A MESSAGE FROM RONNIE MARTELLA, LAY DIRECTOR

Last Saturday about 45 Cursillistas gathered together to hear the stories of 3 figures from the New Testament, stories we have heard many times  We listened to the Gospel stories of Bartimaeus, the Rich Young Man and the Call of Matthew, then listened again as Father Robert Barron took us deeper into the story, deeper into the meaning and deeper into our own examination of our call to conversion.  Fr. Barron started by talking about metenoia which he defined as going beyond the mind/attitude you have.  Instead of living in the small soul, it is time to live in the great soul, to be linked to Jesus Christ, others and to all creation. 

In his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Francis asked three questions; "Has my life fallen asleep?", "Am I like Pontius Pilate, who, when he sees the situation is difficult, washes my hands?" and "Where is my heart?"  Reflecting on each of those questions opens us to a deeper examination of our call and how we are living our life.  

 

Three stories, three questions, three days as we come to the end of Lent - the Triduum.  

All call us to a closer relationship with God.  

All call us to reflect on where we have been, where we are and where we are going.  

So many things about the day gave witness to the work of the Lord and the Holy Spirit, not the least of which was the effort, time, talent, heart and soul that Deacon Tony and Rick put into the preparation and execution of the day.  The readings of the Gospel, the music, the grouping all contributed to a very enriching time together.  It was evident that they were led by the Spirit and open to whatever the Lord had in mind and wanted each person there to receive.

We give thanks for our brothers in Christ.

Wishing you a prayer filled Holy Week and Joyful, joy filled Easter Sunday and season.

DeColores and Ultreya!

FOR YOUR STUDY

The Diocese of Trenton is offering one-day Theology Talks open to the General Public. An offering of $10 is asked, bring your own lunch. Topics include:

• April 26th - Nourishing a “Love of Prayer” in Ministry with Presenter, Dianne Marie Traflet, J.D., S.T.D. 
• May 3rd - “God’s Tool Box:Encountering the Lord Jesus” with Presenter, Rev . Msgr. Gerard McCarren, S.T.D.

Full details can be found at this link. 

JOHN XXIII and JOHN PAUL II: A PAIR of PAPAL SAINTS

What does it mean to make a saint? Why are these two popes being canonized—and why together? Join us as we explore the history of saint-making and the story of a pair of papal saints for our times. The Adult Faith Formation Committee of Saint Robert Bellarmine invites you to join with Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto, Associate Professor of History at Kean University, as he outlines the process of canonization and the implications of such an event for the Church today. A Pair of Papal Saints will be held on Wednesday, May 7th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall of the Parish Family of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold, New Jersey 07728. All are welcomed.

AN INVITATION TO ALL CURSILLISTAS

From St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold

On Sunday, April 27th, Pope Francis will canonize Pope John XXIII and Pope John  Paul II as Saints in the Catholic Church. This ritual will be broadcast Sunday morning on EWTN. On Saturday, April 26th at the 4:30 Mass, Bishop David O’Connell will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Pope Saint John XXIII here at Saint Robert Bellarmine. The faithful are invited to participate with Bishop as we celebrate the Mass in thanksgiving to God for “Good Pope John.”   A similar Mass will be celebrated at Saint Hedwig in thanksgiving for Pope Saint John Paul II at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 4/27/14 at Saint Hedwig Church in Trenton. The faithful are also invited to participate with our Bishop in this special celebration."

FOR YOUR STUDY: SISTER ELIZABETH ANN SETON by JOANNE HENDERSON

St Elizabeth Ann Seton and a small band of sisters moved to Emmitsburg MD in 1809. A friendship was born between Mother Seton, as she was known then, and Father John DuBois. Her small group accepted Fr. DuBois’ hospitality and lived for six weeks in his mountain cabin while their first home in the Valley, the Stone House, was readied. Elizabeth and her sisters founded Saint Joseph’s Academy and Free School, which eventually evolved into St. Joseph College.

When I moved to Whiting and St Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in December, I felt like I’d come full  circle. You see, I was a student at St. Joseph College in the late 60’s. I’ve walked the ground St Elizabeth Ann Seton trod with her sisters and her children, and I’ve climbed the mountain where she stayed in Fr. DuBois’ cabin.

When I arrived freshman year, I was a Protestant. I wasn't require to take the Scripture classes or to attend mass, but I did. There were the usual college campus distractions, but I was hearing a clear call to investigate this Catholicism that was all around me. I studied the Baltimore catechism with the college chaplain for several months, all the while attending mass nearly every day.

Like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I came to see the Blessed Virgin as my own mother. Like her, too, I fell in love with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It was almost painful for me to remain on my knees while others went forward to receive Holy Communion. Finally, six months after arriving at St. Joe’s, I became a Catholic; the next day I was privileged to receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time.

My Protestant family did not ostracize me like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s did, but they were none too happy. Nor were they pleased when I married a good man from the Catholic men’s college down the road, but they eventually got over it. Many years later, I sponsored my own mother as she made her profession of faith and entered the Catholic Church. I thank God for Mother Seton’s little school that grew into the fine college that brought me and my mother into the Church.

FOR YOUR PIETY

Thanks to Sister Clara for this beautiful, thought provoking video on gratitude.  (Full narration begins at :43)