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A New Category:
In many parishes where I've worked, at the Sunday Mass when
we prayed for those who had already completed life's journey,
whether Month's Mind, Recently Dead or Anniversary, we quite
naturally prayed for the living who were in need of special
prayers. I refer to the sick. It was not necessary to be very
ill. Last week we spoke of the power of prayer and how natural
and essential it was that we pray for one another. Prayer is
the oxygen of the soul. It's the way we give time to and communicate
with our God - sometimes alone, often with others. It is so
natural for us to talk to our family and friends each day. God
is our best friend and greatest benefactor.
So, I'm inviting you to send in names of sick friends or family
that you would like to be specifically included in the prayers
of the community gathered together each Sunday, or indeed each
day. It's lovely to see so many in the parish so naturally and
so faithfully making daily Mass an essential part of each day.
How better to come close to our God than welcoming Him into
our body and soul each morning. Those who are working or who
live far from the church will, of course, find it difficult,
if not impossible.
The reason I write of this is because as a priest, one constantly
is with
those who are so very, very ill. They, and that in time means
all of us, need help. In illness, or in any need, we do not
come before God with an attitude that "we know You will
not answer my prayer because You have so often been deaf to
my requests". Has He not promised us that anything we ask
of the Father in his name will be granted. Our prayer will be
answered in the best way possible. Sometimes we will get exactly
what we ask for, but we must come with trust. Sometimes it can
bring a whole change of attitude. It can take away fear and
bring peace and strength to carry that cross with resignation
and courage.
In fact, suffering itself, united with that of Our Lord on the
cross is a most valuable form of prayer. He is never closer
to us than when at the other end of that transverse beam on
the cross.
Again, each day do make time for personal time with your God
and with your family and others in the family of God whenever
possible. Pray for your priests too; we need them.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God
will not protect you.
And remember that he who wants to enjoy the sunlight
MUST LIVE THROUGH THE
NIGHT
Morning & Evening Prayers
Certainly in bygone days, and hopefully many parents still do
teach their children a suggested list of prayers to be said
as Morning and Evening Prayers. These, of course, will be personalised
by each person with the passing of time. The following list
is a good starting point for morning or evening - first thing
in the morning or before retiring at night.
1. The Morning/Night Offering
2. Our Father
3. Hail Mary
4. The Creed
5. The I Confess
6. Act of Contrition
7. One Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory for the Dead
8. Prayer to Our Guardian Angel
9. 3 Hail Marys to Our Blessed Lady
10. Short Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity.
WHAT
IS LIFE?
Life is a challenge ... meet it.
Life is a gift ... accept it.
Life is an adventure ... dare it.
Life is a sorrow ... overcome it.
Life is a tragedy ... face it.
Life is a duty ... perform it.
Life is a game ... play it.
Life is a mystery ... unfold it.
Life is a song ... sing it.
Life is an opportunity ... take it.
Life is a journey ... complete it.
Life is a promise ... fulfill it.
Life is a beauty ... praise it.
Life is a struggle ... fight it.
Life is a goal ... achieve it.
Life is a puzzle ... solve it.
Life is Love ... love it!
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One Little Rose
I would rather have one little rose
From the garden of a friend
Than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end.
I would rather have one pleasant word
In kindness said to me
Than flattery when my heart is still
And life has ceased to be.
I would rather have a loving smile
From friends I know are true
Than tears shed round my casket
When this world I've bid adieu.
Bring me all your flowers to-day
Whether pink, or white, or red;
I'd rather have one blossom now
Than a basketful when I'm dead.
Golden
Jubilee for a Priest
Full fifty years have passed since I became
Your priest, my God, and now I pause to praise
And thank and bless you for the wondrous ways
You led my steps and guided straight my aim.
At first there was the springtime full of flame
And fire and zeal of joyous youthful days.
Then followed summer with its glorious rays
Of your own sunshine, blazoning God's name
As your ambassador to all the world.
But soon the autumn winds their power unfurl'd
And slowed my steps and calmed my youthful zeal,
As winter came my weakness to reveal.
And yet, O Lord, there's naught that's bought or sold
Can equal fifty years of priestly gold.
By Fr. James Good.
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Prayer
for Vocations
God
our Father, send workers into your harvest. May the Spirit we
received in Baptism touch the hearts of many to offer themselves
in priesthood, religious life, and other forms of service. Give
the parents and families of our parish, the wisdom and courage
to support young people, in searching for and following the
call of God in their lives
The One-Sentence Sermon:
Give God what is right, not what is left.
+++++++
Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church
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