CathFamily Jan-Feb 2015 | Mercy

{MERCY}

Be merciful just as your Father is merciful� (Luke 6:36).

CONTENTS

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FROM THE EDITOR .............................P.

4

WELCOME TO OUR MERCY ISSUE Marilyn Rodrigues

COVER STORY ....................................P.

6

A VISION OF MERCY Marilyn Rodrigues

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION....P.

16

STORIES OF MERCY Linda Lochtefeld and Sam Guzeman

PRACTICAL FEATURE............................P.

30

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF MERCY

By Connie Rossini

SEASONAL NOTES...............................P.

RECIPES, ACTIVITIES AND PRAYER

38

2016 Jan -Feb | 3

From the Editor Welcome to our special issue celebrating the power and goodness of God’s mercy, to coincide with the Church’s celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Central to the experience of God’s mercy is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a specific sacrament for healing and mercy.

Sam Guzeman and Linda Lochtefeld offer their powerful experiences of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Connie Rossini suggests some other ways we can celebrate the Jubilee in our homes, families, and communities.

Let us know the closeness of God this year who is ever “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”.

(Psalm 103:8)

Marilyn Rodrigues 4 | 2016 Jan -Feb

THIS MONTH Jan - Feb 2016 January 2016

ARTIST: Banksy TITLE: There is always hope.

Fri 1

New Year’s Day

Mary, Mother of God

Sat 2

Sts Basil, Gregory, and Gregory of Nanzianzen

Sun 3

The Epiphany

Thu 7

St Raymond of Penyafort

Sun 10 Baptism of the Lord Thu 14 St Hilary of Poitiers Sun 17 Ordinary Time 2 Wed 20 Sts Sebastian and Fabian Thu 21 St Agnes Sun 24 Ordinary Time 3 Mon 25 Conversion of St Paul Tue 26 Australia Day Wed 27 Sts Timothy, Titus, and Angela Merici Thu 28 St Thomas Aquinas Sun 31 Ordinary Time 4

February 2016 Tue 2

Presentation of the Lord

Wed 3

Sts Blaise and Angsar

Fri 5

St Agatha

Sat 6

St Paul Mikki and companions

Sun 7

Ordinary Time 5

Mon 8 Sts Jerome Emiliani, Josephine Bakhita Wed 10 Ash Wednesday

2016 Jan -Feb | 5

A Vision of Mercy

6 | 2016 Jan -Feb

“Mercy is a journey that begins with a spiritual conversion. For this

reason, I have decided to call an Extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the Mercy of God at its centre.

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Begins:

Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015

Pope Francis has invited Catholics to experience in a new and deeper way the joy of giving and receiving mercy during the Jubilee year.

In this way, he believes, the Church will be more effective at witnessing to God’s mercy.

Ends:

Christ the King, November 20, 2016

It is impossible to be genuinely merciful towards others, or even be fully aware of the needs of others, without having deeply experienced the loving mercy of God for ourselves.

“It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy.

We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord’s words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”(Luke 6:36)

8 | 2016 Jan -Feb

“How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God! May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those

The Pope has authorised special ‘missionaries of mercy’, priests who are known for their inspiring preaching, love and compassion, to preach and minister the Sacrament of Reconciliation around the world through the year. They will be able

far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is already present in our midst!”

– Pope Francis, homily announcing the Jubilee Year

to grant absolution for sins that often or always required the intervention of the local bishop or a Vatican court, such as performing an abortion or violating the Eucharist.

2016 Jan -Feb | 9

OUR JUBILEE HERITAGE

Jubilee years are rare and important events in the Catholic tradition. It’s a year of reconciliation, hope, justice, and peace. It has roots in the Jewish tradition and the Old Testament. In the Law of Moses every 50th year was to be set aside as a special year to express and respond to God’s love.

Slaves were liberated and returned to their homes, people released from their debts, land returned to its original owners, and families reunited. Land cultivated for food was left fallow to regenerate.

The year would open with the blowing of a goat’s horn called a Yobel – which is where we get the English word Jubilee.

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The year would open with the blowing of a goat’s horn called a Yobel

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MYSTERY OF MERCY Mercy was a primary theme of Pope Francis’ papacy from its first day. In his papal bull announcing the Year of Mercy the Pope wrote of mercy as a “mystery” with several aspects: “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace.

Our salvation depends on it.

Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.

Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us.

Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life.

Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.”

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THE HOLY DOOR TRADITION Pilgrims who visit St Peter’s Basilica can enter through its Holy Door which represents a new avenue of grace available to the faithful.

Holy Doors are also available in every local church, cathedral and other churches of special significance, and popular shrines as a visible sign of the Church’s universal communion.

Holy Door, Vatican, Italy

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THE RITUALS OF MERCY

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Pope Francis likens the Church to a field hospital in a battle field.

The Catholic Church is not an exclusive country club for saints, rather it’s an emergency room for sinners with Jesus as the chief surgeon, blood and organ donor. His chief instruments are not a scalpel and forceps, but the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. One is focused on spiritual sickness (or sin) and the other more on physical ailments.

Reconciliation is so much more than an experience of unburdening the soul; any good barman, counsellor or hairdresser can listen to a confession! Rather, it is a powerful, grace-filled encounter with the mercy of Jesus, who is present in the person of the priest.

Our award-winning Sacrament Essentials: Reconciliation issue of CathFamily is full of tips, FAQs, and insights on this oft-neglected sacrament.

2016 Jan -Feb | 15

Stories of

Two people share their life-changing experiences of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

16 | 2016 Jan -Feb

Linda L. Lochtefeld’s Story I grew up as a Protestant, active in my church until I went to college. I never paid much attention to other faiths until I met my husband-tobe.

Joe was a Catholic from a very Catholic community. I began attending church with Joe and tried to learn about his faith. When we got engaged, I decided to join the Church—mainly because it was important to Joe and his family.

I believe I joined the Church with my head and not my heart, which is why things began to fall apart shortly after our wedding. Within a year after our son, Lee, was born, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Suffering had begun. I was very confused.

I got angry at everything and everybody: my husband, the doctors, and God. All I saw everywhere, including the Church, was suffering and I couldn’t handle it. I felt that God

had abandoned all of us. I quit going to church. My actions and attitudes became full of sin. I emotionally began leaving my marriage and unknowingly went into a deep depression.

In 1997, a few years after my mother’s death, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hit bottom. I had never been more terrified in my life. Worst of all, I had no faith.

When I checked into the hospital for surgery, I was asked what church I attended, what my faith was. I had no answer.

I felt abandoned by God, but He was there watching over me, along with my husband, who never left my side. After surgery, I turned on the TV trying to calm down, and that’s when I found the channel with the camera on the crucifix in the chapel at the hospital. I left that channel on all night. Every time I woke up there was a soft glow from the TV filling the room—and there was Jesus on the cross 2016 Jan -Feb | 17

I stared at Him and began to see His suffering in a different light.

For the first time I started to see within my heart the beauty and love of our crucified Saviour on the Cross. My life began to change.

My mother-in-law gave me a tape of the rosary that Joe and I played and prayed together whenever the fear set in.

During this time, I experienced one of the greatest healings of all, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I had only gone to confession once, when I first joined the Church 15 years

previously but I couldn’t stop feeling guilty for the many, many sins of my past.

Finally, I made an appointment to see our priest, Fr Daniel, to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in his office. Before my confession, I wrote down everything I could think of then, even though I dreaded facing Father with my embarrassing sins.

I felt this push from the Holy Spirit, and I couldn’t stop. I poured out my past amidst tears and tissues.

Father counselled me, and then

In the days ahead, I became aware that

18 | 2016 Jan -Feb

he stood up, laid hands on me and prayed over me. He told me that in the name of Jesus, my sins were forgiven. I felt numb as I left his office.

In the days ahead, I became aware that a change was happening.

Every time I would begin to think about the past, my thoughts immediately would turn to something else. Later, I would realize that I had not spent any time thinking about my guilt or my sins.

Thoughts and feelings that I couldn’t seem to control before were being cleansed completely from my mind. My past was being lifted once and for all!

Originally published in ‘101 Stories of the Power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation’ by Patricia Proctor. Reprinted with permission.

Patricia is a former member of the Poor Clare Sisters, a cloistered community in Spokane, Washington.

buy the book

a change was happening.

2016 Jan -Feb | 19

Sam Guzeman’s Story The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of my favorite sacraments, and I try to go as often as I can.

But this wasn’t always the case. I am a convert, and I still remember the awkwardness of my first confession. I dreaded it for weeks, about as much as you would if you had to tell your parents you totalled their brand new car.

The worst part was, the good priest who confirmed me insisted that I confess face to face. There would be no semi-anonymous 20 | 2016 Jan -Feb

screens or soundproof rooms. I wasn’t going to get the easy way out.

Frankly, it was humiliating, and I remember staring at the floor most of the time. But after the humiliation came the best part— hearing the words of absolution.

It was incredibly powerful, and it made God’s mercy concrete and real in a new way.

As a protestant, I never really knew if I was forgiven. Had I been really sorry enough? Had I prayed long enough and hard enough? Of course, I was told just to believe and have faith that I was, but being the scrupulous sort (I still

struggle with this), I would find myself questioning my motives and my own sincerity. More often than not, I would repeat the same prayers for forgiveness over and over, just for good measure.

Then there was the guilt of keeping my sins secret from the world. I could act holy and righteous, but no one really knew who I was below the surface. I felt like a hypocrite, laden with secret sins.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation changes all that. I can’t keep my sins secret, at least not for very long. And I don’t have to doubt if I am forgiven, I can concretely hear that I am, as many times as I need to.

Cont.

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Three Reasons To Go To the Confessional Many people are embarrassed or afraid to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They avoid it as long as possible, and make excuses for not going. If that’s you, here are three reasons you should go as soon as possible.

1.

A NEW BEGINNING

No matter what you’ve done (think of the worst thing you could possibly do) you can find mercy and healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When you walk out of the confessional, you are as sin free as you will ever be. Why would you not want that gift?

Even if you haven’t committed any serious sins, going to confession is like taking a bath. While they don’t kill us spiritually, venial [or less serious] sins wound our soul and make it dirty, so to speak.

Don’t let your soul become smelly and dusty with venial sins. Go to confession.

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2.

CONCRETE FORGIVENESS Our Lord does not keep us guessing about whether or not we are forgiven.

When the priest utters the words of absolution, your soul is instantly and completely healed. Sacramentally, Jesus is present in the confessional in the person of the priest. If he were here on earth, wouldn’t you ask him for forgiveness? If you want to experience the Divine Mercy in a real way, this is the way to do it.

Sam Guzeman

3.

YOU RECEIVE GRACES There is a mistaken notion that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is just getting rid of our sins. But that’s not true. We not only have our sins taken away and cast into the bottom of the sea, we also receive graces from Christ that we desperately need to live a holy life. The more you go to the sacrament, the more graces you receive.

What Are You Waiting For?

People, friends, please go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While you may not always feel like it, this sacrament is a great gift. Don’t let fear, guilt, or embarrassment dissuade you.

Jesus is waiting in the confessional for you and his heart longs to grant you his mercy in abundance. What are you waiting for? Go!

About Sam Guzeman Sam is the creator and editor of The Catholic Gentleman, a blog for Catholic men. He is the Communications Director for ProLife Wisconsin and lives with his wife and two young boys in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin.

This is an extract, reprinted with permission.

read full article 2016 Jan -Feb | 23

Examination of Conscience Made Easier

Preparing for Reconciliation is a must. A simple five minutes to slow down and reflect is all you need to make this sacrament meaningful and significant. One of the most useful tools to help you prepare is an Examination of Conscience. Catholics are encouraged to examine their conscience everyday and offer a prayer of sorrow. Having an examination on hand is useful not only for your personal prayer, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation, whether you go twice a year or twice a week!

We have a variety of options suitable for all ages to choose from and they come with check boxes you can mark to help you remember if it has been a while!

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ACCORDING TO THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS Responsibilities to God: F Have I prayed every day?

F Have I prayed my morning prayers and night prayers?

F Have I prayed with my parents and family?

F Have I been moody and rebellious about praying and going to church on Sunday?

F Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I have been tempted to sin?

F Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me do what is right?

ACT OF O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good, and with your help, I will not sin again.

Amen.

Text: Copyright, Fr. Thomas Weinandy. This resource may be reproduced and distributed free of charge by permission of the author.

ACT OF My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Amen.

Responsibilities to others: F Have I been obedient and respectful to my parents?

F Have I lied or been deceitful to them or to others?

F Have I been arrogant, stubborn or rebellious?

F Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?

F Have I pouted and been moody?

F Have I been selfish toward my parents, brothers, and sisters, F teachers, or my friends and schoolmates?

F Have I gotten angry at them? Have I hit anyone?

F Have I held grudges or not forgiven others?

F Have I treated other children with respect or have I made fun of them and called them names?

F Have I used bad language?

F Have I stolen anything? Have I returned it?

F Have I performed my responsibilities, such as homework and household chores?

F Have I been helpful and affectionate toward my family?

F HaveI been kind and generous with my friends?

F Have I been properly generous with my children regarding money and physical and material well-being?

Have I been miserly? Have I been extravagant, thus spoiling them?

Responsibilities to society:

F Have I been a Christian witness to those with whom I work or associate?

Have I spoken to anyone about the Gospel and how important it is to believe in Jesus?

F Have I held resentments and anger against those with whom I work, relatives or friends? Have I forgiven them?

F Have I been unethical in my business dealings? Have I stolen or lied?

F Have I allowed the Gospel to influence my political and social opinions?

F Have I had a proper Christian concern for the poor and needy?

F Have I paid my taxes?

F Have I fostered or nurtured hatred toward my “political” enemies, either local, national or international?

F Have I been prejudiced toward others because of race, color, religion or social status?

ACCORDING TO THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS Responsibilities to God: F Have I gone to Mass on Sunday or have I rebelled and been stubborn about going to Mass?

F Did I participate in the Mass or did I daydream?

F Have I prayed every day?

F Have I read the Bible?

F Have I been rebellious toward God and his commands?

F Have I misused the name of God by swearing and cursing?

F Have I told the Father that I love him for creating me and making me his son/daughter?

F Have I thanked Jesus for becoming man, dying for my sin and rising to give me eternal life?

F Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me conquer sin and temptation and to be obedient to God’s commands?

ACT OF O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good, and with your help, I will not sin again. Amen.

Responsibilities to others & myself: F Have I been rebellious, disobedient or disrespectful to my parents/authority figures?

F Have I lied to/deceived anyone?

F Have I been arrogant/stubborn?

F Have I talked back to my parents/ authority figures?

F Have I gotten angry or held grudges and resentments? Have I refused to forgive others?

F Have I engaged in sexual fantasies? Have I looked at others lustfully?

F Have I read pornographic literature or looked at pornographic pictures, shows or movies?

F Have I masturbated?

F Have I lustfully kissed or sexually touched someone? Have I had sexual intercourse?

F Have I had an abortion or encouraged another to have one?

F Have I gossiped about others? Have I slandered anyone? Have I told lies about others? Have I mocked others?

F Have I lied or cheated? Have I stolen anything? Have I paid it back?

F Have I been selfish or spiteful toward others? Have I been jealous?

F Have I gotten drunk, or taken drugs?

F Have I participated in anything occult: ouija boards, fortune tellers, séances, channeling, astrology?

F Have I been impatient or unkind?

F When my conscience told me to do something good, did I do it or did I ignore it?

Text: Copyright, Fr. Thomas Weinandy. This resource may be reproduced and distributed free of charge by permission of the author.

Whether we’ve been to Reconciliation once in the last month or not for years, it’s helpful to have a guide to help us remember the kinds of things we need to confess.

For examinations of consciences tailored for children, young adults, adults, and couples.

VIEW IT HERE

Copyright, Fr. Thomas Weinandy. This resource may be reproduced and distributed free of charge by permission of the author

2016 Jan -Feb | 25

ARTIST: Banksy TITLE: Utilise kindness.

26 | 2016 Jan -Feb

The Way of Mercy The Way of Mercy is four simple steps to heal a relationship based on the principles of restorative justice. When we make a bad choice, say or do things that we shouldn’t, hurt someone or break the trust of another, it’s important to take ownership of our actions (or inactions), apologise for it and rebuild the relationship.

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More than “I’m sorry” Restoring relationships requires more than simply saying “I’m sorry”. This is an ‘I centred’ statement. Even when it is sincere (which is necessary), it is often not sufficient on its own to restore the relationship fully. It is only the first step on the ‘Way of Mercy’ and needs to be followed by an empathetic statement that expressed your awareness of the harm done, a promise to do it differently in the future, and then a

request for forgiveness.

Asking for forgiveness is not easy. It takes humility to do this and requires us to surrender our power to the other; we are literally ‘at their mercy’ – they can choose to grant forgiveness to withhold it. Hopefully, your sincerity will make it easier for them to accept your apology, grant forgiveness and you can begin to rebuild your relationship.

The Way of Mercy Step 1 – Sorrow: I am sorry for…

(State what you did, said or failed to do)

(Say how it harmed the other person)

Step 2 – Empathy: It was wrong because …

Step 3 – Promise: In the future I will …

(Make a commitment to do it differently) Step 4 – Mercy: Please forgive me.

(It takes humility to ask for forgiveness!)

Way of Mercy template ; 28 | 2016 Jan -Feb

Meat-

free

Fridays for mercy

Fridays are traditionally days that we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. During Lent it’s traditional to avoid eating meat (abstinence) on Fridays as a penance and in solidarity with Christ’s sacrifice.

In many countries Catholics avoid meat on all other Fridays as well.

You might like to try it, or if you already do, this give up something extra as a special focus for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

2016 Jan -Feb | 29

Ways to Celebrate the Year of Mercy Here are six ideas for you and your family to fully participate in the graces of this holy year, though they are good for every day, every year!

30 | 2016 Jan -Feb

1:

Forgive those who have hurt you.

Is anyone estranged from you because of a past conflict? Reach out to them in love this year. Tell them you forgive them and you want to start the relationship over.

2:

Cancel debts.

The Jubilee tradition includes the cancelling of debts. Do you have debts owed you that you can cancel? Maybe a friend borrowed money and is afraid to tell you he can’t pay it back. Maybe a son or daughter needed a temporary loan. Maybe a renter is behind on payments because he lost his job.

Extend mercy them by telling them they don’t have to pay part or all of what they owe.

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3: Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

4:

Jesus revealed to St Faustina his Divine Mercy – his unlimited and supernatural capacity for forgiveness. The chaplet can be prayed on rosary beads (at 3pm if possible), and is a simple mantra on Jesus’ mercy. Make this chaplet your new devotion.

VIEW IT HERE

Practice self-denial.

Work on detachment as a sign of your gratitude for the mercy of God. A simple way to do this is to refrain from eating meat on Fridays

32 | 2016 Jan -Feb

See God’s mercy in all circumstances.

5:

Try to accept everything that happens in your life, big or small, good or bad, as being covered by Divine Providence. Can you find the good in every circumstance? Can you become the good in an otherwise bad circumstance?

6:

Invite someone back to Mass.

Everyone knows a fallen away Catholic, perhaps many. Invite them to come home. Share how God’s mercy has touched your life and how you want them to experience it too.

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The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy Once we have received and become deeply aware of God’s loving mercy towards us, we’re

mercy. There are seven of each.

Think about it; how many do you already do in your daily life?

more able to generously extend God’s love to others through what the Church calls corporal (physical) and spiritual acts of

Which one or two could you try to do more of, or better, this year?

34 | 2016 Jan -Feb

Corporal

Works of Mercy

Spiritual

Works of Mercy

Feeding the hungry

Counselling the doubtful

Giving drink to the thirsty

Teaching the ignorant

Clothing the naked

Admonishing sinners

Sheltering the homeless

Comforting the afflicted

Visiting the sick

Forgiving offenses

Visiting the imprisoned

Bearing wrongs patiently

Burying the dead

Praying for the living and the dead

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36 | 2016 Jan -Feb

Did You Know?

At CathFamily we were certain that the classic Snakes and Ladders game was based on Old Testament ideas around sin and God’s mercy. The ladder reminds us of Jacob’s dream of angels on a ladder, and the snake of the Fall of Adam and Eve. It’s actually an ancient Indian game based on Hindu mythology. The game board was dominated by snakes that sent wrong-doers down to rebirth in a lower form of life. When the game was introduced to England in the late 1800s some of the written content was changed to reflect the Christian values there. The number of ladders was also increased to equal the number of snakes to illustrate that with every sin, there is an opportunity to repent and choose redemption!

2016 Jan -Feb | 37

38 | 2016 Jan -Feb

SEASONAL NOTES

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RECIPES, ACTIVITIES & PRAYER RECIPES ST VALENTINE FEB 14

St Valentine’s Day Recipes inspired by the Song of Songs Check out our Pinterest board of recipes full of the sweetness, spice, and warmth of King Solomon’s verses dedicated to spousal love.

RECIPES LENT

Panzanella Recipe One of the ways we can heighten our appreciation of the food God gives us is to avoid wastage. Here’s a Tuscan favourite for using up stale bread.

PRAYER

Ash Wednesday Prayer Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day on which Catholics traditionally resist eating between meals (fasting) and avoid eating meat (abstaining).

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REFLECTION

The Way of Mercy The Way of Mercy is a series of four simple steps to heal a relationship based on the principles of restorative justice.

CRAFT

Praise Flags Human beings praise God, not because he needs to be reminded of his goodness, but because we need the reminder of how his goodness sustains and inspires us.

PRAYER Mardi Gras

Prayer As the last day before Lent, traditionally this day is one of celebration and festivity.

The words ‘Mardi Gras’ translate as ‘Fat Tuesday’.

It was the custom on this day for Christians to eat as much fat as possible before the fasting and abstinence of Lent. In some countries, street parades and parties are also held on this day. In Australia, it is common to eat pancakes or doughnuts. Before you tuck into your sweet treats, say the Mardi Gras prayer together.

Materials: • Candle • Pancakes, doughnuts or other sweet treats.

• Streamers or Ribons (one for each person) with words like ‘Alleluia’, ‘Joy’, ‘Hope’, ‘God is Great’, ‘Praise Him!’ written on them.

[Light the candle and make the sign of the cross together] All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Leader: Today is Mardi Gras – a day to celebrate and give thanks for all the good things in our lives. We each take a streamer to express our joy and gratitude. [each person takes a streamer.]

Reader 1: We give thanks for all creation – for the beauty of the world, for sunrises and sunsets, for trees and flowers, for birds and insects, animals and fish.

All: Alleluia! Praise God! Alleluia! [wave or hold up your streamers.]

Reader 2: We give thanks for all our family and all those who we love. [name some of the people you love.]

All: Alleluia! Praise God! Alleluia! [wave or hold upyour streamers.]

Reader 3: We give thanks for our faith, for the mystery of God’s love, for Jesus who came to save us, for the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

All: Alleluia! Praise God! Alleluia! [wave or hold up your streamers] [You can add other prayers of praise and thanks if you like.]

Leader: And we give you thanks, Lord, for the food we are about to eat.

All: We praise you, we thank you, we bless you.

Leader: Let us say together the closing prayer taken from the Mass.

All: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever, Amen.

Mardi Gras ‘Mardi Gras’ translates as ‘Fat Tuesday’, also known as Shrove Tuesday. It was a day to use up all the treats before the Lenten abstinence.

Say this prayer before enjoying your traditional pancakes or sweets feast!

.org

Making the home the heart of the Church

© 2008 Authors: Byron and Francine Pirola.This handout is one of a series of information sheets designed to help families develop traditions that encourage the faith and family life. It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes. www.cathfamily.org

2016 Jan -Feb | 41

LOOK OUT FOR OUR SPECIAL PRINT EDITION!

We are making available a special limited print edition for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. CathFamily Mercy will contain a refresher guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with examinations of conscience and acts of contrition, the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayers, and more for celebrating the Year of Mercy. Like us on Facebook to keep in touch and we’ll let you know when it’s out.

For more ideas and inspiration visit www.CathFamily.org 42 | 2016 Jan -Feb