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1919 North 2nd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-1735email: [email protected]: www.corpuschristibismarck.comfacebook: www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck
Parish Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Parish Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4616
Parish Office is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
For Sacramental Emergencies after office hours, please call 701-425-1483 and leave a message.
We will return your call in a timely manner.
WEEKLY LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturday (Vigil of Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Spanish Mass (3rd Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:00 p .m .Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:10 p.m.Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:10 & 5:30 p.m.Wednesday-Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m
Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 Rev. Mark Aune, Parochial Vicar . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 218)Rev. Paul Becker, Pastor Emeritus . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 203)Tracy Kraft, Parish Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 212)
PASTORAL MINISTERS Cindy Anderst, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 205)Jennifer Braun, Music Ministry . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 209)Melanie Konieczka, Faith Formation . . . 255-4600 (ext. 219)Sr. Idelle Badt, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 207)Sr. Ivo Schoch, Outreach Ministry . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 208)
DEACONS: Michael Fix, Lonnie Grabowska, Rex McDowall
PARISH SUPPORT STAFFLoretta Arntz, Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 201) Jane Bosch, Kitchen Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Niel Heinze, Maintenance Technician . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Bridget Johnson, Administrative Secretary . . . . . . 255-4600Kathy Silbernagel, Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600
MISSION STATEMENTAs disciples of Jesus, we live our faith through Word, Sacrament, and Service.
CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI
PARISH BULLETIN DEADLINE: Articles must be received by noon on Wednesdays (typed format).
PRAYER TREE: 255-4600
July 26, 2020SACRAMENTS
Reconciliation - Reconciliation will be offered weekdays from 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and from 3:00-3:30 p.m. on Saturday behind a screen or by appointment by calling the parish office at 701-255-4600. Baptism - The Baptism Preparation Program and Schedule are by arrangement. Please call the office at 255-4600 to register prior to your delivery date and the program director will return your call. Parents must be registered at Corpus Christi or have permission from their parish. Marriage - Couples planning to be married should call the parish office at 255-4600 at least 12 months in advance. Completion of required paperwork and taking the FOCCUS premarital inventory is also needed this early. There will be no FOCCUS session until further notice. Contact the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with Deacon Lonnie Grabowska. Natural Family Planning Classes are offered by the Bismarck Diocese. The methods offered are Billings Ovulation Method, Creighton Model Fertility Care System, Marquette Model and Sympto-Thermal Methods. If you have questions about NFP please contact the Diocese of Bismarck at 222-3035 or www.bismarckdiocese.com/nfp. RCIA Classes - Persons wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith may call Tracy Kraft at 255-4600.
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 26, 2020
Stewardship Thoughts: Your church and community offer many opportunities for sharing your time and talent in God's service. Vocation Views: God invites us to ask for what we need. Consider what Solomon requested - an understanding heart. What do you need as you seek to follow Jesus? (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12)
CONTRIBUTIONS (GENERAL FUND) - (2,337 households)Adult Envelopes (158) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,205.28Youth Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.00TOTAL RECEIVED (July 19). . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,205.28 1st Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,081.00 Online Giving Week 1 (June 29-July 5) . . . $ 3,677.00 Electronic Contributions (136) . . . . . . . . . . $14,223.68
2nd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,925.50 Online Giving Week 2 (July 6-12). . . . . . . . $ 2,082.00
3rd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,205.28Online Giving Week 3 (July 13-19) . . . . . . $ 1,767.00
Electronic Contributions (97) . . . . . . . . . . . $10,515.68 4th Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0
Online Giving Week 4 (July 20-26) . . . . . . . $ 0
We appreciate your generosity which is part of being faithful stewards of Corpus Christi.
Marriage Moments: Solomon asked the Lord for an "understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:9) not a long life or riches. Marriage comes with plenty of occasions to complain and be irritated. Think of one criticism you have of your beloved. Imagine how an understand-ing heart would handle that criticism.
What have you offered? In a world focused on self-esteem, it's funny how self-conscious we
still are. Look around the room the next time vol-unteers are asked for. You'll see at least two or three faces looking eager to help, but too embarrassed to offer. So their hands stay fixed in their laps and the opportunity passes. A re-reading of the miracle of the loaves and fishes might help. Two slightly smelly fish and five sun-bakes loaves were all that young boy had, yet he offered them to Jesus. All around him heads shook and laughter bubbled, what good would that mess do? But in the hands of a Master the smallest in-gredients are enough. The faith of that boy to make a humble offering should shake our hearts today. What have we been keeping from the Lord, deeming it un-worthy, too small to be of use? Offer it up today. God can and will make a miracle out of it and you.
A Summer Prayer. O God who has made this fair world and given it to all people richly to enjoy,
help me never to grow dull to all its wonder. Because so many of its glories are familiar, let me not forget how wonderful they are. Keep my eyes open to the beauty of the blue sky, to the changing pageant of the clouds, to the silver mystery of moonlight and to the majesty of silent stars. May I feel in every sunrise a daily miracle of life and light renewed and in every sunset a pledge of Your unfading light without which we cannot face the dark. So may no single day be common, but may each one bring the benediction of it's divine beauty to my soul. Amen. Weekly Mass Intentions
Monday, July 27- VKaren Wolf (12:10 p.m.)Tuesday, July 28- VKevin Mickelson (12:10 p.m.)
VLeonard Palmer (5:30 p.m.)Wednesday, July 29- VJoAnn Goldade (7:00 a.m.)
VKevin & Lib Heinert (12:10 p.m.)Thursday, July 30- VLeonard Combs (7:00 a.m.)
VJo Bucholz (12:10 p.m.)Friday, July 31- VBunny Marion (7:00 a.m.)
VRodney Hochhalter (12:10 p.m.) Saturday, Aug. 1- VLeonard Combs (4:00 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 2- Loretta Jantzer (10:45 a.m.)VAl Feist (5:30 p.m.)
1st CommunionPlease pray for the 79 children that will be
receiving the sacrament of Holy Eucharist in the
next two weeks.
We welcome you to the Altar of the Lord.
COLLECTION BASKETSAt this time, during our weekend Masses, the collection will not be taken in the customary manner
and there will be no children's collection.
We have placed baskets by the ambo and near the altar for you to place your offering in before Mass.
CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI BISMARCK, ND
Please watch our Website: www.corpuschristibismarck.com
or our Facebook PageFacebook.com/CorpusBismarck
for updates on any cancellations or postponements as this will change on a day to day basis as we receive directives from the
Diocese of Bismarck. The health and safety of our parishioners and employees is our top priority as we try to be available for the spiritual needs of our Corpus
Christi Community.
NEW LIVESTREAMING OPTIONS
We are offering 2 different options to watch our Masses: Facebook Live and YouTube.
You can go to our website at:www.corpuschristibismarck.com
1. Scroll down on the home page and watch Facebook Live. (You can watch mass live or at your convenience. You do not need a Facebook account to watch our videos.)
2. Click on the rolling slide for the YouTube Channel - this will be uploaded after the Mass is finished (This can be watched at your convenience.)
Livestreaming Schedule:WEEKDAY MASSES
Monday - Friday 12:10 p.m.
WEEKEND MASSESSaturday: 4:00 p.m.Sunday: 10:45 a.m.
CORPUS CHRISTI FAITH
FORMATION
Corpus Christi Faith Formation will resume this fall if Diocesan directives allow. There will be format changes to accommodate the social distancing guidelines and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd recommendations. Families will meet once per month in a mini-retreat format. Be sure to watch the bulletin and website for further details and registration infomation.
Bring the companionship of other women into your busy life! Enjoy this opportunity to seek and know your inner spark of divinity, to develop or enhance your self-esteem, and enhance your re-lationship skills in the company of other women. Take a few hours each week to understand how you can grow spiritually. There will be a $40 charge for materials. You can register and pay online by clicking on the rolling slide or downloading a form under the Formation and Education tab at www.corpuschristibismarck.com. You can also stop by the parish office to register and pay. Registration must be completed before August 17th. For ques-tions, contact Brenda Zastoupil at [email protected]. or 701-214-3735.
“Grace Within” Tuesday Evenings,
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.August 18th - October 13th in the
Youth Room (Room140)
Parenting Pointers: The 4th Sunday in July is Parent's Day. No parent is perfect but I bet you keep trying to be a good parent. Ask your child what they think is the hardest part of being a parent? Maybe they could draw a cartoon showing you in typical parent mode. (www.Su-sanVogt.net)
The Holy Father Speaks...In the parable of the good seed and the weeds, Jesus makes us know the patience of God, opening our hearts to hope. In the parable, weeds sown by an enemy grow up among the wheat in a man's field. The servants ask if they should pull up the weeds, but the master says to wait, because if they do, they would risk also pulling out the wheat. The master tells the servants "we must wait for the moment of the harvest: only then will they be separated and the weeds will be burned." The good seed and the weeds represent not the good and the bad in the abstract, but we human beings, who can follow God or the devil. God, like the owner of the field, plants only good seeds. And He acts openly, in the light of the sun. Instead the enemy, who represents the devil, takes advantage of the darkness of the night and works out of envy, out of hostility, to ruin everything. His intent is to hinder the work of salvation, to ensure that the Kingdom of God is hindered by unfair operators, scandal sowers. Some people, like the servants in the parable, want to quickly eliminate evil and wicked people from the world. But the master is wiser and has a longer view and people must know how to wait, because the enduring of persecutions and hostilities is part of the Christian vocation. Evil, of course, must be rejected, but the wicked are people with whom one must use patience. This does not mean having hypocritical tolerance, but justice softened by mercy. If Jesus came to seek sinners rather than the righteous, to heal the sick even before the healthy, the action of us, His disciples, must also be addressed not to suppress the wicked, but to save them. Those who seek out the limits and defects of others do not cooperate well with God, but rather those who know how to recognize the good that grows silently in the field of the Church and of history, cultivating it until maturation. And then it will be God, and only He, to reward the good and punish the wicked.
LITURGICAL MINISTRYPlease review the revised schedule below and contact the office to let us know if you are willing and able to serve as a minister next weekend. Please note that there will be no Eucharistic Ministers or Altar Servers for the forseeable future. If you are not scheduled but would be willing to help, call
Tracy at 701-255-4600.
Guidelines When Nearing the End of Life
The Catholic Church is concerned for those who are ill and dying. The Church desires that they receive prayers and support as death draws near. You may call the Church of Corpus Christi parish office at 701-255-4600 to request the Anointing of the Sick in your home or at the hospital. You may also wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist and can request these Sacraments as well. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, reception of these three Sacraments complete the earthly pilgrimage and prepare us for our heavenly homeland.
August 1-2 August 1, 2020 August 2, 2020 August 2, 2020 August 2, 20204:00 p.m 8:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 5:30 p.m.
Hospitality 1 1 Linda Heil 1 Beverly Larson 12 2 Brian Steffl 2 Kathy Howe 23 3 Heather Steffel 3 3 4 4 Catherine Williams 4 4 5 5 Francis Williams 5
Ushers 1 1 Kenneth Heil 1 Anthony Silvernagel Jr. 1 Gene Rivinius
2 2 Mike Hilbert 2 Lonnie Zahn 2 Bev Rivinius3 3 Dave Schmitz 3 Dan Sauter 34 4 Linda Schmitz 4 Dan De Rouchey 45 5 Ron Torkelson 5 5 6 6 Virginia Torkelson 6 6
Lectors 1 Lisa Frank 1 John Saiki 1 Steve Braus 1 Todd Van Orman
2 2 2 Andrew Kraft 2
You can help us during the COVID-19 Pandemic.During this challenging time, we depend on online donations to continue our ministry. Use OnlineGiving from your computer, smartphone or tablet to set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift.
Go to: www.corpuschristibismarck.com and click on the "Online Giving Button" on the home page of the Parish Website.
With Online Giving, you have options to give to different funds (General Fund, Food Pantry, Building Maintenance).
You can set up one-time payments or recurring payments. This can be done with a credit or debit card or an automatic withdrawal from your bank account.
If you have any questions or need help setting this up, please call the office at 701-255-4600.
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Corpus Christi is in need of volunteers to help out with some of our ministries. Please call the office at 701-255-4600 if you are interested in giving of your time to serve Corpus Christi.Livestream Assistance: We are in need of camera operators who would be willing to help us livestream our Masses on weekdays or weekends. Training would be provided.
Ushers and Greeters: We are looking for volunteers to help usher and greet during the weekend Masses once a month. Schedule is flexible. Training would be provided.
Prayer Request SubmissionIf you would like our parish to join you in prayer for yourself or a loved one in a specific way, please go to corpuschristibismarck.com and click on the Prayer Request Button.
MASS TIMES (Effective August 1st)Daily Mass will be offered at 12:10 p.m. Monday - Friday
Weekend Mass ScheduleSaturday - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.(7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily Masses will be discontinued)
If you have Mass Intentions for any 7:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. Masses, please call the office to reschedule.
Sunday, Jul 26, 2020SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMETreat the children wellHappy Parents’ Day! Children are the treasure in every society.For a viable future, we have to invest deeply in their upbringing.Golden-mouthed saint John Chrysostom offered tips on child-rearing: Let the saints enter your home through the naming ofyour children. Teach your kids Bible stories. Raise them singingpsalms and hymns. Encourage in them a bold, not timid, spirit.Disciplined self-possession will benefit them all their lives. Showthem actions have consequences, now and in eternity. Finally,give more care to your children than you do for your job, home,wealth, and possessions.
TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew13:44-52 (109). “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried ina field.”
Monday, Jul 27, 2020What is the parable of your life?Jesus used a lot of parables to teach his followers—so many thathis disciples asked him why. So that the “mysteries of thekingdom of heaven are revealed to you,” he answered. Parablesoffer a relatable way to understand an abstract spiritual lesson.Most of us know what it is like to plant, cook, eat, managemoney, run a business, deal with relationship conflict. WhatChristian truths would you like your own simple life story toreveal to others? How that parable unfolds is up to you.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Matthew 13:31-35 (401). “Allthese things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.”
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2020Sow the seeds of faithBlessed Stanley Rother, a missionary and the first U.S. priest tobe declared a martyr, died this day in 1981. Not only did he loveand serve his flock of indigenous Guatemalans, he helped build amedical clinic, school, and radio station. But it was his upbringingas an Oklahoma farm boy that endeared him even more to hismodest agricultural community—a priest who preached but alsoplowed their fields. As a farmer, he understood the parables ofJesus more than most: how seeds must die, how flocks need ashepherd, how the harvest requires extra help—our help. Playyour part.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Matthew 13:36-43 (402).“The field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.”
Wednesday, Jul 29, 2020MEMORIAL OF MARTHALet Martha be an inspirationWe remember today a friend of Jesus who with her brother,Lazarus, and her sister, Mary, provided a home of friendship thatwas a place of respite for the Lord. She could prepare a meal andmanage the many details of hosting a gathering of friends. Shecould speak her mind honestly and trust that she would be heard.She recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. She was human
enough to be crabby yet faithful enough to believe that Jesus wasable to bring life out of death. Saint Martha, in these challengingdays, pray for us.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 (403); John 11:19-27 orLuke 10:38-42 (607). “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that youare the Messiah.”
Thursday, Jul 30, 2020Deliver us from evilThe United Nations has declared today “World Day AgainstTrafficking in Persons.” Church leaders have been outspoken onthis global issue that targets poor and marginalized people,robbing them of their God-given dignity. In today’s gospel Jesusenvisions the kingdom of heaven as devoid of wickedness. Todayis a good moment to oppose the wickedness of trafficking byadding your voice to the many who are committed to raisingawareness and rooting out this evil.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Matthew 13:47-53 (404). “Theangels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous.”
Friday, Jul 31, 2020MEMORIAL OF IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIESTSoldier us throughSaint Ignatius of Loyola died in 1566 of Roman fever, a type ofmalaria. During a time of pandemic, it seems appropriate to callon the aid of a saint known for his survival instincts and spiritualprowess. After all, most thought Ignatius, a Castilian soldier,would die from injuries sustained in battle at age 30, but insteadhe lived another 35 years. During his time of convalescence, heexperienced a spiritual conversion that led to the development ofhis popular Spiritual Exercises and the founding of the Jesuitorder that has as its motto “For the greater glory of God.” Whatcan you do today, following Ignatius’ example, to give God glorydespite times of confinement and uncertainty?
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Matthew 13:54-58 (405). “Aprophet is not without honor except in his native place and in hisown house.”
Saturday, Aug 01, 2020MEMORIAL OF ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCHSpeak plainlyAlphonsus was a bright and gifted youth, earning doctorates inboth civil and canon law in Naples at 16. He was so small at thetime of his graduation, he later wrote, that his doctoral robesswallowed him up, causing spectators to erupt in laughter. Butfaith was no laughing matter to the young man, who in shortorder left the legal profession and dedicated his life to the churchto serve those on the margins. This brilliant doctor of the churchbelieved in plain speech. "I have never preached a sermon whichthe poorest old woman in the congregation could notunderstand,” he said. Let your own witness be simple and direct.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24; Matthew 14:1-12 (406).“For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak allthese things for you to hear.”
Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2020 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; [email protected]. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.
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Lean on our Faith during tough times
Why do Catholics have so many titles for Mary?
Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. August 2020
Everything we say about Mary, ultimately, is about Jesus, including her “devotional” titles. Each title highlights an aspect of God’s saving plan and Mary’s role in it. Many of them have to do with her sinlessness and her motherhood. For
example, Mary is called the “Mirror of Justice,” Theotokos
(“God-bearer”), “Seat of Wisdom”, “House of Gold,” etc. Mary’s titles – like Mary – are meant to draw our focus not to Mary, but to Jesus. Mary always leads us to her Son.
Throughout the history of God’s dealings with humanity, He has continually brought good out of evil. During this unprecedented time of pandemic, we can remember this history and lean on Him. Participate in weekly worship. If public Mass is not an option for you, �nd ways to join in worship safely. Participate in Mass online and don’t miss a Sunday. Support others by setting up a prayer group or Bible study with friends through calls, chats, or online meets. Practice listening during prayer. Even though our schedules may have slowed down, our thoughts probably have not. Make mental space to listen to and hear from the Holy Spirit, and
allow Him to bring truth and consolation. Look for the ways God is working in the crisis. Our fear and anxiety can arise from worrying about what might
happen. It helps to look for the good coming out of the crisis.
Can you spot unexpected blessings? Create a safe space in your home. Create a place – a corner, a chair, a large
closet – where you spend at least 15
prayerful minutes each day. Take this time to remember that you are not alone. Be not afraid. Choosing to trust God is a decision we can each make. It comes from a determination to surrender with con�dence knowing His love is enough.
St. Alphonsus Liguori Born near Naples, Italy, St. Alphonsus left his
successful legal career for the priesthood. He founded the Redemptorists to educate the faithful. Internal problems resulted in the Order’s rejecting St. Alphonsus. Despite failing health, he was made a bishop. He lived simply and was generous with the poor. He combatted Jansenism, which imposed a burdensome, legalistic morality, and promoted a more moderate, realistic morality – one driven by love rather than guilt. He is a Doctor of the Church.
Pay God �rst It takes money to do God’s work in the world and the top funding source for the Catholic Church’s ministries is her generous people. Set aside a portion of every paycheck for charity just as you do for your rent or mortgage. Write that check �rst. Your parish needs your support now, more than ever.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
Church of Corpus Christi
August 2020 Page 2
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(Unless noted Bible quotes and references are fromthe Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible)
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The seal of Confession refers to the silence binding a priest, under severe penalties, about what he hears in Confession. “[The priest] can make no
use of knowledge that confession gives him about penitents’ lives.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1467). The penitents are not bound by the seal. The only two
“exceptions” are: If the penitent wants to discuss his previous confession to Fr. X with him, Fr. X must �rst ask the penitent’s permission. Or, if a priest needed guidance from another confessor, he must still ask the penitent’s permission and keep the penitent’s identity a secret. In truth, in the Sacrament of Confession the penitent is really addressing Jesus Christ, not the priest, who is simply the “phone line” between the two parties. The purpose of the seal is to encourage people to approach the Lord in complete con�dence and experience his mercy. While this enforced silence may seem strange and possibly problematic, the �rst priority is the salvation of souls. The rest is entrusted to God.
Aug. 10 – St. Lawrence (258). A Roman deacon to Pope St. Sixtus II, St. Lawrence presented the poor and destitute as the Church’s treasure, in answer to Rome’s demands for the church’s gold. He was martyred shortly afterwards. Aug. 15 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1950). Declared a dogma of our faith by Pope Pius XII, the Assumption celebrates Mary being taken up into Heaven body and soul at the end of her life. Note: This year, this is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation.
Aug. 25 – St. Joseph Calasanz (1648). Seeing the suffering of neglected children, this Spanish priest founded the Clerks Regular of Pious Schools, called the Piarists to educate them. He suffered opposition for his work, which he bore with patience and humility. Aug. 27 – St. Monica of Hippo (387). St. Monica is best known for converting her wayward son and pagan husband by her patience, piety, and prayers. Her son, St. Augustine, became a great saint of the Church.
Criticism can bring you down if you let it. Instead, �nding a gracious way to handle criticism can be the key to improving your life, attracting new friends, and becoming a better Christian. Stay calm. The person delivering the criticism may be having a bad day or seeking attention. Or, she may really want to help and just not be skilled in delivering criticism. Staying calm and avoiding defensiveness helps you look for the rose among the nasty thorns. Thank the commenter, no matter what is said or
how it is delivered. People who make rude comments don’t expect you to listen to them, much less be
grateful for their comments. Being appreciative is disarming. That’s how to turn a critic into a friend. Weigh the criticism. Do the comments contain something helpful you can use to become a better person? Is the person trying to help, to make things better, to keep you from repeating mistakes, to suggest positive
improvements? If not, forget it and move on without anger.
Turn con�ict into growth
This passage seems like bad news. First, Jesus predicts his own death. This must have shocked the disciples, to whom it was just revealed that their Master was the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of an epic, Roman-conquering battle plan, Jesus told them he would be executed – seemingly tragedy and defeat, not joy and triumph. Second, Peter did what we often do when God permits setbacks and suffering. He saw the Cross and wanted to �ee – and was harshly rebuked. Yet, if Jesus listened to Peter and turned aside, we would have died in our
sins, unable to get into Heaven. Instead, he chose the Cross – for us. He chose
us. Through our post-Resur-rection lens, what seemed
a devastating defeat was actually a decisive
victory against sin and death. Let’s be clear: our Father wants us to be happy, but he wants us to be happy forever, not just for today. The key is not to avoid the crosses he sends us, but to accept them trustingly, peacefully, as
Jesus did. Jesus helps us carry our crosses, with him taking the
heavier end.
Can the sealof Confession ever be broken?
Matthew 16:21-27, Our ways are not God’s ways
