Good Shepherd Gathers - PRAY (Young Adults)
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Live In Peace
|
Our theme this week is Live in Peace, a message that is desperately needed in our world today. Before we can address an issue like Racism, we must take the necessary steps to LISTEN and to EDUCATE ourselves so that we may act and speak from a position of prayer and understanding, not from a place of emotion and ignorance. Take time this week to read some of the many resources (being careful to research their authenticity) on this topic and pray as a family for the many who are suffering from the effects of racism and violence. We also encourage you to participate in this week's Community Activity - Pray for Peace - on our LIVE page. |
RESOURCES
Excellent resources are available on the website of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Read this powerful Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities.
Message from Pope Francis on Death of George Floyd (June 3, 2020)
Dear brothers and sisters in the United States,
I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr George Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life. At the same time, we have to recognize that “the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.” Today I join the Church in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and in the entire United States, in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism. Let us pray for the consolation of their grieving families and friends and let us implore the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn.
May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, intercede for all those who work for peace and justice in your land and throughout the world.
May God bless all of you and your families.
Excellent resources are available on the website of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Read this powerful Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities.
Message from Pope Francis on Death of George Floyd (June 3, 2020)
Dear brothers and sisters in the United States,
I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr George Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life. At the same time, we have to recognize that “the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.” Today I join the Church in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and in the entire United States, in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism. Let us pray for the consolation of their grieving families and friends and let us implore the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn.
May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, intercede for all those who work for peace and justice in your land and throughout the world.
May God bless all of you and your families.
PREVIOUS POSTS
Sunday, May 31 - Pentecost Sunday
Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
Sunday, May 31 - Pentecost Sunday
Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
|
Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, when Chist sent the Holy Spirit to fall on his disciples so that they may receive His graces to be strengthened to complete His mission. Come Holy Spirit! THIS WEEK This week we hear Fr. Dave Pivonka speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. What happens when we call on the Holy Spirit and allow him to come to us? Reflection Questions How can you be more open to inviting and receiving the Holy Spirit in your life? I invite you to spend quiet time in prayer or meditation asking for and welcoming the Holy Spirit in your life. |
PREVIOUS POSTS
Sunday, May 24 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Go and Make Disciples
Sunday, May 24 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Go and Make Disciples
|
This Sunday's Gospel is short, but full of depth and mission. Before he ascends to heaven, Jesus tells his disciples: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Yes, mission, for it is from this very passage that the Church gets its mandate from Jesus: to go “baptize and teach.” That is what it means to be an evangelizing Church, a missionary Church. That is what a disciple of Jesus is: an observer, a student, a follower, and a doer of the things Jesus taught us to do. Our faith is not meant to be one of interior piety alone, but a life of witness and proclamation of the Good News that is our salvation through Jesus’ incarnation, passion, death on the cross, resurrection and ascension. That’s right - Jesus’ redeeming work is not complete until he ascends to heaven and paves the way for us to go back to the Father. As his followers - his disciples - we are called to take part in practicing all that he taught us with love and fidelity. And by practicing what Jesus taught us, we become teachers through our actions. As St. Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” THIS WEEK Watch this great video by Fr. Mike Schmitz about how to be a good disciple of Christ. Reflection Questions 1. How am I in relationship with Jesus? 2. How am I showing up or not? How can I do better? 3. How can I be more consistent with prayer? How can I be more faithful? 4. How am I observing and following Christ’s teaching, and either teaching or witnessing to Christ? |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
You Are Not Alone.
Jesus' mission - calling us to be disciples and to make disciples - is a challenge! We are not meant to do this alone. This will help you find the people that will help you fulfill your mission.
This short video by Fr. John Riley digs deeper into the Ascension of Christ, his work, and his presence among us.
You Are Not Alone.
Jesus' mission - calling us to be disciples and to make disciples - is a challenge! We are not meant to do this alone. This will help you find the people that will help you fulfill your mission.
This short video by Fr. John Riley digs deeper into the Ascension of Christ, his work, and his presence among us.
Sunday, May 17 - 6th Sunday of Easter
Jesus: I Will Come to You
Jesus: I Will Come to You
|
We continue to celebrate Easter. At this time we remember that Jesus promised He would come to us. On Holy Thursday he gave us the Eucharist as one way in which he would continue to be with us. This Sunday, we hear him tell us: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…...you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you.”
THIS WEEK Do you struggle to understand the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate is yet another way in which God comes to us. The spirit is the “gift that I will give you,” says Jesus. As He rose to be with the Father, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. In THIS VIDEO Fr. Dave Pivonka tells us about the impact of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles who “were frightened men living their faith life in a locked room,” not unlike we today may be living in isolation and fearful of the coronavirus. What took place in the upper room changed the lives of the apostles and changed human history. But it is not an experience of the past, the encounter with the Holy Spirit is available to you and me, not just reserved for a few. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit is the theme here and will be good preparation as we look to celebrate Pentecost in a few weeks. Reflection Questions
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
LIVE OUR FAITH AT HOME
Check out this week's parish community activity and service opportunities on our LIVE page.
Check out this week's parish community activity and service opportunities on our LIVE page.
Sunday, May 10 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Jesus: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
|
In this week’s Gospel Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” What does that mean? The Magnificat worship aid publication (see Additional Resources below) concludes the reflection for this week’s readings in a poignant way: “We belong to you; be the way that carries us onward, the truth that inspires us with courage, and the life that fills us with renewed vigor.” We invite you to think and pray about the ways in which Jesus is “the way that carries us onward”; how is He “the truth that inspires us with courage”; and how is He “the life that renews our vigor”? THIS WEEK Most of us have been either literally or figuratively lost at some time, not knowing which way to go, and feeling a surge of fear and panic. The Apostles in today's Gospel were feeling lost, because Jesus had just told them he was going to leave them in order to be crucified and die. Thomas said what must have been in all their hearts: "We do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus' answer might have been confusing. He didn't give instructions or directions. Instead he told them that he himself was the direction. He said that he was the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reflection Questions:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Magnificat Reflection on the Gospel - “We belong to you; be the way that carries us onward, the truth that inspires us with courage, and the life that fills us with renewed vigor.” Pope Francis is calling Catholics around the world to pray the Rosary at home in the month of May. We invite you to read the full text of Pope Francis' Letter on the Month of May and visit our Holy Rosary Page for resources on praying the Rosary. |
Sunday, May 3 - 4th Sunday of Easter
Jesus, the Good Shepherd: We Recognize his Voice and Follow Him
Jesus, the Good Shepherd: We Recognize his Voice and Follow Him
|
In the Gospel reading this Sunday we hear Jesus tell us about the Good Shepherd who knows us, guides us, protects us, and loves us. He calls his sheep by name, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. How often are we lost if we are left to our own devices? We need Jesus to guide us to the good and holy life he has planned for us. THIS WEEK Watch The Good Shepherd - Opening the Word for the 4th Sunday of Easter Reflection Questions:
|
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
On this Good Shepherd Sunday we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In the following videos, Father Chase Hilgenbrinck and Sister Maris Stella tell their stories of how they discerned their vocation to the priesthood and the religious life.
Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life, especially for our diocese, that God will raise up good shepherds in our midst.
Father you call each one of us by name and ask us to follow you.
Bless your church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve your people
as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons, and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us as we grow to know you,
and open our hearts to hear your call.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In the following videos, Father Chase Hilgenbrinck and Sister Maris Stella tell their stories of how they discerned their vocation to the priesthood and the religious life.
- From Pro Soccer to the Priesthood: The Witness of Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
- Discerning God's Plan for Your Life: Sister Maris Stella, Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville
Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life, especially for our diocese, that God will raise up good shepherds in our midst.
Father you call each one of us by name and ask us to follow you.
Bless your church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve your people
as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons, and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us as we grow to know you,
and open our hearts to hear your call.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, April 26 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Walking Together With Jesus
Walking Together With Jesus
|
This Sunday the Gospel shows us Jesus meeting and walking with disciples on the road. The disciples are discouraged as a result of the tragedy and chaos in their world, not unlike our own situation today. Jesus listens to them and shows them how God has been present throughout all of it, culminating in a powerful encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. In these days when we are unable to get sacramental communion, may we receive His grace to recognize Him on the road. THIS WEEK Watch Journey to Emmaus - Do we recognize Christ walking with us? A daily reflection on Luke 24.
|
Watch Road to Emmaus - Dr. Tim Gray explores how the story of Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 reveals to us the “meaning and pattern of the Mass.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Salt and Light Gathering, April 27. Topic: Moving Beyond a Life on Hold - Young Catholics in a Time of Crisis.
- Reflection Questions: How can you be more conscious of Christ’s presence in your life, particularly through the Mass? How can you share his presence in your life with others?
- Take a quiet walk and notice God around you. Notice Jesus present to you in your home and your family.
- Visit the LIVE page for instructions on sharing photos of your "Jesus Sightings" with the parish!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Salt and Light Gathering, April 27. Topic: Moving Beyond a Life on Hold - Young Catholics in a Time of Crisis.
- For Catholics under 40 years old who work on Capitol Hill or in the administration, other branches of government, or public policy organizations.
Sunday, April 19, 2020 - 2nd Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
Jesus, I Trust In You!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
|
THIS WEEK Watch Divine Mercy, Episode 4: Saint Faustina and the Spread of Divine Mercy. In this Divine Mercy Series, renowned speaker and author Fr. Michael Gaitley tells the dramatic history of God's love and mercy interwoven through the transformative message of St. Faustina, the miraculous appearance of Mary at Fatima, the witness of Maximilian Kolbe, and the world-changing papacy of Pope St. John Paul II. Question for Reflection How do we show trust in Jesus and his mercy in these challenging times? |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Bishop Burbidge, livestreamed on Sunday, April 19 at 3:00pm
- The Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Fr. Michael Gaitley
Sunday, April 12, 2020 - Easter Sunday
He Is Risen!
He Is Risen!
Alleluia! He is Risen!
On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Through Holy Week we have walked with him in his suffering. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate God's transformation of the suffering of the cross into life for the world - into life for each one of us! As Jesus emerges from his tomb, he invites us to do the same - to come out of the tombs that keep us dead to love and joy, and follow Jesus on the path to true life.
On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Through Holy Week we have walked with him in his suffering. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate God's transformation of the suffering of the cross into life for the world - into life for each one of us! As Jesus emerges from his tomb, he invites us to do the same - to come out of the tombs that keep us dead to love and joy, and follow Jesus on the path to true life.
THIS WEEK
The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction.
It is said that we must go through the cross to resurrection just as Jesus did. In this lecture Dr. Steven Smith discusses the various theories that account for the resurrection of Christ and why the only logical, plausible and rational answer is that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. Christ indeed is risen! And his resurrection is not a thing of the past but a reality true and present to us today.
The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction.
It is said that we must go through the cross to resurrection just as Jesus did. In this lecture Dr. Steven Smith discusses the various theories that account for the resurrection of Christ and why the only logical, plausible and rational answer is that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. Christ indeed is risen! And his resurrection is not a thing of the past but a reality true and present to us today.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
An Easter Reflection, by Father Mike Schmitz
An Easter Reflection, by Father Mike Schmitz
Sunday, April 5, 2020 - Palm Sunday
Walking With Jesus
Walking With Jesus
|
THIS WEEK:
The Last Seven Days. Experience the last 7 days of Jesus’ life in this audio presentation by Dr. Brant Pitre: |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1. Pray a Virtual Stations of the Cross. Reflect on the mystery of Jesus' death and what it means to us today.
2. Participate in Good Shepherd's HOLY WEEK RETREAT.
3. Opening the Word: Palm Sunday. Walk with Jesus and reflect with Dr. Edward Sri on the Passion of the Lord, as Jesus says “Not my will, but Yours":
4. Experience Holy Week in Rome with Pope Benedict.
1. Pray a Virtual Stations of the Cross. Reflect on the mystery of Jesus' death and what it means to us today.
2. Participate in Good Shepherd's HOLY WEEK RETREAT.
3. Opening the Word: Palm Sunday. Walk with Jesus and reflect with Dr. Edward Sri on the Passion of the Lord, as Jesus says “Not my will, but Yours":
4. Experience Holy Week in Rome with Pope Benedict.
Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
Finding Peace in Suffering
Finding Peace in Suffering
In this Sunday's Gospel reading (John 11:1-45), we hear what is known as the shortest sentence in all of Scripture, "And Jesus wept." (John 11:13) Jesus cries for the loss of his friend, Lazarus. Jesus mourned his friend, yet calls on God the Father whom he "knows always hears" us to intercede and bring Lazarus back to life.
In this time of uncertainty and loss of contact with friends as we are used to, we too might be mourning and crying. Know that Christ is there in the midst of our suffering. We just need to make ourselves present to him in PRAYER.
In this time of uncertainty and loss of contact with friends as we are used to, we too might be mourning and crying. Know that Christ is there in the midst of our suffering. We just need to make ourselves present to him in PRAYER.
|
|
THIS WEEK
Watch this reflection by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Chaplain of Catholic Campus Ministries at University of Minnesota Duluth, on The Meaning of Suffering. Reflect upon a time when God transformed suffering (yours or someone else's) into something life-giving or meaningful. What did you learn from this experience of suffering? |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Click on the following titles for additional opportunities to reflect and pray.
Click on the following titles for additional opportunities to reflect and pray.
- The Shepherd's Voice - Short video reflections by Father Tom.
- Magnificat Online - March 29
- Word of the Week - March 29
- Breaking Open the Word - March 29