Mission Matters: Apr. 19, 2016

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”:  Prayer intention for Ecuador; The defense of Catholic marriage; Archbishop’s annual legal lecture; Retreat for Health Care Ministers; plus this Thursday’s Blog post.

Watch for this Thursday’s Post: Parish Survey Series

 How to Eat an Elephant by Daphne Daly, Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning

• Prayer intention for Ecuador: A devastating 7.8 earthquake hit the South American country on April 16.  Please consider sharing this information about secure donations through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with your coworkers and parishioners. In the meantime, let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the midst of this disaster.

  For those who are grieving:
  By Your grace, may they receive the strength to overcome anxiety, discouragement, confusion or despair.
  For all who have died:
  May You receive them into life eternal, where they will find happiness and peace.
  For those who are providing rescue and aid:
  Grant them courage, hope and protection, and may their efforts be renewed each day.

  -Adapted from a prayer for Sabah earthquake.

• The defense of Catholic marriage:  As we continue to digest Pope Francis’s latest exhortation, The Joy of Love, Amoris Laetitia, journalist Ross Douthat presents this helpful opinion article which covers discussion about the sanctity of marriage and its indissolubility along with theological reflection.

• Justice with Mercy: All are welcome to the 5th Lecture for Legal Professionals, hosted by Archbishop Lori. It will take place on Thursday May 5, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres and fellowship, followed by presentations by Msgr. Charles Pope and Deacon Frank Laws. The event is free and open to the public. If you would like to attend, kindly RSVP or contact Johanna Coughlin at Johanna.coughlin@archbalt.org or (410) 547-5321.

• Retreat for Health Ministers: We are offering a special retreat for those who visit the sick on behalf of parishes at St. Joseph parish in Cockeysville on Saturday May 7^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m, followed by a Mass celebrated at the end of the retreat at noon.   Parish nurses and those who visit hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, and those who bring Holy Communion and visit the lonely and home bound will benefit from this opportunity to come away, reflect and pray with Fr. Ray Chase as the retreat leader.  The cost is $25/person.  Please contact Rosanne Deludos at 410-547-5405 or email rdeludos@archbalt.org to register.

 Questions? Feedback? Please leave a comment below.