Weekly Resources: May 19, 2020

For Adults / Youth: Where Does God Fit In?

Reflection / Discussion Questions

1. God is Love. God can do nothing but love. God does not inflict punishment upon us, but sometimes our poor choices cause consequences that are painful. Where have you experienced consequences of a decision that felt like punishment?
2. God “allows” bad things to happen; these difficult circumstances often call us back to God. Have you had an experience of something bad happening in your life that wasn’t caused by one of your choices, but that worked to draw you back to Him? What was that experience?
3. What are some things that feel like they’ve been “taken” by Covid-19 that could be invitations to turn back to virtue, to community, to love, and to God?
4. How can we actively invite God into the painful moments in our lives right now?

Practicing Visio Divina

Last week we introduced you to Visio Divina. Practice your new prayer form this week with images of the Ascension and Great Commission. [Images here: Ascension Icon | Great Commission Stained Glass ]

Did you miss the instruction last week? If so, watch the short video about Visio Divina below.

Video Summary

Visio Divnia is similar to Lectio Divina. It’s a way of praying using images or visual media. There are four steps: to see, to meditate, to pray, and to contemplate.

We get ourselves ready by sitting quietly, paying attention to what we hear, and then to ourselves. In the silence, invite the Holy Spirit to focus your attention.

1. Visio: Look at the image. Let your eyes focus on what draws your attention.
2. Meditate: See the image with the eyes of your heart. Let this be an encounter with the image.
3. Pray: Let the encounter draw you into silence, and to speak with your deeper self.
4. Contemplate: What feelings does this image evoke in you? What does it bring to mind? What is it saying to you? What conversion of mind, heart, or behavior is the Lord asking of you? What prayer does this experience lead you to pray?

Important Administrative Notes

• Families will be returning to community participation at speeds appropriate to their situations. TAOCatholic will support you as you choose what’s best for your family.
• Congratulations 2020 High School Graduates! Go to  www.taocatholic.com/2020grads or look for a postcard in the mail inviting you to submit information about your graduate for video tributes on our website and social media!  Filling out the form also puts your family on the mailing list should the option of in-person celebrations become possible.  Please submit your responses by May 20 to be included. We are very proud of you! 
• If your family would have been celebrating First Communion or Confirmation in spring of 2020, please be sure to join the Remind groups to receive updates on rescheduling plans.
  • First Communion 2020, text @taofc2020 to the number 81010 or click: https://www.remind.com/join/taofc2020
  • Confirmation 2020, text @sppmjsas to 81010 or click: https://www.remind.com/join/sppmjsas  

Liturgy Support for Families with Children

Gospel Background and home lessons at Loyola Sunday Connection

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics — Link to lesson of the week.

Visual Gospel Reading & Reflection: Matthew 28:16-20

Online Catholic Youth Group

Project YM live allows teens to log in for games, teachings and music from top Catholic Youth speakers across the country. Sessions go live from 7-8pm on Wednesday nights. More information here.

Home Activities

May Activities for Catholic Families download.