Father. St. Cyprian, Carthage 250 A.D. “Tell me, how is it that you are rich? From whom did you receive your wealth? And he, whom did he receive it from? From his grandfather, you say, from his father. By climbing this genealogical tree are you able to show the justice of this possession? Of course you cannot; rather its beginning and root have necessarily come out of injustice…Do not say, ‘I am spending what is mine; I am enjoying what is mine.’ In reality it is not yours but another’s.
    [Show full text]