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'Come and See' Newsletter
Vol VII, Issue: January 2008
Welcome the Word...
God Would Like a Word with YOU!
Welcome the Word...is an initiative to raise a
deepening awareness and engagement with the
Word of God in our daily faith life. A variety of
approaches to fulfilling this initiative will be
offered at The Gathering on January 17, 2008 at
St. Catharine in Holmdel from 10:00am to
2:00pm.
Bob Bursley from the Diocesan Office of Parish
Life who began this initiative will be the keynote
speaker. Several witnesses and presenters will
join him in offering five breakout sessions. The
topics of these presentations will include
activities for liturgy, large and small groups as
well as family, home and the individual.
Registration is now open. The Gathering is open
to all interested in inspiring others to greater
understanding, reading, praying and living of the
scriptures. Contact: Office of Catechesis- AFFG,
701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ
08648, Fax: 609-406-7418, 609-406-7400, Ext
5553 or E-mail: jwrigh@dioceseoftrenton.org
Encouragement to Engage the Scriptures
With respect to the Scriptures the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (#26) points out: So may it come that, by reading and study of the sacred books...and the treasure of revelation…may more and more fill people's hearts...so a new impulse of spiritual life may be expected from increased veneration of the word of God, which 'stands forever' (Isaiah 40:8; see 1 Peter 1:23-25.)
Faith Sharing with the Readings at Mass
Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities. This
publication presents the weekly scripture along with a commentary, a section of catechesis and
spirituality. Website: www.litpress.org or 800-858-5450
The Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University offers a weekly in-depth faith sharing experience of the Sunday liturgy under the topics of Praying Toward Sunday; Spirituality for Sunday; Get to Know the Readings; Music of Sunday/s Mass and Student Reflections for College/High School. www.liturgy.slu.edu or 800-SLU.FOR.U
The Faith Connection offers two pages weekly on the Gospel readings with accompanying questions for adults and children as well as a question for the daily readings. www.FaithFirst.com or 800-275-4725
Buena Vista "Born Again"
Buena Vista, a grass roots organization founded in 1987 is now "born again" and is now known as the Small Christian Community Connection and continues the great ministry of fostering faith sharing. This process integrates our faith life with daily living in our respective communities as well as our Diocesan and parish structures. Many resources are available and convocation is held annually. The next convocation is scheduled at College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ from May 29 through June 1, 2008. If you are drawn to faith sharing, here is an organization you will find most helpful. Website: www.sccc.org or write Small Christian Community Connection ,
P.O. Box 745475, Arvada, CO 80006-5475.
Lenten Faith Sharing
Threshold Bible Study: Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Jesus leads the reader or group in a physical pilgrimage to the Holy Land and journeys to thirty sites from the life of Jesus. The scriptures associated with the site are related to the modern shrine or memorial. Stephen Binz approaches the scriptures using lectio divina (divine reading) in all its many (currently 15)
theme based studies, and suitable for whole catechesis with its suggested schedule. Here is a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the scriptures and still appropriate for the more experienced.
www.thresholdbiblestudy.com/WholeCommunityBibleStudy.php
Sr. Elizabeth Johnson's Dangerous Memories - The author a noted theologian presents a Mary for our time in living in a growing multicultural church so that we can appreciate Mary who inspires and challenges our life. She turns to 13 passages in the New Testament to develop this
appreciation. Sr. Johnson writes: The dangerous memory of her partnership with God through the power of the Holy Spirit can create liberating energies for the life of discipleship today. Most chapters are under 10 pages in length and manageable to read reflectively and join in faithenriching dialogue. www.goodgroundpress.com or 800-232-5533
Sunday by Sunday: Faith Sharing Weekly for
Adults - Weekly each four page invites participants to share in prayer the Gospel and Old Testament readings. Questions help connect the Gospel to daily life, service and commitments to justice. www.goodgroundpress.com or 800-232-5533
Sr. Joan Mitchell, CSJ's The Our Father, Jesus' Prayer, Our Mission – The presentation takes our most common prayer deeper and connects with our Catholic social teaching. Questions for reflection are provided and a ritual with every chapter. The format is ideal for small group faith
sharing. www.goodgroundpress.com or 800-232-5533
Opening Prayer for Ash Wednesday
Father in heaven, from the days of Abraham and Moses, until this gathering of your Church inprayer, you have formed a people in the image of your Son. Bless this people with the gift of your kingdom. May we serve you with every desire and show love for one another even as you have loved us. Grant this through Christ Our Lord. Amen!
Contact Us:
To obtain more information, arrange a parish visit or a presentation for Small Christian Communities contact:
Office of Parish Life
Small Christian Community Ministry
Coordinator: Bob Bursley
Phone: 609-406-7400 ext. 5623
Fax: 609-406-7415
E-mail: rbursl@dioceseoftrenton.org
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