The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, with the assistance of the Bishop’s Appeal sponsored a virtual conference with Dr. Josephine Lombardi a well-known author, teacher and pastoral worker. In our Cluster we gathered in Our Lady of Peace Parish Church to take part in the Zoom Conference. Dr. Lombardi spoke about the sacraments. Her theme was, “What are you looking for?” John 1:38.
Some highlights include: John knew his role, his gifts and limitations and he always pointed people to Jesus. The response of Jesus was, “What are you looking for?” People responded in various ways. Jesus invited them to come and see. Today people are looking for: something that gives life, meaning, a message of hope, love, purpose, acceptance, healing. In John’s gospel there is an invitation to follow, to see, conversion (a change of heart) People need to see that our encounter with Jesus changes our lives – they need to see in us a message of hope. Baptism – We are called, and we are sent. Know Jesus, believe in him, trust him, let him heal us. In Baptism we are reminded that God defines us, not social media or the negative voices of those who hate. Our family is bigger than our natural family – the communion of saints. Loneliness is hard on us. We need each other. In baptism we become like Christ. Confirmation – we are called and sent. Power is given to us in and through the gift of the Spirit. We cooperate with the gifts God has given us. Make the Good News accessible to all people. Eucharist – we are called and sent. We become what we consume. We are more than we are right now. We are sent to be a part of the Field Hospital. Marriage/Holy Orders – We are all called to be of service to one another, to be Holy, to love. We are to attract people by using our gifts to build up the Body of Christ. Our greatest achievement is not what we do but who we accompanied/raised up. Love is everything. Comparing ourselves to others steals our joy. We are to magnify God in all we say and do. Service is about building relationships. Collaboration is essential to building up the Kingdom of God. We cannot do it alone. Reconciliation – Evangelizing the wounded. Not all healing requires forgiveness, but all forgiveness requires healing. We need to be forgiven, and we need to hear we are forgiven. Anointing – Evangelizing the wounded. Pray for healing. What benefits my soul? We need to let go of our preferred outcomes and focus on what helps me to draw near to God. Healing is about surrendering – letting go of my wants and desires. When we surrender, God’s grace does hold us. In all things be hospitable. Be mindful of our tone. Our words and our actions need to say the same thing.
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Hi! My name is Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI and I am the pastor of the Meadow Lake Cluster. I serve the faith communities of Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen, St. Jude's, Green Lake and Our Lady of Peace, Meadow Lake. I arrived in the cluster on August 15th, 2019. You can see more information about me on the home page!Archives
April 2023
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