Lesson Nine: The Collection for the Saints at Jerusalem

Almsgiving is an important part of our Catholic observance of the season of Lent. As luck would have it, this next lesson is all about generosity. We will be discussing the responsibilities that we have to be generous, the ways that we can demonstrate true generosity, the results of being generous, and how a generous spirit reflects our faith.

In addition to our lesson, I also want to spend some time at the beginning of our meeting discussing some plans for our 2010-11 study. We will had lots to cover, so come to the meeting ready to get right to work. See you on March 4.

Study Guide for Lesson Nine: The Collection for the Saints at Jerusalem

Lesson Eight: Effects of Spiritual Discipline

This lesson covers the transitional verses of Paul's letter that closes out the first section and leads us into the next. It isn't a complicated lesson, but it does address some important issues about repentance and conversion as well as our responsibilities in the processes of repentance and conversion in others. (You'll see what I mean when you get going on the lesson yourselves.)

Because this is a shorter lesson, I am hoping that we will have time at the end of our discussion to cover an extra topic. It's been a long time since we've been able to cover any extra catechism. Our topic will be cremation. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church about cremation, bring them to the meeting, and we'll do our best to find some answers.

Our next meeting will be held on February 18. See you then.

Study Guide for Lesson Eight: Effects of Spiritual Discipline
(I increased the size of the font on the Google document for this lesson. Let me know if it prints out at a more readable size.)

Lesson Seven: A Pastor's Plea to His Troubled Flock

A blustery Minnesota day is a great day to work on our next Bible Study lesson. I think I'm getting back into the groove after our long break. This lesson seemed easier to grasp than the last one. I'm sure that it doesn't hurt that I have the house all to myself again during the day.

Our next meeting will be held on February 4. See you then.
Study Guide: Lesson Seven
(There is a new and easier way for me to upload the study guide to Google. Let me know if there are any difficulties in printing the guide for your own use.)

For those of you who may not have already heard, our former pastor, Father Michael Kennedy died suddenly on Saturday, January 23. Please remember him and all the priests who have dedicated their lives in service to God in your prayers.

Lesson Six: The Ministry of Reconciliation

Happy New Year, everyone! Our long break is slipping by quickly, so I thought I'd better get going on posting the study guide for our next lesson. This was a tough one. I'm not sure if it was the lesson that was difficult, the fact that I had to kick start my brain again, or that there are too many distractions at home right now for me to concentrate as I should. I just hope this guide will make some kind of sense.

Our next meeting will be held on January 21. We will be missing some of our snowbirds, so those of us who are left will have to be prepared to share. See you soon.

Study Guide for Lesson Six: The Ministry of Reconciliation

Lesson Five: Priceless Treasure in Cracked Pots

Tomorrow is December 1st, and I know we're already feeling the pressure of all that we need to get done in the next few weeks. Do yourself an Advent favor, and take some time to work on this last lesson of the year 2009. It's a good one, and has several applications to this liturgical season. You'll still have plenty of time to get to all those other things.

Don't forget, we're going to go out to lunch after our regular meeting. It's become our Christmas tradition.

See you on December 10.

Study Guide for Lesson Five

Lesson Four: The Glory of the New Covenant

I think that you'll find this to be a fascinating lesson. Paul stuffs a lot into a few sentences. (What else is new? Right?) Don't be afraid to give it your all. After this lesson, you'll have a whole month to rest before you have to tackle the next one.

Study Guide for Lesson Four

I don't know if you're interested, but I was asked to speak to the Family Formation group at church this fall and to prepare for that talk, I wrote a paper with my notes. (It helps me remember what I'm going to say if I type it out.) It's a talk about what happens to us when our time here ends. You're welcome to read it if you like.

At the Finish Line

See you on the 12th!

Lesson Three Notes, Plus

We had quite a discussion yesterday. It's tough solving all these theological dilemmas! And in just a couple of hours.

I did have a few notes from yesterday's lesson, so I thought I would post them in case anyone is interested. They are primarily in regard to the historical vs. hermeneutical (I've got to get this word out of my head!) interpretation of the Old and New Covenants--the Letter and the Spirit.

Lesson Three Notes

If you have a moment, you might want to check out an item I saw the other day. It is an entry on a blog about "The Gift of Tears." I had never heard this idea before, but being someone who has been blessed (cursed?) with this gift, I found this column interesting. Some people inherit great wealth, others good looks. This was my inheritance. Thanks a lot Mom and Dad.