Share the Cross 2021

During our Lenten journey, we can make a difference by “sharing the cross of Christ" in a personal way. Here is a sample of suggestions.
 

2021 Lenten Reflection Series

Join us each Friday during Lent for a Zoom presentation.

Meeting ID: 973 5923 8785 Passcode: 249966

Each night begins at 7:00 p.m. with a presentation followed by opportunities for dialogue and sharing. Our theme this year is:

• recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God.
• make room in your heart for those with whom you disagree.
• move towards a new vision of what the community could be
• strive to understand before seeking to be understood.

Friday March 12th - Fr. David Jones:” The Purpose of Healing”

The quest for healing understands that the only reason to bring trouble to the church is to be transformed for the work of the church.”

Fr. David Jones, pastor St. Benedict the African-East in Chicago, Illinois earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics at Grambling University, and Masters in Divinity from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. Ordained by Cardinal Bernardin in 1989, he was appointed president of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary by Cardinal George 2000-2006

Before becoming a priest, he also had a job offer from the CIA and Pizza Hut. He has led many tours in places around the world and has a special interest in the African continent. His quiet efficiency is legendary. Over the years he has served as a deacon, a dean, associate pastor, administrator and a pastor. His parishioners know him best as teacher.

In a letter written by Father Jones he states:

“The kindest thing the Lord has done is to give me, give us communion. After all, that is the sole point of baptism, reconciliation, anointing, confirmation, matrimony and ordination. To remember and be “re-membered” by the great God almighty. For this sole reason we are presently not living in vain. Yet do I marvel.” Father Jones’ motto is “to God be the Glory.”

Forming ministries that are capable of including young black men remains a metric by which he evaluates church fitness.

Friday March 19th Stephen Schneck: “The Crisis of American Polarization: An Answer in Catholic Social Justice”?

Catholic Social Teaching offer a way to engage the cultural and political polarization that now so dangerously divides the country.

Stephen Schneck is the Executive Director of Franciscan Action Network, a faith-based national social justice advocacy organization. Stephen previously directed the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America, where he was for more than thirty years a professor, department chair, and dean. He has a doctorate in political philosophy for from the University of Notre Dame and is the author of several books and many academic articles in that field. A well-known Catholic activist on social justice issues, he is also a frequent media source for expertise on Catholicism and current issues and writes often for Catholic and religious media.

Friday March 26th -L.J. Milone: “Civility as Agape.”

How do we talk to one another in such a polarized age? How can agape – the love Jesus preached – shape our conversations? How can we remain faithful to being critical of both personal attitudes and systems of power that are idolatrous? Come to this talk to explore how we can be gentle prophets, prayerfully grounded in God and peaceful in our conversations with others.

L.J. Milone is the Director of Faith Formation for SJB. He hails from Rockville Centre, New York and resides in Columbia, Maryland with his lovely wife, Jessica and their beautiful daughters, Amelia and Therese. He describes the St. John the Baptist Community as “Open.” His favorite scripture is Mathew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To read some of L.J. Milone’s posts, visit Mystic Word.