PraY
Independence Day Prayer
As we celebrate the 4th of July, we call to mind the many blessings God has given us as people and as a country. How do we think and feel about our country? This prayer from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers can help to guide our reflection on the birthday of our nation.
Online Prayer Retreat
World Refugee Day is observed each year on June 20. This day was designated by the United Nations 20 years ago. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have provided a ten-minute, online prayer experience to guide our prayer for our refugee sisters and brothers. It is appropriate any time of year, but especially as the world draws together to bring light and hope to the situation of so many who have been driven from their homes.
To discover more about World Refugee Day, go here.
World Refugee Day is observed each year on June 20. This day was designated by the United Nations 20 years ago. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have provided a ten-minute, online prayer experience to guide our prayer for our refugee sisters and brothers. It is appropriate any time of year, but especially as the world draws together to bring light and hope to the situation of so many who have been driven from their homes.
To discover more about World Refugee Day, go here.
Pandemic Prayer
As Covid-19 continues to be a factor, not all areas of our country and world are as open as our community is. Let us pray with and for our brothers and sisters who continue to struggle.
A prayer for coronatide
Gracious God,
Ease the burdens of parents caring for their children during these isolating pandemic days.
Give them rest and remind them of your saving love.
Gracious God,
Envelop pastoral leaders with strength these difficult pandemic days.
Grant them energy—and rest—as they journey with your people.
Creative God,
Inspire the spirits of writers and all who tell stories of this time.
Sustain their work, that they may continue sharing your goodness with the world.
Christ Jesus,
Support teachers toiling in the vineyards of education.
Give them a glimpse of success in their students, no matter how small, so that they might be encouraged by the fruits of their labors.
Holy Spirit,
Stoke the callings of campus ministers who are accompanying young people during these anxiety-filled times.
Spark their creativity, and kindle their well-being so that they may continue to do your good work in the world.
Spirit of Life,
Sustain the hope of those who are lonely and isolated during the pandemic, particularly older adults.
Grant them community, care, and a renewed sense of your purpose for their lives.
Amen.
—Jessie Bazan, ‘6 stories of vocations interrupted by the pandemic’
As Covid-19 continues to be a factor, not all areas of our country and world are as open as our community is. Let us pray with and for our brothers and sisters who continue to struggle.
A prayer for coronatide
Gracious God,
Ease the burdens of parents caring for their children during these isolating pandemic days.
Give them rest and remind them of your saving love.
Gracious God,
Envelop pastoral leaders with strength these difficult pandemic days.
Grant them energy—and rest—as they journey with your people.
Creative God,
Inspire the spirits of writers and all who tell stories of this time.
Sustain their work, that they may continue sharing your goodness with the world.
Christ Jesus,
Support teachers toiling in the vineyards of education.
Give them a glimpse of success in their students, no matter how small, so that they might be encouraged by the fruits of their labors.
Holy Spirit,
Stoke the callings of campus ministers who are accompanying young people during these anxiety-filled times.
Spark their creativity, and kindle their well-being so that they may continue to do your good work in the world.
Spirit of Life,
Sustain the hope of those who are lonely and isolated during the pandemic, particularly older adults.
Grant them community, care, and a renewed sense of your purpose for their lives.
Amen.
—Jessie Bazan, ‘6 stories of vocations interrupted by the pandemic’
Explore
The Sunday Readings
For several months during the pandemic, we were not able to gather in person for Mass. Hopefully, the absence of gathering in person has led to a greater appreciation for Sunday Mass, the source and summit of our life as Catholics. One very fruitful way to prepare for Mass is to look at the Sunday readings ahead of time. There are several print resources available for this purpose, but there are also many web-based options.
An easy way to find the readings themselves is to go to the United States Bishops' website.
Other websites offer reflections, background, and/or discussion questions about the readings.
An easy way to find the readings themselves is to go to the United States Bishops' website.
Other websites offer reflections, background, and/or discussion questions about the readings.
- Between Sundays, on the Five Loaves website, offers a video reflection on each week's gospel that incorporates familiar Catholic liturgical music. Often the composer of the music is featured in the video.
- Daily Reflections, part of Creighton University's online ministries, offers reflections on the Sunday readings.
- Sunday Connection, by Loyola Press, offers information to help parents discuss the readings with children of various ages.
Understanding Biblical Language Helps Understanding of Science and Faith
Sometimes it can seem as if faith and science are at odds with each other. How do we reconcile the contradictions for ourselves -- and for young people we interact with? This short video by Joe Paprocki, part of his "Pop-Up Catechesis" series, helps us to understand.
Pope Francis Institutes Formal Ministry of Catechist
On May 11, Pope Francis issued a Motu Proprio, or papal decree, entitled “Antiquum Ministerium” (Ancient Ministry). In this decree, he declared that the role of Catechist will be recognized as a formal ministry for lay people. (The role of catechist is assumed for the ordained.) This article from Catholic News Service helps to explain the significance of this move.
Lessons from the Pandemic
During the past year and several months, we have learned so much... about ourselves, each other, our world, science and health, and much more. Hopefully it has been a year of growth in faith as well. We will be reflecting on and discovering new things from our experiences for a long time. In this article, Alice Camille reflects on her experience of missing Mass in person for so many months.
Participate
"I have come not to be served, but to serve..."
Summer is a great time to explore opportunities to serve others. As we come out of the lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic, need is as great as ever. Check out these volunteer opportunities on the Catholic Charities website, and check back again for more ideas as they are posted.
Summer is a great time to explore opportunities to serve others. As we come out of the lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic, need is as great as ever. Check out these volunteer opportunities on the Catholic Charities website, and check back again for more ideas as they are posted.
