As we prepare for the season of Lent, here are some resources to assist you in your ministry and personal prayer. All are available in the Media Center.
A Lenten Journey
CD0114.1 Adult
This CD presents the stories and scriptures of Lent in song. Musicians include Bob Hurd & Anawim.
Angel’s Lenten Lesson
VC1682.1 Primary – Middle
This video teaches children the practices of Lent and encourages them to renew their commitment to follow Jesus.
Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
BK4871.1 Adult
This book offers readers an introduction to contemplative dialogue and is suitable for small group reflection. Themes include: 1) Where do we turn for forgiveness? 2) In all things, always seeking God, and 3) In the service of peace through humility and prayer.
Guided Meditations for Lent
KI0048.1 Junior High – Adult
These meditations on the themes of desert surrender can be used for retreats, prayer days and meetings. The kit includes a leader’s guide and a recording of the meditation scripts.
Learning Center for Lent by Doris Murphy
BK4814.1 Early Childhood - Adult
This book offers creative centers for learning about Lent. It presents a unique opportunity for adults and children to learn about this liturgical season – together.
The Cross of Christ
DVD0112.1 Adult
In this DVD, Ron Rolheiser, OMI, explores how the Cross calls us beyond ourselves, our own agenda, and our own life without resentment.
The Passion of Christ
DVD 0125.1 Adult
In this DVD, Ron Rolheiser, OMI, explores Jesus the lover, who undergoes moral and emotional sufferings without resentment or bitterness.
The Proud Tree
BK1394.1 Early Childhood – Primary
This book is the story of the crucifixion told from the viewpoint of the tree that became the Cross of Calvary.
It is also available as a computer-animated video (VC0815.1).
The Women of the Passion by Kathleen M. Murphy
BK4785.1 Adult
This book unravels the stories of the women who accompanied Jesus during his last days. Each chapter ends with heart-searching questions making it suitable for small group reflection.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing... (Isaiah 9)
May the the light of Christ surround you and those you love in this Christmas season and give you reason to rejoice at the coming of our Lord!
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing... (Isaiah 9)
May the the light of Christ surround you and those you love in this Christmas season and give you reason to rejoice at the coming of our Lord!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fourth Week in Advent
Within Our Reach: Joy
— by Fra Giovanni Giocondo
Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar. Today we remember him most for his reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.
I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.
Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!
Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand that brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel's hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Your joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country home.
— by Fra Giovanni Giocondo
Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar. Today we remember him most for his reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.
I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.
Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!
Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand that brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel's hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Your joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country home.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Third Week of Advent
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. Have no anxiety… (Philippians 4-6). The third week of Advent calls us to be filled with joy - an exceedingly abundant joy that fills our hearts and minds with the peace and love of God. In the midst of the hustle and bustle these final few days of preparing for Christmas, allow some time to take a holy pause and reflect on the deep joy of knowing we are embraced by God’s love and how that love has made a profound difference in our lives.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Second Week of Advent and the Immaculate Conception
Luke 3:1-6 and Luke 1:26-38
The second week of Advent brings together two key figures of the season: John the Baptist and Mary, the Mother of the Savior. John is featured during the second Sunday of Advent as the one “crying out in the desert”; Mary, of course, has a special day honoring her Immaculate Conception. What do they have in common? Both said “yes” to their respective callings to serve God; in fact, they completely surrender their wills to the Father. This is why John is free to make his controversial proclamations in preparing for “the way of the Lord” and why Mary could willingly embrace the responsibilities of pregnancy before she is actually married. Contrast their “yes” with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the first reading for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the end, both John and Mary were obedient to God. Can we allow our Advent journey to lead us to a renewed sense of obedience to God’s invitation? What keeps us from saying “Yes”? This Advent season, may we find our voice and the courage to say “yes” to our calling.
The second week of Advent brings together two key figures of the season: John the Baptist and Mary, the Mother of the Savior. John is featured during the second Sunday of Advent as the one “crying out in the desert”; Mary, of course, has a special day honoring her Immaculate Conception. What do they have in common? Both said “yes” to their respective callings to serve God; in fact, they completely surrender their wills to the Father. This is why John is free to make his controversial proclamations in preparing for “the way of the Lord” and why Mary could willingly embrace the responsibilities of pregnancy before she is actually married. Contrast their “yes” with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the first reading for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the end, both John and Mary were obedient to God. Can we allow our Advent journey to lead us to a renewed sense of obedience to God’s invitation? What keeps us from saying “Yes”? This Advent season, may we find our voice and the courage to say “yes” to our calling.
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