Month: August 2011

Catholic Culture and Identity: Important role of the CCSJ – Aug 14

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Post date August 15, 2011

“Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the gospel.” (Justice in the World, 1971).

As we engage in a nationwide conversation about the Archdiocese’s second Pastoral Priority: Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity: My Church, My Parish, My Family, remember that we believe in a God of truth, justice, peace, love, freedom and forgiveness. These values should underpin our lives and inform our actions.

2011

Fr Joe’s Gospel Reflection Aug 14 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

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Post date August 13, 2011
2 Comments on Fr Joe’s Gospel Reflection Aug 14 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

by Fr Joseph Harris, CSSp

Gospel: Matthew 15, 21 – 28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

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World Youth Day

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Post date August 12, 2011

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Let us offer up our prayers for the youth who will be gathering in Madrid from August 16-21 to observe World Youth Day (WYD). The theme this year is: Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith (cf Col 2:7).

To revitalise Catholic Culture and Identity, we must help to build up the faith of our youths. This is an ongoing process and does not end at Confirmation. Our youths need to have the courage of their conviction, which will only be possible if they are grounded in their faith. I remember attending the launch of a book entitled: A Tree God planted – written by one of my friends in London. She said she experienced racism in the Catholic Church when she first arrived in London. Nevertheless, she prayed and kept going to Mass, Sunday after Sunday. She said: “I told them, I am like a tree God planted. I’m in and I’m not coming out!”

2011

Fr Joe’s Gospel Reflection Aug 7 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

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Post date August 6, 2011

by Fr Joseph Harris, CSSp

Gospel: Matthew 14, 22- 33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

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Let justice and peace embrace

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Post date August 4, 2011

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent revolt of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty. (Archbishop Oscar Romero – 1917 -1980)

Today’s Psalm (84), is a prayer for peace: “Mercy and faithfulness have met, justice and peace have embraced…”

Our country and our world yearn for peace. As people of the Beatitudes; as a people of hope, Catholics believe that peace is possible.

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