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FEAST Resource Page 2010 - 2011 |
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Welcome Feast Goers! Here you will find materials to help you prepare for each FEAST and to continue to explore afterwards |
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FEAST October 11 & 12, 2009 Worship–Not Just for Sundays Anymore! Scripture For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. ~~Matthew 18:20 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~~Colossians 3:17 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. ~~Matthew 6:6 Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ~~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Quotes & Thoughts Some reflections on the terms “worship” and “liturgy” as they apply to the focus on domestic church: These two terms, “worship” and “liturgy,” are both legitimate terms in a Catholic vocabulary. Yet, they are often used in ways that make them seem either interchangeable, or as if one replaces the other, or even too limited. Let me explain. Worship is a form of prayer that places the person (or persons) in a posture of praise, glorification, or any sort of exaltation of God. Worship can be carried out by an individual, alone and privately, or by a number of persons, together and communally. Liturgy is worship but ALWAYS involves a number of persons together and communally. So, it is correct to say that liturgy is public worship. In that sense the two terms are “interchangeable,” but not fully. Liturgy is not another word for worship, it is a particular kind of worship: worship done by an assembly of people no part of which is private. So, worship is the broader term, and liturgy is the more specific term. So, the Mass is worship that is liturgy, or “liturgical worship.” Likewise, if there is one person, or there are even a group of people, in a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and the person, or all the persons, are involved in private devotional prayer, this is worship but not liturgical worship. If one person began to lead the group in a more formal set of ritual prayers – such as Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament that engages the group in a ritual they are carrying out together (not just doing privately at the same time in the same place together) – it becomes worship that is liturgy. So, most of the time, liturgy describes a ritual where someone leads the group in communal prayer, action, singing, etc. One way that “liturgy” has come into our vocabulary in a way that is too limited is by calling the Mass “the liturgy,” as if the Mass alone is liturgy. This is a common practice, and is okay as long as people realize that the Marriage Rite, even when it doesn’t involve Mass, is also a liturgy. When a penitent celebrates the Rite of Reconciliation with the priest or an Anointing of the Sick takes place in a hospital or in the home of the sick person, these are all liturgy because they involve people in something that is personal (touches them personally) but is not private (because it engages all the people present in a common action of worship). Inviting people to worship at home is not nearly the same thing, then, as inviting them to carry out liturgy in their home. It’s not uncommon for people to worship at home – that is, to use private forms of prayer that give praise, glory, etc. Reciting the rosary, a novena, or even praying with the bible can all be what we would call “domestic worship.” It is quite another thing for us to ask people to gather together at home to pray as a domestic church. In this case, they are carrying out a prayer together that engages them in one another’s prayer with a ritual that they are experiencing/doing as a common action. This is what would we would mean by “domestic liturgy.” Inviting people, resourcing them, assisting them to make that kind of worship part of their domestic church life – that is a very different challenge! Some examples of domestic worship that is liturgy would be • an evening ritual where people sign each other with the cross and pray for each other to be kept safe during the night • praying together before the family travels togetheror as they go off each to their own directions in the morning We are not saying that non-liturgical worship is wrong, outdated, or anything like that. An example of domestic worship that is not liturgy but wonderful in its own right would be a place in the home where pictures of deceased relatives are displayed with a short prayer displayed as well – all in a place that is in the open making it a “house habit.” Each time you pass by these pictures, say that prayer silently or out loud. It could be something as simple as, “Jesus, keep them in your arms until we are all in each other’s arms again.” Another example I’m reminded of from my childhood is whenever we handled bread at home, prior to eating it we would first put it to our lips in a “kiss” – a gesture to remind us of the Eucharist – and to say that all bread has a certain holiness because of the bread that Jesus uses to become food for us. Neither of these would be liturgy, but both could be beautiful forms of domestic worship. ~~Rev. Pasquale J Apuzzo, Pastor, St. Gabriel Church "Parable of the Stone Cutters" by Psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli A great Italian psychiatrist, Roberto Assagioli. wrote a parable about interviewing three stonecutters building a cathedral in the 14th century. The effect of their sense of personal meaning on the experience of their work is the same as the effect that meaning has for us today.... When Dr. Assagioli asks the first stonecutter what he is doing, the man replies with bitterness that he is cutting stones into blocks, a foot by a foot by three quarters of a foot. With frustration, he describes a life in which he has done this over and over, and will continue to do it until he dies. The second stonecutter is also cutting stones into blocks, a foot by a foot by three quarters of a foot, but he replies in a somewhat different way. With warmth, he tells the interviewer that he is earning a living for his beloved family; through this work his children have clothes and food to grow strong, he and his wife have a home which they have filled with love. But it is the third man whose response gives us pause. In a joyous voice, he tells us of the privilege of participating in the building of this great cathedral, so strong that it will stand as a holy lighthouse for a thousand years. The important thing in this parable is that all three of the expert stonecutters are doing the same repetitive physical task. Finding meaning in a familiar task often allows us to go beyond this and find in the most routine tasks a deep sense of joy and even gratitude. ~~From "Recapturing the Soul of Medicine" by Rachel Remen, Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the UCSF School of Medicine) "Restoring a Sense of Service" “The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new vistas, but in having new eyes.” ~~Proust ....Harry, an emergency physician, tells a story about a woman who was brought into his emergency department about to give birth. As soon as he examined her, he realized that unless her obstetrician was already on his way, he was going to get to deliver this baby himself. He had barely finished his examination when the head crowned, and with nurses on either side of him holding the mother's legs on their shoulders, Harry delivered a little girl. She was breathing spontaneously, and he felt a familiar sense of satisfaction at his own competence. He laid her along his left forearm with the back of her head in his left hand and began to suction her nose and mouth. Suddenly the infant opened her eyes and looked directly at him. In that instant, Harry realized that he was the first human being this baby girl had ever seen. Deeply moved, he felt his heart go out to her in welcome from all people everywhere, and for a moment he had tears in his eyes. All this surprised him. Harry has delivered many babies and has always enjoyed the excitement of making rapid decisions and testing his skills. But he had never before let himself experience the meaning of what he was doing or let himself know what he was serving with his expertise. He feels changed by this moment. In that flash of recognition, he felt years of cynicism and fatigue fall away and remembered why he had chosen this work in the first place. As he put it, “It all suddenly seemed worth it.” ~~From "Recapturing the Soul of Medicine" by Rachel Remen, Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the UCSF School of Medicine Music "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" by Brian Doerksen Come, now is the time to worship. Come, now is the time to give your heart. Come, just as you are to worship. Come, just as you are before your God. Come (Spoken: One day) One day ev'ry tongue will confess You are God. One day ev'ry knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for those, Who gladly choose you now.... Godspell's "Day by Day" by Stephen Schwartz Day by day. Day by day. Oh Dear Lord Three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly day by day.... Resources http://www.biblegateway.com/ (New American Standard Bible) http://www.rachelremen.com/recapturing.html (Recapturing the Soul of Medicine) "Understanding Worship and Liturgy" (Rev. Pasquale J. Apuzzo, Pastor, St. Gabriel Catholic Church)
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FEAST November 22 & 23, 2009 Eucharist: The Table and Beyond Scripture The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. ~~1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~~Colossians 3:16-18 Quotes & Thoughts We experience, at least for the moment, that it is not we who live, but Christ who lives within us. ~~Richard Fragomeni The Body of Christ From the Catholic Update: Theologian Nathan Mitchell writes: The Body of Christ offered in consecrated bread and wine is not something, but someone… The ultimate intent of celebrating Eucharist is not to produce the sacred species for purposes of reservation and adoration, but to create the united body of Christ which is the Church. The Body of Christ is not only on the table, but at the table and around the table. We do not come to the Eucharist simply as isolated individuals, but rather as persons who are members of a community, as persons who are the Body of Christ. The Eucharist is not just Jesus with me, but Jesus with us and all of us with one another. We are Christ’s body in the world God created, 24 hours a day. We gather together in worship not to “refuel” lives devoid of grace, but because we need to celebrate all the grace-filled moments of our lives, which are so easily overlooked or ignored. We gather at Eucharist to be challenged to deeper awareness of what God is doing in our lives, in this world, all week long. St. Augustine said, “If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament which is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. To that which you are, you respond, ‘Amen’ (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. For you hear the words, ‘The Body of Christ’ and respond, ‘Amen.’ Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true.” Eucharistic Prayer We know there are different versions, but here is one to give us the basic structure…. GIVING PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING: Father, it is our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Word through whom you made the universe, the Savior you sent to redeem us. By the power of the Holy Spirit he became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. For our sake he opened his arms on the cross; he put an end to death and revealed the resurrection. In this he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people. And so we join the angels and saints in proclaiming your glory.... SONG OF PRAISE: Holy Holy CALLING UPON THE HOLY SPIRIT: Lord, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness. Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. INSTITUTION NARRATIVE--THE WORDS OF JESUS: Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take this, all of you, and eat it; this is my body which will be given up for you." When the supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples, and said, "Take this, all of you, and drink from it; this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me." MEMORIAL ACCLAIMATION: Our response to these truths REMEMBRANCE, OFFERING, INTERCESSIONS: In memory of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Father, this life-giving bread, this saving cup. We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit. Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together with Benedict, our Pope, Francis, our bishop, and all the clergy. Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence. Have mercy on us all; make us worthy to share eternal life with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with the apostles, and with all the saints who have done your will throughout the ages. May we praise you in union with them, and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN: Our acknowledgement of these truths Resources http://www.biblegateway.com/ (New American Standard Bible)
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FEAST January 31 & February 1, 2010 (Cancelled - Snowstorn) [to top] |
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FEAST FEAST March 14 & 15, 2010
The Prayer Factor Scriptures For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. ~~Matthew 18:20 Be still and know I am God.~~Psalm 46:10 Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire. Commit your way to the Lord; trust that God will act and make your integrity shine like the dawn, your vindication like noonday. Be still before the LORD; wait for God.~~Psalm 37:4-7b Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.~~Phillipians 4:6-7 Quotes Silence is God's first language.~~ St. John of the Cross, 16th-century mystic Prayer is not a convenient device for imposing our will on God, or for bending his will to ours, but the prescribed way of subordinating our will to his. It is by prayer that we seek God's will, embrace it and align ourselves with it. Every true prayer is a variation on the theme ‘your will be done.’~~John R. W. Stott Sacred silence, holy ocean, gentle water washing over me. Help me listen, Holy Spirit, come and speak to me....~~Tom Booth (refrain is used during the feast as well as during our benedictions as a taize form of prayer in which refrain is repeated over and over again numerous times) Some Forms of Prayer Singing; Contemplative; Meditative; Taize; Group Praying Why We Pray Adoration, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving Think of the acronym GIFT: Giving thanks; Identifying needs; Forgiving and being forgiven; Thinking of others Resources http://www.biblegateway.com/ (Although occasional references to other Bible formats are made, the New American Standard Bible format is primarily used because the translation is closest to the original language) A Well-Built Faith by Joe Paprocki (book) Fiddler on the Roof (musical) The Letters of John by John R. W. Stott, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), p.188. (book) Let Us Pray by Steven Curtis Chapman (song) Sacred Silence by Tom Booth (song) Word of God Speak by Mercy Me (song) [to top] |
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FEAST Oct 10 & 11, 2010 Can you hear me now? READING LIST Surprised By Joy - C. S. Lewis The Seven Storey Mountain - Thomas Merton The Confessions - St. Augustine Soul Sisters: Women in Scripture Speak to Women Today - Edwina Gately Soul Brothers: Men in the Bible Speak to Men Today - Richard Rohr 8 Spiritual Heroes: Their Search for God - Brennan Hill It Is I Who Have Chosen You - Judie Brown My Spirit Rejoices: The Diary of a Christian Soul in an Age of Unbelief - Elisabeth Leseur Something Beautiful for God- Malcolm Muggeridge Under Her Wings: Spiritual Guidance from Women Saints - Kathy Bence Spiritual Pilgrims: Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila - John Welch
2. Genesis 22;1-12 Sacrifice your Isaac. 3. Exodus 3:1-14 Call of Moses. 4. Exodus 4:10-17 Moses protests, God insists. 5. Judges 6:11-40 Call of Gideon; he asks for a sign. 6. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Call of Samuel. 7. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 God chooses David as King. 8. 11 Kings 2:1-14 Elijah and Elisha. 9. Psalm 16 The Lord, my alloted portion and my cup. 10. Psalm 24:3-6 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? 11. Psalm 40:7-9 Behold, I come to do your will. 12. Proverbs 1:20-33 Respond to the call of Wisdom. 13. Proverbs 2:1-11 Respond to the call of Wisdom. 14. Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart. 15. Song of Songs 2:10-13 Arise, my love, my beautiful one and come. 16. Isaiah 6:1-8 Call of Isaiah. 17. Jeremiah 1:4-10 Call of Jeremiah. 18. Jeremiah 15:10-21 Jeremiah's complaint to the Lord. 19. Jeremiah 20:7-18 You duped me. 20. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Vision of the dy bones. 21. Amos 7:12-15 Call of Amos. 22. Jonah 1:1-5, 2:1-2 Call of Jonah. 23. Matthew 8:18-22 Give up everything to follow the call of Christ. 24. Matthew 9:9-13 Call of Matthew. 25. Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me all you who are weary. 26. Matthew 18:1-4 Unless you change and become like little children. 27. Luke 1:5-25 Call of Zechariah. 28. Luke 1:26-38 Call of Mary. 29. Luke 5:1-11 Call of the first disciples. 30. Luke 6:12-16 Choice of The Twelve. 31. Luke 13:1-5 Calls to Penance. 32. John 1:35-51 Call of the first disciples. 33. Acts 9:1-19 Call of Paul. 34. Acts 22.5-16 Call of Paul. 35. Acts 26:1-23 Call of Paul. 36. Acts 11:19-26 Call of Paul and Barnabas to go to the Gentiles. 37. Galatians 5:13-14 Called to the freedom of love. 38. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Different calls, different gifts and ministries. 39. Revelation 3:20 I stand at the door and knock. *From "Scripture Themes Texts for Meditation and Study" Compiled by Msgr. Chester P. Michael August 1981, Copyright The Open Door, Inc. , Charlottesville, VA, 22902
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October 8, 2010
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