Archive for October, 2009

What is the Hispanic celebration known as Días de los Muertos, or Days of the Dead? In Mexico and in other parts of Latin America, November 1 and 2 are celebrated as “Días de los Muertos.” The custom goes back to ancient days when people set aside time to remember those who had died. Under...
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The Sacrament of Anointing is not just for those who are dying. Rather, this sacrament asks God to restore the person to health while at the same time granting the remission of venial sins. That is why it is important they we anoint people early in an illness, or any time that...
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Having entered the flu season our bishop, along with many other leaders in the church have asked to consider a few of the ritual practices of our liturgy; specifically the issue of exchanging the sign of peace, and sharing from the common cup. Let me begin my remarks by stating clearly that it is not...
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How do the readings from Sunday’s liturgy link to the celebration of Priesthood Sunday? This Sunday we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, an opportunity to thank God for the service and ministry of many great and wonderful priests who help us deepen our relationship to God and others. The Lectionary readings for this Sunday offer significant insights...
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Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45 They were struggling with the same thing that nearly every human struggles with at some time in his or her life . . . the desire for power.  On the one hand they were right in affirming that Jesus would enter into glory and be seated on his throne...
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October 16, is World Food Day. Saturday, October 17, is International Day for Eradication of Poverty, and Sunday, October 18, is both Mission Sunday and Bread for the World Sunday. All of these days fall within Fighting Poverty with Faith Week and during the historic Catholic Bishops’ Synod on Africa in Rome. Some might question...
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Margaret Bitz and Dan Mahli have organized a neighborhood clean-up project for Nativity.  Margaret shares both her motivation for doing this and the details of the event in the following article: God was happy. In his burst of happiness He decorated his home, the universe. He hung the moon and stars in his bedroom and...
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Are there variations on praying the rosary besides the traditional prayer pattern? October is traditionally known as the month of the rosary, with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary celebrated on October 7. The rosary traces it origin to those who wanted to imitate the monks’ daily psalm prayers but could not memorize...
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Wisdom 7:7-11;  Hebrews 4:12-13;  Mark 10:17-30 (cf. also CCC par. 2052 ff.) Having entered the flu season our bishop, along with many other leaders in the church have asked to consider a few of the ritual practices of our liturgy; specifically the issue of exchanging the sign of peace, and sharing from the common cup. Let...
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Each month, Cathy Schwiden our Social Justice Coordinator, publishes a calendar highlighting area social justice activities. They can be found on our parish website (www.nativitycatholicchurch.net) under the social justice link. October Social Justice Events Fair Trade Month Synod in Rome on Africa Tues. Oct 13 Habitat for Humanity Build Day #4 “Frontline: Obama’s War” PPTV Ch. 13 8:00pm Wed....
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