|
Peace and all good!
February 2012
We are in the midst of cold weather as our 8th graders prepare to receive the fire of the Holy Spirit into their hearts in the sacrament of Confirmation on February 4th. I pray that it will be like a second Pentecost for them. Please pray for all of our Confirmation candidates during these next ten days. I came across a prayer in my reading and think it most appropriate for our 8th graders and for all of us for that matter. It is the kind of prayer that challenges us to take risks in living our Christian life. The prayer is titled “Make a Difference in the World.”
Make a Difference in the World
May the Spirit bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half- truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live deep within your heart.May the Spirit bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equity, and peace.May the Spirit bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain to joy.And may the Spirit bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.
~Source unknown
On another note, Lent is just around the corner with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. A mailing will be sent out through the Catholic Life and Liturgy Committee with some helpful ways to enter into this Lenten season. Please look for it shortly before Ash Wednesday. Lent is the Catholic Church’s six week retreat each year to prepare us for the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ dying and rising. It is our Paschal mystery as well as we enter into this time with open hearts to conversion—to a change of heart. Shortly before Lent begins, St. Joseph Parish will make available for you materials with which to pray during this most holy and sacred season. Take this opportunity to use whatever may be helpful to you. May it be a time of cleansing and purification of the heart and soul for each one of us. Know that my prayers are with each of you and your children as we move forward on our journey to building the Kingdom of God.
In Christ,
Sr. Mary Barbara
|
Printer-friendly versionSend to friend