Newsletter - 05 February 2023
Three Elements Necessary for the Christian Life
Catholic spiritual writer Friedrich von Hügel wrote that there are three elements necessary for the Christian life: 1) institutional (participation in a church) 2) spiritual (our personal relationship with the living God), and 3) intellectual (study and learning).
We need to find a good balance among the three. Here are some suggestions for how to live these elements:
1) Institutional: If you are reading this newsletter, you are likely involved in the parish in some way – attending Mass, meeting others over tea and coffee, or participating in various groups (so many to choose from; check out the parish website). If for you it’s only going to Mass, maybe it’s time to consider how else you can participate in and serve the church and the world through the church.
2) Spiritual: as Fr. Pascal described in last week’s newsletter article, we will be offering “On the Road with Jesus,” beginning this Thursday and running every week until Easter. This will be a school of prayer, done with brothers and sisters. There are other ways we can grow spiritually. Take a retreat, for example. See newsletter to learn about upcoming retreats offered by Chemin Neuf Community in one of their retreat centres. Closer to home, the Cockfosters Spirituality Centre in cooperation with Chemin Neuf will be offering a one-day Lent retreat on Saturday, March 11. Stay tuned for details.
3) Intellectual: The internet offers a variety of courses, talks, and podcasts that can help us. During Lent we will be offering a series we are calling “Lent Sunday Talks.” They will be held between the Masses, 9:45-10:45 in the small hall here at the parish. Each will feature a parishioner speaking about their particular area of expertise. Here is a preview. More details will be available in a flyer being prepared for next week.
Nancy Wood, ccn
February 26: Nancy Wood: The Bible in 30 Minutes: See the Whole Story
March 5: Maria Tozzi: Dementia Friends
March 12: Niamh O’Brien: Clarity and Charity: How to Speak about your Faith
March 19: Ted Wood: Leisure and Rest: The Art of Wasting Time”
March 26: David Oliviere: Bereavement: The Price we Pay for Love.
So as Lent approaches, let us make time for God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Focus of the Week
NET FOR GOD DVD
Tuesday 14 February - 8 PM
These two words in Kirundi, the language of Burundi, mean "the melodies of peace". This film places us at the heart of the issues of peace and reconciliation in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It also takes us back to the origins of Net for God.