The Lord's Prayer

Ever wanted to learn more about the Lord's Prayer?

We say this prayer very often but do we really understand what we're saying?

Listen to Fr. Barron comments on the Lord's Prayer

Remember to comment and share your views and new insights 

The most beautiful rendition of Ave Maria I've ever heard

World Youth Day

THE WORLD YOUTH DAY NEWS reported that Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, the Cardinal of Madrid and President of the Local Organizing Committee for World Youth Day (WYD), delivered a lecture entitled “Three Months Away From World Youth Day”, on Thursday 26^th May 2011 at the “Forum for New Society” (Foro de la Nueva Sociedad).

He said that, young people have 'a life ahead of them’ and World Youth Day is an opportunity for them to let the light of Christ into their lives.

The Cardinal went on to say that the fruits of commitment from World Youth Days are evident in the many vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and marriage, in the short term and the contribution young people make to today’s society, in the long term.

He reminded his listeners that World Youth Days are the personal initiative of Pope John Paul II, who opted for a new generation of youth, the youth of 2000. Pope Benedict XVI is carrying on this legacy. It’s the Pope who gathers and attracts the youth.

The Cardinal pointed out, “We cannot ignore the fact that the choice of Spain is no mere coincidence. In fact, it has to do with the spiritual contribution of this country to the history of the Church and to Western culture. This is evident in the spiritual legacy left by the patrons of World Youth Day: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis Xavier".

The World Youth Day is a Universal Church event. In addition to the Papal events there will be a rich, multifaceted schedule of cultural events.

The Cardinal expressed his gratitude for the support of all the individuals and franchises that have made this event possible.

Just three months away from World Youth Day, there are about 400,000 young people from 182 countries registered.

Children and Holy Mass.

At St. Joseph and Mt. D’or we believe it is important for children to attend Holy Mass. We also believe it is important for them to understand and participate fully at Holy Mass. We facilitate greater understanding of and participation in the Liturgy of the Word by taking the children and teenagers to a separate place during weekend mass. A team of Catechists helps them to reflect on the scripture of the weekend in a manner suitable to their age. The group then returns at the offertory of the Mass.

Here are some other things you can do to help children appreciate weekend Mass more fully:  

• Never “split”. Families should attend mass together.
• Eat before you come so hunger won't be a problem. It is helpful to remember we should not eat one hour before Holy Communion and we ought not eat in church. If you must, bring a light, sugarless snack for toddlers. Be sure to pick up the scraps before you leave.
• Dress up for Church. Children know that you always dress up when you go to something important.
• Go to the bathroom break before you come to church.
• Arrive early. It is distracting to others and unsettling for children to come to Mass late. Early arrival means you will be calmer and more focused.   
• Try to sit where your child can see what is going on. When they see, they can become interested; when they can't, they become bored.
• Teach children church etiquette: genuflect as you enter the pew, maintain an appropriate silence, avoid playing, stand and kneel when required.
• If you want your children to behave at Mass, you must behave.
• If your child becomes anxious or tired, get up and go outside. Some fresh air or ‘run around’ space might be all that is needed.
• Give your child a prayer book from which he/she can follow the Mass.
• Encourage your child to get involved.
• Encourage your child to meet others after Mass. Socializing is important.

Catholic Culture and Identity.

"Culture is a way of life that marks us. As Catholics, our history and theology build

our peculiar culture and makes us unique. The invitation of Jesus to follow him and our

acceptance of this invitation marks us out in a particular way and gives us our identity. Jesus

redeemed us and so we follow him and make his lifestyle and mission our own.

Following Jesus also includes his way of seeing things and so we make Jesus’ worldview our

own. As Catholics we believe that the world, which was created by God but was overwhelmed

by sin, has been redeemed by Jesus through his death and resurrection. The world is therefore

restored, elevated and sacred. We do not have to flee or avoid it. The incarnation having

elevated the world enables us to see the elements of the world as holy, redeemed and sacred.

We can therefore use them freely and responsibly. This way of seeing the world may be shared

by others, but for us Catholics it is essentially Jesus’ way." Msgr. Allan Ventour

What do you think identifies us as Catholic?

What identifies YOU as Catholic?

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