lenten packet 2010 · the wisdom of our Church, the passage is certainly appropriate as we follow...
Transcript of lenten packet 2010 · the wisdom of our Church, the passage is certainly appropriate as we follow...
Stewardship
A Way of Life
Lenten Prayer Resource Packet 2010
The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it
in front of the altar of the Lord, your God. Dt 26:4
Department on Stewardship and Pastoral Services Diocese of Green Bay
Our Basket in Front of the Altar Stewardship Lenten Prayer Resource
Table of Contents
Our Baskets. . . Opening Letter................................................................................................. 1
Stewardship of Prayer and Our Spiritual Lives Diocesan Retreat Opportunities ............................................................................................... 2 - 3
Groups and Movements Committed to Faith Renewal ...................................... 4
Stewardship Resources for Reflection ................................................................................. 4 - 6
Stewardship Resources for Reflection ................................................................................. 7
Stewardship of Prayer Resources for Households Reflection on the Sunday Gospels. ......................................................................................... 8
Table Tent Prayer . .................................................................................................................................. 9
Booklet: Praying with St. Ignatius of Loyola ................................................................. 10 - 11
Praying in the Style of St. Benedict ....................................................................................... 12
A Good Steward’s Lenten Fast .................................................................................................... 13
Stewardship Bulletin Fillers and Mirror Magnets ...................................................... 14 - 15
STEWARDSHIP LENTEN PRAYER RESOURCE PACKET
Our Baskets Dear Colleagues in Christ,
The Church’s “intentional” time of reflection and conversion is upon us once again. Each year in the readings of the Sunday’s of Lent, we are urged to travel more deeply into our personal lives and into the mission of our parish communities. We are encouraged to consider the questions: How have our lives reflected a close relationship with Jesus? When all is said and done, what will we return to the Lord? How have we used our lives of prayer, compassionate service and generous sharing to enter into the paschal mystery and to express our Christian stewardship?
The Old Testament Reading of the First Sunday of Lent brings to light this message. In the Book of Deuteronomy, the image of the priest putting the basket before the altar of the Lord is powerful and clear. In the wisdom of our Church, the passage is certainly appropriate as we follow Jesus in the final days of his mission to the cross and to Easter Sunday.
This Lenten Prayer Resource Packet is meant to assist you in encouraging people in your parish to reflect upon their offerings to be placed at the altar of the Lord this Easter and in their final hour. What will our offering say about our relationship with Jesus? Ideally, our basket will be lined with gratitude and will bear witness to the many times we prayed and worshiped as individuals, families and a parish community. Our basket should give evidence to the many opportunities we had to use our talents to serve our Church and broader communities. Our basket should reveal a generosity and return of financial and material resources that mirrors God’s bountiful love for us.
One last thought as we enter into Catholics Come Home as the Diocese of Green Bay this Lent. Hopefully our basket will be filled to the brim with hospitality. It is one of the main components that help to form grateful Christian stewards in the image of Jesus. With all this in mind, we can hope that our basket placed before the Lord this Easter and beyond, will be a one that is overflowing in Christian stewardship.
Many blessings. In Christ, Mary Ann Otto Stewardship and Special Projects Director Diocese of Green Bay
The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it in front of the altar of the Lord, your God.
Dt 26:4
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Saturday, February 20, 10:00 am ‐ 3:00 pm: Into the Desert and Out Again We all experience times of feeling dry, barren, unsettled, or isolated. Together we will discover what the desert times in our life may be and how we can discover light amid times of darkness. Facilitator: Brenda Kroinek. Suggested Donation: $25 includes lunch.
Saturday, February 27, 10:00 am ‐ Noon: Menu For The Future Be inspired, amazed, and connected with others as you learn and discuss our cultural, ecological, and economic relatedness with FOOD. A six‐session discussion course. Facilitator: Mary Failey. Cost for the Workbook is $25 + Freewill Offering.
Saturday, February 27, 1:00 ‐ 3:00 pm: Jam & Giggles Make some tasty jam to spread on fresh baked biscuits. Take home your masterpiece jar! A fun afternoon for an adult and a child 6 yrs. or older. Recipes included. Facilitators: Diane Eparvier & Joan Lindahl. ‐ Suggested Donation: $17.50/1 adult + 1 child.
Friday ‐ Sunday, March 5‐7: Making a U‐turn for Young Adults & Mid‐Lifers. Make time to see life through the rear view mirror and to listen to where your heart is leading. Suggested Donation: $110. Spiritual Direction: $50
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 ‐ 1:00 pm: Savory Soup Making Demo. Experience what goes into a taste soup. Bring yourself and or a group of friends. Facilitator: Caroline Sullivan, O.P. Suggested Donation: $15 includes tasting
Saturday, March 20, 1:30 pm: Spring Equinox ‐ Celebrate new dreams.
Wednesday, March 31, 12:00 ‐ 1:30 pm &/or 5:30 ‐ 7:00 pm: Blessed, Broken & Shared (Reflection on the Last Supper) As Jesus gathered with his disciples to share the Last Supper meal, we will gather to share a meal and reflect on how w are bread in the world – blessed, broken and shared. Facilitator: Brenda Kroinek ‐ Suggested Donation: $15
Thursday, April 1, 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm: A Special Prayer & Feasting Supper Last suppers and eternal banquets. Call by March 29 ‐ Freewill Offering
The Bridge Between Retreat Center 4471 Flaherty Lane, Denmark, WI 54208 (920) 864‐7230
Please register at (920) 864‐7230. Additional offerings at www.bridge‐between.org
How Are We Stewards of Our Prayer and Spiritual Lives? DIOCESAN LENTEN RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES
Monte Alverno Retreat Center 1000 North Ballard Road, Appleton WI 54911, (920) 733‐8526
Register on‐line at http://www.montealverno.org/form.htm
Facilitated by Monte Alverno Staff. Open to any Christian Adult. Suggested Offering for Evening Program: $22.00; Day Program: $25.00 (Includes Conference, Reconciliation Service, Eucharist and Meal)
Lenten Recollection Sessions
February 23 Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm March 2 Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 9 Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 16 Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm March 23 Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 30 Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm February 27 ‐ March 1: Weekend Retreat for Men & Women Theme: "When the Going Gets Tough: Franciscan Helps for the Journey" Presented by the Monte Alverno Staff
March 20‐22: Married Couples Retreat Open to any couple seeking to grow spiritually in their marriage Theme: To be decided.
March 28: One Day Retreat ‐ For Men and Women Theme: "When the Going Gets Tough: Franciscan Helps for the Journey"
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Jesuit Retreat House 4800 Fahrnwald Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, [email protected]
February 18 ‐ 21 Men’s Retreat with Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ
February 25 ‐ 28 Men’s Retreat with Fr. Robert J Dufford, SJ
March 4 ‐ 7 Men’s Retreat with Fr. Eugene L Donahue, SJ
March 11 ‐ 14 Men’s Retreat with Fr. Daniel S Hendrickson, SJ
March 18‐21 Women’s Retreat with Fr. Robert Kroll, SJ
March 25 ‐ 28 Men’s Retreat with Fr. Ronald R Bieganowski, SJ
The Easter Triduum ‐ From Memory to Mission Fr. Lou Papes, ordained in 1988 after twenty‐four years as an educator, is currently part of the preaching ministry of Food for the Poor. Committed to the theology and ecclesiology of Vatican II, Fr. Lou's enthusiasm for the Church and its Mission in the world permeates his presentations.
"Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth) Join Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. for a study circle on Pope Benedict the XVI's July 2009 encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate". The encyclical was written to address the current economic crisis and deals with moral aspects of economic life, poverty and development, human rights and duties, and environmental responsibility. Participants should read the entire encyclical before the first meeting; it is available at http://www.vatican.va or from area Catholic bookstores. Please confirm reservation by February 24. After you register, the study circle guide will be emailed or postal mailed to you. Limited to 12 participants.
February 28, March 7, 14, 28 ‐ Sundays 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm Facilitator: Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. Cost: Free will offering
Conscience and the Moral Life Series
Christian Parenting in a Technological Age How do Catholics sort through these questions in order to make responsible decisions? Clearly, much is ethically at stake. How we understand children, parenting and families will in large part determine how we evaluate these issues. What virtues and values ought to form and direct us as we think about these matters? What guidance can we get from Christian bioethicists and Catholic Church teaching?
March 4 ‐ Thursday 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm Presenter: Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza Cost: Free will offering Lenten Series: Jesus, The Great High Priest Among Us Although Jesus never called Himself a priest, He would become for all of us the Great High Priest. Our Lenten series focuses on learning more about this man from Nazareth who suffered, died and rose again out of love for us, and what it means to be a disciple.
February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 ‐ Saturdays 9:15 ‐ 11:15 am
Presenters: Feb. 20: Fr. John Bostwick, O. Praem. Jesus did not deem "equality with God" something to be grasped.
Feb. 27: Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. Jesus is able to identify with our weaknesses and infirmities.
March 6: Fr. Jim Baraniak, O. Praem. Jesus came to set the imprisoned free and to proclaim freedom for those held captive.
March 13: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ John: 17‐ The priestly prayer and the priesthood of the laity.
March 20: Msgr. Jim Feely By popular demand this final program is a repeat of Msgr. Feely's 2009 presentation of seeing Jesus through the eyes of the Good Thief. Cost: Free will offering
Norbertine Center for Spirituality 1016 N Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115 (920) 337‐4315
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GROUPS AND MOVEMENTS COMMITTED TO FAITH RENEWAL
CRHP ‐ Christ Renews His Parish P.O. Box 19100, Cleveland, OH 44119; E‐mail: [email protected] Diocesan Contact: Deb Wegner‐Hohensee 1‐877‐500‐3580 x 8286
Living Christ Retreat: Handbook for Success in Whole Community Catechesis. Bill Huebsch www.pastoralplanning.com
Charismatic Renewal : Opportunities for spiritual formation, prayer, and healing Judy Goolsbey (920) 405‐1960, [email protected]
Cursillo: A weekend faith renewal experience Bobbi Hoff (920) 337‐0910, [email protected] Miguel A Gomez (920) 406‐1027, [email protected] or Roberto Martinez (920) 915‐0139, [email protected] (Spanish speaking)
Engaged Encounter: A weekend of marriage preparation with faith renewal Jerry & Linda Haske (920) 897‐2970
Koinonia: A weekend faith renewal experience Marciann Hansen (920) 866‐9227 or [email protected]
Marriage Encounter: A weekend marriage renewal and dialogue Green Bay: Dennis & Sue Amtmann (920) 544‐5166, www.gbme.org
T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ) A weekend faith renewal experience Rosie Bartel (920) 272‐8288
Lenten Selections:
Ash Wednesday ‐ Rev. Lawrence E. Mick Our Shifting Understanding of Lent
Agony in the Garden ‐ Ronald Rolheiser Understanding the Passion of Jesus
Celebrating Lent in Your Home Kathryn A. Schneider and Robert M. Hamma
Conversion Being Born Again and Again and Again Rev. James B. Dunning
The Examen of Consciousness ‐ Phyllis Zagano Finding God in All Things
How Shall I Fast? ‐ Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J. Daily Meditations for Lent
How God Invites Us to Grow ‐ Richard J. Sweeney Six Stages of Faith Development
How to Read the Resurrection Narratives Raymond E. Brown, S.S.
How to Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation Today ‐Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.
An Invitation to Prayer ‐ Father Edward Hays A Guide for Deepening Our Prayer Life
In the Desert With Jesus ‐ Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M. Biblical Themes of Lent
Lenten Customs ‐ Rev. Lawrence E. Mick Baptism Is the Key
Lent: A 40‐Day Retreat ‐ Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M. Rediscovering Your Baptismal Call
Lent ‐ Alfred McBride, O. Praem A Journey Into the Inner Self
Lent ‐ Sr Joyce Rupp, OSM Giving Our Hearts to God
Lent ‐ Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D. Opening the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Lenten Stories from John's Gospel Baptismal Dramas of Water, Light and Life Raymond E. Brown, S.S.
Letting God In Daily Meditations for Lent
Our Holiest Week A Practical Guide for the Holy Week Liturgies Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.
Pathways of Prayer ‐ Jack Wintz, O.F.M.
The Rosary ‐ Gloria Hutchinson A Prayer for All Seasons
The Sacrament of Reconciliation ‐ Sandra DeGidio, O.S.M. Celebrating God's Forgiveness
The Ten Commandments ‐ Alfred McBride, O. Praem. Sounds of Love From Sinai
The Way of the Cross ‐ Jack Wintz, O.F.M. A Lenten Devotion for Our Times
Why Confess My Sins? ‐ Leonard Foley, O.F.M.
Forgiveness in Our Church Today Key to Healing Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.
Lenten Resources from Catholic Publishers CATHOLIC UPDATE is a practical, affordable four‐page handout for faith formation and spiritual nurturing. Mix and match titles (English and Spanish) for as little as 13 cents each! Perfect for small group sharing or individual study. You can also SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Update! www.americancatholic.org (1‐800‐488‐0488)
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Loyola Press
Six Weeks with the Bible for Adults (www.loyolapress.com/six‐wweks‐with‐the‐bible‐for‐adults‐store.htm)
1 and 2 Thessalonians: Stand Firm in Faith Kevin Perrotta Paul Thigpen
1 Corinthians: Living as Christians Kevin Perrotta
2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Kevin Perrotta
Jesus: Man of Prayer Kevin Perrotta
Job: A Good Man Asks Why Kevin Perrotta
Matthew 10‐20: On the Road with Jesus Kevin Perrotta
Matthew 26‐28: Jesus' Life‐Giving Death Kevin Perrotta Proverbs: Wisdom for Living Kevin Perrotta
Psalms II: Praying with Jesus Kevin Perrotta
Psalms: An Invitation to Prayer Kevin Perrotta
Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for LENT and EASTER Kenneth Davis, OFM Conv. to order call 800‐325‐9521 or www.liguori.org
Lent 2009: Seeking God, Finding God (Meditations, Activities & Prayers) Kathleen O. Chesto
The Path to Forgiveness (Daily Reflections, Actions, & Prayers) Rev. Paul Boudreau
Lent for Families 2009 Breaking New Ground (Reflections, Activities, & Prayers) ‐ Peggy Weber
Lent for Kids 2009 40 Days with the Saints (Thoughts, Activities, & Prayers) Gwen Costello to order call 800‐321‐0411 or
www.23rdpublications.com
Lent 2009 Disciples on the Journey (Faith sharing booklet for small groups) to order call 866‐590‐3688 or
www.victoriadiocese.org
Lent 2009: Live the Spirit ‐ Bill Dodds To order call 800‐321‐0411 or www.todaysparishminister.com
Additional Lenten Resources
Twenty Third Publication Threshold Bible Study
http://www.pastoralplanning.com/TBS/TBSallTitles.html
Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion. The characters, places, and images that you will encounter in each of these topical studies will help you explore new dimensions of your faith and discover deeper insights for your spiritual life.
TBS: The Lamb and the Beasts Author: Stephen J. Binz
TBS: People of the Passion Author: Stephen J. Binz
TBS: Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Jesus Author: Stephen J. Binz
TBS: The Resurrection and the Life Author: Stephen J. Binz
TBS: The Tragic and Triumphant Cross Author: Stephen J. Binz
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Eternal Seasons Author: Henri J.M. Nouwen
Everyone’s Way of the Cross Author: Clarence Enzler
A Book of Wonders Author: Edward M. Hays
Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Author: Thomas Merton, Jonathan Montaldo, Robert J. Toth
Abide in Love Author: John Kirvan
All Will Be Well Author: John Kirvan, Julian of Norwich
Lent and Holy Week Author: The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living, Jonathan Montaldo, Robert Toth
100 Prayers for Making Faith Connections Author: John van Bemmel
Books from our own Bishop Robert F. Morneau
Available at Amazon.com
Pathways to God: Four Weeks on Faith, Hope and Charity (7 x 4) by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Jan 15, 2008) Publisher: New City Press
A New Heart: Eleven Qualities of Holiness by Robert Morneau (Paperback ‐ Aug 30, 2008) Publisher: Orbis Books
Lent with Bishop Morneau by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Nov 5, 2008) Publisher: Liturgical Press
Reconciliation (Catholic Spirituality for Adults) by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Sep 30, 2007) Publisher: Orbis Books
Spiritual Exercises for Church Leaders (Participant's Book) by Dolores R. Leckey, Paula Minaert, and Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ May 30, 2003) Publisher: Paulist Press
New Offerings from Ave Maria Press www.avemariapress.com
Resources That Encourage Generous Sharing Through Personal Budgeting
Catholic Charities ‐ Diocese of Green Bay ‐ Budget Counseling Offers a variety of workshops to help households plan and execute healthy budgets such as:
Mastering the Money Maze Workshops ‐ Students spend 2 1/2 hours for 3 weeks to learn how to prepare a spending plan worksheet and develop a savings. The “Whys” of why we spend is also discussed. Group participation and discussion are highly encouraged. Kids and Money Workshops (through Personal Management Badge‐BSA)‐ appropriate for teenagers. This workshop was developed around the Personal Management Badge for the Boy Scouts of America. Students learn how to develop spending plans as well as a variety of financial issues/products.
Biblical Financial Study (Ecumenical) The biblical guide to earning, spending, saving, investing, giving and getting out of debt. Crown Financial Ministries ‐ www.Crown.org
FISC Consumer Credit Counseling (Ecumenical) Offers workshops such as Balancing Faith and Finances and Voluntary Simplicity as well as programs for teens and young adults. www.Fisc‐cccs.org 920‐886‐1000 921 Midway Rd. Menasha, WI
Seven Steps to Becoming Financially Free by Phil Lenahan Program offers a solid Catholic perspective on how to make the most of God’s generous gifts. Our Sunday Visitor ‐ www.osv.com
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Environmental Resources
Environmental Stewardship from the Action Institute 616‐454‐3080 or (www.action.org)
Ten Commandments for the Environment Wooden Koenig‐Bricker Pope Benedict speaks out for creation and justice (www.avemariapress.com)
TBS: Stewardship of the Earth Steven J. Binz (www.twentythirdpublications.com)
Adult Resources
What Do I Own and What Owns Me? A Spirituality of Stewardship Daniel Conway; (www.twentythirdpublications.com)
Catholic Stewardship: Sharing God’s Gifts Colleen Smith (catalog.osv.com)
The Stewardship of Life: Making the Most of All That You Have and All That You Are Kirk Nowery Spire Resources Inc., P.O. Box 18 0, Camarillo, CA 93011. Phone: 1‐800‐992‐3060. Website: www.spire‐resources.com
Stewardship‐A Partnership with God Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200. Phone: 800‐477‐4776. Website: www.channing‐bete.com
Stewardship and You Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200. Phone: 800‐477‐4776. Website: www.channing‐bete.com
Stewardship – A Way of Life Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200. Phone: 800‐477‐4776. Website: www.channing‐bete.com
Disciple as Steward Sharon Hueckel Sheed and Ward Publications, Orders and Customer Service, 30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 4480
Forming Generous Hearts Leisa Anslinger and Victoria Shepp Twenty Third Publications, One Montauk Avenue, Suite 200 New London, CT. 06320 Website: www.23rdpublications.com
Living Your Strengths (Catholic Edition) Albert L. Winseman, D.Min., Donald O. Clilfton, Ph.D. and Curt Liesveld, M.Div. Gallup Press, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 23 Floor, New York, NY 10020
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Children’s Resources
The Catholic Kid’s Guide to Stewardship, Elizabeth M. Johnson; (www.twentythirdpublications.com)
Taking Care of God’s Gifts: Stewardship, A Way of Life (K‐2) L. Whitfield/R Cammarata
Taking Care of God’s Gifts: Stewardship, A Way of Life (3‐5) L. Whitfield/R Cammarata
Also available from http://catalog.osv.com
Resources for Reflection with Staffs, Committees, Small Groups or for Personal Reflection
Prayer Resources & Topics On‐line
Catholic Relief Services www.education.crs.org
Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association www.pncea.org
Liturgy of the Hours www.universalis.com
Taize Prayer taize.fr/en
Daily Prayer Online with the Irish Jesuits www.sacredspace.ie
Contemplative Prayer www.contemplativeoutreach.org
Prayer with Icons catholicunderthehood.blogspot.com/2005/10/praying‐with‐icons.html
Adoration www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/pea/a2.html
Rosary www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0589.asp
Labyrinth catholicunderthehood.blogspot.com/2006/08/70‐labyrinth.html
Journaling www.journalkeeping.org
Spiritual direction www.catholicspiritualdirection.org
February 21 Read – Luke 4:1-13
Consider the following: In what ways are we tempted that
discourage us from becoming people of prayer, service and sharing?
What are our biggest struggles in living lives of stewardship? How can we create a place or plan in our lives
that might help to prevent these temptations?
March 7 Read – Luke 13:1-9
Consider the following: What does the story of the fig tree tell
you about God’s patience with our inability to repent for our sinfulness and lack of stewardship? When the gardener comes a second time, how
will we have been fruitful? How can Lent be a source of encouragement
for us?
March 14 Read – Luke 15:1-3, 11-12
Consider the following: Today we hear a story about a father who
is all-giving and all forgiving in the Prodigal Son. The young son felt he was
entitled to “his share” of his father’s fortune and squandered it. Do we ever feel that we are “entitled” to more than others of God’s many gifts? What small
change can we make in our lives this Lent to become less “self-centered” with God’s
many gifts?
March 21 Read – John 8:1-11
Consider the following: Jesus will encounter the woman caught in
adultery in today’s reading. His response to her was loving and forgiving. His message to those who would stone her was direct and clear. Are
there times when we want to point out the flaws of others and perhaps not our own lack
of prayer, service and generous sharing? What can we place in our basket to help us overcome
our judgmental tendencies and focus on our own need to be better stewards?
March 28 Read – Luke 19:28-40
Consider the following: Jesus will make his final entry into
Jerusalem in today’s reading. The people will cry out “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Their words are
powerful, yet their actions later on will help to send Jesus to the cross. How is
what we say different from what we do as Christian stewards? How can we better
live out our lives as people of prayer,
February 28 Read – Luke 9:28b-36
Consider the following: The voice from the cloud said: “This
is my chosen Son; listen to him.” How do we listen to Jesus in our daily lives? Who is God calling us to be?
What can we fill our offering baskets with when we “listen to him?”
As a household, reflect upon the following Sunday Gospel readings and the questions. Cut the slips apart and write your responses for each week on the back of the reading and place them in your basket.
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Our
Bas
ket i
n F
ront
of Y
our A
ltar
Lo
ving
God
, W
e co
me
to y
ou a
s gr
atef
ul c
hild
ren
this
Len
ten
seas
on
with
the
hope
of b
eing
tran
sfor
med
and
ren
ewed
.
You
r ge
nero
sity
sho
ws
itsel
f to
us
at th
e m
omen
t of o
ur c
reat
ion.
A
s yo
u lo
ve y
our
child
ren
into
bei
ng, y
ou o
ffer
us
the
oppo
rtun
ity fo
r an
end
less
rel
atio
nshi
p
with
you
thro
ugh
pray
er a
nd w
orsh
ip.
May
our
bas
ket c
onta
in th
e m
any
inst
ance
s w
e w
ere
good
st
ewar
ds o
f our
rel
atio
nshi
p w
ith y
ou.
Y
our
Div
ine
imag
inat
ion
has
crea
ted
and
plac
ed in
us
won
derf
ul g
ifts
and
tale
nts
to b
e us
ed fo
r ou
r jo
y bu
t mor
e im
port
antly
to s
erve
eac
h ot
her,
our
Chu
rch
and
our
wor
ld.
M
ay o
ur b
aske
t hol
d th
e m
any
occa
sion
s w
e ha
ppily
ser
ved
you
and
othe
rs w
ith o
ur u
niqu
e ta
lent
s.
Y
ou h
ave
give
n ou
r w
orld
wha
t it n
eeds
for
all p
eopl
e to
thri
ve
and
enjo
y lif
e. W
e ar
e bl
esse
d w
ith fi
nanc
ial r
esou
rces
and
m
ater
ial g
oods
. Y
ou c
all u
s to
sha
re w
hat w
e ha
ve g
ener
ousl
y,
just
ly a
nd w
ithou
t hes
itatio
n.
M
ay o
ur b
aske
t hol
d th
e m
any
times
we
mir
rore
d yo
ur b
old
gene
rosi
ty in
the
shar
ing
of o
ur m
oney
and
pos
sess
ions
.
We
are
grat
eful
for
this
Len
ten
time
to b
e re
min
ded
of o
ur
resp
onsi
bilit
y to
ret
urn
to y
ou a
ll yo
u ha
ve g
iven
us.
H
elp
us to
pla
ce b
aske
ts in
fron
t of y
our
alta
r th
at r
efle
ct th
e liv
es o
f goo
d st
ewar
ds.
Am
en.
Our
Bas
ket i
n F
ront
of Y
our A
ltar
Lo
ving
God
, W
e co
me
to y
ou a
s gr
atef
ul c
hild
ren
this
Len
ten
seas
on
with
the
hope
of b
eing
tran
sfor
med
and
ren
ewed
.
You
r ge
nero
sity
sho
ws
itsel
f to
us
at th
e m
omen
t of o
ur c
reat
ion.
A
s yo
u lo
ve y
our
child
ren
into
bei
ng, y
ou o
ffer
us
the
oppo
rtun
ity fo
r an
end
less
rel
atio
nshi
p
with
you
thro
ugh
pray
er a
nd w
orsh
ip.
May
our
bas
ket c
onta
in th
e m
any
inst
ance
s w
e w
ere
good
st
ewar
ds o
f our
rel
atio
nshi
p w
ith y
ou.
Y
our
Div
ine
imag
inat
ion
has
crea
ted
and
plac
ed in
us
won
derf
ul g
ifts
and
tale
nts
to b
e us
ed fo
r ou
r jo
y bu
t mor
e im
port
antly
to s
erve
eac
h ot
her,
our
Chu
rch
and
our
wor
ld.
M
ay o
ur b
aske
t hol
d th
e m
any
occa
sion
s w
e ha
ppily
ser
ved
you
and
othe
rs w
ith o
ur u
niqu
e ta
lent
s.
Y
ou h
ave
give
n ou
r w
orld
wha
t it n
eeds
for
all p
eopl
e to
thri
ve
and
enjo
y lif
e. W
e ar
e bl
esse
d w
ith fi
nanc
ial r
esou
rces
and
m
ater
ial g
oods
. Y
ou c
all u
s to
sha
re w
hat w
e ha
ve g
ener
ousl
y,
just
ly a
nd w
ithou
t hes
itatio
n.
M
ay o
ur b
aske
t hol
d th
e m
any
times
we
mir
rore
d yo
ur b
old
gene
rosi
ty in
the
shar
ing
of o
ur m
oney
and
pos
sess
ions
.
We
are
grat
eful
for
this
Len
ten
time
to b
e re
min
ded
of o
ur
resp
onsi
bilit
y to
ret
urn
to y
ou a
ll yo
u ha
ve g
iven
us.
H
elp
us to
pla
ce b
aske
ts in
fron
t of y
our
alta
r th
at r
efle
ct th
e liv
es o
f goo
d st
ewar
ds.
A
men
.
Hou
seho
ld T
able
Ten
t Pra
yer
9
St.
Ign
atiu
s’ P
ray
er f
or G
ener
osit
y
L
ord
, tea
ch m
e to
be
gen
erou
s.
Tea
ch m
e to
ser
ve y
ou a
s y
ou d
eser
ve;
to
giv
e an
d n
ot t
o co
un
t th
e co
st,
to
fig
ht a
nd
not
to
heed
the
wou
nd
s,
to
toi
l an
d n
ot t
o se
ek f
or r
est,
to l
abor
an
d n
ot t
o as
k f
or r
ewar
d,
sa
ve t
hat
of k
now
ing
tha
t I d
o y
our
wil
l.
My Ba
sket at the
Alta
r
Pra
ying
with
St.
Ign
atiu
s of
Loy
ola
Clo
sing
Ref
lect
ion
Tak
e, L
ord
, an
d R
ecei
ve
Tak
e, L
ord
, an
d r
ecei
ve a
ll m
y l
iber
ty, m
y m
emor
y,
my
un
der
stan
din
g, a
nd
my
en
tire
wil
l.
All
I ha
ve a
nd
cal
l m
y o
wn
. W
hate
ver
I hav
e or
hol
d, y
ou h
ave
giv
en m
e.
I ret
urn
it
all
to y
ou a
nd
su
rren
der
it
who
lly
to
be g
ov-
ern
ed b
y y
our
wil
l.
Giv
e m
e on
ly y
our
love
an
d y
our
gra
ce
and
I am
ric
h en
oug
h an
d a
sk f
or n
othi
ng
mor
e.
St.
Ignat
ius,
fro
m t
he
end o
f th
e Spiritual
Exe
rcis
es
10
Un
der
stan
din
g S
t. Ig
nat
ius’
Way
Th
e First P
rinciple and
Fou
ndation
The goal of o
ur life is to
live with
God
forever.
God
who
loves us, gave us life.
Our own respon
se of love allows God
's life to
flow
into
us with
out lim
it.
All the things in
this world are gifts of God
,
presented to us so th
at we can know
God
more easily
and make a return of love more readily.
As a result, we appreciate and
use all of th
ese gifts of God
insofar as th
ey help us develop
as loving
persons.
But if any of the
se gifts be
come the center of o
ur lives,
they displace God
and
so hind
er our growth
toward ou
r goal.
In everyday life, th
en, w
e must h
old ou
rselves in balance
before all of th
ese created gifts insofar as we
have a choice and
are not bou
nd by some ob
ligation.
We shou
ld not fix ou
r de
sires on
health
or sickne
ss,
wealth
or po
verty, success or failure, a long
life or
short o
ne.
For everything
has th
e po
tential of calling forth in us
a de
eper re
spon
se to
our life in
God
. Our only de
sire and
our one
cho
ice shou
ld be this:
I w
ant a
nd I choo
se what b
etter
leads to th
e de
epen
ing of God
's life in
me.
St. Ignatius, from
the be
ginn
ing of th
e Spiritual Exercises
Praying the Jesuit Exam
ination of Con
science
1. Tha
nksgiving
Lord, I re
alize that all, even myself, is a gift from
you.
Tod
ay, for what things am
I most g
rateful?
2. Inten
tion
Lord, open my eyes and
ears to be more ho
nest
with
myself.
Tod
ay, w
hat d
o I really wan
t for myself?
3. Examination
Lord, sho
w m
e wha
t has been ha
ppening to m
e an
d in m
e this day.
Tod
ay, in what w
ays have I expe
rien
ced
you
r love?
4. Con
trition
Lord, I am still learning to grow in you
r love.
‐Today, what cho
ices have be
en inadeq
uate
respo
nses to
you
r love?
5. Hop
e Lord, let m
e look with
long
ing toward the future.
Tod
ay, how
will I let you
lead
me to a brighter
tom
orrow?
Adapted
from
Throu
gh All the Days of Life, a
collection of prayers
compiled by Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J.
11
My Basket at the Altar Praying in the Style of St. Benedict
Today we can be stewards of our relationship with God through prayer by using this unique style that was adopted by St. Benedict in the 6th century. Lectio divina means divine reading and focuses on the sacred scriptures. Lectio divina = reading+meditation+contemplation+prayer (For an indepth experience of lectio divina with weekly scripture readings, go to www.wordforliving.org and click on English.) Here is a simple way to use prayer form by any person or group. Using the Gospel for the Sunday’s of Lent (found below):
✙ Proclaim the scripture passage aloud. ✙ Spend some time in quiet reflection. ✙ Proclaim the passage again, aloud. ✙ Each person (without explanation) then shares one word or phrase that speaks to
them. ✙ Proclaim the passage a third time. ✙ Spend a moment in reflection. ✙ Each person is asked to share a word or phrase that touched their heart and also
invited give an explanation. ✙ Reflect quietly or aloud have a conversation with God about: 1. What are You communicating in this passage to me about my life and what I put in
my basket to be placed in front of the altar? 2. Who are You calling me to be as a disciple and
steward? 3. How can I accomplish this call?
Sunday Gospel Readings for Lent 2010: Feb. 21st: Luke 4:1‐13 Feb. 28th: Luke 9:28b‐36 March 7th: Luke 13:1‐9 March 14th: Luke 15:1‐3, 11‐12 March 21st, John 8:1‐11 March 28th, Like 19:28‐40 The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it in front of the altar of the Lord, your God. Dt 26:4
12
The Good Steward’s Lenten Fast
Fast from eating large meals and in-between meals with the Church on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday.
Abstain from eating meat with the Church on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays’ of Lent.
On the days of Fast and Abstinence, plan menus that are light and inexpensive such as tomato soup and grilled cheese. Put extra monies in a jar to donate to those in need.
Fast from wasting food at all meals especially school bag lunches or hot lunches.
Fast from making unnecessary trips. Save fuel by planning your needed stops in one trip.
Fast from a full calendar of events. Schedule time for rest, reflection and relationships.
Fast from unnecessary use of technology. Take time to be peaceful.
Fast from expensive, non- nutritious snacks, drinks and food. Donate monies.
Fast from sedentary activities. Get up, move, and be active to your physical ability.
Fast from purchasing unnecessary items. Take inventory of your home and completely finish using the all the items.
Fast from using non-recyclable, disposable items.
Fast from purchasing items that are not made from recyclable materials.
Fast from listening to music and watching programs and movies that harm your spirit.
Fast from unnecessary errands and shopping especially on Sunday. Plan a board game, card game, etc as a family or visit a loved one in a nursing home.
Fast from complaining. If possible, design a family “Thank You” note on the computer and make a list of those who deserve to receive one from your family members in honor of Easter i.e. friends, neighbors, teachers, catechists, Pastor.
Fast from unkind word, gossiping and excluding others at home, at school at work and at church.
13
How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he
has done for me? Psalm 116:12
Let not your hand be open to receive and clenched when it is time to give.
Sirach 4:31
Once one chooses to become a disciple of
Jesus, stewardship is not an option.
USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response
We are stewards of the Church. We are to cherish and foster the gifts of all
while using our own gifts to serve the
community of faith. USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response
Christian stewards are generous out of love as
well as duty. USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response
Stewardship has the power to shape and mold our understanding of our lives and the way in which we live.
USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure,
packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will
be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return
be measured out to you. Luke 6:38
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with
first fruits of all your produce; then will your barns be filled
with grain, with new wine your vats will
overflow Proverbs 3:9‐10
No one shall appear before the Lord empty-handed, but each of you with as much as he
can give, in proportion to the blessings which the Lord, your
God, has bestowed on you. Deuteronomy 16:16‐17
14
Son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great
wealth, give alms out of your abundance; if you have but little,
distribute even some of that. But do not hesitate to give alms; you will be
storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the day of
adversity. Tobit 4:8‐9
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and
stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course
required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
1 Corinthians 4:1‐2
Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each
has a particular gift from God, one of one kind and one of an-
other. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.
Hebrews 13:16
If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and
refuses him compassion, how can
the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and
truth. 1 John 3:17-18
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Matthew 10:8
This is what the Lord then said to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to take up a collection for me.
From every man you shall accept the contribution that his heart
prompts him to give me.” Exodus 25:1‐2
15