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Finishing up on the three traditional Lenten disciplines, we conclude with prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that even after the Fall of Adam and Eve, humanity still bears the image of God, though having lost His likeness, he retains the desire for God. Like in the act of creation, God makes the first move. He forms us, gives us life. Our response to God's call to relationship with Him is known as prayer. Put very simply, as the Catechism notes, prayer is the raising of the heart and mind to God. It is marked by a real faith and trust in Him, bears the battle "stripes" of perseverance and is fueled by a genuine love for God.
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Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus frequently at prayer. The gospel writers often note how He went off by Himself to a deserted place to pray. Jesus, thus gives us a kind of model of prayer - in silence and solitude, always with a docility to the Father's will. The same could be said for Mary, she prays with a deep humility, obedience, and trust. They teach us something very important about the goal of prayer - our union with God, obedience to His will. Prayer is a place of encounter with the Lord, it is our means of communicating personally with Him. It should never be about "getting what I want" but always about how we can restore something of His likeness within our hearts, minds and souls.
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Many folks often ask - how do I pray? Prayer can be as simple as a conversation between you and Jesus - which can be done using Sacred Scripture as a means of meditation. Prayer can be formal like the Holy Mass, the rosary or the Divine Mercy chaplet. You see I don't think this is a matter of words, but rather method, place, and intention. So, here are a few things to consider with regard to prayer (and praying well):
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- Pick a quiet place - Your bedroom or another place in the house where you will not be distracted. It ought to be noted that there is no better place to pray than in the House of God - in the church. While the Lord is present with us when we pray, He is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, located behind the closed doors of the tabernacle or exposed on the altar for public Adoration. He is really here.
- Pick a method - Read the Mass readings of the day, pray the rosary and/or the Divine Mercy chaplet, speak from your heart and voice to Him all that troubles you, brings joy, thank Him for His blessings and gifts.
- Pray with purity of intention - When we voice or petitions to God, always be docile to His will. When we pray for peace, good health, financial stability, etc. be sure to keep an open heart to how the Lord wants to draw closer to you even through your personal struggles. Be open to His will.
- Be a good example - As a people who pray, make sure that our exterior lives - how we think, speak and act, coincide with our interior lives of prayer. Thus, even some of the most minute and boring aspects of our lives can be prayerful. We will begin to see the Lord more clearly in our daily routines.
- Don't give up! God is faithful and asks us to be faithful to Him. Simply remember that prayer is an encounter with God and is meant to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him.
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Pancake Breakfast: Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast is back! Sunday April 10th following the 8am and 10:30am Masses. Adults are $5 and kids are free!
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Mothers and their teen and young adult daughters are invited on a pilgrimage focusing on the dignity of women in the heart of France.
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Discover the feminine genius through the beauty of art and the example of the saints, and learn about the dignity of women through an introduction to charting health and body literacy. While praying at the shrines of St. Thérèse, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Mary Magdalene, you will also have bonding, hands-on experiences as mother and daughter through adventures such as learning about lace-making in Alençon, hiking in Burgundy, and sketching in Monet’s Garden in Giverny. You can even take an optional bike tour through Paris together! Along the way, your dynamic team of presenters will unlock insights from theology, art and art history, and authentic women’s health. For more information contact: sarahbartel4@gmail.com
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Parish Mission - This week!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow in faith and deepen your understanding of the Eucharist! Mission speaker Greg Wasinski and his wife Aimee will lead us on a 3-day journey of faith, hope and love. Sunday March 27 at 4pm; Monday March 28 beginning with Mass at 6pm; Tuesday March 29 at 6pm concluding with a period of adoration. Here's a little info on our speaker.
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Please join us during the Season of Lent for the other events on our calendar:
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Take and Eat: Last Saturday, the Take and Eat Ministry served chicken pot pie, green beans, homemade applesauce, chicken salad and hermit cookies.
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Reflections on the Mass: Why does the priest kiss the altar at the start and close of Mass? It is a symbolic gesture of a bond between Christ and His Church. Also, located in the altar are relics of the saints, usually of martyrs or of the True Cross. Kissing the altar is an act of veneration, a sign of thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Christ and those who spilled their blood on His behalf. Further, the priest does so as a reminder that he too is called to sacrifice his own life for Christ and the Church.
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There is no new Coffee with FJ episode.
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See the link to previous episodes below!
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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