Stations of the Cross
This week, we would have been preparing for the Stations of the Cross together with our groups in our beautiful Church. Today as we wait out these days and weeks of social distancing, perhaps we meditate on Jesus' walk and feel his suffering a bit more acutely, though never as much as he suffered. He knows our pain and desires to be united with us. We desire nourishment for our faith and encouragement through the journey of suffering. We take this walk with Jesus, knowing how it fulfills His promise and offers us salvation. In Christ Alone, may we find our strength.
Here is a list of resources to practice the stations of the cross, online or perhaps outdoors (please check with the centers first to ensure they are accessible and safe to visit - keeping within a 6 ft. distance from others)
- YouTube: Stations of the Cross with Bishop Barron
Stations of the Cross with Fr. Mike Toups
Stations of the Cross for Children - St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media, PA – Fridays at 7 PM at this link: https://www.stmarymagdalen.net/live-stream
- St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville, PA – Stations with Benediction – 1:30pm every Friday during Lent at https://www.churchofsaintmary.org
- Daylesford Abbey Spirituality Center grounds
- Malvern Retreat House grounds
Community Collection Day: Saturday April 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
DO YOU WISH TO HELP OUT? CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION
The need for financial assistance for individuals and their families will grow significantly with lost wages and benefits in the weeks ahead. Many of you have reached out to offer assistance. We are also requesting Casseroles for the Blessed Sarnelli house in Kensington. All the information can be found on the Parish Website at https://saintmonicachurch.org/how-can-i-help-the-greater-community
Join Us this Saturday, NO NEED TO LEAVE YOUR CAR !
Legacy for Life Baby Drive
St. Monica's Walking With Purpose ladies are invited to support a Legacy of Life Foundation Baby Supply Drive this Lent. Legacy of Life serves the children of women who have chosen to have their babies under difficult circumstances. Bring any of the following NEW items to the display on the RECTORY PORCH :
Diapers - size NB, 4, 5, 6 and pull-ups (all sizes, boys and girls)
Rash Cream
Swaddles – 0-3 months, 3-6 months
Boys’ Clothing - sizes 18 months to 3T
Girls’ Clothing - sizes 24 months to 3T
Go and Grow Similac Toddler Formula
8 oz (tall) Baby Bottles
Check donations to "Legacy of Life Foundation” (Note St. Monica Church in the check memo).
Legacy of Life Foundation supports tow life-sustaining women's centers in Bristol and Philadelphia, PA. They provided initial services for women experiencing crisis pregnancies and continue family support for over 3 years after the birth of the baby by assisting with basic needs and "life coaching".
Additional Spiritual Resources
These are suggestions from our Small Group Leaders gathered for you all:
Formed https://formed.org/
The Catholic Faith. On Demand (requires subscription but there is also free content)
Marybeth Panaro suggests watching the movie 'Mother Teresa'. It's 3 hours long and very helpful to getting to know St. Teresa of Calcutta and her unique gifts. Once logged into Formed, select MOVIES>MOVIE NIGHT. 'Mother Teresa' is at the bottom of the first page of the movie list.Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
Carolyn Aspinall encourages us to watch Pope Francis' homilies and prayers, particularly from the past few days: a moving source of guidance, comfort and peace.Mass Online https://mass-online.org/
I think Margaret Bellew (forgive me if I have that wrong) mentioned this resource for the opportunity to engage with masses celebrated all over the world. She mentioned one (I believe from California) in which the homilist spoke of social distancing as the way many of us may have treated God in our lives and that this is a time for greater connection and return to Him.Virtual Catholic Conference https://www.virtualcatholicconference.com/?r_done=1
JoAnne McMonigle passed along this URL suggested by St. Monica's own Deb Rojas. This is a FREE online conference to take place April 3-5, sign up on line for more resources and information. This offers an opportunity for personal retreat and reflection as well as digital connection with fellow Catholics.Abiding Together Podcast https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/
Michele Manning, Terry Dougherty and Bridget Cowell suggest this podcast which comes out on Mondays. The ladies who attended silent retreat listened to 2 of the discussions on their Lenten Book study: The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Sister Miriam James Heidland who was scheduled to speak at the Flourish event, is featured along with two faithful friends and scholars who met while students at St. Francis University, Steubenville: Michelle Benzinger and Heather Khym.
Reflection:
In Christ Alone - Travis Cottrel