4th Sunday Ordinary Time
Book Study is this Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rectory or by Zoom #849 0022 9798
Catholic Times
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Diocese Seminarian Fund and Church Unity
Monday Mass at 9:30 am Day of Prayer for Unborn
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Book Study is Saturday January 27th/9:30.
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9 Days for Life
Dear Brothers and Sisters,Please see an article recently published by Bishop Fernandes regarding engaging in some sacrificial actions with the intention of praying for people to embrace the issues surrounding the Sanctity of Life in all its stages from conception to natural death.One of the suggested options is abstaining from meat on Fridays even outside the Lenten Season. Many of us who are older are aware that we did this throughout the year when we were young. The practice of abstaining from meat was mandatory. Many continued the practice even when it was no longer mandatory. Abstaining was to remind us of Jesus’ Passion and Death which took place on a Friday. The root of the practice is to engage a sense of sacrifice as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. The bishop rightly shares that there are many ways in which we can engage in sacrificial actions. Please note that the bishop also shares almsgiving, fasting and prayer as options as well.Please note that the bishop has not mandated any one option. It is important that, as Disciples of Christ, that we be intentional in engaging penitential and sacrificial practices. At the same time, we need to be mindful that we do not do anything that will jeopardize our physical health and well-being.God’s blessings!Father Leo ConnollyBishop Fernandes ArticleNovena for Life: Day OneIntercession: May the tragic practice of abortion end.Prayers: Our Father 3 Hail Marys Glory BeReflection: At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts.Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life.Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)Fasting on Friday’sTake a break from television and movies today. Consider spending some of that time praying with today’s reflection.Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living,” reflecting on the gift of human life. (Also available to order or download.)Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to thetruth that every life is worth living.Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.One Step Further: Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because abortion can be a controversial and emotional issue in any arena, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. “Another Look at Abortion” provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. This article will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life.Image: A mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe decorates a side altar in the Church of Santa Maria della Famiglia at the Vatican. Dec. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring.) NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. Copyright © 2023, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
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9 Day Novena for Life starts Tuesday, January 16th! Handouts in the lobby or click the button below to sign up for emails.
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