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The Path To Solidarity

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By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (Jn.13:35).

This one simple act, love for one another, is the mark of the Christian community. The love of Christ in the world is the path to solidarity. All people share the image and likeness of God, and this fact alone serves as a basis for commonality and solidarity.

Although we face a culture of increasing secularization characterized by a growing indifference to God and the absence of moral principles, we find solidarity within the community of believers. A community that affirms life and truth. One that leads us to the service of those in need – material and spiritual. In them, we come to understand that the “face of Christ shines forth in every human being” (Pope John Paul II, The Church in America, 52).

Telling Others About Christ by the Way We Live

So much of what we do consumes our time and energy – work, family, entertainment, social activities. As Christians we can bring a genuine spirit of the love of Christ into all that we do. More than friendliness and good cheer, a deep and abiding love witnesses to Christ’s presence in our lives. This is our call to “bear witness before the world to the love of the Father, who wishes to make humanity a single family in his Son” (Pope Benedict XVI, God is Love, 19).

Education for Justice
Scott Hahn: Catholic Convert

CHARITABLE WORKS

If we are honest with ourselves for one minute, we have to admit we are amazingly blessed. Our lives are not without disappointments and struggles. Still the very fact that we live in a country so abundant with life and liberty makes the pursuit of our dreams possible. It is God who is the source of these gifts.

Archbishop Carlson has challenged us in his recent statement Taking Stewardship Seriously to recognize that we are dependent on God for all our gifts. How we respond to the challenge is crucial. Pope Benedict XVI offers guidance in this encyclical, Charity in Truth: “As the objects of God’s love, men and women become subjects of charity, they are called to make themselves instruments of grace, so as to pour forth God’s charity and to weave networks of charity” (5).

We invite you to share your gifts with others at St. Joseph Parish and in our local community.

SCRIPTURE SPIRITUAL READING

“But if God so loved us, we must also love one another.” (1 Jn. 4:11)

Readings and Psalms for each Month
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center
Catholic Charities

THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

Study Groups

“…literally has changed the course of my life.”

“I thought I had my faith figured out but now I see there’s so much more…”

“…has impacted my marriage in such incredible ways.”

If you’re wondering if there’s more to life than just “getting by” and are ready to focus on what really matters, then discover the extraordinary Catholic teaching known as the Theology of the Body. It will give you a revolutionary and fulfilling vision for life, as it offers a new way to authentically see yourself, your faith, your relationships, and your world.

This year our Small Church Communities program is joining with Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis to study the Theology of the Body during Lent. Given to us by Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body is renewing marriages, awakening vocations, healing personal wounds, and setting people free to live the life of greatness to which we are all called.

The human body has a specific meaning and is capable of revealing answers regarding fundamental questions about us and our lives:

What is the purpose of my life?

How do I find happiness and fulfillment?

Why were we created male and female?

What does it mean to be made in the image & likeness of God?

Are you giving your family your best?

If the demands of life are pulling you in too many directions, and you feel like you have very little left at the end of the day to give to those that matter most, then discover the extraordinary Catholic teaching known as the Theology of the Body. It will give you a revolutionary and fulfilling vision for life, as it offers a new way to authentically see yourself, your faith, your relationships, and your world.

Given to us by Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body is renewing marriages, awakening vocations, healing deep personal wounds, and setting people free to live the life of greatness they were created for.

In An Introduction to the Theology of the Body, an adult faith formation program, renowned author and theologian Christopher West unfolds God’s extraordinary plan for humanity.  If you desire to discover and live out the fullest meaning and purpose of your life, then this study is for you!

Is your wife happily married?  Does your husband still find you captivating? 

If we’re not careful, life can get monotonous. But marriage – and all relationships for that matter – are meant to be life and love giving. If you want to get (and give) the most out of life, your marriage and all your relationships, then discover the extraordinary Catholic teaching known as the Theology of the Body. It will give you a revolutionary and fulfilling vision for life, as it offers a new way to authentically see yourself, your faith, your relationships, and your world.

Given to us by Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body is renewing marriages, awakening vocations, healing deep personal wounds, and setting people free to live the life of greatness they were created for.

In An Introduction to the Theology of the Body, an adult faith formation program, renowned author and theologian Christopher West unfolds God’s extraordinary plan for humanity. If you desire to discover and live out the fullest meaning and purpose of your life, then this study is for you!

Are you wondering if there’s more to life?  More to your faith? 

These are fundamental questions we all ask, and there is no shortage of counterfeit answers in the world today. But if you’re ready to try God’s liberating plan for your life, then discover the extraordinary Catholic teaching known as the Theology of the Body. It will give you a revolutionary and fulfilling vision for life, as it offers a new way to authentically see yourself, your faith, your relationships, and your world.

Given to us by Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body is renewing marriages, awakening vocations, healing deep personal wounds, and setting people free to live the life of greatness they were created for.

In An Introduction to the Theology of the Body, an adult faith formation program, renowned author and theologian Christopher West unfolds God’s extraordinary plan for humanity.  If you desire to discover and live out the fullest meaning and purpose of your life, then this study is for you!

SAINTS

Who were they? Who are they?

Saints are lasting models for us. They are “true bearers of light within history, for they are men and women of faith, hope and love.” Sometimes we might think of saints as holy people very different from us. But if you look closely, that is not so. They did great things, sometimes heroic things, willing to sacrifice everything. Yet Pope Benedict XVI tells us in his encyclical, God is Love, “in the saints one thing becomes clear: those who draw near to God do not withdraw from men” (41, 42).

Do you know your patron saint? Was he or she always a model of goodness?

Did they ever suffer doubt or despair?

Learn more about Saints and Angels.

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