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The Roman liturgy celebrates the Octave of Christmas, January 1st as the Feast of Mary the Mother of God.The Council of Ephesus taught that Mary is truly the Mother of God, since she gave birth to the Second Person of the Trinity who became man for our sake.
"The Church contemplates with wonder and celebrates with veneration the immense greatness conferred on Mary by the One who wanted to be her Son." ~ Pope John Paul II ~
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THE GOOD NEWS
Mary, Mother of God and Why Catholics Believe This
Proclaiming Mary "Mother of God", the Church in a single phrase professes her belief regarding the Son and the Mother. This union was already seen at the Council of Ephesus; in defining Mary's divine motherhood, the Fathers intended to emphasize their belief in the divinity of Christ. Despite ancient and recent objections about the appropriateness of recognizing Mary by this title, Christians of all times, by correctly interpreting the meaning of this motherhood, have made it a privileged expression of their faith in the divinity of Christ and their love for the Blessed Virgin. Why the Church teaches this...
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STEWARD JOE
Mary, Mother of the Church
~by Joseph Kaiser
Our resident theologian, Joe Kaiser speaks to the title Mary, Mother of the Church. "Mother of the Church" was formally bestowed on Mary by Pope Paul VI in 1964 at the conclusion of the third session of the Second Vatican Council. Do you know the biblical background that backs this up?
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THE FOUNDER'S PEN
A Letter to Laurie
~by Susi Pittman
I received an email from one of our readers who had lost a beloved pet. Her poignancy and gentleness of heart touched me deeply. This was my emailed response.
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FATHER RON'S COLUMN
God hears the cry of the poor...in the New Year of 2012!
~by Father Ron Camarda
Father Ron proposes a question to you: I hate to break this to many of you, but real life doesn't have replay. Our sins are not overruled on the field. The only remedy for a bad play...is forgiveness from God. "How much time and energy have we expended to relieving the cry of the poor?"
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INSPIRATION BLOOMS
An Invitation to Prayer
~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.
You have an invitation to prayer this week from Sister Marie Rene to make a request of the Almighty in unison with her.
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NATURE CALLS!
A New Year & An Anniversary
~by Frank Gromling
Frank says goodbye to 2011 and shares with us his exciting line-up for this coming year! You'll want to see what's in store!
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IN THE KEY OF "G"
Everyone's Gift
~by Mary Galvano-Bajohr
The Holy Family is a reminder to us all of what we are called to in our own family lives and Mary has a beautiful column devoted to the truth of that reminder.
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GOOD BOOKS
December's Recommended Read: Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!
~by Michele Gregoire
"One cannot dissociate the plan of Creation from the plan of Redemption" ~ Pope Paul VI
It's the season to rejoice with all creation! Michele's book review this month features a book for "all" seasons one that recognizes divine providence at work in creation. Providence IS God Himself considered in that act by which in His wisdom He so orders all events within the universe that the end for which it was created may be realized. The author of the book presents an intriguing and thorough theological premise!
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IN THE NEWS
Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Launch Villa Flora-Brown Hall Renewal Center 
St. Augustine, FL - The need for a place for prayer, reflection and renewal in St. Augustine and surrounding areas has now become a reality with the launch of Villa Flora-Brown Hall Renewal Center. "After studying the needs of the surrounding areas of St. Augustine, we found that there was a great desire to deepen one's spirituality," stated Sister Jane Stoecker, SSJ, General Superior, "Villa Flora-Brown Hall by virtue of its location and layout is perfect to fulfill this desire and is now available for days of recollection and group or private retreats." The mission of the Renewal Center is to extend an invitation to dwell in the house of the Lord through prayer, reflection and renewal in order to deepen a lived Catholic spirituality in daily life. Located in Old Town of the nation's oldest city across from the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse are the buildings of Villa Flora and Brown Hall. Villa Flora and Brown Hall are more than mere buildings and property; they hold a special place in the history of St. Augustine as well as the Sisters of St. Joseph. Villa Flora, built in 1898, provides a beautiful parlor space for intimate gatherings. The room features high ceilings, crown molding, inlaid wood floors, two fireplaces and unique stained glass windows. The design of Brown Hall is perfect for weekend or day retreats. Groups or individuals can stay in one of the ten bedrooms and use the conference room for their gathering. The Sisters are available to serve as facilitators or groups may provide their own facilitator and only pay for rooms and meals. Day rates are available. Spiritual direction is also available at the Renewal Center by appointment. In addition to offering this space for rental, the Sisters have planned several presentations and workshops open to anyone seeking to draw closer to God. Programs vary from book studies to using the arts to recognize God's beauty. For more information on the programs, visit our website at www.ssjfl.org or call 904-824-1752. _____________________________________ Capitol Days in Tallahassee- January 17, 2012 
CALLING ALL FLORIDIANS WHO LOVE GREYHOUNDS |
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement."
~ Helen Keller ~ |
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THE ART OF LIFE
PETS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz
With 30 years of photography experience behind him, this former Veterinary Technician and Dog Trainer is known as the "dog whisperer" of pet photographers. Having worked in the animal care business before becoming a photographer gives him an edge in working with animals that other pet photographers are hard pressed to match. Schwartz has a special bond with animals and it has been said that he seems to hypnotize animals into posing for him.
One of the country's most successful Pet Photography Specialists, he founded and owns PETS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, one of the largest pet only photography companies in the USA, and is the exclusive photographer for PET SUPPLIES "PLUS" stores in the Tri State region.
At Pets Photography Studio, he has assembled some of the most talented Pet Photographers in the country. Amongst our photographers are former Veterinary Technicians, Dog Trainers, and Show Dog Handlers with many years of both pet photography and animal handling experience.
Richie and his personally trained staff partner with dozens of pet related businesses across NY, NJ, and CT.
He and his busy staff have photographed over 60,000 pets.
Richie is a regular speaker and educator at area photography clubs, pet expos and other events, where he offers pet photography seminars and workshops. In addition he regularly volunteers his time and services to raise funds and awareness for animal rescue shelters and pet welfare organizations.
Pets Photography Studio
Nationally recognized pet photographers
Experience makes the difference
Over 75,000 pets photographed.
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GOD'S GREEN EARTH
The Sea of Galilee
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STEWARD ACTIVITIES
Project Weather
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Ecokids
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