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Catholics 50+
A place for 50+ Catholics to share their experiences as Christians in today's society or perhaps comment on the daily Mass readings.
Latest group announcement
Welcome to Catholics 50+!
Welcome to our Catholic 50+ group online here at EONS! We are a community of Catholics committed to growing spiritually. We are committed to the Eucharist, guided by the Holy Spirit and use Mary as our model. We center our faith-life around liturgical celebrations, the Gospel and prayer. We lovingly reach out to and serve all God’s people acknowledging their uniqueness and dignity. We treat all with respect, tolerance and acceptance, having the love of Jesus as our core. We invite you to gather together spiritually with us by taking a few moments every evening whenever the sun is setting and wherever you are to pray for one another and for our group. You can also light a candle with your prayer requests in our candle lighting group. Here is a link: view link
We have begun a collection of meditative and inspirational music. If you prefer to not listen to it, just click the ll lines on the left. You can also click on the different titles to hear whichever song you wish. Please contact the manager with any suggested music and I will see if it is available and add it if at all possible.
We also have DISCUSSION THREADS where we can discuss issues of concern to Catholics. We ask that you include the word "DISCUSSION" in the title of the thread - to indicate that the thread, like a church meeting is an opportunity to openly discuss topics of concern to Catholics, but may contain views that are controversial. Views contrary to those you hold and possibly contrary to current Church doctrine might be expressed therein, so be forewarned. I created a file that lists the Discussion Threads in our group so you can easily access the Threads by topic. If you choose to discuss issues, the GROUND RULES are simple: no slander, profanity, racism, blasphemy, excessive sarcasm, sexism or personally attacking each other. We hope that these discussions will be “respectful dialogues.” Any disrespectful messages or ridicule will be removed. We reserve the right to moderate comments, if necessary, or even shut them down. We hope these discussion threads will be “safe harbors” for everyone. If you feel that anyone is being disrespectful of you, please contact the manager. Please be advised that the views of the participants in these DISCUSSION threads are not necessarily those of the management in this group if they are in any way contrary to current Church doctrine. PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES FOR DISCUSSION THREADS IN THE FILE SECTION OF OUR GROUP.
May the Peace of the Lord be with you,
Rudytooty and Ibiscanes
17 days ago
Recent Messages
Prayer of Hope
My God, I hope
and trust in you
and I believe in all
of your promises
because you sent us
your son, Jesus,
who will bring us
closer to you.
Amen.
and trust in you
and I believe in all
of your promises
because you sent us
your son, Jesus,
who will bring us
closer to you.
Amen.
God's Minute"
GET WISDOM! GET UNDERSTANDING! DO NOT FORGET,
NOR TURN AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH.
( PROVERBS 4:5 *NKJV )
True wisdom comes in many packages indeed. Sometimes
even out of the mouths of babes, and sometimes from those of
advanced years as well. After all GOD often works through
many different people.
So today we will take a humorous look at what could be called
"Backyard Philosophy," or even "Nutshell Philosophy." I hope
you will enjoy this as much as I did, so let us begin!
1. Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll Clean 'em.
2. A family altar can alter a family.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. Don't put a question mark where God put a full stop.
5. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
6. Exercise daily... Walk with the Lord!
7. Forbidden fruits create many jams.
8. Give God what's right, not what's left!
9. Give satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
10. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
11. God grades on the cross, not the curve.
12. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit"
over "religious nuts"!
13. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
14. Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
15. He who angers you, controls you!
16. He who is good at making excuses, is seldom good for
anything else.
17. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
18. Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
19. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
20. Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
21. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
22. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
23. "Pray" is a four-letter word that you can say anywhere.
24. Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!
25. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of
God will not protect you.
26. This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"!
27. To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
28. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
29. Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
30. We don't change the message, the message changes us.
31. Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.
32. Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed
33. The work will wait while you look at the rainbow, but the
rainbow won't wait while you do the work.
NOR TURN AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH.
( PROVERBS 4:5 *NKJV )
True wisdom comes in many packages indeed. Sometimes
even out of the mouths of babes, and sometimes from those of
advanced years as well. After all GOD often works through
many different people.
So today we will take a humorous look at what could be called
"Backyard Philosophy," or even "Nutshell Philosophy." I hope
you will enjoy this as much as I did, so let us begin!
1. Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll Clean 'em.
2. A family altar can alter a family.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. Don't put a question mark where God put a full stop.
5. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
6. Exercise daily... Walk with the Lord!
7. Forbidden fruits create many jams.
8. Give God what's right, not what's left!
9. Give satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
10. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
11. God grades on the cross, not the curve.
12. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit"
over "religious nuts"!
13. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
14. Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
15. He who angers you, controls you!
16. He who is good at making excuses, is seldom good for
anything else.
17. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
18. Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
19. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
20. Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
21. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
22. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
23. "Pray" is a four-letter word that you can say anywhere.
24. Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!
25. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of
God will not protect you.
26. This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"!
27. To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
28. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
29. Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
30. We don't change the message, the message changes us.
31. Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.
32. Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed
33. The work will wait while you look at the rainbow, but the
rainbow won't wait while you do the work.
Practical Bible Reference Guide
# To become a Christian -- Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23, Rom. 5:8, Rom. 10:9-10,13, John 3:3, John 3:16, Eph. 2:8-9, 1 John 1:9, 2 Cor. 5:17
# To build up your faith -- Rom. 10:17, Jude 1:20, 1 Pet. 1:7-9, James 1:5-8, Rom. 4:20-21, 2 Cor. 5:7, Mark 11:24, James 2:18,22, Heb. 10:32-39
# To control your tongue -- Prov. 18:21, Eph. 4:29, 31-32, Prov. 13:3, Luke 6:45, Matt. 12:36, James 1:26, 1 Pet. 3:10, James 3:6, 10-11, Prov. 18:7-8, Psa. 50:23
# To deal with offenses -- Matt. 18:15, Matt. 5:23-24, Matt. 18:21-35, Matt. 6:14-15, 2 Cor 2:10-11, Psa. 119:165, John 13:35, 1 John 4:20-21
# To get along with others -- Matt. 7:12, Rom. 12:10, 1 John 4:20-21, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, Eph. 4:31-32, Rom. 15:1-2, Col. 3:12-14, Prov. 18:24
see first reply
# To build up your faith -- Rom. 10:17, Jude 1:20, 1 Pet. 1:7-9, James 1:5-8, Rom. 4:20-21, 2 Cor. 5:7, Mark 11:24, James 2:18,22, Heb. 10:32-39
# To control your tongue -- Prov. 18:21, Eph. 4:29, 31-32, Prov. 13:3, Luke 6:45, Matt. 12:36, James 1:26, 1 Pet. 3:10, James 3:6, 10-11, Prov. 18:7-8, Psa. 50:23
# To deal with offenses -- Matt. 18:15, Matt. 5:23-24, Matt. 18:21-35, Matt. 6:14-15, 2 Cor 2:10-11, Psa. 119:165, John 13:35, 1 John 4:20-21
# To get along with others -- Matt. 7:12, Rom. 12:10, 1 John 4:20-21, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, Eph. 4:31-32, Rom. 15:1-2, Col. 3:12-14, Prov. 18:24
see first reply
Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, foster Father of Jesus, and Humble husband of Mary, God choice Joseph to look after Our Lord, protect him and Our blessed Mother Mary...He is known also as the Patron Saint of families..Patron Staint of the dying..
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great,so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful lintercession and obtain for me through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. joseph, Patron of departing souls, Pray for us. Amen
Saint Joseph
Feast Day 1st May
Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker..
Glorious St. Joseph, example for all who are engaged in toil, pray with me, please, to obtain the grace that I may work in the spirit of penance, and so make atonement for my sins… that I may work conscientiously, keeping devotion to duty before my personal feelings… that I may work with thankfulness and joy, holding it an honour to use and develop by my labour, the gifts I have received from Almighty God.
Pray with me, that I may obtain help to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience - and never shirk duty because of weariness or because of difficulties encountered, and that, before all else, I may work with a right intention and with detachment from self, keeping always in mind the hour of my death and the account I must give then for misused time, for neglected talents, for good not done, and for any foolish pride in my success - a fault so fatal to the work of God,
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you , Joseph most faithful! This shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.
Collect for the Mass of the feast.
O God, the Creator of all things, Who didst frame the law of labour for the human race, graciously grant that, by the example and patronage of St. Joseph, we may do the work Thou dost assign us and earn the reward Thou dost promise. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Saint Joseph
A Petition to St. Joseph.
Dear St. Joseph, head of the most perfect household, foster father of Jesus and guardian of His Mother Mary, I confidently place myself and all my concerns under your care and protection. I ask that, through your powerful intercession with God, you obtain for me all the help and graces that I need for my spiritual and temporal welfare and in particular, the special favour I now ask (here mention or think of your home sale or any other petition, especially family needs *).
Good St. Joseph, I know with confidence, that your prayers on my behalf will be heard by God and that He will grant my request, if it be for His glory and my greater good.
Thank you St. Joseph, for having responded to my call.
Amen
* St. Joseph knows families … He is a friend of spouses, mothers, fathers and children … He brings family peace and love … Go to him !
Saint Joseph
Prayer for a Happy Death
O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God. Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Saint Joseph
Prayer for the Church and the Holy Father
Most Powerful Patriarch St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked thee in anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let thy fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the Mystical Spouse and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies. Oh, by the bitter anguish thou did experience upon earth, dry the tears of the venerable Pontiff, defend him, comfort him, intercede for him with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being removed and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God is perfect liberty. Amen.
PRAYER TO Saint Joseph,
The Good Provider
Hail dear Spouse of Mary mild,
Guardian AND PROTECTOR of Her Child,
JOSEPH, best of Teachers, Hail!
PROTECTOR OF THE POOR AND FRAIL,
HEAR ME WHO MOST NEEDS YOUR LOVE,
WHO KNOWS YOU WILL NOT TURN AWAY,
FROM ME IN THE HOUR OF MY NEED TODAY.
Saint Joseph
PRAISES OF ST. JOSEPH
(These praises may be prayed in thanksgiving for favours received.)
IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy soul, which was adorned with all the virtues and gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine intellect, which was full of the most sublime knowledge of God and was enlightened with revelations.
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy will, which was all inflamed with love for Jesus and Mary and always perfectly conformable to the Divine will.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine eyes, to which it was granted to look continually upon Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine ears, which merited to hear the sweet words of Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father.
O dear St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy tongue, which continually praised God and with profound humility and reverence conversed with Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father .
O chaste St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy most pure and loving heart, with which thou didst ardently love Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Joseph, ever blessed be thy thoughts, words and actions, each and all of which ever tended to the service of Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be all the moments of thy life, which thou didst spend in the service of Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father.
O my Protector St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment of thy life in which thou didst most sweetly die in the arms of Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father.
O glorious St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment in which thou didst enter into the eternal joys of Heaven.
Glory be to the Father.
O happy St. Joseph, ever blessed in eternity be every moment in which, until now, in union with all the Saints of Heaven, thou hast enjoyed the incomprehensible bliss of union with God, with Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O my dear Protector! Be ever blessed by me and by all creatures, for all eternity, with all the blessings which the Most Holy Trinity bestowed upon thee and with all the benedictions given thee by Jesus and Mary and by the whole Church.
Glory be to the Father. -
O thrice holy Joseph, blessed in soul and body, in life and death, on earth and in Heaven. Obtain also for me, a poor sinner but nevertheless thy true and faithful client, a share in thy blessings, the grace to imitate thee ardently, and to love and faithfully serve Jesus, Mary and thyself, and especially the happiness to die in thy holy arms.
Amen.
Saint Joseph
Daily Prayer for Protection
Hail, O Saint Joseph! I, your unworthy child, greet thee. Thou are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate thee. Thou knows that I have special confidence in thee and, after Jesus and Mary, place all my hope of salvation in thee, for thou are all powerful with God and will never abandon thy faithful servants. Therefore, I humbly invoke thee and commend myself, with all who are dear to me, and my entire possessions, to thy secure protection and powerful intercession. I beseech thee, by the love of Jesus and Mary, do not abandon me during life and assist me at the hour of my death. Amen.
Prayer for Purity.
O Guardian of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life.
Amen.
Saint Joseph
UNFAILING NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
Glorious St Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind heart of Jesus the help and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore (REQUEST) guardian of the word incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your
prayers in my behalf will graciously be heard before the throne of God. (REQUEST)
O gracious St Joseph through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his name hear my prayers and obtain my petition.
PRAY FOR 9 DAYS AND PUBLISH MAKE SURE YOU REALLY WANT WHAT YOU ASK BECAUSE IT HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL, TRUST ME YOU PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED.
Saint Joseph, foster Father of Jesus, and Humble husband of Mary, God choice Joseph to look after Our Lord, protect him and Our blessed Mother Mary...He is known also as the Patron Saint of families..Patron Staint of the dying..
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great,so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful lintercession and obtain for me through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. joseph, Patron of departing souls, Pray for us. Amen
Saint Joseph
Feast Day 1st May
Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker..
Glorious St. Joseph, example for all who are engaged in toil, pray with me, please, to obtain the grace that I may work in the spirit of penance, and so make atonement for my sins… that I may work conscientiously, keeping devotion to duty before my personal feelings… that I may work with thankfulness and joy, holding it an honour to use and develop by my labour, the gifts I have received from Almighty God.
Pray with me, that I may obtain help to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience - and never shirk duty because of weariness or because of difficulties encountered, and that, before all else, I may work with a right intention and with detachment from self, keeping always in mind the hour of my death and the account I must give then for misused time, for neglected talents, for good not done, and for any foolish pride in my success - a fault so fatal to the work of God,
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you , Joseph most faithful! This shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.
Collect for the Mass of the feast.
O God, the Creator of all things, Who didst frame the law of labour for the human race, graciously grant that, by the example and patronage of St. Joseph, we may do the work Thou dost assign us and earn the reward Thou dost promise. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Saint Joseph
A Petition to St. Joseph.
Dear St. Joseph, head of the most perfect household, foster father of Jesus and guardian of His Mother Mary, I confidently place myself and all my concerns under your care and protection. I ask that, through your powerful intercession with God, you obtain for me all the help and graces that I need for my spiritual and temporal welfare and in particular, the special favour I now ask (here mention or think of your home sale or any other petition, especially family needs *).
Good St. Joseph, I know with confidence, that your prayers on my behalf will be heard by God and that He will grant my request, if it be for His glory and my greater good.
Thank you St. Joseph, for having responded to my call.
Amen
* St. Joseph knows families … He is a friend of spouses, mothers, fathers and children … He brings family peace and love … Go to him !
Saint Joseph
Prayer for a Happy Death
O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God. Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Saint Joseph
Prayer for the Church and the Holy Father
Most Powerful Patriarch St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked thee in anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let thy fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the Mystical Spouse and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies. Oh, by the bitter anguish thou did experience upon earth, dry the tears of the venerable Pontiff, defend him, comfort him, intercede for him with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being removed and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God is perfect liberty. Amen.
PRAYER TO Saint Joseph,
The Good Provider
Hail dear Spouse of Mary mild,
Guardian AND PROTECTOR of Her Child,
JOSEPH, best of Teachers, Hail!
PROTECTOR OF THE POOR AND FRAIL,
HEAR ME WHO MOST NEEDS YOUR LOVE,
WHO KNOWS YOU WILL NOT TURN AWAY,
FROM ME IN THE HOUR OF MY NEED TODAY.
Saint Joseph
PRAISES OF ST. JOSEPH
(These praises may be prayed in thanksgiving for favours received.)
IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy soul, which was adorned with all the virtues and gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine intellect, which was full of the most sublime knowledge of God and was enlightened with revelations.
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy will, which was all inflamed with love for Jesus and Mary and always perfectly conformable to the Divine will.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine eyes, to which it was granted to look continually upon Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine ears, which merited to hear the sweet words of Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father.
O dear St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy tongue, which continually praised God and with profound humility and reverence conversed with Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father .
O chaste St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy most pure and loving heart, with which thou didst ardently love Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O holy Joseph, ever blessed be thy thoughts, words and actions, each and all of which ever tended to the service of Jesus and Mary.
Glory be to the Father
O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be all the moments of thy life, which thou didst spend in the service of Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father.
O my Protector St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment of thy life in which thou didst most sweetly die in the arms of Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father.
O glorious St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment in which thou didst enter into the eternal joys of Heaven.
Glory be to the Father.
O happy St. Joseph, ever blessed in eternity be every moment in which, until now, in union with all the Saints of Heaven, thou hast enjoyed the incomprehensible bliss of union with God, with Jesus and Mary
Glory be to the Father...
O my dear Protector! Be ever blessed by me and by all creatures, for all eternity, with all the blessings which the Most Holy Trinity bestowed upon thee and with all the benedictions given thee by Jesus and Mary and by the whole Church.
Glory be to the Father. -
O thrice holy Joseph, blessed in soul and body, in life and death, on earth and in Heaven. Obtain also for me, a poor sinner but nevertheless thy true and faithful client, a share in thy blessings, the grace to imitate thee ardently, and to love and faithfully serve Jesus, Mary and thyself, and especially the happiness to die in thy holy arms.
Amen.
Saint Joseph
Daily Prayer for Protection
Hail, O Saint Joseph! I, your unworthy child, greet thee. Thou are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate thee. Thou knows that I have special confidence in thee and, after Jesus and Mary, place all my hope of salvation in thee, for thou are all powerful with God and will never abandon thy faithful servants. Therefore, I humbly invoke thee and commend myself, with all who are dear to me, and my entire possessions, to thy secure protection and powerful intercession. I beseech thee, by the love of Jesus and Mary, do not abandon me during life and assist me at the hour of my death. Amen.
Prayer for Purity.
O Guardian of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life.
Amen.
Saint Joseph
UNFAILING NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
Glorious St Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind heart of Jesus the help and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore (REQUEST) guardian of the word incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your
prayers in my behalf will graciously be heard before the throne of God. (REQUEST)
O gracious St Joseph through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his name hear my prayers and obtain my petition.
PRAY FOR 9 DAYS AND PUBLISH MAKE SURE YOU REALLY WANT WHAT YOU ASK BECAUSE IT HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL, TRUST ME YOU PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED.
Visit to a Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Yesterday, our RCIA staff group visited a Greek Catholic Church. I was quite surprised by the differences between the Western (Roman) Church and the Eastern (Greek) Church. The differences are too numerus to mention in this post but it was very interesting to say the least.
One of the main diffences that caught my eye as soon as we walked into Church was their Icon Screen. It is a wooden wall which divides the altar area from the congegation. It was very ornate and had pictures (icons) of Christ and Mary on either side of the center door which was right in front of the altar. There were two other doors at either end of the screen where the altar servers and deacons would enter. Only the Priest and the lector bearing the Holy Book could enter through the center door. There are no Stations of the Cross like in Roman churches but pictures of saints adorn all of the walls. Also they do not use Holy Water. Upon entering the church, there is an icon of the patron of the parish which everyone kisses as they walk in. Communion is in the form of levened bread cut into long narrow pieces and this is dipped in the wine before placing the the recipiant's mouth. Also their priests are allowed to marry but no married priest can ever become a Bishop. There are two Greek Catholic Diocese in the U.S. and they are totally separate from the Roman Diocese. These are just a few of the differences and we hope to go as a group to one of their masses.
One of the main diffences that caught my eye as soon as we walked into Church was their Icon Screen. It is a wooden wall which divides the altar area from the congegation. It was very ornate and had pictures (icons) of Christ and Mary on either side of the center door which was right in front of the altar. There were two other doors at either end of the screen where the altar servers and deacons would enter. Only the Priest and the lector bearing the Holy Book could enter through the center door. There are no Stations of the Cross like in Roman churches but pictures of saints adorn all of the walls. Also they do not use Holy Water. Upon entering the church, there is an icon of the patron of the parish which everyone kisses as they walk in. Communion is in the form of levened bread cut into long narrow pieces and this is dipped in the wine before placing the the recipiant's mouth. Also their priests are allowed to marry but no married priest can ever become a Bishop. There are two Greek Catholic Diocese in the U.S. and they are totally separate from the Roman Diocese. These are just a few of the differences and we hope to go as a group to one of their masses.
World Youth Day/Australia
I've been watching this on EWTN and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of these thousands of young people - it's inspiring to see! I hope you have seen Smitty's blog and his explanation of his iconisms - very beautiful and thoughtful! If you missed the link - here it is again view link
Meditation for Friday, July 18th
"He fed them with finest wheat and He filled them with honey from the rock."
As I listen I become aware of how God feeds me ~ how He cares for my needs and fills me with good things ~+ how everything that is good in my life comes from God.
Reading from the Gospel Matthew 12:1-8: At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. but If you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”
Reflection: This is a vivid scene ~ drama ~ confrontation ~ conflict. How do you imagine it? Can you imagine it now? Spend a few moments just picturing it ~+~ what these people look like and sound like ~ their attitude ~ their tone of voice ~ the looks on their faces. How do you imagine the Pharisees? What do they look like? What is their attitude? Do you see them as self-righteous? Pompous perhaps? Nitpicking? Nasty? Or are they just scrupulous ~ conscientious ~ earnest?
And as you listen again this time concentrate on Jesus ~ his bearing ~ his tone of voice. How does he seem to you? "Something greater than the temple is here" ~ "The Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." This is a statement as much as anything else about who Jesus is about his own importance. How do you react to this assertive Jesus? This straight talking Jesus who isn't afraid of confrontation? What do you want to say to Him now?
Click here for link to audio of meditation: view link
Peace,
Rudy
As I listen I become aware of how God feeds me ~ how He cares for my needs and fills me with good things ~+ how everything that is good in my life comes from God.
Reading from the Gospel Matthew 12:1-8: At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. but If you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”
Reflection: This is a vivid scene ~ drama ~ confrontation ~ conflict. How do you imagine it? Can you imagine it now? Spend a few moments just picturing it ~+~ what these people look like and sound like ~ their attitude ~ their tone of voice ~ the looks on their faces. How do you imagine the Pharisees? What do they look like? What is their attitude? Do you see them as self-righteous? Pompous perhaps? Nitpicking? Nasty? Or are they just scrupulous ~ conscientious ~ earnest?
And as you listen again this time concentrate on Jesus ~ his bearing ~ his tone of voice. How does he seem to you? "Something greater than the temple is here" ~ "The Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." This is a statement as much as anything else about who Jesus is about his own importance. How do you react to this assertive Jesus? This straight talking Jesus who isn't afraid of confrontation? What do you want to say to Him now?
Click here for link to audio of meditation: view link
Peace,
Rudy
A Blessing for Friends
Gracious God, I ask your blessing on all my friends who have given of their own heart and soul to deepen and strengthen my own. I pray especially for those who have walked alongside me when I have not been a faithful friend myself. When I feel alone, remind me that my friends are one your greatest gifts of grace to me. Let me be to them what they are to me. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Watch Over Us
Prayer for the Sick
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love's sake. Amen.
Saint Augustine
Blessings, Ibis
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