 Theological reflection on the Pascal Mystery arose from the very real, human events of the first Easter - the agony, suffering and death of the cross overwhelmed by the life and joy of the Resurrection. Darkness to light. We are an Easter people; we are also a people of Good Friday. Our lives repeat the mystery - suffering, death and resurrection. Perhaps it is only in looking backward with the eyes of faith that we see the pattern unfold in the events of our lives. While it is sometimes easier to grasp and cling to the reality of Good Friday, the piercing light of Easter shines providing hope for all, especially the weariest among us. As disciples of Jesus the Christ, we are to bear that hope to the world. "One in love, one in heart and one in mind, together we can be kingdom builders. And by the fruits of our labor we can declare to those who have eyes to see, to those who have ears to hear, that there is good reason to proclaim -- Christ is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia." (Prayer for Parish Groups)
May the events of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum help each of us to more deeply reflect on the presence of both the crucified Jesus and the risen Christ not only in our own lives but also in our world today.
Easter Blessings,
Barb Howard Back to Top |
|
SCC LINK Gathering
Saturday, April 30th, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever had a misunderstanding among the members of your SCC? Disagreement? Hurt Feelings? Conflict? If so, welcome to the joy and challenge of human communication!
There are skills that each of us can learn to improve communication with one another. Plan to attend the SCC LINK gathering on Saturday, April 30th from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Spirit Center East. Kelly Walsh, an attorney who specializes in the mediation process will present the morning.
Please bring a breakfast potluck dish to share. Coffee, juice and tea will be provided. Also please RSVP to let us know how many people from your SCC will be attending (make sure that at least one person represents your community!) Don't miss this chance to improve communication in your small community as well as in all your other relationships! It will also be a great time to LINK up with other SCCs!
Back to Top |
Brand New Material for Small Church Communities:
Lifting Up Our Hearts to the Lord
You may or may not remember that changes to the Roman Missal will be implemented on the first Sunday of Advent. While the changes are not numerous, they will be noticeable. You may want to know the why and what of the changes and your small community is the ideal place to investigate and discuss the changes.
A new six-session faith sharing material Lifting Up Our Hearts to the Lord: Praying with the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, is now available from RENEW International. This resource will enable you to explore the history and to better understand the context and just what is being changed in the language of the Mass. There will be a sign-up sheet at the SCC LINK meeting on Saturday, April 30th to order the material for your small community or email the SCC Office.
Back to Top
|
|
Missing Your Extended Family?
 There are lots of folks in SCCs who don't have families close by. There are parents whose kids are grown and have moved far away, there are grandparents whose grandkids live in other cities. There are young families who have relocated here leaving parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents elsewhere. Lots of folks are missing the joy and benefit of extended family. While it is true that our SCCs very often fill the bill as extended family, sometimes we still don't have the age range that makes us really intergenerational. Some folks are longing for that mix of age and experience that benefits both young and mature alike. So if you're missing grandkids (either real or desired), or your little ones rarely get to see grandma and grandpa, maybe it's time to explore some "adoptive" relationships. If you are interested please contact Julia Gawrychowski to begin the conversation or call the SCC Office. THESE POSSIBLE NEW RELATIONSHIPS ARE BY NO MEANS INTENDED TO REPLACE YOUR SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITY. Back to Top |
|
Does Your Small Church Community Meet At Church?
 If your small community regularly meets at the parish center you will need to schedule your gatherings for next year. Please stop by or call the parish office to pick up a scheduling sheet, fill it out, and return it to the parish office as soon as possible. Scheduling for next year is now underway. Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome New SCC Members!
Rhona Luniak
& Eldon Walker
Mark and Stephanie Koch
Patricia and Ruben Abrile
Rochelle and Jim Montague
Beverly Rutten
Maggie Mastel
|
S.O.N. Presentation Agony and Ecstasy A Walk with St. Theresa of Avila Deepening Your Prayer Life Tuesday, May 17th 7:15 p.m.Spirit Center Middle Dr. Anthony Lilles
Assistant Professor
St. John Vianney Seminary
Back to Top
|
SCC Art Project  Is Your SCC Included?
If your Small Church Community has not yet submitted your picture and SCC information . . . YOU ARE MISSED!! Send a picture of your members along with the following information to the parish office:
- The name of your SCC
- How long you've been meeting
- Whose in your community
- The best three things about your community
You can also email the picture and information.
|
|
Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to your Small Church Community!
Barb Howard
I
|
|
