Friday, July 29, 2022
Session #25 - Holiness is Possible
Session #22 - CONFIRMATION
· When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit planted the seeds of your gifts. And your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf to nurture your relationship with God and His Church.
We all have things that can get in the way of us growing into the best version of ourselves. The version God wants us to be so we can also live our best life! Check this out for steps regarding this sacrament:
In one of our earlier classes, we talked about the “Prayer Process” (remember your prayer journal?). If you need a refresher, you can see page 102 in your textbook. Prayer is such an important and powerful tool in our lives, that some saints have called it “oxygen for the soul”.
If you are finding prayer/praying difficult, start with your basic prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be), which I gave you as well. The important thing is that you START and have at least a couple of minutes everyday where you talk to God about your day, your dreams, your fears, or simply a quick hello!
HOMEWORK (due on 4/11/21)
- Answer questions on page 267 in your Decision Point textbook.
- In your Bible, read the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 19-31
Session #21 - Holy Week, The Tridumm, and Easter
I - What is the Holy Week?
* Holy Week is what leads us to the celebration of Easter.
* Starts with Palm Sunday and ends on Saturday (daytime). Once Saturday evening starts, we enter the Easter Season.
* The Triduum is the Latin word for "The Great Three Days" - and they are the last three days before Easter: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.
* We also take advantage of the opportunity to go to confession, in case we have not done so in a while!
II - Palm Sunday
* We commemorate Jesus' arrival to Jerusalem, days before he was crucified.
* He was welcomed like a king.
* We all have palms and receive blessings from the priests with holy water.
III - Holy Thursday
* We commemorate the Last Supper - Jesus' last time he spends time with the disciples before his betrayal, death, and resurrection.
* We also commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist by Jesus himself - read Gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 1-15.
* Lastly, this is a day where priests celebrate their Holy Orders, and they renew their vows to the Church.
IV - Good Friday
* "Good Friday" is the one day of the ENTIRE YEAR where the Church does NOT celebrate Mass. There is commemoration service held, plus other traditions.
* On this day we are called to truly reflect on how out of love to us - God sacrificed His only, for our salvation.
* We abstain from meat, we fast, and we offer little sacrifices and prayers for us and those who know that are in need of prayers.
V - Easter Vigil (Saturday evening)
* It is the most beautiful and important Mass of the YEAR!* We begin in darkness, at sunset, Saturday night.
* The Paschal candle for the 2022-2023 year is lit.
* The priests chant and sing prayers and the Litany of Saints.
* Some people (children and adults) may receive their first Sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) and welcomed to the Church.
VI - Easter Sunday
* Jesus has beaten death. Jesus has risen! These are the images the Church uses to remind us the importance of Easter.
* For those who do not attend the Vigil, Easter Sunday lets us know about what happened when Jesus' tomb was found empty. Read the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 1-9.
* The Season of Lent is over and the SEASON of Easter starts and it lasts for close to 50 days, when the feast of Pentecost (the Church's bday) is celebrated.
VII - Traditions
* During Holy Week, our Church has traditions that we are more than encouraged to participate in:
* Palm Sunday - before Mass, we are given palms in order to participate in the "welcoming of Jesus to Jerusalem". Some people make crosses with the palms. The leftovers are burned - these are the ashes that will be used next year on Ash Wednesday.
* Holy Thursday - 12 volunteers are asked to come forward and the priest washes their feet. This is reflecting a sign of service to one another, based on the Gospel reading for Holy Thursday. Also the Blessed Sacrament is taken out of the tabernacle - as a symbol of Jesus' arrest.
* Good Friday - While no Mass is celebrated, there is a special service. Also, the Stations of the Cross are prayed as a community, and all images are covered in the Church. The altar is also stripped and kept barren from Holy Thursday (after Mass) until Easter Vigil.
* Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday - we dress up and we celebrate. Some cultures choose to celebrate with a big meal, gatherings, and simply being thankful. The Church rings the bells and the "Gloria" is sung through the Easter season.
* Reconciliation Monday - all throughout NY (and other states), a date is chosen for ALL Churches to offer the sacrament of Confession. For us - this is call Reconciliation Monday. It is a great way to prepare ourselves for the Triduum and Easter Season. THIS YEAR, IT FALLS ON APRIL 11!
* We PARTICIPATE in the readings of the Gospels as the "Crowd".
HOMEWORK (due by 4/18)
* Participate in some of the Holy Week activities (online or in-person). Check this Sunday's (4/10) bulletin for more information regarding Holy Week schedule: https://www.queenofangelsnyc.org/sites/QOA/Bulletin/Bulletin.pdf
Session #21 - Made for Mission (Part 2)
- As discussed in Session #18, Pentecost is considered the birth of our Catholic Church AND how the Holy Spirit gave the Apostles the gifts they needed to fulfill the mission they were made for. Here is a reminder of what happened on Pentecost:
* All saints have one thing in common: they lived life like you and I. They experienced temptations, rejection, fear, doubts, joy, hope, and love. They all had plans and dreams about their life.
- As we deepen our connection with God, we start seeing clearer what He has planned for us. Plans that are beyond our dreams, but also plans that ONLY us can fulfill. But how do we figure this out:
* Sacraments – going to Confession, going to Mass, receiving the Eucharist, being active with your community (inside AND outside of Church).
* Practice! At the beginning of our year, we spoke about what helps us make good decisions (see pgs. 2-5 in textbook).
HOMEWORK (due on 5/8/22)
- At the end of the last video, we are given a
challenge: to intentionally practice works of mercy for 30 days:
*
Would you do it? If not, why? These are things to think about, not just write
in a piece of paper or in the blog notes.
* Imagine what
the world would be like if we ALL would practice at least ONE work for mercy - what would it look like?
Session #20 - Made for Mission (Part 1)
* Throughout this year, we have been discussing what it means to be "the best version of ourselves". This always starts with the understanding that "Life is about choices" (see Session #1).
* We were created for a purpose – we were created with a mission. But what does that mean?
- What do you think your mission is? How it is connected to your hopes and dreams? We have all mentioned things we want to be “when we grow up”. Some of the career choices that some of you have mentioned in class are connected to this mission that has created for you. We have learned the word for this before: “vocation”.
- · In Session #15, I mentioned the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each of you, as baptized Christians, have these gifts already in you. When you are confirmed, these gifts will come alive and will help you in your mission and in your life. However, there are certain things that can get in the way of this. And this can lead to a messy world.
- · We are living in times where we hear about many sad and even frightening stories. Some of you may have even heard some people say “the world is a mess”. What are some examples of this “mess”? We see it in the world through poverty, illness, hate, greed, discrimination, etc.
- · As many examples as we can give of the mess we see in this world. Some of you may even have ideas of how to fix some of these messes. However, you may think “I am too young for this?” or “what can I offer?”
- · “Now is the time to start thinking about how you can make a difference. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your mission in life.” (pg. 271).
- ·
Sometimes we are called to do something that goes
against what our “group” tells us. This is the story of the “Good Samaritan”:
- · “Love thy neighbor” is a phrase that many can consider easier said than done. But Jesus reminds us through His teachings and actions, that we are all called to live this commandment.
- The story of the “Good Samaritan” reminds us that we are to consider everyone in the world our neighbor. As such, we must always be mindful that there will be times where we will be the person in need of help, and sometimes we will be the person who can help someone else.
Session #19 - The Church
I - What is the Church?
* When you think of "Church", what are some things that come to mind?
* What is the one thing you like about your Church?
* What is the one thing you find confusing about the Church?
* Lets review how the Church was born...
II - The Early Christians & the Early Church
* St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (chapter 12, verse 5) "...so we, though many, are one body in Christ." = we are all part of the Church. We need the Church - and the Church needs us.
* "We are the Church..." (pg. 216)
* When the world tells you that you are not loved, remember that:
III - The Church is One, Holy, Catholic, & Apostolic
IV - So Why be Catholic?
* Many may have a list of reasons as for why is best or "convenient" to not be Catholic.
* Once you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation - this is also a choice that you will face. And there will be times where you may not want to come and be part of the Church.
*BUT... here are ten GREAT reasons to be Catholic:
HOMEWORK (due on 3/27/22)
* Answer the questions on page 236
* Read Psalm 16 (located on page 226) and answer the following question:
- What is the one thing that stands out to you in this Psalm?
Session # 18 - The Holy Spirit (part 2)
I - Review: Who is the Holy Spirit?
* He is the Third Person of the Trinity.
* He lives within every Baptized person.
* He gives you the graces you need, which helps you make the right decisions (remember Charlie in Willy Wonka?)
* He helps you maintain joy in the midst of suffering.
* There are 7 gifts that the Holy Spirit can grant: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord
* Which gift(s) would you choose and why?
II - The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
* Which of these fruits do you see more in your life?
* Which of these fruits do you wish you had more of?
III - The Holy Spirit and the Prayer Process
* Review of the Prayer Process
* What is the most challenging part of prayer?
* The Holy Spirit helps us with prayer. How? Please see the video below:
IV - The Holy Spirit and the Birth of the Church
* What is Pentecost? Pentecost is when we commemorate the birth of the Catholic Church!
HOMEWORK (due on 3/20/22) - You will need your textbook for this HW. If you have not done so already, please pick up your textbook at Queen of Angels' Rectory (as announced two weeks ago).
- Read Psalm 139 (located on pg. 208 of your "Decision Point" textbook)
* What parts of the Psalm you identified with and why?
- Answer the three questions on pg. 211 of your Decision Point textbook; and submit your answers.
Session # 17 - Lent (pt. 2)
I - Review: What is Lent?
- It is a time to come closer to God through the following ACTS:
* Prayer
* Almsgiving
* Fasting
- It lasts for 40 days
- Leads to the season of Easter
II - Time for Spring Cleaning!
- Lent always happens close to or at the beginning of Spring!
- It is a great time to begin again
- Go to Confession
- Pray more often
- See what in your life is holding you back from being the best version of yourself!
III - Why?
- We reflect on how much God loves us! He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins and establish a new covenant
- It is a time for us to also learn and grow in our faith and trust in God.
III - Keep track with the Lenten Calendar!
HOMEWORK (due on 3/6/22)
- Read the book of Luke, chapter 4, verses 1-13
- What do you learn about sacrifice from Jesus?
Session #16 - Lent (Part 1)
I - What is Lent?
* Lent is an invitation from God to get closer to Him.
* It is an opportunity where we, as a Church and as individuals, enter a period of reflection, sacrifice, and growth.
* In the past weeks, we have been discussing how Jesus continuously invites us into a relationship with Him. Well - this is YOUR opportunity to do just that!
* As the video states - it lasts for 40 days. Through these days, as Catholics, we practice the following three things: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
II - Prayer = Reflection
* In Session #6, we talked about what prayer is and is not.
* Prayer is our connection with God. It is how we communicate our joys and
sorrows, our hopes and fears, and everything else in between to God. It
is the a KEY element to building our relationship with God.
* Prayer can be a lengthy, informal conversation with God. But it could
also be a quick mentioning of His name (this is why one of the Ten
Commandments states "Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.")
* Please review Session #6 - especially the Prayer Process. You will need to keep this handy for the next couple of weeks!
III - Fasting = Growth
* When we think of fasting, especially during Lent, we think of food. And that is partially right!
* During Lent, we can choose to give something up. Most of us choose a food item that we really like (e.g.: candy, pizza, pasta, soda, chips, etc). But others choose non-food items that they use/like a lot (e.g.: social media, streaming service, video games).
* The objective of fasting is to focus more on God. Sometimes, fasting also makes room for us to be able to pray more, connect with loved ones, and work on the areas in our lives that we know we have to work on.
* Fasting may feel like a punishment, and it will be hard at first. But I can guarantee that you will feed different when you persevere in your fast!
IV - Almsgiving = Sacrifice
* Through almsgiving, we are called to care for others as well.
* This can be done through donating to charity:
- Queen of Angels participates in the "Operation Rice Bowl" program. During the first Sunday of Lent, you will be able to pick one up and participate by donating your spare change throughout Lent. This will help other people who do not have the basic need of food.
* Another way of performing almsgiving is by doing something nice for other people, helping out in the Church (there is an opportunity for you to do this every Saturday at Queen of Angels), or donating food/funds to your local food pantry (you can ask Mr. Rodriguez at Queen of Angels for more information).
*However you choose to do this - the objective is to always remember that our Church is a community, and we have to take care of each other. This relates to our session on "Relationships" = we have the choice to show love to others who are in need.
V - How to Prepare for Lent
* Attend Ash Wednesday Mass (in person or online) OR an Ash Wednesday prayer service! This year it falls on March 2nd. While it is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation, it is a great way for you and your family to start. Mass times are always published in the parish bulletin (you can pick one up at the end of Mass or go the Queen of Angels website)
* Try to go to Confession at least once during Lent. You can grow and be renewed without going through some cleaning in your soul - which is what the Sacrament of Confession/Penance is!
* Pray about what you want to fast! It should be something that will be a true sacrifice and do it because you want to do this!
* Part of the journey to Confirmation is to strengthen your relationship with God. To "CONFIRM" that you truly believe in Him and acknowledge how you need Him. Lent is a perfect time to take that journey to the next level!
HOMEWORK (Due: 2/20/22)
* THERE IS NO CLASS ON 2/24 DUE TO WINTER BREAK! SEE YOU ON 3/3!!!!
* Read the book of Joel, chapter 2, verses 12-18
- What is God inviting you to do?
* Watch each video from the session again:
- Which video you liked the most and why?
* What will be the most challenging part for you as you prepare for Lent?
Session #15 - The Holy Spirit (Part 1)
I - Doing the Right Thing... even when it hurts!
- When someone hurts us, our reaction is to hurt back. However, as we see in this video, it takes a special inner strength to not react.
- There are times that even those who "should know better" may not always have the best advice. This is where your relationship with God is key.
- As Father, God protects us. As Son/Redeemer, He models the way we should be. As Holy Spirit, He guides and inspires us to be like the best version of ourselves, despite it all.
II - God the Holy Spirit
- WHO is the Holy Spirit?
* The Third Person of the Trinity.
* He is the One Who inspires us to do good. To be always the best version of ourselves.
III - Holy Spirit - Giver of Gifts!
* The Holy Spirit has seven gifts:
Homework (due 2/13/22)
-Look at the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit and what they mean. Which one(s) would you hope to have?
- In your own words - Who is the Holy Spirit?
- How would your life be better if you opened yourself up to the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Session #14 - The Eucharist (Part 2)
I - Review
*Last week we discussed how the Eucharist gives us the grace to face our everyday life.
* Grace, as we learned last week, is the gift that God bestows on us to face with courage and faith the daily situations we are faced with (good and bad).
* The Eucharist also connects us to God in a very personal way, which also leads to a better prayer life.
* Lastly, the Eucharist is a physical way to communicate with God. To be in His presence, especially in adoration.
II - Everyone knows the name of Jesus... everyone can feel His presence in the Eucharist
* Last week we heard how Jesus said "I am the bread of life", which was a point of controversy amongst those who heard those words then. Today, these very words still shake us - He is the food that nourishes our soul. He is the presence that brings calm in the middle of our storms.
III - The Constant Invitation
* In the Gospels, we see the scene of "The Last Supper". This is where Jesus himself institutes the Eucharist, and asks us to keep close.
* Spending time in quiet, in front of the Tabernacle is a great way to also ask the questions we have about the faith, our lives, our dreams and fears. He is always waiting to spend quality time with you... It is up to YOU to take Him up on the offer.
* This is where YOUR decision to be present at the Mass (not just physically, but also mentally) becomes very important. You have doubts? You have questions? You are wondering what is the point of this journey to Confirmation - ASK! He will always find way to provide you with the answers!
IV - Key words to know
* The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving". When you receive Jesus in the Eucharist, it is not only an act of faith, but it is also an act of thanksgiving. Giving God a personal "thank you" for all the blessings, and even difficulties, that remind you that you are still here, alive, loved, and wanted (even if you don't feel it at times).
* Below are a few other words that you should also know:
HOMEWORK (due 2/6/22)
* Read the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 14-20:
- Where else today do you hear these words?
- How do you see Jesus' love for YOU in this reading?
* What is the main challenge you personally have that prevents you from being fully present at Mass?
Session #13 - The Eucharist (Part 1)
I - The Epidemic
* This video was released in 2014. Who would have imagined that what Matthew Kelly talks about here would come true 8yrs later!
* What impacted you the most about this video?
* How do you "show up" to Mass on Sundays?
II - Review
* What are relationships?
* How do they impact your life?
* What does it have to do with God?
III - The Eucharist
* "I am the bread of life..." These words are one of the most controversial words Jesus spoke during his public ministry. Lets read the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verses 48-53 to see the full scene.
* The Eucharist is at the core of our faith.
* It THE one thing that sets the Catholic Church apart from other Christian faiths. Jesus TRULY is PRESENT in the Eucharist.
IV - The TRUE Presence
* "Great faith and great doubt often go hand in hand" - Matthew Kelly. Have you experienced moments of doubt about the faith?
* What comes to mind when you hear Matthew Kelly say "God wants to dwell in you"? Do you know what that means?
* When we receive the Eucharist, we become one with Jesus (as St. Francis de Sales).
* The Eucharist is the ultimate source of GRACE!
V - The Eucharist as a Source of Strength
* Allows us to pray easier
* To make the right decisions
* To stand up to others
* Helps us to stay strong, even when things are not ok.
HOMEWORK (due on 1/30/22)
1) Is there a person in your life whose presence makes you feel calm and safe?
2) St. John Bosco said "The longer you stay away from Communion, the more your soul will become weak, and in the end you will become dangerously indifferent"
* In your words - what does this quote mean?
* How important do you think receiving the Eucharist is for you?