Mission Matters: July 12, 2016

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Praying together for peace; Project AWARE; Cardinal Sarah and liturgical renewal; Pilgrimage in Catholic faith; Welcoming baby Grace Marie;  plus this Thursday’s blog post.

Watch for this Thursday’s Post:

Ephphatha! Be opened! by Sue Gudenkauf, Coordinator of Deaf Ministry

Intercession

We have all been touched by the violence of these past weeks. Together, let us ask the God of Justice and Mercy to touch our hearts and the hearts of all those involved in the latest occurrences in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Minnesota:

Jesus, heal the victims of violence and crime;

they live with the scars.

Lift to eternal peace those who die.

Grant victims’ families the forgiveness that heals. 

Give wisdom to lawmakers and to those who judge.

Instill prudence and patience in those who guard.

Make those victims of violence and crime bearers of your light, 

for all of us are in need of your mercy!

Amen

*Modified from the Prayer for Justice and Mercy

-Courtesy of Paulist Press

Catholic Charities’ Project Aware:  Project AWARE exposes individuals and groups to experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the realities of life that affects their community. As a result of participation in Project AWARE, individuals will accept opportunities to become involved with Catholic Charities’ programs that address the needs of their clients.  Feel free to spread the word among your colleagues and parishioners!

A “reform to the reform” in liturgy: You may have heard some stir about comments made last week by the prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship, Cardinal Robert Sarah, at the Sacred Liturgy conference in London on July 5. Cardinal Sarah emphasized the importance of catechesis prior to introducing anything unfamiliar to a congregation. A short comparison is offered by this blogger, and this video gives some further explanation. Fr. Dave from Busted Halo has given an explanation of “ad orientem” in his radio show.  Today, the Vatican Press Office released a clarification. Are there any resources you have used to answer questions about these two possible orientations?

Pilgrimage for strengthening faith: Spiritual journeys in Christian faith have played a key role for evangelization and faith formation for centuries, starting in the Middle Ages.  If you’re considering incorporating the option of pilgrimage within your congregation, this video by Illume might be useful to you for underscoring the centrality of pilgrimage in deepening faith.

Welcome, baby! Our Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life, Edward Herrera, welcomed his daughter Grace Marie on July 10 along with his wife and two children.  Please join us in congratulating him for the blessing of this newest addition to his family!

Questions? Feedback? Please leave a comment below