October 9th, 2011
Oh that ages 18-40 crowd... How do they communicate?! What does God have to do with their life??
http://thecatholicspirit.com/archdiocese/video-lino-rulli-discusses-communications-day-2011/
October 16th, 2011
http://saints.sqpn.com/
THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! In honor of All Saints Day... coming soon... Check this out!!!!
October 23rd, 2011
Greetings!
Visit www.biblestudycontest.com
You are able to vote for three video’s each day. You CAN vote for the SAME video three times in one day. Voting begins today and ends on November 14th. We are so grateful and appreciate your votes! God Bless you!!! Happy voting! Our video is the one that has my Grandfather holding baby Nora.
Thank you,
Molly and Tim Havlicek
(daughter & son in law to Mary & Pete Nytes)
October 30th, 2011
Are you ready to celebrate All Saints & All Souls Days?!?!
November 1st & 2nd (annually)
September 4th, 2011
Promises at a Baptism - Most of us have been to a Baptism at some point of our lives. Do you remember the day?
EXCERPT FROM A CATHOLIC BAPTISM:
Priest (to parents): N and N, you have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so, you are accepting the responsibility of training N in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring N up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
Parents: We do.
Priest (to Godparents): Godparents, N and N, are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
Godparents: We are.
Priest: People of God, do you agree to support these parents and Godparents in the baptismal covenant for this child/children?
All: We do
See whole Baptismal Ceremony here http://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/pdf/Bapt_Rite_Child.pdf
September 11th, 2011
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=115323
September 18th, 2011
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
This is what "CCD" stands for. Have you made an effort to encourage faith with children you know? Religion classes start this week!!
September 25th, 2011
Excerpts from our bulletin on the work done to the parish houses...
The work I was told was sometimes difficult, but the results came through because of good attitudes and a desire to serve. The using of the many gifts of our community was a real blessing.
The spiritual life is not much different. Sin and bad habits get like wall paper and chipped paint of our souls. If we want to change we have to put in the work. Reconciliation both sacramental and lived experience must be carried out in order to cleanse our own heart and soul. This includes putting “fresh paint” on our relationships. The primary relationship needs to be our relationship with God. Private prayer and communal worship are the foundation of this bond.
August 7th, 2011
Marriage - stick to the basics through fairytales???
http://catholicmom.com/2011/08/13/the-dignity-of-cinderella-sleeping-beauty-and-snow-white/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Catholicmomcom+%28CatholicMom.com%29
August 14th, 2011
Forgiveness
http://catholicmom.com/2011/08/13/sing-dance-forgive/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Catholicmomcom+%28CatholicMom.com%29
August 15th, 2011 - ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/assumptionoftheblessedvirginmary.asp
August 21st, 2011
Looking to join our local parish prayer chain?? Contact Noreen Giesen 952-758-2608
Remember those who suffer because they are human.
http://catholicmom.com/2011/08/13/falling-into-jesus-arms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Catholicmomcom+%28CatholicMom.com%29
August 28th, 2011
As life is always evolving so is our faith - have you heard of the new translation coming???
http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/
July 3rd, 2011
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation UNDER GOD, indivisible with liberty & justice for all.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!
July 10th, 2011
Parish News: WESTERN SITES REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION FORM HERE -- Print, Fill out, Drop off/Mail in
http://stjohnstbenedict.com/Documents/Church%20Registration%20form%202%20pg.pdf
July 17th, 2011
PARABLES
http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Parables.htm
July 24th, 2011
What if you only woke up today with the things you thanked God for yesterday?
July 31st, 2011
The dead of summer - who's really in charge?!
http://yimcatholic.blogspot.com/2011/07/because-irony-is-gods-way-of-lightening.html#more
June 5th, 2011
6 months and counting down... are you up on the newest translation of our Mass???
http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/samples-people.shtml
June 12th, 2011
PENTECOST SUNDAY - Can you recall your Confirmation??? Share the memories with someone!!!
What is your identity?
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1095.asp
June 19th, 2011
Are you still celebrating Easter?!?!? (It isn't a 1 day celebration.)
Have you noticed the titles of the recent Sundays in our church calendar?!?!
Look at the Glory we celebrate with The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. What wonderful gifts they have given us:Penetecost, The Most Holy Trinity, & The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ.
LET'S GIVE HONOR, PRAISE, & CELEBRATE SOME MORE!!!!!!!!!
June 26th, 2011
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION
A celebration of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
will take place Sunday, June 26, immediately after the 10 a.m. Mass at St. John’s, Union Hill.
When Jesus makes the promise of life forever to those who eat his flesh and drink his blood, he is not talking about the kind of life support that we associate with hospital care. He is instead indicating that those who eat his body and drink his blood will live eternally because of the life that he gives. The medicine of the Eucharist heals us from sin and division, and makes us whole in Christ uniting us in one communion of love. So when we think about the extraordinary lengths we undertake to preserve life in the natural world, we may want to reconsider what we are willing to do in the spiritual world. Is the Eucharist part of our spiritual health care regularly?
May 1st, 2011
Divine Mercy Sunday - http://www.divinemercysunday.com/message.htm
Beatification of Pope John Paul II - http://www.vatican.va/special/anniversario_gpii/documents/index_en.htm
May 8th, 2011
Welcome ALL First Communion children to the table of God!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0495.asp
May 15th, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Easter - what does it mean?
http://www.catholicweb.com/media_index.cfm?fuseaction=view_partner&id=40
May 22nd, 2011
THANK YOU to those who sponsored and supported the visit of Ann Marie Cosgrove of Silent No More MN. God bless every baby he's ever known.
http://silentnomoremn.org/
May 29th, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend - have you prayed for the soul of a fallen soldier?
http://yimcatholic.blogspot.com/2011/05/for-few-thoughts-on-memorial-day.html?showComment=1306789062309
April 3rd, 2011
The man who was blind from birth didn't expect to be healed. He was a beggar in the Temple and had probably resigned himself to that lot in life. After all, he was blind from birth. There wasn't any real prospect for a cure. But Jesus comes along and opens his eyes. Jesus doesn't just cure the man's blindness. Jesus gives sight to the man in the physical world, but also in the spiritual world. The man confesses Jesus as Lord while some of the Pharisees reject who Jesus is and so are portrayed as blind to the reality of his divinity.
Like the sick in an emergency room, we can wait for a long time before we come to the realization of who Jesus is in our own lives. Some people find him early in life, others only after a long wait. Those who will be baptized at Easter are seeking enlightenment by Christ, and the rest of us who are going through Lent are looking to cast darkness aside. Christ is here to heal us all.
Want to read more? http://www.catholicblogs.com/search/jesus_heals_a_blind_man
April 10th, 2011
Lazaras was raised from the dead. Do you BELIEVE? Martha & Mary did.
Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son,
our Lord.
He was conceived by the power
of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated
at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living
and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
April 17th, 2011 - PALM SUNDAY
Lent Is Old English for Spring
And Other Fascinating Facts
By James Akin
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0104fea1.asp
April 21st, 2011 - HOLY THURSDAY
Washing feet? Why would I do that?
http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/q&a/general/feet.shtml
April 22nd, 2011 - GOOD FRIDAY
What do coloring eggs have to do with Easter/Jesus' Resurrection?
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1041
April 23rd, 2011 - HOLY SATURDAY
RCIA - Do you encourage the Faithful around you?
http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-rcia-stages.html
April 24th, 2011 - EASTER SUNDAY
It is done. Jesus is Risen! We are saved from eternal death!
Alleluia!! Alleluia!!!
We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more;
death no longer has power over him.
Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin
and living for God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:9, 11
March 6th, 2011 - NinthWeek of Ordinary Time
As life is always evolving so is our faith - have you heard of the new translation coming???
http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/
March 9th, 2011 - ASH WEDNESDAY
Now starts the season of Lent.
http://www.usccb.org/lent/
March 13th, 2011 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Here is a great article on some of the upcoming changes coming in the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal. This first week of Lent is a great time to be realizing the sin in our human lives.
A few years ago, our pastor talked to us during homily about receiving the Eucharist reverently. He noticed that more and more receive communion than ever before with very few being conscience of the sin in their lives. Fewer are coming to confession, he said, yet are coming up for communion. Sin has taken a hiatus of sorts. Here the revised Roman Missal translation brings us closer to remorsefulness at the sins of a fallen people and the desire for forgiveness in preparation for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.
Read more... http://catholicmom.com/2011/03/15/revised-roman-missal-penitiential-rite/
March 20th, 2011 - 2nd Sunday of Lent
Prayer is another discipline of Lent. Like fasting, prayer calls us to offer ourselves to the Lord. Prayer and fasting please God because they show our devotion. Prayer really has a way of deepening our relationship with God. This is rich fruit for our labor.
Prayer happens in many ways. Asking is perhaps the most common. Our God is willing to listen and will answer prayers in his time or at times that answer may not be the one we are looking for. Storming heaven is a great practice, but it is careful to remember that prayer doesn’t change God’s mind but the way we see things. Anyone that participates in the sacrament of reconciliation knows that God is forgiving. We can pray for forgiveness sacramentally and we can search our conscience often to prepare ourselves to receive his mercy. God deserves our praise and we should take time to praise his name. This can be done with music, scripture, spontaneous prayer or any other way that works for you as long as the subject is God. Thanksgiving is a great way to pray. We need to thank God for all we have been blessed with. Making a gratitude list can be helpful in finding what to pray for.
Prayer is important every day of our lives. Lent is a nice opportunity to add to and deepen our prayer practices. Life is short, pray hard!
March 27th, 2011 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Woman at the Well - If you are seeking God there is never a bad time. He is always near. Are you open to God's love, connection, and understanding. It is a two-way relationship.
As the Samaritans told the woman in the Gospel, "we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world" (Jn 4:42). Are you looking and listening for God?
February 6th, 2011 - Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
The memorial of St. Scholastica is celebrated on February 10. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-scholastica/
St. Benedict is July 11. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-benedict-of-nursia/
St. John the Evangelist is Dec 27. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-john-the-apostle/
St.Wenceslaus is Sept 28. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-wenceslaus-of-bohemia/
February 13th, 2011 - Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
How to receive the Holy Eucharist?
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0005.html
February 20th, 2011 - Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Why Do Catholics Sit, Stand & Kneel During Mass?
There are substantial reasons why Catholics do this. Learn here.
Webmaster note... This is a 4 minute video & depending on your internet connection will depend on how fast it loads. (Coolest thing I've found on the internet yet! Worth the loading time!)
http://www.catholic.net/index.php?size=mas&id=421&option=dedestaca
Extra Resource:
http://sqpn.com/
SQPN (Star Quest Production Network) is a multimedia organization specializing in the production of audio and video programs faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Its mission is to respond to the Church’s call to use the media for religious information, for evangelization and catechesis and for formation and education¹.
February 27th, 2011 - Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
It's nearing that time... Lent. What will your Lenten Promise be?!
Share this activity with a child or your family.
http://www.loyolapress.com/lenten-promise-place-mats.htm
JANUARY 1ST - SOLEMNITY OF MARY
Liturgical Color: White
Type of Holiday: Solemnity, Holy Day of Obligation
Duration: One Day
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Mary, the Mother of our God Jesus Christ
Alternate Names: Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God; formerly Christ's Circumcision was celebrated this day
http://www.churchyear.net/motherofgod.html - to read more on the Solemnity of Mary
What's a solemnity?!?!
Also called solemnitas. In current usage, the term refers to Catholic Church feasts of the greatest importance. Even if these Masses fall on a weekday, the Gloria and Creed are used. There are 25 solemnities in our church year.
http://www.churchyear.net/terms.html#solemnity
January 3rd, 2011 - Epiphany Sunday
WHY DO WE GENUFLECT???
To genuflect [Latin genu flectere, geniculare (post-classic), to bend the knee;
Expresses: an attitude, a gesture: involving, like prostration, a profession of dependence or helplessness, and therefore very naturally adopted for praying and for worship in general.
"The knee is made flexible by which the offence of the Lord is mitigated, wrath appeased, grace called forth" (St. Ambrose, Hexaem., VI, ix). "By such posture of the body we show forth our humbleness of heart" (Alcuin, De Parasceve). "The bending of the knee is an expression of penitence and sorrow for sins committed" (Rabanus Maurus, De Instit. Cler., II, xli).
Resource: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm
WORTH THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a long read - gives a person of faith or not something to think about.
http://www.ewtn.com/library/SPIRIT/MARMEPIP.TXT
January 9th, 2011 - Baptism of the Lord, First Week of Ordinary Time
We hear of John the Baptist in today's readings.
Why DO we Catholics bless ourselves with the sign of the cross when entering and leaving church? Its a blessing we bestow upon ourselves.
Use of water. You are to dip the right hand in water and make the sign of the cross. This ritual is a reminder of our Baptism: We were baptized with water and signed with the cross. At every Mass we renew our promises to die to sin. It is Baptism that brings us to Church.
Want to know more about other "normal" traditions we do at church - read this!
January 16th, 2011 - Second Week of Ordinary Time
Things are always changing, we find ourselves always in flux. The Church expresses this by calling us a “Pilgrim People.” We are not static entities but a people that are always on the move, constantly journeying to the fullness of God’s Kingdom that beckons us. However, one thing that never changes is the love of God for all of us, no matter where we may be on our journey, no matter what place we may call our spiritual home. St. Paul reminds us in his greeting to the Corinthians today, that we are a sanctified people, a people beloved by God. Love is ultimately the marker of home. It is only when we are finally with God, who is the source of all love, that we will find home.
God bless always the people of St. Benedict Parish.
January 23th, 2011 - Third Week of Ordinary Time
After reading today's Gospel, we found ourselves wondering what would be the kind of call for which we would leave at once what you were doing as Simon Peter and Andrew did. God's call to each of us may not be as dramatic as someone walking up to us in the workplace and saying, "Follow me." But the call comes just the same. Are we ready to cooperate with God's grace?
By: Scott Hahn
The Creed is both a prayer at Catholic Mass, and a basic catechetical instruction. It's the statement of Catholic beliefs. What is a creed? Why do Catholics and other Christians need a creed? Here's a look at how the creed developed and how it is crucial for Catholics today.
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=229
January 30th, 2011 - Fourth Week of Ordinary Time
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=NASB
Father Dave encourages us to read the rest of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
What is your favorite Beatitude? Why? Share this thought with someone.
December 5th, 2010 - Second Sunday in Advent
We hear of John the Baptist in today's readings.
Why DO we Catholics bless ourselves with the sign of the cross when entering and leaving church? Its a blessing we bestow upon ourselves.
Use of water. You are to dip the right hand in water and make the sign of the cross. This ritual is a reminder of our Baptism: We were baptized with water and signed with the cross. At every Mass we renew our promises to die to sin. It is Baptism that brings us to Church.
Want to know more about other "normal" traditions we do at church - read this!
December 12th, 2010 - Third Sunday in Advent
How awful life would be without Christmas… without our saviour. How meaningless life would be, how hopeless. We are truly here for such a short time. We'll have ETERNITY to be with those loved ones we've lost. Our suffering now without them need not be wasted. There is great beauty and grace that can come from offering that pain up to Christ Crucified.
December 19th, 2010 - Fourth (Last) Sunday in Advent
God creates all. Whether he comes to earth as a child to open all the promises of Heaven or making lots of snow for the beginning of our winter season. God is good along with all his creation.
Psalm 148 The Whole Creation Invoked to Praise the LORD.
1Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
2Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!
3Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!
4Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens!
5Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.
DECEMBER 25TH - CHRISTMAS DAY
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-40&version=NASB
December 26th, 2010 - Feast of the Holy Family
http://www.churchyear.net/holyfamily.html - interesting!!! See what you can learn.
November 28th, 2010 - First Sunday in Advent
HAPPY "NEW" YEAR!!!!!!!!!! The first Sunday in Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year.
http://www.catholicmom.com/printables/Liturgical_year_activity.doc
This year our Mass Readings will be from the Year A cycle. (There are 3 cycles: A, B and C.)
Want to know more about church - take this tour.
http://www.faithfirst.com/html/family/tour/tour.html
December 4th, 2011
www.bustedhalo.com
Get yourself back on track!!
December 11th, 2011
December 18th, 2011
December 25th, 2011