Lent 2017 – St. Joseph’s Church welcome Lent 2017 – St. Joseph’s Church

How did it go this week? Have our weather events helped or hindered your Lenten commitments? Getting started!

What are the seven last words of christ? Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing. Today you will be with me in Paradise. Woman, here is your son…Here is your mother. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? I am thirsty. It is finished. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. What are the seven last words of christ?

SECOND word “Today you will be with me in paradise.” John 19: 25-27 READ TOGETHER for context John 19: 1 - 27

Discuss who the five people are Discuss who the five people are. Why are Mary and the Beloved Disciple “the most prominent?” Who is “the Beloved Disciple?” Who does he represent? Read together the first and second paragraphs of the chapter. THE FIVE AT THE CROSS

Read together the story of the Annunciation of Mary: Luke 1: 26-38 How does Mary’s YES at the Annunciation come to fulfillment at the foot of the cross? SPIRITUAL MATERNITY

Continue reading the new two paragraphs about Mary and the Beloved Disciple, p. 38-39. Together, how do they help give birth to the Church? SPIRITUAL MATERNITY

COMMUNION OF SAINTS Ponder the Scriptural depictions of the Communion of Saints detailed on pgs. 39-41. How is the group at the foot of the cross “the first real communion of holy people gathered around holy things?”

COMMUNION OF SAINTS How do you experience deep communion with people of faith today?

Discuss: What do people experience at St. Joseph’s when they visit during Holy Week and Easter? Read together the chapter at the bottom of pg. 41 Holy week

HOLY WEEK Last year Pope Francis washed the feet of refugees on Holy Thursday at a refugee center near Rome. He spoke of the power of concrete actions, gestures of fraternity, tenderness, concord and peace… Watch the Pope & refugees: https://youtu.be/trxrLUTSqTA

CONCRETE ACTIONS, GESTURES What is one concrete action you can take this week as a sign of peace and tenderness in our world?

Closing prayer Pray together: At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping close to Jesus to the last. Watch and ponder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERoQ1biLdE

MEET the author, FR. Tom ROSICA Retreat at st MEET the author, FR. Tom ROSICA Retreat at st. joSEPH’s The Words of the resurrection: May 7 – 8 – 9 7:00 - 8:30pm