Growing as a Catholic
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We never must stop growing in our faith. First of all, we must continue to grow in our faith in order to mentor and teach our young people. In Baptism, parents are reminded that they are the first teachers of the faith, and the prayer is that they are the best of teachers.
Weekend Mass is essential to each and every person's growth in the faith. As pastor, the most important job I have of the week is in preaching and bringing "Home" a "Homily" for the people. What does this mean? It means I am to study and reflect and prepare from the Scriptures of the Sunday that gives us something to reflect upon and maybe even something to live by. This is different than it was maybe 40 years ago when a priest might offer a "sermon." A sermon is on a particular topic, may not relate to the Scriptures, and be more of a moral challenge to the people. Rarely are pastors instructed by the Archbishop to give a "sermon." Homily, "bringing it home", to the people is the key work for the week for the pastor. At home and in the world we are to be a witness of our faith in our actions, and as St. Francis says, "Use words if we have to." We are to be examples of hope, the anchor of our souls. We are to walk by faith and not by sight even when the chaos of our lives and our world may be overwhelming. And always we are to "God in peace to love and serve the Lord by loving and serving each other." That can be everything from taking care of a sick child at home to doing the best job we can at our employment, to smiling and nodding to the stranger in the store or on the street. How do we remind ourselves of this mission that Jesus gives us. We need to feed ourselves spiritually and today with the internet there are so many options. We offer in this section websites that offer daily thoughts, we offer books and magazines that help us and challenge us, we offer special spiritual writers that engage us and draw us deeper in faith. |
Is there more I need to know about my faith? |
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Growing as a Catholic Adult
"We never stop growing in our faith until we reach the gates of heaven."
-Fr. Bob |
Raising Children in the Faith
"The greatesgt gift we give is getting our children to heaven"
-Fr. Bob |
Sharing our Faith
"We do not journey alone, we need one another in faith so we increase as we share together."
-Fr. Bob |
Our education whether it be as adults, young adults, teens, children or little ones is critical to our faith formation. In fact, it can be said that we need to continue the education of our faith and our Church until the day we die. My basic belief is that we are all part of a Community whose job it is to get each other to heaven. Don't we all want to celebrate one day in heaven with all of our loved ones and all those great historical giants of our Church and our world. In fact, I challenge new parents (and old ones as well) that their main job is to make sure they get their children to heaven.
Part of the way we do this is through education. In baptism we are reminded that parents will be the first teachers of the faith. But then the Community helps out as we grow: Liturgy of the Word for Children at Mass, Religious Education for our grade school students (K-6), junior high and High School varies depending on Sacramental Prep. Various activities are planned throughout the year for the young people.
As adults, education is key. Small adult groups are formed on various topics. Bible study groups will start up as school starts. Any time of discussion group around contemporary topics is always encouraged. R.C.I.A. is always source of learning, and it is open to all parishioners who want to enhance their faith.
Being active in the Parish organizations also provides an educational component: such as St. Vincent de Paul and Altar Society. Working at the various social outreach events always enriches our awareness of our Church's call to take care of one another.
Join something already in existence, or if you have an idea, bring it to the table, and let's make it happen.
Part of the way we do this is through education. In baptism we are reminded that parents will be the first teachers of the faith. But then the Community helps out as we grow: Liturgy of the Word for Children at Mass, Religious Education for our grade school students (K-6), junior high and High School varies depending on Sacramental Prep. Various activities are planned throughout the year for the young people.
As adults, education is key. Small adult groups are formed on various topics. Bible study groups will start up as school starts. Any time of discussion group around contemporary topics is always encouraged. R.C.I.A. is always source of learning, and it is open to all parishioners who want to enhance their faith.
Being active in the Parish organizations also provides an educational component: such as St. Vincent de Paul and Altar Society. Working at the various social outreach events always enriches our awareness of our Church's call to take care of one another.
Join something already in existence, or if you have an idea, bring it to the table, and let's make it happen.
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Map Us |
Contact UsParish Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm [email protected] Mailing Address: 3910 SE 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97202 Phone: (503) 231-9636 Fax: (503) 231-1766 |