Stewardship

A Way of Life

Lenten Prayer Resource Packet 2010

  

The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it

in front of the altar of the Lord, your God. Dt 26:4

 Department on Stewardship and Pastoral Services Diocese of Green Bay 

Our Basket in Front of the Altar Stewardship Lenten Prayer Resource 

Table of Contents 

Our  Baskets. . . Opening Letter................................................................................................. 1

Stewardship of Prayer and Our Spiritual Lives Diocesan Retreat Opportunities ............................................................................................... 2 - 3

Groups and Movements Committed to Faith Renewal  ...................................... 4

Stewardship Resources for Reflection ................................................................................. 4 - 6

Stewardship Resources for Reflection ................................................................................. 7

Stewardship of Prayer  Resources for Households Reflection on the Sunday Gospels. ......................................................................................... 8

Table Tent Prayer . .................................................................................................................................. 9

Booklet:  Praying with St. Ignatius of Loyola ................................................................. 10 - 11

Praying in the  Style of St. Benedict ....................................................................................... 12

A Good Steward’s Lenten Fast .................................................................................................... 13

Stewardship Bulletin Fillers and Mirror Magnets ...................................................... 14 - 15

STEWARDSHIP LENTEN PRAYER RESOURCE PACKET 

Our Baskets Dear Colleagues in Christ, 

 The Church’s “intentional” time of reflection and conversion is upon us once again.  Each year in the readings of the Sunday’s of Lent, we are urged to travel more deeply  into our personal  lives and  into the mission of our parish communities. We are encouraged to consider the questions: How have our lives reflected a close relationship with Jesus? When all is said and done, what will we return to the Lord? How have we used our lives of prayer, compassionate service and generous sharing to enter into the paschal mystery and to express our Christian stewardship? 

 The  Old  Testament  Reading  of  the  First  Sunday  of  Lent  brings  to  light  this message.    In  the  Book  of Deuteronomy, the image of the priest putting the basket before the altar of the Lord is powerful and clear. In the wisdom of our Church,  the passage  is certainly appropriate as we  follow  Jesus  in  the  final days of his mission to the cross and to Easter Sunday.   

 This Lenten Prayer Resource Packet  is meant  to assist you  in encouraging people  in your parish  to  reflect upon their offerings to be placed at the altar of the Lord this Easter and  in their final hour.   What will our offering say about our relationship with Jesus?  Ideally, our basket will be lined with gratitude and will bear witness to the many times we prayed and worshiped as  individuals, families and a parish community.   Our basket should give evidence to the many opportunities we had to use our talents to serve our Church and broader communities.  Our basket should reveal a generosity and return of financial and material resources that mirrors God’s bountiful love for us. 

 One  last thought as we enter  into Catholics Come Home as the Diocese of Green Bay this Lent.     Hopefully our basket will be  filled  to  the brim with hospitality.    It  is one of  the main components  that help  to  form grateful Christian stewards in the image of Jesus.  With all this in mind, we can hope that our basket placed before the Lord this Easter and beyond, will be a one that is overflowing in Christian stewardship. 

 Many blessings.  In Christ, Mary Ann Otto Stewardship and Special Projects Director Diocese of Green Bay 

The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it in front of the altar of the Lord, your God.

Dt 26:4   

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Saturday, February 20, 10:00 am ‐ 3:00 pm:  Into the Desert and Out Again   We all experience times of feeling dry, barren, unsettled, or isolated. Together we will discover what the desert times in our life may be and how we can discover light amid times of darkness.   Facilitator: Brenda Kroinek.  Suggested Donation: $25 includes lunch.   

Saturday, February 27, 10:00 am ‐ Noon:  Menu For The Future  Be inspired, amazed, and connected with others as you learn and discuss our cultural, ecological, and economic relatedness with FOOD. A six‐session discussion course. Facilitator: Mary Failey. Cost for the Workbook is $25 + Freewill Offering.   

Saturday, February 27, 1:00 ‐ 3:00 pm:  Jam & Giggles  Make some tasty jam to spread on fresh baked biscuits. Take home your masterpiece jar!  A fun afternoon for an adult and a child 6 yrs. or older. Recipes included. Facilitators: Diane Eparvier & Joan Lindahl.  ‐ Suggested Donation: $17.50/1 adult + 1 child.   

Friday ‐ Sunday, March 5‐7:  Making a U‐turn for Young Adults & Mid‐Lifers.  Make time to see life through the rear view mirror and to listen to where your heart is leading. Suggested Donation: $110. Spiritual Direction: $50  

Saturday, March 13, 10:00 ‐ 1:00 pm:  Savory Soup Making Demo.  Experience what goes into a taste soup. Bring yourself and or a group of friends. Facilitator: Caroline Sullivan, O.P.  Suggested Donation: $15 includes tasting   

Saturday, March 20, 1:30 pm:  Spring Equinox ‐ Celebrate new dreams.   

Wednesday, March 31, 12:00 ‐ 1:30 pm &/or 5:30 ‐ 7:00 pm:  Blessed, Broken & Shared (Reflection on the Last Supper) As Jesus gathered with his disciples to share the Last Supper meal, we will gather to share a meal and reflect on how w are bread in the world – blessed, broken and shared. Facilitator: Brenda Kroinek ‐ Suggested Donation: $15   

Thursday, April 1, 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm:  A Special Prayer & Feasting Supper  Last suppers and eternal banquets. Call by March 29 ‐ Freewill Offering  

The Bridge Between Retreat Center 4471 Flaherty Lane, Denmark, WI  54208 (920) 864‐7230 

Please register at (920) 864‐7230.  Additional offerings at www.bridge‐between.org 

How Are We Stewards of Our Prayer and Spiritual Lives? DIOCESAN LENTEN RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES 

Monte Alverno Retreat Center  1000 North Ballard Road, Appleton WI  54911,  (920) 733‐8526 

 

Register on‐line at http://www.montealverno.org/form.htm  

Facilitated by Monte Alverno Staff.  Open to any Christian Adult.  Suggested Offering for Evening Program: $22.00;  Day Program: $25.00 (Includes Conference, Reconciliation Service, Eucharist and Meal) 

Lenten Recollection Sessions  

February 23   Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm March 2   Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 9   Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 16   Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm March 23   Lenten Evening of Recollection: 5:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm March 30   Lenten Day of Recollection: 9:30 am ‐ 2:30 pm  February 27 ‐ March 1:  Weekend Retreat for Men & Women Theme: "When the Going Gets Tough: Franciscan Helps for the Journey" Presented by the Monte Alverno Staff   

March 20‐22:  Married Couples Retreat Open to any couple seeking to grow spiritually in their marriage Theme:  To be decided.   

March 28:  One Day Retreat ‐ For Men and Women Theme: "When the Going Gets Tough: Franciscan Helps for the Journey" 

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Jesuit Retreat House 4800 Fahrnwald Rd, Oshkosh, WI  54902, office@jesuitretreathouse.org 

 February 18 ‐ 21   Men’s Retreat with Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ 

February 25 ‐ 28   Men’s Retreat with Fr. Robert J Dufford, SJ  

March 4 ‐ 7   Men’s Retreat with Fr. Eugene L Donahue, SJ  

March 11 ‐ 14   Men’s Retreat with Fr. Daniel S Hendrickson, SJ  

March 18‐21   Women’s Retreat with Fr. Robert Kroll, SJ  

March 25 ‐ 28   Men’s Retreat with Fr. Ronald R Bieganowski, SJ  

The Easter Triduum ‐ From Memory to Mission Fr. Lou Papes, ordained in 1988 after twenty‐four years as an educator, is currently part of the preaching ministry of Food for the Poor. Committed to the theology and ecclesiology of Vatican II, Fr. Lou's enthusiasm for the Church and its Mission in the world permeates his presentations.  

"Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth) Join Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. for a study circle on Pope Benedict the XVI's July 2009 encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate". The encyclical was written to address the current economic crisis and deals with moral aspects of economic life, poverty and development, human rights and duties, and environmental responsibility. Participants should read the entire encyclical before the first meeting; it is available at http://www.vatican.va or from area Catholic bookstores. Please confirm reservation by February 24. After you register, the study circle guide will be emailed or postal mailed to you.  Limited to 12 participants.  

February 28, March 7, 14, 28 ‐ Sundays 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm Facilitator: Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. Cost: Free will offering 

Conscience and the Moral Life Series  

Christian Parenting in a Technological Age How do Catholics sort through these questions in order to make responsible decisions? Clearly, much is ethically at stake. How we understand children, parenting and families will in large part determine how we evaluate these issues. What virtues and values ought to form and direct us as we think about these matters? What guidance can we get from Christian bioethicists and Catholic Church teaching?  

March 4 ‐ Thursday 6:30 ‐ 8:00 pm Presenter: Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza Cost: Free will offering  Lenten Series: Jesus, The Great High Priest Among Us Although Jesus never called Himself a priest, He would become for all of us the Great High Priest. Our Lenten series focuses on learning more about this man from Nazareth who suffered, died and rose again out of love for us, and what it means to be a disciple.  

February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 ‐ Saturdays 9:15 ‐ 11:15 am   

Presenters:  Feb. 20: Fr. John Bostwick, O. Praem. Jesus did not deem "equality with God" something to be grasped.  

Feb. 27: Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. Jesus is able to identify with our weaknesses and infirmities.  

March 6: Fr. Jim Baraniak, O. Praem. Jesus came to set the imprisoned free and to proclaim freedom for those held captive.  

March 13: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ John: 17‐ The priestly prayer and the priesthood of the laity.  

March 20: Msgr. Jim Feely By popular demand this final program is a repeat of Msgr. Feely's 2009 presentation of seeing Jesus through the eyes of the Good Thief.  Cost: Free will offering       

Norbertine Center for Spirituality 1016 N Broadway, De Pere, WI  54115  (920) 337‐4315 

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GROUPS AND MOVEMENTS COMMITTED TO FAITH RENEWAL   

CRHP ‐ Christ Renews His Parish P.O. Box 19100, Cleveland, OH 44119; E‐mail:  crhpfw@aol.com Diocesan Contact:  Deb Wegner‐Hohensee 1‐877‐500‐3580 x 8286  

Living Christ Retreat:  Handbook for Success in Whole Community Catechesis.  Bill Huebsch www.pastoralplanning.com  

Charismatic Renewal :  Opportunities for spiritual formation, prayer, and healing  Judy Goolsbey (920) 405‐1960, dcrc@att.net  

Cursillo:  A weekend faith renewal experience  Bobbi Hoff (920) 337‐0910, mhoff@sbcglobal.net Miguel A Gomez (920) 406‐1027, yahual@hotmail.com  or  Roberto Martinez (920) 915‐0139,  rmartinez8@live.com (Spanish speaking)  

Engaged Encounter:  A weekend of marriage preparation with faith renewal  Jerry & Linda Haske (920) 897‐2970   

Koinonia:  A weekend faith renewal experience  Marciann Hansen (920) 866‐9227 or marcianne3@aol.com  

Marriage Encounter:  A weekend marriage renewal and dialogue  Green Bay:  Dennis & Sue Amtmann (920) 544‐5166, www.gbme.org  

T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ)  A weekend faith renewal experience  Rosie Bartel (920) 272‐8288 

Lenten Selections:    

Ash Wednesday ‐ Rev. Lawrence E. Mick  Our Shifting Understanding of Lent   

Agony in the Garden ‐ Ronald Rolheiser  Understanding the Passion of Jesus   

Celebrating Lent in Your Home  Kathryn A. Schneider and Robert M. Hamma  

Conversion Being Born Again and Again and Again  Rev. James B. Dunning  

The Examen of Consciousness ‐ Phyllis Zagano  Finding God in All Things    

How Shall I Fast? ‐ Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.  Daily Meditations for Lent   

How God Invites Us to Grow ‐ Richard J. Sweeney  Six Stages of Faith Development   

How to Read the Resurrection Narratives  Raymond E. Brown, S.S.   

How to Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation Today ‐Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.   

An Invitation to Prayer ‐ Father Edward Hays  A Guide for Deepening Our Prayer Life   

In the Desert With Jesus ‐ Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M.  Biblical Themes of Lent   

Lenten Customs ‐ Rev. Lawrence E. Mick  Baptism Is the Key   

Lent: A 40‐Day Retreat ‐ Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.  Rediscovering Your Baptismal Call  

 

Lent ‐ Alfred McBride, O. Praem  A Journey Into the Inner Self   

Lent ‐ Sr Joyce Rupp, OSM  Giving Our Hearts to God   

Lent ‐ Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D. Opening the Gifts of the Holy Spirit   

Lenten Stories from John's Gospel  Baptismal Dramas of Water, Light and Life  Raymond E. Brown, S.S.   

Letting God In  Daily Meditations for Lent   

Our Holiest Week  A Practical Guide for the Holy Week Liturgies  Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.   

Pathways of Prayer ‐ Jack Wintz, O.F.M.   

The Rosary ‐ Gloria Hutchinson  A Prayer for All Seasons   

The Sacrament of Reconciliation ‐ Sandra DeGidio, O.S.M.  Celebrating God's Forgiveness   

The Ten Commandments ‐ Alfred McBride, O. Praem.  Sounds of Love From Sinai   

The Way of the Cross ‐ Jack Wintz, O.F.M.  A Lenten Devotion for Our Times   

Why Confess My Sins? ‐ Leonard Foley, O.F.M.  

Forgiveness in Our Church Today   Key to Healing  Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.  

Lenten Resources from Catholic Publishers CATHOLIC UPDATE is a practical, affordable four‐page handout for faith formation and spiritual nurturing. Mix and match titles (English and Spanish) for as little as 13 cents each! Perfect for small group sharing or individual study. You can also SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Update!  www.americancatholic.org (1‐800‐488‐0488) 

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Loyola Press 

Six Weeks with the Bible for Adults (www.loyolapress.com/six‐wweks‐with‐the‐bible‐for‐adults‐store.htm) 

 1 and 2 Thessalonians: Stand Firm in Faith  Kevin Perrotta Paul Thigpen  

1 Corinthians: Living as Christians  Kevin Perrotta  

2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness  Kevin Perrotta  

Jesus: Man of Prayer  Kevin Perrotta  

Job: A Good Man Asks Why  Kevin Perrotta 

 

Matthew 10‐20: On the Road with Jesus  Kevin Perrotta  

Matthew 26‐28: Jesus' Life‐Giving Death  Kevin Perrotta Proverbs: Wisdom for Living  Kevin Perrotta  

Psalms II: Praying with Jesus  Kevin Perrotta  

Psalms: An Invitation to Prayer  Kevin Perrotta 

Daybreaks:  Daily Reflections for LENT and EASTER Kenneth Davis, OFM Conv.   to order call 800‐325‐9521 or www.liguori.org  

Lent 2009:   Seeking God, Finding God (Meditations, Activities & Prayers) Kathleen O. Chesto  

The Path to Forgiveness (Daily Reflections, Actions, & Prayers) Rev. Paul Boudreau  

Lent for Families 2009 Breaking New Ground (Reflections, Activities, & Prayers) ‐ Peggy Weber  

Lent for Kids 2009 40 Days with the Saints (Thoughts, Activities, & Prayers) Gwen Costello   to order call 800‐321‐0411 or 

www.23rdpublications.com  

Lent 2009  Disciples on the Journey (Faith sharing booklet for small groups)   to order call 866‐590‐3688 or 

www.victoriadiocese.org  

Lent 2009:  Live the Spirit ‐ Bill Dodds   To order call 800‐321‐0411   or www.todaysparishminister.com  

Additional Lenten  Resources 

Twenty Third Publication Threshold Bible Study 

http://www.pastoralplanning.com/TBS/TBSallTitles.html  

Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion. The characters, places, and images that you will encounter in each of these topical studies will help you explore new dimensions of your faith and discover deeper insights for your spiritual life.   

TBS:  The Lamb and the Beasts   Author:  Stephen J. Binz  

TBS:  People of the Passion   Author:  Stephen J. Binz  

TBS:  Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Jesus   Author:  Stephen J. Binz 

TBS:  The Resurrection and the Life   Author:  Stephen J. Binz  

TBS:  The Tragic and Triumphant Cross    Author:  Stephen J. Binz 

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Eternal Seasons   Author:  Henri J.M. Nouwen  

Everyone’s Way of the Cross   Author:  Clarence Enzler  

A Book of Wonders   Author: Edward M. Hays   

Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton   Author:  Thomas Merton,    Jonathan Montaldo, Robert J. Toth 

Abide in Love   Author:  John Kirvan  

All Will Be Well   Author:  John Kirvan, Julian of Norwich  

Lent and Holy Week   Author:  The Merton Institute for Contemplative   Living, Jonathan Montaldo, Robert Toth    

100 Prayers for Making Faith Connections   Author:  John van Bemmel

Books from our own Bishop Robert F. Morneau 

Available at Amazon.com  

Pathways to God: Four Weeks on Faith, Hope and Charity (7 x 4) by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Jan 15, 2008)  Publisher:  New City Press  

A New Heart: Eleven Qualities of Holiness by Robert Morneau (Paperback ‐ Aug 30, 2008) Publisher:  Orbis Books  

Lent with Bishop Morneau by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Nov 5, 2008) Publisher:  Liturgical Press  

Reconciliation (Catholic Spirituality for Adults) by Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ Sep 30, 2007)   Publisher:  Orbis Books  

Spiritual Exercises for Church Leaders (Participant's Book) by Dolores R. Leckey, Paula Minaert, and Robert F. Morneau (Paperback ‐ May 30, 2003)  Publisher:  Paulist Press 

New Offerings from Ave Maria Press  www.avemariapress.com 

Resources That Encourage Generous Sharing Through Personal Budgeting  

Catholic Charities ‐ Diocese of Green Bay ‐ Budget Counseling Offers a variety of workshops to help households plan and execute healthy budgets such as:  

Mastering the Money Maze Workshops ‐ Students spend 2 1/2 hours for 3 weeks to learn how to prepare a spending plan worksheet and develop a savings.  The “Whys” of why we spend is also discussed.  Group participation and discussion are highly encouraged.  Kids and Money Workshops (through Personal Management Badge‐BSA)‐ appropriate for teenagers.  This workshop was developed around the Personal Management Badge for the Boy Scouts of America.  Students learn how to develop spending plans as well as a variety of financial issues/products. 

 

Biblical Financial Study (Ecumenical) The biblical guide to earning, spending, saving, investing, giving and getting out of debt. Crown Financial Ministries ‐ www.Crown.org  

FISC Consumer Credit Counseling (Ecumenical) Offers workshops such as Balancing Faith and Finances and Voluntary Simplicity as well as programs for teens  and young adults. www.Fisc‐cccs.org 920‐886‐1000 921 Midway Rd. Menasha, WI  

Seven Steps to Becoming Financially Free by Phil Lenahan Program offers a solid Catholic perspective on how to make the most of God’s generous gifts. Our Sunday Visitor ‐ www.osv.com 

6

Environmental Resources  

Environmental Stewardship  from the Action Institute 616‐454‐3080 or  (www.action.org)  

Ten Commandments for the Environment  Wooden Koenig‐Bricker  Pope Benedict speaks out for creation and justice (www.avemariapress.com)  

TBS:  Stewardship of the Earth Steven J. Binz (www.twentythirdpublications.com) 

Adult Resources  

What Do I Own and What Owns Me?  A Spirituality of Stewardship Daniel Conway; (www.twentythirdpublications.com)  

Catholic Stewardship:  Sharing God’s Gifts Colleen Smith (catalog.osv.com)  

The Stewardship of Life: Making the Most of All That You Have and All That You Are  Kirk Nowery  Spire Resources Inc., P.O. Box 18 0, Camarillo, CA 93011.  Phone: 1‐800‐992‐3060. Website: www.spire‐resources.com   

Stewardship‐A Partnership with God Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200.  Phone: 800‐477‐4776.  Website: www.channing‐bete.com  

Stewardship and You Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200.  Phone: 800‐477‐4776.  Website: www.channing‐bete.com   

Stewardship – A Way of Life Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373‐0200.  Phone: 800‐477‐4776.  Website: www.channing‐bete.com   

Disciple as Steward  Sharon Hueckel Sheed and Ward Publications, Orders and Customer Service, 30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 4480   

Forming Generous Hearts  Leisa Anslinger and Victoria Shepp  Twenty Third Publications, One Montauk Avenue, Suite 200 New London, CT. 06320  Website: www.23rdpublications.com   

Living Your Strengths (Catholic Edition)  Albert L. Winseman, D.Min., Donald O. Clilfton, Ph.D. and Curt Liesveld, M.Div.  Gallup Press, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 23 Floor, New York, NY 10020 

7

Children’s Resources  

The Catholic Kid’s Guide to Stewardship,  Elizabeth M. Johnson; (www.twentythirdpublications.com)  

Taking Care of God’s Gifts:  Stewardship, A Way of Life (K‐2)  L. Whitfield/R Cammarata  

Taking Care of God’s Gifts:  Stewardship, A Way of Life (3‐5) L. Whitfield/R Cammarata  

Also available from http://catalog.osv.com 

Resources for Reflection with Staffs, Committees,  Small Groups or for Personal Reflection

Prayer Resources & Topics On‐line  

Catholic Relief Services www.education.crs.org  

Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association www.pncea.org  

Liturgy of the Hours www.universalis.com  

Taize Prayer taize.fr/en  

Daily Prayer Online with the Irish Jesuits www.sacredspace.ie  

Contemplative Prayer www.contemplativeoutreach.org  

Prayer with Icons catholicunderthehood.blogspot.com/2005/10/praying‐with‐icons.html  

Adoration www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/pea/a2.html  

Rosary www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0589.asp  

Labyrinth catholicunderthehood.blogspot.com/2006/08/70‐labyrinth.html  

Journaling www.journalkeeping.org  

Spiritual direction www.catholicspiritualdirection.org  

February 21 Read – Luke 4:1-13

Consider the following: In what ways are we tempted that

discourage us from becoming people of prayer, service and sharing?

What are our biggest struggles in living lives of stewardship? How can we create a place or plan in our lives

that might help to prevent these temptations?

March 7 Read – Luke 13:1-9

Consider the following: What does the story of the fig tree tell

you about God’s patience with our inability to repent for our sinfulness and lack of stewardship? When the gardener comes a second time, how

will we have been fruitful? How can Lent be a source of encouragement

for us?

March 14 Read – Luke 15:1-3, 11-12

Consider the following: Today we hear a story about a father who

is all-giving and all forgiving in the Prodigal Son. The young son felt he was

entitled to “his share” of his father’s fortune and squandered it. Do we ever feel that we are “entitled” to more than others of God’s many gifts? What small

change can we make in our lives this Lent to become less “self-centered” with God’s

many gifts?

March 21 Read – John 8:1-11

Consider the following: Jesus will encounter the woman caught in

adultery in today’s reading. His response to her was loving and forgiving. His message to those who would stone her was direct and clear. Are

there times when we want to point out the flaws of others and perhaps not our own lack

of prayer, service and generous sharing? What can we place in our basket to help us overcome

our judgmental tendencies and focus on our own need to be better stewards?

March 28 Read – Luke 19:28-40

Consider the following: Jesus will make his final entry into

Jerusalem in today’s reading. The people will cry out “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Their words are

powerful, yet their actions later on will help to send Jesus to the cross. How is

what we say different from what we do as Christian stewards? How can we better

live out our lives as people of prayer,

February 28 Read – Luke 9:28b-36

Consider the following: The voice from the cloud said: “This

is my chosen Son; listen to him.” How do we listen to Jesus in our daily lives? Who is God calling us to be?

What can we fill our offering baskets with when we “listen to him?”

As a household, reflect upon the following Sunday Gospel readings and the questions. Cut the slips apart and write your responses for each week on the back of the reading and place them in your basket.

8

Our

Bas

ket i

n F

ront

of Y

our A

ltar

Lo

ving

God

, W

e co

me

to y

ou a

s gr

atef

ul c

hild

ren

this

Len

ten

seas

on

with

the

hope

of b

eing

tran

sfor

med

and

ren

ewed

.

You

r ge

nero

sity

sho

ws

itsel

f to

us

at th

e m

omen

t of o

ur c

reat

ion.

A

s yo

u lo

ve y

our

child

ren

into

bei

ng, y

ou o

ffer

us

the

oppo

rtun

ity fo

r an

end

less

rel

atio

nshi

p

with

you

thro

ugh

pray

er a

nd w

orsh

ip.

May

our

bas

ket c

onta

in th

e m

any

inst

ance

s w

e w

ere

good

st

ewar

ds o

f our

rel

atio

nshi

p w

ith y

ou.

Y

our

Div

ine

imag

inat

ion

has

crea

ted

and

plac

ed in

us

won

derf

ul g

ifts

and

tale

nts

to b

e us

ed fo

r ou

r jo

y bu

t mor

e im

port

antly

to s

erve

eac

h ot

her,

our

Chu

rch

and

our

wor

ld.

M

ay o

ur b

aske

t hol

d th

e m

any

occa

sion

s w

e ha

ppily

ser

ved

you

and

othe

rs w

ith o

ur u

niqu

e ta

lent

s.

Y

ou h

ave

give

n ou

r w

orld

wha

t it n

eeds

for

all p

eopl

e to

thri

ve

and

enjo

y lif

e. W

e ar

e bl

esse

d w

ith fi

nanc

ial r

esou

rces

and

m

ater

ial g

oods

. Y

ou c

all u

s to

sha

re w

hat w

e ha

ve g

ener

ousl

y,

just

ly a

nd w

ithou

t hes

itatio

n.

M

ay o

ur b

aske

t hol

d th

e m

any

times

we

mir

rore

d yo

ur b

old

gene

rosi

ty in

the

shar

ing

of o

ur m

oney

and

pos

sess

ions

.

We

are

grat

eful

for

this

Len

ten

time

to b

e re

min

ded

of o

ur

resp

onsi

bilit

y to

ret

urn

to y

ou a

ll yo

u ha

ve g

iven

us.

H

elp

us to

pla

ce b

aske

ts in

fron

t of y

our

alta

r th

at r

efle

ct th

e liv

es o

f goo

d st

ewar

ds.

Am

en.

Our

Bas

ket i

n F

ront

of Y

our A

ltar

Lo

ving

God

, W

e co

me

to y

ou a

s gr

atef

ul c

hild

ren

this

Len

ten

seas

on

with

the

hope

of b

eing

tran

sfor

med

and

ren

ewed

.

You

r ge

nero

sity

sho

ws

itsel

f to

us

at th

e m

omen

t of o

ur c

reat

ion.

A

s yo

u lo

ve y

our

child

ren

into

bei

ng, y

ou o

ffer

us

the

oppo

rtun

ity fo

r an

end

less

rel

atio

nshi

p

with

you

thro

ugh

pray

er a

nd w

orsh

ip.

May

our

bas

ket c

onta

in th

e m

any

inst

ance

s w

e w

ere

good

st

ewar

ds o

f our

rel

atio

nshi

p w

ith y

ou.

Y

our

Div

ine

imag

inat

ion

has

crea

ted

and

plac

ed in

us

won

derf

ul g

ifts

and

tale

nts

to b

e us

ed fo

r ou

r jo

y bu

t mor

e im

port

antly

to s

erve

eac

h ot

her,

our

Chu

rch

and

our

wor

ld.

M

ay o

ur b

aske

t hol

d th

e m

any

occa

sion

s w

e ha

ppily

ser

ved

you

and

othe

rs w

ith o

ur u

niqu

e ta

lent

s.

Y

ou h

ave

give

n ou

r w

orld

wha

t it n

eeds

for

all p

eopl

e to

thri

ve

and

enjo

y lif

e. W

e ar

e bl

esse

d w

ith fi

nanc

ial r

esou

rces

and

m

ater

ial g

oods

. Y

ou c

all u

s to

sha

re w

hat w

e ha

ve g

ener

ousl

y,

just

ly a

nd w

ithou

t hes

itatio

n.

M

ay o

ur b

aske

t hol

d th

e m

any

times

we

mir

rore

d yo

ur b

old

gene

rosi

ty in

the

shar

ing

of o

ur m

oney

and

pos

sess

ions

.

We

are

grat

eful

for

this

Len

ten

time

to b

e re

min

ded

of o

ur

resp

onsi

bilit

y to

ret

urn

to y

ou a

ll yo

u ha

ve g

iven

us.

H

elp

us to

pla

ce b

aske

ts in

fron

t of y

our

alta

r th

at r

efle

ct th

e liv

es o

f goo

d st

ewar

ds.

A

men

.

Hou

seho

ld T

able

Ten

t Pra

yer

9

St.

Ign

atiu

s’ P

ray

er f

or G

ener

osit

y

L

ord

, tea

ch m

e to

be

gen

erou

s.

Tea

ch m

e to

ser

ve y

ou a

s y

ou d

eser

ve;

to

giv

e an

d n

ot t

o co

un

t th

e co

st,

to

fig

ht a

nd

not

to

heed

the

wou

nd

s,

to

toi

l an

d n

ot t

o se

ek f

or r

est,

to l

abor

an

d n

ot t

o as

k f

or r

ewar

d,

sa

ve t

hat

of k

now

ing

tha

t I d

o y

our

wil

l.

My Ba

sket at the

 Alta

r  

Pra

ying

with

St.

Ign

atiu

s of

Loy

ola

Clo

sing

Ref

lect

ion

Tak

e, L

ord

, an

d R

ecei

ve

Tak

e, L

ord

, an

d r

ecei

ve a

ll m

y l

iber

ty, m

y m

emor

y,

my

un

der

stan

din

g, a

nd

my

en

tire

wil

l.

All

I ha

ve a

nd

cal

l m

y o

wn

. W

hate

ver

I hav

e or

hol

d, y

ou h

ave

giv

en m

e.

I ret

urn

it

all

to y

ou a

nd

su

rren

der

it

who

lly

to

be g

ov-

ern

ed b

y y

our

wil

l.

Giv

e m

e on

ly y

our

love

an

d y

our

gra

ce

and

I am

ric

h en

oug

h an

d a

sk f

or n

othi

ng

mor

e.

St.

Ignat

ius,

fro

m t

he

end o

f th

e Spiritual

Exe

rcis

es

10

Un

der

stan

din

g S

t. Ig

nat

ius’

Way

Th

e First P

rinciple and

 Fou

ndation 

  The goal of o

ur life is to

 live with

 God

 forever. 

God

 who

 loves us, gave us life. 

Our own respon

se of love allows God

's life to

 flow

 into 

 us with

out lim

it. 

  All the things in

 this world are gifts of God

,  

presented to us so th

at we can know

 God

 more easily 

 and make a return of love more readily. 

  As a result, we appreciate and

 use all of th

ese gifts of God

  

insofar as th

ey help us develop

 as loving

 persons. 

  But if any of the

se gifts be

come the center of o

ur lives, 

 they displace God

 and

 so hind

er our growth  

 toward ou

r goal. 

  In everyday life, th

en, w

e must h

old ou

rselves in balance 

 before all of th

ese created gifts insofar as we 

  have a choice and

 are not bou

nd by some ob

ligation. 

  We shou

ld not fix ou

r de

sires on

 health

 or sickne

ss, 

 wealth

 or po

verty, success or failure, a long

 life or 

 short o

ne. 

  For everything

 has th

e po

tential of calling forth in us 

 a de

eper re

spon

se to

 our life in

 God

.   Our only de

sire and

 our one

 cho

ice shou

ld be this: 

 I w

ant a

nd I choo

se what b

etter 

 leads to th

e de

epen

ing of God

's life in

 me. 

  St. Ignatius, from

 the be

ginn

ing of th

e Spiritual Exercises 

Praying the Jesuit Exam

ination of Con

science 

 1. Tha

nksgiving 

Lord, I re

alize that all, even myself, is a gift from

 you. 

 Tod

ay, for what things am

 I most g

rateful? 

2. Inten

tion

 Lord, open my eyes and

 ears to be more ho

nest  

 with

 myself. 

 Tod

ay, w

hat d

o I really wan

t for myself? 

3. Examination 

Lord, sho

w m

e wha

t has been ha

ppening to m

e an

d in m

e this day. 

 Tod

ay, in what w

ays have I expe

rien

ced 

 you

r love? 

4. Con

trition 

Lord, I am still learning to grow in you

r love. 

 ‐Today, what cho

ices have be

en inadeq

uate 

 respo

nses to

 you

r love? 

5. Hop

e Lord, let m

e look with

 long

ing toward the future. 

 Tod

ay, how

 will I let you

 lead

 me to a brighter 

 tom

orrow? 

Adapted

 from

 Throu

gh All the Days of Life, a 

collection of prayers  

compiled by Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J. 

11

My Basket at the Altar Praying in the Style of St. Benedict

Today we can be stewards of our relationship with God through prayer by using this unique style that was adopted by St. Benedict in the 6th century.  Lectio divina means divine reading and focuses on the sacred scriptures. Lectio divina = reading+meditation+contemplation+prayer    (For an indepth experience of lectio divina with weekly scripture readings, go to www.wordforliving.org and click on English.)   Here is a simple way to use prayer form by any person or group. Using the Gospel for the Sunday’s of Lent (found below): 

✙  Proclaim the scripture passage aloud. ✙  Spend some time in quiet reflection. ✙  Proclaim the passage again, aloud. ✙  Each  person  (without  explanation)  then  shares  one  word  or  phrase  that  speaks  to 

them. ✙  Proclaim the passage a third time. ✙  Spend a moment in reflection. ✙  Each  person  is  asked  to  share  a word  or  phrase  that  touched  their  heart  and  also 

invited give an explanation. ✙  Reflect quietly or aloud have a conversation with God about:   1.  What are You communicating in this passage to me about my life and what I put in 

my basket to be placed in front of the altar?   2.  Who are You calling me to be as a disciple and 

steward?   3.  How can I accomplish this call? 

  Sunday Gospel Readings for Lent 2010: Feb. 21st: Luke 4:1‐13 Feb. 28th: Luke 9:28b‐36 March 7th: Luke 13:1‐9 March 14th: Luke 15:1‐3, 11‐12 March 21st, John 8:1‐11 March 28th, Like 19:28‐40   The priest shall receive a basket from you and set it in front of the altar of the Lord, your God. Dt 26:4

12

 The Good Steward’s Lenten Fast

  Fast from eating large meals and in-between meals with the Church on Ash

Wednesday and Good Friday.

Abstain from eating meat with the Church on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays’ of Lent.

On the days of Fast and Abstinence, plan menus that are light and inexpensive such as tomato soup and grilled cheese. Put extra monies in a jar to donate to those in need.

Fast from wasting food at all meals especially school bag lunches or hot lunches.

Fast from making unnecessary trips. Save fuel by planning your needed stops in one trip.

Fast from a full calendar of events. Schedule time for rest, reflection and relationships.

Fast from unnecessary use of technology. Take time to be peaceful.

Fast from expensive, non- nutritious snacks, drinks and food. Donate monies.

Fast from sedentary activities. Get up, move, and be active to your physical ability.

Fast from purchasing unnecessary items. Take inventory of your home and completely finish using the all the items.

Fast from using non-recyclable, disposable items.

Fast from purchasing items that are not made from recyclable materials.

Fast from listening to music and watching programs and movies that harm your spirit.

Fast from unnecessary errands and shopping especially on Sunday. Plan a board game, card game, etc as a family or visit a loved one in a nursing home.

Fast from complaining. If possible, design a family “Thank You” note on the computer and make a list of those who deserve to receive one from your family members in honor of Easter i.e. friends, neighbors, teachers, catechists, Pastor.

Fast from unkind word, gossiping and excluding others at home, at school at work and at church.

 

13

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he

has done for me? Psalm 116:12 

Let not your hand be open to receive and clenched when it is time to give.

Sirach 4:31 

Once one chooses to become a disciple of

Jesus, stewardship is not an option.

USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response

We are stewards of the Church. We are to cherish and foster the gifts of all

while using our own gifts to serve the

community of faith. USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response

Christian stewards are generous out of love as

well as duty. USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response

Stewardship has the power to shape and mold our understanding of our lives and the way in which we live.

USCCB - Stewardship & Disciples Response

Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure,

packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will

be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return

be measured out to you. Luke 6:38 

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with

first fruits of all your produce; then will your barns be filled

with grain, with new wine your vats will

overflow Proverbs 3:9‐10 

No one shall appear before the Lord empty-handed, but each of you with as much as he

can give, in proportion to the blessings which the Lord, your

God, has bestowed on you. Deuteronomy 16:16‐17 

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Son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great

wealth, give alms out of your abundance; if you have but little,

distribute even some of that. But do not hesitate to give alms; you will be

storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the day of

adversity. Tobit 4:8‐9 

Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and

stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course

required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 4:1‐2 

Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each

has a particular gift from God, one of one kind and one of an-

other. 1 Corinthians 7:7 

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Hebrews 13:16 

If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and

refuses him compassion, how can

the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and

truth. 1 John 3:17-18

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

Matthew 10:8 

This is what the Lord then said to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to take up a collection for me.

From every man you shall accept the contribution that his heart

prompts him to give me.” Exodus 25:1‐2 

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