CULTIVATING  OUR CATHOLIC FAITH   [ CCF ]
               ~   Saint Eulalia Parish Women's Group         `

                              Our  third season begins on 
                            Tuesday September 24 , 2019

(Scroll down to see the scheduled topics for Season Three n as well as the topics covered in Seasons One and Two)

Interested in joining this group?   

Please email  Donna DiFonzo     difonzodonna@gmail.com 
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Basic Information  
                             
WHEN     Every other  Tuesday Evening  (September thru  June  ) 
                      The Women's Group meets opposite the Men's Group. 

TIME         7:00pm - 9:00pm  

 PLACE     McGann Conference Room
(entrance door is  RED with  awning ;  located to far left side of the church)

ABOUT    Women of all ages are invited to gather together in a casual community setting  to explore various topics on “anything and everything Catholic”  to discover the truths, traditions, and treasures of the Catholic Faith and how these gifts from God assist us on our spiritual journeys. 

Each session includes  presentations followed by group discussions and reflections that are augmented and enriched by various forms of media.  

This is the perfect group for  anyone who wants to learn more or engage with others about faith, sacraments,  the Eucharist ,   doctrines, devotions, prayer, spirituality, miracles, saints, Church teachings, and Church- approved  Marian apparitions as well as those that are currently under investigation.  

Wherever we are on our individual paths of faith,  we all have something to learn from one another!    

While regular attendance is encouraged, it is never a requirement.

                        "God will meet you where you are  in order to 
                                take you where He wants you to go. "    Tony Evans

Group Members are  reminded of the dates  and topics of the sessions   by  group emails .

If you wish to be on our email list, please notify Donna DiFonzo by email at difonzodonna@gmail.com        Email addresses are  NOT shared outside the group.

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SEASON 3   September 2019 -  June 2020 
         Please note that dates & topics subject to change

Session 1     September 24    Sin, evil,  and suffering
                                                ~ The strongest argument against the existence of God

Many people -- since the beginning of time --  have struggled with the "God" question when faced with evil and suffering.     And even those of us with the strongest faith can begin to experience   vague feelings of hopelessness, a decrease in joy, a sense of foreboding,  and anxeity when confronting evil and suffering. . It is part of being human. That is why    thousands of  books  have been  written on  this topic. (e.g.,  "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People ?"  by American rabbi, Harold Kushner)     Kushner's question is a question that nearly  all   philosophers and theologians have asked throughout the centuries   because they  recognize that   evil and suffering  serves as  the strongest argument  against the existence of God.  

Most people who do not believe in God   point to the reality of evil and suffering as the primary reason they reject the existence of God.   So on Tuesday night September 17, we are going to unpack and examine  the problem of evil and suffering.  As Catholics, how  do we understand evil and suffering?  As Catholics, what should be our response to it ? 

For those who reject God based on the overwhelming presence of evil and suffering --   how can we intelligently validate their feelings WHILE witnessing to our faith in God and claiming that belief  in God is reasonable ?    (Peter 1  3:15   "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." )    We will also briefly look at the ways other faith traditions  ( Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, & Judaism)   interpret and understand evil and suffering  AND   how they differ from the Christian interpretation.

A lot to think about.  A lot to talk about.  The session will be helpful for all of us on many levels.  
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October 8             Marian Appartions
                            ~ Evidence for a public proclamation of  a "Fifth Marian Dogma"

We will be viewing a documenary that  supports   extensive research on Mary's role in the Church and  the world that has been done by leading  theologians and Mariologists--   Fr. David Gunter  and Dr. Mark Maravalla. . Their  work is based on what has been revealed in Sacred  Scripture  about Mary and what Mary,  herself, has revealed to visionaires such as Blessed Alan de la Roche,  St. Catherine Laboure, St. Bernadette, Sts. Jacinta and Francesco and.Sr. Lucia of Fatima, and others.    

The documentary  (narrated by Marin Sheen)  focuses on one specific Marian apparition and addresses the importance of the Church's public proclamation of "a  Fifth Marian dogma" in light of  this particular Marian apparition.

Our  discussion will include a variety of reflection questions that deal with the releveance, truth of, and purpose of Marian apparitions in general and ultimately enalbe us to ask ourselves the most important question: 
"Ultimately, what does all this have to do with my own journey of faith?"   We must decide. 

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October 22           The CCF Group will attend the  Parish Fall Lecture Series Series                                       7:00 pm  Manion Hall
                               Guest Speaker:  Deacon Chuck Hall 

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November 5        Purgatory: The Forgotten Church -     A documentary on the controversy and the  consolation  of the Catholic  Doctrine of Purgatory 

The Catholic Church designates November as the Month of the Holy Souls.

Many Catholics  have either dismissed Purgatory as a myth, or  "old-school theology", or have simply forgotten about it.   Many Catholics  do not  understand the Doctrine of Purgatory and Church teachings regarding Purgatory.   This documentary investigates many questions around Purgatory such as: 
Is there any scientific research pointing to an afterlife?
Is Purgatory real?
Does it consist of real suffering or a type of 'waiting room" ?
If there is suffering, what is the nature of the suffering?
Can the living alleviate the suffering of those in Purgatory?
Is Purgatory an ante-chamber of Hell or an entryway to Heaven? 

The documentary  investigates  these  and other compelling life-after-death questions through spiritual, scientific, and cultural perspectives -- a vast compilaton of newly available research and interviews conducted by top scholars, scientists, Church historians and Church leaders. Their objective was to embark on a quest to unblock both the controversy AND the consolation of Purgatory.  
Group discussion will follow the documentary
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November 19      The Prosperity Gospel - 
                                          understanding its roots and implications . 
This session features several video presentations on the  evergrowing phenomenon  of the  prosperity gospel.   Between each video, we shall examine and discuss questions such as:  

• Is the prosperity gospel  based on an authentic Christian  interpretation of Sacred Scripture or is it a  manipulation of Sacred Scripture? 
• What is the fundamental appeal of this growing phenomenon in the U.S. and abroad?
• Who are the promoters of this gospel and how is it promoted?
• Who are the main critics of the prosperity gospel and why? 
• What  is the response of the Catholic Church and many mainstream Protestant churches to the prosperity gospel? 
• What are the socio-political implications of the prosperity gospel? 
• Why is recognizing  and understanding the prosperity gospel important for today's Christians? 

December 3        Advent -  The secular vs the sacred: 
                              ~ A  time to prepare for Xmas  OR a time to prepare for Christmas?

December 17       The Shepherd:   would we have recognized Him at His coming?  
 
December 31       No women's group: Happy and Blessed New Year. 
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PAST  TOPICS BY SEASON .
                
SEASON  ONE    September  2017 -   June  2018     
                                     
Session 1   Faith and Belief     Pt. 1
                        -  What is the difference and what difference does it make?  
Join the discussion as we talk about the differences between faith and belief; the stages and challenges of faith development, and appreciating faith as a mystery of grace and freedom. 

Session 2   Faith and Belief   Pt. 2
The conversation continues as we discover why our faith inevitably includes risk, process, and periods of darkness as blessed opportunities for progress on our individual journeys of faith.


Session 3   Audrey's Life: The  Ongoing Investigation of Audrey Santos (Worcester) 
 
We will be viewing the documentary "Audrey's Life:  Voice of a Silent Soul" which examines the reported miraculous phenomena surrounding Audrey Santo (Dec. 1983 - April, 2007) who suffered brain damage in a near-drowning accident at the age of three.  The video includes compelling testimony from visitors to Audrey's home, her medical team, forensic scientists, priests and theologians (including  Fr.  Rene Laurentin -- the preeminent scholar of contemporary miracles and mysticism) as they seek to understand what is occurring and why. We will also discuss the status of Audrey's current canonization process  and the people involved in it  

Session 4   Whatever Happened to  Purgatory?   
Have we ever noticed how many Catholics seem to have forgotten Purgatory?  Or reject it altogether?   We shall be engaging in a close examination of this seeminly forgotten or dismissed Catholic doctrine.  

Session 5   Indulgences
  Why are we discussing  Indulgences?  Because they are connected to the Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory  -- the topic of our last session .  Indulgences are often misunderstood or incorrectly taught.  Understanding indulgences is important because it clarifies and emphasizes the forgiveness of the eternal consequences of sin (accomplished  by Jesus' salvific death and resurecttion ) WHILE addresssing the   remaining temporal consequences of sin.    Indulgences  have received a 'bad reputation' ever since the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther denied both the existence of and necessity of Purgatory and indulgences.   So, what  are indulgences?   How does  the Church grant  indulgences?   How have they been misunderstood through the years?    Can indulgences be granted  to our deceased loved ones?       What is the difference between regular  indulgences and  plenary indulgences?        Are Plenary Indulgences only granted during special times (e.g.,  the recent  Extraordinary  Jubilee Year of Mercy or the 100 Year Anniversary of Fatima  which ended  on Nov. 27, 2017)  ?      Or are there many other ways the Church grants  Plenary Indulgences?  The anwers may surprise you!

Session 6   Advent   
Together we are going to take a fresh look at  the deeper meaning and purpose of Advent;  share our own  Advent traditions,  and  discuss practical ways to make our Advent more spiritual  and peaceful....preparing us for the real meaning of  Christmas .                                                  

Session  7   The Mystery of the Incarnation  Film activates our imagination and emotions.   Several  segments from three  Hollywood  films  will  be viewed as  the backdrop for our reflections and discussions on the Infancy Narratives found in the Gospels of  Matthew and Luke.  This will be an opportunity  to contemplate and talk about  the very real life situations surrounding the birth of  Jesus  that  Mary,  Joseph,  and others had to face.    Points of discussion will be: What do Matthew and Luke reveal in the Infancy Narratives ?  How  does each director of the films  use his/her own artistic and dramatic aspects  to interpret and visualize those narratives for us?   How faithful are the screenwriters and directors to the Gospels?   And  most importantly: what is our own personal and emotional response to God's extravagant love expressed through the Mystery of the Incarnation?

Session 8      New Year Resolutions   The very words "New Year"  makes us think of resolutions.  doesn't it?   A   time to  join that gym;  read that book;  try that tumeric recipe ;  watch that documentary;  go for that daily walk;  call that friend, etc., etc.   All good things for our bodies and minds. Bishop Robert  Barron is all about resolutions, too. But his resolutions focus on "good things for our souls."   Tuesday night, we will view a presentation given by  Bishop Robert Barron that will inform, inspire, and yes -- challenge us .   But that is what we need, right?  To be challenged on our spiritual journeys so we can grow in discipleship.  So,   Robert Barron pulls out all the stops in his brief presentation; he does not let us off the hook.  
We will unpack his ideas during the group discussion, sharing  with one another what we find / have found  helpful as we seek to grow closer to Jesus.

Session 9     Who Do You Say I  Am?
This session  includes a series of videos and group discussion that  focus on the ultimate question for Christianity:   "Who is Jesus?"  Listening to interviews from "real people on the street" as well as  Fr. Mike Schmitz  will   stimulate some good discussions about Jesus  and His Lordship in our lives.   We will be introduced to the classic trilemna (C.S.Lewis)  Jesus: Lord, Lunatic, or Liar?  The  session will also include  a brief look at how other world religions view Jesus. 

Session 10    Jesus as Redeemer.   So often , we  "take for granted" certain mysteries of our faith because we hear them over and over and over. But do we really understand them and the implications they have for our lives?  During this session,  we will address questions of faith about Jesus' Redemption--   such as :  
What does the word 'redemption'  really mean?
Why  IS  Jesus  the "Redeemer" ?
From WHAT   did  he redeem us ?  And what does that   mean?
Did  Jesus  HAVE TO DIE to redeem us?   If so, why?
Why did  his redemption involve   such a  BRUTAL death? 
How and why does the  Christian doctrine of Redemption  separate Christianity  from all other world religions?   
Is redemption  something for the "hereafter" or something for the "here and now'?  
And finally:  what is the significance of all the above for us collectively and personally?

Session 11    The Shroud of Turin   The Shroud of Turin is the most studied artifact in the world.   There have been many documentaries produced on the Shroud.  This documentary  (from the Learning  Channel )  is among the best.    Recent scientific  tests and studies  ( new carbon testing,  NASA technology, deep testing of  microscopic materials found on the linen fibers,   etc.)  have revealed startling details and evidence that supports the Gospel accounts as well as a strong argument that the Shroud  could very well be the burial cloth of Jesus.   

Session 12    Field trip to St. Patricks Parish
                        ~Lenten Featured speaker , Mother Olga 
Known as “The Mother Teresa of Baghdad,” Mother Olga has dedicated her life to a mission of peace and evangelization. From ministering in war-torn Iraq to serving youth in Boston , she has spent years answering God's call to serve those in need. Born and raised in Iraq, Mother Olga lived through four wars. Her talks are compelling ;  her warmth and love of the Church evident ;  her personal holiness inspiring. She was appointed  by Cardinal Sean O'Malley as  the foundress of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth --a religious community for consecrated women in Quincy.  Mother Olga visits many parishes as a guest speaker. She is very unique. 

Session 13    Documentary "The Perfect Sacrifice"
Former entertainer, Lola Falana;  Fr. larry Richards,   Healer,  Alan Aines,  and Sr. Briege McKenna share their amazing conversion stories that resulted  from one common experience --  each recognized  the real and substantiative Jesus in the Eucharist:   His Real Presence,   And their lives and ministries have never been the same.  Discussion will follow this inspiring documentary on the Mass and the Eucharist.

Session 14    Apparitions @ Garabandal - On the Vatican's Radar Screen
The Vatican has not yet determined the authenticity of  the alleged apparitions of Mary to four adolescent girls in  the small mountain village of  Garabandal, Spain in the mid 1960's.  While the apparitions, themselvs, were accompanied by  what appears  to be supernatural phenomena, the primary focus of these apparitaions are prophetic messages from Mary which include an immanent  world-wide "Warning", followed by a Miracle . Many of the prophecies documented back in the mid 1960's have since  occurred.    During this session, we shall view a riveting documentary on Garabandal which features witnesses and  various stories of miracles. We will then have discussion regarding the content. What would these apparitions , if true, mean for us?  What should be our response now as we "wait" for a ruling from the Vatican?    

Session 15     Medjugorje &  The Colleen Williard Testimony
Diagnosed with  metastatic  cancer throughout her entire  body, Colleen Williard  had only a few weeks to go. Airlines would not even allow her to travel, given the medical risks.  But she wanted to travel  to Medjugore . She was not seeking or expecting a miracle. She simply wanted to go on a pilgrimage that might be a legacy to her children after she died.  What Collleen experienced in  Medjugorge  remains one of the most amazing stories of the miraculous.  It will inspire and encourage us. And  convince us  that Mary DOES hear our prayers and Jesus IS truly present in the Eucharist.  


Session 16      Evangelization with Fr. Michael Schimtz
Fr. Mike Schmitz gives a spirited , moving, and inspirational talk on our mission to evangelize.  As lay people, we must cooperate with and join the efforts of our priests and religious.     Fr. Mike encourages, inspires, and exhorts us.  Are we up to the challenge?  We shall discuss all this.

Session 17     Talents, Gifts and Discernment with Sr. Miriam Heidland
Sr. Miriam Heidland challenges us to recognize that -- regardless of our age -- we are ALIVE and on "the journey" to Heaven.  Her talk is a great follow up to Fr. Michael's talk.  While Fr. Michael urged us on a very broad scope to take Jesus' direcive "go forth and make disciples",  Sr. Mriam nararows it down for us on a very practical level by offering each one of us  an opportunity to reflfect on ourselves as we --   along with prayer and discernment --newly discover or re-discover our own talents and gifts.   Discussion to follow.

SEASON  TWO    September 2018  - June 2019

Session 1    Obstacles to Personal Holiness
This session will focus on  SEVEN specific obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth and  prevent fuller communion with God. While the specific obstacles  are not listed right here for you,    I will share that the final obstacle IS  lack of mental prayer.  Prayer is always an essential AND a priority  in our relationship with God.  This is a helpful topic albeit a challening one as we continue along our spiritual journeys.

Session  2:  The Amsterdam Marian Appartions / The Fifth Marian Dogma
                       ~ Do they have significance for us today?   
This session is complex but fascinating.  It features  the viewing of a documentary on the Church-approved apparitions at Amsterdam and their  connection to the ongoing debate over a  possible addition of a  Fifth Marian Dogma ( not yet  proclaimed by the Church) .  The session provides an explanation of the four Marian Dogmas  as well as the significance of the Miraculous Medal  (St  Catherine of Laboure)  and the  apparition of Mary to St. Bernadette whereby Mary revealed her title as the Immaculate Conception. Mention will made to the many connections to several Church -approved apparitions that seem to support the documentary (Fatima, Akita,  and others)   

Session  3     Fr. Benedict Groeschel :  Asking in Prayer
There are many expressions of prayer (praise, thanksgiving, repentance, quiet meditation, etc  ) BUT most of our prayers are prayers of intercession.  We are always asking God for something.   Fr. Groeschel offers some very interesting insights and wisdom on various spiritual topics --  understandably so,  because he is a pyschologist.  He discusses various aspects of prayer, emphasizing the importance of trust.  As he states, "If you try to trust God in your life, you're not going to spend a lot of time worrying about 'what I should do.'  You may not know what you are supposed to do next week, but if you trust God, you'll kow what you are supposed to in the next half hour. and that will lead us on" 

Session  4     Want to be happy?  Try gratitude !
Brother David Steindl-Rast has the ability to reach people of all denominations and faith traditions.  His simple presentation on  gratitude  challenges and inspires.  So appropriate during the Thanksgiving Season.  Our discussion will focus on his words and advice.

Session  5     Accompanying Mary Through Advent  
We join Fr. Joshua Johnson  and Sr. Miriam Heidland as they are led through a guided meditation on what Mary and Joseph experienced  as they anticipated and prepared for the birth of Jesus.  Because Fr. Josh and Sr. Miriam's reflections and observations are so very real and honest, we can relate to them. A beautiful and inspiring way to observe Advent.

Session  6    Gossip:    Is it venting, sharing, or processing?  What is the difference and what difference does it make? 
What is gossip?  What  is detraction?  What is slander?   Do we know the difference?  Do we find ourselves engaging in these behaviors?   IF so, why?  These are all  important question to ask ourselves.   But the goal  of this session is not to discuss the reasons. Rather we want to discuss  gossip in general  and WHY and HOW it differs from legitimate venting, sharing, or processing.  We also want to discover ways to recognize and resist gossip so we don't fall into its trap or allow it to become a habit.  Sometimes we do not know quite how to deal with it OR  discern if it is just a flaw OR an actual sin...perhaps even a serious sin.   This is a very helpful topic because it addresses an issue we have all experienced or been challenged with  -- either on the giving side or the getting side.


Session 7      Faith and Doubt
Can faith and doubt co-exist during our journeys of faith?  Should they coexist on our journeys of faith?  In other words , if we have authentic faith, does that mean we should not experience doubt?  And if we do, should we resist and "shoo" it away?   Is doubt a temptation to our faith ?    Dr. Greg Tonkinson shares with us his personal struggle with  faith and doubt in a compelling  personal experience. 


SPECIAL THREE- WEEK LENTEN SERIES  : Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
The goal of these three sessions is to try and understand the Catholic Liturgry - the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass -- through the lens of ancient Jewish worship.  All three sessions are purposely cohesive and closely connected so we can better see that -- when Jesus established the New Covenant -- he specifically and purposefully drew from the worship  traditions and rituals that he practiced his whole life :  Passover, Exodus and Covenant.  By the end of the series,  my hope is that the words we hear -- in the psalms, readings, Gospels and especially in the Eucharistic prayers -- will literally jump out at us , moving us into a space of deeper understanding, thanksgiving and profound appreciation for the Eucharst AS Jesus intended. 
 
Session  8       Jewish Roots of the Eucharist  Part 1
              Joseph in a well ,  Moses in a basket , and  Pharaoh in a pickle 
This first session consists of a lecture  combined  with a brief video clip  to enrich the talk.  After that, the discussion will focus on how the topics and themes  relate to us "here and now"  as well as their relevancy in Judaism. Although we are all familiar with these Bible stories, connecting these people and events in a sequential manner  is essential to ultimately understanding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because they formed the historical, cultural, and religious milieu into which Jesus was born.  

So, during this first session,  we will  together  re-discover the characters and events that shaped  Judaism:   Joseph,  Moses, Pharaoh, the original Passover & Exodus events,  and the Mosaic Covenant God struck with the people. A good deal of attention will be placed on the meaning and purpose of ancient covenants as well as the  significance and role of the Mosaic  Covenant in Jewish life (how and why it truly changed and  unified the Hebrew tribes into the Israelite nation - a people  "beloved by God." )   

Session 9       Jewish Roots of the Eucharist   Part 2
                              The  Mosaic Covenant and Worship
Drawing from Session One, this session will  be spent exploring how the Covenant provided the Jewish people with a unique and special  life style AND  worship style  that  set them apart from their neighbors in the Land of Canaan  ( i.e., an ordained priesthood; a new prayer and worship style involving animal and grain sacrifice; a special place designated for worship; i.e. the "Tent" int he desert that held the Ark of the Covenant, later developed into the Temple in Jerusalem. )    We shall be introduced to the  significance of blood . Special  attention will be given to the various sacrifices that were part of the worship system which, again, will be striking when we explore the New Covenant instituted by Jesus. 

Session 10        Jewish Roots of the Eucharist  Part 3
                              Passover in Jesus' time / The New Covenant
This final session will draw upon the previous two sessions. It will  include an explanation and order of the Seder (which commemorates the Exodus event)  as well as a surprising  description of what the Feast of Passover was like in Jerusalem during Jesus' time. All this leads us into  the  New Covenant  / institution of the Eucharist by Jesus during His final  Passover Meal (Seder ) with His disciples.  Finally, we will recognize  within the Catholic Mass the  common threads of Jewish worship and sacrifice that were observed by our ancestors in faith.  The words said today by the priest during the Liturgy of the Eucharist  (and particularly during the consecration) will immediately take you back in time.  Did  Jesus' disciples   (having been very familiar with and having participated in the  Jewish worship and sacrifice  associated with the Mosaic Covenant / Mosaic Law )  know exactly what Jesus did and meant  when He established the New Covenant during this final  Passover  with them?   More
importantly , do we?   

Session 11     Martha & Mary:  Choosing the Better Part 
This session introduces us to a newcomer to our Women's "virtual" speakers:  Fr. John Bartunek.  He is a regular on EWTN, CatholicTV, the Journey Home and other Catholic media sites.  His talk "Choosig the Better Part" is meaningful, helpful, insightful ,  honest, and very  respectful of each person's individual  journey .  The discussion questions will be based on the content of his talk.

Session 12     Preparing for Holy Week   
                          ~  Examining and discussing the significance of the Triduum
                               with special emphasis on Holy Thursday. 
In a particular  Holy Thursday homily, Fr. John Ricardo shares   some  rather stunning and radical perspectives on the passion and death of Jesus. While we know and  believe that Jesus CHOSE to die for us, we may not necessarily understand the full extent and significance of this choice.  In Fr. Ricardo's homily, we hear "echoes" of Bishop Robert Barron's own perspectives (based on the book he has identified as one of the most important  books he has read :  "The  Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ  " by Fleming Rutledge)     This is an inspiriational and powerful session that prepares us for the Triduum.  

Session 13      Devotion to  Divine Mercy & St. Faustina 
                            ~ What  is so special about it anyway?  
Many of us have a cursory understanding of the Divine Mercy Devotion (the image, St. Faustina, herself; her Diary;   the chaplet,  etc ) Others have a deeper understanding. And some have never even seen the image.  This session features a video by a well-known  Catholic radio host  who examines the Divine Mercy Devotion from a personal perspective.   He does not give us an extensive presentation on St. Faustina or Divine Mercy. Rather, he uses his own stories and experiences as an inviation to us to consider the importance of this devotion and the  gift it is to the whole  Church and to us, individually.  This session will generate some good discussions among us   as the Church prepares for Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 28th.  


Session 14    Celebrating  Easter Season,  Divine Mercy Sunday, and the month of May. 
What does the Resurrection,  glorified bodies, Marian apparitions,  an MIC priest from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy at Stockbridge, MA , the Rosary, and Lourdes have in common? 
Join us  this Tuesday as we connect the dots.  At least, we will try.
As one priest who ran retreats and Scripture courses said, "Being Catholic is so much fun!"    He meant this in the best possible way.   Catholicism, indeed,  is rich and  and wonder-full   !