Metanoia: Turning Around
The Alpha Course -- Presenting and Encountering Christ
A fundamental theme of Pope Francis' papacy has been the Church's call to missionary activity. This activity is not simply the call of a few who will travel to distant lands. It is the call of every Christian: the call to participate in evangelization. Yet in our communities, workplaces, and homes, we often feel uncomfortable in this role, whether because the Christian message and lifestyle are counter-cultural or because we don't really know or understand what we believe, why we believe it, or why we do what we do.
The Alpha Course is a relatively new program that is focused on reaching out to those who have never really heard the Gospel or experienced life as Christians. One of the side-effects of the program, however, is to re-vitalize parish life.
Creativity
"Tis a Gift to be Simple" is an old American Shaker hymn that closes with the words, "by turning, turning we come 'round right." Music and dance performed by the Cedarmont Kids.
This version combines the old hymn with newer lyrics from the 1960s hymn, "Lord of the Dance".
The Blind Man Sees
Ask Theologika
Dear Theologika,
Why did Jesus ride a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? I thought he usually walked wherever he went. Did he get lucky and have a friend who'd lend him the donkey?
I'd rather ride!
Dear Rather Ride,
The choice of a donkey was an important symbolic statement by Jesus.
Finding Our Own Sanctuary in Daily Living
Terry Hershey defines sanctuary as "a place where your soul can catch up with your body." We all need these places, yet we don't often give ourselves permission to go there.
See Terry's presentation at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, March 2015.
Un Año Santo de la Misericordia Divina
En el 13 de marzo, el segundo aniversario de su elección, el Papa Francisco anunció la convocación de un Jubileo extraordinario con oraciones y otras actividades especiales para celebrar la misericordia divina.
Para leer más, haga clic.
Haga clic para escuchar al anuncio del Papa en Radio Vaticano.
Praying with Our Holy Father
General Intention: That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person.
Evangelization: That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always.
Metanoia — Transformation and Change
Many of us have a desire for closeness to God and the realization of all that we can be. Those goals inevitably call us to change. But, change is hard. And often we feel that we cannot make it happen. In fact, we cannot and do not make it happen. As Christians we realize that God makes it happen.
Growing Into an Adult Morality
Fr. Bryan Massingale, in "Virtues for Adult Christians", explains that Christian morality is about decisions we make that are motivated by faith in Christ, a response to God's prior gift of love.
This video of his presentation at the LA Religious Education Congress in Anaheim gets started slowly. Move the cursor to 21.15 on the bottom control bar to get it going sooner! It's well worth taking the time to enjoy.
The Old Gravel Road
Enjoy the music of Jeanne Cotter and ponder the lessons of the stories told in this live performance of The Old Gravel Road at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, 2015 presented by GIA Publications.
If you enjoyed this video, a CD featuring storyteller Michael Cotter is available directly from GIA.
Coming Soon -- An Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy
Pope Francis announced a special year of prayer and other special activities to celebrate God’s unlimited mercy during the his homily while presiding over a Lenten penance service. Divine mercy is one of the Pope’s major themes in his preaching and pastoral activity.
Just for fun -- A Time for Change
Try your hand at this puzzle.
Answers may be found in this issue of Theologika Digest.
Looking Ahead - The Triduum
Hot Cross Buns are a traditional English yeast bread prepared to be eaten in celebration of Good Friday. They can be prepared a day or two in advance and enjoyed throughout the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday).
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