One explanation of the Sign of Peace
One thing we do during the Mass, before we receive the Eucharist, is to turn to one another, shake hands and say “Peace”. Why do we do this? As it turns out, it is something the Church has done since the beginning, faded out, then returned after Vatican II. Read The sign of peace: The ancient roots of the greeting we make at Mass for one explanation of the Sign of Peace. … Read entire article »
A Journey Home
Tom Collins writes about his journey home to the Catholic Church. Many of the things he talks about in his article, are similar to the journeys shared by those attending our series have expressed: Grew up Catholic Attended Catholic Schools Didn’t learn anything Loved God Don’t need the Church “The Holy Spirit hit me in the head” Take a few minutes to read Tom’s entire article, My Journey Home. … Read entire article »
Making the Sacrament of Reconciliation more useful
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a difficult sacrament to receive for many Catholics. But when our “fear” of the sacrament keeps us away from it, it hurts our relationship with Jesus. It keeps us separated from God. Our sins can become habits, making it more difficult to be drawn closer to God. Randy Hain, offers the following practical actions to lessen the burden of sin, break out of harmful routines, and make the Sacrament of … Read entire article »
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Making a Good Confession
If you have ever wondered how to make a good confession, Fr. Mike Schmitz has some solid advice for you. He points out that preparing for a good confession starts when we recognize that being a “good person” in our own eyes is not enough—we are called to holiness, which is something much greater. In this video, Fr. Mike offers four powerful ways we can examine our consciences so that our experience of reconciliation moves us towards that holiness to which we are called. For more videos from Fr. Mike, visit AscensionPresents … Read entire article »
Divorce & Catholics
Rose Sweet, author of The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide, clears up some common misconceptions about divorces and annulments among Catholics. Following the cue of Pope Francis, she shares her hope for divorced Catholics to return or remain in full communion with the Church. Visit the The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide for more information about the guide. The Diocese of Rapid City provides support programs for those who dealing with Divorce. Visit the Family Life Ministries page for more information. … Read entire article »
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Connected Catholics
Connected Catholics is a group of single, widowed, separated, and divorced Catholic men and women ages 35 and up that provides a social and spiritual network of activities that offer companionship for singles. The group offers a variety of programs and experiences that enrich its members socially, educationally, and spiritually. It is the teams plan to look at events such as bible study, book club, dining out nights, movie night, bowling, hiking, game nights and other activities in the community. In addition we would support events at all the parishes such as soup suppers, Wednesday dinners, bazaars, pancake breakfasts, game nights, etc. Come with ideas of what you would be willing to participate in! Please join us for an informational meeting and potluck on Saturday, January 24 at 7pm at … Read entire article »
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What is an annulment?
As Fr. Leo, explains in his post titled What is an annulment? on the Reflections in the West River site, it is actually a term most commonly used when referring to a decree of invalidity. Read Fr. Leo’s entire article to learn more about “annulments“. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News
God Doesn’t Care What You Wear to Church…
During the final Spring 2012 session on May 15 held at Our Lady of the Black Hills, one of the attendees asked about what to wear to Mass. Today I came upon the post God Doesn’t Care What You Wear to Church… at the Word On Fire site. To summarize, God probably doesn’t care what one is wearing. But those in attendance may, causing them to be distracted and taking away from their, and the community’s, prayerfulness. So, as Rev. Ference states, we would be wise to select our Sunday dress with the community of believers in mind. May what we wear to church not be a distraction to others, but may it help our brothers and sisters worship, and worship well. … Read entire article »
Get more from the Mass
Susan pulled into the church parking lot on Sunday morning, early as usual. The children had just finished their morning Rosary. During Mass, the choir was perfectly on key and the priest’s sermon seemed tailored to Susan’s life. Each moment felt spiritually fulfilling and uplifting. When the service was over, Susan breathed a sigh of contentment. “Ah,” she said, “another perfect Mass.” It doesn’t take long to realize that this story is fiction. In the Mass … Read entire article »
Renewing the Liturgy
Starting with Advent 2011, the English speaking Catholic Church will start to use the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Many parishes will be offering a series about the changes in the Mass. For those that have attended a previous Returning Catholics series, and have not yet joined a parish, we are considering offering the series. Please watch here for more details as plans are developed. If you would like more information about the changes, please … Read entire article »