It’s official! The Disciple Maker Index Survey is open until April 4 and we need your help.
Dear Beloved Parishioners,
So, as you know, the Archdiocese has begun the public phase of All Things New. You can find all manner of information and prayer resources on the official website, here: allthingsnew.archstl.org. It is the desire of the Archbishop that we surround this initiative completely and unceasingly in prayer. As we began last week, we will continue to conclude our “Prayers of the Faithful” by praying the “All Things New Prayer” to be found inserted on the back inside of the hymnal cover.
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Each week, there is a prayer opportunity to be reflected upon. I thought the very first one (sent back in late October) was wonderful in setting the tone for what we are about. It contained one scripture passage and one excerpt from a papal document. I share them here, along with the reflection questions…
JOHN 1:35-41
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed).
JOY OF THE GOSPEL
I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”.
The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
When was the first time I heard the Lord call me to follow him? How did I respond?
How is the Lord calling me to this “renewed personal encounter” today?
What are the ways that we have “let ourselves be deceived?”
What is the Lord asking to “Make New” in my heart as we enter this planning process?
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The Knights of Columbus, since Covid prevents their usual Superbowl BBQ, are looking to do a bit of fundraising for the many charitable things they do here at SJM. In the words of Tim Kinealy, the council treasurer:
As most of you know that we have not been able to have a pancake breakfast nor a BBQ in two years. We have continued to support St. Justin school and purchase the U-Cats for the confirmation candidates. Attempting to get some funds coming into the council, we are selling squares for the upcoming Superbowl football game on February 13, 2022. There are two boards, one is $5.00 and the other is $10.00. This is a 50/50 fundraiser. The $5.00 board will bring in $500.00 in which we will give $250.00 away in prizes and the $10.00 board will bring in $1,000.00 in which we will give $500.00 away in prizes. The prizes will be $45.00 per quarter and $70.00 at the end of the game for the $5.00 board and $95.00 per quarter and $120.00 at the end of the game for the $10.00. Over $100.00 worth of squares have already been sold with the only advertisement being in this last weekend’s bulletin. I will be at the back of church after all masses this weekend if you would to purchase a square or more.
So, have a little fun whilst you support a good cause…
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The SONG OF THE DAY.
Celtic Woman performing “Hills of Ireland” during the “Destiny” Show.
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blessings,
Fr. Bill