“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
We all know these words by heart. They are from the United States Declaration of Independence. However, are these words held with the same reverence around the world as they are held here at home? Sadly, no. There are many places in the world where it is a life-threatening endeavor to practice one’s faith, that faith that was given to each human by that Creator who endowed us with inalienable rights.
Let us take a moment to remember all those people in the world who are not free to seek life, liberty or happiness.
Let us pray…
O God, you willed that the Jewish people be free from slavery by their Egyptian captors. You will that all people should be free to worship you without fear and to celebrate their religious beliefs freely, even if they have not yet found you. Grant that those of us who live in this great nation will thank you daily for our freedom, and work for the freedom of others around the world that do not yet have the freedom to practice their faith openly and proudly. We seek your wisdom where hatred abounds, and ask for humility to offer our good works to others who live in fear and bondage. We ask all this through Christ our Lord, who frees us from sin and death through the wood of the cross.
Project YM live allows teens to log in for games, teachings and music from top Catholic Youth speakers across the country. Sessions go live on Wednesday and Sunday nights. More information here.
Project YM live allows teens to log in for games, teachings and music from top Catholic Youth speakers across the country. Sessions go live on Wednesday and Sunday nights. More information here.
Cabin Fever Faith: Looking Out From Higher Ground!
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
Where is your “higher ground”? What helps you take a step back and take a new look on a situation?
We each see the world from our point of view, with our own life experiences guiding us. How can we allow our desire for unity guide our love for neighbor?
How can we put our energy into helping each other and building up families in our communities? What’s one action you can take?
Blessing of Fathers
God and Father of all creation, we come before you today with humble hearts. You are our model of a loving father. When we fail and fall short of your expectations, you are always there at the end of the day with open arms, ready to heal the cuts and scrapes of the day and to encourage us to try again and not to give up. We hold up these men in our midst who act in the world as fathers to their children or models of fathers for others. Bless them in their moments of doubt and frustration with their children. Give them warm and open hearts to forgive failures. Provide them with the words needed for encouragement and perseverance. We ask all this in the name of Jesus.
Project YM live allows teens to log in for games, teachings and music from top Catholic Youth speakers across the country. Sessions go live on Wednesday and Sunday nights. More information here.
A video from Ascension Presents: Fr. Mark-Mary asks Fr. Pierre Toussaint about his experience of racism and division in the Church. And Fr. Mark-Mary listens.
“We really are listening. We really are suffering. Real tears have been shed. We’re not PR people. We’re priests. We’re spiritual fathers and our spiritual sons and daughters are suffering. If any of you suffers, we suffer with you. Ascension Presents has graciously agreed to host a live Q and A on their YouTube channel, so that we can hear your stories, gain insight into your particular sufferings, and respond as best we can to your questions…If you are angry with us, we want to hear it. If you are confused by us, we want to hear it. If you want more guidance from us, we’re happy to offer it. Everything and anything is fair game. We’re here for you. We’re family.” – Fr. Mark-Mary, CFR
“Racism is like dust in the air, you only see it when light shines upon it.” What does this mean to you? How can racism be present but unseen?
What does Fr. Pierre Toussaint mean when he talks about walking in the shoes of someone who is African-American? Have you ever felt like someone couldn’t understand you because they hadn’t lived your life? How can we challenge ourselves to “walk in the shoes” of others who are different from ourselves?
Fr. Mark-Mary states, “if we’re not uncomfortable, then we’re not in touch with what’s happening in the world.” Do you agree or disagree, why?
What does it mean to really “listen into” the social challenges of racism? What is one action you can take to support the Catholic teachings against racism right now?
Prayer to Overcome Racism
Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other.
Project YM live allows teens to log in for games, teachings and music from top Catholic Youth speakers across the country. Sessions go live on Wednesday and Sunday nights. More information here.
For Adults / Youth: What Does Justice Without Restraint Look Like?
Reflection / Discussion Questions
Justice is concerned with what is fair, right, honorable, good. Temperance is found in restraint, self control, and responsibility. What ways do you see justice and temperance in the death of George Floyd and its aftermath in our world?
What examples of tempered justice or justice with restraint have you seen this week?
What ways does God call us to practice justice with restraint to do what is good, honorable, and right in our own lives?
Bishop Shelton Fabre on the Death of George Floyd
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, speaks about the Death of George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States.
How can we reach out beyond our level of comfort to meet and learn about others, hear their stories and be open to their full humanity?
What kind of projects can we identify that bring together different individuals, schools, parishes, small groups and / or communities to work together on an issue?
What questions can we begin to ask and how can we examine the policies of our local, national and international community to make sure they do not discriminate against minorities and others that have not enjoyed full citizenship in some way?
How can we bring diversity and respect for others into our prayers, our worship celebrations and our holy days and holidays?
Together We Pray
Good and gracious God, Who loves and delights in all people, we stand in awe before You, knowing that the spark of life within each person on earth is the spark of your divine life.
Differences among cultures and races are multicolored manifestations of Your Light.
May our hearts and minds be open to celebrate similarities and differences among our sisters and brothers.
We place our hopes for racial harmony in our committed action and in Your Presence in our Neighbor.
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.
Healing from a medical procedure can be painful and difficult, but often results in a greater quality of life. Our faith life can be similar, where we follow the path of virtue for a greater good than what we experience in the present moment. When have you accepted momentary suffering for a greater good?
Engaging the pandemic in a Catholic way can feel challenging. How have you chosen love in your responses with people who have opinions that do not match your own?
Church buildings will be opened at 25% capacity for Sunday Masses at St. Peter’s and Paul’s starting May 30-31. Dispensations will continue. Please use the safety guidelines from your doctor alongside information about the measures the parish is taking to discern the safety of your participation in public Masses. Recorded Masses will continue to be available.
Congratulations 2020 Graduates!
Message from Bishop Kettler
Graduate Prayer
O God, protector of all who hope in you, send your Holy Spirit down upon the graduating class of 2020, that, filled with your grace, they may know of your love and kindness during these uncertain times. May your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, continue to journey with them, giving them peace and joy in a time of chaos and sadness. Grant that, through your loving embrace, our graduates will be filled with the desire to serve you and bring the Gospel to life by their lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
Compassionate and Loving Father, In the face of confusion and concern impart to us the calm of your presence. In You allow us to find hope and healing. Be with those who serve the sick and give them Your caring hands. Be with those who lead and give them Your Spirit of wisdom. Be with those who have fallen ill and give them Your comforting heart. Wrap your arms around our world and hold us in your love. Allow us at this time of trial to then serve as instruments of that love to all we meet. We ask this in Your Name. Amen.
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?
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?
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?
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.
Visio: Look at the image. Let your eyes focus on what draws your attention.
Meditate: See the image with the eyes of your heart. Let this be an encounter with the image.
Pray: Let the encounter draw you into silence, and to speak with your deeper self.
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.
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.
Jesus used our language when he lived on earth: the images of vine and branches; sheep and shepherd; plowing, sowing, reaping; of bread, wine and water; and the language of the cross all to communicate who God is. Which of these images is most helpful to you right now? Why?
If God is speaking our language, are we listening? Are we spending time praying? How are we opening ourselves to hear God each day?
Learning a “Listening” Prayer Form
Visio Divina is a prayer form that engages our unconscious self and allows us to listen to God. Watch this short video about Visio Divina, then practice Visio Divina with the video itself or by using an image connecting us to this week’s gospel. [Images here: Stained glass depiction of the Holy Spirit | Holy Trinity Icon by Rublev ]
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.
Visio: Look at the image. Let your eyes focus on what draws your attention.
Meditate: See the image with the eyes of your heart. Let this be an encounter with the image.
Pray: Let the encounter draw you into silence, and to speak with your deeper self.
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.
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.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
How has your personal prayer changed or grown during this stay-at-home order?
What ways does prayer impact our lives and the lives of others? How can we challenge ourselves to rejuvenate our prayer right now?
Resources for Home Prayer
iBreviary app for iPhones and iPads: is an app that includes 1) the full texts of the Liturgy of the Hours, formatted just as they appear in the printed version of the Breviary. 2) the complete daily missal to follow for Mass; and 3) complete texts of Catholic prayers and rituals.
https://divineoffice.org/ is a website that offers the Liturgy of the Hours in text and accompanying audio, including music.
Free resources from the Liturgical Press including access to the Give Us this Day App, the and Give Us This Day digital edition. Give Us This Day includes 1) Daily inspiration from the lives of saintly witnesses; 2) Insightful, relevant reflections on Scripture; and 3) Simplified daily prayer for morning and evening.
Magnificat offers daily prayer books for adults and Magnifikid for children. They currently have some special offers on their print and online products.
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.
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.
Sharing a Story: Growing Up at St. Peter’s
When I was a little girl at St. Peter’s Church, the neighborhood kids gathered on Saturday morning for choir practice. I was one of the younger kids in the neighborhood, so I went along because all the big kids were going! The song I’m sharing today [below] was one of my favorites because of the ACTIONS! Our choir director had cards she would flip with pictures of the animals on them. I couldn’t read yet, so I appreciated the way the pictures helped me follow along!
Here’s a picture of the Children’s Choir at St. Peter’s from the St. Peter Church 50th Anniversary celebration book. The green arrow is pointing to me, and the blue arrow points to my older brother, Tim. We think the picture showed my class in grade 2, so it’s from approximately 1986.
That year we released balloons [as a sign of new life?] after our First Communion in the field across from the church. The Quonset hut would still have been in use as a gym and lunchroom on the corner of the property, and the school children played in the lot between the school and the Quonset for recess. Without playground equipment, our games included jump rope, kick-ball, and tag. Some kids also stood and talked, but I always thought that was BORING!
Many of the grades at St. Peter’s at that time had three sections, and they were labeled with numbers, so we would have had classes named 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. The recess monitor called us to lunch by class. One of the recess monitors had a strong Minnesota accent, so that when he called my class, 3-3, it sounded more like “tree-tree.” A fond memory!
Do you have stories or pictures to share from one of our TAO Catholic parishes? I’d love to share them with our whole community – call at 320-281-9541 or email Lisa at lisac78@gmail.com.
Sharing a Song: If I Were A Butterfly
by Brian Howard
Share the song with your children or send it on to your grandchildren! Maybe you can tell a story about this song too, and how it shaped your faith life. Sharing our stories, (and our songs!) is one way that we can maintain connection even though we are physically apart.
Verse 1: If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you, Lord, for giving me wings; And if I were a robin in a tree, I’d thank you Lord, that I could sing; And if I were a fish in the sea, I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee; But I just Thank You Father, for making me – ME!
Refrain: ’Cause you gave me a heart and You gave me a smile You gave me Jesus, and You made me His Child And I just Thank You, Father For making me – ME!
Verse 2: If I were an elephant, I’d thank you, Lord, by raising my trunk; And if I were a kangaroo, I’d hop, hop, hop, right up to you; And if I were an octopus, I’d thank you, Lord, for my good looks; But I just Thank You, Father, for making me – ME!
Verse 3: If I were a wiggly worm, I’d thank you, Lord, that I could squirm; And if I were a crocodile, I’d thank you, Lord, for my big smile; And if I were a fuzzy-wuzzy bear, I’d thank you, Lord, for my fuzzy-wuzzy hair; But I just Thank You, Father, for making me – ME!
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