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Office of Parish Life: SCC Archives - Summer '04
A Reflection for Summertime: Bringing Faith and Life Together
2004 has already tolled the half way mark and summer is now ebbing away. Time has an insistence about it that can spoil, harass and anger the best of us. Summertime seems even more unmanageable for all the leisure it invites. As such, summertime demands more vigilance so that its call to leisure is experienced in restoring quiet, shared relationships and encounters with The Mystery of Life. If not now, when?
Lee and I just completed a week’s vacation with time for quiet, relationship and mystery. We stayed local and then invested three days in journeys to area gardens – Longwood, Kennett Square, PA; Winterthur, DE and Sayen Gardens, Mercerville, NJ.
Restoring quiet soaked our beings in the splendor that enveloped us. Shared relationship was palpable in each other’s company amid majestic trees, rolling fields, blossoming flowers, floating lily pads and melodious birds. Best of all were the rocks at Sayen Gardens. Each perfectly positioned for grandeur and beauty. Each stood quietly in relationship to one another, the landscape and us. Each hiding the mystery from whence it came and how it was now here and silently reminding us that the Lord is my rock. Summertime leisure brought the promised restoring quiet, shared relationship and encounters with The Mystery of Life and The Rock of Salvation. Make summer time yours now! Be vigilant! Bring faith and life together!
Ready to Dust Off Your Bible?
Essentially this is a basic orientation to the bible, not a study. You will get a handle on the scriptures for prayer and living the Word of God. Other topics include: what the bible says about itself, a look at the books of the bible, available translations of the bible, and a method of praying with the scriptures. Bring your own bibles. The workshop will be held on Monday, September 27, 2004 from 10:00 am to noon at the Francis House of Prayer in Rancocas, NJ and again in the evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The registration fee of $15.00 includes several helpful pamphlets. All are welcome. Presenter: Bob Bursley
Ready to Dust Off Your Bible? will also be offered at the Upper Room Spiritual Center in Neptune, NJ on Thursday, October 28, 2004 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Registration for the Upper Room presentation is $20.00 and includes pamphlets.
An Overview of the Gospel of Matthew
This overview of the Gospel of Matthew will be helpful to the parishioner as well as the facilitators of small Christian communities and faith sharing groups. Matthew is the foundational gospel for the coming Church year that begins on the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 21). Major segments of the gospel will be identified as they fit into the liturgical year. Bring your own bibles. The workshop will be held on Monday, October 18, 2004 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and again in the evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Francis House of Prayer in Rancocas, NJ. The registration fee of $15.00 includes introductory pamphlets. All are welcome. Presenter: Bob Bursley
To register please use the enclosed flyers for any of the courses described above, and for more information please call 609-406-7400 ext. 5585 or email jparon@dioceseoftrenton.org
Faith Sharing with the Catechism
Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism available through RENEW International 908-769-5400 or www.renewintl.org. The four books in this publication are written for faith sharing and follow the four-part format of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The series explores how the important truths of our faith affect what we believe, how we see the world, how we see ourselves and we regard our purpose in life. When we live the reasons why we are Catholic, we become more authentic. When we live our faith more authentically, we are more deeply and more meaningfully connected to God.
Casting Your Vote in November
A condensed version of Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility. Catholic Update, dated April 2004, can be purchased through St. Anthony Messenger. Tel: 800-488-0488 or www.americancatholic.org This four-page document introduces the reader to Catholic principles for voting, drawing upon Catholic social teaching, beginning with life and the dignity of human person. Four issues are identified as keys for the future: human life, family life, social justice and global solidarity. Faith sharing questions are provided. A complete kit is available through USCCB at 800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org. Read and pray with either version and your vote will become more meaningful and Catholic!
A Faith Sharing Nibble
The Church of St. Gregory the Great in Hamilton Square is committed to faith sharing as is evident not just in the many SCCs that gather but also in that all their ministries have a faith sharing time at the outset of their meetings. In each weekly bulletin, the Sunday gospel is printed and several questions for reflection, discussion or prayer at home and elsewhere are offered. This nibble offers the parishioners an opportunity to “taste and see” the scripture and develop an appetite for a full serving. Are you offering appetizers in your parish bulletin?
Discover the Diocesan Department of Media Relations
Looking for something different and refreshing or just a break from your usual faith sharing resource or experience? Two offices in this Department can bring new life to your faith sharing community.
Read The Monitor, the Diocesan Newspaper. Here, you will find contemporary issues presented and often defined, papal and bishops’ statements on ethics and morals, articles on prayer and spirituality, workshops and events to attend as a community of faith.
Explore The Diocesan Office of Radio and Television. Borrow from their video and audio libraries. You will find in depth teachings, interviews, entertainment and much more. All their resources are available on a loan basis and are free of charge if picked up at the Pastoral Center. 609-406-4600 ext. 7402.
Website Mini-Courses in Scripture Suitable for Faith Sharing
The St. Anthony Messenger Website encourages Bible study and faith sharing groups to use their ten Scripture from Scratch mini-courses that average five-weeks in length. Each course includes a main article and material for prayer, application to life, questions and further resource to deepen the total experience. Check the website: . www.americancatholic.org/study/SFS/default.asp.
Contact Us:
To arrange a parish visit or for more information about Small Christian Communities in the Diocese of Trenton 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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