Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Since June 28, the Catholic Church throughout the world inspired by the leadership of Benedict XVI, has been celebrating, reading, and meditating upon the life and writings of St. Paul.  Here is a figure to imitate if you want action.  Paul is a man who listened to the voice of Christ and acted upon it.  Not much of a speaker, small in stature and not too good looking, this self-styled "Apostle to the Gentiles" relied completely on his faith-filled friendship with Jesus. 

During the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday, we usually read an excerpt from one of Paul's letters.  Presently, we are listening to his letter (epistle) to the Philippians.  Evidently, the Christians of Phillipi held a special place in his heart.  Paul wanted them to treasure their own friendship with the Lord. His advice, no his exhortation, was to remember who they were or "whose" they were since they had been baptized into Christ.  His love for these people to whom he had preached the message of salvation is evident throughout.  Paul not only brought people to God, but he also felt a responsibility for them as his children before God.

Most of us, have had opportunities to sponsor others for the reception of the sacraments especially at Baptism.  In a time of joy we are honored to be considered so special. We pledge that we will foster the growth of the spiritual life of the newly baptized.  Through the years, mostly on birthdays, we remember our godchildren with cards and/or gifts.  Paul wrote letters.  He constantly called his spiritual children to remember their birthright.  He spoke about his own faith-life. He wasn't reluctant to broach the topic because he knew it was a matter of life eternal or death.

Do we have the courage to speak about our love for Jesus Christ?  Yes, the quiet witness of our lives, of our fidelity to Mass and the sacraments speaks volumes, but there is a time to articulate, to give a reason for what we believe and the why or what and how we adore, love and praise our Creator.  If Paul were doing evangelization today, I think he would e-mail his godchildren with loving reminders to be faithful to the promises we made for them at Baptism and which they renewed at Confirmation.  You can contact me at sistermarymcgarrity@comcast.net

EVANGELIZATION EVENTS

•     COMING SOON TO ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH - AN  

      EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS!

    "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 

EVANGELIZATION TEAM MEETING:

•     November 19th at 7 pm in the rectory meeting room. 

SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES: "Journey to Bethlehem"

•      Join with a group  to reflect upon the Word of God and apply it to your daily life. 

•       Meetings will be held on December 2,9,16 and 23

•       7: PM in the rectory meeting room

•      All are welcome!

  Life In Christ Seminars                                                              

             SUNDAY MORNING 10:30—11:15 IN SETON HALL

            TOPICS:

• October 5   Introduction to the Principles of Christian Moral Life

• October 19 Christian Decision Making

• November 2 Life After Death in St. Paul’s Writings

• November 16 St. Paul’s Conversion and Mission

• December 7 Mary, The Church’s Most Perfect Member

• December 21 Church Teaching on Immigration

• January 4 Belief in God

• January 18 Ecumenism— Catholics and other Christians

• February 1 The Sabbath Observance

• February 15 Strength in Family Life

• March 1 Promoting the  Culture of Life

• March 15 Fidelity in Marriage

• April 5 Acting Justly

• April 19 Truth

• May 3 Purity of Heart

• May 17 Poverty of Spirit 

  If you have any questions, contact  Sister Mary J. McGarrity, IHM (215-200-0812)