LENTEN CYBER RETREAT - WEEK II (3/16)
Lent Week II - Confirmation
http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/index.html#342
Overall Petition for the Cyber Retreat
That faithful sharing in the Sacramental Life of the Church may form us all to be a clear witness of the truth of the Gospel and of the power of the Spirit of Jesus to bring light and healing to our world.
Overall Theme: Living the Sacramental Life in order to open to God’s Healing Mercy
Focus on the Sacrament: Confirmation
Image of St. Joseph: The Silence of Joseph
Joseph is famous for being a man of few words. Like his Old Testament namesake, he was a dreamer, but he did not say anything to upset anyone. In fact, he simply did what he was told: He took Mary, his wife, into his home. He went to Bethlehem at the command of the Roman authorities. He took the Child and His mother to safety in Egypt, and then returned to Nazareth to keep them safe. He and Mary quietly fulfilled the Law of Moses at the Temple. Yet, all that Joseph did speaks volumes to us. His example reminds us that cooperation with God’s Plan is best for everyone. Jesus mirrors the Silence of Joseph through His hidden years in Nazareth.
Petition Week II – That our understanding of the Living Presence of Jesus in our encounter with Him in the Sacraments may free us to approach them with eager longing.
Questions to consider:
How do the Sacraments form me as a witness to the Gospel?
What new insights do the Sacraments offer me as I seek to know God better?
Where do I experience healing in the Sacraments?
Who is waiting for my invitation to share the Sacramental Life of the Church?
What new commitment is the Lord asking of me through the Sacraments I live?
How do the witness of St. Joseph and model of the Holy Family encourage me to persevere?
What Mystery of the Rosary touches me in a particular way this week?
Resources for Lent from the US Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/
Pope Francis’ Lenten Message: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-message-for-lent-2017/
Lent Sunday II: March 16, 2017 - Year A Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031614.cfm
The Penitential Scrutiny opens up the grace of Baptism
Those who have been baptized in other Christian Communions who are seeking Full Communion in the Catholic Church experience the Penitential Scrutiny as a moment of grace where the Christian Community acknowledges their oneness with us through Baptism and prays for their openness to the healing touch of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All are called to Penance in order to be free to celebrate the full joy of Easter.
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/index.cfm
3/13 Monday: The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation, Visitation and Birth of Jesus speak to us of Mary’s response to God’s grace. Mercy is received for the human race in its fullness and she shares it with the world.
3/14 Tuesday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar and the Crowning with Thorns point to the willingness of Jesus to do His Father’s Will, whatever the cost, and of our rejection of Him through sin.
3/15 Wednesday: The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection, the Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit show us the power of God to raise our human nature to a sharing in His Glory.
3/16 Thursday: The Luminous Mysteries (The Mysteries of Light)
The Baptism of the Lord, the Wedding Feast of Cana, the Proclamation of the Gospel and the Call to Conversion, the Transfiguration and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper show us the way in which Jesus revealed the Sacramental Life He has given to the Church. Divine Life is shared in human experiences.
3/17 Friday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Carrying of the Cross and the Crucifixion bring to conclusion Jesus’ full embrace of our human experience. We are invited to imitate Him as we experience our own burdens and sufferings in the earthly journey.
Abstinence from meat with the whole Church. Reflect on the holiness to which you are called. Participate in a Lenten Fish Fry and the Stations of the Cross or other devotions for Lent.
3/18 Saturday: The Joyful Mysteries
The Presentation of Jesus and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple both show the importance of bringing our children into an awareness of their relationship with God.
3/19 Sunday: The Glorious Mysteries
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth make known to us that we are already sharers in the Divine Life that will be ours in Eternity. Mary is our Mother in the order of Grace. She prompts us to open our hearts to her Son.
Worship with the community. Pray for the Candidates as they experience the First Scrutiny.