"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (from 1Cor 3:16)
(Didn't even have to create a question. St. Paul gives us a pretty good question already!)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Daily Question
Sundays through Fridays, a question based on the scripture readings of the day will be posted. This is meant to give just a brief thought of the day that you are invited to reflect on as you go about the day to day of life.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Annual Scout Mass
All are invited to St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River for the Annual Scout Mass. The Catholic Church has a long history of utilizing the scouting program in its ministry to youth. This is an opportunity to celebrate that relationship as we gather as a scouting family to praise God. There couldn't be a better way to kick off the programming year!!Scouting units are invited to chose a member to carry in their flag as part of the procession at the beginning of Mass. Flagbearers should be at the Cathedral (with their flag and flag stand) by 2:30PM.
All scouts, their families, adult scouters and supporters of scouting are invited to join us in this very special celebration. Contact the Catholic Scouting Office for more info. (508-737-6842 or catholiccommittee@gmail.com)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Summer Reflection: Preparing for September
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over! Soon the beaches and playgrounds will be a lost quieter during the day as the sound of school buses and school bells are heard once again. Teachers are well into their planning for the opening of school, as our parishes and organizations, like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The same is true for the us on the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Before we know it we will be in the thick of religious emblems, retreat planning, etc.
As these preparations begin to increase as we approach Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect with me why we do what we do.
The parish I live at, St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis, was the location of the funeral for Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The Kennedy family has a long history here and at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. It was amazing to see the turn out at the wake and funeral, as well as the crowds that showed up outside the church the day of the funeral.
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over! Soon the beaches and playgrounds will be a lost quieter during the day as the sound of school buses and school bells are heard once again. Teachers are well into their planning for the opening of school, as our parishes and organizations, like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The same is true for the us on the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Before we know it we will be in the thick of religious emblems, retreat planning, etc.
As these preparations begin to increase as we approach Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect with me why we do what we do.
The parish I live at, St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis, was the location of the funeral for Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The Kennedy family has a long history here and at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. It was amazing to see the turn out at the wake and funeral, as well as the crowds that showed up outside the church the day of the funeral.
Mrs. Shriver was a fascinating person who accomplished so much in her lifetime and her children have continued her work. Her Catholic Faith was very important to her and was a source of inspiration, encouragement and strength for her.
Her life of service and most importantly her faith serves as an inspiration to all of us. She believed that each person is special and has something to offer the world. She worked not only to protect the dignity and rights of others, but to ensure that they had opportunities to contribute to their community.
Scouting seeks to build up the leadership skills of our youth, to provide opportunities to learn about themselves, to take pride in who they are, and to put their gifts and talents to work to change the world. The values and skills they learn in Scouting are infused with another important principle in Scouting: Duty to God.
The Catholic Church has a long history of using scouting as part of its ministry to youth. The Catholic Committee on Scouting seeks to help scouts and adult volunteers to use the skills they are learning in building up the Kingdom of God and a just society.
Let us all draw inspiration from Eunice Shriver and above all draw strength from the same well of Faith as she did, our faith in Jesus Christ. This inspiration and strength will be needed as we follow the Lord's command to put our skills to work in changing our world.
Her life of service and most importantly her faith serves as an inspiration to all of us. She believed that each person is special and has something to offer the world. She worked not only to protect the dignity and rights of others, but to ensure that they had opportunities to contribute to their community.
Scouting seeks to build up the leadership skills of our youth, to provide opportunities to learn about themselves, to take pride in who they are, and to put their gifts and talents to work to change the world. The values and skills they learn in Scouting are infused with another important principle in Scouting: Duty to God.
The Catholic Church has a long history of using scouting as part of its ministry to youth. The Catholic Committee on Scouting seeks to help scouts and adult volunteers to use the skills they are learning in building up the Kingdom of God and a just society.
Let us all draw inspiration from Eunice Shriver and above all draw strength from the same well of Faith as she did, our faith in Jesus Christ. This inspiration and strength will be needed as we follow the Lord's command to put our skills to work in changing our world.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Ascension and Scouting
The first reading from the Ascension this past Thursday came from chapter one of the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles have just seen an incredible sight. Jesus has just gone up into the sky out of their sight. This is a pretty spectacular thing. There wasn't a helicopter or plane or glider. I think any of us would be so filled with awe at what we had just seen that we would probably be standing there for a few moments just looking up at the sky trying to comprehend what we have just seen. This trance is interupted by the two angels who in verse 11 call out to them: "why are you standing there looking up into the sky?"
In the account of the finding of the empty tomb in Luke's gospel, the angel greets the women with a similar question, "why do you seek the living among the dead?". If more of the conversation was recorded we may hear the angels use the line, "Why are you still here?". There is an urgency in the proclamation of the gospel, and this proclamation has been entrusted to all of us. We as Christians are called to make the Lord's love and presence known to all people. They are to meet the risen Christ in their interactions with us.
Scouting seeks to help youth to identify the leadership skills they possess and to build up others so that they will be responsible and productive citizens in our world. These skills are needed to build up the kingdom of God as well. These skills need to be put to use now. Scouts have the ability to bring the gospel to their peers and communities in ways that adults cannot. The Catholic Committee on Scouting attempts to assist scouts in applying what they learn in scouting to practical use in terms of faith. For this to work, scouts need to take the initiative and use the resources being made available to them. The committee does not do the work, it seeks to enable scouts to use the skills they have acquired and are learning.
In the account of the finding of the empty tomb in Luke's gospel, the angel greets the women with a similar question, "why do you seek the living among the dead?". If more of the conversation was recorded we may hear the angels use the line, "Why are you still here?". There is an urgency in the proclamation of the gospel, and this proclamation has been entrusted to all of us. We as Christians are called to make the Lord's love and presence known to all people. They are to meet the risen Christ in their interactions with us.
Scouting seeks to help youth to identify the leadership skills they possess and to build up others so that they will be responsible and productive citizens in our world. These skills are needed to build up the kingdom of God as well. These skills need to be put to use now. Scouts have the ability to bring the gospel to their peers and communities in ways that adults cannot. The Catholic Committee on Scouting attempts to assist scouts in applying what they learn in scouting to practical use in terms of faith. For this to work, scouts need to take the initiative and use the resources being made available to them. The committee does not do the work, it seeks to enable scouts to use the skills they have acquired and are learning.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chosen
Today is the feast of St. Mathias, the one chosen by the Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus. Read the account of how Mathias was chosen:
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.Then they prayed,"You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,show which one of these two you have chosento take the place in this apostolic ministryfrom which Judas turned away to go to his own place."Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)
How much things have changed! I spent five years in the seminary before I was ordained, Mathias just had to win the lottery!
While the process has changed quite a bit, the reality hasn't: Jesus has chosen us to a specific service. Each of us, whether we are called to be a priest, religious, married person, single person are needed and wanted by the Lord. He has chosen us to help build up the kingdom of God in a way that only we can.
Scouting is a way that we come to realize that we have been called and have special gifts and talents that can be put to use, not only to make the world a better place, but to make God's love known to others. That is why the Church has a long history of utilizing scouting in her overall ministry to youth and why so many dedicated people work to make religious emblems, activities and prayer opportunities available to our young scouts. It is why we also need to provide opportunities for our adult scouters to grow in faith as well.
Peace,
Fr. David
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.Then they prayed,"You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,show which one of these two you have chosento take the place in this apostolic ministryfrom which Judas turned away to go to his own place."Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)
How much things have changed! I spent five years in the seminary before I was ordained, Mathias just had to win the lottery!
While the process has changed quite a bit, the reality hasn't: Jesus has chosen us to a specific service. Each of us, whether we are called to be a priest, religious, married person, single person are needed and wanted by the Lord. He has chosen us to help build up the kingdom of God in a way that only we can.
Scouting is a way that we come to realize that we have been called and have special gifts and talents that can be put to use, not only to make the world a better place, but to make God's love known to others. That is why the Church has a long history of utilizing scouting in her overall ministry to youth and why so many dedicated people work to make religious emblems, activities and prayer opportunities available to our young scouts. It is why we also need to provide opportunities for our adult scouters to grow in faith as well.
Peace,
Fr. David
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hello Again
Greetings once again! It has been a long time since I have written, and a lot has happened. Last summer we launched our new website, www.catholicscout.com. It has taken a lot longer than expected for updates to occur, but I am told that this is being addressed. This blog will be appearing on that site as well.
Next Tuesday morning I have an early flight to Texas where I will be attending meetings of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Last December I was in Cleveland for the National Catholic Youth Ministers Conference, where the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Campfire met. December's meeting was a very enthusiastic gathering and I anticipate a successful week in Galveston.
While it appears not much has happened in terms of Catholic Scouting within our own Diocese, much has occurred in laying the foundation for the future. The changes in leadership provided an opportunity to assess and plan.
The Boy Scout Committee has been rebuilding according to the recommendations of the NCCS. The Cape Cod Council Committee has been meeting and growing and soon, we will be announcing the establishment of a Council committee in Annawon (about 2/3 of our boy scouts and Venturers are from this council!). Work is progressing with the Narragansett Council. I will be part of a meeting when I return from Galveston with members of the Cachalot membership committee with the hopes of possibly establishing three to six new units!
The Girl Scout Committee has been adjusting to the new Council structure after the new merger. We were all saddened at the loss of Mary Powers beloved husband, Bob. Please keep the Powers family in your prayers.
I have had a few meetings with the retreat team advisors. The Team is being assembled and will soon begin planning for next year's retreat. Pencil in the dates: April 30, may1, May 2, 2010.
Also, the Scout Mass will take place on October 4, 2009 at 3pM at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Unfortunately, the Bishop will not be able to attend, but will send a message to be read at the mass. Invitations will be sent out to all the Diocesan Clergy and Catholic Chartered Units. In addition, we will be inviting all our scouts in the diocese, regardless of where there unit is chartered.
Finally, There are still spots available for scouts who would like to participate in the CHristian Leadership Institute offered by the Diocese of Fall River this June. The Catholic Committee will sponsor up to four scouts. Please contact me for more information.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NCCS, but we all know that the relationship goes back even further than that. The Church has always sought to build up the kingdom of God, but teaching the faith to our children and building up the skills they need to be repsonsible disciples and leaders in the Church and Society. You have contributed greatly to a most noble effort and for this I thank you. We also all know that much work remains. Let us pray for one another as we continue this great work.
Peace,
Fr. David
Next Tuesday morning I have an early flight to Texas where I will be attending meetings of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Last December I was in Cleveland for the National Catholic Youth Ministers Conference, where the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Campfire met. December's meeting was a very enthusiastic gathering and I anticipate a successful week in Galveston.
While it appears not much has happened in terms of Catholic Scouting within our own Diocese, much has occurred in laying the foundation for the future. The changes in leadership provided an opportunity to assess and plan.
The Boy Scout Committee has been rebuilding according to the recommendations of the NCCS. The Cape Cod Council Committee has been meeting and growing and soon, we will be announcing the establishment of a Council committee in Annawon (about 2/3 of our boy scouts and Venturers are from this council!). Work is progressing with the Narragansett Council. I will be part of a meeting when I return from Galveston with members of the Cachalot membership committee with the hopes of possibly establishing three to six new units!
The Girl Scout Committee has been adjusting to the new Council structure after the new merger. We were all saddened at the loss of Mary Powers beloved husband, Bob. Please keep the Powers family in your prayers.
I have had a few meetings with the retreat team advisors. The Team is being assembled and will soon begin planning for next year's retreat. Pencil in the dates: April 30, may1, May 2, 2010.
Also, the Scout Mass will take place on October 4, 2009 at 3pM at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Unfortunately, the Bishop will not be able to attend, but will send a message to be read at the mass. Invitations will be sent out to all the Diocesan Clergy and Catholic Chartered Units. In addition, we will be inviting all our scouts in the diocese, regardless of where there unit is chartered.
Finally, There are still spots available for scouts who would like to participate in the CHristian Leadership Institute offered by the Diocese of Fall River this June. The Catholic Committee will sponsor up to four scouts. Please contact me for more information.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NCCS, but we all know that the relationship goes back even further than that. The Church has always sought to build up the kingdom of God, but teaching the faith to our children and building up the skills they need to be repsonsible disciples and leaders in the Church and Society. You have contributed greatly to a most noble effort and for this I thank you. We also all know that much work remains. Let us pray for one another as we continue this great work.
Peace,
Fr. David
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