CCD hs: grace + sin + service journal (day 9)

In our high school Confirmation class, we reviewed everything we learned to date using handouts of outlined points covered each day (basically our catechist notes).  I then covered GRACE, SIN, and CONFESSION.  The visual illustrations are my own (in parenthesis) that I used to teach these “highly religious” words to 7th graders years ago.  (If you have any other suggestions or comments, please let me know.)

–Holy = to be set apart and united with God.

–Grace = free and undeserved gift of God’s love and life.  (like “air”)

–Sanctifying Grace = supernatural gift from God where our sins are forgiven & are made holy. First receive thru Baptism & continually sanctified through all sacraments.  (like “clean air“)  Lost by mortal sin.

–Actual Grace = God’s impulse to help in our everyday lives.  (like “sweet smells”)

–Sacramental Grace = graces specific to each sacrament.  (like “satellite TV”)

–Sin = freely choosing to do something that we know is wrong and against God’s will; we can sin in thought, word, action, or by omission.  (like “rejecting air”)

–Mortal Sin = serious offense that breaks our relationship with God & His grace. (like “holding your breath”)  Requirements are …

1. it must be a grave matter
2. we must know we are sinning
3. we must freely choose to sin

–Venial Sin = a less serious offense that weakens our relationship with God.  (like “smoking”)

–Sacrament of Reconciliation = by confessing mortal sins with a contrite heart to a priest (in persona Christi = in the person of Christ), we are reconciled with God and with the Church, the Body of Christ.  Penance is the whole cycle of conversion, forgiveness and making reparation (repaying any debt) for our sins.  This strengthens us to resist future temptations.

–CONFESSION Procedure …

1. Spend some time reflecting on your actions and do a thorough examination of conscience.
2. Go in the confessional & greet the priest.
3. Make the sign of the cross together.
4. Begin: “Bless me Father for I have sinned.  It has been (time) since my last confession.”
5. Confess your sins.
6. Priest will speak to you and/or share something from Scripture.
7. Priest will give you your penance.
8. You will say the Act of Contrition.
9. Priest will pray the prayer of absolution.
10. Thank the priest & leave confessional.
11. Spend some time doing your penance.

We finished the class by giving examples on their “Christian Service” Journal reflection that is due next time.

sister’s bridal shower

Today is my sister’s first (of 3) bridal showers.

Virtus training re-cert.

Tonight I was at Pace High School for re-certification training of my Virtus Facilitator status. I was trained back in 2003 when the Virtus (Protecting God’s Children) Program was begun here in the Archdiocese of Miami. There have been some changes since and I haven’t facilitated a class in years. This training session is tonight and all day tomorrow.

Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan was present and gave a great introduction about the programs history, importance and full support. The main training was led by Dr Paul Ashton.

CCD hs: St Ignatius + BAPTiSM + PRAY + ARRR + journaling (day 8)

In our high school Confirmation class, today was supposed to be a review of everything to day, but I couldn’t get my handouts run off in time, so I took the cue from the saint presented today and taught on next week’s topic, PRAYER.

St Ignatius of Loyola (16th century;  feast day July 31) injured in battle at age 30. During recovery, he read the life of the saints & responded strongly to a personal call by God.  He was convinced that God could be found in all things, and was guided by an inner peace (“consolation”) that comes from knowing one is doing the will of God.  Developed the “Spiritual Exercises,” a practical guide to live a truly Christian life with prayer & especially devoted to the name of Christ (IHS).  His companions were called the “Company of Jesus,” today called the “Society of Jesus,” or the Jesuits, one of the largest religious communities in the world. Besides the 3 vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, members take a 4^th vow of obedience to the Pope.

Prayer of Self-Offering to God

– by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.  All that I am and all that I possess, You have given me.  I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your Will.  Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.

Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …

• –Pro-create (open to children),
• –Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
• –Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven)

Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.

• BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
• ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
• PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
• THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
• i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
• SORRY – ask of forgiveness
• MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)

The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer

CONTEMPLETIVE prayer — “silent love” — a deep awareness of God’s presence by being alone with God who we know loves us (“centering prayer” helps develop skills)

Steps in prayer … P.R.A.Y.

• PRAISE = God for who He is + thanksgiving
• REPENT = confess + rec forgiveness + change
• ASK = for others + me   (see A.R.R.R.)
• YIELD = be open to God’s voice & His Will

[PRAYER] When your spending time in personal prayer with the Lord, here’s a good outline to follow  . . . . A.R.R.R.

Personal Prayer … A.R.R.R.

• ACKNOWLEDGE –- How’s my life right now? Pay attention to your thought + feelings + desires (“the Big 3”).
• RELATE -– Tell God about ALL “3” honestly.
• RECEIVE -– Quiet your mind, focus on God, & listen to “the Big 3.”  (Discern spirits)
• RESPOND -– do what you NEED to do

–When you have something to talk to the Lord about, process your “Big 3” with this model.

HOMEWORK:

(1) 3 prayer journals — letters to God, (2) Chapter 3 Quiz, (3) Chapter 17 Quiz

the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic

Here is the “Lord’s Prayer” (Our Father) in Aramaic, the language that Jesus spoke.

CCD hs: Old Testament + CCC (day 7)

Today, in our high school Confirmation class, we covered Chapter 3 on Old Testament.  We also included in introduction the the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) with a project assignment (a report or display or collage) based on individually assigned CCC quotes.

St Veronica (“bearer of victory”) wiped the face of Jesus on the road to Calvary.  His image remained on the cloth. Her feast day is July 12, same day as the Holy Face of Jesus.

Interpreting the Bible

• –Literalist
• –Contextualist

“Four Religious Truths” ( 2^nd Creation Story)

• –God is one
• –God planned creation
• –God created everything good
• –God made the Sabbath holy

Sin, Personal Sin, Social Sin, Original Sin

Bible books (p34)

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

• www.usccb.org/catechism/text/
• “CCC #” =  is the paragraph # in the CCC

• –Part 1: CREED (Prof of Faith)
• –Part 2: SACRAMENTS (Celebrate Mystery)
• –Part 3: MORALITY (Life in Christ)
• –Part 4: PRAYER

HOMEWORK:

(1)  handout  “Rays of Hope” Links, and (2) assigned CCC project (report or display)

Planned Parenthood Director Quits After Watching Abortion on Ultrasound

Planned Parenthood Director Quits After Watching Abortion on Ultrasound
Check out this article at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html

Here are some quotes:

Johnson said she became disillusioned with her job after her bosses pressured her for months to increase profits by performing more and more abortions, which cost patients between $505 and $695.

“Every meeting that we had was, ‘We don’t have enough money, we don’t have enough money — we’ve got to keep these abortions coming,’” Johnson told FoxNews.com. “It’s a very lucrative business and that’s why they want to increase numbers.”

…

But Johnson said her bosses told her to change her “priorities” and focus on abortions, which she said made money for the office at a time when the recession has left them hurting.

“For them there’s not a lot of money in education,” she said. “There’s as not as much money in family planning as there is abortion.”

Check out this article at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html

CCD hs: Confirmation Commitment Mass (with Fr Whyte) (day 6)

Today, our high school Confirmation class had a Mass in celebration of their Confirmation Commitment this year.  At one point during Mass, the teens presented Fr Whyte (pastor) with a contract involving their understanding and responsibilities in preparing this year for the sacrament of Confirmation.  It was signed & presented by both teen and parents.

In preparing for Confirmation, I will …

• –attend Mass on Sundays & holy days
• –attend & participate in class
• –pray regularly
• –assume more responsibility for my own faith
• –be involved & journal my Christian service
• –attend any additional activities
• –ask for help from the Blessed Trinity, my family, my sponsor and my friends

CCD hs: Reconciliation catechesis (by Fr Chris Bartos) (day 5)

Today, our high school Confirmation class was asked to help greet, usher & lector for a sacramental catechesis for those preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation.  It was a prayer service mixed with catechesis by Fr Chris Bartos.  Even though about 10 of our kids are also preparing for Reconciliation, their “service” to the parish community is an experience of their “call to service” as they prepare this year to Confirm their faith with their parish family at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

St Max LIFE TEEN

Went to Mass at St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL for their evening LIFE TEEN Mass.

Here is a picture of the teens gathered in front of the alter during consecration.  I know the picture is dark.  During consecration, all the lights are dimmed except the lights over the alter.

Lively homilies and lively music.  — Too much drums … my ears are still ringing.

CCD hs: Faith + Vocations + St Teresa of Avila (day 4)

Opening prayer song reflection, (live crowd) “Amazing Grace” by Paul Oakley

[Book QUIZ] on Chapter 1 (Faith)

St Teresa of Avila – (16^th century mystic Carmelite religious sister, feast Oct 15) as a teen she lost interest in her faith, instead falling in love with boys & chivalry, mother died as a teen, placed in monastery, love of God rekindled, suffered repeated serious illnesses, struggled with prayer, experienced mystical visions of Christ, raptures (joyful unions with God), taught on prayer, “doctor of the Church” (influential writings).

VOCATION = “a call” by God to holiness

”Primary” Vocation … “to be a beloved child to our heavenly Father”

“State of Life” Vocation …

• –Single, Consecrated Single
• –Married (husband/father, wife/mother)
• –Religious sister or brother
• –Priesthood (clergy)

“Service” Vocation … career, ministry, etc.

CCD hs: God Positions + St Francis of Assisi (day 3)

Today, in our high school Confirmation class, Jose covered much of Chapter 1: Light of Faith.  We discussed a story about Tommy, an “atheist in residence,” who wasn’t sure if he’d ever find God.  A priest assured him, “I don’t think you’ll ever find God.  But I’m certain that God will find you.”  It wasn’t until years later when Tommy developed cancer that his quest for God became more fervent.  We realized in times of desperate need, Tommy was looking for a “quick fix” — not for a God to love.  Unless he reached out to God in love, his faith would be short-lived and his spiritual growth negligible.  God is not a 911 number that you call in emergencies.  When we’re lost, how does God find us? God finds us in the sense that God does not give up on us.  Rather, God continually graces us to open our hearts to him as Tommy finally did.

We also clarified, with a chalkboard matching activity, the various “God Positions” that people choose:

• Atheist = denies there is a God
• Agnostic = doesn’t deny or affirm God
• Theist = affirms a personal God
• Deist = affirms impersonal God
• Monotheist = affirms only one God
• Polytheist = affirms many gods

We also had a couple guys (Andy & Principe) introduce themselves and their assigned Saint to present.  The pair presented St Francis of Assisi on a awesome display board.

ASSIGNMENTS: handout + read Chapters 1 & 2 + be ready for quiz

chocolate chip cake

Chocolate Chip Cake … one of Mom’s masterpieces!

Antonio Banderas, a Jesuit priest?

Rented a movie called “The Body” (2001) that I don’t remembering hearing about.  It has Antonio Banderas playing a Jesuit priest, investigating a crucified body found by an archeologist in Jerusalem.  In the spirit of religious conspiracy fiction like The Da Vinci Code (2006), it explores the ramifications of finding the buried body of Jesus for Christianity and Palestinian-Israeli relations.

It could have had a better developed storyline.  It ended too suddenly.  But I especially like the interaction between the Jesuit priest (Banderas) and the Dominican priest.  Personally, I thought the faith of the more mystical Dominican would withstand the challenge.

-- Interesting movie.  Banderas was a pretty convincing Jesuit.

CCD hs: Catholic pop quiz + Saints assignments (day 2)

In our high school Confirmation class (at St Mark’s), Jose & I gave a POP Quiz with 23 questions to see what our kids know to better gauge how much to review.  I didn’t expect much, and wasn’t disappointed.  After introductions and time to fill it out, we went over the first 10 questions in large group discussion.  Here are some of the questions:

1. How many Catholic friends do you have?  (ranged from none to 12 to 1,000 to many)
2. What Catholic tradition do you like?  (sign of the cross, Eucharist, Holy Week, Lent, Christmas, Christmas Novena readings, )
3. What Catholic tradition do you not understand?  (Ash Wed, Halloween)
4. What is the name of the Pastor here?  (only 4 of 24 got it right … not good)
5. Name 3 ministries in this parish.
6. What prayers do we pray in the Rosary?
7. What is the name of the current Pope?  (who’s George III?)
8. What is the Eucharist?
9. Why do we have confession?
10. What do we celebrate on Good Friday?

After some discussion about the questions, we paired up kids and assigned a Saint to present, one per day, with a schedule of presentation.  Great class, quiet but very insightful discussions.  Definitely a great year of catechesis ahead!  Praise God!

ASSIGNMENTS: handouts + write 5 questions you have about your Catholic faith

Dedication of Mary mosaic @ SJVCS

Today, at St John Vianney College Seminary, was the highly anticipated dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea in the one of the chapel gardens around St Raphael Chapel.  Orlando Bishop Wenski celebrated Mass and the blessing and dedication of the new mosaic.  Artist (and seminarian) Peter Dionne (SJVCS class of 2008) was present along with friend, family and supporters of SJVCS.

Also see picture of mosaic conception through completion and prayer of consecration to Mary.

[these pictures taken by Cliff Whitty, a SJVCS seminarian]

prayer of consecration to Mary

† PRAYER OF CONSECRATION †

Most Holy Trinity, Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put St. John Vianney College Seminary into the hands of Mary Immaculate, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, in order that she may present this seminary to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great blessings you have bestowed upon us throughout our fifty years of service. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the local churches we serve. Shower wisdom upon our bishops and all who assist them in their responsibilities of governance. Bestow strength to our seminary administration, faculty, and staff. Grant protection to those here discerning the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Call forth the precious gift of many vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the refugee, the tempted, sinners–on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and consecrate our seminary and ourselves to your immaculate heart. O Sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from degeneration, presumption, and despair. Protect us from all harm. O sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart, be our advocate. Pray for us, the community of St. John Vianney College Seminary, that acting always according to the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God.  Amen.

[this prayer is especially used for today's dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea at SJVCS]

new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea

For the last couple of years, Msgr Michael Carruthers (rector of SJVCS) and Peter Dionne (artist & seminarian, SJVCS class of 2008) have been working on a new mosaic to our Blessed Mother for the chapel gardens.  With today’s dedication of the new mosaic to Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, here are some pictures posted by Fr Michael from mosaic conception through completion.

– Wow!  Beautiful!  Surely our Lady is happy.

Also see dedication ceremony here.

Consecration prayer to Mary here.

CCD hs: parents orientation (day 1)

A local parish, St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, needed catechists for their Religious Education program on Tuesday & Wednesday nights.  Since I go to St Mark’s for Mass occasionally & Wednesday Bible study, I guess I consider it a “2nd home parish,” so I volunteered to help.  I was paired up with Jose A., another former seminarian (3 years in Colombia), who’s very excited about our High School Confirmation class of 24 kids, so far.  Most showed up today with their parents for a large group orientation with the DRE and pastor in the church.  We got to introduce ourselves for about 20 minutes at the end.

– Even though it wasn’t really “planned,” I can already see the blessings that will come from my passion for catechesis being used on Sunday’s at my home parish with 7th graders and here on Tuesday nights with high school teens.

CCD 7th: Intro + prayer “sweet spot”

Today is day 1 of Religious Education (CCD) at my parish.  I’m a catechist for 7th grade Pre-Confirmation class with my aide Donny.  We had 13 of our 17 kids today, with apparently more signing up late as we speak.  A very diverse group from “quiet” to “super-animated.”

We played a classic “get-to-know-you” icebreaker game called “Four Winds Blow.” It’s like musical chairs sitting in a circle.  The person in the middle says 3 things about themselves.  Then they say “Four winds blow to anyone …” (wearing jeans, wearing gym shoes, with blue eyes, wearing glasses, with ears, etc.)  Then everyone that fits the profile needs to get up and get another seat (at least 2 seats over) while the person in the middle tries to get a seat as well.  If you get stuck in the middle 3 time, you need to sing a song of your choice.  The “Alphabet Song” and a Spongebob song were sang.  Lots of fun for all.

I also gave a brief into to the curriculum and talked about finding our “prayer sweet spot” this year.  Using a tennis racket and baseball bat, the kids taught me about finding the “sweet spot” to get the best result out of their uses … although similar for many, everyone has their own sweet spot in the way they play sports.  Well, our prayer life is very similar.  We need to each find what works best for our own individual prayer experience in order to grow.  Some like Scripture, some the Rosary, some praise & worship, some music, some poetry, some adoration, some quiet meditation, etc.  This year, we’ll have different prayer experience in order to help find our own prayer “sweet spot.”

We wrote down the simple Doxology prayer on index cards and will use it this week as a homework prayer experience.  Everyone needs to try praying it at different time, days and ways this week.  Next Sunday, we’ll share what worked and what didn’t.

As we discussed the Doxology prayer, we asked the questions like “What is a creature?  Can a rock praise God?  What’s the difference between angels & humans?  What’s a Holy Ghost?”  — a very vocal and curious group … we’re blessed to be journeying in our faith together!

– I prayed the Doxology during this post.