eCatechist

Quiet Miracles

A Devotion for Children

 

(Jn 2: 3-11)

Quiet Way

This is the first miracle performed by Jesus.  If you could perform such spectacular, unbelievable events, would you do so quietly and without notice?  Jesus did.  Somewhere between filling the jars with water and the master tasting the wine, the water changed into wine without show, spells or magic words.  It happened simply by the quiet will of Jesus.  Miracles still happen today, sometimes with lots of attention and other times with the same quietness as water transforming into wine. 

 

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I do want miracles to happen in my life.  Help me to appreciate the quiet ways you make miracles happen.

 

Verse

 2: 7-8—“Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.  Then he told them, “Now, draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

 

C) Jocelyn Dettloff, 2011

(Please print and pray with your children)

 

Free Books March 28, 2011

The following books are free to readers to eCatechist.com with a first come email request. Please send me an email to confirm availability. A donation of $3.00 per book is requested, to cover shipping and mailing.

1) The Life You've Always Wanted:Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg

2) Gather Faithfully Together:Guide for Sunday Mass by Cardinal Roger Mahony

3) Fifteen-Minute Retreats to Slow Down Your World by Joseph Juknialis

4) Spiritual Blueprint: How We Live, Work, Love, Play and Pray by James Papandrea

5) Finding Happiness: Steps for a Fulfilling Life by Abbot Christopher Jamison

6) A Blessed Life: Benedictine Guidelines for Those Who Long for Good Days by Will Derkse

7) God's Invitation: Meditations on a Covenant Relationship by Thomas Flowers, SJ

8) Christianity and the Celts by Ted Olsen

9) Francis of Assisi and His World by Mark Galli

10) White China: Finding the Divine in the Everyday by Molly Wolf

 

 Email: eCatechist@gmail.com

The Sacraments by Msgr. John Zenz

A Walk Through the the Seven Sacraments by Msgr. John Zenz

Msgr. Zenz is pastor of Holy Name Parish in Birmingham, MI

Putting Your Faith in Jesus

A Devotion for Children

 

(Mt. 2: 1-12)

Change of Plans

The three wise men had their own plans after meeting and worshipping Jesus—to return home the same way they came.  In a dream, God told them to take a different route because seeing Herod again would bring them harm.  The three wise men listened to God and remained safe.  Sometimes worshipping and listening to Jesus makes us do things differently or take a new direction.  Often it is not what we planned on, but putting faith in Jesus gives us the courage to do what He wants.

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Help me do what you have planned for me, especially when it does not fit with what I planned.

 

Verse

 2:12—“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

 

C) Jocelyn Dettloff, 2011

(Please print and pray with your children)

God in Disguise: A Lenten Reflection on Calling and Conversion

 

This article originally appeared in the Faith Magazine, a publication of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, February, 2009. Written by Mary Vaccaro

 

Calling all Cradle Catholics!  Yes, you there . . . the ones in the back row - trying not to be noticed.  Have you ever sat in the safety of your pews, watching your parish’s catechumens and candidates as they march up front for the all those blessings, dismissals and whatever those things called scrutinies are – and thought, “Phew!  I’m glad I don’t have to get up in front of all those people just to become Catholic?”  Have you ever wondered if you would have become Catholic, had you not been born into a Catholic family?  Why are you still a Catholic?

Listen by Amy Florian

When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”  1 Samuel 3:9-10 

 

On the second Sunday of Ordinary Time we hear the delightful story of God calling Samuel.  It takes three times for Samuel to answer because, as the scripture tells us, “Samuel was not yet familiar with the Lord” and kept thinking his master Eli was calling him instead. 

At first, even Eli didn’t realize what was happening, passing off Samuel’s call as the dreams of a young lad.  But as he listened to Samuel repeat his experience, he filtered it through his own faith and was able to help Samuel see God acting in his life, calling him to something greater.  Eli identifies God as the caller and tells Samuel he should listen.  In doing so, Eli not only teaches Samuel; he mentors him and guides him toward God.

The Virtue of Asceticism

Giving up chocolate? Deleting your Facebook account? We all choose to mark Lent in different ways and more often than not focus on abstaining from something we enjoy, but is this always good for us? Nicholas Austin SJ explores how our attempts at an ascetic way of life for forty days each year can go wrong if our motivations are not rooted in the wisdom of the Christian tradition. How can we rediscover the virtue of asceticism?

From Thinking Faith

A Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything

James Martin, S.J., culture editor at America and author of My Life with the Saints, introduces his latest book, a guide to Ignatian spirituality for the general reader. In A Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Father Martin explains such Jesuit maxims as “finding God in all things” and “contemplatives in action” while also providing a clear description of the examen, lectio divina and other ways to pray that have grown out of the Jesuit tradition. He also draws upon the work of Avery Dulles, Karl Rahner and other, lesser known Jesuits who have served as “wisdom figures” in his own life.

America Magazine Podcast

Fr. James Martin's Facebook Page

Profile of James Martin, S.J.

Amazon

Baker Book House

Reading Guide

Ignatian Spirituality

 

St. Robert Book Club

Open to All

Catechist Certification Credit Available

There is a new book club starting up at St. Robert of Newminister Parish, Ada, MI. The focus is  on learning, reflections and discussions that can aid catechists. This book discussion is open to all readers of eCatechist.com. Simply read the book and join in the online discussion by posting your comments. 

Our first meeting will be Thursday April 28^th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Adult Lounge.  Light refreshments will be served.  We will meet every two weeks until June 9^th. 

The first book will be “A Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything” by James Martin, S.J.  The review in America Magazine states, “His book is practical, engaging, crisply written and spiritually enriching for readers of all ages.  Enhanced by personal stories, sidebars and background information on the Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius Loyola, The Jesuit Guide is destined to become a classic work enjoyed by a huge readership.”  Father Martin’s book has received five stars on Amazon. 

For catechists working towards certification, participation in the book discussions will count towards the Content dimension.  We will also have a discussion forum on eCatechist.com.  Please RSVP or direct any questions to Dawn McDonald at 682-1000 or dawn@arrivinglight.com

Books are available at Amazon through www.eCatechist.com and at Baker Book House at 2768 East Paris in Grand Rapids. 616.957.3110.

To participate in the discussion and to leave a comment go to the category section on the home page, and just click on Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything.

Prior to the first meeting on April 28, participants are asked to read chapter one, "A Way of Preceeding: What is Ignatian Spirituality?"

Becoming the Helper

A Devotion for Children

 

(Lk 5:17-26)

Help from our friends

Who are you in this story?  Are you the paralyzed man who needs healing or the friend who helps people to see Jesus?  Some times we are both.  One hour a week is spent with Jesus in church, but how much more time do you give Him during the week?  The paralyzed man had good friends who wanted to find a way for him to get to Jesus.  Friends can help us get closer to Jesus.  We have to be willing to accept the help and in turn we may become the helper. 

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Life is so busy with school, friends and family that it's hard to find more time for you.  Please encourage me to become the helper to others around me. 

 

Verse

5:23—“Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”

 

C) Jocelyn Dettloff, 2011

(Please print and pray with your children.)

 

Living Heavenly Values

A Devotion for Children

 

(Mt 5:1-12)

Earthly vs. Heavenly

When you turn on the T.V. or open your favorite magazine, you see ads and stories telling you what you need to buy and how you need to act to be happy and successful.  However, these earthly messages don’t reflect the values of the heavenly messages Jesus teaches and want us to share with others.  Living heavenly values on earth is not easy, but the reward is great—eternity in heaven with Jesus.

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes it is so hard to live heavenly values here.  Sometimes I just don’t feel like it.  Please help me find the courage to live better and more like You.

 

Verse

5:5—“Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.”

 

C) Jocelyn Dettloff, 2011

(Please print and pray with your children.)

Love Others

A Devotion for Children

 

(Lk 3:9-22)

Being part of the greater good

In our world of plenty, there are many families who struggle to take care of their basic needs—food, clothing, shelter and transportation.  It is so important to look at all we do have and see what we can share with others.  In such a small way we can put the needs of others before our own and be part of a greater good. Jesus wants us to take care of each other.  John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.  However, John knew he would step aside to fulfill his role in carrying out the greater good of Jesus’ message. 

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Help me to see what I have to share with those who do not have as much.  Please, help me to encourage others around me to do the same.

 

Verse

3:11—He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has good must share it.”

 

C) Jocelyn Dettloff, 2011

(Please print and pray with your children.)