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Reflections

Memorial Day Prayer

Posted on May 24, 2019 in: News, Reflections

God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. R/. Amen —from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers Saint Joseph Church Occum CT

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Diocesan Lenten Videos-Week 7 Prayer

Posted on April 18, 2019 in: Events, Reflections

Week 7 - Prayer Week 6 - Almsgiving Week 5 - Fasting Week 4 - Sacrifice Week 3 - Reconcilliation Week 2 - Temptation Week 1 - Ash Wednesday Get More Out of Your Lenten Season: Enrollment Now OPEN… This Lent, grow in a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through our weekly Diocesan Lenten Videos. Break open the scriptures, delve into our Lenten traditions, enhance ...

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Lenten Reflection: Week Three

Posted on March 20, 2019 in: Reflections

The 40 days of Lent are the perfect opportunity for us to do some… “Spiritual Spring Cleaning” For many of us, cleaning is the last thing we want to do. We take care of lots of other tasks, leaving cleaning at the end of the chore list. We ...

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Lenten Reflection: Week Two

Posted on March 13, 2019 in: Reflections

During the Lenten Season we are encouraged to change our routine. We are called to “cut back” on the parts of our everyday life that take us away from strengthening our relationship with God our Father. These are the habits and behaviors that make us complacent and unmotivated spiritually. Lent challenges us to practice abstinence, almsgiving and penance to move us out of the dark, emptiness of this world and into the light of God’s unconditional love. What are the things we personally need to “cut back” on this year, to make room for a meaningful relationship with God? *Is i...

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Hand in Hand with All God’s Children: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving

Posted on March 10, 2019 in: Reflections, ACA

By Kathy Gaito Prayer, fasting and almsgiving (assisting the needy) are synonymous with the Lenten season which this year began on March 6, Ash Wednesday. While these Lenten practices are a way for us to reconnect with our spiritual relationship with God, they should also be viewed as a stepping stone for us to continue to grow in faith throughout the year. When we decide to continue on our Lenten journey even after our Easter celebrations have come to a close, we strengthen our connection to God and others. Make time in your day to pray a few minutes longer when poss...

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Lenten Reflection: Week One

Posted on March 06, 2019 in: Reflections

We began this Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday where we received ashes on our forehead in the sign of a cross. Those ashes mark the 40 day period of preparation we set aside as Catholics, to journey with Jesus. We spend the next 40 days praying, fasting, reflecting, almsgiving and acknowledging our need for penance, so that we can change and grow physically and spiritually. What types of change do you want to bring about this Lenten Season? -Change my relationships with others so they are healthy and life giving. -Change my relationship with God by committing to meaningful prayer/communication. -Chang...

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Posted on December 21, 2018 in: Reflections

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Goal for the Week… Welcome our Savior into the World! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 This last week of advent is one that calls for a big change in all of us. Christmas takes place at the beginning of the week so we shift from contemplation and preparation to complete celebration and JOY! *How will you express your joy this week? *How will this week be d...

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advent, reflections, 2018

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Posted on December 15, 2018 in: Reflections

The Third Sunday of Advent: Gaudete Sunday Rejoice in the Lord, always: again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. Goal for the Week… Spread Christian JOY! This is the week to express our joy at the coming of our Savior. If we truly believe in the “gift of Christmas”- that Christ came into OUR WORLD as a baby-grew up like we did in human form-experienced the joys and sufferings we all do as human beings-then this is the Sunday set aside by the Church for us to express our excitement. The excitement that comes along with re...

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advent, reflections, 2018, gaudette

Second Sunday of Advent

Posted on December 08, 2018 in: Reflections

Goal for the Week… Let’s use technology to enhance our Advent preparation! Sometimes we hold the answers to our deepest Spiritual questions right in the palm of our hand. That being said take a look at what we hold in our hands most of the day- our cell phones. Their use is no longer just as a phone, most of us use them to text, get directions, google facts, stream news, watch movies, facetime, tweet, take photos and so much more. They assist us with numerous tasks throughout the day to make our lives physically easier. ...

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First Sunday of Advent

Posted on November 30, 2018 in: Reflections

The First Sunday of Advent: Goal for the Week… Let’s gain some perspective! Ready or not Advent has begun! It is now December and we all find ourselves looking ahead to the Christmas Season remembering all the preparation and work that is involved in making it special for our family and friends. Planning ahead has become an obsession in our culture. Decorations, cards and gifts are available two or three months in advance so that consumers can be prepared for the holiday or celebration. We have been conditioned to believe that the more we do in advance th...

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Saint Michael the Archangel, Pray for Us

Posted on November 06, 2018 in: Reflections

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

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Phone: 860-887-9294