And for a narrative of what happened, check out this link.

You probably would not have noticed, but the image that was placed in The Book of the Elect, the book that Ben and Hannah signed on the First Sunday of Lent  for the Rite of Election was the image of the Samaritan Woman at the well.

ValLimar Jansen, a gifted story-teller and musician, does a wonderful rendition of retelling this Story, which is the Gospel Reading for the First Scrutiny. Below is a video of one such performance. (She also has visited Christ the Redeemer twice, and she is a not to be missed talented performer and minister.)

This Story is much better in person, but this video will have to do.

At our last meeting we were talking about the Sunday Readings for Feb. 9, 2014. Various people mentioned that the FIRST READING by ISAIAH called to mind Jesus' teachings of the BEATITUDES (also referred to as the Sermon on the Mount) in Matthew's Gospel. But I also mentioned that I thought it more directly sounded like the Corporal Works of Mercy.

What do you think?  Click on the links and leave your comments below.

• The Sunday Readings for Feb. 9, 2014
• The Beatitudes
• The Corporal Works of Mercy
  

And just for kicks, here's the video from Monty Python's THE LIFE OF BRIAN

Since our time during Advent has already been less than normal, I offer this first of a series of Advent reflections that are available on line and will continue throughout Advent. This video is presented by Joe Paprocki, D.Min. We will begin reading one of his books soon.

I appreciate it if you watch this video and offer your comments for discussion.
If you want to hear the Crosy, Still, and Nash song mentioned you can click here: http://youtu.be/nP0VBB7BO64

BEN suggested this short video might be create a good discussion for our group.
You can view it here and offer comments. And we might also take a look at at our next meeting.

I wrote this article a few years ago around this same period of time. I invite you to read it and then reflect upon some of the questions listed below.
Use the comment section to offer some of your own thoughts after reading the article.

Article: Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Catholics (click to read)

It was a pleasure getting to know each of you through this preparation process. I was delighted to experience the strong camaraderie and group cohesion. This was the first group in awhile to meet regularly during the process and to continue onward from the Easter Vigil celebration all the way through to Pentecost.
Fr. Patrick commented positively on the group cohesion he was able to witness at our last gathering together.
Please feel free to drop a line via email, or to greet each other at our many mass celebrations. Lora and I will also do our best to develop other activities for the parish as a whole with your needs in mind.
We talked about possibly having some kind of Catholic Movie Night. I also invite you to consider helping out as an Usher, or perhaps as a Lector or Eucharistic Minister in the future.
Thanks very much for all your kind words and gifts. I appreciate your questions which also helped me to grow as a Catholic. Please continue to be present and available, since there will be others like you who will come to our parish looking to "become catholic."
Below are two things:
the Reading List that was distributed (with one additional website added). and
the backpage article from the Sunday Bulletin following the Easter Vigil
Blessings!

"Did dinosaurs live around the same time as Adam & Eve because my friends were making up stories that they did..."

My 6 1/2 year old daughter asked me this question the other day. How would you go about answering her question. Note that a simple YES or NO is not enough. You would have to explain WHY and anticipate any follow up questions.

Please be prepared to answer this next week. You may put your comments here for me to reply to help you think this through.

UPDATED WITH CORRECT STUDY GUIDE
Below is the Study Guide for Chapter 14: Works of Mercy and Social Justice.
NOTE: We skipped Chapter 13. You can go ahead and read it and ask questions about it, but I won't provide a Study Guide for that chapter.

Chapter 14:  Tuck-Pointing, Painting and Siding: Works of Mercy and Social Justice

1.      What is the metaphor Paprocki uses for this chapter?
2.      What do you make of the Faith vs. Works “debate.”
3.      Take a look at the parish bulletin or other church activities. What examples of Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy do you find there or are you familiar with doing yourself?
4.      How would you explain Social Justice?
5.      What examples of activities that follow Catholic Social Teaching do you find in our church or on the news, or in your own lives? What questions do you have about Catholic Social Teaching themes?

6.      Under “So What”? Paprocki concentrates on SOLIDARITY. Why is solidarity so important?

Below is a highlights reel of celebrations by Pope Francis in Rome over Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. Although celebrated very far away from our parish, perhaps the video will spark some memories of our own celebrations here at Christ the Redeemer. It may help remind you of what we did in communion with the whole church on these very important days.