YEAR OF FAITH
Welcome to the Year of Faith!
This year St Mary Magdalene would like to invite all our members to focus on Faith. This Year of Faith will be an opportunity to grow and give thanks to The Lord for His gift of Faith he bestows on us. Each month we will focus on a particular aspect of our faith and guide you through prayer and exercises. Welcome to the Year of Faith!
Year of Faith Index of Topics
January – Prayer
February – The Bible
March – Lent & Reconciliation
April – Holy Week, Easter, and Divine Mercy
May – Mary & The Rosary
June – Fathers, Priests, & The Our Father
July – Mercy in Action Inspiration from Mother Teresa
August – Eucharistic Adoration
September – The Mass Eucharistic Miracles
October – The Eucharist
November – The Saints Souls in Purgatory Counting our Blessings
December – Celebrate Your Faith
Advent & Celebrating our Faith
Friends, in our Gospel today, a Roman centurion comes to Jesus and says, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully. . . . I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
Any objective observer would say, “Well, this is ridiculous! What this man is asking is impossible.” He is not only asking that his servant might be cured; he is asking that he be cured at a distance, with simply a word. He’s at the limit of what he could possibly know or control or measure. And yet he trusts; he has faith.
Søren Kierkegaard defined faith as “a passion for the impossible.” Is God opposed to reason? Absolutely not; God gave us the gift of reason. Does God want us to be unrealistic? No; he wants us to use all of our powers of imagination and analysis. But faith goes beyond reason; it is a passion for what reason can’t see.
That centurion had a passion for the impossible. And that’s why Jesus says to him, in some of the highest praise you’ll find in the Gospel: “In no one in Israel have I found such faith.” – Most Rev. Robert Barron
Holy Moments - Matthew Kelly
Holy Moments will flood your life with meaning and divine purpose. They will also make you insanely happy.
Moment by moment, they will turn the nagging dissatisfaction in your soul into enduring and overflowing joy.
In a world full of distractions where we are encouraged to fill our lives with meaningless things and trivial activities, Holy Moments have the power to unleash the greatness of the human spirit.
Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas
This book is a treasure that offers its riches year after year. It is a valuable resource for understanding and celebrating Advent and Christmas as a Catholic. But, more than providing the historical roots of traditions, such as the Advent wreath and Christmas tree, it also features spiritual reflections and suggestions for practices to enrich your family’s Christmas preparation and celebration.
The Action Bible
Do you struggle to build a biblical foundation for your children/grandkids? Learn about the bible that gave Father Mike Schmitz his first love for the bible. Now he gives this Bible to all of his nieces, nephews, and young family members.
The Action Bible presents more than 230 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easy to follow the Bible’s historical flow and building up to the thrilling climax of God’s redemptive story. Sergio Cariello’s illustrations for The Action Bible leap off the page with the same thrilling energy that earned him international recognition for his work with Marvel Comics and DC Comics. This would make an amazing Christmas gift for that special child in your life!
Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father
In the midst of crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it’s time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. In this richly researched and lovingly presented program of consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway brings to life the wonders, the power, and the ceaseless love of St. Joseph, Universal Patron of the Church and the Terror of Demons.
Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint
Carlo Acutis, born May 3, 1991, fully embraced the gift of life. Known as a computer whiz, he also liked to play soccer, video games, and the saxophone. He enjoyed watching his favorite police dramas and making short films with his star cast of cats and dogs. He had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Yet Carlo was a little “different” at school, in the pizzerias, and on the soccer field. What set Carlo apart was his constant pursuit of holiness. In addition to his fun hobbies, he spent time teaching catechism classes and serving in soup kitchens. Carlo loved to attend daily Mass and frequent Eucharistic adoration. The Word of God and the Eucharist were the center of his life. Carlo’s unwavering devotion to the Eucharist inspired him to tell the story of Eucharistic miracles through a website he created just for fun. He wanted to deepen his own knowledge of these phenomena, to strengthen his devotion to Jesus, and to invite others to grow in love for the Eucharist. The website subsequently caught the attention of people across the globe, introducing countless people to Eucharistic miracles.
Catholic Saints for Children
At a time when our children desperately need authentic heroes, Catholic Saints for Children holds up well-known giants of our faith for young readers to be inspired by and imitate.
Simple, engaging texts highlight these saints’ fascinating lives. Accompanied by memorable watercolor illustrations, each delightful account models heroic love for God. A prayer for the particular gifts for which these saints are known follows each inspirational story. Thirty saints lives in total. Available on Amazon
Inspiration from the Saints: Stories from the Lives of Catholic Holy Men and Women
“The saints are not dead, but alive and present in the Church. In Inspiration from the Saints, Maolsheachlann O Ceallaigh writes in a personal way, not only of the saints as living in the Church, but as living with us in our own lives. From childhood to death, from hardened sinners to mystics, we here encounter men, women, and children who impress upon us the achievable ‘reality of holiness’; we steep ourselves in the holy glamour of the saints and learn how they make virtue so attractive. At a time when we are tempted to cynicism in face of so many flawed public figures, the author draws our attention to those who have enhanced our Church and our world by their goodness.”—FR. JOHN S. HOGAN, co-host of EWTN’s Forgotten Heritage, author of A Book of Martyrs – Available on Amazon
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The CC teaches that, beginning “at the moment of consecration” (CCC 1377), the bread and wine offered at Mass “become Christ’s body and blood” (CCC 1333).
A Cardiologist Examines Jesus: The Stunning Science Behind Eucharistic
In this astounding book, prominent cardiologist and author, Dr. Franco Serafini walks us through the extensive medical and scientific research into five Eucharistic miracles, unveiling the stunning testimonies of hematologists, oncologists, neurologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, and more who all concluded the same thing: the five Eucharistic miracles are undeniably authentic.
Around the Table
by R. Scott Hurd – Retelling the Story of the Eucharist through the Eyes of Jesus’ First Followers – Discover the meaning of the Eucharist through the unique and imaginative stories of fourteen biblical characters – including Barnabus, and Mary Magdalene-who were among the first disciples. Award-winning author R. Scott Hurd incorporates traditions of the Church and his own lifelong fascination with the Eucharist to help you know Christ better, contemplate scripture, and deepen your understanding of the Eucharistic mystery we celebrate today.
Eucharist
Here Bishop Robert Barron offers a reintroduction to the ancient meaning and power of the Eucharist. Through a threefold analysis of the Eucharist as sacred meal, sacrifice, and Real Presence-distinct but rightly interwoven motifs grounded in Scripture-Bishop Barron draws readers into the profound truth flowing out of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “Take, eat; this is my body…Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant.” We are not merely invited to remember Jesus or imitate his moral example; we are invited to the race of communion-and ultimately, to the realm of God-by eating and drinking the very self that he offers in sacrifice. Available at Word on Fire Institute
Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ.
The Mass
“The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
“I don’t get anything out of Mass.”
“I’m not being fed at Mass.”
The heart of all religion is worship…what we give to God.
The heart of worship is sacrifice.
The point of worship is not to get anything.
Worship is not about what you get.
Worship is about what you give.
And even though you are not there to “get,” God gives to us his Word proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word, and we are given God’s word explained to us in the homily, and we receive the Word Made Flesh in the Eucharist.
The Ignatius Bible (RSV) 2nd Edition
Gospel of John – Chapter 6 – The Bread of Life Discourse. Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”
A Biblical Walk Through The Mass
This book explores how all the prayers, signs, and rituals for the Mass are rooted in Scripture. The more we know about the biblical roots of the Liturgy, the more we will understand the beauty of the Mass. From the time of the apostles, the Mass has been the central act of Christian worship, for the Mass is nothing less than the celebration of the Eucharist that Jesus instituted at the Last Supper, when he commanded his apostles, “Do this in memory of me.”
The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass As Heaven On Earth
The Lamb’s Supper reveals a long-lost secret of the Church: The early Christians’ key to understanding the mysteries of the Mass was the New Testament Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, its mystic visions of heaven, and its end-of-time prophecies, Revelation mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Eucharist.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration is the act of worshiping God as He is present in the consecrated Eucharist. Since the Last Supper, when Jesus broke the bread and distributed the wine, saying, “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood,” Catholics have believed that the bread and wine are no longer merely baked wheat and fermented grape juice, but the actual living presence of the Second Person of the Trinity.
A baby looking at Jesus.
Fewer things are more precious.
Images of babies staring intently at the Blessed Sacrament, basking in the Real Presence, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, have gone viral of late.
Catholics who struggle to stay focused in prayer, who struggle to be consistent in their relationship with Jesus, who don’t know what to do in Adoration, or who simple need encouragement and inspiration to get there, will deeply appreciate this tiny, but mighty book.
The Generosity Habit is built on a simple and profound principle: give something away every day. It doesn't need to be money or material things. It could be complimenting a stranger, teaching someone how to do something, spreading a positive message, helping someone who is in a hurry, or simply smiling at someone generously. In fact, the philosophy behind the generosity habit rests on this singular truth: You don't need money or material possessions to live a life of staggering generosity.
Drawing on the wealth of the Church's living tradition, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, calls on all of us to turn to St. Joseph, entrust ourselves, our Church, and our world to our spiritual father's loving care, and then watch for wonders when the Universal Patron of the Church opens the floodgates of Heaven to pour out graces into our lives today. Definitely a book for our time, Consecration to St. Joseph is dedicated to meeting the challenges of the present moment and restoring order to our Church and our world, all through the potent paternal intercession and care of St. Joseph. This book has everything you need to take your love and devotion to St. Joseph to a whole different level: a thorough program of consecration to St. Joseph; information on the 10 wonders of St. Joseph; and prayers and devotions to St. Joseph. Accessible, motivating, this book will kick off a great movement of consecration to our spiritual father and change the world.
Msgr. Joseph A. Cirricione, a 40-year student of the Fatima apparitions, appears to be the first writer to study and analyze for Catholic readers the significance and message of this singular apparition, especially with regard to what it says about St. Joseph. We forget that Mary, the wife, was lead by a holy man, St. Joseph. In one of the Fatima apparitions he was also present. He was the most loving Father of all. How could God not choose THE BEST OF THE BEST, for the Father of HIs Only Son?
Edward Sri. Do you have 2.5 minutes you can give to God? This is the beauty of the rosary. Y u don’t have to pray it all at once. And you can pray it anywhere. Do you struggle with praying the rosary? Do you have trouble finding time, fighting distractions, or feeling you’re just going through the motions? In this powerful book by Edward Sri, you’ll discover practical ways to encounter Jesus and Mary more in the rosary and incorporate it into your daily life.
Edward Sri. Do you have 2.5 minutes you can give to God? This is the beauty of the rosary. Y u don’t have to pray it all at once. And you can pray it anywhere. Do you struggle with praying the rosary? Do you have trouble finding time, fighting distractions, or feeling you’re just going through the motions? In this powerful book by Edward Sri, you’ll discover practical ways to encounter Jesus and Mary more in the rosary and incorporate it into your daily life.
Easter & Divine Mercy
Author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ's life. You will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary. Every step of the way, Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. What do the cryptic last words of Jesus mean?
Join Fr. Chris Alar as he unpacks the essentials of Divine Mercy in this four part video series. Learn… The six elements of the Divine Mercy devotion Why mercy is greater than forgiveness How to trust Jesus when you don’t feel like it Why Divine Mercy is mankind’s last hope for salvation Why mercy is the highest virtue and the highest mode of love How you can show others mercy Why Jesus appeared to St. Faustina in 1935
Chaplet of Divine Mercy Novena
April 15, 2022 – Good Friday | 3:00PM to 4:00PM | St. Mary Magdalene Multi-purpose Room
Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration
April 25, 2022 - 1:45PM to 4:15PM | St. Mary Magdalene Worship Area
Procession of Blessed Sacrament & Sacred Image
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Veneration of Sacred Image of Divine Mercy
Exposition of Sacred Relic of St. Faustina
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
Benediction
Plenary Indulgence as promised with requirements fulfilled
Reconciliation & Lent
The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson which helps Catholics enter in to the Sacrament of Reconciliation more deeply.
Praying Lent: Renewing Our Lives on the Lenten Journey reminds the reader that if we focus too much on what we give up we may miss the message of what God wants to give us during this grace-filled time. Created in partnership with Creighton University’s popular Online Ministries, Praying Lent provides readers with a rich, full, and transformative Lenten prayer experience, one in which hearts, minds, and lives are truly renewed as Lent takes on a far deeper and more meaningful purpose.
Focus on the Bible!
“When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel” (GIRM, no. 29).
These words from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) set before us a profound truth that we need to ponder and make our own. The words of Sacred Scripture are unlike any other texts we will ever hear, for they not only give us information, they are the vehicle God uses to reveal himself to us, the means by which we come to know the depth of God’s love for us, and the responsibilities entailed by being Christ’s followers, members of his Body. -usccb
Filmed on location in the Holy Land, Edward Sri provides expert commentary and unique insights on the Blessed Mother.
The first multi-season series about the life of Christ and the highest crowd-funded TV series or film project of all time. "The Chosen" portrays Jesus through the eyes of those who met him.
January
January will focus on prayer because it is such a powerful tool in our spiritual life. Prayer is our conversation with God. There are many ways to do this so we have given you a number of resource options to explore. We hope you will find one or two that will help you create a prayer habit in your life. Make a commitment. Make prayer the New Year’s resolution you won’t break.
Write your prayer intentions on a piece of paper and place them in our SMM Prayer Jar before or after Mass. The Prayer Jar is located at the back of the church.
- To encourage prayer, you will notice we have started a Prayer Intention Jar where you can submit special prayer requests. You can write your prayer intention on a piece of paper and place it in the jar at the back of the church before Mass. The jar will then be brought up to the altar before Mass so that the whole parish can include your intention in their prayers during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that month.
- We will also be adding a special Children’s Bulletin that will be passed out to all the children after Mass each week. It includes special activities that will focus around the liturgical celebrations of the week. Some of the activities, such as looking up Bible verses, will probably require the help of parents. We hope this will promote family participation and discussions.
- In working to develop the Year of Faith, we have found many Catholic Resources that might not be familiar to everyone, so we are providing a Reference Resource Sheet each month with information on books, videos, movies, study groups, and all kinds of resources to help you in your own faith journey. There will be resources that will appeal to the whole family and we encourage you to explore these sites and find those most interesting and helpful to you. Keep these sheets and share with friends and family, as they will be updated each month with new topics.
This is just the beginning of our Year of Faith. There will be other special events and activities throughout the year to focus on different areas of our faith journey so stay tuned, there is more to come!