Looking for more light in the darkness of winter and social distancing? Why not try a virtual small group between now and Lent?
The Search from FORMED.org is an innovative video-based journey that tackles the key questions of every human heart. In seven beautifully filmed episodes, Catholic author/speaker Chris Stefanick and experts from the fields of science, medicine, psychology, art, and religion examine our place in the larger story of existence.
Just jump in for one session to check it out, invite a friend to ‘come’ with you! THE SEARCH is a great place to start; look it over on FORMED.org (code 274255), gather with others on a Zoom call for about an hour (Thursdays at 1pm) beginning January 7. Call or email Mary Kral for more details 262-968-2276x202 or to register and get the Zoom invitation. The darkness of winter days leaves us longing for more, especially during this season of Covid isolation. Come find some light and fellowship in the dark.
Maybe you used to read the Bible for inspiration, for its great stories, or for answers to the big questions in life. But now, it sits on your nightstand gathering dust. Perhaps you gave up reading it because it seemed irrelevant to your everyday life or because it became too hard to follow. If so, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers several reasons for you to pick up your Bible again, see it with new eyes, and allow it to transform your life.
Pair sharing question: What would you want your 30 year old self (or your younger self) to know?
For others to have a lens of faith, one of the ways to do that is to share our own stories of faith. We are not born with faith and we only know because someone told us; share those stories with your children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews and friends!
Pair sharing: Name someone who sees or has seen the best in you or believes in you. Do you need to tell them how much you appreciate that? Reflect on who you can believe in or see the best in.
At one point in the talk, a Baptismal candle was lit from the Easter (or Christ) Candle to remind us of our baptisms when this prayer was prayed over us: “Receive the light of Christ. Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. S/he is to walk always as a child of the light. May s/he keep the flame of faith alive in her/his heart.” Kathie reminded us that by virtue of our Baptism, we bring Christ’s light into the world as no one ever has and no one ever will, no can do this exactly the way YOU do. Be light of Christ! Keep the light burning brightly in those around you by sharing stories of faith.
A handout was shared as well, read and reflect and then share with someone else:
1 Kings 19:1-12. When you listen to God, what do you hear? Who did or do you listen to that influences your beliefs and values?
Romans 12:11-13. What or who has given you strength or sustained you in a difficult time?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. What season is this of your spiritual life? What is important about your church, your faith community, your faith at this time in your life? What would you like to pass on about your faith?
JOIN US DURING LENT as we share our faith life stories. We are working on ways to share our stories, if you have an idea about how we could do that, or if you have a faith story to share, please contact Mary Kral in the parish office.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible is currently being studied by this group who meets on the first and third Monday of the month in the Family Room. Contact Mary Kral for more information.
A Divine Mercy Cenacle (prayer group) meets on Wednesdays at St. Paul’s. Interested in learning more about Saint Faustina and the message of Divine Mercy? We pray for the Lord’s mercy on us and on the whole world. Please contact Deb Jablonski @ 414-477-4933 or debjabo@me.com.
Redemptorist Retreat Center
Give yourself the gift of a silent weekend away. Retreats are scheduled regularly, see website: www.redemptoristretreat.org.
FORMED.org LOADED with resources!! (parish code 274255). Check it out!