God Calling

the shepherd’s flock

Seeking truth is for the brave…

I’m not a scholar. I’m a simple wife, mom and writer with an unshakable love for Jesus and His Catholic Church. I’ve a desire to help others discover the same. Jesus’ flock is scattered. Here is my attempt at helping it back to ‘one’.

“For thus saith the Lord God: Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them. As the shepherd visited his flock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will visit my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:11-12

“At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf catcheth and scattereth the sheep: and the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling, and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me, as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for My sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.” John 10:11-16

WHOSE VIEW?

My college Art professor had us design a 12” x 12” expression of the afterlife for our final class assignment. Confidently obtaining a piece of cardboard, I covered it with quilt batting then bright, yellowy-orange fabric and added a piece of white lace in the middle, representing ‘God’.

A week later after volunteering to be the first student to display my vision, twenty other students ranging in age from eighteen to eighty presented their views as well. My jaw dropped. Ninety percent of them revealed pictures of outer space, a black canvas, or sadly, nothing at all. Such a dark perspective was incomprehensible to me.

a transformation

Pondering the intricate systems of this incredible universe reaching to the smallest atom, or the fact that our bodies aren’t plugged into anything yet we can breathe, think, feel and move while our heart beats 24/7 with every system in our bodies perfectly ordered, I can’t find any explanation but an all-powerful, supreme being, which we call… ‘God’.

This all-knowing, life-giving God, made you. He formed you with His hands in His image and likeness, because He loves you.

“The very hairs on your head are all numbered…” Matthew 10:30. “ I have called you by name: you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1.“…you are glorious: I have loved you…Fear not, for I am with you…” Isaiah 43:4.

God created you to share you with the world, and He has a special place for you to return to Him in Heaven.

seeking him

Without God our lives end when we die.

But with God, His hope lights a flame in our hearts.

A well known song puts it this way…”It only takes a spark, to get a fire going, and soon all those around, can warm up to its glowing—that’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love, to everyone- you want to pass it on.”

And the flame begins a journey, because…

…when you decide to love someone, you learn and study everything about them. You pay close attention to what they like and dislike and how you can make them happy in every way. You’re quick to do whatever you are asked. You love and serve your beloved and you’re certain of their love in return. Your love will last a life-time.

finding him

The Bible is God’s story. Opening the pages of God’s book teaches us who He is, how to love Him, and guides us back to His Home. “It is a lamp unto thy path…” Psalm 119:105.

Like fitting a puzzle, the scriptures point the way.

I’ll quote the Douay Rheims Bible here, http://drbo.org, because it’s the first and most accurate English translation from the original Latin Vulgate Bible written by Saint Jerome.

The Bible is divided into the Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament starts like this…

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. Then God’s love over-flowed to create a man whom He called Adam. Next God made a helpmate for Adam, named Eve, to abide with him in God’s most beautiful garden. Free-will gave the two a choice to return God’s love to Him, or disregard it. Adam and Eve chose to sin instead of return God’s love, so being a just God, He locked them away from His garden to inhabit the rest of the earth.

Soon people started to multiply and those who chose to love and worship God were His Church. God spoke to His Church in the Old Testament and gave them 10 Commandments to live by. But our wise and loving God wouldn’t leave His people separated from Him forever, so the Old Testament prophets prophesied that God Himself would come to His people one day to open the gates of Heaven. His Church waited 2000 years for His return.

god’s son

Finally, God did come to save His people in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

The word Emmanuel means ‘God with us’, because Jesus and God are One. Our Emmanuel, Jesus, sacrificed Himself for man’s sin by suffering and dying on a cross to unlock Heaven’s Gate.

The New Testament of the Bible starts with stories of Jesus life where He teaches us how to return to God in Heaven.

“In the beginning was The Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkeness.” John 1:1-2

one family

God’s church of the Old Testament became His family when Jesus was conceived.

“And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:34

God, the King of Heaven, is our Father. The Virgin Mary, being the spouse of God through the Holy Ghost, is the Queen of Heaven, our Mother. Their Son, Jesus, is the “Prince of Peace,” Isaiah 9:6, our Brother. The love flowing between the Father and the Son is the Holy Ghost. All intertwined are a family.

“For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.” Isais 9:16

jesus

Jesus was born in a humble stable and led a quiet life at home until He was thirty. Then He preformed miracles proving He was the Messiah. He preached about love and forgiveness, and about His Father, God:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you…Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom…a treasure in heaven which faileth not. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:3

“Jesus saith to him : I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“Opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble):for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek (patient, long-suffering, resigned, gentle, mild, not arrogant or prideful): for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven…” Matthew 5:1

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37

“And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.” Matt 26:26-28

“ He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread Which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day…For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the bread that came down from heaven.” John 6:46-61

“Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; is not puffed up; in not ambitious (proud), seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity (evil), but rejoiceth with the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away…” 1 Corinthians 13:4

“…Be you therefore perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Jesus taught us many disciplines of the heart to get to Heaven.

But there were some who hated Him, so they crucified Him. He suffered and died on a cross as a sacrifice for the sins of His people.

But He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven!

his church continues

After Jesus rose, God’s Church gathered daily. They sang, prayed, were taught and the apostles broke bread together with them as Jesus had directed.

“And they were persevering in the doctrine of the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Ephesians 4:3-5 says, “Carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

This one Church has continued together. Although it’s grown with many churches being built to accommodate the multitudes, the Church has remained faithful to the teachings of Jesus, persevering the doctrines and trusting the Holy Ghost to guide it through storms until the end…

“Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20.“Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17.

one, holy catholic, apotostolic

  • One–means God established only one Church.
  • Holy– means consecrated to God.
  • Catholic–The word simply means ‘universal’. Universal means reaching to the ends of the earth.
    • “…Going therefore, teach ye all nations…” Matthew 28:19
  • Apostolic– means being traced back to apostles and being founded on their teachings. Priests and bishops have the ‘laying on of hands’ meaning traced back to the apostles.
    • “And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: “All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” Matthew 28:16-20

holy mass

Holy Mass is the daily breaking of bread as Jesus taught us wrapped in prayer and hymns as the apostles and followers did. It is the perfect prayer union with God and the central point of our Catholic faith.

“And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Mass Today…

Catholic Churches house the new ‘Ark of the Covenant’ since Jesus lives in the Holy Eucharist found in the Tabernacle there. When entering God’s Church we are drawn to adore His Presence.

As the mystery of the Mass unfolds, we beg Jesus to forgive our sins. “Lord have mercy”.

Then we listen to Jesus as He teaches us from the Old and New Testament, through the priest.

Next we go with Him to the Last Supper table to offer our hearts with bread and wine to God. “…All that I am, all that I do, I’ll that I’ll ever make I offer now to You…”

After this, while kneeing, in our hearts we climb the difficult steps to Calvary with Jesus where He will be sacrificed as the Lamb of God for the sins we have committed. As we ascend we pray for the Church, ourselves, our loved ones and our special intentions, while we envision all the Angels and Saints filling the church.

Then in an awesome miracle, the Consecration, Jesus is sacrificed and instantly the almighty, powerful Son of God comes down from Heaven to hide Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the bread and wine now changed into Himself.

Finally, as believers, we approach the altar and receive Him into our bodies to touch and embrace Him physically. He loves, heals, comforts and shines through us. He strengthens us to live out the gospel message of serving our neighbor physically and spiritually.

“Our God is not a distance God. He’s living and physically present to us in the Catholic Church!”

sacraments

God gave us Seven gifts found in the Bible called Sacraments. Sacraments are visible signs that give us grace and make us stronger to become more like Jesus. They are:

  • BAPTISM washes away the Original Sin from the Garden that cut us off from God and left a black stain on our souls. When it is washed away we become children of God.
    • …He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16
    • “Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19
    • Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38
  • PENANCE– Jesus gave His apostles power to forgive the sins we have committed after our baptism, by breathing on the Apostles saying..
    • “Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” John 20:20
  • HOLY EUCHARIST– In the Holy Eucharist the almighty and powerful Son of God, Jesus, comes down from Heaven to touch us. He hides His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in simple bread and wine to enter inside us to love, heal, comfort and shine through us.
  • CONFIRMATION – Through the laying on of hands by a Bishop in this Sacrament, we’re filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We’re given courage and wisdom for our journey.
    • “When the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them were all filled with the Holy Ghost…” Acts 2:1“
    • ` “… the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, astity” Galatians 5:22
  • MARRIAGE – In the Book of Genesis, God creates man and woman in His image and blesses their union, commanding them to “be fruitful and multiply.” Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred covenant — a reflection of His own eternal love and commitment.
    • “Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh.” Genesis 2:24.
  • HOLY ORDERS– Like the apostles, men can be called by God to serve as priests. This is the sacrament of HOLY ORDERS.
    • “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16
  • EXTREME UNCTION(ANNOINTING OF THE SICK) is where we are blessed and have graces poured on us if we’re very sick or right before we die. These are prayers of faith where we confess our sins then the Priest forgives them and God embraces us in Holy Communion.
    • “Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.” James 5:14

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT, CHURCH MILITANT, CHURCH SUFFERING

The Saints who are already perfect and with God in Heaven are the Church Triumphant. We here on earth who have been baptized and are working toward Heaven are the Church Militant. Those souls who were baptized and have already passed, but were not yet ‘perfect’ before they died so are waiting to go to Heaven, are the Church Suffering. These three plus the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Heaven, pray as a family for the Church Suffering to reach God in Heaven. It’s an incredibly powerful army whose prayers can fight any battle, soothe any pain and bring peace.

“The Other Side”, by Michael Brown, recounts near death experiences: soon after we die we’ll enter a blinding light we will recognize as God. A panoramic view of our life will flash before us. All our thoughts, words, actions and faults will be visible. If we we’re ‘perfect’ we’ll know in an instant whether we’re ready to meet God. Did we know, love and serve Him before we died?

What happens if we’re not ready to meet God? That’s what Purgatory is. It’s a place of purging, like a waiting room where we become purified before entering God’s presence. The purifying pain felt there is a burning separation from God.

“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment.” Matt 12:36

“Amen, Amen I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing.” Matthew 6:26

The souls there can’t pray for themselves so their job is to pray for us. And one of the important, charitable duties of the Militant and the honor of the Triumphant Church is praying them to heaven.

suffering

A Shepherd’s Love

“A shepherd loves his lambs even when he has to hold them down for surgery on them to fix a bone or cut out some danger. He knows it will hurt, but the shepherd loves his lambs and wants to heal them,” says a friend of mine.

As we journey through life, when pain comes, God, as our Good Shepherd, uses it to change us into better people. It helps us draw closer to Him and helps those we love draw closer to Him also, because they suffer with us too. If we let Him, God, the Artist, can whittle away at us until we become smooth, hollow and perfect like a flute to play a song through.

“For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.” Romans 8:16

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us also.” 2 Tim 2:120

When you decide to love someone, you learn and study everything about them. You pay special attention to what they like and dislike and how you can make them happy in every way. You’re quick to do whatever you’re asked. You love and serve your beloved and you’re certain of their love in return. Your love will last a life-time.

“Who (God) will render to every man according to his works. To them indeed, who according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life…But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have -your fruit unto sanctification, and in the end life everlasting…” Romans 6:6-22

Serving proves our love, so by embracing the gospel message to serve others willingly and kindly, we remove thorns embed in the crown of Christ.

The Builder

There was a man who was an efficient builder. He had worked for years in a large company and had reached the age of retirement. His employer asked him to build one more house; it was to be his last commission.

The builder took the job, but his heart was not involved. He used inferior materials, timber was poor, and he failed to see the many things that should have been clear to him had he shown even his normal interest in the work.

When the house was eventually finished, his employer came to him and said, “The house is yours, here is the key. it is a present from me!” The builder immediately regretted that he had not used the best materials and engaged capable workers. If only he had known that the house was for him...

the battle

“Jesus said to his disciples ,“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt 8:34

Jesus words are game-changing. If you think the world revolves around you, think about Jesus words, “…deny yourself…”

“Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect…Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:13

Jesus warns

“…brethren ,in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Christ fore-warns of false teachers seeking to divide the Church when He said,

“Amen, amen I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All others, as many as have come, are thieves and robbers: and the sheep heard them not. I am the door. By me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved: and he shall go in, and go out, and shall find pastures. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep.” John 10:7-15

“Forth thus saith the Lord God: Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them. As the shepherd visiteth his flock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will visit my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:11-12

In the year 1517 Martin Luther protested against some of the Church’s teachings ultimately leading many away from Christ’s Flock. He wrote his own King James version of God’s bible in which he purposely left out several books. Evil is the spirit of division and hatred, so it makes sense that it would infiltrate and try to split up the Flock. These are Protestant Churches. They’re still Christian because they believe in Christ, but Catholic no longer because they are protesting. There are more than 40,000 protestant churches in the world today.

misunderstanding

What about the many scandals and obvious false leadership in the past?

My wise husband explains it this way… “In the time before Christ’s coming, the people of God’s church had faults, yet the Holy Family never stood up to protest or left. They went to God’s Church to humbly pray and follow it’s traditions.”

Our place is to trust God’s plan. He knows everything. God’s promise is

to guide His Church, when Jesus says,

“…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and be hold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” Matt 28:20

Many Christians out there who are more Christ-like in virtue than many Catholic -Christians. That’s why God wants ONE Church. By being united every person can help another. The Church is like a tree that can only bear fruit when all its members are working together. Can you imagine what a magnificent Church Militant it would be if all of us were joined, especially now in this final battle between good and evil?

“Careful to keep the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:3-5

“ I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

to be saved?

  • Mark 16:16″…He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.“
  • Romans 10:9…“For if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
  • Matt10:22″And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.“
  • Matt 19:16…”And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting? Who said to him: …Go But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” = (the commandments which includes the ‘Sermon on the Mount’) Matt 5-7)
  • John 6:54…“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us h is flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day.”
  • James 5 :14…”Is any man sick among you? Let them bring him into the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
  • Corinthians 15:1…”I Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.”
  • Romans 8:16…”For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.“
  • 2 Tim 2:120…”If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.” All these are contained the Catholic Church.

ALPHA AND OMEGA

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths,” Proverbs 3:5-6.

“…behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” Matthew 28:20

“I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Apocalypse 22:13

days with jesus

Because we didn’t walk the earth when Jesus did, the Church year cycles so that we can join in His life. We do it not only through scripture, but an active, daily walk. Every day at Holy Mass there are scripture readings that go with the days Jesus lived through in the seasons of the calendar year:

  • ADVENT–4 weeks of sacrifice, fasting and prayer as the world did awaiting the coming of Christ’s birth. We light the Advent Candle each week at Holy Mass and in our homes as a remembrance.
  • CHRISTMAS—The birth of Jesus. There is a candlelit, midnight, High Mass. The season is celebrated until February 2nd.
  • THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION– Is the day Holy Mary was conceived.
  • LENT–40 days we go into the desert to pray, fast, and sacrifice with Jesus Christ. The Stations of the Cross are prayed weekly, or daily in preparation for HOLY WEEK.
  • HOLY THURSDAY–Is the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
  • GOOD FRIDAY—We sacrifice and fast on this most solemn day of the year when Jesus died.
  • HOLY SATURDAY—Jesus is in the tomb.
  • EASTER—The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We have a candlelit, midnight, Holy Mass.
  • ASCENSION THURSDAY–40 days after the Resurrection…Celebration of Jesus Accension into Heaven.
  • PENTECOST—The Holy Spirit descends on us 50 days after the Resurrection!
  • ASSUMPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY into Heaven.
  • ALL SOULS DAY— We pray for the poor souls in Purgatory especially on this day. We pray continually, too.
  • ALL SAINTS DAY–Celebration of all Saints

…then we begin again with Advent.

Mary’s way- the rosary

While in a comma when sick in the year 1241, St. Dominic experienced an apparition of Mother Mary. “Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?” Mary went on to tell him the weapon is the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation of the New Testament.

The “Angelic Salutation” is the “Hail Mary” prayer and the Psalter is the 150 Psalms. Thus, she wanted 150 Hail Mary’s – which is what the Holy Rosary is – 15 decades of Hail Mary’s with 4 corresponding mysteries to contemplate on the life of Jesus.

The rosary is a string of scripture prayers to meditate on Jesus’ life daily. While our lips say the prayers, we follow in Christ’s footsteps playing a drama before our eyes. We

beg Him to teach us to be like Him, while Mary is promising to pray for us before God.

The prayer Jesus taught us, the ‘Our Father’, lays intertwined with ‘Hail Mary’ prayers.

“And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” Luke 1:28, then Elizabeth’s salutation to Mary when she came to visit her.

“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”Luke1:42

Joyful Mysteries– Jesus early life

1stJoyful Mystery…The Annunciation– Lord, help me to accept Your Will and hear Your words through the holy angels around us.

“ And the angel being coming in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:28-35

2ndJoyful Mystery…The Visitation- Lord, teach me to bring You to others by being charitable toward them.

“And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord…And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house.” Luke 1:40-56

3rd Joyful Mystery…The Birth of Jesus–Lord, make me to be humble like you.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14 “And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

4thJoyful Mystery…The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple-Lord, I offer myself to You in everything I do and say.

“And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord…” Luke 2:22

5thJoyful Mystery…The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple-Lord, teach me obedience and bring all the lost back to you. Give me wisdom to understand your ways.

“And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers… And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.” Luke 2:46

The Luminous Mysteries– Jesus miracles

1stLuminous Mystery…The Baptism at the Jordan-Thank you, Lord, that I became your child through Baptism. Jesus, hold me in Your arms. And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9

The 2nd Luminous Mystery…The Wedding Feast at Canaan- Lord, teach me to ‘do what You tell me to do’. Pour Your graces on me and bless me with joy. (If married-Help me to respect my husband and him to love me.)

The3rd Luminous Mystery…The Proclamation of the Kingdom-Lord, bless us with the wisdom and courage to teach others about Your kingdom.

The4th Luminous Mystery…The Transfiguration-Jesus, transform me into a glorious state just as You were at the Transfiguration.

5thLuminous Mystery…The Last Supper– I love You, Lord; praise and thank You for everything You’ve given me. Shine through me! (I use this for my daily spiritual communion)

Sorrowful Mysteries-Jesus Passion

1stSorrowful Mystery…The Agony in the Garden-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Lord, have mercy on me. I accept Your will in my life.”

2ndSorrowful Mystery…The Scourging at the Pillar-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Jesus, I accept all the pain you send me, whether it be physical or emotional.”

3rdSorrowful Mystery…The Crowning with Thorns-Step up close to Jesus and say, “I’m so sorry thorns are forced into Your head by all our sins, Jesus. I’m lifting the crown to alleviate some of the pain.”

4thSorrowful Mystery…The Carrying of the Cross-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Lord, make us patient and courageous.”

5thSorrowful Mystery…The Crucifixion–Step up close to Jesus and say, “I’m so sorry for hurting You, Lord Jesus. Teach me to die to myself so that I can feel the peace You felt when You took Your last breath and said, “It is finished.”

Help us learn to embrace our crosses with love and surrender, seeking to align our hearts with Yours. In our struggles, there is a path to transformation and a deeper relationship with You as we release our burdens and desires. Let us feel Your presence and grace that flows from Your sacrifice, Jesus.

Glorious Mysteries– Jesus Glory

1stGlorious Mystery…The Resurrection– Praise You, Jesus! Thank you for healing us and making us whole with You.

2ndGlorious Mystery…The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven-Lord, please carry each of us to Heaven with you.

3rdGlorious Mystery…The Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles and Mary-Let the gifts of Your Holy Spirit descend and shine Your fruits through us, Lord,.

4th Glorious Mystery…The Assumption of the Blessed Mother into Heaven-Gather your children Mary and be with us when we die. (the church teaches Holy Mary was assumed into heaven and united with her Divine Son)

5th Glorious Mystery…Coronation of the Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth-Increase our love for you, Mother Mary.

“And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Apocalypse 12:1

CONTiNUATIOn OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

“...So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Rama, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee; Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother: and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift. Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Amen, Amen I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing.

You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart. And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And it hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, maketh her to commit adultery: and he that shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery. Again you have heard that it was said to them of old, Thou shalt not forswear thyself: but thou shalt perform thy oaths to the Lord. But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God: Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king: Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.

You have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other: And if a man will contend with thee in judgment, and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak also unto him…Be ye therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect…

…Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom ofheaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdomof heaven. Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy name, and cast out devils in thy name, and done many miracles in thy name? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. Every one therefore that heareth these my words, and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that built his house upon a rock, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock.” Matthew 5:16- 7:21

why?

So…why am I Catholic?…Because through the Sacrament of Baptism, God poured grace on me and I became a child of God…Because in the sacrament of Penance He forgives all my sins and makes my soul spotless then pours grace over me to make me stronger…Because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, loves me so much that at Mass He comes down from Heaven to touch me in the Holy Eucharist….Because His Holy Spirit fills me with wisdom and grace in the sacrament of Confirmation…Because in the Church my Marriage can be filled with graces…Because I can receive the sacraments of Forgiveness and the Eucharist right before I die…Because I want to be saved in the one Church God built...And I find peace here.

Copywrite Patty Ann Connelly 2025