Lesson Six Update

Another good session today. We covered a lot of ground, but I always seem to forget something, and today it was something important. Lunch! Our next meeting is on December 13, and that is the only time we get together during the month of December. Would anyone be interested in going out afterwards for what has become our traditional Christmas feed? Any ideas for a spot?

Now, this is one of those occasions when this web site will work great. Click on the comments button below and leave your feedback. Let us all know if you can make it for lunch next time and any ideas you might have for a place to go. I'll check back later and get a head count and call for a reservation.

Here are my notes on the big "C" topics we covered today: circumcision and celibacy. Thank goodness it's a Women's Bible Study.
Click here for Lesson Six Notes.
Click here for Priests and Marriage.

P.S. I was just thinking about what Madge said today about Advent going by too quickly and almost being secondary to all the hubbub and preparations for Christmas. Don't we all feel that way now and then this time of year? But you know, the only person who can change that for us, is us. Advent is not a mini-Lent, but it is its own time of conversion and preparation, so let's not forget to keep Advent for Advent and Christmas for Christmas. Even if you're not home to light the candles of the Advent wreath every night, you can light the Advent candles of the heart wherever you are. (And here's a shameful plug--St. Patrick's book store has some great Advent prayer and meditation booklets to help us keep the season. Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Romans: Lesson Six

The Lesson Six study guide is ready to go. This is a fascinating lesson. I love to see how the Old and New Testament all fits together in the big scheme of things. Not to burden you with some extra homework, but I think you'll be glad if you take my advice in the first paragraph of the study guide and do a little preliminary reading before you dive into the lesson. It will give you a good foundation for the study.

Don't forget to print out your copy of the guide and leave me a comment that you have done so by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 27.

One last quick reminder: If you have read the first book in the series of the Seasons of Reading group, The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, we will be meeting at St. Patrick's on Tuesday, November 27 at 9:00 am for our first book discussion group of the year. There will be a second opportunity to attend on Thursday, November 29 at 6:00 pm.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

Click here for the Lesson Six Study Guide.

Lesson Five Update

Let me just say this about today's meeting--Whew! We had so much to cover this week, and I hope we did it justice. Sometimes when you get into these high-minded theological topics like justification, it can be a bit taxing on the brain. After our two hours are up, I often feel like I talked way too much and made very little sense. Please let me know if there was anything we overlooked or passed over too quickly. At least we're getting into the part of Paul's letter that is the "good news" that he wanted to share.

Don't forget. We do not meet again until November 29. I will try not to procrastinate and should get the study guide for Lesson Six posted before Thanksgiving. (Oh man, I just put that in print, didn't I? I'll try.) Just make sure you print your copy and leave a comment by Tuesday, November 27. Also, leave a comment if you find this "extra material" helpful. Just wondering if it's worth posting it after our meetings. Thanks.

(By the way, in case anybody cares, my new refrigerator is coming on Saturday. Cold food. What a concept!)

Here are the links to a couple of documents you may wish to print from today's meeting:
Click here for Lesson Five Notes
Click here for a great meditation from Pope John XXIII The Daily Decalogue