Reflections on Sunday’s Mass: March 14, 2010

March 14, 2010Lent 2010: A Journey into the Compassion of God

This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Lent. Our focus is on Connected in God’s Compassion 

God’s compassion is love’s embrace, accepting us as we are, even as we are challenged to live with greater love and integrity. We can come to God in our brokenness, with our mistakes and failures, and in our “not-yet-ness.” God welcomes us with open arms: God’s compassion provides a space where healing, forgiveness and fullness of life can happen. Sometimes, though, we need to be reminded that God’s compassion is for all – and that we are all connected in the compassion of God, even when we feel disconnected from each other. As Christians, we are charged with being “ambassadors of reconciliation.” We can “dig deep” into the compassion of God to help us be reconciled and reconcilers when we can’t find the desire, strength or resolve in ourselves. 

Core questions: Who am I unwilling to embrace? In what ways do we individually and communally carry on the work of reconciliation? 

Meet Some of our New Members

Four times a year, Parish Life sponsors a Sunday brunch at Epiphany House to welcome newcomers. These pictures of newcomers were taken at our most recent brunch on Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Our next brunch will be on Sunday, April 25 between liturgies, from 10:15-11:30 am. These brunches provide opportunities for newcomers to see a video of the history of Epiphany and to hear from other newcomers what drew them to join Epiphany. Chairs from the standing committees talk about volunteer opportunities. The chair of our Parish Pastoral Council is present at this event, also.

Click here to see these photos on our Photo Album.

Reflections on the talk by Fr. Bryan Massengale

The committee recently heard Father Bryan Massengale, a prominent African-American lectern, speak on why he felt Thomas Merton "got it" with regard to racial justice. In the lecture he discussed some action steps that he felt was an effective path for engaging racism. One step in the process Father Massengale mentioned that touched a chord for me was a need to die to self to move forward. Compassionate action requires coming to and through the cross.

by Greg Tichenor
 

Day of Encouragement and Hope for Women Religious

A white flower with four extended petals, known as the What:  Day of Encouragement and Hope

When: Saturday, March 13, 2010 (10:00 AM to 12:30 PM)

Where: Community Center

On Saturday, March 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Community Center, the Women's Concerns Committee will be hosting a Day of Encouragement and Hope, a day showing support for women religious as they go through the Vatican investigation of all theInstitutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in the United States.  Please join us as we let these women know how important they are to us.  Please RSVP to Rosemary Smith at 240-5801.
 

Helen Deines Receives James E. Flynn Peacemaking Award

Helen Deines receives Flynn AwardIt was a crisp winter evening that brought family, friends, followers, admirers, and guests together to honor Dr. Helen Deines, recipient of the 2010 James E. Flynn Peacemaking Award. The event, catered by Selena’s Restaurant, was held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 against the backdrop of a beautifully decorated, white table cloth experience in Epiphany’s Community Center.

Each year since 1992 the Award has been bestowed upon a current or former parishioner who “on a local, national, or international basis, has responded to the call of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching to make a significant contribution in the area of social justice. The recipient has made the world a better place to live, and in doing so, has enriched the Community of Epiphany.”

Epiphany Recipes: Margaret's Black Beans & Rice Soup

This is the next in an ongoing series of tasty recipes from the parish of Epiphany.

Our staff fondly remembers Margaret Gales, a past Epiphany cook for 30 years, when they enjoy her soup.

Margaret's Black Bean and Rice SoupMargaret's Black Beans & Rice Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 box Zatarain Black Beans & Rice
  • 4 cans black beans w/liquids
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Love’s Witness: A Reflection on Divine and Human Love

This article was written by Therese Brennan, Epiphany’s Adult Formation Minister

Wedding Hands“I love you. No matter what. And there is nothing you can do about it.” Given to me during a retreat, I’ve passed this saying along during workshops by inviting parents to say this to their children (and vice versa) or spouses to repeat this to one another.” It is something I believe God wishes us to hear from God each and every moment of our lives. Not simply to know it’s true but to believe it with our “whole heart, mind and soul.”

Human beings relate to our world through relationships. Thus I cling to our church’s understanding of marriage and watch with awe couples committed to one another every day of their lives.

3rd Week of Lent: Signs of Compassion

This is the next article in a series of Suggested Lenten Practices for 2010.

Lent Week 3Lent 2010: A Journey into the Compassion of God

We continue our journey into the compassion of God. The images of God’s presence in the burning bush, the faithful householder and hopeful gardener are signs of God’s compassion. God wants us to be fully who we are created to be, and gives us time to change our hearts and let our lives be transformed.

Spiritual Practice: All the community is invited to a common spiritual practice, in addition to whatever you have chosen to do individually.

An invitation to a "Celebrate Calm" Workshop

Celebrate Calm WorkshopWhat: 10 Secrets to A Stress-Free Home & School, Workshop for Parents & Teachers
When: Friday, March 12, 2010, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church – Parish Hall, 903 Fairdale Road / Fairdale, KY 40118
Who: Parents and Teachers
Cost: Free

  • Create a calm home—eliminate yelling and arguing.
  • Improve focus, attention and behavior in school.
  • Create stress-free mornings and homework time.
  • Relieve anxiety, meltdowns and sensory issues.
  • Eliminate defiance and disrespect.

Hello from Honduras

By Rosemary Smith

Epiphany's team in Honduras has been working for only 3 1/2 days and has already accomplished a lot -- on four different projects.

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