Reflection on the Year of Faith
Today (Sunday, 07 Oct 2012) representatives of Bishops from all over the world gather together inRomefor the General Synod on New Evangelization. The Synod is a gathering of Bishops that takes place from time to time to discuss issues pertaining to the universal church or to certain regions. After the synod, the participants leave some recommendations to the Pope, who then publishes an Apostolic Exhortation on the theme of the Synod.
The Synod that is starting today is special. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. It was on 11th Oct 1962, under the leadership of Pope Blessed John XXIII, that the first session of the Vatican Council II officially opened.
To mark this special anniversary, the Pope has called on the universal church to celebrate a “Year of Faith” beginning […]
Youth Ministry Resources
Youth Ministry Resources
Resources for the Year of Faith
To mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict has declared a “Year of Faith” to be celebrated beginning from 11th October 2012 until 24th November 2013, the feast of Christ the King.
The Pope declared the Year of Faith with his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei (published on 11 Oct 2011). You could download a pdf format of the full text from this LINK. If you just want a SUMMARY you could have it as well.
This was followed by the publication of a Note with Pastoral Recommendations for the Year of Faith (dt 6 January 2012) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. Again, you could download a PDF File or have a look at the SUMMARY of the same.
Catechetical Resource 5: The parable of the prodigal son – the compassionate father
This is the 2nd part of the reflection on the parable of the prodigal son. The focus is on the Father. Jesus invites us to imitate the father: Be compassionate as your heavenly father is compassionate. What dimension of the heart of the father that you would wish to add to your own heart?
Download a file>>5 Prodigal Son – Campassionate Father
See also: The focus on the sons
Catechetical Resource 4: Who Am I in the Presence of God?
The Story of the Prodigal Son 1: Focussing on the Younger Son and the Elder Son
Who Am I? This is the first session of the two part reflection focussing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15). I prefer to call it, “The Parable of the Lost Son”. This part is a self-examination by taking a closer look at the younger son and the elder son. Both sons exhibit characteristics that we deal with in our own journey towards realising our true selves, and in opening ourselves to life and love in the Father. The result of coming to our selves, by being surprised by the love of the Father, is the celebration of life. (For a change look at the son being embraced by the father as the elder son!)
Download a file from the link>>4 Who Am […]
Catechetical Resource 3: The Compass of my life
Q25. How does man respond to God who reveals himself?
By his Revelation, “the invisible God, from the fullness of his love, addresses men as his friends, and moves among them, in order to invite and receive them into his own company.” The adequate response to this invitation is faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 142). Download a file for animation on this theme> 3 Compass of my life