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Mary Katharine Deeley loves talking to people about where they find God in their lives. She draws on her background in scripture, ministry, and spirituality to engage people in the Catholic imagination and share her faith and humor. At the end of June 2022 and after 25 years, Mary left her position as Pastoral Associate and the Director of the Christ the Teacher Institute for the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. She is currently pursuing her ministry as a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer .
Mary also enjoys speaking on such diverse topics as scripture, evangelization, liturgy, spirituality, and young adult ministry. She has written dozens of articles, both scholarly and popular. Shei is currently working on a sequel to her first book, «Mothers, Lovers, Priests, Prophets and Kings,» which focuses on the New Testament and developing other writing possibilities.
In this week’s breaking open the word, one theme is that we are called to be holy. When we choose not to respond to that call, we are not approaching our father with the attitude of trust he desires. Joseph’s story shows how the Lord is faithful to those who have faith in him. Visit us online, for Scripture discussion questions for your family and some Bible study suggestions.
In breaking opening the word for the third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday, we find it’s a day to rejoice! In fact, Gaudete means rejoice. We’re halfway to Christmas, and that’s nothing to sneeze at! The scripture readings for Guadete Sunday reflect that joy and recall the “jubilee” spirit that Jesus brought with him when he became one of us. Online you’ll find a reflection on the readings, questions to ask your Catholic kids, and Bible study helps.
This Second Sunday of Advent, we hear a message of peace so profound, all of nature is affected by it. And the most interesting part of this is the linkage between the peace of God and the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. This week’s opening the word has a short reflection on the Scriptures, some questions to ask your family, and a Bible study to share with your kids. Find the complete post online.
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, but before we get there, we have a whole season of Advent to get through! The Church, in her wisdom, designed a time of slowing down and reflection in what is for most people one of the busiest times of year. Today we begin that season, and also the new liturgical year. Help your family understand and anticipate with this week’s Scripture reflection, questions, and Bible study helps. Find everything online.
It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine! Well, it’s probably not quite the end, but this weekend’s readings remind us that Jesus will be coming back and we should never be afraid.
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A bargain at only $1 per week for unlimited copies!
Beginning with Advent 2022 and continuing through Christ the King 2023.
Finally, here is a simple yet powerful process for leading small group reflection on the Sunday Lectionary readings. Other processes can be overwhelming and simply too much content for a small group session, expecially for the limited time you have for an RCIA dismissal period. These Breaking Open the Word sessions focus on a single reading each week, with insightful daily life commentary and related discussion questions.
Ann Naffziger brings her decades of experience in small group facilitation, spiritual direction, and leading RCIA into this resource centered on conversion and discipleship.
A two-page handout is provided for each week, which includes:
- Opening and closing prayers
- Clear leader instructions
- Background information on one core lectionary reading
- A brief reflection on the reading to connect it to everyday experiences and focus the discussion
- Three discussion questions
- A beautiful illustration from Jean Denton
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This is a downloadable, reproducible product sold with a one year parish or school license. Please read the full license terms below.
Product License
This reproducible eResource is sold with a one year license for use within a parish, school, or diocesan office. You are allowed to make unlimited copies for use within your own community. You may also email these to members of your team or participants in your program. If you serve more than one parish or school, each should purchase its own license. You may post individual weeks to your web site, but not the resource as a whole. Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for cooperating with our honor system regarding our product licenses.
| Format: | eResource |
|---|---|
| Product code: | CW123 |
| Dimensions: | 8½» x 11″ |
| Length: |
114 pages |
| Publisher: |
The Pastoral Center |
Written by Ann Naffziger
Illustrated by Jean Denton
Author
Ann Naffziger has her MDiv from the Jesuit School of Theology and MA in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union, both in Berkeley. Ann has worked in a variety of parish roles, as well as serving as a hospital chaplain, spiritual director, scripture instructor, and adjunct faculty member at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. She has written articles in the field of spirituality and scripture for America, BustedHalo.com, Commonweal, The National Catholic Reporter, Spiritual Life: A Journal of Contemplative Spirituality, and other publications. Ann is the author of The Catholic Way, annual Advent & Lent bookets, and a variety of other pastoral resources published by The Pastoral Center, which she co-directs with her husband Paul Canavese. She is also a Master Gardener and girls’ softball coach. She lives in Alameda, CA, with her husband and two daughters.
View all resources by Ann Naffziger
Jean Denton is a cartoonist, illustrator and journalist. Her “Flock” cartoons were featured in the North Texas Catholic newspaper for more than 25 years. They’ve also run in a few other Catholic papers, magazines, and resources. Besides drawing The Flock, Jean has been a Catholic newspaper reporter, columnist, and illustrator. A veteran parish catechist, former youth minister, wife, and mother of three adult children, she holds a certificate in Christian spirituality from Loyola University of New Orleans.
View all resources by Jean Denton
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on December 23, 2021