Young Family
Pray!
Liturgy of the Family Hours
Monastic communities pray the Liturgy of the Hours. They pray six times a day based on the rising and setting of the sun. Bells ring to call the monks to prayer. Wouldn't it be nice to hear bells reminding us it's time to pray?! But our day has a natural rhythm as well, with built-in stopping points. We'll call these Liturgy of the Family Hours.
Some links to further your prayer:
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen
http://www.loyolapress.com/traditional-catholic-prayers.htm
http://www.essex1.com/pages/paul/biblea.html
Monastic communities pray the Liturgy of the Hours. They pray six times a day based on the rising and setting of the sun. Bells ring to call the monks to prayer. Wouldn't it be nice to hear bells reminding us it's time to pray?! But our day has a natural rhythm as well, with built-in stopping points. We'll call these Liturgy of the Family Hours.
- Morning Prayer: A good time of day to offer prayers of petition, concerns about the day, or for people we care about. Do this in the car if you have to, but it's great to begin with a look ahead.
- Noontime: A much more challenging time to remember to pray. Did you know that our parish church bells ring at noon everyday? This is to remind us to pray; traditionally the Angelus was prayed at noon. Put a note of affirmation, a psalm verse, or prayer of thanksgiving in lunch boxes. Set the timer on your phone to remind you to give thanks!
- Evening Prayer: There is a lot of stress and strain with evening activities, meal preparation, homework, etc. Whenever possible make time for a family meal and when you do, a meal prayer will make this a happy and holy time of sharing. This can be as simple as each member sharing what they are most thankful for in their day. Many families join hands to quiet everyone as they begin. Find a ritual that works for you.
- Night Prayer: The end of the day, like the morning, is a natural for prayer. The Examen is a method of reviewing your day and looking for the times we felt close to God and the times when we didn't. These offer opportunities for thanksgiving and for seeking forgiveness. Review the day with those two questions and then present to God your concerns for tomorrow. Your nighttime prayer is complete!
Some links to further your prayer:
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen
http://www.loyolapress.com/traditional-catholic-prayers.htm
http://www.essex1.com/pages/paul/biblea.html
Learn!
September 29: Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Children are intrigued by the concept of angels. In fact, it can be very comforting to think that God is as close to us as the angel who watches over each of us. Our Catholic Catechism states:
"It is a truth of faith that God, the "maker of all that is seen and unseen," created a realm of spiritual beings who do not share the limitations of a physical body and yet exist as the result of his all-powerful, loving act of creation." (p.54)
On this day we celebrate three special archangels. Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.
There are many traditions, customs, and foods associated with the feast day of these archangels. Check out the stories, culture and recipe links on the this site.
Links for more;
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1153
Children are intrigued by the concept of angels. In fact, it can be very comforting to think that God is as close to us as the angel who watches over each of us. Our Catholic Catechism states:
"It is a truth of faith that God, the "maker of all that is seen and unseen," created a realm of spiritual beings who do not share the limitations of a physical body and yet exist as the result of his all-powerful, loving act of creation." (p.54)
On this day we celebrate three special archangels. Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.
There are many traditions, customs, and foods associated with the feast day of these archangels. Check out the stories, culture and recipe links on the this site.
Links for more;
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1153
Do!
The Corporal Works of Mercy: Something to DO!
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy we will hear a lot about being a Church of mercy and a people of mercy.
Our Church calls us to perform the Corporal Works of Mercy as a very real way to live out the ministry of Jesus. These are:
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy we will hear a lot about being a Church of mercy and a people of mercy.
Our Church calls us to perform the Corporal Works of Mercy as a very real way to live out the ministry of Jesus. These are:
- feed the hungry: Bring your donation to the Caring Hands donation box in the parish gathering space.
- give drink to the thirsty: Make a donation to "Our Sister Water Project" and read more about this great project.
- clothe the naked: donate to the parish clothing drive on Oct 17.
- visit the imprisoned: pray for those imprisoned unjustly and for those imprisoned by addictive habits.
- shelter the homeless, Make donations to the Catholic Worker House which serves the homeless in the river bend area of Des Moines. Toiletry items and clean socks are always needed. 1310 7th St., Des Moines.
- visit the sick: Ask the parish office for names of parishioners who could use a get well card or just an "I Care" card.
- bury the dead: Send a sympathy card to someone who is grieving: a year later on the anniversary is still very meaningful.
