Bulletin Announcements

Transcription

1 5 Scripture Readings and Bulletin Announcements This section is useful to: Pastor, Parish Chair Section Title and Contents Section Summary Page A. Reflections on the Scripture Readings April 18/19, 2015 Third April 25/26, 2015 Fourth May 2/3, 2015 Fifth B. Announcements on the Scripture Readings April 18/19, 2015 Third April 25/26, 2015 Fourth May 2/3, 2015 Fifth This section contains bulletin reflections for each of the Appeal Sundays. This section contains bulletin announcements for each of the Appeal Sundays /15 Reflections 5.1

2 A. Reflections on the Scripture Readings April 18/19, Third The Power of Hope Hope is a powerful force in the world. Hope helps end division. It relieves suffering and brings light in place of darkness. In the familiar Peace Prayer of St. Francis, we pray to become instruments of Christ s peace, offering hope where there is despair. During the Easter season, we reflect on the real source of our hope Christ s resurrection from the dead. Today s reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that God the Father glorified his servant Jesus so that our sins may be wiped away (Acts 3:13, 19). In today s Gospel, Christ reveals the meaning of his passion, death and resurrection: that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name (Luke 24:47). Christ calls us to proclaim this message of love and mercy by the way we live our lives to bring hope and healing to those in need. The Annual Catholic Appeal helps us do just that. The many ministries, agencies and apostolates supported by the Appeal reach out to people in need, revealing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Together, we are building up the Church a community of hope. As Christ s disciples, we are called to witness boldly the central message of the Peace Prayer: It is in giving that we receive. When we respond to Christ s call, we experience more fully the great hope of His resurrection. 1/15 Reflections 5.2

3 April 25/26, Fourth Bringers of Joy Last year, Pope Francis challenged his fellow priests to be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep. Our Holy Father called them and us to offer Christ s grace and peace to the poor to work tirelessly to serve those in need. In today s Gospel, Christ reminds us that He is the good shepherd (John 10:11). He offers us a profound example of selfless love. Jesus promises to lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). We, in turn, are called to sacrifice for others to meet despair with hope, to offer faith in place of doubt and to bring joy where there is sadness. Like Jesus, we draw close to the poor and marginalized, bringing His healing presence in the midst of their suffering. When we reach out in love to the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, the suffering and the dying, we reveal the face of Christ; we live with the smell of the sheep. Our daily witness of Christ s love and mercy reflects that we are God s children now (1 John 3:2). Our joyful service to others reflects a loving and generous God. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers each of us an opportunity to shine light, spread joy and bring hope to our neighbors. The Appeal is helping to create a renewal of faith within our community by strengthening our parishes, agencies and schools. Like Christ, the Good Shepherd, we seek to lay down our lives for the sheep every day to reflect the love and peace of Jesus to a world in need. 1/15 Reflections 5.3

4 May 2/3, 2015 Fifth Sharing the Faith In today s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we are left with a beautiful description of the early Church. We are told, The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace It was being built up with help from the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31). The bold example of St. Paul and the disciples drew others to Christ, building up a community of peace. How do we invite others to follow Jesus? How do we build up a Church of peace? The first line of the second reading gives us a guide: Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18). We reveal the face of Christ, and draw others to Him, by the way we live our lives. Our actions truly do speak louder than our words. We must strive to love others as Christ loves us. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that He is the true vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). If we remain in him, we will bear much fruit (John 15:5). We draw life from Christ, bearing fruit by loving and serving those in need. The Annual Catholic Appeal is one way we reflect Christ s love in the world. In our parishes and apostolates, people experience the light and love of Jesus every day. Jesus, the true vine, asks us to be an extension of His very life. As His disciples, we respond by giving of ourselves offering Christ s hope, faith and joy to the least of our brothers and sisters. 1/15 Reflections 5.4

5 Announcements on the Scripture Readings April 18/19, Third Where there is despair Hope. Hope is a powerful force in the world. Hope helps end division. It relieves suffering and brings light in place of darkness. In the familiar Peace Prayer of St. Francis, we pray to become instruments of Christ s peace, offering hope where there is despair. During the Easter season, we reflect on the real source of our hope Christ s resurrection from the dead. Jesus calls us to proclaim His message of love and mercy by the way we live our lives to bring hope and healing to those in need. The Annual Catholic Appeal helps us do just that. The many ministries, agencies and apostolates supported by the Appeal reach out to people in our community. Together, we are bringing hope to neighborhoods, schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis. April 25/26, 2015 Fourth Where there is sadness Joy. Last year, Pope Francis challenged his fellow priests to be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep. Our Holy Father called them and us to offer Christ s grace and peace to the poor and marginalized. In today s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that He is the good shepherd and promises to lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). We, in turn, are called to sacrifice for others. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers each of us an opportunity to shine light, bring hope and spread joy to our neighbors. Like Christ, the Good Shepherd, we seek to lay down our lives for the sheep. A gift to the Appeal is a reflection Christ s love and peace, offering hope and healing a world in need. May 2/3, 2015 Fifth Where there is doubt Faith. In today s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we are told, The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace It was being built up with help from the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31). How do we invite others to follow Jesus? How do we build up a Church of peace today? The first line of the second reading gives us a guide: Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18). We reveal the face of Christ, and draw others to Him, by the way we live our lives. Jesus teaches that He is the true vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). If we remain in him, we will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Jesus, the true vine, asks us to be an extension of His very life. The Annual Catholic Appeal is one way that we can bear fruit in the world and witness our faith in Jesus. Together, we offer hope and joy to the least of our brothers and sisters building up a community of Christ s peace. 1/15 Reflections 5.5