"An efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us." Catechism of the Catholic Church (1131)
"Visible form of an invisible grace." St. Augustine
"A sign and gift of God's love that changes us on the inside to be more like Jesus." Lyn Pajk during 2nd grade sacramental prep
"Thin moments when we recognize that we are standing at the intersection of heaven and earth- not a physical location, but a reality in which God's presence oozes forth, coating every aspect of our human existence with divine residue."
Joe Poprocki: LIVING THE SACRAMENTS
Though we try and try, our words can't define the mystery of how the love of God is poured out for us. We have the words in the Bible assuring us of God's infinite love, but God created us as physical beings and we are offered reassurance of this love through sacramental moments. We are a "SACRAMENTAL PEOPLE" which means we see and experience God's presence in all of creation, in small moments that catch our breaths, in times of joy and sadness, in one another. Our lives are graced and touched by God's presence and his invisible love for us becomes visible to us through water, wine, oil, bread, words, rings, hands...
A simple every day example:
The Pajk boys all live away from home now. I text them and tell them that I love them frequently and they do the same for me. However, when I see them and hug them, that love is expressed in a tangible way that the words can't fully convey. My heart is full. God does that for us through the sacraments. I used to tell the 2nd graders that every time they receive Eucharist or go to Reconciliation they should imagine God making this sign:
I think we all know that sign, American Sign Language for "I love you," and the most mysterious and awesome part is that God really does!! Maybe think about that sign as you process to Communion this weekend!
September Opportunities to Encounter the Loving Presence of God by Being and Growing Together
For details and to register please follow the links to the website
Theology by the Glass
September 14 at 7:00
Grape Beginnings
Our topic is, "What makes a house a home and how can we make Blessed Sacrament feel more like home for others?"
Laidback Book Club
Pope Francis's LAUDATO SI'
Beginning September 18
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/08/20/3-laid-back-book-club/
Praying with the Senses Nature Walk
September 15 at 10:00 and 6:00
Chippewa Nature Center
Cemetery Pilgrimage
September 22 at 6:00
Midland Cemetery
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/08/27/cemetery-pilgrimage-2/
"God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
USCCB Prayer for Labor Day
"More Than Just Some Words Upon a Page, You Love Us in a Million Ways..."
Sounds like a song about Sacraments to me!
I hope that everyone has a restful Labor Day Weekend. Thank goodness for Sabbath moments to provide opportunities for us to be more mindful of God's constant and loving presence in our lives.