|
|
|
|
 |
|
From the Director's Desk
Recently, during a parish mission for Lent that focused on the Jubilee of Mercy, I found that a simple review of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy had a profound impact on those who participated. My short reflections on the works of mercy were not meant to be at time of group guilt about what had not been done, but instead provided an opportunity for the participants and for me to reflect, and then - hopefully - act. In the reaction of the participants, I witnessed a revival of faith and a rekindling of charity that, I believe, will lead to deeper living as apostles or missionary disciples.
God's mercy and love are offered not just for a moment, but forever. Lent is a perfect time to experience again God's mercy and live well the works of mercy. As we continue through the season of Lent, we strive to know Jesus Christ more fully through the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Sometimes almsgiving is seen as something simply monetary. If almsgiving, however, is not only related to our treasure, but also to our time and talent, then we can see how easily the corporal and spiritual works of mercy can help us express all three aspects of this Lenten practice.
"For all of us, then, the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year is a favorable time to overcome our existential alienation by listening to God's word and by practicing the works of mercy. In the corporal works of mercy we touch the flesh of Christ in our brothers and sisters who need to be fed, clothed, sheltered, visited; in the spiritual works of mercy - counsel, instruction, forgiveness, admonishment and prayer - we touch more directly our own sinfulness."
May the charity of Christ urge us on to live well the works of mercy!
In God, the Infinite Love,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past Speaking Events
Union of Catholic Apostolate Formation Day with the Pallottine Sisters
January 30, 2016 - Monroe, NY
- Fr. Frank facilitated a day of formation for the Pallottine Sisters and other members and collaborators of the Union of Catholic Apostolate. He shared resources and information on St. Vincent Pallotti and the Union of Catholic Apostolate.
Mid-Atlantic Congress
February 4-6, 2016 - Baltimore, MD
- "Youth and Young Adults as Witness in the Age of Pope Francis" presented by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center, Monica Thom Konschnik, Assistant Director of Administration, Sarah Jarzembowski, Curriculum Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Director, and Jonathan Lewis, Director of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization Initiatives for the Archdiocese of Washington.
-
"Leadership, the New Evangelization and Pope Francis" presented by Barbara McCrabb, Assistant Director for Higher Education
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Donald McCrabb, Executive Director for the United States Catholic Mission Association
- "Co-responsible Evangelization" presented by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Center Advisor Barbara McCrabb
Day of Recollection for Priests and Deacons in Diocese of Green Bay
February 12, 2016 - Green Bay, WI
- The Diocese of Green Bay, led by Most Rev. David Ricken, is focusing formation in missionary discipleship and invited Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., to guide a day of reflection. Bishop Ricken, Retired Bishop of Green Bay, Most Rev. Robert Banks, and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Robert Morneau and 50 priests of the diocese participated in the day.
St. William Church Lenten Parish Mission
February 19-22 - Shelbyville, TN
- The Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province provide pastoral care to St. William Catholic Church in Shelbyville, TN. Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., joined the community to offer a Lenten Parish Mission around the theme of God's mercy.
|
|
Lenten Resource: 2016 Catholic Volunteer Network
Lenten Reflection Guide
This Lenten season, the Catholic Volunteer Network and Catholic Apostolate Center invite you to rekindle your commitment to service by spending these forty days with the four pillars of faith-based service. This Lenten Reflection Guide is a collection of reflections and prayers written by current and former volunteers, each one sharing how the experience of full-time service has helped them to see the story of Christ's death and resurrection in a new light.
The Lenten Reflection Guide also includes a reflection on the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent by Jonathan Sitko, Assistant Director of Programs for the Center.
"Through this parable, Christ is explaining to us the merciful side of God the Father." -Jonathan Sitko
|
|
Pope Francis Portal
Click here to learn more the Holy Father's Apostolic Journey to Mexico.
|
|
Upcoming Speaking Events
Day of Recollection for Priests & Deacons
March 16, 2016 - Springfield, MA
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center, will be offering a Day of Recollection on Lent and the Jubilee of Mercy for Priests and Deacons of the Diocese of Springfield, MA. This provides a formation opportunity for pastoral leaders, a mission of the Catholic Apostolate Center.
National Association for Lay Ministers Institute for Lay Ministry Formation Directors June 1-4, 2016 - Albequerque, NM
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. and Center advisor and USCCB Assistant Director for Higher Education, Barbara McCrabb, are co-facilitating the Institute on the topic of "The Way of the Apostle: Human Formation Through Collaboration". The Insitute will provide Formation Directors from accross the country an opportunity to explore ways of collaboration, identifying pastoral strategies, and reflecting in their own ministries.
To learn more about how we can collaborate with you through the media, speaking engagements, or conference exhibitions, click here. |
|
From Practicing Catholics to Apostles on Mission
Beginning March 7, 2016, young adults in the Archdiocese of Washington are invited to participate in 8 sessions and 10 dates of on-site (online optional) Formation for the New Evangelization. The Evangelization Start-Ups program provides an exciting and supportive way for young adults to put their faith and talents into action!
|
|
Ad Infinitum Blog
Extreme Makeover: Lenten Edition
by Krissy Kirby
"When I think about Lent, I compare it to a time of preparing my heart for the biggest makeover and surprise "reveal" in my faith: Easter Sunday." -Krissy Kirby
In our latest blog post, Krissy compares the Lenten season to a time of extreme makeover. Read more to see how prayer, fasting and almsgiving can prepare your hearts for the "big reveal" on Easter Sunday.
Click here to continue reading.
|
|
Third Sunday of Lent
February 28, 2016
Sunday Reflection
In Sunday's Gospel, "Jesus presents the
parable of a fig tree planted in the vineyard. However, this fig tree was barren, it produced no fruit (cf. Lk 13: 6-9). The dialogue that develops between the master and the vinedresser shows on the one hand the mercy of God who is patient and allows human beings, all of us, time in which to convert; and on the other, the need to start to change both our interior and exterior way of life straight away in order not to miss the opportunities that God's mercy affords us to overcome our spiritual laziness and respond to God's love with our own filial love." -Benedict XVI
|
Did someone share this email with you? Sign up to receive more of our emails.
|
|
Catholic Apostolate Center
A Ministry of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines)
Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
