regular appointments with god didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun...

Session Two: February 9, 2013Sr. Jane Boos, SSND & Christine M. Malmevik

Regular Appointments With God

Regular Appointments with God February 9, 2013

Ss. James and Patrick Parish Decatur, IL

8:30 Gather 9:00-9:25 Welcome and Discussion on what has happened since last

meeting 9:30-9:50 Introduction/Who is Your God? 9:50-10:10 Spirituality of Prayer/Survey of Familiarity with Prayer 10:10-10:20 Forms and Expressions of Prayer 10:20-10:30 Break 10:30-10:50 Models of Jesus and Mary 10:50-11:15 Difficulties and distractions to prayer 11:15-11:45 Guided Meditation/Contemplation 11:45-12:00 Summarize Problems/Intentional Routine of Daily Prayer 12:00-12:45 Lunch 12:45 -1:45 Unlocking Doors to a Healthy Spiritual Life 1:45-2:00 What am I called to do?/Prayer

Journey of Discipleship

Title and Goal:Journey of Discipleship

How can I be a more faithful and engaged disciple?How can I be holy in this age? How can we do this together?

Regular Appointments with GodRegular Appointments with God

Session Two: February 9, 2013Sr. Jane Boos, SSND & Christine Malmevik


Who Is Your God?

Spirituality of Prayer

Familiarity with Prayer

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Spirituality of Prayer

1. How we pray and 2. How we live Spiritual wellness relies on balance & harmony Jesus offers a spiritual path—the Beatitudes Luke 6:20 ff Active spirituality means; A.) works of service motivated by faith B.) Bring a faith perspective to daily affairs C.) Daily events are a means to holiness

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WAYS OF PRAYER SURVEY

Check the ways of praying that you are familiar with and include in your prayer life. Memorized Prayer Meditative/Contemplative _____Our Father _____with nature _____Hail Mary _____with music _____Glory be _____labyrinth _____Apostles Creed _____prayer walk _____Meal prayers _____with Scripture _____Morning Offering _____praying with color _____Rosary _____with dance or gesture _____Memorare _____with art _____Prayer of St. Francis _____with poetry _____Act of faith _____with stories _____Act of hope _____with drawing _____Act of love _____Lectio Divina _____Prayer to Guardian Angel _____Other - describe _____Act of Contrition ________________________ ________________________ _____Prayer to the Holy Spirit _____Prayer for the Dead _____Angelus _____Other – describe __________________________ __________________________

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Community Prayer _____Mass _____Stations of the Cross _____Lectio Divina _____Liturgy of the Hours _____Rosary Other Ways of Praying _____Conversation with God _____Liturgy of the Hours – alone, not in community _____Other – describe ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

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Forms and Expressions of PrayerForms:

Blessings and AdorationPrayer of PetitionPrayer of IntercessionPrayer of ThanksgivingPrayer of Praise

Forms: Catechism #2626-#2643, Expressions: Catechism #2700-#2719


Expressions:VocalMeditationContemplation

What Is Prayer?Definition of Prayer - Catechism: Glossary


Models of Prayer – Jesus and Mary

Catechism #2654

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Here’s the PlanQuietly read and reflect on the scripture passage Share with table what the passage teaches you about prayerOne person summarizes and submits what you learned about the model of Jesus/Mary for prayerWhen finished, read quietly other passages


1. Luke 1:26-382. Luke 2:19-203. Matthew 22:1-144. Luke 4:18-195. Matthew 6:5-8


6. Matthew 6:9-157. Matthew 14:22-338. Luke 11:9-139. Luke 3:15-16 and 21-2210. Mark 14:32-36

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Difficulties and Distractions to Prayer

Battle of Prayer – Catechism: #2725-#2745


What are some situations you’ve prayed for that didn’t end the way you’d hoped?Does God answer prayer?If God’s gonna do what God’s gonnado, why pray?Do you feel comfortable being honest with God?


Do you believe God has invited you to take part in the ongoing creation of the world? If so, what does that mean in your day-to-day life?Do you tell friends and family what you are feeling but not God? Why or why not?Is prayer about changing you or about changing what’s happening?How could prayer change your perspective right now?

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Guided Meditation/ContemplationMark 10:46-52

Catechism #2711, #2713, #2715


The Prayer ProcessFrom The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic – Matthew Kelly, Page 61

1. Gratitude: Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today.

2. Awareness: Revisit the times in the past 24 hours when you were and were not the-best-version-of-yourself. Talk to God about these situations and what you learned from them.

3. Significant Moments: Identify something you experienced today and explore what God might be trying to say to you through that event (or person).


4. Peace: Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you have committed (against yourself, another person or Him) and to fill you with a deep and abiding peace.

5. Freedom: speak with God about how He is inviting you to change your life, so that you can experience the freedom to be the-best-version-of-yourself.

6. Others: Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray for today, asking God to bless and guide them.

7. Finish by praying the Our Father.

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Unlocking Doors to a Healthy Spiritual LifeSeven Keys to Spiritual Wellness – Joe Paprocki, Loyola Presswww.catechistsjourney.com

1. Seeing yourself as you really areWho ‘s your court jester?

2. Actively seeking the good of othersWhat do you have that cannot be taken away?

3. Thinking before actingIs that your final answer?


4. Holding on looselyWhat’s your security blanket?

5. Recognizing and setting limitsWhat scratches your itch?

6. Seeking beautyWhere is your dream vacation spot?

7. Unleashing your imaginationWhat gives you heartburn?


What gives you heartburn?

Unleashing Your Imagination

ZealSloth

Where is your dream vacation?

Seeking BeautyChastityLust

What scratches your itch?

Recognizing and Setting Limits

TemperanceGluttony

What’s your security blanket?

Holding on LooselyGenerosityGreed

Is that your final answer?

Thinking Before Acting

Gentleness/Prudence

Anger

What do you have that cannot be taken away?

Actively Seeking the Good of Others

CharityEnvy

Who’s your court jester?

Seeing Yourself as You Really Are

HumilityPride

Key QuestionKey to Spiritual Wellness

Creative VirtueDeadly Sin

Seven Keys to Spiritual Wellness, Page 111 – Joe Paprocki, Loyola Press

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Which Key challenges you the most?

What can you do to address the challenge?


For Reflection

What did I learn today that challenges me to live as a more faithful and engaged Christian? What did I learn that helps me be holy today? How does all of this challenge my parish?

Pray and journal about these questions over the coming month. Do some research and be prepared to discuss next month on March 9, 2013.


Closing Prayer – The MemorareREMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

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List of Some Resources Books

1. Seasons of Your Heart: Prayers and Reflections by Macrina Wiederkehr,O.S.B 2. Living God’s Justice by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors 3. A Call to Peace by Jim McGinnis 4. Crossing the River: Daily Meditations for Women by Carol Gura 5. Spiritual Thoughts Series: The Eucharist, The Word of God or Mary by Pope Benedict XVI 6. Seven Keys to Spiritual Wellness by Joe Paprocki 7. The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic by Matthew Kelly 8. In My Own Words by Mother Theresa 9. The Ignatian Workout: daily spiritual exercises for a healthy faith by Tim Muldoon

Daily Prayer Resources/Websites

10. Word Among Us – wau.org 11. Magnificat – www.magnificat.com 12. Living Faith – www.livingfaith.com 13. www.zenit.org - e.g. the article, The Virgin Mary Is a Foundation of Peace, Jan. 2

Websites from Presentation 1. www.catechistsjourney.com – Joe Paprocki’s 2. www.dynamiccatholic.com – Matthew Kelly’s 3. www.nooma.com – Open video 4. www.loyolapress.com – 3 Minute Retreats 5. www.taize.fr/en - prayer and song section

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www.magnificat.com

www.livingfaith.com

http://www.zenit.org/

http://www.catechistsjourney.com/

http://www.dynamiccatholic.com/

http://www.nooma.com/

http://www.loyolapress.com/

http://www.taize.fr/en

Sister Jane Boos, SSND

If God had a refrigerator, your picture

would be on it.

If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

God sends you flowers every spring.

God sends you a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, God listens.

God can live anywhere in the universe,

But God chose…. your heart.

Face it friend, God is crazy about you!

God didn’t promise days without pain,

Laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,

But God did promise strength for the day,

Comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Submitted by Sr. Jane Boos, ssnd

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A Five Fingers Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty." 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. 3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. 4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. 5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

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A WALK OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE by Sister Thelma Hall, r.c.

"Some of God's richest gifts to us we tend to accept as 'standard equipment,' somehow rightfully ours as fully equipped human beings. It may prove a revelation to consciously cancel this presumption in an experience we call 'A Walk of Thanksgiving and Praise,' and rediscover, under the plentitude of God's good-ness to us, the unique gifts of love He has made to us, in each of our five senses. A walk of about a half-hour is suggested. Begin as you would any period of prayer: take a few moments to alert yourself to the gift of union with you which God has bestowed in His loving, living presence, always within you, who are a 'temple of the Holy Spirit.' As you step outdoors, take a deep breath of the fresh air…reflect upon how rarely you advert to it as the sustainer of your life, day and night, the unceasing providence of God whose love holds you in existence, and is continually creating you. When you have walked far enough to be out of earshot of anyone, pause to CONSCIOUSLY EXPERIENCE the use of your SIGHT…use your vision to revel in, caress, enjoy, discern - color, shape, depth, texture, movement, etc….in everything around you. Reflect upon all that sight has contributed to your life experience to enrich it - beauty, non-verbal communication with others, knowledge through reading and observation, protection, happiness, pleasure, etc. Try to realize how different your life, and you, would be, had you been born without this sense gift, or had you lost it. Recognizing in all these reflections the loving gift of God, express ALOUD to Him your thanksgiving and praise. DO THE SAME FOR EACH OF THE OTHER SENSES. HEARING…stop a while and really listen, even to the seeming silence, in all reality teeming with sounds - again, reflect upon all this sense of hearing has contributed to your life experience to enrich it…the sound of human voices, music, etc…and how different your life, and you, would be without it. Recognizing in these reflections another loving and personal gift of God, express ALOUD to Him your thanksgiving and praise. TOUCH…the same, consciously experiencing the feeling of the sun and air on your skin, the textures of clothing, grass, trees, stones, etc., the awareness of the pull of gravity through the pressure of the ground under your feet; your sense of balance through this; reflect upon the use of touch in expressing affection, in physical work, in playing musical instruments, writing, activity of any kind. Imagine your life without the consciousness of this sense, etc. Express ALOUD YOUR PRAISE. TASTE…. as above. SMELL…as above

Take an imaginary trip back to your Mother's womb. While there listen to your God calling you to life. Realize how you grew within that womb and hear what your first word was as you emerged into the present world. Create an atmosphere of love and joy in your home/at work/in social situations - by taking time out to tell others the beautiful things that you see in them.

Create with your hands - by cooking, touching, writing a letter, using the telephone, sending a card, Write your own principle and foundation by which you wish to live. Write your own psalm of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of life

WAYS TO PRAY CREATION

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Journal Pages

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Diocese of Springfield in Illinois 1615 W Washington Springfield, IL 62702-4757 (217) 698-8500

Office for Catechesis Responsibilities: Catholic schools, parish-based religious education programs, adult faith formation, youth and young adult ministry, Catholic Committee on Scouting Jonathan F. Sullivan, director [email protected]; x165 Barb Burris, associate director for school planning [email protected]; x169 Kyle Holtgrave, associate director for youth and young adult ministry [email protected]; x154 Jean Johnson, superintendent for Catholic schools [email protected]; x160 Christine Malmevik, associate director [email protected]; x178 Marilyn Missel, associate superintendent for Catholic schools [email protected]; x187 Office for Marriage and Family Life Responsibilities: marriage enrichment & preparation, natural family planning (NFP), separation, divorce, bereavement, parenting and chastity Carlos Tejeda, director [email protected]; x132 Deacon Patrick O’Toole, associate director [email protected]; x121 Office for Missions Responsibilities: aid to the Church’s worldwide missionary activity, evangelization, relief and development Victoria Compton, director [email protected]; x120 Office for Social Concerns and Respect for Life Responsibilities: pro-life activities, social justice education and programs, multicultural ministry (i.e. deaf, special needs, rural, black and Hispanic), Diocesan Campaign for Justice & Hope (DCJH) Sr. Jane Boos, SSND, director [email protected]; x130 Deacon David Erdmann, ministry of charity and justice [email protected]; x161 Leroy Jordan, coordinator for black Catholic ministry [email protected]; x168 Office for Worship and the Catechumenate Responsibilities: all things Liturgy and liturgical, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Eliot Kapitan, director [email protected]; x177

Ss. James and Patrick Parish St. James Church St. Patrick Church 742 E. Clay St. 407 E. Eldorado St. Decatur, IL 62521 Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 428-7733 (217) 429-5363 Rev. John Burnette, pastor [email protected] Deacon Greg Sullivan [email protected] Therese Allen, pastoral associate [email protected] Sr. Chaminade Kelley, OSF, parish nurse [email protected] Jim Rossi, pastoral associate [email protected] Jan Sweet, principal, St. Patrick School [email protected]

Schedule Etc. as last page of participant material:

Journey of Discipleship Project Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

& Saints James and Patrick Parish, Decatur, Illinois

Archives of Documents and Information: Hhttp://journeyofdiscipleship.tumblr.com/

All Sessions on Saturday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, St. James Hall

Unless noted otherwise below _____________________________________

December 11, 2012 – Invitation: Come and See

January 12, 2013 – The Four Pillars of the Christian Life

February 9, 2013 – Regular Appointments with God

March 9, 2013 – Full, conscious, and active participation in the Liturgy

@ Saint Patrick Church Basement

April 13, 2013 – Active Participation in Ongoing Faith Formation

May 11, 2013 – Missionary Mindset

June 8, 2013 – Simple and Sacrificial Lifestyle

July 13, 2013 – Building Common Ground

August 10, 2013 – Chaste Living

September 14, 2013 – Commitment to Life, Charity and Justice

October 12, 2013 – Commitment to the Precepts of the Church

November 9, 2013 – Discerning the Movement of the Holy Spirit