Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 10

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

This week Fr. Tim continues to examine the Discernment of Spirits Ignatian Rule 6; where the individual, aware of their former closeness with God, all the while battling temptation to turn away, to give up, to cease the journey, is encouraged to persevere in the spiritual life of prayer, charity, denial of self and perhaps even intensify his or her efforts as a result.

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For the Third Sunday of Lent - From a treatise on John by Saint Augustine

A Samaritan woman came to draw water

A woman came. She is a symbol of the Church not yet made righteous. Righteousness follows from the conversation. She came in ignorance, she found Christ, and he enters into conversation with her. Let us see what it is about, let us see why a Samaritan woman came to draw water. The Samaritans did not form part of the Jewish people: they were foreigners. The fact that she came from a foreign people is part of the symbolic meaning, for she is a symbol of the Church. The Church was to come from the Gentiles, of a different race from the Jews.

We must then recognise ourselves in her words and in her person, and with her give our own thanks to God. She was a symbol, not the reality; she foreshadowed the reality, and the reality came to be. She found faith in Christ, who was using her as a symbol to teach us what was to come. She came then to draw water. She had simply come to draw water; in the normal way of man or woman.

Jesus says to her: Give me water to drink. For his disciples had gone to the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore says to him: How is it that you, though a Jew, ask me for water to drink, though I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.

The Samaritans were foreigners; Jews never used their utensils. The woman was carrying a pail for drawing water. She was astonished that a Jew should ask her for a drink of water, a thing that Jews would not do. But the one who was asking for a drink of water was thirsting for her faith.

Listen now and learn who it is that asks for a drink. Jesus answered her and said: If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” perhaps you might have asked him and he would have given you living water.

He asks for a drink, and he promises a drink. He is in need, as one hoping to receive, yet he is rich, as one about to satisfy the thirst of others. He says: If you knew the gift of God. The gift of God is the Holy Spirit. But he is still using veiled language as he speaks to the woman and gradually enters into her heart. Or is he already teaching her? What could be more gentle and kind than the encouragement he gives? If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” perhaps you might ask and he would give you living water.

What is this water that he will give if not the water spoken of in Scripture: With you is the fountain of life? How can those feel thirst who will drink deeply from the abundance in your house?

He was promising the Holy Spirit in satisfying abundance. She did not yet understand. In her failure to grasp his meaning, what was her reply? The woman says to him: Master, give me this drink, so that I may feel no thirst or come here to draw water. Her need forced her to this labour, her weakness shrank from it. If only she could hear those words: Come to me, all who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Jesus was saying this to her, so that her labours might be at an end; but she was not yet able to understand.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry - Learn How to Knit or Crochet

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Are you interested in participating in this ministry but you don't know how to crochet or knit, or you haven't done so in many years? We will be offering two sessions to teach anyone who is interested in prayer shawl knitting or crochet.

All that is needed is a strong desire to learn.

We are offering two sessions, you can attend one or both. This is a very rewarding ministry that is easily done in your own free time!

Saturday May 14^th: 10am – Noon

Tuesday May 24^th: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

There is no fee for the classes but – we do need you to pre-register - Call the office at 586-9020 to register. Pre-registration is essential to make sure you have the supplies needed to begin knitting/croceting.

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Carrying the Cross - A Litany Prayer For Lent

One of our ministry coordinators brought his prayer to a meeting recently. It was quite moving for each of us and I have found, each day since that a different line resonates deeply at different times. May it bring you some Lenten peace in your days;


On those days when life seems too demanding with all of its cares, burdens and concerns...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we experience great loneliness deep inside and the pain of separation fills our spirits...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we feel the pain of our world and unite in compassion with the Earth's suffering people...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we struggle with decision-making and the time comes to make good choices about our lives...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we are with others in their physical pain or when we vigil with one in the grips of terminal illness...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we are asked to go the extra mile, to be generous with our time and our presence...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we feel weary and worn out, when it seems like all of our energy has been drained away...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we are challenged to risk our security and accept new growth in our relationship with you...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we experience the effects of aging or extended illness on our bodies or our minds...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we feel discouraged, desolate, and depressed and want to withdraw from others...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When worries and concerns choke our peacefulness and leave us with anxiety and fear...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

When we harbor old wounds and are called to offer or to receive forgiveness...Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.

Crucified Jesus, help us to take up our cross day by day. Through these crosses we can grow closer to you. Help us to lean on you and to learn from you. May we not give in to self-pity or self-doubt. Rather, let us trust in your presence which strengthens us. Encourage us on our tomb-like days. Remind us of your resurrection. Help us to keep our vision focused on life and growth. Amen.

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For the Second Sunday of Lent - From a Sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great

The law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ

The Lord reveals his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses. His body is like that of the rest of mankind, but he makes it shine with such splendor that his face becomes like the sun in glory, and his garments as white as snow.

The great reason for this transfiguration was to remove the scandal of the cross from the hearts of his disciples, and to prevent the humiliation of his voluntary suffering from disturbing the faith of those who had witnessed the surpassing glory that lay concealed.

With no less forethought he was also providing a firm foundation for the hope of holy Church. The whole body of Christ was to understand the kind of transformation that it would receive as his gift. The members of that body were to look forward to a share in that glory which first blazed out in Christ their head.

The Lord had himself spoken of this when he foretold the splendor of his coming: Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Saint Paul the apostle bore witness to this same truth when he said: I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not to be compared with the future glory that is to be revealed in us. In another place he says: You are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

This marvel of the transfiguration contains another lesson for the apostles, to strengthen them and lead them into the fullness of knowledge. Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets, appeared with the Lord in conversation with him. This was in order to fulfill exactly, through the presence of these five men, the text which says: Before two or three witnesses every word is ratified. What word could be more firmly established, more securely based, than the word which is proclaimed by the trumpets of both old and new testaments, sounding in harmony, and by the utterances of ancient prophecy and the teaching of the Gospel, in full agreement with each other?

The writings of the two testaments support each other. The radiance of the transfiguration reveals clearly and unmistakably the one who had been promised by signs foretelling him under the veils of mystery. As Saint John says: The law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. In him the promise made through the shadows of prophecy stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the one who teaches the truth of prophecy through his presence, and makes obedience to the commandments possible through grace.

In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.

No one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice; no one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then we are steadfast in our faith in him and in our love for him, we win the victory that he has won, we receive what he has promised.

When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears: This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 9

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

Fr. Tim Gallagher finishes Ignatian Rule 5 and begins 6th focusing on changing ourselves intensely against the desolation.

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The Breastplate - St. Patrick

I bind myself today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity.
I believe in a Threeness, with confession of an Oneness in the Creator of the Universe.

I bind myself today to the virtue of Christ's birth with His baptism,
to the virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
to the virtue of His resurrection with His ascension,
to the virtue of His coming to the Judgment of Doom.

I bind myself today to the virtue of ranks of Cherubim,
in obedience of Angels,
in service of Archangels,
in hope of resurrection for reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs,
in preaching of Apostles,
in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins,
in deeds of righteous men.

I bind myself today to the virtue of Heaven,
In light of Sun,
In brightness of Snow
In splendour of Fire,
In speed of Lightning,
In swiftness of Wind,
In depth of Sea,
In stability of Earth,
In compactness of Rock.

I bind myself today to God's Virtue to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's Word to speak to me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me,
Against snares of demons,
Against seductions of vices,
Against lusts of nature,
Against every one who wishes ill to me,
Afar and a near,
Alone and in a multitude.

So have I invoked all these virtues between me, and these
against every cruel, merciless power which may come against my body an my soul
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics,
against craft of idolatry,
against spells of women and smiths and druids,
against every knowledge that defiles men's souls.

Christ to protect me today,
Against poison,
against burning,
against drowning,
against death-wound,
Until a multitude of rewards come to me!

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me!
Christ below me,
Christ above me.
Christ at my right,
Christ at my left!
Christ in breadth,
Christ in length,
Christ in height!

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me!

I bind myself today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity.
I believe in a Threeness with confession of a Oneness, in the Creator of the Universe.
Salvation is the Lord's, salvation is the Lord's, salvation is Christ's
May Thy salvation, O Lord, be always with us. Amen.


Happy St. Patrick's Day From Christ the King Parish!

Saint Patrick FAQ

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For the First Sunday of Lent - From A commentary On The Psalms by Saint Augustine

In Christ we suffered temptation, and in him we overcame the devil

Hear, O God, my petition, listen to my prayer. Who is speaking? An individual, it seems. See if it is an individual: I cried to you from the ends of the earth while my heart was in anguish. Now it is no longer one person; rather, it is one in the sense that Christ is one, and we are all his members. What single individual can cry from the ends of the earth? The one who cries from the ends of the earth is none other than the Son’s inheritance. It was said to him: Ask of me, and I shall give you the nations as your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as your possession. This possession of Christ, this inheritance of Christ, this body of Christ, this one Church of Christ, this unity that we are, cries from the ends of the earth. What does it cry? What I said before: Hear, O God, my petition, listen to my prayer; I cried out to you from the ends of the earth. That is, I made this cry to you from the ends of the earth; that is, on all sides.

Why did I make this cry? While my heart was in anguish. The speaker shows that he is present among all the nations of the earth in a condition, not of exalted glory but of severe trial.

Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives a crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations.

The one who cries from the ends of the earth is in anguish, but is not left on his own. Christ chose to foreshadow us, who are his body, by means of his body, in which he has died, risen and ascended into heaven, so that the members of his body may hope to follow where their head has gone before. He made us one with him when he chose to be tempted by Satan.

We have heard in the gospel how the Lord Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Certainly Christ was tempted by the devil. In Christ you were tempted, for Christ received his flesh from your nature, but by his own power gained life for you; he suffered insults in your nature, but by his own power gained glory for you; therefore, he suffered temptation in your nature, but by his own power gained victory for you.

If in Christ we have been tempted, in him we overcame the devil. Do you think only of Christ’s temptations and fail to think of his victory? See yourself as tempted in him, and see yourself as victorious in him. He could have kept the devil from himself; but if he were not tempted he could not teach you how to triumph over temptation.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 8

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

This week, Fr. Tim discusses Ignatian Rule 5 using an example of a retreatant.

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Praying the Gospels of Lent

These readings can be used in daily prayer through the weeks of Lent or at any other appropriate time in the course of an individual's spiritual life. Through the course of these readings one will become immersed in the story and the experience of the Passion and Death of Christ.

Some Tips for Daily Prayer:

*Select a time and a place that is well suited to quiet prayer. Establish a schedule for prayer and stick to it as much as possible.

*As you begin, realize that God is really present and desires to draw closer to you.

*Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in this time of prayer and seek her inspiration.

*You may want to begin your time of prayer with these (or similar) words;

Preparatory Prayer

Lord, may all my intentions, actions and operations be directed purely to the service and praise of your Divine Majesty.

The Grace I seek... (What special grace do you seek this Lent? Take time before your reflection and meditation to bring your particular spiritual needs before God.)

John 11:1-44 - Raising of Lazarus

Matthew 26:6-16 - Supper at Bethany

Matthew 21:1-11 - Palm Sunday

Matthew 26:17-30 - Last Supper

John 13:1-17 - Washing of the Feet

Matthew 26:31-46 - Agony in the Garden

Matthew 26:47-56 - Arrest

John 18:12-27 + Matthew 26:57-75 - Jesus before the Council at night.

Luke 22:66-71 - Jesus before the Council in the Morning

Luke 23:1-25 + John 18:28 - 19:16 - Jesus before Pilate and Herod

Luke 23:26 - 32 -The Way of the Cross

Luke 23:33-49 -The Crucifixion

Two Ways Of Praying with Scripture:

Ignatian Contemplation (Imaginative Prayer):

This method of prayer lends itself well to passages in both the Old and New Testaments that portray persons, places and actions, especially events in the life of Christ. It takes into account the fact that everything we have is a gift from our God and can become a tool for growing closer to our Lord, including our imaginations.

*Begin by reading the passage over slowly to yourself. Begin to use your imagination to create the scene in your mind.

*Try to see, contemplating each person in the scene. Where are they standing? What do they look like? What are they wearing? What expressions are on their faces? Give a prolonged look, above all, to the person of Jesus himself (if he is featured in the passage in question). Do not try to explain or understand, just take some time to look around.

*Try to listen, paying attention to spoken or even implied words. What might they mean? Who might they be speaking to? Does their meaning change when these words are directed at your?

*Observe what the people in the scene do. What are their names (even if the passage does not give them one)? What might their history be, their sufferings, personal quests, challenges and joys? How do they react? Note their gestures, feelings and attitudes especially of Jesus if he is present.

*Place yourself actively in the scene. Allow yourself to be involved in what is happening. Besides seeing and listening, try to touch and feel the flavor of what you are experiencing in prayer. Think 'affectively' about your time in this place; How do you feel? What joys or challenges do you feel you should pay attention to as a result of spending time in this place?

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).

Lectio Divina;

Lectio (reading):

Begin by reading the passage slowly. Take time to let the words sink into your spirit, your soul. Allow your self time to slowly awaken to prayer. Gradually allow a word or phrase to choose you. Let it touch you, resonate with you. Savor it, repeat it, breath the word or words in and out and let them saturate you.

As you do this, you will begin to wonder why they have touched you in this way, why they have attracted your attention. This is a natural progression to the next step...

Meditatio (meditating)

Now you begin to ask questions about these words; What is God saying to me? Why these words? Why today, in this moment? What connection do they have to what is going on in my life right now?

What are you trying to say to me God?

Like squeezing the juice from a grape to make wine, you are searching for the particular meaning these words have for you, their connection to your life, your own situation. Why do you need to hear this right now?

At some point you may realize just what it is you need from these words, a personal epiphany or 'a ha!' Allow this new insight or understanding to sink in and to move you. Spend an appropriate amount of time simply allowing this insight to sink in with all of it's joys, challenges and implications.

Realize that God has spoken to your heart. The natural flow of things is to respond...

Oratio (praying)

Touched deeply by the Word God has spoken, allow yourself to speak spontaneously to God. Speak, sing, celebrate, laugh or cry...are you moved to praise God, or give thanks? Are you moved to tears, of sorrow? Of Joy? Are you energized to act, to do something? Speak to God about how you feel...lift your heart and mind to God.

Contemplatio (contemplation)

Contemplation is a simple, loving gaze one upon another. Spend quite time now alone with God. You have heard God's word, you have experienced God's desire for you, you have spoken together...now simply sit in the silent presence of God. Just 'be' together. This is the goal of Lectio Divina, this silent unity with God.

The first three steps move us from greater action, to lesser action, and finally to inaction...simple being.

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).

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An Ash Wednesday Reflection - From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope; Repent

"Let us fix our attention on the blood of Christ and recognize how precious it is to God his Father, since it was shed for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to all the world.

If we review the various ages of history, we will see that in every generation the Lord has offered the opportunity of repentance to any who were willing to turn to him. When Noah preached God’s message of repentance, all who listened to him were saved. Jonah told the Ninevites they were going to be destroyed, but when they repented, their prayers gained God’s forgiveness for their sins, and they were saved, even though they were not of God’s people.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ministers of God’s grace have spoken of repentance; indeed, the Master of the whole universe himself spoke of repentance with an oath: As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the death of the sinner but his repentance. He added this evidence of his goodness: House of Israel, repent of your wickedness. Tell the sons of my people: If their sins should reach from earth to heaven, if they are brighter than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth, you need only turn to me with your whole heart and say, “Father,” and I will listen to you as a holy people.

In other words, God wanted all his beloved ones to have the opportunity to repent and he confirmed this desire by his own almighty will. That is why we should obey his sovereign and glorious will and prayerfully entreat his mercy and kindness. We should be suppliant before him and turn to his compassion, rejecting empty works and quarrelling and jealousy which only lead to death.

Brothers, we should be humble in mind, putting aside all arrogance, pride and foolish anger. Rather, we should act in accordance with the Scriptures, as the Holy Spirit says: The wise man must not glory in his wisdom nor the strong man in his strength nor the rich man in his riches. Rather, let him who glories glory in the Lord by seeking him and doing what is right and just. Recall especially what the Lord Jesus said when he taught gentleness and forbearance. Be merciful, he said, so that you may have mercy shown to you. Forgive, so that you may be forgiven. As you treat others, so you will be treated. As you give, so you will receive. As you judge, so you will be judged. As you are kind to others, so you will be treated kindly. The measure of your giving will be the measure of your receiving. Let these commandments and precepts strengthen us to live in humble obedience to his sacred words. As Scripture asks: Whom shall I look upon with favor except the humble, peaceful man who trembles at my words?

Sharing then in the heritage of so many vast and glorious achievements, let us hasten toward the goal of peace, set before us from the beginning. Let us keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Father and Creator of the whole universe, and hold fast to his splendid and transcendent gifts of peace and all his blessings."

May this Ash Wednesday be the start of a new beginning for you, your family and our parish community. May we rise from our weaknesses and struggles to greet with joy the new life gifted to us on our baptism. May we so enter this Lenten journey together that, after these forty days of turning from darkness to light - of true, heart-felt repentance make us ready to sing out with renewed Easter Joy!

Peace and God Bless

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 7

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

This week, Father Tim Gallagher finishes discussing Ignatian Rule 4 using a message from St. Teresa Rejadell.

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Prayers of the Faithful - March 6, 2011

 

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MARCH 6, 2011

 

 

1. Let us pray for the leaders of the Church,

   shepherds of God's people,

   We pray to you Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

2. Let us pray for all who hunger and thirst for justice and peace,

   We pray to you Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

3. Let us pray for those who delight in their marriage,

   and those whose faithful love bears witness to God's love for all creation,

We pray to you, Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

4. Let us pray for a strong witness to gospel values in this faith community,

We pray to you Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

5. Let us pray for all who have died, especially our parishioner

   BRENDA DESNOYERS, GILDA TUBELLO, sister of

   ROMANO TUBELLO and TOM COLE, brother of MURIEL HUOT,

   that they be received into your heavenly kingdom,

We pray to you Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

6. Let us now pray in silence for our personal intentions,

(Pause 5-7 seconds)

We pray to you Lord,

RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 6

This week in our on-going series on St. Ignatius' Rules for Discernment, Father Tim Gallagher finishes discussing Ignatian Rule 3 and begins Rule 4.

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