February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

Point 165 Order and Hierarchy of Love in Heaven.

Order of charity is derived from nature; therefore, this order of charity will endure in heaven.

“We will maintain these differences in Heaven, both objective (lovability, goodness) and subjective (personal passion).”

Discussion: Expression of love during our spiritual journey and the continuation uniqueness of our love in heaven.

“Everyone will be the very best at one thing: being his or her unique self, a goal no one else can ever achieve.”

Points 157 thru 164    Order of charity in our lives:

Self                  Point 158 Loving Your Body               Point 160 Self Love

Spouse            Point 164 Love of Spouse Compared with Love of Self

Children          Point 163 Love of Parents Compared with Love of Children

Parents

Friends            Point 166 Loving of Enemies vs. Loving Friends

Good men more than bad men          Point 159 Loving Sinners, Hating Sin

Point 161 How to Love Enemies

Point 162 Love’s Two Dimensions

Discussion: a) reflections on love in our relationships, b) sharing thoughts on any different perspectives – new insights.

Points 167 The Secret of Joy and 168 The Fullness of Joy

“A twofold joy in God arises from charity. One, the more excellent, is proper to charity (alone), and with this joy we rejoice in the divine good considered in itself.”

“The other is the joy of charity whereby we rejoice in the divine good as participated by us.”

Discussion: The principle – that love of neighbor multiplies sorrows as well as joys.

“Yet … this perfectly full joy is not taken into man but, on the contrary, man enters into it, according to Matthew 25:21: Enter into the joy of thy Lord…”

“Each one’s joy will be full with regard to himself because his desire will be fully set at rest. Yet one’s joy will be greater than another’s on account of a fuller participation of the divine happiness.”

Discussion: a) God, is infinite and inexhaustible, while our appreciation of enjoyment is finite, b) in heaven enjoyment will be constantly new.

Points 169 Peace and 170 Virtue and Peace.

“Thus, peace is the unity (1) between ourselves and God, (2) within ourselves, and (3) between ourselves and others.”

“Love is the essential act of the will. Only love (charity) can effect these three unions.”

Discussion: a) What is peace and b) how do we attain it?

“Heavenly peace is the only thing in human life that is never boring, even in eternity, because this peace is caused by love, the true love of charity; and that love, even in this life, is the only thing that never gets boring.”

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

Evening of Recollection Schedule

The EOR schedule for the remainder of the year.  Note that in February and March the EOR is on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

 Feb. 9 (2nd Wed. because of trip to Charlotte the week before)

 March 9; April 6; May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3; Aug. 31; Oct. 5; Nov. 2; Nov. 30.

Lenten Shrine Pilgrimage—March 5

Gents,

I have reserved Saturday, March 5 for our Shrine trip this year. Details are still being worked out, but the general itinerary will be the same one you are familiar with from years past ( tour, Confessions available, Mass, private prayer/bookstore, Stations of the Cross).

Since we are dealing with ever changing District of Columbia COVID-19 regulations, we will need to decide as we get closer to the trip about lunch at The Dubliner ( I’m fully aware that is probably the reason some of you go on the trip, so I’m hopeful).

We will plan to depart by carpool again if folks are comfortable with that approach. You are of course welcome to meet us up there, people have done that in the past as well. I’m also planning to invite the Men of St. Joseph from St. Edward’s, who have joined us in the past.

Departure will be at 6:30 a.m., from the front parking lot @ St. Bridget, hoping to arrive with time to spare before the 9:00 a.m. tour. The cafeteria is currently closed, so bring your own coffee. We try to get back in time for the Vigil Mass on Saturday, but we are usually cutting it pretty close. Of course, that will depend on whether we have lunch up in DC or not and traffic conditions.

If you want to go on the pilgrimage, please email me at ckoz654@aol.com and include your mobile phone contact info. Also, let me know if you want to be a driver and, if so, how many people you can fit comfortably in your vehicle.

Have a great weekend and don’t forget the food drive this Saturday morning!

Mike K.

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

Point 165 Order and Hierarchy of Love in Heaven.

Order of charity is derived from nature; therefore, this order of charity will endure in heaven.

“We will maintain these differences in Heaven, both objective (lovability, goodness) and subjective (personal passion).”

Discussion: Expression of love during our spiritual journey and the continuation uniqueness of our love in heaven.

“Everyone will be the very best at one thing: being his or her unique self, a goal no one else can ever achieve.”

Points 157 thru 164    Order of charity in our lives:

Self                  Point 158 Loving Your Body               Point 160 Self Love

Spouse            Point 164 Love of Spouse Compared with Love of Self

Children          Point 163 Love of Parents Compared with Love of Children

Parents

Friends            Point 166 Loving of Enemies vs. Loving Friends

Good men more than bad men          Point 159 Loving Sinners, Hating Sin

Point 161 How to Love Enemies

Point 162 Love’s Two Dimensions

Discussion: a) reflections on love in our relationships, b) sharing thoughts on any different perspectives – new insights.

Points 167 The Secret of Joy and 168 The Fullness of Joy

“A twofold joy in God arises from charity. One, the more excellent, is proper to charity (alone), and with this joy we rejoice in the divine good considered in itself.”

“The other is the joy of charity whereby we rejoice in the divine good as participated by us.”

Discussion: The principle – that love of neighbor multiplies sorrows as well as joys.

“Yet … this perfectly full joy is not taken into man but, on the contrary, man enters into it, according to Matthew 25:21: Enter into the joy of thy Lord…”

“Each one’s joy will be full with regard to himself because his desire will be fully set at rest. Yet one’s joy will be greater than another’s on account of a fuller participation of the divine happiness.”

Discussion: a) God, is infinite and inexhaustible, while our appreciation of enjoyment is finite, b) in heaven enjoyment will be constantly new.

Points 169 Peace and 170 Virtue and Peace.

“Thus, peace is the unity (1) between ourselves and God, (2) within ourselves, and (3) between ourselves and others.”

“Love is the essential act of the will. Only love (charity) can effect these three unions.”

Discussion: a) What is peace and b) how do we attain it?

“Heavenly peace is the only thing in human life that is never boring, even in eternity, because this peace is caused by love, the true love of charity; and that love, even in this life, is the only thing that never gets boring.”

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

Our Next Food Drive on Saturday, January 29th is for Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Email from John M. :

Hello Friends and Parishioners,

 First, thank you for your wonderful support to make these food drives so successful each month!  

Would you please help promote the upcoming Food Drive with your parish groups, teams, and families and friends?  There are two requests:

  1. The Food Drive this month will benefit the food pantry at the CCC and is on Saturday, January 29th.

  2. We are asking parishioners as well to consider donating school supplies for children at Blackwell School. Please see the details in the flyer below.

 Ways to help:

  1. Buy food and/or gift cards to contribute at the food drive

  2. Consider donating school supplies.

  3. Send the attached PDF to your family and friends

  4. Forward this email with your message to others with the image of the flyer (below)

  5. Ask your contacts to send the flyer or image on to others

A pdf is attached and also embedded below.

Thanks for helping get the word out about the food drive and the request for school supplies for Blackwell School!  Let’s make this the biggest food drive yet!

Thank you very much

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

Point 165 Order and Hierarchy of Love in Heaven.

Order of charity is derived from nature; therefore, this order of charity will endure in heaven.

“We will maintain these differences in Heaven, both objective (lovability, goodness) and subjective (personal passion).”

Discussion: Expression of love during our spiritual journey and the continuation uniqueness of our love in heaven.

“Everyone will be the very best at one thing: being his or her unique self, a goal no one else can ever achieve.”

Points 157 thru 164    Order of charity in our lives:

Self                  Point 158 Loving Your Body               Point 160 Self Love

Spouse            Point 164 Love of Spouse Compared with Love of Self

Children          Point 163 Love of Parents Compared with Love of Children

Parents

Friends            Point 166 Loving of Enemies vs. Loving Friends

Good men more than bad men          Point 159 Loving Sinners, Hating Sin

Point 161 How to Love Enemies

Point 162 Love’s Two Dimensions

Discussion: a) reflections on love in our relationships, b) sharing thoughts on any different perspectives – new insights.

Points 167 The Secret of Joy and 168 The Fullness of Joy

“A twofold joy in God arises from charity. One, the more excellent, is proper to charity (alone), and with this joy we rejoice in the divine good considered in itself.”

“The other is the joy of charity whereby we rejoice in the divine good as participated by us.”

Discussion: The principle – that love of neighbor multiplies sorrows as well as joys.

“Yet … this perfectly full joy is not taken into man but, on the contrary, man enters into it, according to Matthew 25:21: Enter into the joy of thy Lord…”

“Each one’s joy will be full with regard to himself because his desire will be fully set at rest. Yet one’s joy will be greater than another’s on account of a fuller participation of the divine happiness.”

Discussion: a) God, is infinite and inexhaustible, while our appreciation of enjoyment is finite, b) in heaven enjoyment will be constantly new.

Points 169 Peace and 170 Virtue and Peace.

“Thus, peace is the unity (1) between ourselves and God, (2) within ourselves, and (3) between ourselves and others.”

“Love is the essential act of the will. Only love (charity) can effect these three unions.”

Discussion: a) What is peace and b) how do we attain it?

“Heavenly peace is the only thing in human life that is never boring, even in eternity, because this peace is caused by love, the true love of charity; and that love, even in this life, is the only thing that never gets boring.”

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

Point 165 Order and Hierarchy of Love in Heaven.

Order of charity is derived from nature; therefore, this order of charity will endure in heaven.

“We will maintain these differences in Heaven, both objective (lovability, goodness) and subjective (personal passion).”

Discussion: Expression of love during our spiritual journey and the continuation uniqueness of our love in heaven.

“Everyone will be the very best at one thing: being his or her unique self, a goal no one else can ever achieve.”

Points 157 thru 164    Order of charity in our lives:

Self                  Point 158 Loving Your Body               Point 160 Self Love

Spouse            Point 164 Love of Spouse Compared with Love of Self

Children          Point 163 Love of Parents Compared with Love of Children

Parents

Friends            Point 166 Loving of Enemies vs. Loving Friends

Good men more than bad men          Point 159 Loving Sinners, Hating Sin

Point 161 How to Love Enemies

Point 162 Love’s Two Dimensions

Discussion: a) reflections on love in our relationships, b) sharing thoughts on any different perspectives – new insights.

Points 167 The Secret of Joy and 168 The Fullness of Joy

“A twofold joy in God arises from charity. One, the more excellent, is proper to charity (alone), and with this joy we rejoice in the divine good considered in itself.”

“The other is the joy of charity whereby we rejoice in the divine good as participated by us.”

Discussion: The principle – that love of neighbor multiplies sorrows as well as joys.

“Yet … this perfectly full joy is not taken into man but, on the contrary, man enters into it, according to Matthew 25:21: Enter into the joy of thy Lord…”

“Each one’s joy will be full with regard to himself because his desire will be fully set at rest. Yet one’s joy will be greater than another’s on account of a fuller participation of the divine happiness.”

Discussion: a) God, is infinite and inexhaustible, while our appreciation of enjoyment is finite, b) in heaven enjoyment will be constantly new.

Points 169 Peace and 170 Virtue and Peace.

“Thus, peace is the unity (1) between ourselves and God, (2) within ourselves, and (3) between ourselves and others.”

“Love is the essential act of the will. Only love (charity) can effect these three unions.”

Discussion: a) What is peace and b) how do we attain it?

“Heavenly peace is the only thing in human life that is never boring, even in eternity, because this peace is caused by love, the true love of charity; and that love, even in this life, is the only thing that never gets boring.”

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 157 to 167 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 157 to 167 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

March for Life Update

Email from Mike:

Unfortunately, I learned earlier today that the usual Knights of Columbus bus transportation to the March for Life on January 21 has been cancelled. Accordingly, those wanting to attend the March will have to find their own way to and from DC.
Please note that we are still proceeding with our Respect Life Mass and Holy Hour, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18 @ St. Bridget Church. Again, I think it is important for our group and our families to show up for this event in support of our pro-life efforts.
Thanks for your support of our pro-life efforts.

Mike K.

February Meeting - Saturday February 5, 7:00 am

Our February Saturday meeting will be Saturday, February 5, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 157 to 167 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft..

 You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve S for volunteering to facilitate our February meeting.

Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our January meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

2022 March for Life and Respect Life Holy Hour

Email from Mike below:

Information for our Men’s Ministry and their families should be attached. Sign-up information for the March for Life on January 21 is included, as well as information regarding the Respect Life Mass and Holy Hour, which is scheduled for January 18 @ 5:00 p.m.

I hope members our group and their families can attend one or both events. Even if folks can’t travel to DC for the March, at least the Mass and Holy Hour!

Mike K.

January Meeting - Saturday January 8, 7:00 am

Our January Saturday meeting will be Saturday, January 8, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 146 to 165 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft., but also see Steve’s email below:

 I think I drew the lucky straw for next month’s meeting and discussion about the practical theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I’ve got sections 146 to 165, and the material is just terrific. We easily could be talking about any of these topics until lunchtime, but of course we only have an hour. To try to focus our attention a little bit I thought I would (arbitrarily) pick and choose some quotes on which we might focus as we go through these pages. In my mind, the quotes are so good that they crystallize a number of critical concepts of our faith which are worthy of our focus and concentrated thought. Of course, if I have missed any of your favorites, just jump in, either in reply to this note or at the meeting. 

Steve

*********************

Sec. 146 Faith and Certainty

“If our faith rests on God’s veracity, it has an absolute and eternally unshakable foundation; if it rests on our own mind, it is as secure as sand.“

Sec. 149 How Unbelief Is A Sin

“St. Thomas says that a pagan who has not heard the faith does not sin for disbelieving it. You can’t believe what you don’t know. We can also extend this to those who have heard only a false, unfair, and misleading version of the Faith (e.g., “Catholicism is superstition “ or “Christianity is the fairytale that God is Super Santa“). They are right to reject this. This is a rejection of false gods, not the true God.“

 

Sec. 151 Why Lust Is Harmful

“As C.S. Lewis says, ‘when poisons become fashionable they do not cease to kill’ “.

 

Sec. 154 Presumption

“For example, the presumption that we can by our science and technology make ourselves unlimitedly intelligent and create a Heaven on earth – this presumption naturally begets a despairing disappointment and resentment against the few physical pains that remain in our lives, and the naïve optimism of this presumption begets a pessimism when it fails to deliver. Thus the ‘Enlightenment’ begets the Existentialists’ despair.“

 

Sec. 156 The Infinity of Charity 

 “Our hearts are finite, but the very capacity to hold love and choose love can be infinitely increased, and therefore our love will be infinitely increased, forever, in Heaven.“

 

Sec. 161 How To Love Enemies 

 “Third, we can and should go beyond this and love our concrete individual enemies because we are Christians and conduits of the charity of Christ, Who did (and continues to do) exactly that, on the Cross and in the Church.“

 

You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our January meeting.

Thanks to Paul for facilitating our December meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

January Meeting - Saturday January 8, 7:00 am

Our January Saturday meeting will be Saturday, January 8, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 146 to 165 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft., but also see Steve’s email below:

 I think I drew the lucky straw for next month’s meeting and discussion about the practical theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I’ve got sections 146 to 165, and the material is just terrific. We easily could be talking about any of these topics until lunchtime, but of course we only have an hour. To try to focus our attention a little bit I thought I would (arbitrarily) pick and choose some quotes on which we might focus as we go through these pages. In my mind, the quotes are so good that they crystallize a number of critical concepts of our faith which are worthy of our focus and concentrated thought. Of course, if I have missed any of your favorites, just jump in, either in reply to this note or at the meeting. 

Steve

*********************

Sec. 146 Faith and Certainty

“If our faith rests on God’s veracity, it has an absolute and eternally unshakable foundation; if it rests on our own mind, it is as secure as sand.“

Sec. 149 How Unbelief Is A Sin

“St. Thomas says that a pagan who has not heard the faith does not sin for disbelieving it. You can’t believe what you don’t know. We can also extend this to those who have heard only a false, unfair, and misleading version of the Faith (e.g., “Catholicism is superstition “ or “Christianity is the fairytale that God is Super Santa“). They are right to reject this. This is a rejection of false gods, not the true God.“

 

Sec. 151 Why Lust Is Harmful

“As C.S. Lewis says, ‘when poisons become fashionable they do not cease to kill’ “.

 

Sec. 154 Presumption

“For example, the presumption that we can by our science and technology make ourselves unlimitedly intelligent and create a Heaven on earth – this presumption naturally begets a despairing disappointment and resentment against the few physical pains that remain in our lives, and the naïve optimism of this presumption begets a pessimism when it fails to deliver. Thus the ‘Enlightenment’ begets the Existentialists’ despair.“

 

Sec. 156 The Infinity of Charity 

 “Our hearts are finite, but the very capacity to hold love and choose love can be infinitely increased, and therefore our love will be infinitely increased, forever, in Heaven.“

 

Sec. 161 How To Love Enemies 

 “Third, we can and should go beyond this and love our concrete individual enemies because we are Christians and conduits of the charity of Christ, Who did (and continues to do) exactly that, on the Cross and in the Church.“

 

You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our January meeting.

Thanks to Paul for facilitating our December meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

January Meeting - Saturday January 8, 7:00 am

Our January Saturday meeting will be Saturday, January 8, at 7:00 am, in the parish hall (basement).

We will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM

The following will be our points for discussion: 

Chapters 146 to 165 in Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft., but also see Steve’s email below:

 I think I drew the lucky straw for next month’s meeting and discussion about the practical theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I’ve got sections 146 to 165, and the material is just terrific. We easily could be talking about any of these topics until lunchtime, but of course we only have an hour. To try to focus our attention a little bit I thought I would (arbitrarily) pick and choose some quotes on which we might focus as we go through these pages. In my mind, the quotes are so good that they crystallize a number of critical concepts of our faith which are worthy of our focus and concentrated thought. Of course, if I have missed any of your favorites, just jump in, either in reply to this note or at the meeting. 

Steve

*********************

Sec. 146 Faith and Certainty

“If our faith rests on God’s veracity, it has an absolute and eternally unshakable foundation; if it rests on our own mind, it is as secure as sand.“

Sec. 149 How Unbelief Is A Sin

“St. Thomas says that a pagan who has not heard the faith does not sin for disbelieving it. You can’t believe what you don’t know. We can also extend this to those who have heard only a false, unfair, and misleading version of the Faith (e.g., “Catholicism is superstition “ or “Christianity is the fairytale that God is Super Santa“). They are right to reject this. This is a rejection of false gods, not the true God.“

 

Sec. 151 Why Lust Is Harmful

“As C.S. Lewis says, ‘when poisons become fashionable they do not cease to kill’ “.

 

Sec. 154 Presumption

“For example, the presumption that we can by our science and technology make ourselves unlimitedly intelligent and create a Heaven on earth – this presumption naturally begets a despairing disappointment and resentment against the few physical pains that remain in our lives, and the naïve optimism of this presumption begets a pessimism when it fails to deliver. Thus the ‘Enlightenment’ begets the Existentialists’ despair.“

 

Sec. 156 The Infinity of Charity 

 “Our hearts are finite, but the very capacity to hold love and choose love can be infinitely increased, and therefore our love will be infinitely increased, forever, in Heaven.“

 

Sec. 161 How To Love Enemies 

 “Third, we can and should go beyond this and love our concrete individual enemies because we are Christians and conduits of the charity of Christ, Who did (and continues to do) exactly that, on the Cross and in the Church.“

 

You can purchase the book at:

The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/

or at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Spiritual-Direction-Aquinas/dp/1586179683/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FJGW0G4LYK2X&dchild=1&keywords=practical+theology+peter+kreeft&qid=1610326011&sprefix=practical+theology+peter+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our January meeting.

Thanks to Paul for facilitating our December meeting!

Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!

23d (!) Annual SBMMFF Christmas Party - Saturday December 11!

WHO:                       SBMMFF participants and spouses/significant others
WHAT:                      23d (!) Annual Pot-luck Christmas Party
WHERE:                   Special thanks to Bill and Julie for hosting the dinner this year at their home, 9302 Venetian Way Richmond, VA 23229
WHEN:                     Saturday, 12/11  6:00 - 9:00 pm
WHY:                        Back by popular demand!!
WHAT YOU MUST DO:   Email lshadowen@aol.com if you are coming and what dish you will bring (main dish, side dish or dessert).  Remember we're a hungry crowd!!  Please try to bring dishes that do not need to be heated.  Thanks!

If you haven’t had a chance to RSVP, no worries, just come and bring something!

Remember, please try to bring "hungry-man" portions!!

SEE YA THERE!!!!