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Fr. Mikes Homilies
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Back to the Basics...
As we continue this discussion on the Ten Steps to Holiness as presented by Msgr. Stephen Rossetti we have already discussed steps one through nine: cease any serious sin, begin to use the Sacrament of Penance, pray more, dive deeply into the Eucharist, nourish good friendships within the Body of Christ, love the Church; love your Bishop, practice gratitude, embrace your crosses, and relax and trust. This week we touch on step ten: Abandon Yourself to GOD.
Msgr. Rossetti refers to this step as the “final plunge into God.” It is in this abandonment that we hand ourselves completely over to God. For most of us this is not a one time shot at holiness: “okay God I abandon myself to you.” It is a continual step towards holiness. Over and over again, especially at the beginning stages, we make that leap of faith into God. Maybe even a hundred times a day before it becomes truly integrated into our daily lives and we begin to live abandonment more than not. But it is in this abandonment that we truly begin to know who we are as beloved sons and daughters of our Almighty Father.
This prayer of abandonment is given to us from Charles de Foucauld:
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father. AMEN!
Fr. Mike
U.S. Bishops launch health care reform Web site
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a Web page promoting its support of “truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity.” The page includes letters from bishops to Congress, videos, facts and statistics, frequently asked questions, and links for contacting members of Congress.
USCCB's health care Web site >
Respect Live
“I shall accept whatever they will do to me provided they save the child.”
St. Gianna Molla
Reflection: In 1962 Saint Gianna Beretta Molla died after giving birth to her fourth child. A physician herself, she understood the risks of her pregnancy, but refused abortion. Some question her decision, given that she already had three children. However, nothing would have harmed those children more than if she had aborted their sister, and nothing blessed them more than the example of a mother who gave her life for her child.
Prayer: Saint Gianna, pray for us, that we may imitate your selfless love.
Registration for Religious Education classes and Sacramental Programs for 2010/2011are due.
If your child will be celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation and attends St. John Vianney School, or the Wednesday night programs, they must be registered in the Parish Sacramental Programs for next year. Bring your registration forms to the School Office or the Parish Office.
Forms are available on our website: www.stjohnvianney.net under Parish Community, Faith Formation, Registration Forms.
Preschool & Child Care Openings Available
Looking for a loving Christian environment for your Toddler or Preschooler, please contact us. St. John Vianney Child Care has openings in our Toddler and Preschool rooms. We have room for full-time or part-time. The toddler needs to be 12 months old and the preschooler up to five years old. Our programs include meals, preschool activities and trained staff. Please call us for more information at 534-5392.
Women's Cursillo
coming to SJV
St. John Vianney is hosting a Cursillo Retreat Weekend for women only on October 14-17, 2010. The weekend is filled with practical information which you can immediately apply to your daily life. You will have the opportunity to examine your values and priorities, and you will learn how others have met the challenge of living for God in our complex society. You will bring home a more complete view of Christianity. This is a back-to-basic weekend which can help you better understand yourself, your family, your friends, the church, and Jesus Christ.
Applications and more information are available through Kathy Best, 249-3905.