Holy Name Youth

Fall Retreat 2011

2012-01-15T12:41:00.001-08:00

We had an outstanding Fall Retreat at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center.

Fall Retreat 2011 Information

2011-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

Holy Name Youth
Nov. 18-20, 2011
Friday-Sunday

WAKE UP!
“For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." –Ephesians 5:14

Who: Holy Name High School Youth

What: We are going on Retreat. This means you can count on tons of Fellowship Time, a camp fire (w/ s'mores), Low Elements…if it's not freezing!, and most importantly time to grow in our Faith.

Where: Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center (located just outside of Bowling Green, KY)

When: We will leave from Holy Name @ 5:30pm on Friday, Nov. 18 (You should plan to eat dinner before we leave on Friday) and return by 3:00pm on Sunday, Nov. 20. We should be back in plenty of time to get ready for 5:30 Mass.

Cost: The cost for the Retreat is $50 per youth. This fee goes towards the Charter Bus, food, and lodging for the weekend. Please let me know if money is an issue, it is our desire that all high school youth could attend.

Sign-ups: You will need to sign up in the Parish Office by Wednesday, Nov. 16 to go. You will need to fill out all the necessary forms at that time as well (Health Form, Code of Conduct, Gasper Forms). DO NOT WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE TO SIGN UP, YOU MIGHT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO GET TO GO!

What to Bring: You will need to bring Comfortable Clothes (WARM CLOTHES!), sleeping bag and pillow, a towel, toiletries (any medicines you require), a bible and pen, and an open heart and mind. You also need to bring a snack to share with the group!

Any questions or comments, please contact Charlie at 270-826-2096 or chardesty@holynameparish.net

Lock Out 2011 Success!

2011-09-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

The High School Youth Group had an awesome time on the Lock Out which took them to Wather's Golf and Fun Center, The Edge Ice Arena, and then back to Holy Name for a movie and PANCAKES! Here are some of the pictures, the rest can be found on Facebook.

LEADERSHIP TEAM APPLICATION 2011-2012

2011-07-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

HOLY NAME YOUTH
HOLY NAME OF JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM APPLICATION
2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

This is to be completed in full and returned to Charlie no later than
Friday, Aug. 5 2011. Early applications are appreciated.

NAME______________________________________________GRADE_____________

1. Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. What has caused the most growth in your Christian life?

3. What activities of our parish do you regularly attend?

4. Have you been involved in the leadership of our youth group? If so, in what ways?

5. In what other organizations have you had leadership roles?

6. What do you see as your strengths? How can they be used to strengthen our Youth Ministries?

7. What do you see as your weaknesses? How do you feel your involvement in our Leadership Team could help you in these areas?

8. What do you think makes a person a good leader? Give an example of someone you feel is a good leader and why.

9. Why do you wish to be involved as a student leader in our Youth Ministry? Be specific.

10. THIS IS VERY IMPORANT!
If selected to be a member of this Leadership Team, are you willing to commit to being involved in leadership roles in our Youth Ministries? This would mean in addition to being present at most activities, you would be responsible for helping to plan, lead, and evaluate our ministries. We would also expect that you serve as a role model through your relationship with Jesus Christ and weekly attend Mass.
I am willing to make this commitment to Jesus and our Youth Ministry

Signature Date

Senior Retreat 2011

2011-04-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

High School Winter Retreat

2011-04-14T08:50:00.001-07:00

Praising God through the Storms of Life- Holy Name Youth Mini-Retreat Part 1

2010-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Praising God through the Storms of Life- Holy Name Youth Mini-Retreat Part 2

2010-10-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Owensboro Diocese Youth Conference Promo

2010-09-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

ODYC Video Commercial from Fr. Joshua McCarty on Vimeo.

Keep an eye out for further information on the upcoming Owensboro Diocese Youth Conference in Bowling Green in November!

A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED!

2010-08-25T08:55:00.001-07:00

Jell-O Olympics 2010
Sunday Night, August 1, 2010

The Jell-O Olympics was another disgustingly-fantastic night at Youth as friends battled friends, siblings waged war on siblings, and a new Champion was crowned.
Special thanks to all the adults for helping judge and keep the chaos at an enjoyable amount.

Mission Pennsylvania and Mission Missouri SUCCESS!

2010-07-20T12:58:00.001-07:00

Both of our mission trips this summer were great experiences and ones that we will not soon forget!

There were 28 Youth and Adults in Frenchville, PA and 28 Youth and Adults in Caruthersville, MO.

The Mission Teams would like to thank all those who made our trips possible through buying shares and prayer.

**Please see the mission trip pictures posted at the bottom of the blog.

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. March 3, 2010

2010-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Catholic Apologetics
Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

Get them thinking
1) What is your vision of Heaven?
2) What is your vision of Hell?
3) What questions do you have about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory?
4) What has shaped your ideas of what each is?

Heaven
Heaven is eternal joy – our natural selves as they were intended by God. If we die, our wills are turned toward God and we have the grace of God in our souls, then we are unified with Him for all eternity. Our heart’s deepest longing is satisfied in God. We are joined with the saints and angels and see God “face to face,” according to St. Paul.

We do not become angels in heaven because we are not angels. We are human beings. God, as the perfect good, the perfect knowledge, and the perfect love, gives us our fill of each.

Read 1 Cor. 2:9
“However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

“We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will. In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere "to the end" and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God's eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ. In hope, the Church prays for "all men to be saved." She longs to be united with Christ, her Bridegroom, in the glory of heaven:
Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one. Dream that the more you struggle, the more you prove the love that you bear your God, and the more you will rejoice one day with your Beloved, in a happiness and rapture that can never end. (St. Teresa of Avila)
(CCC 1821)

God wants everyone to be in Heaven. He wants it so much that He died on the Cross in order that we may be with Him. The only thing keeping us from Heaven would be us.

(Also CCC 1023-1029)

Hell
As much has Heaven is the fulfillment of all goodness, knowledge, and love, Hell is the opposite. When we die, are wills are set. We have freely chosen in this life whether we want to be with God for all eternity. God, in His love, will not refuse our request.

Try to think of life void of love, beauty, and goodness…what would that be like?…maybe this is a glimpse of eternal separation from love, beauty, and goodness.

“We cannot be united with God unless we freely choose to love him. But we cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbor or against ourselves: "He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." Our Lord warns us that we shall be separated from him if we fail to meet the serious needs of the poor and the little ones who are his brethren. To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him forever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called "hell." (CCC 1033)
“The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire." The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.” (CCC 1035)
“God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want "any to perish, but all to come to repentance" (CCC 1037)

Purgatory
Many non-Catholics have questions about purgatory because they feel like it has no basis in Scripture. However, there are several Scriptures that support the doctrine of purgatory.

The verb purge comes from the Latin term meaning “to purify”. Literally, purgatory is a state of cleansing where our souls are purified from sin through intense measures.

Read Revelation 21:27, Matthew 12:32, 1 Peter 4:6, 2 Maccabees 12: 44-46

The question should be “Why the need for purgatory?”

God is perfect holiness. We are called to be perfectly holy. Without perfect holiness we cannot see God in Heaven. Purgatory is not meant for our pain, but for our cleansing and sanctification. All discipline and affliction leads us closer to God, if we let it.

Yes, Christ did accomplish all of our salvation by dying on the Cross, but the Scriptures teach and remind us that it is through sanctification that we are made holy over time, and through other ways that can involve and include suffering. Purgatory is just the final stage of sanctification for any of us in need of purification prior to entering the perfect and eternal banquet of Heaven.
“All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC 1030)

“The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:
As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.” (CCC 1031)

“This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead” (CCC 1032)

Final Thoughts
Are you simply shooting for purgatory by the way you live?
Do you not realize that we all have the freedom in Christ to be saints instead?

Beginning of Lent

2010-02-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

Dealing with Temptation

Going to the Desert
Read Matthew 4: 1-11
1) When Jesus goes into the desert, it says that he fasts for 40 days and nights. Why does Jesus fast? What does or can fasting do for us? What experiences have you had with fasting? Have you ever felt closer to God when fasting? Why would fasting bring us closer to God?

2) Scripture says that as a result of fasting, Jesus was famished? What does that mean? Why do you think that the tempter or devil appeared at this point? Do you ever feel like bad things happen to you at the worst possible times? Have you ever thought that the “tempter” knows when you are at your weakest?

3) The “tempter” begins to tempt Jesus, first by coming at his hunger, his most immediate weakness. How does Jesus respond to him? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation?

4) The “tempter” then asks Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the Temple in order to show that he is the Son of God. How does Jesus respond? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation?

5) The “tempter” then tempts Jesus with power and control. Do you think this is tempting in our day and age? How does Jesus respond? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation? What are some of the things that people worship other than God?

6) When the devil leaves, what happens? Have you ever felt the comfort of something good when you have been through a tough time?

How the “tempter” works
Read 1 Peter 5: 6-8
1) This verse paints the devil as a lion on the prowl. What does a lion on the prowl look like? So how should you expect temptation to present itself to you?

2) What do you have available to you to help fight temptation?

Read 1 Peter 5: 9-11
3) What does scripture promise us if we stay strong against temptation? How does that make you feel?

Going to the Desert with Jesus
This Season of Lent offers you great opportunity to walk with Jesus in the Desert sharpening your defenses against the evil one. During Lent we are called to withdraw from selfish wants (Sacrifice), give talent, time, and resources to worthy causes (Almsgiving), and to serve the poor (Acts of Mercy). We are called to set aside us for a little while and grow with Christ towards the needs of others.

1) During this season of Lent, how are you going to sacrifice yourself?
2) During this season of Lent, how are you going to practice almsgiving?
3) During this season of Lent, how are you going to practice acts of mercy?

Prayer Meditation

2010-02-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Cast the Worries of Your Heart to God
Prayer Meditation

Preparation for Prayer
Close your eyes. Take in a deep breath and hold it. Now release it slowly and completely. Take in another deep breath and hold it. Now release it slowly and completely. Allow the tension in your neck to ease, the tension in your face to ease, the tension in your arms to ease, and the tension in your legs to ease. Take in another deep breath and hold it. Now release it slowly and completely.

Clear your minds. Open your eyes. We rarely get the time we need with God and when we do get it, we are usually rushed. We all have great burdens in our lives, things that weight heavy on our hearts, worries that loom like a cloud. Tonight is about casting the worries of your heart to God.

Individual time of Reflection and Prayer
It seems natural to worry these days. Even those among us who are always ‘looking on the bright side’ worry about relationships with friends and family, doing well in sports, school, and other activities, the pressure to get into a good college or find a good job, the economic difficulties in the world, doing what’s right in a world that seems to be confused about morals. Then there are the worries about our bodies, fitting in, our futures, and our souls. Worry seems so natural and can really weigh us down.

The word worry actually means to strangle or to wring. Worry does that to us. We feel like we’re a wet dishcloth being wrung out. Our heart gets crimped, our soul feels tight, our body feels twisted, and our mind feels distorted. Then a moment comes when we crawl to the only place where hope can be found. In the place of stillness where God is. There in that holy space, worry is eased and we are bathed in the peace of heaven. It doesn’t take heroic effort. It takes only the willingness to stop for a moment, breathe deeply, and ask to be brought into the heart of God. In the sliver of a second, we can find ourselves held in the holy embrace and worry will melt away.

Now take a moment to reflect and write on this question:

How is worry crimping my soul and how is God calling me into stillness?

Now take a moment and name the things that burden your heart and soul. What is it that you worry about? How is it affecting your heart and soul?

Read Psalm 46
1) What comfort do you find in the reading of this Psalm?
2) What specific moments in the Psalm speak most to you?

Read Philippians 4: 4-7
1) What comfort do you find in this reading from Philippians?
2) What specific moments in the passage speak most to you?

Read Matthew 6: 25-34 and Matthew 7: 7-11
1) What comfort do you find in these readings from Matthew?
2) What specific moments in the passage speak most to you?

Now take some time to be in prayer in the silence and stillness of this moment. Specifically offer the cares and concerns of your heart up to God. Remember those who are in pain, those who are afraid, those who are alone, those whom you love, those who are dying, and those who are already in heaven, and pray for the needs of your own life.

Bringing it all together
Our worries, the burdens that are on our soul, our concerns, can be a lot like a back pack full of bricks. They make life harder to navigate, it’s hard to focus because of the distraction of the strain that is on us, and we find ourselves simply tired.

Now when you surround yourself with people who truly support you, you can find those burdens easier to carry and easier to endure. However they are still there.

When we come to God with our burdens and concerns, we are given a chance through faith and trust to unload the heavy burdens and find the peace of Christ that passes all understanding. We must learn to bring our worries to God and to trust that he will take care of us in his way and in his timing.

May the blessing of the God who holds you in the palm of heaven’s hand, wash over you with the greatest grace until your soul is calm and still in the Divine Presence. Amen.

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Feb. 3, 2010

2010-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

Catholic Apologetics
Mary, Mother of God

Get them thinking
1) What are some beliefs that we have about Mary?
2) What are some questions that we have about Mary?

Mary, Scripture, and the Catechesim
The Catechism of the Catholic Church begins its discussion on Mary by saying a very important statement for Marian Theology.
“What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ.
Mary's predestination.” (CCC 487)"God sent forth his Son," but to prepare a body for him, he wanted the free cooperation of a creature. For this, from all eternity God chose for the mother of his Son a daughter of Israel, a young Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee, "a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary":
The Father of mercies willed that the Incarnation should be preceded by assent on the part of the predestined mother, so that just as a woman had a share in the coming of death, so also should a woman contribute to the coming of life.” (CCC 488)

1) What does it mean when it says, “so that just as a woman had a share in the coming of death, so also should a woman contribute to the coming of life?”

This illustrates the Catholic idea of Typology. Essentially, the Old Testament prepared the way for the New Testament. Persons and events in the OT prefigured, foreshadowed, anticipated, and symbolized person and events in the NT. According to an ancient Christian saying: “the New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.”

Marian Typology
The CCC talks about Marian Typology:
“Throughout the Old Covenant the mission of many holy women prepared for that of Mary. At the very beginning there was Eve; despite her disobedience, she receives the promise of a posterity that will be victorious over the evil one, as well as the promise that she will be the mother of all the living. By virtue of this promise, Sarah conceives a son in spite of her old age. Against all human expectation God chooses those who were considered powerless and weak to show forth his faithfulness to his promises: Hannah, the mother of Samuel; Deborah; Ruth; Judith and Esther; and many other women. Mary "stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receive salvation from him. After a long period of waiting the times are fulfilled in her, the exalted Daughter of Sion, and the new plan of salvation is established." (CCC 489)

Mary as the Second Eve p. 5-6

Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant p. 6

Mary as the New Testament Queen Mother p. 7

Marian Doctrines
Divine Maternity- “Called in the Gospels "the mother of Jesus," Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as "the mother of my Lord." In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly "Mother of God" (Theotokos). (CCC 495)

Perpetual Virginity- “The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary's real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man. In fact, Christ's birth "did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it." And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as Aeiparthenos, the "Ever-virgin."

Against this doctrine the objection is sometimes raised that the Bible mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus. The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary. In fact James and Joseph, "brothers of Jesus," are the sons of another Mary, a disciple of Christ, whom St. Matthew significantly calls "the other Mary." They are close relations of Jesus, according to an Old Testament expression.

Jesus is Mary's only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save: "The Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren, that is, the faithful in whose generation and formulation she cooperates with a mother's love." (CCC 499-501)

Bodily Assumption

Immaculate Conception- “To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role." The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as "full of grace." In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace.

Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:
The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

The "splendor of an entirely unique holiness" by which Mary is "enriched from the first instant of her conception" comes wholly from Christ: she is "redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son." The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person "in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" and chose her "in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love."

The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God "the All-Holy" (Panagia) and celebrate her as "free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature." By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long.
"Let it be done to me according to your word . . ." (CCC 490-493) [p. 19-24]

Prayer Devotion to Mary
1) Why do we traditionally have a prayer devotion to Mary?
2) Are we doing something wrong? [p. 27-29]
Mary is like the Moon which does not produce light of its own, but rather shines only as a result of reflecting the sun…or in her case her Son, Jesus.

Final Questions
1) How do you respond to Mary?

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Jan. 20, 2010

2010-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

Catholic Apologetics
Sacred Scripture and Divine Revelation

Get them thinking
1) What are some beliefs that we have about the Bible?
2) What are some questions that we have about the Bible?

God Reveals Himself
Listen to this from the catechism regarding Divine Revelation.
“God ‘desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth’: that is, of Christ Jesus. Christ must be proclaimed to all nations and individuals, so that this revelation may reach to the ends of the earth: God graciously arranged that the things he had once revealed for the salvation of all peoples should remain in their entirety, throughout the ages, and be transmitted to all generations.”

I think it is a beautiful thing when we come to realize that God desires to make Himself known to us, not understood, but known (big difference). He is actively seeking us and drawing us near. So how does God reveal himself to us? Well, in lots of ways and if we went around the room we would have a huge variety of experiences of God revealing himself to different people through different experiences. But to the Church, God reveals himself in two ways: Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

A good definition of Sacred Scripture and Tradition comes from the catechism: “Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit.” “And [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound, and spread it abroad by their preaching.” Notice that the Holy Spirit is a key component to all this. An important thing to note immediately for us Catholics is that these two components work together as one. Together they are God’s Divine Revelation to the Church. The catechism states, “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing and move towards the same goal. Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the mystery of Christ, who promised to remain with his own ‘always, to the close of age.” So, having said all this, it really important when you start to look at Sacred Scripture to understand how the Church views its relationship with Tradition. I think that it will start to make a whole lot more sense as we look at the history and formation of the Bible as we know it.

Inspiration
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
1) What does this verse tell you about Sacred Scripture?

Sacred Scripture is inspired by God. The catechism states, “God is the author of Sacred Scripture. ‘The divinely revealed realties, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit…God inspired the human authors of the sacred books. ‘To compose the sacred books, God chose certain men who, all the while he employed them in this task, made full use of their faculties and powers so that, though he acted in them and by them, it was as true authors that they consigned to writing whatever he wanted written, and no more.” The BibIe is an inspired work of God, not a dictated. I think it was worded well in the pamphlet you guys got last week. “And so the word inspiration means the Holy Spirit enlightened and assisted the biblical writers so that they wrote all and only what God wanted them to write. Because Sacred Scripture is inspired, we may draw an important conclusion: It is free from error in matters that relate to our salvation. This does not mean that the Spirit also protected the biblical writers from scientific and historical error. God never intended them to compose books of science and history.” [Problem with Contradictions in the bible] It is very important to note that the Bible is not a detailed history or science book, but rather a historiography. In this light, it is less concerned with details and more with a meaning of life coming through a historical event.

How do you read Sacred Scripture?
Interpretation is very important. We have all seen people in our lives use scripture out of context to accomplish their agenda (give examples). So how should we interpret scripture? As Catholics, we take a holistic approach as opposed to a fundamental or literal approach. From a Holistic approach, what is the bible with its poems, stories, letters, parables, songs, and recollections trying to say? What is accomplished by all this working together? For this reason, as Catholics we look to the unity and content of the whole Scripture with regard to how it works for the unity of God’s plan in Jesus, we read scripture within the tradition of the whole church (remember scripture came from the church), and we are attentive to the analogy of faith. All scripture does not carry the same weight for Catholics, everything is weighed against the Gospels.

(Explain as you read) The catechism discusses interpretation like this, “In Sacred Scripture, God speaks to man in a human way. To interpret Scripture correctly, the reader must be attentive to what the human authors truly wanted to affirm and to what God wanted to reveal to us by their words.
In order to discover the sacred authors’ intentions, the reader must take into account the conditions of their time and culture, the literary genres in use at that time, and the modes of feeling, speaking, and narrating then current. ‘For the fact is that truth is differently presented and expressed in the various types of historical writing, in prophetical and poetical texts, and in other forms of literary expression.’
SO IMPORTANT: But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter. ‘Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.”

How the Bible came to be
1) How do we know what belongs in the Bible? We trust the Church that Jesus Christ established. Through Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium.
2) How did the Bible come to be? Old Testament on Bible time line, New Testament on Bible Time line.
3) Why do Catholic and Protestant Bibles Differ? 450 BC Ezra begins collecting Hebrew Scripture, 3rd to 1st Century BC the Septuagint is Greek Translation of Hebrew Scriptures that includes Deuterocanonical books, 90 AD Jewish Rabbi’s settle in on Hebrew Canon and exclude those never written in Hebrew, but only Greek (Deuterocanonical), 16th Century AD during Protestant Reformation 7 Deuterocanonicals are dropped by Protestants because of decision made in 90 AD. There were other books Luther wanted dropped like Esther and Revelation (his personal opinion)

Final Questions
1) From what you know, what would be a problem with the idea of Solo Scriptura?
2) From what you know, why is knowing Sacred Scripture important?
3) Is Sacred Scripture important to Catholics? How do you know?
4) What is of great importance when reading or praying the Bible?

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Jan. 27, 2010

2010-02-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Catholic Apologetics
The Eucharist

Get them thinking
1) What are some beliefs that we have about the Eucharist?
2) What are some questions that we have about the Eucharist?

The Eucharist
The Catechism states: The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch." (CCC 1324)

"At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.” (CCC 1323)

So what is the Eucharist?
God miraculously changes ordinary bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. It is a transformation of substance. The substance of bread and wine is changed into the substance of Christ’s living body and blood, while only the appearance of bread and wine remain…THIS TAKES FAITH!
Christ is both of the species or elements and is whole in both. This last until digestion or dissolve…so for a short while we are living tabernacles..do we act like it?
You must be in a state of grace to receive (no mortal sin) and this is why we have a penitential rite at the beginning of Mass (for venial sin, not mortal).

The Eucharist is a Sacrament in that it is an outward sign that reveals a divine reality. The Eucharist connects us to the life and death of Jesus Christ. During the celebration of the Eucharist, the community is brought into the presence of the divine and connects in a very physical way to the divine in their bodies, but also in their hearts and minds.

The Eucharist is a reflection of Sacrifice in that the bread is broken and the wine spilled in just the same way that Jesus’ body was broken and blood spilled on the cross for the sins of the world. During the celebration of the Eucharist, we come to the cross on Good Friday and remember (anamnesis) the sacrifice of Christ. In is through this participation in the sacrifice of Christ, that we are redeemed through him.

The Eucharist is a reflection of Meal in that the bread and wine are shared with all in just the same way that Christ sat with his disciples on Holy Thursday and shared in a holy meal. During the celebration of Eucharist, we come to the table and celebrate in a meal with Christ. We are nourished as a community with Christ and grow together in faith.

The Eucharist is a reflection of Presence by reminding us that Christ is ever with us. The story did not end at Jesus’ death, but rather he is alive and resurrected and ever present in this world. At the celebration of the Eucharist, as we receive Christ, we are sent forth into the world to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Real Presence
SCRIPTURE:
Read John 6: 35-69
This was a complicated and difficult teaching according to the text, but Jesus doesn’t try to change it or make it easier.

The Last Supper Discourse (Matt. 26: 26-30, Mark 14: 22-26, Luke 22: 14-20, and 1 Cor. 11: 23-26) “This is my body, this is my blood.”

HISTORY:
The Church has always taught for the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Final Questions
1) How do you respond to the Eucharist?
2) Why did Jesus institute the Eucharist?

Winter Lock In Retreat

2010-01-19T13:36:00.001-08:00

Last Friday Night we had our first ever Winter Retreat Lock In at Holy Name and was a great night! Our theme was growing together with Christ and focused in on the fact that there are so many in our group that don't know each other well and probably pass each other by in the hallways at school. This retreat challenged us to get out of our comfort zones and get to know that people around us at our church. We had amazing times of Praise and Worship, hilarious games, great times of group and personal prayer...and great food!

The night was a great success!

Special Thanks to Dustin, Jared, and Matthew for planning and working hard to make this retreat a reality.

ALL THE PICTURES CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BLOG!

Countdown Board Game Night

2010-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday Night, Jan. 10 was our first night back to Youth for 2010. We celebrated getting back together by playing Board Games with a twist. Every 5 minutes you had to get up and move to a new game with new people and pick up where the group before you left off. It was a fun night of getting to know new people and fellowship.

At the end of the night we were challenged to slow down in life and not move at such a rapid pace as we often do. The quick transitions of the board games can be a reminder that if we are not careful, things move by so fast.

Stop and take a breath and spend some time with God!

Christmas Party Extravaganza

2009-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

Sunday Night we had an awesome time Christmas Caroling to some folks in the Parish. Especially when out of no where, it began to snow like non other! We had a great night of food (Thanks Maddy and the Hagans) and gag gift fun. To top it all off, Amanda and Rachel were amazingly impressive with their BEAUTIFUL Christmas Sweaters.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas with Family and Friends. We will see you in 2010.

God Bless
Charlie

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Dec. 16, 2009

2009-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Store
A Lesson on Anger

Questions to Get Youth Thinking

What are some situations where people easily get “under your skin”? Do you let these people know? If so, how?
What are some places where you typically see the low-grade boiling rage in other people?
What was the last thing you got angry about? Have you asked yourself why this made you angry? Where did your anger lead?
Do the things that typically make you angry regard your own situation or bigger, universal issues?
Do you believe the things you usually get angry about are actually worth getting angry about?
Have you ever gotten so angry you broke something? So angry that you said and did things you never would’ve thought you’d say or do? So angry you actually scared yourself?

Jesus and Anger

Read Mark 3:1-5
Jesus gets angry, does that bother you? Does that contradict your understanding of who Jesus is?
What does Jesus do with his anger?

“Jesus’ anger leads to an act of healing and restoration. His anger, it increases the peace of the world. It leads to this good deed that makes things better.”

What are some things you could do to ensure your anger leads to making things better?

The Bigger Picture

“When we are talking about calling and mission and vocation and purpose, what we’re going to give our lives to, one of the questions we often ask is, ‘What do you love?’ But there’s another question that we can ask. ‘What makes you angry?”

What are some things in the world right now, some large issues, that make you angry?
When you think about what you want to do with your life, are these things part of your consideration?
Have you given yourself to a cause bigger than yourself that’s making the world a better place? If so, how is it making the world a better place?

C.S. Lewis says, ““God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

Taken from www.catholic.com

Anger and Sin
Anger isn’t sinful in itself. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul tells us, "Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." But this passage speaks of our responsibility to manage our feelings. Paul doesn’t mean that we literally have to get rid of our anger before sundown. He means don’t nurture it. Let it pass. As before, that’s something we can’t guarantee since we can only influence our feelings.Paul makes the exhortation "Be angry" because anger is part of human nature. It isn’t just something that we inherited from Adam. Even Jesus himself got angry (cf. Mark 3:5). Anger is something God designed into us, just like he designed it in certain other creatures. It plays a useful function. It motivates us to protect things that need protecting, whether they are tangible (like family) or intangible (like reputation).Thus Thomas Aquinas notes that "evil may be found in anger, when, to wit, one is angry, more or less than right reason demands. But if one is angry in accordance with right reason, one’s anger is deserving of praise" (Summa Theologiae II-II:158:1).

Anger and Forgiveness
The problem is that we often experience too much anger, or anger over the wrong things, and, motivated by anger, we can unjustly harm rather than help. Overreacting in anger leads us to hurt both others and ourselves.If humans didn’t practice forgiveness—if we stayed angry over each past offense and determined to exact retribution for each one—society would fall apart. People wouldn’t be able to work together. Society depends on a substantial amount of forgiveness, of "letting things slide" in order to function, and individuals who don’t display the necessary level of forgiveness end up isolating themselves from others.Consequently, we need to partition our anger, to not act on it. This is part of what is involved in forgiving a person. It means a willingness to let go of the anger someone has prompted in us, even if it’s going to take a while before the feeling goes away. This is frequently what we are after when we ask others to forgive us: that they be willing to let the anger go.
(http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0309bt.asp)

Lord Jesus, there is anger in my heart and I cannot root it out.I know that I should calm down and offer the hurt and disappointment to Youbut my emotion is running away with me.Help me to overcome this weakness and give me peace of heart as well as mind.Let me learn from this experience and grow into a better human being.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

2009-12-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Discussion Starters

1) What was the one Christmas present you wanted so badly as a kid that you couldn’t imagine what would happen if you didn’t get it (but then you did)?
2) What was the present you really wanted but didn’t get?
3) What was the greatest Christmas present you received that wasn’t a material thing?
4) What is your favorite Christmas ornament and why?
5) Name one of the goofy Christmas traditions that only exist at your house?
6) What makes a tradition?
7) When was the last time you sat on Santa’s lap? How old were you when you learned “the big secret”? What sort of things did your parents do to make you believe?

Charlie Brown Finds Christmas

1) What do you think causes Charlie Brown’s depression? Have you ever felt like that at this time of year?
2) A Charlie Brown Christmas was made in 1964, yet it still talks about the commercialization of Christmas. Are things better or worse now? Explain.
3) Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Read the passage from Luke 2: 8-14.
4) After Charlie Brown hears Linus’ speech, his whole attitude changes. Do you think the message of Jesus’ birth brings forth the same hope and comfort today that could change someone’s heart?
5) Does your heart need changing?
6) Which Peanut character is most like you?
7) How much of “the season” is really about Jesus? Explain.
8) What can you do with your family to help them all focus on what is really important during this Advent and Christmas Season?

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Dec. 9, 2009

2009-12-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Breathe
A lesson on being filled with God

Activity to Get Youth Thinking

Stop for a moment and clear your mind. Be absolutely silent. Close your eyes and begin to slowly take deep breaths in and out. Pay attention to your breathing.

How do you feel now compared to before you started?
What did you notice about your breathing?
Have you ever thought about your breath?
Have you ever thought about your breath from a spiritual perspective?

Holy Ground

Read Exodus 3:5-6
Rob says, “The ground didn’t just change. It’s that Moses becomes aware of it. Which raises the question for us, ‘Are we standing on holy ground, all the time?’ Passing burning bushes on the left and the right, and because we’re moving too fast and we’re distracted, we miss them.”
What do you believe it means to be “standing on holy ground”?
What keeps us from recognizing the “holy ground and the burning bushes” around us?
Are we too busy?

“Yod, Heh, Vav, Heh”

God tells Moses that his name is LORD. In Hebrew that would be Y,H,V,H. The name of God is a lot like breathing.
Have you ever thought about God’s name?
Have you ever thought about God’s name being anything different than just a name?

The Catechism discusses that name of God as well. It states:
205: God calls Moses from the midst of a bush that burns without being consumed: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." God is the God of the fathers, the One who had called and guided the patriarchs in their wanderings. He is the faithful and compassionate God who remembers them and his promises; he comes to free their descendants from slavery. He is the God who, from beyond space and time, can do this and wills to do it, the God who will put his almighty power to work for this plan.

"I Am who I Am"
Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you', and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you' . . . this is my name for ever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations."

206: In revealing his mysterious name, YHWH ("I AM HE WHO IS," "I AM WHO AM" or "I AM WHO I AM"), God says who he is and by what name he is to be called. This divine name is mysterious just as God is mystery. It is at once a name revealed and something like the refusal of a name, and hence it better expresses God as what he is—infinitely above everything that we can understand or say: he is the "hidden God," his name is ineffable, and he is the God who makes himself close to men.

207: By revealing his name God at the same time reveals his faithfulness which is from everlasting to everlasting, valid for the past ("I am the God of your fathers"), as for the future ("I will be with you"). God, who reveals his name as "I AM," reveals himself as the God who is always there, present to his people in order to save them.

Breath of Life

If the name of God is the sound of breathing, how does that change the way you view yourself as a living being?
How does it change the way you view others?

Read Genesis 2:7
In what ways do you feel fragile and vulnerable?
Are there ways in which you feel sacred and divine?
Do you think it’s possible to feel both ways at the same time?

“In the Bible, the word for ‘breath’ is the same as the word for ‘spirit.’ In Hebrew the word is ‘ruah’ and in Greek it is ‘pneuma.’ One scripture says that when God takes away the ‘ruah,’ the breath of all living creatures, then they die and return to dust. But when God sends the ‘ruah,’ the Spirit, they are created.”

Application

“When you let God in, when you breathe, what happens is you become aware of all the things you need to leave behind, everything you need to let go of.”
What do you have that you need to let go of – what do you need to breathe out?
What can you do in your life to make sure you don’t miss that you’re “standing on holy ground”?
Do you believe God is inherently in every single person?
If so, when we treat someone disrespectfully, does it mean we’re really treating God disrespectfully?
And if we do things with love and care for others, are we inherently doing it for God?

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
Saint Augustine

Advent Meditation

2009-12-10T08:41:00.001-08:00

ADVENT GUIDED MEDITATION

Tonight, you will enter the hush of your quiet place and meet Jesus in your imagination. First, you will do some deep-breathing exercises. When I say so, breathe in and out through your nose during these exercises if you can. Close your eyes and get comfortable. You will relax your entire body.

Breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.
Breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.
Again, breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.

Allow you feet and ankles to relax. Relax your legs and your hips. Stay mindful of your breathing. Relax your stomach muscles and now your chest…just relax. Let your arms grow limp…relax your wrists, your hands, and your fingers…keep breathing in deeply and out slowly.

Allow your shoulders to become heavy…let all the tension drain from your shoulders…relax your neck, facial muscles, and even your eyelids…just relax…breathe in deeply…hold it…breathe out slowly and completely. [Pause]

Allow yourself to be witness to the coming of our Lord.
There stands Mary, young and beautiful, shy but confident, working as she does everyday. There is nothing particularly different about this day, no reason for her to be guarded or nervous…today is just a day.

Suddenly, there is a flash of light…a light so bright that it fills your eyes. It is hard to see, Mary appears shaken. From the light comes a powerful voice…”Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Although the voice is new to you…it seems so familiar. It brings with it comfort and peace. However, Mary is shaken…”How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

You stop and let those words resonate in your soul…nothing will be impossible with God. Where in your life do you need the assurance that nothing is impossible with God? Where do you need to know that God is present?

Mary stands, for she had been on the ground while the angel spoke to her. Her hand on her heart, she closes her eyes as if to take it all in. Slowly she raises her head and speaks “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
The light departs…Mary is alone with her mission…how must she feel? How would you feel? What words of encouragement would you have to offer her? What a magnificent burden that has been placed in the arms of this girl.

The scene changes as you find yourself with a man, strong and wise beyond his years. He is sad and in despair at the discovery that the woman he was to marry is with child. He is heart broken…he loves her…although he could publicly disgrace her…he just can’t bring himself to see her hurt. And so he has quietly dismissed her. Joseph doesn’t understand…how could she do this? All of this plans for his new family have been scattered…what does he do with himself now. Have you ever felt abandoned and scattered…like you just can’t get control of your life? What words of comfort do you offer Joseph?

That night Joseph tosses and turns in bed trying to find some rest…as he finally drifts off, his mind is filled with the sound of a heavenly voice…”Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save the people from their sins.”

Joseph suddenly awakes…was that real? He is overcome with a holy comfort and strength…he knows what he has to do…he will follow God’s desire.

The road ahead for these two will not be easy…people will not understand…people will judge them for their actions…they will be seen as outcasts…in a very real way, they will have to rely on only each other and of course God.

Can you feel their fear? You can almost hear them asking over and over…why us? Knowing what they know about the baby inside Mary…how hard must the anticipation be?

What are your feelings about the baby Jesus? Do you find yourself easily distracted by the details of the holiday season…or do you join with Mary and Joseph in eager anticipation?

Where in your life do you need hope? In the still, quiet of this moment, make your needs known to Jesus…holding nothing back…where do you need the hope of a coming Savior in your life? How do you feel him comforting you?

[O come, o come emmanual]

Breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.
Breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.
Once more, breathe in deeply…hold it…Breathe our slowly and completely.
…And when you are ready your may open your eyes.

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Dec. 2, 2009

2009-12-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Rich
A Lesson on Wealth and Social Justice

Questions to Get Youth Thinking

Do you feel blessed? Why or why not?
What do you generally associate with someone who’s considered rich?
Do you consider yourself rich?

“You look around and you have this sense that you don’t have that much because you see people that have even more.”
Is what you have, your stuff, outdated and not-good-enough? Compared to what or who?

Social Justice

Social Justice is the idea that everyone is due by their very existence their integrity and the needs of life. In essence, people deserve, by virtue of being a creation of God, to have a chance at life and to have their true needs met. It is the idea that society should be just and fair.
Has this been your experience of our society? Explain.

In our society, there is a great need. We are to love the Poor and that is not just those without wealth. The Catechism talks about this and states:

2445 Love for the poor is incompatible with immoderate love of riches or their selfish use: Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have killed the righteous man; he does not resist you.
~James 5: 1-6

2446 St. John Chrysostom vigorously recalls this: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." "The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity":
When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice.

2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God

A Gift

Read 1 Timothy 6:17
Do you believe everything you own is in some way a gift from God?

CCC 2833 "Our" bread is the "one" loaf for the "many." In the Beatitudes "poverty" is the virtue of sharing: it calls us to communicate and share both material and spiritual goods, not by coercion but out of love, so that the abundance of some may remedy the needs of others.

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Are you generous? With your money? Your time? Your stuff?
Are you content? If not, what will it take?
Do you think it is possible to live out the kind of generosity Jesus talked about without being content?

“When Jesus talks about his followers, he talks about people who are generous, people who clothe the naked, take food to the hungry, take water to the thirsty, people who visit the prisoner, people who invite the stranger in, people who give their time, people who give their energy, people who give their money.”

Do you consider yourself a follower of Jesus?
Do you live the kind of life that Jesus described his followers would live?

CCC 1397 The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren:
You have tasted the Blood of the Lord, yet you do not recognize your brother. You dishonor this table when you do not judge worthy of sharing your food someone judged worthy to take part in this meal. . . . God freed you from all your sins and invited you here, but you have not become more merciful.

Putting it Together

“We are saved to do good works.”
What can you give?
Who are you going to bless?

PRAYER FOR THE POOR by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Who is Jesus to me?
Jesus is the Word made Flesh. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Jesus is the Victim offered for our sins on the Cross. Jesus is the Sacrifice at Holy Mass for the sins of the world and mine. Jesus is the Word - to be spoken. Jesus is the Truth - to be told. Jesus is the Way - to be walked. Jesus is the Light - to be lit. Jesus is the Life - to be loved. Jesus is the Joy - to be shared. Jesus is the Sacrifice - to be given. Jesus is the Bread of Life - to be eaten. Jesus is the Hungry - to be fed. Jesus is the Thirsty - to be satiated. Jesus is the Naked - to be clothed. Jesus is the Homeless - to be taken in. Jesus is the Sick - to be healed. Jesus is the Lonely - to be loved. Jesus is the Unwanted - to be wanted. Jesus is the Leper - to wash his wounds. Jesus is the Beggar - to give him a smile. Jesus is the Drunkard - to listen to him. Jesus is the Little One - to embrace him. Jesus is the Dumb - to speak to him. Jesus is the Crippled - to walk with him. Jesus is the Drug Addict - to befriend him. Jesus is the Prostitute - to remove from danger and befriend her. Jesus is the Prisoner - to be visited. Jesus is the Old - to be served. To me Jesus is my God, Jesus is my Spouse, Jesus is my Life, Jesus is my only Love, Jesus is my All in All, Jesus is my Everything.

Amen.

LOCAL MISSION DAY 2009

2009-12-02T07:43:00.001-08:00

The Holy Name Youth Ministry had a great local mission day and were able to get out and help several folks in the Parish with things they needed done in their yards and around their houses. We look forward to having another one in the Spring!

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Nov. 18, 2009

2009-12-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Rhythm
Being in tune with god

Thought to Get Youth Thinking

My Best Friend William and I in college once sat out on my front porch and talked about the nature of God. For hours we discussed what God was like and in the end could only come to one conclusion. When discussing God, you can continually open doors of possibility as to what God is like, but ultimately you can never shut any of those doors for certain. God is Big! Don’t try to leave this discussion with an understanding of a God you can’t understand. As St. Augustine says, “Once you come to understand God, God ceases to be God.” Nonetheless, let’s explore what it would be like to be in tune with God.

The Nature of God

“If God can help people find things on sale, then why doesn’t God spend time on things that seem more important like earthquakes, or famines, or sickness?”
1) What do you believe about God’s involvement in our daily lives?
2) What images do you have of God?
3) What or who have helped to shape the images that you have?
4) Where is God?

Read Exodus 3: 13-14
5) What does this suggest?

God as a Song

“When I think of God, I hear a song.”
1) What does Rob mean by this?
2) Why do you think people, including the some writers of the Bible use human physical references like “hands,” “feet,” “eyes,” and “he” to describe God, when other Scriptures state that God is a spirit and has no form?

Jesus shows us how to be in tune with the Song

Dei Verbum says, “It pleased God, in his goodness and wisdom, to reveal Himself and to make known the mystery, to reveal himself and to make known the mystery of his will. His will was that men should have access to the Father, through Christ, the Word made flesh, in the Holy Spirit, and thus become sharers in the divine nature.”

CCC 52-53 say, “God, who "dwells in unapproachable light", wants to communicate his own divine life to the men he freely created, in order to adopt them as his sons in his only-begotten Son. By revealing himself God wishes to make them capable of responding to him, and of knowing him and of loving him far beyond their own natural capacity.
The divine plan of Revelation is realized simultaneously "by deeds and words which are intrinsically bound up with each other" and shed light on each another. It involves a specific divine pedagogy: God communicates himself to man gradually. He prepares him to welcome by stages the supernatural Revelation that is to culminate in the person and mission of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus is like God in taking on flesh and blood, and so in his generosity, in his compassion, that’s what God’s like. In his telling of the truth, that’s what God’s like. In his love, and forgiveness, and sacrifice, that’s what God’s like. That’s who God is. That’s how the song goes.”
1) Is God compassionate, truthful, loving, and forgiving or is God compassion, truth, love, and forgiveness?
2) What about Jesus?

“See the question isn’t whether or not you’re playing a song, the question is, ‘Are you is tune?”
3) What does it mean for you to be in or out of tune with the song?
4) Are you in tune? (Have them think about this)

Read John 4: 24
5) What does it mean to worship in spirit and truth?
6) Is this only talking about singing at Mass or at Youth Group, or is worship so much more? Elaborate.

“There are people who talk as if they know everything about being a Christian and yet they seem way out of tune. And there are others who say they don’t know much at all about the Christian faith, and yet they can seem very in tune with the song.”

7) Can you believe in God and be out of tune with the song?
8) Does it work the other way around?
9) What is more important to Jesus: what we believe or what we do?

Read John 10:7-10
10) Do you believe that if you live the way Jesus taught us to live, being in tune with the song, that you “will have life in its fullest”?

God is Love

Read 1 John 4: 7-21
1) Is this a bigger statement than God loves me? How come?

Pope Benedict states in Deus Caritas Est, “Here we find ourselves before the most dazzling revelation of the source of love, the mystery of the Trinity: in God, one and triune, there is an everlasting exchange of love between the persons of the Father and the Son, and this love is not an energy or a sentiment, but it is a person; it is the Holy Spirit.”

2) What does this mean?
3) How is the love found in the mystery of Trinity reflected in the Body of Christ (the community of people of Faith)?

The Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This very simple prayer was developed in the deserts of Egypt and Palestine during the early centuries of Christian faith, and has been practiced in the Eastern Orthodox Church ever since. It is a prayer inspired by St. Paul’s exhortation to “pray constantly”, and its purpose is to tune one’s inner attention to the presence of the Lord.

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Nov. 11, 2009

2009-12-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

LUMP
A Discussion on Reconciliation

What are we hiding? Are we trying to deceive God?

Do you ever act unnatural when you are doing something you know you shouldn’t be doing?
Why do we do this?

Busted

“You know that moment, like when your junk catches up to you? It’s like maybe not that day, maybe not the next day, maybe not for a while, but give it enough time, it always finds us.”
Have you ever been busted?
Why do we think that we can keep our “junk” hid?
How do you avoid your “junk”?

Read Galatians 6:7-10

Our Struggles with Our Junk

Do you know people that are struggling with something and they are keeping it to themselves?
Are you having a hard time figuring out what to do?
What are your options?

Read Galatians 6:2

Hiding in our Shame

Why is it easier to hide in our shame than it is to pull the covers off and reveal the truth?
Is there something that you are ashamed of?
Are you ready to deal with it?

Read CCC 1468
The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship."73 Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation "is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation."74 Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true "spiritual resurrection," restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God.75

How is this “spiritual resurrection” different from hiding under the covers?

NOTHING

Read Romans 8:38-39
Do you truly believe what St. Paul is telling us in this passage from Romans?
Do you have people around you that could never do anything to make you love them less?
Is the way we should feel about other people?

Read CCC 982
There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive. "There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest.529 Christ who died for all men desires that in his Church the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin.530
Do you believe, deep in your heart, that God loves you no matter what you’ve done or will do?

Holy Name High School Retreat 2009

2009-11-11T15:04:00.001-08:00

"How Great is Our God!"

The High School Youth Ministry had an amazing retreat at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center. The theme for the weekend was "How Great is Our God." We spent a great deal of time experiencing God's awesome creation and realizing that ALL of creation blesses the Lord. Through its beauty, creation is singing a praise and worship song to God.

The real question than became...How are we blessing the Lord as his creation. If he loves us so much more than the trees and the rivers and the mountains...how do we use our lives to be a praise and worship song to God?

~We must be in relationship with God!
~We must be willing to try to know Him!
~We must learn when to speak and when to be silent!
~We must be willing to let him chisel us into what He has created us to be!
~We must love like He loves!
~We must share His love with the world!

We are Gods awesome creation...may we learn how to join with all creation and Bless the Lord!

**CHECK OUT PICTURES FROM THE RETREAT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE**

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Nov. 4, 2009

2009-11-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Bullhorn
Sharing Jesus

Introduction

You’ve probably seen someone like this on a College Campus, at a Fair, or other public event. You may have wondered what they were trying to accomplish.
1. How do you feel about people like “bullhorn guy”?
2. Are people like bullhorn guy hurting the general perception of Christianity?
3. What things other than bullhorn guy negatively taint the perception of the Christian faith?

The Message of Jesus, A Message of Love

1. What draws you to the message of Jesus?

Read Matthew 22: 36-40
“When Jesus is asked, ‘What is the most important thing?’ Jesus’ response is to love.”
2. What’s the most important thing in your life?
3. How does that line up with what Jesus said?

Read 1 John 4: 19-21
4. “How you love others is how you love God?” What do you think about that?

Read 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3
5. What is Paul telling the people of Corinth?

“If I’m loving someone with an agenda, then it isn’t really love, is it?”
6. What does it mean to love someone with an agenda?
7. Is trying to convert someone to your religious beliefs an agenda?
Read John 13: 34-25

Sharing Jesus with Others

1. Does God love people with different beliefs that you? As much as he loves you?
2. How do you feel about people with different beliefs than you? How is faith a part of this? (We must trust that God is working in people’s lives by using Us and by not using Us sometimes.)
3. Do you think it’s possible to scare people into love God?

Redemptoris missio
On the permanent validity of the Church's missionary mandate
Given by Pope John Paul II on Dec. 7, 1990

The number of those awaiting Christ is still immense: the human and cultural groups not yet reached by the Gospel, or for whom the Church is scarcely present, are so widespread as to require the uniting of all the Church's resources. As she prepares to celebrate the jubilee of the year 2000, the whole Church is even more committed to a new missionary advent. We must increase our apostolic zeal to pass on to others the light and joy of the faith, and to this high ideal the whole People of God must be educated. (86)
We cannot be content when we consider the millions of our brothers sisters, who like us have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, but who live in ignorance of the love of God. For each believer, as for the entire Church, the missionary task must remain foremost, for it concerns the eternal destiny of humanity and corresponds to God's mysterious and merciful plan. (86)

Missionary spirituality is also marked by apostolic charity, the charity of Christ who came "to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad" (Jn 11:52), of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, who searches them out and offers his life for them (cf. Jn 10). Those who have the missionary spirit feel Christ's burning love for souls, and love the Church as Christ did. (89)

The missionary is urged on by "zeal for souls," a zeal inspired by Christ's own charity, which takes the form of concern, tenderness, compassion, openness, availability and interest in people's problems. Jesus' love is very deep: he who "knew what was in man" (Jn 2:25) loved everyone by offering them redemption and suffered when it was rejected. (89)

The missionary is a person of charity. In order to proclaim to all his brothers and sisters that they are loved by God and are capable of loving, he must show love toward all, giving his life for his neighbor. The missionary is the "universal brother," bearing in himself the Church's spirit, her openness to and interest in all peoples and individuals, especially the least and poorest of his brethren. As such, he overcomes barriers and divisions of race, cast or ideology. He is a sign of God's love in the world - a love without exclusion or partiality. (89)

Finally, like Christ he must love the Church: "Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25). This love, even to the point of giving one's life, is a focal point for him. Only profound love for the Church can sustain the missionary's zeal. His daily pressure, as St. Paul says, is "anxiety for all the churches" (2 Cor 11:28). For every missionary "fidelity to Christ cannot be separated from fidelity to the Church." (89)

What can we do? Changing the Negative Perceptions

1. What are some of the negative perception of Christians out there?
2. Are the negative perceptions of Christianity caused by what we believe or how we are living?
3. What are you doing to change the negative perceptions?

Closing Thoughts

O glorious St. Paul, after persecuting the Church you became by God's grace its most zealous Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Savior, to the uttermost parts of the earth you joyfully endured prison, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, as well as all manner of persecutions culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. Help us to be inspired by your Epistles and to partake of your indomitable love for Jesus, so that after we have finished our course we may join you in praising Him in heaven for all eternity.
Amen.
~Prayer for the Intercession of St. Paul

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Oct. 28, 2009

2009-10-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Dust
Come Follow Me

Introduction

Bell says, “I want to be the kind of person who does the right thing. And I don’t just mean the big things where right and wrong are obvious and easy, but I mean the small things. The subtle, unnoticed things.”
1. Why are the “small and unnoticed” things such a big deal?
2. What do they reveal about a person?

Jesus…my rabbi?

Read Mark 1: 16-20
Jesus chose people who weren’t the best of the best or rabbi-in-training.
3. What message was Jesus sending us by not choosing the best of the best?

Read 1 Corinthians 1: 26-30
4. How is Christ using disciples in the way described in this scripture?
5. What impact are Christians today having on the course of human history? (Big and small examples)

Walking on Water

Read Matthew 14: 25-31
6. If Peter is indeed doubting himself, how are his insecurities impacting his current reality?
7. How big of a role do your insecurities play in your life?
8. Do they ever affect your faith?

Read Matthew 16: 15-19

Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom and pronounces him the rock on which the church will be built. Jesus believes in Peter. Jesus believes in us!
“Faith in Jesus is important…but what about Jesus’ faith in us?”
9. Do you believe that God believes in you?
10. What difference does it make to your discipleship? Your faith?

Come Follow Me

In Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Veritatis splendor (The Splendor of Truth), the pope speaks to following Christ. He states,

“This is not a matter only of disposing oneself to hear a teaching and obediently accepting a commandment. More radically, it involves holding fast to the very person of Jesus, partaking of his life and his destiny, sharing in his free and loving obedience to the will of the Father. By responding in faith and following the one who is Incarnate Wisdom, the disciple of Jesus truly becomes a disciple of God (cf. Jn 6:45). Jesus is indeed the light of the world, the light of life (cf. Jn 8:12). He is the shepherd who leads his sheep and feeds them (cf. Jn 10:11-16); he is the way, and the truth, and the life (cf. Jn 14:6). It is Jesus who leads to the Father, so much so that to see him, the Son, is to see the Father (cf. Jn 14:6-10). And thus to imitate the Son, "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15), means to imitate the Father.

20. Jesus asks us to follow him and to imitate him along the path of love, a love which gives itself completely to the brethren out of love for God: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 15:12). The word "as" requires imitation of Jesus and of his love, of which the washing of feet is a sign: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (Jn 13:14-15). Jesus' way of acting and his words, his deeds and his precepts constitute the moral rule of Christian life. Indeed, his actions, and in particular his Passion and Death on the Cross, are the living revelation of his love for the Father and for others. This is exactly the love that Jesus wishes to be imitated by all who follow him. It is the "new" commandment: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (Jn 13:34-35).

21. Following Christ is not an outward imitation, since it touches man at the very depths of his being. Being a follower of Christ means becoming conformed to him who became a servant even to giving himself on the Cross (cf. Phil 2:5-8). Christ dwells by faith in the heart of the believer (cf. Eph 3:17), and thus the disciple is conformed to the Lord. This is the effect of grace, of the active presence of the Holy Spirit in us.” ~Veritatis Splendor Aug. 6 1993

11. If you are following Jesus, how does it look for you to be covered in his “dust”?
12. What will it take for you to be a true disciple of Christ?
Closing Thoughts

Too late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, O Beauty so new.
Too late have I loved you!
You were within me but I was outside myself, and there I sought you!
In my weakness I ran after the beauty of the things you have made.
You were with me, and I was not with you.
The things you have made kept me from you,the things which would have no being
unless they existed in you!
You have called, you have cried, and you have pierced my deafness.
You have radiated forth, you have shined out brightly, and you have dispelled my blindness.
You have sent forth your fragrance, and I have breathed it in, and I long for you.
I have tasted you, and I hunger and thirst for you.
You have touched me, and I ardently desire your peace.
-St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Ambrose Haunted Woods

2009-10-29T06:59:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Night, 43 youth and adults headed deep into Union County to a place called Henshaw for a night or trails and terrors. (Scared yet?)

We had a great experience together at St. Ambrose and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some scares and laughs. We hope they do it for many years to come!

It's Not About You!

2009-10-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Corner
This is all a gift

To Get Them Thinking

1) What was the last thing you were really grateful for? How do you feel about it now?
2) Was there a time when you expected to give, but ended up receiving? Can you give and receive at the same time?

“Success can be dangerous, can’t it?”
How is success dangerous? Is all success dangerous?

It’s All a Gift

Read Deuteronomy 24: 19-22
1) What is the root of the message that Moses is teaching?
2) It is true that in very little ways we can take care of others, but what is the real truth at the heart of Moses’ teaching? (I think the heart of the teaching is that we don’t need much and sometimes we think we have to have it all, when in fact we really don’t have many true needs. It is not always about us having the best and everything we want and think we need.)
3) Why is getting what we want so important to us?

“It isn’t fair. It’s my vineyard, it’s my olive grove, it’s my field. Why should I let these people come onto my property and take what I’ve worked so hard to produce? That’s not fair.
Exactly.
Because being rescued from slavery in Egypt wasn’t fair.
Liberation isn’t fair.
Redemption isn’t fair.
Grace isn’t fair.
God isn’t fair.”
4) How have you seen God be unfair?
5) What is grace? How is grace unfair? (None of us are deserving of the sacrifice God made for us by the death of Jesus.)
6) How has grace been given to you?
7) Who needs some grace from you?

Leaving a Corner

“We leave a corner because in helping save someone else from suffering, we may in the process find ourselves being saved.
From indifference.
From taking what we have for granted.”
1) What is your “corner”?
2) Who do you need to give it to?

Read Luke 21: 1-4
“We leave a corner because our world is either shrinking or its expanding.
It’s either contracting in on itself, or it’s opening up.
Our lives are either more and more about us-more stuff,
More unsatisfying consumption-or we’re on a different path.”
3) How is your world shrinking?
4) How is your world expanding?

Your Story

1) When and where in your life have you seen tonight’s discussion been put into practice?
2) How do we make our service days, mission trips, and giving more than just days, trips, time, and money?

Human Rosary Prayer Experience

2009-10-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Night, the youth prayed the Rosary in a very unique way by each getting a chance to be a bead and offer a prayer.

The youth were asked to meditate on their most important Prayer Request and then present it to the Blessed Mother, Mary during our prayer time as we meditated on the Glorious Mysteries.

It was a great time of prayer and another reminder of how special the new building has become to our Youth Ministry. It was also the first time we had ever closed in prayer, sitting inside a giant flaming Rosary.

Youth Visit Residents at Red Banks

2009-10-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Afternoon October 4, 2009, several members of Holy Name Youth spent a couple hours visiting with the residents at Red Banks Nursing Home in Henderson, KY.

It was a very powerful and humbling experience to watch the youth reach out to people they didn't know and offer time and love. Everyone at Red Banks were incredibly welcoming and we had a tremendous experience.

One of the Corporal Works of Mercy is "Visiting the Sick" and Christ continually calls us to get out of our comfort zones and serve those in need.

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Sept. 30, 2009

2009-10-14T12:28:00.001-07:00

Flame
A lesson on love

Explanation of Song of Solomon:

Take a moment and look at Song of Solomon. Skim it and read how it was written and how it describes an intimate relationship.

The Song of Songs, meaning the greatest of songs, is a poem used to describe the mutual love of the Lord and his people. The Lord is the lover and the people are the beloved. The author chooses to describe the love in terms of human relationships so as to more closely tie the connection to our human experiences. Although, this is the general idea behind Song of Solomon, it can also represent the ideal human love. In this we would have from God a description of the sacredness and the depth of the marriage union.

Song of Songs gives us a series of pictures of the relationship between a man and a woman- the joy, the struggle, the complexity.

1. Why is love so complex?

Read Songs 2: 7
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the wild does: do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready!”

2. What does this verse try to tell us?
3. Do we generally, in today’s world, treat the concept of love the same way as the people in Song of Songs? As a sacred, beautiful, and mysterious thing?
4. Do you think the word “love” loses its meaning when we use it for so many things?
5. Does it affect our understanding of what real love is?

What is Love?

In the video, three types of love are discussed from the Hebrew Language.
1. What were they? (raya, ahava, dod)
2. What kind of love does each represent?
Raya- friend or companion, someone you hang out with
Ahava- love of the will, the emotion that leads to commitment
Dod- physical, sexual element to a relationship

In looking at Dod, or Eros, Pope Benedict has this to say,
Encyclical Letter, Deus Caritas Est “God is Love,” Pope Benedict XVI
“Yet the contemporary way of exalting the body is deceptive. Eros, reduced to pure ‘sex’, has become a commodity, a mere “thing” to be bought and sold, or rather, man himself becomes a commodity. This is hardly man's great “yes” to the body. On the contrary, he now considers his body and his sexuality as the purely material part of himself, to be used and exploited at will. Nor does he see it as an arena for the exercise of his freedom, but as a mere object that he attempts, as he pleases, to make both enjoyable and harmless. Here we are actually dealing with a debasement of the human body: no longer is it integrated into our overall existential freedom; no longer is it a vital expression of our whole being, but it is more or less relegated to the purely biological sphere. The apparent exaltation of the body can quickly turn into a hatred of bodiliness.” (5)

3. What is the Pope trying to say?
4. How do you think hatred of the body could develop?

Benedict XVI goes on to say about Ahava, or Agape love,

“By contrast with an indeterminate, “searching” love, this word expresses the experience of a love which involves a real discovery of the other, moving beyond the selfish character that prevailed earlier. Love now becomes concern and care for the other. No longer is it self-seeking, a sinking in the intoxication of happiness; instead it seeks the good of the beloved: it becomes renunciation and it is ready, and even willing, for sacrifice.” (Deus Caritas Est, 6)

5. How does this image of love differ from Dod or Eros?

Benedict XVI sums up the goal by proclaiming,

“It is part of love's growth towards higher levels and inward purification that it now seeks to become definitive, and it does so in a twofold sense: both in the sense of exclusivity (this particular person alone) and in the sense of being “forever”. Love embraces the whole of existence in each of its dimensions, including the dimension of time. It could hardly be otherwise, since its promise looks towards its definitive goal: love looks to the eternal. Love is indeed “ecstasy”, not in the sense of a moment of intoxication, but rather as a journey, an ongoing exodus out of the closed inward-looking self towards its liberation through self-giving, and thus towards authentic self-discovery and indeed the discovery of God: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it” (Lk 17:33), as Jesus says throughout the Gospels (cf. Mt 10:39; 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24; Jn 12:25). In these words, Jesus portrays his own path, which leads through the Cross to the Resurrection: the path of the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies, and in this way bears much fruit. Starting from the depths of his own sacrifice and of the love that reaches fulfillment therein, he also portrays in these words the essence of love and indeed of human life itself.” (Deus Caritas Est, 6)

6. So what is love?

Look at these quotes from the video and answer the questions for each.

“We have our raya flame. We have our ahava flame. And, we have our dod flame. One flame burning all by itself will never be as hot as all the flames burning together. I mean, we were created for all flames to burn as one. When you separate the flames, it can never really satisfy. It’s like you’re living outside of how God wired you to live.”

7. Do you think it is possible to be completely satisfied without having all three flames burning?

“True sexuality is vast and mysterious. It involves all of you. I mean, you have a body, but you also have a soul and a spirit. And love is two people coming together and giving all of themselves to each other, forever.”

8. What does it mean to you to give all of yourself to another person?

Closing Thoughts

O Jesus, Who in Thy cruel Passion didst become the "Reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows," I worship Thy Divine Face. Once it shone with the beauty and sweetness of the Divinity: now for my sake it is become as the face of a leper. Yet in that disfigured Countenance I recognize Thy infinite Love, and I am consumed with the desire of loving Thee and of making Thee loved by all mankind. The tears that streamed in such abundance from Thy Eyes are to me as precious pearls which I delight to gather, that with their infinite worth I may ransom the souls of poor sinners.
O Jesus, Whose Face is the sole beauty that ravishes my heart, I may not behold here upon earth the sweetness of Thy Glance, nor feel the ineffable tenderness of Thy Kiss. I bow to Thy Will - but I pray Thee to imprint in me Thy Divine Likeness, and I implore Thee so to inflame me with Thy Love, that it may quickly consume me and I may soon reach the Vision of Thy glorious Face in Heaven. Amen.

- Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Wednesday Night Religious Ed. Sept. 23, 2009

2009-10-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Rain
A lesson on the storms of life

Activity to Get Youth Thinking

1. If you could freeze a moment from your life, what moment would that be?
2. What are some of the storms in your life? Is it raining now?
3. Do you think that God puts us intentionally through trials?
4. Isn’t there an easier way for us to learn?

Read 1 Corinthians 10: 13
1. What hope does St. Paul bring to the Corinthians?

Living the Fullness of Life in the Kingdom

Read Matthew 7: 24-27
1. What is Jesus trying to teach us in these verses?
2. How do they relate to the storms of life?

Crying Out to God

1. Have you ever felt like God failed to come through for you?
2. Looking back, do you still feel the same?

Crying out to God in the Psalms:
Psalm 34:17, Psalm 55:17, Psalm 72:12, Psalm 84:2, Psalm 88:1
1. What do the Psalms tell us about God’s response to our crying out?
2. How does this make you feel?
3. What keeps you from crying out to God?

God Never Ceases to Draw Us Near

1. Do you have anyone in your life that you would do anything for?
2. Do you think that is how God feels about you?

Read CCC, 27
“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.”

From Gaudium et Spes, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
“The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes in to being. For if man exists, it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator.”

(Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, was one of the four Apostolic Constitutions resulting from the Second Vatican Council. The document is an overview of the Catholic Church's teachings about man's relationship to society, especially in reference to economics, poverty, social justice, culture, science & technology, and ecumenism.)

1. From these two passages, what do you discover about God’s desire for man?
2. How does it make you feel to know you are being “held in existence” by God?
3. When you’re going through really hard times and everything seems hopeless, do you still trust that God knows the way and that you’re going to make it?

Read Deuteronomy 1: 29-31
The storms of life are going to happen. Some have even suggested that you are either in storm of life, leaving one, or coming into one. Our God desires to draw us close and remind us that He loves us. The question is whether or not we can entrust ourselves to the Creator.

Closing Thoughts

In a particularly tough time in life, Thomas Merton wrote a prayer which offers hope that God is in control. May we too find comfort and security in the arms of a God who knows the way home.

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

Commiting Your Life to Christ Prayer Experience

2009-09-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Night, we came together for a prayer experience focused on further commiting to our Savior. As we moved around the Youth Center, we were asked to pray at 7 specific stations and then return to the middle to reflect and journal our thoughts and experiences.

Station 1- “On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” - John 7: 37-38
The Living Water of Jesus must flow forth from our hearts to this thirsty world.

Station 2- “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” – James 5: 13-14; 16b
We must pray for those who are suffering and sick.

Station 3- “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”-Matthew 11: 28-30
We must come to the cross with our heavy burdens and rest with the Lord.

Station 4- “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1Corinthians 11: 23-24; 26
We must be Eucharistic in this world and be willing to be broken for others.

Station 5- “Come behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”Psalms 46: 8-11
We must make and plan time to be in the presence of God.

Station 6- “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in with you and eat with you, and you with me.” – Revelation 3: 20
We must invite Jesus into our lives as a priority.

Station 7- “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5: 17-18
We must become new creations in Christ and be willing to let go of the "old" in order to become new.

Being Eucharistic in This Hungry World

2009-09-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Eucharist: We Become What We Receive
The Eucharist is mystery…you must get comfortable with that idea. There are really three ways to think about Eucharist:
1) As Sacrifice- Jesus died for us!
2) As Presence- Jesus is truly present with us!
3) As Banquet- As the body of Christ, we gather together for a sacred meal!

Being Eucharist:
The question when it comes to the Eucharist is, “But does it stop with us? Does it stop with our connection to Christ?”

In Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical Letter “The Church of the Eucharist” he states, “Proclaiming the death of the Lord ‘until He comes’ entails that all who take part in the Eucharist be committed to changing their lives and making them in a certain way completely “Eucharistic.”

What This Means for Us:

- We have to die to self for Christ to live in us
- In the small ways at first, the small ways add up to the big, if you can’t die to self in the small moments, you won’t in the big moments
- We must choose to be broken for others! Why is this so hard?
It’s not natural
We can’t do it in and of ourselves
That is why we need Jesus!
- When we consume Jesus in the Eucharist, we get the “spiritual Nutrition” needed to die to self and live for others.
- When we sit in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, we sit in example of the Christ that dies for us. We should ponder and pray about how we should die to self and live for others.
- When we come to the Banquet table to consume the Body of Christ with the Body of Christ, we have to be right with the community. We should pray for our neighbors who we love and dislike, who treat us with respect and disrespect, who hug us and stab us in the back.

BE EUCHARISTIC FOR THIS HUNGRY WORLD!

Blog Gets a Facelift!!!!!!!!

2009-09-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that the blog has been fully updated with new pictures from Jell-o Olympics 2009 and Mission Missouri 09 at the bottom. Also that events on the right side are current for Fall and Winter 2009.

We are back in business!

See you at Youth soon
God Bless
Charlie

Canoeing and Camping Adventure 2009

2009-06-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend camping and canoeing at the Blue River. The water was high and faster than normal and that made for some fun moments. We spent the night by the river and were serenaded all night by the "Cafeteria Catholicteers" and there sweet rhythm and awful singing...just kidding guys.

We had a great experience and we will definitely do it again for anyone who wasn't able to come.

Mission Day Success!

2009-05-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the Holy Name Youth Group participated in a community wide Mission Day in which several church (close to 10) Youth Groups worked all day. We began the day at Audubon Mill Park with Prayer and ended the day there as well with food and testimony.

We were able to do service work for several in the Parish as well as work at the church. It was a great day of service in the community!

WE ARE AN EASTER PEOPLE!

2009-04-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday Night we spent some time perfecting the art form of Human Foosball. It was good times for all.

Later we spent a good chunk of time in prayer focusing on the fact that we are an Easter People. We find our identity in the Resurrection of Christ and should therefore be the Resurrection to the world around us.

Do people in your work, school, home, friendships, etc. see you as the Resurrection? What difference do you think it would make?

Transformation Stations: Jesus' Passion

2009-03-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Let us remember what Jesus endured for us on the cross. This last Sunday Night we had a very special time together in the new building. It has been a blessing to me all week so far. Let us hold tight to the experience of Jesus' love and look him in the eyes on the cross this Lent.

God bless!

Leaving Lent Changed

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

As we enter the Season of Lent, it is very important that we approach the season with an open heart, mind, and soul to what God wants to do in our lives.

Once we make eye contact with Jesus on the Cross, we can never be the same. So allow Jesus to search your life and find the things that might need to change. God will always meet us where we are, but he loves us too much to leave us there.

FOCUS on the JOY of Sacrifice this Lent

J- Jesus

O- Others

Y- Yourself

Blind Dodgeball

2009-02-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday Night we played a game called Blind Dodgeball. As crazy as it sounds, it is a great reminder to how we live our lives blind to what is coming next. Because of this, it is very important that we learn to rely on God to guide and show us who we are to become and what we are to do.

CHALLENGE: During this Season of Lent, work to spend time with God in silence, listening for his voice of LOVE and GUIDANCE!

A reporter once asked Mother Teresa what she said during her prayer.
Mother Teresa responded, "Nothing...I just listen."
The reporter then asked her what God said to her during prayer.
Mother Teresa responded, "Nothing...He just listens."

Let this be a reminder during our times of prayer that it isn't always about what is being said as much as the the value of the time we spend gazing into the eyes of our Loving Savior!

The Life and Spirituality of Thomas Merton

2009-02-16T09:13:00.001-08:00

The last two Sunday Nights we have learned about the life and spirituality of Thomas Merton.

For more information check out:
www.merton.org- this link provides information on his life
www.thomasmertonbooks.com- this link provides access to his books and writings
www.monks.org- this link will take you to the Abbey of Gethsemani website where we plan to make a trip in May.

I highly recommend two books:
1) The Seven Storey Mountain (Merton's Autobiography)
2) New Seeds of Contemplation

2009-01-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

How To Pray the Rosary:
1. Preparation
Start by making the sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then recite the Apostle's Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ,His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Sprit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.

Then say 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys (for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity) and then 1 Glory Be:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.GLORY BE to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

2. The Rosary Proper
The Rosary is essentially the decades and their associated mysteries, and only these must be prayed to "pray the rosary", either in satisfaction of Our Lady's requests, or, to gain the indulgences attached to praying the rosary.
The traditional Rosary is divided into three parts, each having five mysteries: Glorious, Joyful and Sorrowful. In his apostolic letter The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, Pope John Paul II proposed a new set of mysteries, which he called the Luminous, and which concern the period of the public life of Our Lord. For those who wish to say all 20 decades at once during the course of a day, they may be said in the following order: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious.
For those who wish to say only 5 decades per day, the Holy Father proposed the following schedule:
Monday- Joyful
Tuesday- Sorrowful
Wednesday- Glorious
Thursday- Luminous
Friday- Sorrowful
Saturday- Joyful
Sunday- Glorious

While meditating on the Mysteries, recite:
One Our Father (large beads), 10 Hail Marys (small beads) and 1 Glory Be (before the next large bead) to make a complete decade of the rosary.
After each decade the Fátima Prayer may also be said (Pope Pius XII).
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.

3. Concluding Prayers
After the completion of five mysteries (5 decades), or 15 or 20, the following is customarily said:
Hail Holy Queen (or Salve Regina may be sung)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

(Verse) Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

(Response) That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Rosary Prayer
(Verse) Let us pray,
(Response) O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

4. For the Intentions of the Holy Father
Catholics who say the rosary in a group, or, individually before the Blessed Sacrament, may gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, which includes prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
For the intentions of the Holy Father.
Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.

Christmas Party 2008!

2008-12-22T08:46:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time together last night at the Christmas Party. Megan and I would like to think you for the gifts and love. We hope you have a very special, safe, and blessed Christmas!
GOD BLESS!

The True Meaning of Christmas

2008-12-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last night we took time to think about the True Meaning of Christmas. As Jordy stated, "The True Meaning of Christmas isn't tinsle, imported Australian Christmas Trees, or Men giving birth to Basketballs...the True Meaning of Christmas is about a Savior!"

As things get crazy with School, Family, Shopping, and everything else under the sun this Season, take time to come to Bethlehem and greet the coming Savior. I promise you will never be the same.

God Bless!

The Stations of the Nativity

2008-12-08T07:33:00.001-08:00

Last night was a nice time of prayer as we focused in on the Stations of the Nativity. It seems very helpful to realize that the events of that night were real and it was by no means a "silent night." Be mindful of this period of waiting as we take time to focus on the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Remember to ask yourself, "How am I different because I have a Savior?"

2008-11-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Owensboro Youth Conference was a great experience this past weekend! We had 17 youth and 5 adults attend the conference. Greg Walton (http://www.gregwalton.com/) provided excellent music and gave a great series of talks about growing in our faith and avoiding the flying monkeys in life that cause us to stumble. Greg also taught us to look for our inner Squirrel. All in all it was a great weekend!

Remembering the Prayer Labyrinth

2008-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday we took time to spend time with God trying to find our Identity in Him. Along the way there were many lessons to learn, but here are some of the main points to remember.

"God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well"
-Romans 12: 6a

We need to see and use the gifts God has given us to better this world.

"You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light."
-1 Peter 2:9

We need to find time to be with God for we are His and we need Him to pull us from the darkness into the light.

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free."
-1 Corinthians 12: 12-13a

As members of the Body of Christ, we find our identity in Christ. He is the head and we are the body. The body of Christ is not the same without us.

Questions for Reflection

1) How does it feel to know you are made in God’s image?
2) What kind of responsibility does that carry with it?
3) How do you feel knowing that God knows every detail of you inside and out?
4) Have you been making enough time for God?
5) How will you work to make sure you spend more time with God?
6) What are you to do with the Gifts God has given you? How can you use your gifts for the Kingdom of God?
7) Why is it difficult to be honest with God sometimes in our prayer?
8) How do we live like a new creation in Christ?
9) Have you ever thought of your relationship with God as a friendship? What kind of friend have you been?
10) How do we find our place in the Body of Christ?
11) Why is it important that we stay connected to the Body of Christ?

Local Mission Day

2008-11-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

Special Thanks to all the Youth and Adults who worked hard to make our Local Mission Day a success. It was a great experience and we were able to complete all the projects we worked on.

This April we will participate in a Community Wide Mission Day with many other Youth Ministries in town.

Update from Timmy

2008-10-30T08:13:00.001-07:00

I talked with Timmy's mother this morning and she said he was doing well and adjusting well. Timmy would love to recieve some letters from you all and so here is an address where you can reach him!

PVT Sauer Timothy

D-CO 3/10 INF 3d PLT

495 Iowa Ave. Unit #45

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473

**Please write OUTLAWS on the back of the envelope**

Mission San Antonio Preview

2008-10-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

The story of a group of missionaries who found their way to San Antonio, Texas and were never the same. Coming to a Youth House near you this Holiday Season.

OPENING JANUARY 4, 2009

Video Scavenger Hunt 2006

2008-10-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

This takes me back! Remember to pray for Josh, Jordan, and Joey as they tackle college and stuff. Look how little Drew looks....too funny!

Check out the helpful links!

2008-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Night we ended up in a great discussion on different questions regarding Catholic Faith. I want to point out that in you look under the helpful links section of this blog, you will see three helpful sites for answering questions regarding the Catholic Faith. They are Catholic Answers, Catholic Online, and Lifeteen. At all of these websites you can search for good answers to your faith questions. There are also some links to TEC, Youth Ministry in our diocese, our favorite Christian Music Festival, and Gasper River. Let me know if I can be of further help!

Parents 101:

2008-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

I just DO NOT get along with my parents. What can I do?

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – Corinthians 13:4-7

Arguments, fights, disagreements are often part of adolescent-parent relationships. Parents can be difficult to get along with by adolescents can also be difficult to get along with. Try to look at both sides of the argument. Remember, most parents really want what is best for their teenagers. Here are some other ideas to get along better with your parents:

1) Recall some of the fun times you have had together.
2) State your complaint in the form of a request, not a demand. Make it positive.
3) When you are wrong, admit it.
4) Do not respond in anger. Read Proverbs 14:29, 15:1, 25:15, 29:11, Ephesians 4:26,31
5) Try to understand your parent’s point of view. Listen intently to what he or she is really saying – and why. Ask non-threatening and non-blaming questions to clarify the key points of disagreement.
6) Be willing to explore compromises or workable alternatives.
7) Don’t play psychologist. For example, don’t tell your parent what he/she is thinking, don’t assume, don’t play mind reader.
8) Do find things to be grateful for with your parents (i.e. what they have done for you, what they have provided you with, etc.)
9) Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, pages 534-536.
10) Pray for peaceful resolution to the fight you are having with your parents.

www.lifeteen.com

Message from Teresa at WKU!

2008-10-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!!!! I miss all of you so much!! I think of you all every day and miss Youth Group a lot. College is amazing, but take advantage of every opportunity in high school, you have no responsibilities now and there is always a meal on the table when you get home from school. Take time with your parents, they really love being with you. Most importantly, spend as much time with each other now and be there for each other and your fellow Youth Groupers, you never know who is having a crappy day, and this is the best time of your lives. Who better to spend it with than your besties! Seniors and juniors, all I have to say is you are doing an amazing job. I know that my class had a lot of leaders and there was not much space for you guys to take charge. I've heard that you are doing a phenomenal job and I love you for that and for just being the best people ever! I love all of you guys and miss you like crazy!Love!Teresa

Lock Out 2008 A Great Night!

2008-09-29T09:45:00.001-07:00

We had a great night out and about on the town Saturday, Sept. 27 thru Sunday Morning, Sept. 38. We started the night at Wather's Golf and Fun for Laser Tag and Putt-putt, then went to Swander's Ice Arena for ice skating, and then ended up in Owensboro for Pizza and games at Kid's Zone. Along the way, we stopped at Memorial, Owensboro Catholic, and Henderson County High Schools to pray for the students and faculty at those schools. Look below for a slideshow of pictures from the night.

Remember to keep Timmy in your Prayers!

2008-09-29T09:39:00.001-07:00

Two Sundays ago we said goodbye to Timmy Sauer as he headed off to Basic Training for the Army. Please continue to pray for Timmy as he heads into a new transition in life. As soon as we get it, we will let you know how to contact Timmy and keep in touch with him.

WHATCHOCALLIN?

2008-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Listening for the Voice of God in our Lives

How to hear the voice of God

1) Get on God’s wavelength. In order to hear the voice of God, we must spiritually prepare ourselves. This is how we get on God’s wavelength. We prepare ourselves spiritually by participating in the sacraments of the church and by coming to the table at Eucharist. Remember the phrase, “worship leads to person renewal, personal renewal leads to vision from God.” As you pray, fix you’re the eyes of your heart on Jesus.

2) Learn to listen. The inability to listen is one of the basic causes for relationship difficulties- both on earth and in heaven. Though God speaks to your spirit, you must comprehend what He has said with your mind and emotions and respond with your will. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27) We must learn to listen.

3) Realize God wants to talk to you. He loves to answer your cry to Him. As you learn the art of listening – believing that God wants to communicate to you personally – you will hear the voice of God and be transformed by what you hear.

4) Cultivate quietness. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” You must learn to still your own thoughts and emotions, so that you can sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions with you. Remember Elijah’s experience with the voice of God in 1 Kings 19: 11-12, “Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord as not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.” Sometimes we are looking for a billboard, when God is actually trying to whisper directly in our ear.

5) Go to the Word of God in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We need to take time to ponder at length scripture. This will help you to see how God works and thinks. Do you have a question about a certain topic or decision in your life? See what the Bible has to say about it. God will never lead you or direct you contrary to what He has taught or promised in His Word.

6) Anticipate hearing God speak. It is spirit-filled believer who has the greatest potential for hearing God’s voice. Hearing is a result of a relationship cultivated with God.

7) Respond to what you hear. As you are hearing the voice of God, journal it down so you don’t forget what you are hearing and so that you can reflect upon that voice of God. Work to obey what you hear.

8) Look for confirmation. Look for the confirmation of God in the voices of others around you and in Scripture. Believe that God will not lead you astray.

God, what do you want for my life?

Jeremiah 29: 11-13 says, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.”

I firmly believe that if we seek God’s will for our life, he writes his intentions deep in our hearts. So ask yourself,

1) What are you passionate about?

2) Where do you want to help in this world?

3) What gifts and talents has God given you?

4) If money wasn’t an issue, what would you love to do?

5) How do you see God’s movement in your life?