Fr. Rick’s Pastoral Messages 4/9/23

Senior Activity Center – Please see the flyers in the gathering space to discover the many activities offered to seniors in our area.

Four-minute Meditations – As noted last week, we have completed our series of 15 four-minute meditations on the Mass as a component of our observance of the National Eucharistic Revival.  If you would like to re-review them, you can find the entire series at https://www.dioslc.org/eucharistic-revival/worship .  Select ‘Reflections on the Mass…’

Share the Fun:  Remember that we are a ‘Hospitality Parish’ with a major outreach to our many visitors. Please sign up to help host our Sunday morning Coffee and Muffin gathering. Sign up list is in the gathering space.

Pro-Life BEFORE Pregnancy – Now that our Lenten practices have helped us remove the stones blocking our resurrected experience, we are more prepared to support our Catholic Pro-Life mission in the world.  With our deeper spiritualities we can more credibly teach about integrating our body, mind and spirit.  This is central to experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus has promised those who live in the Spirit.  Please check out the Theology of the Body Institute’s website to see how to help teens live more fully out of a deeper part of their souls.  This is good stuff and helps us rise above the polarized confusion about not just abortion, but sexuality in general. Our children and grandchildren deserve a better vision of life.

https://www.tobpatron.com/tob-for-teens?r_done=1

USCCB Action Center – Voter Voice!

The U.S. Senate is attempting to revive the (misnamed) Equal Rights Amendment — which could lead to abortion-on-demand in all 50 states, and a host of other ethical and religious liberty concerns. The House of Representatives is considering whether to bring the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 7) to a vote. To learn more and take action, go to the USCCB action alerts and sign up for future alerts so that you can contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and opinions on upcoming legislation.  https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home

Homily Reflections for Easter Sunday

Please write some initial thoughts to these questions?

The Easter readings from the Gospels of John and Matthew mention moving large stones from the entrance of Jesus’ tomb in order to somehow releaseHis resurrected presence into the world.  What stones or obstacles were removed in our lives during Lent and Holy week to unleash our resurrected life into the world?  How has our life changed?  Who will help us stay faithful to God’s new or renewed calling in our lives?

Paul’s letter to the Colossians exhorted them (us) ‘to seek what is above’ and ‘think of what is above, not of what is on earth.’  How has our Lenten fasting, prayer and almsgiving liberated us from too much attention to the world of material things?  How have we learned to hear God’s priorities over human and Satan induced priorities?  Who is supporting and guiding our new vision or path in life?

In John’s gospel Mary Magdala mistakes the resurrected Jesus for the gardener.  How might we learn to imitate Jesus the ‘gardener’ in our efforts to help cultivate the lives and souls of others? Hint:  Consider the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

What new places will you TRY to hide the Easter Eggs next year? 

Draw and decorate an Easter egg with colorful religious symbols.