Recently, a colleague shared the following Youth Night Outline with me and asked if it could be used at his parish. I told him, yes.... just line up objectives from the The Diocese of Youngstown Curriculum for Catechesis. Using Scripture with Lectio Divina processing and praying the Apostle's Creed area always good things to do with youth! With just a quick glance, I thought that the following objectives that could be covered within the session with a few tweaks: HS 1.24 HS 3.6 HS 3.7 HS 3.16 HS 3.34 HS 3.53 After watching the video, you could also include HS 4.23 HS 4.24 HS 4.26 HS 3.52 Look it over and tell me which other objectives you might include? What would you do differently to make this session work better for the teens in your ministry setting? (Please use the COMMENT button to add your thoughts and ideas.) Youth Night Acts of the Apostles Purpose of the Night This youth night is designed to give the teens a better knowledge and understanding of the Acts of the Apostles. Our Church is built upon the witness of these very first apostles and we can learn a lot from them. We can obviously learn about the development of church teaching, but more importantly, we can learn how to apply their witness into the witness of our lives. Supplies needed Bible for each small group Paper and pencils for each small group Random items (see below in Preparation) Environment The environment for this night should depict the importance of witnessing, both by the apostles and saints, but also modern day witnesses. Display pictures around the room of apostles and saints. Also, include some signs with Scripture verses and quotes pertaining to witnessing. Also put up some pictures of witnesses today. These can be well known people, or simply just individuals in our everyday lives. At the front of the room, place an open Bible on a table and large cross with red cloth draped over it symbolizing the blood of the martyrs. Preparation Snacks/fellowship time (20 minutes) Before diving into the topic, have snacks or even a meal available for the youth as they arrive. Play fun music while youth are coming in. Allow them time to socialize with their friends as well as to meet any new people. Be sure to have yourself as well as any core team mingle among the kids and reach out especially to anyone who may be new. This time would also be a good time for any announcements as well as announcing any birthdays. Small Group Skits (20 minutes) Divide the youth into small groups. Gather a bunch of really random items and place the items at the front of the room. Examples of items can include stuffed animals, a role of tape, a golf club, or a coffee filter. Have a representative from each group select three items. Each group will act out the story of Pentecost found in Acts 2:1-4. They will have to incorporate their three items in some way in the skit. Also, each group will act out their skit in a different genre. Genres can include documentary, western, sci-fi, silent film, sitcom, talk show, news broadcast, musical, etc. Write the genres down on separate pieces of paper and have the groups each select one at random. Give the groups about 10 minutes to create their skits and then gather them back to present them. Introduction of the Topic (5 minutes) Transition the youth into the main space to begin the night. The youth minister will begin by introducing the topic of the Acts of the Apostles. Explain briefly the importance of the early apostles and their witness in the early church. Proclamation Proclamation verse: “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 Opening Prayer (5 minutes) Reading (Acts 1:6-9) A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. Prayer Heavenly Father, We come before you this day in thanksgiving for the witness of the early Apostles. Lord, come into our hearts during this time that we might be inspired by their witness to live for you in our everyday lives. We ask this in your name. Amen. (Optional) If you have a musician who can begin the night with a praise and worship song, that could be used as the opening prayer Explanation Video: “Evidence” (5 minutes) (This video can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPHe51B7Z00) Teaching (10-15 minutes) Choose a speaker to talk to your group about this topic and its importance in our lives. The speaker can be the youth minister, a core member, a parish priest or deacon, a guest speaker, or anyone who you feel may be qualified to speak on the topic. You can use the outline below to provide some thoughts for this talk. Processing the video: The importance of being a witness - When watching this video, how did it make you feel? What was going through your head as this girl was on trial and what were your thoughts on the verdict? Can you relate to the video at all? - Now obviously, it is not illegal to be Catholic in our country today. However, there are a number of obstacles that we face in our everyday lives that make it difficult to witness to our faith. The witness of the Apostles - In Acts 1:8, just before Jesus ascends to heaven, He stood before His apostles and said “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus makes a promise to His Apostles that they will receive the Holy Spirit and will become witnesses to the faith. - In Acts 2:1-4, we read of the event of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles and inspires them to fearlessly go out and proclaim Christ to the world. The Acts of the Apostles gives us a glimpse into the mission of the apostles following in the footsteps of Christ. - We hear a number of miraculous occurrences such as the conversion of 3000 people by the apostles right after Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter healing to crippled man (Acts 3), Philip converting the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Paul restoring a dead man to life (Acts 20), as well as so many more things. On top of this, we also hear of so many stories of heroic virtue as the apostles stopped at no cost to follow the will of Christ which eventually lead to martyrdom for most. Our own witness in our lives - In our own lives, we can learn a lot from the apostles and can apply much of what they said and did in our very own life. It’s hard to be a witness. It’s hard to publicly stand up and follow Christ fully in the midst of everything that goes on. Often times, we can feel like we are on trial, just like in the video. - However, Christ has commissioned us just as He commissioned His disciples. He speaks those same words to us that we find in Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Lord is with us and He freely gives us His Holy Spirit to inspire us to carry out His will. Let us not be afraid to listen to Him and witness to Him in our lives. Application Small Groups (15-20 minutes) Lectio Divina Each person in the group will receive a slip of paper with the Scripture passage below on it and a pencil. The group leader or one of the youths should read the passage aloud. Take about 30 seconds to silently think about it. Have it read again. Take about a minute to silently meditate upon it and encourage the group take notes or underline key words that might stick out. Have it read one final time and then begin to discuss. Acts 1:6-8 – “When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Small Group Questions o Was there a word or phrase from this passage that really stood out or jumped out to anyone? o What is the meaning of this passage? o What does Jesus mean when He says “you will be my witnesses”? o How do His followers ultimately respond to that call of being a witness? o In our lives, we all have the same call to go out and be witnesses in our everyday lives. What does it mean to witness to the faith? o Jesus calls us to witness to our faith by leaving behind everything we have and spreading the gospel around the world. Some have taken this call quite literally and have become missionaries to foreign countries or other extreme callings. For those of us (the majority of Christians) who do not have this calling, how can we witness to the faith in everyday life? o How can we be a witness in our school, on our sports teams, within our groups of friends, or within our families? o Why is witnessing to the faith so important? What benefit is there for us? o What are some practical ways in which we can witness to our faith today? Celebration Teen Witness (5 minutes) Gather the whole group back together and invite one of your youth, preferable an older one who is maybe a junior or a senior to share a brief personal witness on how their life has been impacted by the Lord and how they have been called to live out their faith. Meet with them ahead of time to go over their witness. While writing their witness, have them pray with Acts 1:8 to see how their own life can relate to that of the apostles. Closing prayer (5 minutes) If possible, transition the group into a separate space to close out the night. The ideal location would be in the church if available. Invite the youth to quietly make their way in and have a seat. The youth minister should take a minute to prayerfully recap the whole night. After the recap, take some time to enter into some silence and allow the youth to voice any intentions they have. Close with reciting the Apostles Creed:. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen ==================================== By the way, did you know that the Curriculum can be found online (you do not only have to view it in the office of your pastor of Director/Coordinator of Religious Education! You can download a copy or just view it online whenever you wish.) http://catechistcafe.weebly.com/curriculum-for-catechesis.html catechistcafe.weebly.com/curriculum-for-catechesis.html
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Looking for a way to support your teens at a time when they will be likely be open to Divine Inspiration? Here is one: Pencils with Prayers - prepare a prayer before taking a test (like the one pictured) and add a new, sharpened and ready-to-go #2 pencil. This would be great for your high school teens to do for the 8th graders in the Catholic school before high school placement tests, or have Confirmation students prepare for the high school students before any of their tests. Or have an adult club or ministry work on this for the teens. There are so many possibilities for getting people involved in preparing them! Then, for distribution, consider the options: going into the 8th grade classrooms, or distributing at youth ministry event, or have them in baskets after Mass for pick up as families leave. If you have done this or something similar, please tell us about it in the comments. I had to really pause to ponder this from Gratefulness.org: If I had my life to live over again, I would ask that not a thing be changed, but that my eyes be opened wider. ~ Jules Renard I will admit, there are many times when I replay memories and yearn to have a "do - over" -- too often I speak too flippantly, or I missed moments I could have savored, or I have been in too much of a hurry to truly experience a moment... Sound at all familiar? I am sure I cannot be on the only one, but I envy you if you have already mastered this (perhaps you can help teach me?) This must help to explain the wisdom of the Church in giving us the season of Lent each year.... time for us to examine our lives, our choices, our conscience and see what can be done differently in the future (not a do-over, but at least a do-better opportunity!) Today's quote now shapes my Lenten reflection: How can I live with my eyes open wider more often in the future... ... to see needs of others that I may be able to assist? ... to see the good in stressful or negative situations? ... to see pain behind forced smiles? ... to see love rather than malice, hostility, anger, or hatred? ... to see more of God's amazing creations? ....to see the face of Christ in more of the people I encounter! The lyrics to Jesse Manibusan's "Open My Eyes, Lord" continues to have deeper meaning for me: Ahhh, to see with the eyes of Christ! God help me,
and St. Joseph, on your feast day, may you also strengthen me! Amen! Wow, hard to believe that it is Prom Season already -- but as I see pictures posted on Facebook, it is here! So, here are two quick prayers for teens to use -- one for those going to prom and one for those not going to prom.... In either event, know that I am praying that you (teens) -- please, stay safe (and don't do anything you'd be embarrassed to tell your grandma all about!!) --Cindee +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Prayer for All Going to Prom Lord God, thank you for this opportunity to get dressed up and have fun with friends as we eat, dance, and laugh at Prom. Please keep us safe this evening, and give us strength to avoid temptations for any and all activities that would harm our relationship with you. May we be good role models in how we act, in what we say, in what we do and in how we dance. But also rejoice with us as we have fun. We pray this in your holy name, Amen. ======================================== A Prayer for Those Not Going to Prom Lord God, even though I will not be going to the dance tonight, I ask that you watch over and protect those who are. May they be safe and able to stay faithful to you. I also ask that you watch over me and all those who are not going to prom either by personal choice, parent's choice, or not being invited - no matter what the reason, please grant us a fun evening as well. No matter what I decide to do tonight, help me to look back with fond memories. Thank you for all my blessings Lord. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. WHY DID JUDAS DO IT? Great reflection for Spy Wednesday (Did you know this term used by some folks for today?) The first time I recall being really challenged by the question of "Why would Judas do this" was after seeing the Passion play/musical "Tetelestai" as a teen wherein the creators placed Judas in a prominent role. As much as I may want to be like John or Peter, I have to ask: How am I like Judas? When do my greed... Ego... Desire to be connected to powerful people... Feelings of knowing-it-all... Lack of trust... betray my love of Jesus? Looks like I have much on which to reflect today... Thank you Fr. Jim for posting this on Facebook for many of us to contemplate. It brings a new/different aspect to this most Holy Week. --Cindee ---------------------- By Fr. James Martin, SJ Why did Judas do it? The Gospel readings for today and tomorrow ("Spy Wednesday") focus on Judas's betrayal of Jesus. But why did Judas do it? . . . . . . A few years ago I served as a “theological adviser” to an Off-Broadway play, called “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” that put Judas on trial for Jesus’s death. We spent many hours sifting through the possible reasons for history’s most famous betrayal. The Gospel of Mark gives no motivation for Judas's sudden betrayal. Confusing things further, Matthew has Jesus telling Judas at the Last Supper, "Do what you are here to do," which seems to imply some acquiescence, or at least foreknowledge, on Jesus’s part. Matthew attempts to clarify things in his account by introducing the motive of greed: "What will you give me if I betray him to you?" Judas asks the Jewish high priests. The Gospel of John echoes this theme: before the Last Supper, Judas is depicted by the evangelist as the greedy keeper of the common purse. When Jesus is anointed in Bethany, shortly before his crucifixion, Judas complains, asking why the money was not given to the poor. In an aside, John writes, "He [Judas] said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it." Thus John paints Judas as greedy, and dishonest as well. Finally, Luke's gospel tells us that at the Last Supper "Satan had entered into Judas." Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, told me that this phrase from Luke explained "either everything or nothing." There is another hypothesis that sometimes remains unstated by commentators: the evangelists concocted the entire story of Judas's betrayal for dramatic purposes. Some have posited that the one who betrayed Jesus could have come from outside the Twelve, and that Judas was simply a convenient fall guy. Similarly, Judas may have been invented as a generic "Jewish" character in order to lay the blame for the crucifixion on the Jewish people. The name “Judas” (the Hebrew would be Judah) lends credence to this idea. So might Paul, who suggests that Jesus was “handed over” not by Judas or anyone else but by God. But a wholesale invention is unlikely. Mark wrote his gospel around 70 A.D., only a few decades after the death of Jesus. Luke and Matthew wrote some 10 to 15 years later. The Christian community of that time still would have counted among its members those who were friends of Jesus, who were eyewitnesses to the Passion, or who knew the sequence of events from conversations with the previous generation. They most likely would have criticized any wild liberties taken with the story. Rather, as Father Harrington told me, "Judas's betrayal of Jesus was a known and most embarrassing fact." The ignominy of having Jesus betrayed by one of his closest friends is something the Gospel writers would have wanted to avoid, not invent. Overall, none of the Gospels provides a convincing reason for why one of the 12 disciples would betray the teacher he esteemed so highly. Greed fails as an explanation—why would someone who had traveled with the penniless rabbi for three years suddenly be consumed with greed? (Unless he was indeed stealing from the common purse.) William Barclay conjectured that the most compelling explanation is that by handing Jesus over to the Romans, Judas was trying to force Jesus's hand, to get him to act in a decisive way. Perhaps Judas expected the arrest to prompt Jesus to reveal himself as the long-awaited Messiah by not only ushering in an era of peace, but overthrowing the Roman occupiers. Barclay noted that none of the other traditional explanations (greed, disillusionment, jealousy) explain why Judas would have been so shattered after the crucifixion that the Gospel of Matthew has him committing suicide; only if Judas had expected a measure of good to come from his actions would suicide make any sense. "This is in fact the view which best suits all the facts," Barclay concluded. Finally, there is an explanation at once simple and complex: sin. Why do we do what we know is wrong? It is an inexplicable mystery. Perhaps Judas’s reasons for betrayal were obscure even to himself. . . . . . From "Jesus: A Pilgrimage":http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Jesus-James-Martin/?isbn=9780062024237 Image: "The Taking of Christ in the Garden," by Caravaggio. I was excited in 2007 when I purchased the Amy Grant CD "Home for Christmas" as I had long enjoyed her voice and I looked forward to hearing her take on many favorite holiday tunes. A couple songs into my first listen, I was struck by a song that was new to me... a song that beckoned me to pause to reflect upon the "Advent experience" from the perspective of a pregnant Mary. While I was, of course, very familiar with the scripture stories and our popular traditions around Mary being visited by the angel to announce that she would found favor with God and would bear his son, as well as the dream that Joseph had that encouraged him to still marry Mary and raise the child with her. I knew of the journey to see Elizabeth her kinswoman. And, the search for a place to give birth is well known. However, I did not reflect much before on the pondering that must have taken place for Mary in between. The song "Breath of Heaven" is one possible take on her pondering. In case you are not familiar with it, the lyrics are: I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy Father, You have come And chosen me now to carry Your Son I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now, be with me now Breath of Heaven, hold me together Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy Breath of Heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place? But I offer all I am For the mercy of Your plan Help me be strong, help me be, help me Breath of Heaven, hold me together Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy Breath of Heaven, hold me together Be forever near me, breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy Breath of Heaven, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven (Songwriters CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT, Published by © BUG MUSIC) This has since become a wonderful focus song for Advent for me. Mindful that God chose Mary to be a special vessel, I love the idea of her wondering if she should be the one? Was she strong enough? Smart enough? Holy enough? How well this explains our human doubts. Before receiving Holy Communion, how often do I wonder these same things. Basically, am I worthy? Well, of course not, as we admit that "I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof..." yet we, in His grace, continue "but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Do I truly allow God's Word to enter into my soul? Much as Mary allowed the Spirit, or breath, of God to enter her, now must I be open to the Spirit coming in the presence of bread/host and wine. May it "pour over me (God's) holiness" to make me more holy in His name. Thank you, Lord, for speaking through Amy Grant in this way that grabbed my heart and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the faith that Mary placed in you, and to allow that example to inspire me to take you more deeply "under my roof" as Christmas nears....but also for each and every time I receive you in the Eucharist. As I receive your body and blood, keep me mindful that I also receive a "Breath of Heaven." I wanted to share a couple of the online prayer aides that I have used that help remind me to take time for prayer in the midst of the numerous tasks of the job. It helps that I can receive email reminders: + Loyola Press 3-minute retreat A different daily theme with image and Scripture. If I cannot find at least 3 minutes to pray, then I am in the wrong line of work ;-) Here is today's: http://www.loyolapress.com/3-Minute-Retreat-wounded-healers.htm?updatedate=7/7/2013%206:30:09%20AM&utm_campaign=3-minute-retreat-daily-email&utm_medium=link&utm_source=email-link + The Five Loaves A weekly reflections "between Sundays" with reflections from various ministers with related song. http://www.thefiveloaves.com/ + St. Anthony Messenger Saint of the Day A brief bio of a saint celebrated that day along with a prayer. I often post these on my Facebook page for teens and young adults to read as well. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx And one for your teens: + Any Given Sunday from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, a free weekly, lectionary based reflection by various youth leaders and artists. I have posted a few of these on my Facebook page as well for teens. http://www.anygivensundayproject.com/ Let me know what some of your favorite online resources are as well! Perhaps you take some time for prayer before you break groups up into cars with Diocesan Child Protection compliant adult drivers with the liability & release forms from the parents and send them off to Kenny Wood, Cedar Point, or other amusement parks....of maybe you take advantage of an hour or three on a bus with ice-breakers, prayer and an instructional video to include some catechesis in the day of fun.... but do you intertwine catechesis or prayer into the amusement park? It seems natural when someone is usually yelling out, "Oh God" as a roller coaster nears to the top of its largest hill or once a spinny ride has been going for over a minute. How can we encourage teens to see God in their experiences (besides praying for a long long to move quickly or for the rain to hold off a while longer!)? Here are just a few suggestions -- and I welcome others to be added: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Prior to your event day, be sure to get a list of the amusement park attractions. You may be able to play on the names of some rides so that they can think about that when they ride, while they wait, or even as they walk by it. Examples: + Cedar Point's Blue Streak coaster -- are your teens familiar with the old term about someone 'cussing/cursing up a blue streak' in that a lot of foul language is used? What does the Bible say about cursing? What about the catechism? When they see the Blue Streak, can they pray for God to help them keep clean mouths? A few Bible verses to get you started: Ephesians 4:29 No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear. Ephesians 5:1 - 4 So be imitators of God,* as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Colossians 3:8- 10 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain Colossians 4:5 - 6 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one. Exodus 20:7 You shall not invoke the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain. + Cedar Downs Racing Derby -- Talk about St. Paul's analogy of "Running the Race" in our faith journey (Philipians 3: 12 - 16) + There is a LOT that can be done regarding the Waters of Baptism to be reflected upon on any water ride at Kennywood ( Log Jammer, Pittsburg Plunge and Raging Rapids), Cedar Point (Shoot the Rapids, Snake River Falls, Thunder Canyon), anything at Wildwater Kingdom..... or at your parish festival dunking booth ;-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Challenge your group members to seek out the good -- look for people helping others, i.e. picking up something some else dropped.....helping a parent with a small child....holding a door or gate open for the next person.... can they find at least ten different examples before lunch? During lunch, have them share the examples they witnessed. After lunch, challenge them, can they then do ten nice things for strangers around the park? Perhaps reading from Matthew 5; 13 - 16 can help: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OK, your turn to share some ideas..... Best wishes for a safe, fun, and spiritually enriching summer! Leader: Lent is a time for fasting but also a season for joyous feasting!
During Lent, the church calls on us to fast from certain things and feast on others Side 1: Side 2: Fast from judging others…. feast on Christ dwelling in them Fast from emphasis on differences…. feast on the unity of life. Fast from apparent darkness…. feast on the reality of light. Fast from thoughts of illness….. feast on God’s healing power, Fast from works that pollute…. feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent… feast on gratitude. Fast from anger…. feast on patience. Fast from pessimism…. feast on optimism. Fast from worry… feast on divine order. Fast from complaining…. feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives…. feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures… feast on unceasing prayers. Fast from hospitality…. feast on nonresistance Fast from bitterness… feast on forgiveness Fast from self-concern… feast on compassion for others Fast from personal anxiety… feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragement … feast on hope. Fast from facts that depress… feast on truths that uplift Fast from lethargy … feast on enthusiasm Fast from suspicion … feast on truth. Fast from thoughts that weaken… feast on promises that inspire. Fast from shadows of sorrow… feast on sunlight of serenity Fast from idle gossip… feast on purposeful silence. A Time for God, the Saint Louis University Prayerbook, http://slu.edu/prayerbook/2010/02/17/a-lenten-prayer-how-to-fast/ |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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