THIS IS MY DESIRE - To Be One With You (Lesson 7)

 I - Confirmation is the Sacrament that gives you spiritual strength. 

1. It makes of you a more open vessel in receiving the Life of God, and gives ACTUAL GRACES to live your vocation to the fullest.

2. Like BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION leaves an INDELIBLE mark on your soul, and spiritually regenerates you or cleans you spiritually. CONFIRMATION leaves also a mark on your soul.

A. INDELIBLE means a “mark that can never be erased.

3. When you receive Confirmation, your life and experience grows closer to God in Spiritual Friendship. Like any other relationship, you have to work at through prayer, sacrifice, knowing and learning who God is in your life, will draw to holiness.

4. We receive SANCTIFYING GRACE, which God gives us His supernatural strength to face spiritual and physical dangers, making us aware or alert of those things that can, and will threaten our spiritual journey to be one with God.

A. We receive other strengths called VIRTUES, which are infused into our soul, as well as gifts from the Holy Spirit that makes us strong enough to face obstacles that threaten our relationship with God. Our relationship with God is salvific.

5. We are given ACTUAL GRACE, which illuminates or inspires us to reach God and to live a spiritual life. In other words, with ACTUAL GRACE, God gives you the spiritual strengths needed to live your faith without fear of any obstacles in your way. This strength is assured by God and while in need of Him, God will respond to our needs.

A. As interior aids for your spiritual journey, God will continue to give you what you need.

B. There are exterior graces that God provides as well - like person (family, sponsors, friends, etc), places, even things - to protect you along your journey. For God, your vocation to Him is important.

II - The Way to Divine Life

1. To be one with God, and to grow in His Divine Life of Grace, we need the Sacraments, Prayer, hearing and reading of the Word of God, and a commitment to serving others, as Christ would do.

A. We are called by God to Love our Enemies - Matt 5:38-48

B. We are called by God to share our gifts and to pray - Matt 6:1-8

C. In prayer, Jesus teaches us to call God “Our Father...” – Matt 6:9-15

D. Our Lord cautions us about our choices may lead us to Death or Life, and to be aware of false prophets - Matt 7:13-23

E. How we should build our foundation - Matt 7:24-29

F. To persevere in prayer - Don’t Stop! Even if it we do not know the outcome - Luke 11:5-13

G. To know and serve Christ in those in need - Matt 25:31-46

H. To ask always in Christ’s Name - John 16:23-2

LET PRAY:

God Holy Spirit, infinite Love of the Father and the Son, through the pure hands of Mary, your Immaculate Spouse, I place myself this day, and all the days of my life your chosen altar, the Divine Heart of Jesus, as a sacrifice to you, consuming Fire, being firmly resolved now more than ever to hear your voice, and to do in all things your most holy and adorable will. Amen

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

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HOMEWORK # 7 - Due Sunday

1. On the video, find an example of Sanctifying Grace, and Actual Grace.

2. Choose from (II: From A-H), a Gospel Passage that stands out for you? Write 3 sentences of what it means to you. 

Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 & 12 - Answer these Questions

1. What did the voice say to Peter about eating unclean animals?

      2. Which of the two Saints were at the Church at Antioch? 

      3. What did the disciples do when the prophet Agabus announced a famine during the period of Emperor Claudius’ Reign?

     4. Who freed St. Peter from prison? How did he escape? 

     5. Who struck down King Herod? 

     6. Who is the man that joins Barnabas and Saul? What was his second name?

There is Something About Mary - Sainthood

 I - Review:

    * Mary is a central figure in our faith, for she is the Mother of Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior.
    * Mary was a teenager when she was informed that she had been chosen by God. Her "yes" is also known as "Fiat" (which means "let it be done").
    * She is the one who asks Jesus to perform his first public miracle at what is called "The Wedding at Cana" (read Gospel of John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12).

II - Mary points the way to Jesus = what is a saint?
    * Mary is considered one of the first saints in our faith. Through her life, she models for us the characteristics required to be a saint: courage, trust, faith, love, hope.
    * What is a saint? Take a look at the video below:

III - Can YOU be a saint?
    * Saints can come from all walks of life, all ages, all around the world. They inspire others to get closer to God and live the life they are called to live. Each person has a calling to be saints, including YOU!
    * Part of being a saint, means our call/goal to be holy. The word "Holy" means to be set apart. All of us are called to live a life of holiness. But what does that mean?

  * Saints are not only our friends, but in many ways, our lawyers. They "intercede" for us and our needs. They pray for us and ask God on our behalf for help. But you must get to know them too!

IV - Patron Saints and Confirmation
    * As part of your Confirmation journey, you will be asked to select a saint whom you want to intercede for you for the rest of your life.
    * This saint will become your patron, and they are the ones to pray for you and with you when you need it the most!
    * Saints are also patrons of different interests: sports, professions, countries, etc. There is a patron saint for almost everything! You can start your search for YOUR patron saint based on your interests...

V - HOMEWORK (due on 11/7/21) & REMINDERS
* Please make sure you complete the HW for Session #4!
* We will meet next week, 11/11/2021
* Read the Gospel of John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12
    - What is the one thing that stood out for you?
* As you think of sainthood: what qualities do YOU possess that you can find in saints?
* What qualities will you look for when choosing a saint? Do you have someone in mind?

You Are His Alone - Our Response to God in the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation (Lesson 6)

 " One of the best things to remember is that you are never alone. St. Joseph was told by the Angel ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:20- 23

God will continue to remind us that He is with you. During Advent, we continue the Journey as a practice to help us put our attention on Christ. He is the Reason for this Season. 

As we learn about the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important  to prepare for the Rite of Confirmation, and know how to respond. 

I - What is a RITE? 

1. It comes from the Latin word, Rītus, which means a Religious Ceremony. 

2. The Rite of Confirmation is usually celebrated during the Mass. When the Bishop or Priest (Usually the Pastor) concludes with the Homily, he will invite the candidates to stand. 

3. As a Candidate in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Bishop or Priest will ask you to respond to your Baptism Promises. These promises were made by your parents and godparents at the day of your Baptism. Our response is I DO

Click on the video to see details of the Confirmation Rite celebrated at Queen of Angels Church. Also, click on this link to follow what the Bishop/Priest says, and our response: Baptismal Promises

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HOMEWORK # 6 - Due Sunday

1. Click on the video for the Rite of Confirmation - Who is the main Celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation? Who steps in for the celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation when the Ordinary Person is unavailable? 

2. What is the Candidates response when making his or her Baptismal Promises? 

3. What is the name Sacred Oil used when the Celebrant blesses the forehead of the Candidate? 

Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 & 10 - Answer these Questions

1.    Who spoke to Saul when he was lying on the ground? What did the Voice say?

2.   What was the street called that Ananias had to go to? Why?

3.    What did the people say of Saul when he was preaching in the Synagogue in Damascus?

4.   What did Saul’s disciples do for him when he knew that the Jews were plotting to kill him?

5.   What did the churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, experience?

6.   Who was Aeneas? 

7.   What did St. Peter do for Tabitha? 

8.   Who was Cornelius? What did he want? 

9.   What was St. Peter’s Vision? 

10.   In Chapter 10:42-43, what did St. Peter say to Cornelius’ Family? Who were astounded by the Holy Spirit’s actions with Cornelius’ Family, who were preparing for Baptism? 

How We Celebrate Thanksgiving - The Mass

 Good evening everyone and happy Advent! 

* The Advent season is a time to get ready for the Christmas SEASON (more on this in a future session). Part of our preparation is attending Mass and going to Confession.

* Attending Mass is something we must all do weekly (whether on Saturday evenings or Sundays). Especially for YOU, as you are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is of utmost importance that you attend Mass. 

* But sometimes, we may not find Mass as something that is appealing or important. This unfortunately leads us to not connect with God as best as we can and should. 

* What are the two most popular answers I get from people when I ask about Mass? 
    - "Mass is boring"
    - "I don't get what is going on"

* For tonight's class, please listen carefully to our special speaker, Ms. Maggie Craig, who has prepared a talk on the Mass, and why it is important for us to participate in it!

* We have TWO weeks left before Christmas arrives - we still have time this Advent to prepare our hearts and homes properly for the coming of Jesus. And we start by Mass! 

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HOMEWORK # SPECIAL - Due Sunday

1. What is the purpose of the Mass? (I also encourage you to read the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 14-20)

2. What are the 2 Main Parts of the Mass? 

3 - What are some ways that you can prepare better for Mass?

4 - According to Maggie, between 6:30 mins and 7 mins, who does she say we are? Why? 

5 - What did you learn from this talk?

6 - What does the word "Eucharist" mean?

Your Initiation: Called to Stand for Christ – (PT2) Lesson 5

 I - The Pope and the Sacrament of Confirmation

Click On Here

1. In 1971, Pope Paul VI encouraged the Church to make adjustments in showing the value of the Celebration for Confirmation. The Sacred Oil used for the celebration was highlighted for the Community find value in the precious and natural - this Sacred Oil was called CHRISM and a mixture of Olive Oil and Balsam. Presented at the Cathedral Holy Thursday Mass, the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop consecrates the Sacred Oils and then distributes it in bottles for Pastors to bring back to their Parish. 

2. Pope Paul VI wanted to also bring meaning to the action of LAYING ON OF HANDS and the Update of the formula of prayer used for Confirmation. 

3. When the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop confers, he anoints our forehead with the Sign of the Cross, saying "Receive the seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit". We reply, "AMEN". 

    a. Now, the words that are said by the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop is, "[YOUR SAINT NAME], be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The Church that the anointing is crucial to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

4. The Church believes and teaches that when we celebrate Confirmation with LAYING OF HANDS and the ANOINTING of the forehead, along with words - we show the transmission of the Holy Spirit, going back to Pentecost. It's our Spiritual Genealogy, which shows us the Gift that God gives to us as the Church.

II - How do you and I grow in the Divine Life of Grace? 

1. We believe that we grow in Divine Life of Grace through the Sacraments, Prayer, Hearing the Word of God, and Service to others in need. In other words, to be Christ in your world. 

Love of Neighbor - Read Matthew 5:38-48 

Almsgiving & Prayer - Read Matthew 6:1-15

The Twofold Way & False Leadership - Read Matthew 7:1-5

The House Built on a Rock - Read Matthew 7:24-29

Persevering Prayer - Read Luke 11:5-17

The Last Judgement - Read Matthew 25:31-46

Asking In Christ's Name - Read John 16:23-27

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HOMEWORK # 5 - Due Sunday

1. Click on the Picture of Pope Paul VI - Who is this man? What do you think is his gift to the world? 

2. In "II", choose 1 THEME that is bold and write about your Calling in Life in connection to the Scripture? 

3. Read Acts of the Apostles 

Chapter 7 & 8 - Answer these Questions 

1. Name the 7 people that St. Stephen mentioned in his discourse? Include a brief summary of their actions next to their name.

2. Who was the young man that witnessed the stoning of St. Stephen?

3. What did St. Philip do in Samaria? What was the reaction of the people?

4. What was Simon the Magician’s final reply to St. Peter?

5. St. Philip’s explained the Prophet’s Message to the Eunich – who was the person that the message was addressing?