May the Lord give you His peace! |
|---|
 In Hebrews 13:7-8 we read, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Take a moment to prayerfully reflect on all the people God has used to model and speak His word to you. Those who help us along our journey of faith are real spiritual heroes. NYPRIEST.COM sponsors vocations advertisements which proclaim the message, "The World Needs Heroes." |
 Venerable Pope John Paul II is a great hero who continues to inspire many to say yes to Jesus! He will be Beatified on May 1, 2011 (info found here). We need examples who inspire us to follow Jesus. That is why Christians have always held up the saints. Saint John Vianney would read lives of the saints every day. Not only are they inspiring, they also pray for us from heaven. There are many holy people who may never be officially canonized, who never-the-less, help us along our way. Who has helped you in your faith walk, your discernment? Parents, pastors and friends have an important influence on us. May we be inspired to answer God's call in our life. |
| Check it out ... + VocationBoom.com - great resource!!  + Top Ten Vocations Websites + Truth and Life Audio Bible - really well done + Pope's Homily, Feb. 2, 2011, World Day of Consecrated Life + OneBillionStories.com - interesting Catholic site + LiveAction.org - great pro life group _______________________________________________________________________ |
May the Lord bless you, The Friars Saint Joseph Friary 523 W. 142nd St. New York, NY 10031 For Vocation Inquiries (212)281-4355 eLetter Archive |
Monday, February 7, 2011
We need saints!
Friday, January 21, 2011
January 2011 Pro-Life CFR Vocations eLetter
May the Lord give you His peace!
Recently while spending sometime with a youth group in the area, at a break in the conversation that we were having about facebook, cell phones, and the like, I asked an open ended question which provided a moving answer. “In a word, how would you describe young people today?” Busy, distracted, and bored, were among the highlights and when I thought they were done giving me their thoughts, a quiet young man mumbled, “in a word - ALONE.” Perhaps an answer worth reflecting on.
The pro-life apostolate is significant in the life of our community. Our outreach takes on many forms, but the main focus is prayer and counseling at abortion mills in the cities in which we reside. Living in Newark, NJ, I pray and counsel with three other friars on Saturday mornings in a small town close to our friary. The foundation of our apostolate is prayer as we stand across the street from the women’s choices clinic and pray for women and their babies, and also those who accompany them in their decision. In addition, brothers get the opportunity to counsel women as they are approaching the clinic, hoping to provide a presence of hope and a word of encouragement or challenge before they enter. A few weeks ago, there was a young couple who pulled into the parking lot, and as the young women got out of the car, she noticed that her boyfriend was not willing to go inside with her. As she stood standing all alone, tears falling down her face, my heart was moved with compassion for her. As she was pulling herself together our eyes met and a prayer lifted from my heart and in my gaze back to her I longed to tell her that she was not alone, there were people that cared for her and her child and that God loved her so much and would provide all that she needed to say yes to the life of her child. So many women who find themselves in this similar situation feel hopeless and alone, and they feel like there is not other option than getting an abortion. It seems like the easiest, quickest, and simplest option to take care of their difficult situation... They are afraid, confused, and alone. There is unlikely any support from their spouse or friends, and no life giving encouragement from the doctors or nurses inside. The mask they wear is one that seems harsh, tough, and even portrays confidence in their purpose for being there, but deep down we see and experience someone who is hopeless and alone.
This coming weekend is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and also the annual March For Life in Washington D.C. What an incredible event for people of all ages to gather together to pray and to witness to the dignity of every human person. To proclaim to our nation and those who are challenged with this decision before them, that they are not alone, there are people who care, and a merciful God who wants to abundantly bless them and provide for them. To participate in the pro life apostolate has been a tremendous challenge but a true blessing. God is calling us and all of you to be truly present to those who think they are alone, to bear witness to the mercy, hope and love of Jesus. To those who suffer from abortion and are struggling with the decision to choose life, you are not alone! This message of hope is definitely worth marching for, and most importantly worth living for.
Check it out ...+ Pro-Life Rally with the Friars!
Sunday, January 22, 2011, St. Bernadette Church, Silversprings, MD, 6:30-10:30 pm
+ MarchForLife.org
+ onemoresoul.com - great resource
+ Must read article (and video) about abortionist in Philadelphia
+ TruthBooth.org - very good
Website of Norma McCorvey, the former Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade found here
May the Lord bless you,
Br. Angelus Immaculata, CFR
Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Recently while spending sometime with a youth group in the area, at a break in the conversation that we were having about facebook, cell phones, and the like, I asked an open ended question which provided a moving answer. “In a word, how would you describe young people today?” Busy, distracted, and bored, were among the highlights and when I thought they were done giving me their thoughts, a quiet young man mumbled, “in a word - ALONE.” Perhaps an answer worth reflecting on.The pro-life apostolate is significant in the life of our community. Our outreach takes on many forms, but the main focus is prayer and counseling at abortion mills in the cities in which we reside. Living in Newark, NJ, I pray and counsel with three other friars on Saturday mornings in a small town close to our friary. The foundation of our apostolate is prayer as we stand across the street from the women’s choices clinic and pray for women and their babies, and also those who accompany them in their decision. In addition, brothers get the opportunity to counsel women as they are approaching the clinic, hoping to provide a presence of hope and a word of encouragement or challenge before they enter. A few weeks ago, there was a young couple who pulled into the parking lot, and as the young women got out of the car, she noticed that her boyfriend was not willing to go inside with her. As she stood standing all alone, tears falling down her face, my heart was moved with compassion for her. As she was pulling herself together our eyes met and a prayer lifted from my heart and in my gaze back to her I longed to tell her that she was not alone, there were people that cared for her and her child and that God loved her so much and would provide all that she needed to say yes to the life of her child. So many women who find themselves in this similar situation feel hopeless and alone, and they feel like there is not other option than getting an abortion. It seems like the easiest, quickest, and simplest option to take care of their difficult situation... They are afraid, confused, and alone. There is unlikely any support from their spouse or friends, and no life giving encouragement from the doctors or nurses inside. The mask they wear is one that seems harsh, tough, and even portrays confidence in their purpose for being there, but deep down we see and experience someone who is hopeless and alone.This coming weekend is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and also the annual March For Life in Washington D.C. What an incredible event for people of all ages to gather together to pray and to witness to the dignity of every human person. To proclaim to our nation and those who are challenged with this decision before them, that they are not alone, there are people who care, and a merciful God who wants to abundantly bless them and provide for them. To participate in the pro life apostolate has been a tremendous challenge but a true blessing. God is calling us and all of you to be truly present to those who think they are alone, to bear witness to the mercy, hope and love of Jesus. To those who suffer from abortion and are struggling with the decision to choose life, you are not alone! This message of hope is definitely worth marching for, and most importantly worth living for.Check it out ...+ Pro-Life Rally with the Friars!
Sunday, January 22, 2011, St. Bernadette Church, Silversprings, MD, 6:30-10:30 pm
+ MarchForLife.org
+ onemoresoul.com - great resource
+ Must read article (and video) about abortionist in Philadelphia
+ TruthBooth.org - very good
Website of Norma McCorvey, the former Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade found hereMay the Lord bless you,
Br. Angelus Immaculata, CFR
Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 2011 CFR Vocations eLetter
May the Lord give you His peace!
There is power in the Word of God. Pope Benedict recently released a great document on this important topic (Verbum Domini found here). Among others, the Pope wrote about Saint Francis and Saint Antony of the Desert as examples of people who were greatly blessed by the power of God's Word. These great saints were guided in their discernment by a grace-filled encounter with the Lord through the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture.
"The most profound interpretation of Scripture comes precisely from those who let themselves be shaped by the word of God through listening, reading and assiduous meditation. It is certainly not by chance that the great currents of spirituality in the Church’s history originated with an explicit reference to Scripture. I am thinking for example of Saint Anthony the Abbot, who was moved by hearing Christ’s words: “if you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). [...] Saint Francis of Assisi – we learn from Thomas of Celano – 'upon hearing that the disciples of Christ must possess neither gold, nor silver nor money, nor carry a bag, nor bread, nor a staff for the journey, nor sandals nor two tunics … exulting in the Holy Spirit, immediately cried out: 'This is what I want, this is what I ask for, this I long to do with all my heart!’".
Along with Pope Benedict, we enthusiastically recommend the practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading). This could be done at home or during Eucharistic Adoration. Like so many saints in the past, allow the Lord to speak to your heart as you pray with His inspired word.
Check it out ...+ American Bible Society Lectio Divina Page
+ Lectio Divina Manuel - very good
+ Beauty of God's Word - magazine article
+ theporneffect.com - good resource
+ October 2010 Letter to Seminarians from Pope Benedict
+ 24 minute documentary on the CFRs, "Bagage"
+ Garden in Limerick Ireland video
Great Papal Quote: "Those aspiring to the ministerial priesthood are called to a profound personal relationship with God’s word, particularly in lectio divina, so that this relationship will in turn nurture their vocation: it is in the light and strength of God’s word that one’s specific vocation can be discerned and appreciated, loved and followed, and one’s proper mission carried out, by nourishing the heart with thoughts of God, so that faith, as our response to the word, may become a new criterion for judging and evaluating persons and things, events and issues"
(Pope Benedict, Verbum Domini, #82).
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
There is power in the Word of God. Pope Benedict recently released a great document on this important topic (Verbum Domini found here). Among others, the Pope wrote about Saint Francis and Saint Antony of the Desert as examples of people who were greatly blessed by the power of God's Word. These great saints were guided in their discernment by a grace-filled encounter with the Lord through the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture.
"The most profound interpretation of Scripture comes precisely from those who let themselves be shaped by the word of God through listening, reading and assiduous meditation. It is certainly not by chance that the great currents of spirituality in the Church’s history originated with an explicit reference to Scripture. I am thinking for example of Saint Anthony the Abbot, who was moved by hearing Christ’s words: “if you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). [...] Saint Francis of Assisi – we learn from Thomas of Celano – 'upon hearing that the disciples of Christ must possess neither gold, nor silver nor money, nor carry a bag, nor bread, nor a staff for the journey, nor sandals nor two tunics … exulting in the Holy Spirit, immediately cried out: 'This is what I want, this is what I ask for, this I long to do with all my heart!’".
Along with Pope Benedict, we enthusiastically recommend the practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading). This could be done at home or during Eucharistic Adoration. Like so many saints in the past, allow the Lord to speak to your heart as you pray with His inspired word.
Check it out ...+ American Bible Society Lectio Divina Page
+ Lectio Divina Manuel - very good
+ Beauty of God's Word - magazine article
+ theporneffect.com - good resource
+ October 2010 Letter to Seminarians from Pope Benedict
+ 24 minute documentary on the CFRs, "Bagage"
+ Garden in Limerick Ireland video
Great Papal Quote: "Those aspiring to the ministerial priesthood are called to a profound personal relationship with God’s word, particularly in lectio divina, so that this relationship will in turn nurture their vocation: it is in the light and strength of God’s word that one’s specific vocation can be discerned and appreciated, loved and followed, and one’s proper mission carried out, by nourishing the heart with thoughts of God, so that faith, as our response to the word, may become a new criterion for judging and evaluating persons and things, events and issues"
(Pope Benedict, Verbum Domini, #82).
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 2010 CFR Vocations eLetter
December is a beautiful month. Let us pray for each other as we dive deep into the holy season of Advent while preparing for Christmas. The Nativity of Our Lord was the favorite feast day of Saint Francis. He is known for having invented and popularized the tradition of setting up a living Christmas creche in Greccio, Italy.
Patience is a much needed virtue for those who are trying to discern their vocation, God's will for their life. Advent is the season of waiting. During this awesome season, we recall the ancient expectation of God's people as they awaited the advent (coming) of the Messiah. By the time Jesus had arrived, they had been waiting for some 4,000 years - that takes patience! We now await his second coming in glory at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Some 2,000 years ago He said that He was "coming soon" (Revelation 22:7)! God's time is not our time, indeed, for Him "a day is like a thousand years gone by, like a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4).
When we are discerning, sometimes we fall into the temptation of impatience. We need to be patient with God, with others and with ourselves. Timing is everything. Trust in Him and let Him lead you on the path of life. Frustration comes when we lack trust. It is part of His mercy that we do not know the future. Sometimes He only gives us enough light to see the next step and no more (like a flash light). Pray for the grace to be led in your spiritual life and for an increase of patience!
+ From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease (#524)."
Check it out ...
+ New free eBook by Pope Benedict
On Advent & Christmas
+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)
+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Advent & Christmas with the Church Fathers (book)
+ Video on Religious Sisters (ForYourVocation on Youtube.com)
+ Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, guest on EWTN Sunday Night Live
with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR (a must see found here on Youtube.com)
+ CatholicsComeHome.org (great videos and information)
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Patience is a much needed virtue for those who are trying to discern their vocation, God's will for their life. Advent is the season of waiting. During this awesome season, we recall the ancient expectation of God's people as they awaited the advent (coming) of the Messiah. By the time Jesus had arrived, they had been waiting for some 4,000 years - that takes patience! We now await his second coming in glory at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Some 2,000 years ago He said that He was "coming soon" (Revelation 22:7)! God's time is not our time, indeed, for Him "a day is like a thousand years gone by, like a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4).
When we are discerning, sometimes we fall into the temptation of impatience. We need to be patient with God, with others and with ourselves. Timing is everything. Trust in Him and let Him lead you on the path of life. Frustration comes when we lack trust. It is part of His mercy that we do not know the future. Sometimes He only gives us enough light to see the next step and no more (like a flash light). Pray for the grace to be led in your spiritual life and for an increase of patience!
+ From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease (#524)."
Check it out ...
+ New free eBook by Pope Benedict
On Advent & Christmas
+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)
+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Advent & Christmas with the Church Fathers (book)
+ Video on Religious Sisters (ForYourVocation on Youtube.com)
+ Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, guest on EWTN Sunday Night Live
with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR (a must see found here on Youtube.com)
+ CatholicsComeHome.org (great videos and information)
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 2010 CFR Vocations eLetter
November is the month when the road of life leads us through the colorful change of leaves and apparent dying of creation. It is a month which sees nature in an ostensible quiet, contemplation, silence and stillness. It is also a month when we remember to pray for the holy souls in purgatory and make visits to the graves of dear ones who have made the journey to eternal shores. Below is a powerful quote from Pope Benedict on the importance of silence and listening in prayer. The Holy Father reminds us of a key ingredient for discerning our vocation.
"At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity [...] Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations [...] There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness" (Pope B16, 19 April 2008, Yonkers, New York).
________________________________________________________
Check it out ...
+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Travelers Along the Way (new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ I am With You Always (another new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ Fatima for Today (new book by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR)
________________________________________________________
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August 2010 C.F.R. Vocations eLetter
May the Lord give you His peace!
Following Jesus is at the heart of the consecrated vocation. “The Son, who is the way which leads to the Father, calls all those whom the Father has given to Him to make the following of Himself the whole purpose of their lives. But of some, those called to the consecrated life, He asks a total commitment, one which involves leaving everything behind in order to live at His side and to follow Him wherever He goes”
(JPII - Vita Consecrata #18).
At the beginning of this month six of our brothers - following at least five years of preparation - made a total commitment in professing their final vows (photos here). The very next day we were blessed to witness six young women receive the veil and habit as they became novices within our sisters’ community. As each of these brothers laid down their life for Christ and as our new novice sisters heard the snip of their hair, the self-offering of each was made quite tangible.
One of the most profound signs of this self-offering comes during the final vows ceremony when those professing prostrate themselves on the floor of the church as the Litany of the Saints is sung. As they lay face-down and barefoot on the cool marble floor, we are reminded of how - for love of Christ - they are dying to themselves and the things of this world in order to rise with Christ in a new life of total freedom and joy. There is a profound freedom and joy in following Jesus.
However, this dying to self & the world did not begin on that day of final vows, but back on the day they first felt God inviting them to a different way of life and chose to follow Him. Isn’t that really what the discernment of a vocation is all about? We begin slowly dying to any plans, expectations, lifestyles, habits and things rooted in ourselves so that God’s plan and will can take over. Ask for God’s grace to release the white-knuckle grip you have on the steering wheel of your life - areas of your discernment that may not be of Him so that you can freely and joyfully take the next step toward whatever commitment He is ultimately asking of you. Be not afraid!
May the Lord bless you,
Br. Xavier Mariae Meiergerd, CFRSaint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
Following Jesus is at the heart of the consecrated vocation. “The Son, who is the way which leads to the Father, calls all those whom the Father has given to Him to make the following of Himself the whole purpose of their lives. But of some, those called to the consecrated life, He asks a total commitment, one which involves leaving everything behind in order to live at His side and to follow Him wherever He goes”
(JPII - Vita Consecrata #18).
At the beginning of this month six of our brothers - following at least five years of preparation - made a total commitment in professing their final vows (photos here). The very next day we were blessed to witness six young women receive the veil and habit as they became novices within our sisters’ community. As each of these brothers laid down their life for Christ and as our new novice sisters heard the snip of their hair, the self-offering of each was made quite tangible.
One of the most profound signs of this self-offering comes during the final vows ceremony when those professing prostrate themselves on the floor of the church as the Litany of the Saints is sung. As they lay face-down and barefoot on the cool marble floor, we are reminded of how - for love of Christ - they are dying to themselves and the things of this world in order to rise with Christ in a new life of total freedom and joy. There is a profound freedom and joy in following Jesus.
However, this dying to self & the world did not begin on that day of final vows, but back on the day they first felt God inviting them to a different way of life and chose to follow Him. Isn’t that really what the discernment of a vocation is all about? We begin slowly dying to any plans, expectations, lifestyles, habits and things rooted in ourselves so that God’s plan and will can take over. Ask for God’s grace to release the white-knuckle grip you have on the steering wheel of your life - areas of your discernment that may not be of Him so that you can freely and joyfully take the next step toward whatever commitment He is ultimately asking of you. Be not afraid!
May the Lord bless you,
Br. Xavier Mariae Meiergerd, CFRSaint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031
For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355
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