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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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 Cancelled due to inclement weather
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December 17 CANCELLED : INCLEMENT WEATHER
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 No women's group: Happy and Blessed New Year.
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2020
January 15 (note this is a WEDNESDAY evening)
Advent and Christmas all year long?
The Christmas Season for the Catholic Church begins on the evening of December 24 and ends at the Baptism of the Lord. Then we are back in Ordinary Time. Rosie Thompson recorded a holiday song, "Why Can't We Have Christmas the Whole Year Around?"
~ Do I know what the Third Coming signifies ? If so, how do I assure that I will not miss the coming ?
While the idea of celebrating Christmas "the whole year around" sounds exhausting and could grow tired, this session will focus on why doing just this IS actually necessary on our faith journeys.
A brief film will be shown which depicts the Nativity from the perspective of one particular person. Not only does the film reveal to us the importance of knowing our Scriptures but it also challenges us to be truly transformed by the Mystery of the Incarnation each and every day.
Group discussion will invite us to reflect on various themes:
~ How can I keep alive in me an Advent and Christmas spirit each day?~ Have I had any personal and up-front experiences working with the poor ? What were my feelings? Did I learn anything about myself through the experience ?
~ Do I tend to give “time, treasure, or talents” when it is easy and convenient? Or does it ever involve a personal sacrifice or inconvenience? What is the difference? Does it matter?`~ When or in what circumstances have I ever experienced a sense of awe or amazement of God? How can I continue to develop this gift? What happens in my spiritual life when I lose my sense of awe?
__________________________________________________________________________________January 28 The Other Catholics: Who are they? What do they believe? Can they legitimately use the title "Catholic" ? Why did they leave the Roman Catholic Church? Are their sacraments valid? In what ways do they differ from the Roman Catholic Church? In what ways are they similar?
Pope John Paul II wrote, "The subject of proclamation is Christ who was crucified, died and is risen- through him is accomplished our full and authentic liberation from evil, sin and death; through him God bestows "new life" that is divine and eternal. This is the "Good News" [ Gospel ] which changs man and his history, and which all peoples have a aright to hear."
Using a series of brief videos, presentations, and group discussions, we will delve into these and other questions.
While this session cannot possibly provide a complete examination of the origins and movements of these "Catholic" churches , it will hopefully be an important introduction to their existence here in the United States and in other countries.
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February 11 Salt and Light
On February 2, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation (aka Candelmas) AND World Day of Consecrated Life. The prevailing theme was " light to the nations."
In the Gospel this past Sunday, February 9, Jesus added salt to the mix.
During this session, we will discover why the Feast of the Presentation and World Day of Consecration are both celebrated on one particular Sunday as well as the significance it has for us -- the laity.
We will then watch and listen to thirteen Catholics ( from both the laity and those living consecrated lives ; some well-known; others not so well- known ) to see how they are tying to be salt and light to the world in their individual life situations and vocations.
Group discussion will revolve around central questions:
How and why did a particular person or situation speak to ME?
What struck ME the most as I listened to a particular person or situation?
Be prepared to be inspired, surprised, and (at times) laugh.
Added Trivia Bonus: Learn what Groundhog Day has to do with all of this.
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February 25 It's Lent again. Are we ready?
It is hard to believe that we begin the Season of Lent this week!
Are we ready? Maybe 'yes' Maybe 'no'
To help us begin Lent, we will be delving deeper into the "3 pillars" of the Lenten traditions that -- while essential -- can be very difficult and challenging for us.
The emphasis, however, will be on fasting -- our favorite , right? No. At least not for me.
Tuesday night -- with the assistance of some helpful Youtube presentations -- we will uncover the mystery of fasting: What it really is. Why it is difficult. Why it is essential. And what elevates our fasting to the level of sacrifice.
Ultimately , we will discover why and how fasting may be the key to our "doing Lent well" this year. Because when we arrive at Easter Sunday, what would we like to say to ourselves about our Lenten journey? Hopefully, a lot more than saying "I gave up sugar."
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March 10 2020 Proclaiming the Kerygma / Gospel
During this session, we will view a challenging, unique, and heartfelt presentation of the Kerygma that will hopefully enliven within us the truth that the Kerygma -- as proclaimed in Scripture and by the Patristic Fathers -- IS Good News indeed . As such, it includes a very ( not often expressed or articulated) radical truth about Jesus' death and resurrection and what it means for each person.
Authentic faith development is a process which occurs on three levels in each one of us:
1. the mind (when we are open to Truth)
2. the heart (when we are open to love)
3. the soul (when we are transformed by grace -- which remains a mystery of grace and individual freedom )
This presentation is meant to move us beyond "just an intlellectual understanding" of the Kerygma to an understanding of the heart and soul .
This session is very appropriate as we continue through Lent towards the Paschal Mystery which we celebrate during Holy Week and Easter ( and at every Mass throughout the year !)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 !