Encounter

Living the SNJM Core Values Introduction

The Core Values of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are fundamental beliefs that are rooted in the heart of God and made normative in the actions of Jesus as told in the Gospels. Serving as key values of all Holy Names schools, the eight values featured in this journal shape our school life, our character, and our ways of being and relating to others, in our communities and in our world.

Like the charism of Blessed Marie Rose and the SNJMs, these core values are spiritually inspired gifts that are meant to be used for the good of others and the good of creation, in addition to one’s own personal benefit. If living the Gospel is part of our educational norm; then, living the SNJM core values shapes the distinct ways we as a Holy Names community live the Gospel.

Reinforcing this notion, Pope Francis reminds us of Jesus words: “Go into all the world! Go! Preach! Bear witness to the Gospel!” (cf. Mk 16:15) As we step out to serve locally or at a distance in communities new to us, we must ready ourselves for encounter. Pope Francis reflects:

For me this word [encounter] is very important... Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others… With our faith we must create a “culture of encounter”, a culture of friendship, a culture in

SNJM Core Values

Each value is symbolized by a flower featured in the stained glass windows of our Heritage Center.

“We are challenged by the andGospel by the needs of society to unite our efforts with those around us...”

SNJM Constitutions (13)

which we find brothers and sisters, in which we can also speak with those who think differently, as well as those who hold other beliefs or who do not have the same faith. They all have something in common with us: they are images of God, they are children of God. (Address of the Holy Father on the Vigil of Pentecost, 2013).

In our service as witnesses to the Gospel, we are both witnesses for Jesus and to the Christ we encounter in others and in all creation. Let us be mindful of the many parallels we draw between the Gospel stories and the core values alive in our daily experiences. May these fundamental principles of our faith guide and inform our Pastoral Reflection.

SEE (See, Learn, Experience)

What is happening to a group of [people, animals, or to creation] affected by the injustice you encounter?

What are the conditions like for them? Why?

What are their stories?

How are organizations with which you’re partnering addressing the situation?

JUDGE (Analyze, Ethical Reflection)

What are the causes of the issue or situation?

Are Gospel or SNJM core values being upheld or denied? How so?

What does my faith have to say about this?

What Catholic Social Teachings speak to this issue?

What would a right and just relationship with those affected by the issue look like?

ACT (Do Charity & Justice)

How can we respond to the immediate needs?

What long-term steps will result in positive change? How can I advocate for that?

Praying with the Word of God Lectio Divina

-

Lectio Divina, meaning “divine reading”, outlines a way of prayerfully taking in the Word of God, whereby we open ourselves to what God wants to say to us. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practicing Lectio Divina either individually or in groups, but Guigo’s description remains fundamental.

Read (lectio): Begin by slowly reading the scripture passage aloud. Listen for a particular word or phrase that speaks to you at this moment and sit with it for a time.

Meditate (meditatio): Read the same passage a second time, ruminating on the word or phrase that stood out previously, so that you can take from it what God wants to give you.

Pray (oratio): Read the text a third time. What is God saying to you in these words? What do you want to say to God? Set your thinking aside and let your heart speak with God.

Contemplate (contemplatio): Read the text a final time. As you do, be still and rest in God’s embrace. There you can let go not only of your own ideas and plans but even your good intentions. Listen at the deepest level of your being to God who speaks within us with a still, small voice. What gift has God given you to take away from this prayer? To what action is God inviting you? We must take the Word of God into our daily lives. Thank God for this inspiration as you conclude.

“Contemplation inspires action; action inspires contemplation. They are two aspects of a single love.”

SNJM Constitutions (58)

“Enabled by the Spirit, we, like Jesus, seek a living relationshipthewith Father.”

- SNJM Constitutions (57)

These stages of Lectio Divina are simply guidelines towards greater simplicity and listening to how the Word of God is to be revealed before the eyes of our heart. Practicing Lectio Divina with the Gospel passages in this journal will deepen your understanding of Jesus’ mission and of the spiritual roots of the SNJM core values. Contemplating these passages will inspire your action during your service experience or mission trip.

Once each day, choose a journal entry for prayer and reflection, practicing Lectio Divina as a group.

Group Lectio Divina Directions: Ask for three volunteers to read the scripture. Invite the group into prayer with a few moments of silence.

1. We listen to God’s Word for the first time. We listen for a word or phrase that God will speak to us today...

<< first reader >>

» We reflect in silence...

» We share aloud the word or phrase that spoke to our heart...

2. We listen to God’s Word for the second time.

<< second reader >>

» We reflect in silence on what God may be saying to us through the words that spoke to our heart.

» We share aloud what these words means to us.

3. We listen to God’s Word for the third time. << third reader >>

» We reflect in silence on how God may be calling us to act through the words that spoke to our heart.

» We share aloud how we feel God may be calling us to respond.

» We thank God in prayer.

4. The facilitator closes with a prayer thanking God for this encounter with the Word. Or, each participant may be invited to offer a short prayer of thanksgiving. Different emphases might be suggested after each reading: What gift does this passage lead me to ask from the Lord? What does this passage call me to do? What does this passage teach me about living our SNJM core values?

Whether praying individually or in a group, Lectio Divina is a flexible way to pray and be guided by the Holy Spirit in living the Word of God.

Sources: www.ocarm.org, www.ignatianspirituality.com www.communitiesofcalling.org - Lectio Divina Guide

Rose Project Preparation #1: Be Totally Available

Opening Prayer

Oh God, prepare my heart to carry on the work of your Son, Jesus.

Predispose my mind to see your goodness created in all things and Christ Jesus in all people. Open my hands to serve generously and freely. Reveal yourself to me in a powerful way so that I may not be afraid to obey the call of the Holy Spirit and commit to your will.

Loving God, like your daughter Mary, may I have the courage to say, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say”. Amen.

Reading

(Luke 1:26-38) The Annunciation.

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” But the LORD answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.”

To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.

- Call of Jeremiah

“My goal is for all of us to work together to build the kind of thatcommunity is welcomingopen, and hospitable - a community with doorsopen and lots of windows.”

- Sister Cara Lee Foley, SNJM

Reflection:

Mary’s open-minded and open-hearted disposition illustrated in the Gospel passage is best articulated through the Spanish word disponibilidad

Disponibilidad in English can be translated as total or radical availability. It is an availability that is grounded in readiness, preparation, a good disposition, and inner freedom. It is an availability grounded in prayer. One who possesses disponibilidad is totally available to God’s call, ready to serve freely and with joy.

Reflect

1. Think of an experience when your heart was open to God.

2. Mary expressed some uncertainty about her call when she said, “How will this be?” What uncertainties do you have as you prepare for your mission trip experience?

3. How do you see the mission trip or service project as part of God’s plan for your life?

4. What will help you prepare a good disposition in yourself for this trip?

5. In what ways do you feel ready spiritually for this trip?

Closing Prayer

The Magnificat (on next page)

Raising Awareness

Your Mission Site

Where are you going? What are you doing? Who are helping? It’s time to begin thinking about this mission experience to prepare yourself to be totally available.

Find out and share the following information…

1. Who are the people (or creations) that you will be helping?

2. What is their everyday life like?

3. What challenges do they face?

Mary’s Fiat was her “Yes” to God. Write your own Fiat prayer: to what and to whom are you saying “Yes?”

My Fiat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.

He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.

[A Lamp] is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Rose Project Preparation #2: BeandLuminous Committed

Opening Prayer

Loving God, you are always faithful to your promises. You ask nothing more from us than to be committed to following your will for our lives. Following your will for us will bring us joy and bring you glory beyond what we can imagine. Help us Lord to be committed to you, so that we can work together to make a difference in our world. Amen.

Reading 1

(Luke 8:16-18) The Parable of the Lamp. No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.

Reading 2

(Ruth 1: 8-16) The Story of Ruth.

Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law: “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her motherin-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will

- Matthew 5:14-16

“We are called not only to live gospelwhereverjustice we are but to promote justice education as best we can. Together we can dream dreams and light sparks.”

- Sister Mary Lyons, SNJM, 175th Anniversary Year

be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Reflection

Relationships are important to humanity, and God calls us to a significant level of commitment to one another. Regardless of our challenges, God places a high value on relationships. This commitment should not just be seen in our marriages and families, but also in any relationship we have with other people.

The story of Ruth reminds us that true commitment to others always has a price tag, and the price is rarely cheap. In a world of throwaway relationships, this kind of commitment needs to be modeled for the world.

-Tim Riordan

Reflect

1. Who can you be a light to during your mission experience?

2. What do you tend to hide about yourself that you want to reveal?

3. To what or to whom are you committed in your life? What sacrifices do you make in order to be committed to those things?

4. Who in your life models commitment to God and others? Describe how you see them living out this commitment?

5. How can you be committed to your mission trip?

Closing Prayer

Almighty Father, thank you for your many gifts and blessings you’ve bestowed on us to share. Shine your light upon me so that I may use them to the full and help others on their life journey. Inspire me to commit myself whole-heartedly to your people and your creation shown through my service. I ask this through your Risen Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hospitality

Being a gracious, accepting and welcoming presence for each person.

Entry 1: Welcome

SNJM Core Value: Hospitality

Opening Prayer

Christ Jesus, we pray that you help us be present to you by being present to others, especially those who are most in need. In moments when we want to feel useful, when we can’t accept that “being with” is enough—or when we’re anxious and worried about many things—help us remember there is only need of one thing: to love you as we love each other. In your name we pray. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Luke 10:38–42) Martha and Mary.

“As they continued their journey [Jesus] entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.’ The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.’”

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they are able to reach out of their comfort zones and show hospitality to those who need it most.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“In a spirit of hospitality and caring, we extend the bonds which unite us to those we serve.”

- SNJM Constitutions (53)

Flower: anthurium

Reflect & Share:

1. Do you feel more comfortable when you are doing something (like building a house) or spending time being with people (like talking or playing)? Why?

2. What do you think it means that “Mary has chosen the better part”? What might Jesus’ words mean for you?

3. Think of a situation where you were shown graciousness or acceptance. How did that feel? How might you have to show those qualities to others while on mission?

4. How can you “be with” others, or your own family members and friends? Are you open to listening and understanding what they may be experiencing right now? Can you listen with and respond from your heart (in word or deed)?

About my day...

We extend the bonds which unite us to those we serve.

- SNJM Constitutions

Full development

Entry 2: Nurture

SNJM Core Value: Full Development of the Human Person

Opening Prayer

Christ Jesus, we pray that you help us see and nurture the potential of others, especially those who have not benefited from the cultivation and respect of their gifts. Allow us to discover new strengths about ourselves and to name the strengths in others. Grace us with patience for what challenges us as we grow. In your name we pray. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Luke 13:6-9) The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. [So] cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’

He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they can discover their God-given gifts and talents and ways to use them to help improve the lives of those around them.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“The highest good which a human being can achieve is to experience the divine – to really find God in one’s daily life, to expand one’s awareness, to become entirely a full human person.”

- Sister Kathleen Ross, SNJM, 175th Anniversary Year

Cultivating and respecting the talents, abilities and potential of each person, contributing to the development of all aspects of a person’s lifE.

Flower: Magnolia

Reflect & Share:

1. What gifts do you hope to share with others during this mission week?

2. What’s one way in which you hope to grow from your service experience?

3. Describe the qualities of someone who has nurtured you.

4. Are you aware of the need to help others and celebrate the gifts God gave them and encourage them to use them? How might you do that this mission week? And in your daily life?

About my day...

We want persons like fruitful fig Trees who can say yes to justice and no to injustice and can make use of the precious gift of life, regardless of the circumstances.

- Saint OScar Romero

Service to the poor

Flower: frangipani

Entry 3: Serve

SNJM Core Value: Service to People Who are Poor or Marginalized Opening

Prayer

Provident God, we pray for the grace to join in solidarity with others in serving with a generous and open heart. Grace us with the courage to reach out to someone in the most loving manner, even when we may feel afraid. In your name we pray. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Luke 10:29-37) The Parable of the Good Samaritan. “[A scholar of the law] said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

Jesus replied, ‘A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.” Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?’

He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that their eyes are opened to see the needs of those around them and that they may see Jesus in the guise of the poor.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“We all need to help one another without counting the cost to ourselves.”

- Sister Kay Burton, SNJM

Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned or living at the fringes of society.

Reflect & Share:

1. Are you generous with your time and talents when you see someone depressed or struggling? If so, how do you go about doing this?

2. What was it like to reach out and respond to the needs of someone who is in some way poor or different from you? What went on in your mind? In your heart?

3. What do you think it means to see Jesus in the “distressing disguise of the poor”? Have you experienced this at all on your trip? If so, when?

4. In what people, places and situations have you found God today?

About my day...

The mystery of the poor is this: That they are Jesus, and what you do for them you do for Him. It is the only way we have of knowing and believing in our love.

- Dorothy Day

inEducation the

Entry 4: Believe

SNJM Core Value: education in the Faith

Opening Prayer

Loving God, help us to go out into the world to spread your good news. Help us to be witnesses of the truth through our actions. By our good works, may we give glory to you so that they may know you and love you. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Luke 9:10-17) The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand.

[Jesus] took [the apostles] and withdrew in private to a town called Bethsaida. The crowds, meanwhile, learned of this and followed him. He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of [about] fifty.”

They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they may know the power of God working through them and in them.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“Although we do not know you personally… be imitators in the education you carry on.”

- Blessed Marie Rose

faith

Creating an atmosphere which invites people to live, develop and express their faith.

Flower: Violet

Reflect & Share:

1. Are you more comfortable expressing your faith in words (like Jesus preaching) or actions (like the disciples giving out food)? How so?

2. How have members in your group contributed to an inviting atmosphere in which you can all share with one another? Are there any qualities you’d like to add that would help make everyone’s experience of community better?

3. When have you had the opportunity to help someone believe that faith is a gift from God, which should be nurtured by helping others to share their faith?

4. How has your faith grown or changed so far this week? Whose faith has inspired you?

About my day...

Whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself.

- John 14:1-2

Dedication to women & children

Entry 5: Understand

SNJM Core Value: Dedication to Women and Children

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit, gift us with compassion and understanding as we witness the suffering of others or of God’s creations. Guide us in our responses, be it through words or good deeds. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Mark 5:25-34) The Hemorrhaging Woman.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”

Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they may look out for the needs of the most vulnerable.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“Be courageous. If we work well in this life, we will have all eternity in which to rest.”

- Sister Ursule, SNJM (1848)

Seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of women and children.

Flower: Carnation

Reflect & Share:

1. When you notice an adult or a friend who is suffering or left out, do you offer to listen to them and help them? Does comforting someone in that way come naturally to you or make you uneasy?

2. What are you learning about how professionals and volunteers in social services and charitable works respond to the needs of those they serve? What do they understand about their clients that someone without the experience wouldn’t necessarily get?

3. Like Jesus, who “touched” you today? How were you able to respond?

4. What makes the needs of women and children unique? Why do you think the SNJMs prioritize their needs as a core value?

About my day...

Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

- Matthew 9:11-13

Entry 6: Mend

SNJM Core Value: Dedication to Justice

Dedication to justice

Opening Prayer

God of justice, gift us with knowledge and fortitude in the pursuit of right-relationships. May we stand with the poor and oppressed. May we participate in communities that work toward reconciliation and restoration for its people and creation. May we invest our talents in repairing structures and rebuilding systems that are more equitable and just. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Mark 3:1-6) The Man with a Withered Hand. Again, he entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.

He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, they may be able to share their experiences in a meaningful way, so that all those back home can become open to supporting Jesus’ mission.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“I believe I am called to address the system whose inequalities give rise to suffering and a lack of human dignity. I cannot solve the problem, but I can do something.”

- Sister Annamarie Therese Colapietro, SNJM, 175th Anniversary Year

Committing time, energy and resources to the pursuit of right relationships of equality, justice and solidarity.

Flower: BlackEyed Susan

Reflect & Share:

1. Jesus emphasized right-relationship rather than rules. Think of your relationships with your inner circles, communities, world, and with creation. Who needs reconciliation and healing? What needs to be mended so that people can live with dignity and creation can flourish with integrity?

2. Who have you met this week that’s shown dedication to justice?

3. What questions do you have about the situations of poverty, injustice, or brokenness you’ve glimpsed?

4. How does your faith tell you to respond to these injustices?

5. How can you help someone to be aware of injustice and what suggestion can you give in order to mend the injustice?

About my day...

You have been told what is good , and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

- Micah 6:8

Liberating action

entry 7: Forgive

SNJM Core Value: Commitment to Liberating Action

Opening Prayer

Christ Jesus, grace us with your liberating love, that we might be freed of sin and forgive the sin of the world. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Mark 2:1-12) The Healing of the Paralytic.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”

Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”

Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth,” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”

He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they may learn to find ways to free others to live life more fully.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“Solidarity among us is necessary if we want to bear fruit in the Church and in our society.”

- Sister Marcelle Reid SNJM, 175th Anniversary Year

Seeking with others the freedom needed to live life fully without oppression.

Flower: Gladiolus

Reflect & Share:

1. What suffering or oppression have you witnessed this week? What mercy have you shown?

2. Is there anyone in your group who needs your forgiveness before bringing closure to your time of service together?

3. What social sin are you now aware of this week due to complicity in social structures that oppress? Have you asked God for forgiveness?

4. Are you aware of people who are suffering from being ignored or treated unfairly in your own community? Have you taken time to listen to them and help them?

About my day...

Let us be renewed by God’s mercy... and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation, and make justice and peace flourish

- Pope Francis

Love for Jesus & Mary

entry 8: Witness

SNJM Core Value: Love for the Names of Jesus & Mary

Opening Prayer

Loving God, you gave us the gift of your son Jesus Christ and his mother Mary. Through the example of Christ, you taught us to serve humbly. In his name we serve others; in his name we go out into the world to love others. Give us the courage to be a witness for Christ, through the intercession of Mary. Amen.

Gospel Reading

(Luke 24:24-35) the appearance on the Road to Emmaus.

... As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”

Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Intercessory Prayer

Pray for all the missionaries, that they experience a renewed sense of energy and peace as they reflect on their experiences of service and witness. May they return home proclaiming the love of Jesus and share their accounts to family and friends with joy and zeal.

Closing Prayer

(Led by a student)

“Let us always be united in love and affection and may this unity be cemented in the love of Jesus and Mary.”

- Mere Veronique-du-Crucifix (1872)

Embracing as guide, inspiration and strength the persons and names of Jesus and Mary..

Flower:

Rose

Reflect & Share:

1. In what people, places and situations have you found it easy to see the face of Jesus?

2. Where might you be called to seek Jesus in your everyday life back home?

3. How did you experience God working through you this week?

4. How did you experience God working through others this week?

5. Are you open to Christ within you and to continuing to deepen your spiritual life?

6. How can you show reverence for the names of Jesus and Mary in your life?

About my day...

“The duty to take part in the life of the church impels [us] to act as witnesses of the gospel. This witness is a transmission of the faith in words and deeds [and] an act of justice that [makes truth known].”

- CCC #2472

“The purpose of mission is none other than to make [humanity] share in the communion between the father and the Son in their Spirit of love.”

- CCC#850

Rose Project Post Reflection: Be a Witness

“Seeking

the face of God

in everything, everyone, all the time, and his hand in every happening; this is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world. Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus, especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor.”

- Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Rose Project Mission Week Post Reflection: To Be a Witness is to be a person who sees and/or is changed by an event; a person who has knowledge of an account from personal observation or experience; a person who is present to God’s grace in oneself and others and God’s presence in his people and creation. To be a witness of the Gospel is to transmit the faith in words and deeds, which is an act of justice that [makes truth known] (adapted from CCC #2472). During the Rose Project Mission Week, you were a witness to Christ Jesus and the Gospel in more ways than one.

Pre-work: In bringing closure to your service and/ or mission trip:

i. Pray with the scripture passage Matthew 25:3540 and/or pray with Mary’s Way of the Cross (a variation of the Stations of the Cross). Use these meditations as a means of relating how you have been a witness for Christ and to Christ in your encounters.

ii. Recollect your encounter with others as you reflect on this litany of witnessing…

When were you a witness to?

The suffering and poverty of God’s people...

The misuse of God’s creation...

The oppression of God’s people...

God’s love and compassion for others...

God’s tender mercy expressed in one’s service to others...

God’s peace and understanding shown to others...

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

- Matthew 25:40

The faith that strengthens God’s people... The hope that encourages God’s people...

The joy that delights God’s people...

When were you a witness for?

Christ Jesus... sharing the faith, serving and responding to the others’ needs; being the presence of God’s unconditional love...

People’s human dignity and respect...

Creation’s dignity and care...

Building the Kingdom of God

The Body of Christ... in solidarity with others, in community with others, in communion with creation

iii. Review your journal entries, including the passages you prayed with and reflected on as a group, as well as the core values you strived to practice in your daily lives in community and in service. Highlight the insights and experiences that were most meaningful and impactful to you. Use the “Gathering the Graces” page at the end of your journal to summarize and collect these memories.

Writing Prompt (length determined by religion teacher): In what ways have you been a witness to the Gospel? Describe the events and encounters that have shaped your experience and changed you. To what or to whom have you been a witness? For what or for whom have you been a witness? What Gospel messages and SNJM core values came alive for you by observation or in your experience? In your account, include responses to the following questions based on your journal reflections. When submitting your final reflection, you also will turn in your journal.

a. How have the week’s Gospel passages called you to live the core values in your daily life? Give examples referring to 2-3 core values. Which core values were easier to apply? Why? Which were more challenging?

b. What did these core values look like in your behaviors and actions? How did you see these core values lived out by others?

c. In “breaking open” the scriptures in your group prayer and reflection, how were you “fed” –nurtured by the words of Christ and reflections of one another?

d. How did the Gospels and core values inform your perspective of the justice issues and/or human needs?

e. As you return to your regular routine, identify 2 core values you’d like to practice to improve living in right-relationship with God, yourself, your community, the world, and/or creation? Why did you choose these two?

f. (for juniors and seniors) What learnings from your Morality and Catholic Social Teaching classes helped you analyze and ethically judge the situations and issues you witnessed? How so?

Daily Prayers

Core Value Prayer

Ever loving God, Give us eyes to see ears to listen words to speak hands to help Fill our hearts with love especially for your poor and marginalized. Amen.

Our Invitation to Cast Fire

I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.

– Dawna Markova, Fully

Alive

Mission Prayer

God the Father, We give you thanks for all the marvels you have created. We praise you and we bless you for the inestimable grace of life that you give to us. Transform us, make us better Christians, living testimonies of your mercy and of your power. Strip us, Lord, of all roots of bitterness, of false pride and haughtiness of heart. Make us meek and humble of heart as was our Lord Jesus Christ, and never let us wound with our words or actions the dignity of any person.

Put in our hearts the ardent desire to work earnestly for those who are poor and in need. Show us the garment with which you clothed us the day we received you as Lord and savior of our lives. May we wear those garments at the service of our neighbors and this community. Use us Lord, for your work. Amen.

“I count on the help of your prayers, walking on the same path, let us help each other to surmount the difficulties that arise.”

- Blessed Marie Rose, from letter to Sister Cecile CND, March 11, 1844

Prayer for Peace & Justice

God, source of all light, we are surrounded by the darkness of the injustices experienced by your people, the poor who are hungry and who search for shelter, the sick who seek relief, and the downtrodden who seek help in their hopelessness. Surround us and fill us with your Spirit who is Light. Lead us in your way to be light to your people. Help us, [insert group name] to be salt for our community

as we share your love with those caught in the struggles of life.

We desire to be your presence to the least among us and to know your presence in them as we work through you

to bring justice and peace to this world in desperate need. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Source: Communities of Salt and Light Parish Resource Manual

Blessed Marie-Rose, Gospel Woman

Blessed is she whose poverty freed her to risk much before insurmountable obstacles, for now she is proclaimed a Gospel Woman.

Blessed is she whose gentleness was empowered by vision, for she birthed a great community as inheritance.

Blessed is she who mourned the plight of the poor and the injustices of her society, for her followers rejoice in her spirit.

Blessed is she who hungered and thirsted for the liberation of women through education, for she believed in their potential to transform family life.

Blessed is she whose solidarity with the needy was merciful and kind, for mercy was her legacy.

Blessed is she who was pure of heart, for she was able to discern God’s will for her nascent community.

Blessed is she whose sense of peace flowed from her universal love, for she inspired unity in the Congregation.

Blessed is she who suffered persecution from the Church and society, for her reward is great in heaven.

Maureen

-

Hussey, SNJM, Antoinette Janisse, SNJM

Graces from My Experience

For what are you most grateful to God out of this experience? When was God most present to you? Make a list of the graces you received from your mission experience. Then, plan to share with a family member, friend, or teacher a moment from the experience for which you are most grateful.

Creator God, every good thing comes from you. Thank you for allowing me to do your work on this earth and share my gifts with those at our mission sites. Help me to always be grateful for all the blessings in my life and to remember my experience with joy. Amen.