March 7, 2023, Class Update: God with us on the Journey

Greetings everyone!

During our most recent class, we looked at various Lenten-related topics.

We continue journeying through the desert of Lent:  Here's the Desert Room at the Oak Park Conservatory.

On the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we hear the story of Jesus's transfiguration, which gives us the perspective and encouragement that all our Lenten practices serve the purpose of helping us more fully celebrate the glorious New Life Jesus brings us by His Resurrection.

On the 2nd Sunday of Lent each year, we get a view high up above, like here at the top of the Barrie Park Hill.

And through the struggles we have in life, God aids us, as we turn to Him in prayer, which I illustrated with my story of participating in a Native American Sweat Lodge ceremony 10 years ago this month when I was on a weeklong mission-service trip in northeast Nebraska.

We had a very special guest star in class, Ashraf Amaya.  He grew up attending Ascension School.  He played professional basketball, in the NBA, and in teams that took him all over the world.  He had so many great insights to share about how faith is a way we stay connected with God, WHo is there to support us in our challenging times in life, and to give us a sense of purpose.

Activities for this Week

1. Read the remarks Pope Francis made when he made his introduction to the world shortly after his election on March 13, 2013.  Then, in the form at this link, share one phrase that stood out to you and explain why.  Again, this activity should only take about 5 minutes to complete.  It is due on March 14.

2. Bring a minimum contribution of $1 to class for supplies for the Companions Journeying Together collection so inmates can send Mothers' Day notes. It is due on March 14.  Please remember the money must come from allowance or doing extra chores, not directly asking your parents.

3. Father Rex is scheduled to hear confessions during class time on March 14.  Each person got a reconciliation guide when leaving class last Tuesday.  Please look at it and take some time to prayerfully prepare yourself to receive God's mercy.

Having reconciliation is just one part of what we'll do during our upcoming class to focus on Lent and what it means for us as we continue journeying toward the Triduum and Easter.

Please feel free to contact me with questions, etc.

We remain connected as One Church on this journey together:
All my relations.

God's blessings on your week,
Paul

P.S. The card you all signed in class for Pope Francis is on its way to Vatican City-State.  We'll see if we get a response like I've gotten in the past for cards I've sent on behalf of my RE classes.


The opening prayer was Exodus 3:1-6a

The closing Prayer was the 2nd reading from Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, from 2 Timothy 1:8b-10.

During class, we watched this video of the song "Purified", by Michael W. Smith.

This video has Ashraf's remarks from 2 years ago when he was confirmed.

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