October 20, 2024
I have, for much of my time in ministry, been convicted that we need more opportunities for prayer and formation in the church, and with one another. For those who do not know what I mean by formation, I ask that you simply think of a potter and a lump of clay. Formation is the process through which the Lord our God molds our minds, prayer, way of relating with one another and ourselves. On the surface formation is primarily about our intellect – learning about the faith. Underneath, however, lies prayer and charitable works. One reality that always seems to get in the way of additional opportunities for prayer and formation is trying to decide on the best day and time to have such events. Since coming to Saints Aloysius & Benedict I have also been challenged by the question of where to hold such events. The following list includes several offerings of prayer and formation. Due to a variety of circumstances these events are all being held at Saint Aloysius. Have no fear! I have high hopes that we can soon include more formation opportunities at Saint Benedict. I highly encourage parishioners and guests of both parishes to make yourselves available for these upcoming opportunities!
Angelus Potluck – Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 27 at noon (following the 11 AM Mass) in the lower level we will host a potluck at Saint Aloysius. This event will include the participants praying the Angelus together and then sharing a meal. After the meal we will have a short, 20-minute presentation on some topic in the Church along with time for questions and discussion. These monthly potlucks will take place on the 4th Sunday of every month and participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share. The main entree will be supplied by the parish. Our first topic, on 10/27, will be Gender – the what and why of Church teachings.
Vespers & Formation – Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 4 PM in church at Saint Aloysius we will gather together weekly for a series of formation events which we will watch and discuss. After the discussion we will pray Vespers, which is the evening prayer of the Church. We all know that we are to keep holy the Lord’s Day but do we always live that very well? These weekly events are meant to help you bookend your family’s experience of Sunday with Mass in the morning (or on Saturday) and then prayer and discussion in the evening. These events will wrap up around 5:15 so you can enjoy dinner with your family. Help one another keep the day holy by attending these sessions as you are able. Information will be made available for those who miss a session. We will begin by watching The Chosen and discussing this series that focuses on the disciples of Jesus.
Other opportunities to mark on your calendar:
Advent Wreath Making – Sunday Dec. 1 at noon at Saint Aloysius, children are especially invited!
Soup’r Prayer – Wednesdays Dec. 4, 11, & 18 at noon at Saint Aloysius
Advent Day of Reflection (How to Pray) – Saturday, Dec. 14, 9:30 – 1 at Saint Aloysius
Way to the Manger – Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 at Saint Aloysius. (Social following 4:30 Mass)
Two Parishes, One Heart
Fr. Adam Carrico