Archive
IPF on TV (EWTN) with Fr Gabuzda
The Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) was featured on EWTN show Sunday Night Live with host Father Benedict Groeschel. The guests were Father Richard Gabuzda (IPF director) and Father Joe Kelly (priest of New York & IPF faculty). They focused on the the mission of IPF and their efforts in building a Center for Priestly Spirituality. Some great discussions and live call-in questions. They spoke on the summer programs (that I took last summer) and how awesome the Holy Spirit has grown the mission of IPF. I hope they post some of the show on their website or YouTube. You can order it from EWTN, show #280.
Here is a short video about the mission of IPF that is on the IPF website and on YouTube (from 2 years ago):
CCD 7th: God the Son (day 17)
In our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we reviewed God the Father (from last week) and focused on God the Son (chapter 5 in our book).
(A) Reviewed God the Father. Played the video clip from Martian Child (see last week’s summary). Reviewed homework assignment … think of an example of a movie clip demonstrating a “good dad.” From that, we brainstormed why our relationship with God the Father becomes so wounded that we stop trusting the unconditional love He has for us.
(B) Discussed prayer “Core Wounds.” In our diagram of the Christian Heart (body, mind, soul), our life experiences can develop “core wounds” that hurt our lives physically, psychologically and/or spiritually. They are shown as X’s on our diagram. These wounds are actually “LIES” that affect our future relationships, especially with our Heavenly Father. A common example, even shown in movies, is how our hurt relationships with our earthly father affect how we view the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. Wounds can keep us from trusting His loving plan for our lives.
(C) Who is Jesus? We showed a movie clip from the 1996 Sylvester Stallone movie called Daylight. It’s the scene when the rescue worker (Stallone) first encounters the trapped people. Only getting 1 rescuer is not what the trapped people expected. This disappointed reaction is similar to the one Jesus received from people as they came to discover Him as the Messiah. The idea came from thesource4ym.com clip ideas. Click the link to get discussion questions.
Here is a trailer for the movie. The actual clip used is here (but it’s in a foreign language).
Good discussion as we imagined the roles of the people, the Messiah and what our reactions would be in their shoes.
Homework: (1) Chapter 5 assessment questions on the last page.
(2) handout “How the Bible describes Jesus” … look up passages
(3) bring textbook + Bible + journal
CCD 7th: God the Father (day 16)
In our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we touched on God the Father (chapter 4 in our textbook). I finally got to bring in my laptop and play a few movie clips. Awesome topic. — I was really looking forward to today!
(A) Opening prayer song reflection was He is Yahweh by Dean Salyn.
(B) God the Father is always present & knows what’s best for us & forgiving. Showed a clip from Lion King (1994), when Simba takes Nala to the Elephant Graveyard after father Mufasa warns against and ends up saving them from the 3 Hyenas. The focus is the discussion between father and son at the end. [Idea from thesource4ym.com with discussion questions.]
(C) God the Father has unconditional love for me. Showed the movie trailer for the John Cusack movie Martian Child (2007) about a sci-fi writer wanting to adopt a child who thinks he’s a Martian sent to observe Earthling life. The focus clip is when the child breaks something and thinks he’s bad and will be sent away. The father assures him that “Nothing you can do will change the way I feel about you.” and then proceeds to break other “things” showing they don’t matter as much as him. Awesome clip! — I had to “pause” when leading the discussion … it easily resonated how I hear my Heavenly Father’s voice.
Discussion was great. [Idea from thesource4ym.com with questions.]
Homework:
(1) Chapter 4 Assessment questions,
(2) Pray the Lord’s Prayer each day this week,
(3) Give an example of a movie clip with a “good dad.”
young adult retreat @ St Vincent DePaul Seminary
First time ever, the seminarians at St Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL led a retreat open for young adult of the Palm Beach Diocese. I heard about it through my friends on FaceBook. It was a Spirit-filled retreat … simple schedule … 3 seminarian testimonies … deep small group discussion … Benediction & Adoration … and lots of social time.
Even though I couldn’t stay for the whole retreat, I’m grateful to have been invited and grateful to see by brother seminarians at their finest at “home.”
Hopefully, with their great turnout, they can do more events to not only reach out to the community, but keep vocations on everyone’s minds and prayers!
See the Florida Catholic article that promoted the events.
Here’s some pictures I took of their beautiful chapel on campus:
“Grace before meals” prayer from The Big Bang Theory
My sister got me interested in The Big Bang Theory, so I watched the first episode from this season 3.
There’s a scene when Sheldon goes back home to Texas and does a prayer before eating dinner that would have come in handy for Thanksgiving. Here is goes …
By His hand, we are all fed.
Give us Lord, our daily bread.
Please know that we are truly grateful,
For every cup and every plateful.
Amen.
Thanksgiving “Attitude of Gratitude” prayer
I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as I did, with family & friends!
Attitude of Gratitude (prayer)
Dear Lord, we come to You today
With a humble attitude.
For all you give, our hearts are full
Of love and gratitude.Thank you for this special time
To offer our Thanksgiving.
Thank you for this food, and for
The blessed lives we’re living.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen
—By Joanna Fuchs
CCD 7th: Parent child Jeopardy + Angelus + BAPTiSM prayer types (day 10)
Today, in our 7th grade Pre-Confirmation class, parents were invited to come to class for orientation of the upcoming year and review of the last 9 classes. We opened with a review of “incarnation” and the “Angelus” for an opening prayer. Then I reviewed the different prayer types with B.A.P.T.i.S.M.. Then we played Jeopardy!
“Angelus” Prayer
(The Angel of the Lord)
[Lead:] The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
[ALL:] And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …
[Lead:] Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
[ALL:] Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …
[Lead:] And the Word was made flesh, [bow during]
[ALL:] And dwelt among us.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …
[Lead:] Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
[ALL:] That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
[Lead:] Let us pray.
[ALL:] Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
Thy grace into our hearts; that we,
to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son,
was made known by the message of an angel,
may by His Passion and Cross
be brought to the glory of His Resurrection,
through the same Christ Our Lord.
AMEN.
Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.
- BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
- ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
- PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
- THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
- i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
- SORRY – ask of forgiveness
MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)
The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer
We played Classroom Jeopardy! with teams of parents & kids. With almost perfect attendance, only 5 kids came without parents and everyone seemed to have a great time playing. Most categories were facts we’ve covered in class like “Jewish Roots,” “Gotta Have Faith,” “Facebook Jesus,” “Catholic Pop Quiz,” “Catholic Prayers,” “Angels & Demons,” and “A.R.R.R. You Listening?” Then there was the more entertaining categories like “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Anything Goes,” and the favorite “Candy Bars.” A great time for all. I can’t wait to bring the parents back soon!
CCD 7th: Review ALL classes (day 9)
Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we REVIEWED all our previous classes to date.
Here are links to previous classes:
- (day 8 — Nov 8) Jeopardy Questions + Heaven + Hell + Purgatory
- (day 7 — Nov 1) Like Jesus + Holy + All Saints
- (day 6 — Oct 25) Incarnation + Chapter 1 + God Proofs
- (day 5 — Oct 18) Hats + 3 Birthdays + Vocations
- (day 4 — Oct 11) Prayer Quiz + Lies + Prayerful Heart
- (day 3 — Oct 4) Prayer Share + A.R.R.R.
- (day 2 — Sept 27) P.R.A.Y.S. + Angels + Yom Kippur
- (day 1 — Sept 20) 4 Winds Blow + Doxology + Sweet Spots
All these links are indexed on my Uth + CCD tab (at the top of this blog) for all classes.
HOMEWORK:
- bring parents next class,
- bring Bible, if you have one already,
- review notes with parents in preparation for playing Jeopardy!
CCD hs: St Ignatius + BAPTiSM + PRAY + ARRR + journaling (day 8)
In our high school Confirmation class, today was supposed to be a review of everything to day, but I couldn’t get my handouts run off in time, so I took the cue from the saint presented today and taught on next week’s topic, PRAYER.
St Ignatius of Loyola (16th century; feast day July 31) injured in battle at age 30. During recovery, he read the life of the saints & responded strongly to a personal call by God. He was convinced that God could be found in all things, and was guided by an inner peace (“consolation”) that comes from knowing one is doing the will of God. Developed the “Spiritual Exercises,” a practical guide to live a truly Christian life with prayer & especially devoted to the name of Christ (IHS). His companions were called the “Company of Jesus,” today called the “Society of Jesus,” or the Jesuits, one of the largest religious communities in the world. Besides the 3 vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, members take a 4th vow of obedience to the Pope.
Prayer of Self-Offering to God
— by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess, You have given me. I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your Will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.
Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …
- —Pro-create (open to children),
- —Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
- —Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven)
Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.
- BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
- ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
- PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
- THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
- i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
- SORRY – ask of forgiveness
- MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)
The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer
CONTEMPLETIVE prayer — “silent love” — a deep awareness of God’s presence by being alone with God who we know loves us (“centering prayer” helps develop skills)
Steps in prayer … P.R.A.Y.
- PRAISE = God for who He is + thanksgiving
- REPENT = confess + rec forgiveness + change
- ASK = for others + me (see A.R.R.R.)
- YIELD = be open to God’s voice & His Will
[PRAYER] When your spending time in personal prayer with the Lord, here’s a good outline to follow . . . . A.R.R.R.
Personal Prayer … A.R.R.R.
- ACKNOWLEDGE –- How’s my life right now? Pay attention to your thought + feelings + desires (“the Big 3”).
- RELATE -– Tell God about ALL “3” honestly.
- RECEIVE -– Quiet your mind, focus on God, & listen to “the Big 3.” (Discern spirits)
- RESPOND -– do what you NEED to do
—When you have something to talk to the Lord about, process your “Big 3” with this model.
HOMEWORK:
(1) 3 prayer journals — letters to God, (2) Chapter 3 Quiz, (3) Chapter 17 Quiz
the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic
Here is the “Lord’s Prayer” (Our Father) in Aramaic, the language that Jesus spoke.
CCD 7th: Incarnation + Chapter 1 + God Proofs (day 6)
Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we …
[story] “Father + Son + ant hill”
Incarnation = “God becoming man (flesh)”
- We bow & genuflect for the incarnation
- — in front of tabernacle or alter @ Mass
- –@ the name of Jesus in prayers
- –during Nicene Creed @ Mass
- –@ transubstantiation @ Mass
- –before receiving Communion
(p12) How do I experience God? As a parent? Loving Heavenly Father? A powerful & limitless presence? As a close friend? Jesus? my own specific way?
(p13) Aristotle’s 5 Proofs of God
- Prime Mover … nothing moves on their own
- First Cause … everything is caused by?
- Necessary Being … why do things exist?
- Ultimate beauty, goodness & truth … what standard sets good/bad, true/false, etc.
- Great Designer … mind, eyes, creation?
Blaise Pascal, 17th century French math + scientist said, “There is a God-shaped hole in the human heart that nothing else can fill.”
HOMEWORK:
- finish reading textbook Chapter 1 (The Source of All Life),
- do “Pop Quiz” handout with parents,
- pray over 3 events in your life where you felt God present + journal a letter to God after each.
CCD 7th: Hats + 3 Birthdays + Vocations (day 5)
Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we discussed our unique identities, our stages in life, vocations, marriage and closed with the story of St Agatha. Lots of interaction and discussion, full of the Lord’s blessings!
—3 BIRTHDAYS … each begins a new life
- —Physical B-day … start earthly life
- —Baptism B-day … start Christian spiritual life
- —Death B-day … start our heavenly life
Who Am I? (back page of journal)
- –Birth name, Nick names, “Hats” (our roles)
- —Spiritual names? What does God call you?
- (we’ll find out as we try different prayers)
VOCATION = “a call” by God to holiness
- ”Primary” Vocation …
- –“to be a beloved child to our heavenly Father”
- “State of Life” Vocation … which one?
- —Single, Consecrated Single
- —Married (husband/father, wife/mother)
- —Religious sister or brother
- —Priesthood (clergy, deacon)
- “Service” Vocation … career, ministry, etc.
Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …
- —Pro-create (open to children),
- —Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
- —Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven!)
St Agatha (3rd century virgin martyr) a beautiful young girl who consecrated herself to Jesus and resisted the advances of a nobleman. He imprisoned & tortured her (even cut off her breasts), but she stayed faithful to God. Died in prison. Feast on Feb 5. Patron of breast, nurses, (bell-makers & bakers – due to statue plater).
CCD 7th: P.R.A.Y.S. + angels + Yom Kippur (day 2)
Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we handed out journals & wrote on inside cover …
In my BAPTISM, I …
- PRAISE = God for who He is … God
- REPENT = confess + rec forgiveness + change
- ASK = for me + other (“5 finger prayer”)
- YIELD = be open to God’s voice
- SHARE = my faith with others
In my CLASS, I …
- PRAISE = encourage others
- REPENT = take responsibility for wrongs
- ASK = learn by asking questions
- YIELD = respect speaker + listen
- SHARE = contribute + respect privacy
Difference between angels + humans?
- Angels = pure spiritual beings
- Humans = body + spiritual beings
—Yom Kippur = Jewish “day of atonement”
- fast, no work, pray, make reparations for sins
- “scapegoat” takes sins of the people = Jesus
HOMEWORK:
(1) Decorate Binder Cover with “ME” … on a sheet of paper, make a collage of you, your hobbies, likes, etc.
(2) do the “Doxology” prayer exercise from last week if you haven’t done it yet.
Dedication of Mary mosaic @ SJVCS
Today, at St John Vianney College Seminary, was the highly anticipated dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea in the one of the chapel gardens around St Raphael Chapel. Orlando Bishop Wenski celebrated Mass and the blessing and dedication of the new mosaic. Artist (and seminarian) Peter Dionne (SJVCS class of 2008) was present along with friend, family and supporters of SJVCS.
Also see picture of mosaic conception through completion and prayer of consecration to Mary.
[these pictures taken by Cliff Whitty, a SJVCS seminarian]
prayer of consecration to Mary
† PRAYER OF CONSECRATION †
Most Holy Trinity, Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.
Most Holy Trinity, we put St. John Vianney College Seminary into the hands of Mary Immaculate, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, in order that she may present this seminary to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great blessings you have bestowed upon us throughout our fifty years of service. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the local churches we serve. Shower wisdom upon our bishops and all who assist them in their responsibilities of governance. Bestow strength to our seminary administration, faculty, and staff. Grant protection to those here discerning the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Call forth the precious gift of many vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the refugee, the tempted, sinners–on all who are in need.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and consecrate our seminary and ourselves to your immaculate heart. O Sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from degeneration, presumption, and despair. Protect us from all harm. O sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart, be our advocate. Pray for us, the community of St. John Vianney College Seminary, that acting always according to the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.
[this prayer is especially used for today’s dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea at SJVCS]
new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea
For the last couple of years, Msgr Michael Carruthers (rector of SJVCS) and Peter Dionne (artist & seminarian, SJVCS class of 2008) have been working on a new mosaic to our Blessed Mother for the chapel gardens. With today’s dedication of the new mosaic to Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea, here are some pictures posted by Fr Michael from mosaic conception through completion.
— Wow! Beautiful! Surely our Lady is happy.
Also see dedication ceremony here.
Consecration prayer to Mary here.
CCD 7th: Intro + prayer “sweet spot”
Today is day 1 of Religious Education (CCD) at my parish. I’m a catechist for 7th grade Pre-Confirmation class with my aide Donny. We had 13 of our 17 kids today, with apparently more signing up late as we speak. A very diverse group from “quiet” to “super-animated.”
We played a classic “get-to-know-you” icebreaker game called “Four Winds Blow.” It’s like musical chairs sitting in a circle. The person in the middle says 3 things about themselves. Then they say “Four winds blow to anyone …” (wearing jeans, wearing gym shoes, with blue eyes, wearing glasses, with ears, etc.) Then everyone that fits the profile needs to get up and get another seat (at least 2 seats over) while the person in the middle tries to get a seat as well. If you get stuck in the middle 3 time, you need to sing a song of your choice. The “Alphabet Song” and a Spongebob song were sang. Lots of fun for all.
I also gave a brief into to the curriculum and talked about finding our “prayer sweet spot” this year. Using a tennis racket and baseball bat, the kids taught me about finding the “sweet spot” to get the best result out of their uses … although similar for many, everyone has their own sweet spot in the way they play sports. Well, our prayer life is very similar. We need to each find what works best for our own individual prayer experience in order to grow. Some like Scripture, some the Rosary, some praise & worship, some music, some poetry, some adoration, some quiet meditation, etc. This year, we’ll have different prayer experience in order to help find our own prayer “sweet spot.”
We wrote down the simple Doxology prayer on index cards and will use it this week as a homework prayer experience. Everyone needs to try praying it at different time, days and ways this week. Next Sunday, we’ll share what worked and what didn’t.
As we discussed the Doxology prayer, we asked the questions like “What is a creature? Can a rock praise God? What’s the difference between angels & humans? What’s a Holy Ghost?” — a very vocal and curious group … we’re blessed to be journeying in our faith together!
— I prayed the Doxology during this post. 🙂
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
Recent Comments