"Pause by the tabernacle by yourself, for no special reason, even without saying a word, simply remaining in Christ's presence, contemplating the supreme gesture of love contained in the consecrated Bread." Pope John Paul II
Thursday, May 22, 2008
a family meal
There's something really special about sharing a meal with family and friends. As part of our culture, we eat together when we're celebrating an important occasion, or just visiting with someone we love. Jesus often shared special meals with his friends. Many times it was at these meals that he taught the Apostles how to love and told important stories. This also rings true for us today. Recently, the youth group came together to celebrate the confirmation of several of our members. We had a very beautiful and peaceful evening together. We first shared the table of the Word at the Mass where the words of God were proclaimed and opened for us that we might learn how to live a holy Christian life. Then, we were united as we were also fed by Christ's very Body and Blood at the table of the Eucharist, making us one family with Him as our Head. Finally, we came together over dinner, where we told stories, shared all things in common, and celebrated with great joy, the wondrous gifts God has given us. Sounds a little like what the early Christians did shortly after the first coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost......
check it out........
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
You Will be My Witnesses
"You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8
Congratulations to all who have recently been Confirmed! May the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen you and all that God is calling you to do with your lives!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
go out and tell the whole world....
Today, we celebrate St. Bernardine of Siena, a preacher and pastor who devoted his holy life to the service of the poor. Growing up in Italy in the 1300s, he accepted the habit of the Friars Minor. He is known for having risked his life caring for the sick ravaged with plague and for having walked the breadth of Italy preaching and teaching peace. He loved the Holy Name of Jesus. He encouraged people everywhere to practice devotion to the Holy Name and would carry a plaque or later a staff with Jesus' name surrounded by beautiful rays of light for the faithful to venerate.
As young people, we are given the opportunity to follow in St. Bernadine's footsteps. We live in a culture where Jesus' name is not honored, but on the contrary, often slandered and spoken in vain. Yet, by the way we speak, act, dress, play, and live, we can make a difference. Let us ask St. Bernadine to intercede for us, as we learn how to proclaim our love for Jesus' name in a fallen world. Have courage! Do not be afraid!
from-The Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
V. Jesus, Son of the living God,
R. Have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, [etc.]
Jesus, brightness of eternal light.
Jesus, King of glory.
Jesus, sun of justice.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary.
Jesus, most amiable.
Jesus, most admirable.
Jesus, the mighty God.
Jesus, Father of the world to come.
Jesus, angel of great counsel.
Jesus, most powerful.
Jesus, most patient.
Jesus, most obedient.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Jesus, lover of chastity.
Jesus, lover of us.
Jesus, God of peace.
Jesus, author of life.
Jesus, example of virtues.
Jesus, zealous lover of souls.
Jesus, our God.
Jesus, our refuge.
Jesus, father of the poor.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful.
Jesus, good Shepherd.
Jesus, true light.
Jesus, eternal wisdom.
V. Be merciful,
R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Be merciful,
R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
St. Bernardine, Pray for us!
Monday, May 19, 2008
A Walk to Remember
On Saturday, May 17th, 24 pilgrims walked to St. Mary's church in Rockville, to ask our Lady's intercession for the pilgrimage to Sydney, Australia that we are preparing for in July. We had a wonderful time carrying our seven foot cross down busy 355. Our group provided witness to the hundreds of people who drove by in cars, several waving and honking.One of our members also made a large styrofoam rosary which father blessed when we arrived.
Once at St. Mary's we participated in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where we prayed for friends, family, our parish, and all the suffering in the world.
At the beginning of the trip, each pilgrim shared petitions and names of their friends and loved ones for whom they walked and prayed. Of course, a true youth group activity wouldn't be complete without lunch and football.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Priest Can Dance!
National Cathoic Youth Conference
Just a cool video from Youtube...Enjoy!
hotdog anyone?
Hotdog sales are going strong. Stop by after Sunday Mass for a delicious hotdog and some fun!
All proceeds are going to help our teens get to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia this July.
Steubenville Retreat 2008
Franciscan University
High School Youth Conference
When: June 20th- 22nd 2008
Where: Steubenville, Ohio
Who: All High School Youth
Cost: $240.00
We will be taking a bus to the conference. Space is limited. This is a very popular retreat so make sure you register early! The retreat is expensive but financial reasons should not keep any young person from attending. We have some scholarship funds so make sure you contact us soon!
Here are a few things you should know:
Leaving on Friday, June 20th- Please arrive at 8:00am and load your belongings on the bus at the Fr. Meyer House. We will all attend the 9:00am Mass together in the church. The bus will leave promptly at 9:45am.
Leaving Franciscan University on Sunday, June 22nd - Pick up time is 9:00pm in the Fr. Meyer Field. This is subject to change with traffic.
What to bring:
- An open heart
-casual, modest clothing
-toiletries
-a sleeping bag and pillow
-any medications you need
-Bible, rosary, and prayer materials
-small amount of cash for lunch on Friday and Sunday
What NOT to bring:
- drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated. Your parents will be notified immediately and you will be sent home at their expense.
-cell phones, ipods, cd players, etc.
- tank tops, short shorts, short skirts, or immodest clothing of any type, If you are caught wearing something inappropriate at the retreat, you will be asked to change clothes or put something on over top.
Registration packets are available at the parish office during business hours. Remember to register early!
may crowning
It's that time of year again; sunshine, spring rains, and beautiful flowers. May is also the month of Mary. Many parishes and schools will take a special moment to honor the Mother of Jesus by adorning Marian statues with crowns of spring flowers. This outer action of placing a beautiful and sweet crown on Our Lady's head should be a sign of the inner love we have for her. Take some time this month to think and pray about the wondrous gift God has given us in Our Lady. Mother's Day is this Sunday, perhaps it would be the perfect day to crown Our Lady the Mother and Queen of your heart.
Mother Teresa on suffering
Suffering will never be completely absent from our lives. If we accept it with faith, we are given the opportunity to share the passion of Jesus and show him our love. One day I went to visit a lady who had terminal cancer. Her pain was tremendous. I told her, "This is nothing but Jesus' kiss, a sign that you are so close to him on the cross that he can kiss you."
She joined her hands and said, "Mother, ask Jesus not to stop kissing me."
Monday, May 5, 2008
truth behind the shades
I stumbled across this excellent site promoting the priesthood. The images and posters were created by Melissa Scarlett. Check it out at www.truescarlett.com
For more information about the holy priesthood or religious life visit www.vocation.com.
top ten reason to be confirmed
By Charlie Cantrell
10. Once you're confirmed, you can say things like, "Don't make me call down the Holy Spirit on you."
9. All the graces and powers given to you by the virtue of your baptism will be unleashed.
8. All the holy kids are doing it.
7. The gifts you receive from the Holy Spirit on your confirmation day are among the greatest gifts you'll ever receive.
6. The chrism oil is good for your complexion.
5. Who doesn't need a little more grace in their life?
4. If you don't like your name, you get a new one, like St. Philomena.
3. When you pray, you'll shake the walls till the beat don't stop.
2. It's cheaper than getting a tattoo and lasts longer.
1. All the best people recommend it- Jesus, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the Apostles, the pope, the saints, your grandmother.
Friday, May 2, 2008
next Friday we're going to a basketball game
We will not have youth group at the Fr. Meyer House on May 9th. Instead, we will meet at 7pm at Watkins Mill High School for a basketball game between the DC Hoods ( a team of priests and seminarians) and some local talent from St. John's and Mother Seton.
Free basketball, Free Food, Free Games! You don't want to miss it!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Days in the Diocese- Bathurst NSW
Ok. So when we're in Australia, for WYD we will be spending our first week in Bathurst, about 200 km outside of Sydney. They have created a pretty fantastic youth website which tells all about it. Click here http://www.wydbathurst.org.au/ for more information.
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