Follow Jesus’ Way

1. Follow Jesus’ Way The Pulse of L.I.F.E.

2. L.I.F.E.is… “Living in Faith Everyday” “Forming Adults to Create Households of Faith”

3. Welcome Back! March 10, 2013 4th Sunday of Lent Cycle C but Cycle A today! John 9: 1-41

4. Where L.I.F.E.has taken us most recently: January… Creeds…and our own Creeds…a challenge to understand our creedal history, our core beliefs, our willingness to stand as community stating those beliefs, & a willingness to pass on those beliefs to a catechumen…to Rebekah! February… Minor Prophets…”prophetic insight”… filled with hindsight, a look to the present, and foresight….for us!

5. This month, did you… • Have a favorite insight from a homily? • Bring items to the food cart? • Try preparing for Mass by studying the readings in advance? • Look at one of the L.I.F.E-recommended websites? • Hear something about our faith that enlightened or challenged you?

6. Biblical thoughts we pondered…as we journeyed toward and into Lent… Feb. 13…the Gospel of Matthew with miraculous deeds, alms, and ashes for US and throughout the whole world! Feb. 17…the gospel of Luke’s 40 days in the desert for Jesus mirrors for us these Lenten 40 days and our personal temptations…and our responses…as WE attempt to mirror Christ. Feb. 24…the Gospel of Luke offers the 3x3: Peter, James, and John encounter Moses, Elijah, and the “transfigured” Jesus…when might WE truly see this Christ…anew? March 3…the possibility of OUR own possible “transfigurations” can arise from the heart of a Samaritan woman’s encounter with this stranger .

7. Feast Days (Mar. 11-April 13): any favorites of yours? Mar. 17 St. Patrick Mar. 18 St. Cyril of Jerusalem Mar. 19 St. Joseph Mar. 23 St. Turibius Apr. 8 Annunciation of the Lord Apr. 11 St. Stanislaus Apr. 13 St. Martin

8. We & the world contemplate and share this season… March is…Women’s History Month and Ethics Awareness Month March 8 International Women’s Day March 10 Today is Mothering Sunday (4th Sunday of Lent) and Daylight Savings Time begins March 14 World Kidney Day March 15 Birthday of Girl Scouting and the Ides of March March 17 St. Patrick’s Day March 19 St. Joseph Day March 20 First Day of Spring/Vernal Equinox March 24 World TB Day

9. What is St. Augustine all about? Can you see these happening????.... • Fellowship and feeding! • Outreach within and beyond our borders! • Formation for all…ongoing, ongoing, ongoing!

10. L.I.F.E(Living in Faith Everyday)What was St. Augustine Parish doing to bring about the reign of God during the last month? • Our Food Pantry… feeding about 60-70 families this month. ***See the bulletin for special needs and requests!! Where can I find this?? ***Help the pantry: participate in Food Lion Community Rewards program • Collecting and posting names, and praying for those in our church family separated from usby military service or the Peace Corps in areas of conflict and unrest. • Offeringfuneral receptions for our bereaved. • Operating a seasonal children’s clothing closet.

11. and…“Healthy Bodies and Big Smiles” come weekly… Tuesdays in St. Augustine’s parking lot ….a wonderful sight when the Bon Secours CARE-A-VAN and the VDH Dental ”Smiles” vans pull in! So very many children and adults being given good care…and such a visible sign of our support of their work!!

12. …and, on Care-a-van Tuesdays!!! JAMES HOUSE is now offering, on site, their counseling services in areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse…

13. …& a great service on Mondays! Commonwealth Catholic Charities …has individual and group counseling at St. Augustine on Mondays. Contact Ms. Rodriguez Perez at 804-545-5951

14. …&…Caring for God’s Creation Improved recycling can become a reality! It’s not easy being Green! Are you & yours part of the effort already? What happens in your life every April 22nd? Does Earth Day happen?

15. What can you do?????...BEGIN! • Begin…bring your own cup to L.I.F.E.! • Begin to participate in recycling at home. • Begin to buy “green” whenever possible. • Begin to think “green” in all that you do and in all that you teach your children & grandchildren.

16. and…St. Augustine continues… • Providing food for the Men’s Shelter • Serving as mentors in local schools &reading to children at the CARE-A-VAN • Buying and utilizing fair trade coffee • Adopting a highway • Caring for the homebound and hospitalized • Providing prayer shawls for so many in need of comfort • Sponsoringchildren and the aged within CFCA Please come join others in these ministries!

17. …and in the wider community… • We continue in our role as a Red Crossdisaster shelter site. • We continue our involvement with CCHASM…assisting our own parishioners as well as our neighbors. • We continue to pray for the needs of the wider Richmond community, joining many other Christian Churches and Richmond Hill. When?

18. Small Group Study • EveryWoman: Women of all ages gather prayerfully to systematically study and share insights on worldwide efforts toward a just and peaceful world. They have continued to gather since 2010 and, this Lent are quietly delving into the saints in the life of the Church and in their own lives while still contributing to worldwide efforts on behalf of women and girls in need. • Ecumenical Men’s Bible Study: Men of St. Augustine and of St. John Episcopal meet 2x monthly on Saturday mornings (Deacon Eric has attended!...and breakfast is integral). Contact Darren Van Guilder here today to consider joining these men. • These men and women join others in on-going small adult communities sharing & pondering our weekly Scripture readings. **Tuesday a.m. group meets after daily Mass and is open to all! Would you like to be part of small groups like this? Men & women, call Eileen!

19. WINGS started back up Jan. 9! “Women in God’s Spirit” …a ministry of encouragement & enrichment for women of all ages who seek to deepen their faith and grow in their relationship with God and one another …groups will meet weekly during the school year & have 3 different seasons, focusing on three areas of spiritual growth: 1) Catholic teachings; 2) Scripture; 3) Spiritual witness talks.

20. St. Augustine Formation Events Summary… • Daytime Learning Opportunities Tuesday: Bible study after daily Mass in Room PC 1-2 Wednesday: WINGS 9:45a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Room PC 1-2 (in the Fall) Thursday: Women’s Scripture Group in individual homes Saturday: Men’s Breakfast Study Group (every other week) • Evening Learning Opportunities Tuesdays (2nd and 4th): “EveryWoman”…for every woman and about every woman! (reading/issues study group resuming the Fall in PC 1-2) Outreach activities are a part of this group’s focus!

21. Upcoming St. A’s Events **( YEAR of FAITH: Oct. 2012-Oct. 2013) *Fridays of Lent Fish Fry (and Bake) 6p.m. *Fridays of Lent Bilingual Stations of the Cross (follows above event) *Lenten Intergenerational Family Night on March 22 6p.m. *Lenten Rice Bowls in action in our homes! Mar. 16 St. Patrick Day Party 6:30p.m. Mar. 17 Welcoming & Orientation for New Parishioners (with BOX Breakfast) 10:30a.m. Mar. 19 Holy Hour 7p.m. Mar. 24 Men’s Shelter 6p.m. (Palm Sunday) Mar. 29-31 Triduum *Jan. 29- Parenting by Chesterfield County 6p.m. March 19

22. LENTEN FAMILY NIGHT Friday,March 22nd, we will welcome back an opportunity for families to experience an intergenerational catechetical session. This evening will focus on The TRIDUUM or “Three Days.”  The family night is open to all parishioners who enjoy learning together with children, youth and adults. The session will begin at 7:00pm and will include “hands-on” activities! Closing prayer will send us home  8:30pm.

23. Seniors unite in interests! “Seniors” recently brainstormed, with Deacon Al, about their common interests in gathering. They are considering exercise (chair Yoga, perhaps), trips, some social events with possibility of daytime Holy Hours and other paraliturgies. They will meet on the 4th Thursday monthly from 1:00pm-3:00pm (or following the daily mass).

24. Great Area-wide Opportunities Ongoing: Feb. 19- Lenten Lunch Series at St. Michael Catholic Church Mar. 26 11:30a.m. Lunch & 12:15p.m. speakers Feb. 13 Week- St. Paul Episcopal Church Lenten Lunch series Mar. 25 Week Lunch with varied speakers each week Newly Noted: Mar. 17 St. Mary Church St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Party

25. Website of the Month “Catholic Relief Services” CRS.org

26. AND WHERE WILL L.I.F.E. TAKE US THIS MONTH?

27. We are now in Year C/Luke’s Gospel What do we see in the gospel of LUKE? • The “historical context” was highlighted: it confirms dates of the events of the time. • Worship and Prayer were central: Jesus was at prayer before, during, and after each significant event. • A “Theology of Glory” was presented:The disciples suffer…but joyfully. • Food was prominent: Jesus revises table etiquette!

28. Father Mike and Mark Hoggard always ask of us… • Remember that the Lectionary has a specific purpose in its arrangement of readings. BUT,…this often causes readings to be heard “out of context.” • During this “Year of Luke” (Year C), we are challenged to gradually read Luke …chapter by chapter, verse by verse, immersing ourselves in its revelation of Jesus’ character & mission.

29. And…why is John back again, in the latter part of our Lenten readings? Always, for John, there is focus on the “Risen” Lord and the revelation of Christ to the people who surround Him and…most importantly for us, the revelation of Christ to all…throughout all ages. John offers us one woman and two men…and others along their ways….to guide, challenge, and inspire…us &, uniquely, our Elect! (Who are they?)

30. …and today???? In our continued journey through the Year of Faith, we welcome: Fr. Manuel Clavijo Global Fellow with Catholic Relief Services

31. Words of the Month “the invisible…or Christ in a disturbing disguise?”

32. A Warm WELCOME! To everyone newly registered in L.I.F.E. and to all guests today

33. …and, today, for whom shall we pray?

34. …and, always, prayer for those journeying toward full initiation into the Catholic Faith! • Rebekah Gugamuck Elect of God (to be received this Easter Vigil) • Allie Dicken Catechumen • Michael Allen Inquirer • 7 Catechumens/Hispanic RICA

35. An invitation… If you, or someone you know, has questions about becoming Catholic,please consider a time of thoughtful inquiry, of welcomed questions, of discerning conversation… Call Eileen Brown 275-7962, ext. 1113

36. …need Adult Confirmation? If you are a Catholic adult who has never been confirmed and would like to prepare for this sacrament of initiation, please contact: Eileen Brown at the Parish Office 275-7962, Ext. 1113 Call Eileen also if you are in need of a CATHOLIC BIBLE!

37. Where will L.I.F.E. take us inApril? We continue exploring our faith in the Year of Faith… With interesting insights into Marian Apparitions **Bring a friend to a “Slice of L.I.F.E.”

38. To Adults with Youth in L.I.F.E. • A reminder : the handout “Disciples at Home” is to be used in the coming week to be a source of good “faith-dialoguing” with your children in grades 7 through 12. • A reminder : youth/children/adults are not to be texting or using cell phones during L.I.F.E. Do have that discussion!!

39. Reminder for all in L.I.F.E. Each July: Remember to assist the staff by returning your yearly invoices for L.I.F.E. promptly!! Postcard reminders sent…children will get books after fees are paid!