Faith Formation Update Newsletter
Sts. Mary & Matthew - 6.9.24 - 10th Sun in Ordinary Time
A Note from Jeanette
Dear Families,
This weekend we celebrate the 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time. After the Easter Season we celebrated three Sundays of Solemnities beginning with Pentecost, followed by the Most Holy Trinity and lastly, Corpus Christi. Now my friends, we are back to the Ordinary. However, there is nothing ordinary about this Church Season.
Ordinary Time is called so because the weeks are numbered. “The Latin word ordinalis, which refers to numbers in a series, stems from the Latin word ordo, from which we get the English word order. Thus, Ordinary Time is in fact the ordered life of the Church—the period in which we live our lives neither in feasting (as in the Christmas and Easter seasons) or in more severe penance (as in Advent and Lent), but in watchfulness and expectation of the Second Coming of Christ.” – from christtheredeemer.org
Yes, Ordinary Time is far from ordinary. Instead, it’s a time to be renewed. A time to grow and learn. We step back in summer to enjoy the warmth and growth this time of year affords (after all, green is the liturgical color for Ordinary Time). St. Paul’s message of renewal in this week’s second reading is one that noticeably speaks to many that are getting older or experiencing illness. “We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” This message reminds us that throughout our faith journey, our life with Christ “is being renewed day by day.”
I also personally consider this a special time of year for me. My weekly faith formation programming is winding down (thank you, Jesus) reminding me that this is “my” time of faith – a period to work on deepening my own spiritual life so that I am better able to share God’s message throughout the entire year with all I encounter. I thank God for this moment in time – the season of summer, this time of life, this time of renewal. Let’s all commit to growing in the “ordinary” where God’s love abundantly resides.
End of the Year Youth Group Picnic
"The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." — St. Teresa of Avila
You're Simply the Best!
The rainy weather Sunday evening didn't "dampen" our spirits as we enjoyed our time together at Hemlock Lake Park. When I tell you that these young people are great - I sincerely mean it. What a privilege it is for me to work with them. They are smart (they teach me as much as I teach them - probably more), clever, funny, kind and filled with faith. I love spending time with them which makes my job much easier and a true blessing! To my young friends: Thank you all for sharing your time, talent and yourselves over the past year. You all really are the best!
And while you may not think a faith formation newsletter would have a Tina Turner video, there's nothing that describes these kids any better...AND the lyrics...think of them in terms of faith, God - the Holy Spirit! Also, I want these young people to appreciate some real music and entertainment!
I call you when I need you, my heart's on fire...You come to me, come to me wild and wild
When you come to me...Give me everything I need
- (that's what God does for us, and what these young people do for me!)
Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams...Speak a language of love like you know what it means...and it can't be wrong...Take my heart and make it strong.
You're simply the best...Better than all the rest
Better than anyone...Anyone I've ever met
I'm stuck on your heart. - (God and these young people will always reside in my heart.)
Scripture Resources for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings:
"And looking around...[Jesus] said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.'" (Mk 3:34-35)
Blog:
Adults: In what way could you widen the circle of your family to include someone in need?
Children: Whom could you invite to share a happy time with your family?
Prayers
Last Sunday, on the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, our pastor, Fr. Laird, shared with us this beautiful prayer attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) written in honor of Corpus Christi. I was impressed and nearly brought to tears as he recited the entire text by memory. I decided to look it up and share it with all of you. Below is the English translation by Fr. Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ. This prayer/hymn is also a great resource for personal prayer.
Adoro Te Devote – A Eucharistic Hymn
Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore,
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.
Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived:
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God’s Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth Himself speaks truly or there’s nothing true.
On the cross Thy godhead made no sign to men,
Here Thy very manhood steals from human ken:
Both are my confession, both are my belief,
And I pray the prayer of the dying thief.
I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see,
But can plainly call thee Lord and God as he;
Let me to a deeper faith daily nearer move,
Daily make me harder hope and dearer love.
O thou our reminder of Christ crucified,
Living Bread, the life of us for whom he died,
Lend this life to me then: feed and feast my mind,
There be thou the sweetness man was meant to find.
Bring the tender tale true of the Pelican;
Bathe me, Jesu Lord, in what Thy bosom ran
Blood whereof a single drop has power to win
All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.
Jesu, whom I look at shrouded here below,
I beseech thee send me what I thirst for so,
Some day to gaze on thee face to face in light
And be blest for ever with Thy glory’s sight. Amen.
Click the link below for more prayers by St. Thomas Aquinas, and take some time to watch and listen to this hymn arranged by Matt Maher.
The Symbolism of the Pelican
Medieval Europeans noticed that pelicans were particularly attentive to their young, and even thought they would wound themselves and let their young drink their blood when no food was available. Therefore, the pelican became a symbol of Christ’s passion. He poured out his blood for the forgiveness of our sins, as if shedding his blood for our spiritual food, which is what we encounter in the Eucharist.
Give Us Hearts of Compassion
Pope's June Prayer Intention - For those fleeing their own countries:
Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
God of love and compassion: may we always recognize your spirit:
- in the refugee family, seeking safety from violence;
- in the migrant worker, bringing food to our tables;
- in the asylum-seekers, seeking justice for their families;
- in the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world.
Give us hearts that break open whenever our brothers and sisters turn to us.
Give us hearts that no longer turn deaf to their voices in times of need;
Give us eyes to recognize a moment for grace instead of a threat.
Give us voices that fail to remain silent but which decide instead to advocate prophetically.
Give us hands that reach out in welcome, but also in work, for a world of justice until all homelands are safe and secure.
Bless us, O Lord...Amen.
- Fr. Dan Hartnett S.J.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Friday, June 7 we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Saturday, June 8 is the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two Church Feasts that remind us there is no greater love than what lies in the hearts of our Savior and his Blessed Mother.
"Do you know, that not only is Jesus resting and dwelling continually in the Heart of Mary, but that He is Himself, the Heart of Mary." – St. John Eudes (1601-1680) – Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Faith Formation Mission Statement:
We strive to…
• Impart the Catholic faith as living and life-giving, teaching what Catholic’s believe and live, in response to that message of faith.
• Inspire students and families to be involved in the life of the parish, with opportunities for worship, community, and service.
• Encourage adults to continue their own religious development.
• Build a community of faith and compassion where all feel welcomed, respected, safe, and loved.