Archive for March 2011
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SFYA Parish Lenten Poster
(In PDF Format)
RSVP to sfyainfo@yahoo.com or Facebook
We look forward to seeing you all there!
-SFYA Leadership Team
How Hooked on Technology are You?
Posted on: March 23, 2011
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“One thing is certain about human nature…we’re born talkers. Our urge to communicate is universal. And now with modern technology we can meet anybody… anywhere… at anytime.”
There was an episode on CNBC that was premiered back in January, yet was shown again this month; pertaining to technology and especially the usage of our cell phones. It’s called “Crackberry’d: The Truth about Information Overload.” I’ll confess that I’m a huge technology user and supporter. I was the type of user that my cell phone was literally attached to my body, at all times! Ironically, before I even viewed the CNBC episode, I’d noticed my “addiction” to my cell phone (none other then the Iphone) and lectured myself on my own usage! So my question to you is: how frequently do you use technology?
“Today our means for communication are endless: twelve billion text messages are sent worldwide every day…And the number of personal computers in use around the globe is expected to double in the next four years. But is all this access to technology actually making our lives better?”
“That the emphasis is shifting from deep thinking to getting superficial knowledge fast and that despite what we think, we’re not very good at multi-tasking with all those devices. Our brains simply can’t keep up with all the modern demands for our attention.”
Once looking at it/reading about it, you can begin to understand why it’s an enlightening episode and I’ll admit, even hard to swallow…
Yours truly,
A College Student
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2010/digitaldummies/
http://crackberry.com/crackberryd-truth-about-informaton-overload-premieres-tonight-cnbc
For World Peace…
Posted on: March 23, 2011
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“Peace is defined as harmony among those who are divided. When, therefore, we end the civil war within our nature and cultivate peace within ourselves, we become at peace.”
-St. Gregory of Nyssa-
“War should belong to the tragic past, to history: it should find no place on humanity’s agenda for the future.”
-Pope John Paul II-
It’s amazing to see how much turmoil and destruction (even if some are done by nature) there is in the world today. We see it in every means of communication whether it’s on TV, the internet, via email, or even Twitter/Facebook. All we see is one dreadful story after another.
Across the great waters of the world we have sadness and concern in Japan…a continuing civil war in Egypt…violence among Palestinians and Israeli…ongoing violence in Afghan…and the most recent news of destruction in Libyan…But why go so far, when we have a near by concern just across our American border.
Two things that have recently caught attention: an article published and posted about four journalists held captive in Libya. (Because of information in the article, the link to the article has been listed for you instead of being posted on here… http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23times.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&no_interstitial ) The second, being an episode on CNBC about the Drug War in Mexico. (Because of such graphic images in the video, the link has been provided for your viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhJmOrfIDaE Since the video is on YouTube, you’ll have to make sure to click/view all four parts of the episode.) It gives a dangerous glimpse of reality-just outside our nation’s southern borders…
Maybe our society has gotten to the point where they don’t want to dwell/view/listen/read such depressing news…and its understandable, yet during these “dark times” in our world, is when our prayers are needed most…
So please take a moment out of your day to give thanks for all that our Lord has provided you; especially for living in a nation where “freedom of speech” is possible and where many possibilities are achievable In America, in particular, a sense of security…
Prayer for the Immaculate Queen of Peace
Most holy and immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our loving Mother, being his Mother, you shared in his universal kingship. The prophets and angels proclaimed him King of peace. With loving fervor in our hearts we salute and honor you as Queen of peace.
We pray that your intercession may protect us and all people from hated and discord, and direct our hearts into the ways of peace and justice which your Son taught and exemplified. We ask your maternal care for our Holy Father who works to reconcile the nations in peace. We seek your guidance for our President and other leaders as they strive for world peace.
Glorious Queen of peace, grant us peace in our hearts, harmony in our families and concord throughout the world. Immaculate Mother, as patroness of our beloved country, watch over us and protect us with your motherly love. Amen.
Yours truly,
A College Student
Tips for Balancing Life
Posted on: March 18, 2011
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If you’re anything like me, you’re struggling to balance family responsibilities, a job (or two!), friends, social life, and time for yourself. The danger in trying to do it all is that you risk things falling through the cracks. This can be especially true for women in school or trying to go back to school.
The good news is that there are ways to make it work. I recently spoke with life and career coach Meredith Haberfeld, founder of Meredith Haberfeld Coaching. She had a lot to share about how to balance school with work, family, and life.
Tip #1 – Set attainable goals.
Pick realistic goals and focus on accomplishing them. Every success will give you more confidence to tackle the next goal.
If you can only manage to fit one business class into your busy schedule, for example, then just take one class and give it your full attention.
“When a goal seems big and daunting, one of the smartest places to start is to break it into the different pieces that will build toward the goal,” says Haberfeld. “When you break it into smaller bits, each bit is more manageable.”
Tip #2 – Make a schedule.
Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? Try sitting down with your schedule to get a handle on how much time you actually have. Look for the pockets of time between your professional and family obligations and see where you can plan in the time you need for homework.
“That small amount of planning makes the experience of dealing with a full life profoundly more manageable and fulfilling,” says Haberfeld.
If your day still feels too hectic, consider going to sleep and getting up earlier. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish in the hour or two before the rest of the house wakes up.
Tip #3 – Stay organized.
“A place for everything and everything in its place” may sound simplistic, but the benefits of keeping your physical space organized go far beyond simply knowing where your car keys are hiding.
“Having our physical space organized makes thinking easier… When our physical space is hectic, our thoughts are more hectic,” says Haberfeld.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Haberfeld suggests spending fifteen minutes to organize one small area in your home or office. It might be just the thing you need to bring order to your thoughts as well.
Another tip: Don’t forget to keep your calendar updated. If you can see deadlines coming, you’re more likely to prepare ahead of time and save yourself from pulling an all-nighter to finish a project or cram for a test.
Tip #4 – Take breaks when you need them.
Going to school/back to school is a big commitment – whether you’re in a one-year medical assisting certificate program or a four-year bachelor’s degree in business.
Feel yourself getting overwhelmed? Give yourself permission to take a break. That might mean closing the books to go for a quick walk – or taking a night off from studying altogether.
If you find yourself burning the midnight oil for weeks on end, Haberfeld suggests working downtime into your schedule. “It’s important to plan time to relax,” she says, “or you become less effective.”
Tip #5 – Stay focused.
When you’re at school, really try to keep your thoughts on school. Don’t think about the bills you have to pay at home, or who’s going to take the kids to soccer practice.
Likewise, when you’re with family, enjoy being with family. You can help keep these areas of your life separate by planning study time into your schedule – and making sure you use that time to study.
For moms going back to school, it might feel wrong to focus so much energy on class – but remember that if more training helps you land a better paying or more flexible job, it’s helping the whole family.
Tip #6 – Keep your eyes on the prize.
Trying to balance school with everything else in your life might be tough, so always try to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. A little sacrifice and effort in school now can pay big dividends when you’re taking that shiny new diploma on the job hunt with you.
It might help to write out your academic goals. How many courses do you need to take? What is your time line? Tracking your progress can be great motivation to keep moving forward.
Still feeling discouraged? Don’t worry – it’s natural to feel doubt when you’re struggling to juggle so many things. Just try to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tip #7 – Don’t expect perfection.
Last but not least: Remember that as much as you may want things to go exactly according to plan, life often has a way of changing those plans for us. So maybe you don’t cross off every single item on your daily to-do list. Do what you can do, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day.
Message from His Holiness…
Posted on: March 18, 2011
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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
BENEDICT XVI
FOR LENT 2011
“You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him.” (cf. Col 2: 12)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Lenten period, which leads us to the celebration of Holy Easter, is for the Church a most valuable and important liturgical time, in view of which I am pleased to offer a specific word in order that it may be lived with due diligence. As she awaits the definitive encounter with her Spouse in the eternal Easter, the Church community, assiduous in prayer and charitable works, intensifies her journey in purifying the spirit, so as to draw more abundantly from the Mystery of Redemption the new life in Christ the Lord (cf. Preface I of Lent).
1. This very life was already bestowed upon us on the day of our Baptism, when we “become sharers in Christ’s death and Resurrection”, and there began for us “the joyful and exulting adventure of his disciples” (Homily on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 10 January, 2010). In his Letters, St. Paul repeatedly insists on the singular communion with the Son of God that this washing brings about. The fact that, in most cases, Baptism is received in infancy highlights how it is a gift of God: no one earns eternal life through their own efforts. The mercy of God, which cancels sin and, at the same time, allows us to experience in our lives “the mind of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2: 5), is given to men and women freely. The Apostle to the Gentiles, in the Letter to the Philippians, expresses the meaning of the transformation that takes place through participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, pointing to its goal: that “I may come to know him and the power of his resurrection, and partake of his sufferings by being molded to the pattern of his death, striving towards the goal of resurrection from the dead” (Phil 3: 10-11). Hence, Baptism is not a rite from the past, but the encounter with Christ, which informs the entire existence of the baptized, imparting divine life and calling for sincere conversion; initiated and supported by Grace, it permits the baptized to reach the adult stature of Christ.
A particular connection binds Baptism to Lent as the favorable time to experience this saving Grace. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council exhorted all of the Church’s Pastors to make greater use “of the baptismal features proper to the Lenten liturgy” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum concilium, n. 109). In fact, the Church has always associated the Easter Vigil with the celebration of Baptism: this Sacrament realizes the great mystery in which man dies to sin, is made a sharer in the new life of the Risen Christ and receives the same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead (cf. Rm 8: 11). This free gift must always be rekindled in each one of us, and Lent offers us a path like that of the catechumenate, which, for the Christians of the early Church, just as for catechumens today, is an irreplaceable school of faith and Christian life. Truly, they live their Baptism as an act that shapes their entire existence.
2. In order to undertake more seriously our journey towards Easter and prepare ourselves to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord – the most joyous and solemn feast of the entire liturgical year – what could be more appropriate than allowing ourselves to be guided by the Word of God? For this reason, the Church, in the Gospel texts of the Sundays of Lent, leads us to a particularly intense encounter with the Lord, calling us to retrace the steps of Christian initiation: for catechumens, in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of rebirth; for the baptized, in light of the new and decisive steps to be taken in the sequela Christi and a fuller giving of oneself to him.
The First Sunday of the Lenten journey reveals our condition as human beings here on earth. The victorious battle against temptation, the starting point of Jesus’ mission, is an invitation to become aware of our own fragility in order to accept the Grace that frees from sin and infuses new strength in Christ – the way, the truth and the life (cf. Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum, n. 25). It is a powerful reminder that Christian faith implies, following the example of Jesus and in union with him, a battle “against the ruling forces who are masters of the darkness in this world” (Eph 6: 12), in which the devil is at work and never tires – even today – of tempting whoever wishes to draw close to the Lord: Christ emerges victorious to open also our hearts to hope and guide us in overcoming the seductions of evil.
The Gospel of the Transfiguration of the Lord puts before our eyes the glory of Christ, which anticipates the resurrection and announces the divinization of man. The Christian community becomes aware that Jesus leads it, like the Apostles Peter, James and John “up a high mountain by themselves” (Mt 17: 1), to receive once again in Christ, as sons and daughters in the Son, the gift of the Grace of God: “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor. Listen to him” (Mt 17: 5). It is the invitation to take a distance from the noisiness of everyday life in order to immerse oneself in God’s presence. He desires to hand down to us, each day, a Word that penetrates the depths of our spirit, where we discern good from evil (cf. Heb 4:12), reinforcing our will to follow the Lord.
The question that Jesus puts to the Samaritan woman: “Give me a drink” (Jn 4: 7), is presented to us in the liturgy of the third Sunday; it expresses the passion of God for every man and woman, and wishes to awaken in our hearts the desire for the gift of “a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life” (Jn 4: 14): this is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who transforms Christians into “true worshipers,” capable of praying to the Father “in spirit and truth” (Jn 4: 23). Only this water can extinguish our thirst for goodness, truth and beauty! Only this water, given to us by the Son, can irrigate the deserts of our restless and unsatisfied soul, until it “finds rest in God”, as per the famous words of St. Augustine.
The Sunday of the man born blind presents Christ as the light of the world. The Gospel confronts each one of us with the question: “Do you believe in the Son of man?” “Lord, I believe!” (Jn 9: 35. 38), the man born blind joyfully exclaims, giving voice to all believers. The miracle of this healing is a sign that Christ wants not only to give us sight, but also open our interior vision, so that our faith may become ever deeper and we may recognize him as our only Savior. He illuminates all that is dark in life and leads men and women to live as “children of the light”.
On the fifth Sunday, when the resurrection of Lazarus is proclaimed, we are faced with the ultimate mystery of our existence: “I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?” (Jn 11: 25-26). For the Christian community, it is the moment to place with sincerity – together with Martha – all of our hopes in Jesus of Nazareth: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world” (Jn 11: 27). Communion with Christ in this life prepares us to overcome the barrier of death, so that we may live eternally with him. Faith in the resurrection of the dead and hope in eternal life open our eyes to the ultimate meaning of our existence: God created men and women for resurrection and life, and this truth gives an authentic and definitive meaning to human history, to the personal and social lives of men and women, to culture, politics and the economy. Without the light of faith, the entire universe finishes shut within a tomb devoid of any future, any hope.
The Lenten journey finds its fulfillment in the Paschal Triduum, especially in the Great Vigil of the Holy Night: renewing our baptismal promises, we reaffirm that Christ is the Lord of our life, that life which God bestowed upon us when we were reborn of “water and Holy Spirit”, and we profess again our firm commitment to respond to the action of the Grace in order to be his disciples.
3. By immersing ourselves into the death and resurrection of Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are moved to free our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the “world” that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor. In Christ, God revealed himself as Love (cf. 1Jn 4: 7-10). The Cross of Christ, the “word of the Cross”, manifests God’s saving power (cf. 1Cor 1: 18), that is given to raise men and women anew and bring them salvation: it is love in its most extreme form (cf. Encyclical Deus caritas est, n. 12). Through the traditional practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, which are an expression of our commitment to conversion, Lent teaches us how to live the love of Christ in an ever more radical way. Fasting, which can have various motivations, takes on a profoundly religious significance for the Christian: by rendering our table poorer, we learn to overcome selfishness in order to live in the logic of gift and love; by bearing some form of deprivation – and not just what is in excess – we learn to look away from our “ego”, to discover Someone close to us and to recognize God in the face of so many brothers and sisters. For Christians, fasting, far from being depressing, opens us ever more to God and to the needs of others, thus allowing love of God to become also love of our neighbor (cf. Mk 12: 31).
In our journey, we are often faced with the temptation of accumulating and love of money that undermine God’s primacy in our lives. The greed of possession leads to violence, exploitation and death; for this, the Church, especially during the Lenten period, reminds us to practice almsgiving – which is the capacity to share. The idolatry of goods, on the other hand, not only causes us to drift away from others, but divests man, making him unhappy, deceiving him, deluding him without fulfilling its promises, since it puts materialistic goods in the place of God, the only source of life. How can we understand God’s paternal goodness, if our heart is full of egoism and our own projects, deceiving us that our future is guaranteed? The temptation is to think, just like the rich man in the parable: “My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come…”. We are all aware of the Lord’s judgment: “Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul…” (Lk 12: 19-20). The practice of almsgiving is a reminder of God’s primacy and turns our attention towards others, so that we may rediscover how good our Father is, and receive his mercy.
During the entire Lenten period, the Church offers us God’s Word with particular abundance. By meditating and internalizing the Word in order to live it every day, we learn a precious and irreplaceable form of prayer; by attentively listening to God, who continues to speak to our hearts, we nourish the itinerary of faith initiated on the day of our Baptism. Prayer also allows us to gain a new concept of time: without the perspective of eternity and transcendence, in fact, time simply directs our steps towards a horizon without a future. Instead, when we pray, we find time for God, to understand that his “words will not pass away” (cf. Mk 13: 31), to enter into that intimate communion with Him “that no one shall take from you” (Jn 16: 22), opening us to the hope that does not disappoint, eternal life.
In synthesis, the Lenten journey, in which we are invited to contemplate the Mystery of the Cross, is meant to reproduce within us “the pattern of his death” (Ph 3: 10), so as to effect a deep conversion in our lives; that we may be transformed by the action of the Holy Spirit, like St. Paul on the road to Damascus; that we may firmly orient our existence according to the will of God; that we may be freed of our egoism, overcoming the instinct to dominate others and opening us to the love of Christ. The Lenten period is a favorable time to recognize our weakness and to accept, through a sincere inventory of our life, the renewing Grace of the Sacrament of Penance, and walk resolutely towards Christ.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, through the personal encounter with our Redeemer and through fasting, almsgiving and prayer, the journey of conversion towards Easter leads us to rediscover our Baptism. This Lent, let us renew our acceptance of the Grace that God bestowed upon us at that moment, so that it may illuminate and guide all of our actions. What the Sacrament signifies and realizes, we are called to experience every day by following Christ in an ever more generous and authentic manner. In this our itinerary, let us entrust ourselves to the Virgin Mary, who generated the Word of God in faith and in the flesh, so that we may immerse ourselves – just as she did – in the death and resurrection of her Son Jesus, and possess eternal life.
From the Vatican, 4 November, 2010
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
True Love in a World of Lies
Posted on: March 17, 2011
- Is there a real purpose to life and if so, what is it?
- Why were we created male and female? Does it really matter if we are one sex or another?
- Why were man and woman called to communion from the beginning? What does the marital union of a man and woman say to us about God and his plan for our lives?
- What is the purpose of the married and celibate vocations?
- What exactly is “Love”?
- Is it truly possible to be pure of heart?
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“If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.”
-St. Patrick-
Feastday: March 17
Patron of Ireland
b. 387 d.461
St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world’s most popular saints.
Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 461.
Along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, the secular world shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone’s Irish.
There are many legends and stories of St. Patrick, but this is his story.
Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies.
As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.
During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote
“The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same.” “I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.”
Patrick’s captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.
He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him “We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more.”
He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.
Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.
Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick’s message.
Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well).
Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.
He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.
Why a shamrock? Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.
In His Footsteps: Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.
Lenten Meal and Bowling!
Posted on: March 16, 2011
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Join the St. Francis Young Adults Married Ministry for a family-friendly night out. We will meet for dinner at the parish Lenten meal on Friday, April 8th at 6:00 pm. Following dinner, we will head to Main Event Entertainment (Frisco location) for a fun game of bowling. Kids are welcome to attend. Visit www.maineventusa.com for a $10 off coupon. Contact Melissa Hunt at sfyainfo@yahoo.com for questions and to RSVP.
We look forward to seeing you all!
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The St Francis Young Adult Unmarried Ministry invites all March 25th @ 7:00pm to the Stations of the Cross at St Francis Church. Concluding the Stations of the Cross, join us afterwards for Bowling! at Main Event Entertainment (Frisco location). Kids are welcome to attend. Visit www.maineventusa.com for a $10 off coupon. Contact Ana Rodriguez at sfyainfo@yahoo.com for questions and to RSVP.
Happy Lent!
“Peaceful Nights” Every Tuesday!
Posted on: March 16, 2011
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So JOIN US for a WARM WELCOMING along with “Peaceful Nights” on March 22nd, 2011
All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions, need directions, or are unable to attend and would like to, please contact Christina through the college website (www.sfcsm.org) or SFYA website (www.sfya.org)
What is Lent all about?
Posted on: March 8, 2011
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In 325 the Council of Nicea first proposed a 40 day preparation period for Easter. The number 40 has special religious significance for Christians: Moses spent 40 days fasting on Mt. Sinai waiting on God, Elijah walked 40 days to the Mountain of the Lord and most importantly Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days in the desert before he began his ministry.
As is the case with all Christian observances, Lent has changed over time until it took its present form in the Western Church of the 40 days prior to Easter. Originally Lent began on quadragesima (fortieth day) Sunday, but Sundays being feasts were not counted, so in the sixth century Pope St. Gregory the Great moved the first day of Lent to the previous Wednesday to make it a full 40 days.
The first liturgy for Ash Wednesday appeared in the tenth century and in the 11th century Pope Urban II called for the distribution of ashes on that day. Although Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, many Catholics treat it as one and would not think of missing being marked with ashes on the forehead. Originally, ashes were sprinkled on men’s heads and only women received them on the forehead, but the sprinkling for men soon gave way to the forehead. Ashes symbolize the first theme of Lent, repentance. They are the traditional symbol of repentance in the Old and New Testaments.
Forgiveness is the second theme. It is a time to forgive and be forgiven, to accept God’s mercy and forgiveness and be reconciled to him, and unburden ourselves from anger, hurt and resentment by offering the same forgiveness to others. One of the names for the last day before Lent begins is Shrove Tuesday. Shrove is a form of the English word Shrive, which means seeking absolution for your sins in confession in preparation for Lent.
Baptism is the last theme. In Baptism water becomes the symbol of death and the symbol of life. Paul tells us in Romans six that in the waters of Baptism we die with Christ so that we may rise with him to new life. Lent is the traditional final preparation for catechumens preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil when they will rise with him to new life.
It is also the time for all to prepare themselves for the renewal of their Baptismal vows at the Easter Vigil.
In his Lenten Message, Pope Benedict XVI writes: “In order to undertake more seriously our journey towards Easter and prepare ourselves to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord – the most joyous and solemn feast of the entire liturgical year – what could be more appropriate than allowing ourselves to be guided by the Word of God? For this reason, the Church, in the Gospel texts of the Sundays of Lent, leads us to a particularly intense encounter with the Lord, calling us to retrace the steps of Christian initiation: for catechumens, in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of rebirth; for the baptized, in light of the new and decisive steps to be taken in the sequela Christi and a fuller giving of oneself to him.”
The culmination of Lent is the Triduum, the final three days from Holy Thursday to the Easter Vigil. As we prepare for our journey to Easter, led by God’s Holy Word, let us do so in a spirit of repentance and forgiveness as we prepare to renew our Baptismal commitment and rejoice in the triumph of Jesus’ Resurrection.
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PARISH LENTEN RETREAT (For All Ages)
” Living Your Faith in a World of Indifference “
Speaker: Rev. Fr. Greg Kelly, Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Dallas
SAVE THE DATE !
St. Francis Young Adult Ministry is inviting ALL Parishioners and Friends to a Parish-Wide Lenten Retreat on Wednesday March 30 and Thursday March 31 from 7-9PM
at St Francis Catholic Church (8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco TX 75034) in the Great Hall. This event is for ALL AGES. Confession follows afterwards.
Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP by March 25 to sfyainfo@yahoo.com
Top 5 Dating Tips…
Posted on: March 7, 2011
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Everyone needs a little help now and then, from yard work to dating. The following tips provide assistance with improving your dating experience and will hopefully make your life happier and more fulfilling.
Dating Tip 1: Eye Contact
Eye contact between two people allows for discrete honesty that many people find thoroughly attractive. As a Catholic, you know you live a moral life, and the best way to convey that is by making eye contact. You don’t need to stare, or act uncomfortable, simply look at your date’s eyes when making conversation or slight glances, just to let them know you are interested. Remember, first impressions are the most important, so when you first greet your date, eye contact is even more important.
Dating Tip 2: General Appearance
Up next we have your appearance. This could be anything from what you are wearing, to your hair, makeup, etc.. Before you can make decisions on what to wear, you should first know what you are doing on your date. It may sounds silly, but many people go on dates based on what they are wearing, not the other way around. This is fine if you are just going on a casual date, or on a picnic, but when you want to impress your date with a “night on the town”, there are a few things about your appearance you should know. Make sure you are dressing for the occasion. If you are familiar with the restaurant, causally mention to your date the type of attire that is standard. If you are both wearing the proper clothing, you will be more comfortable, and the date will get off to a great start. Another aspect of appearance that many people don’t remember is confidence. There’s no need to be aggressive or cocky, simply be confident in your posture and more importantly in yourself, and have a great time. Smile, be happy, and generally enjoy your dating experience. You look great, your date looks great, you should be having a fun night, so let your smile show!
Dating Tip 3: Being Polite
Be sure your date is aware of this by doing things such as opening doors, waiting for them to sit down, not interupting while they are speaking, etc.. These courtesies make a big impression on your date, and you will feel good by being helpful and caring. Like mentioned previously, first impressions are important, so keep politeness in mind duing your first encounter with your date.
Dating Tip 4: Conversation
Many people have the most difficulty with finding things to talk about while on a date, especially the first one. To help you out a bit, here are a few conversation starters that work and will hopefully make things easier for you to get to know your date better. You are probably aware of this, but just as a reminder, avoid using “lines”. That is, keep away from cliches you have heard in movies. They might work to get someone’s attention, but as a single Catholic, you are looking for someone to form a meaningful bond with, and being sincere is the most important thing you can do.
Asking about a job is always a good starter, and relating with your date will improve that connection you are seeking to form, so choose topics you find interesting, but start on a broader scale. If you like a particular movie, ask your date what types of movies they like and build into a conversation from there. Above all, don’t pretend to be an expert on things you aren’t familiar with. It’s okay not to know something, and that gives your date an opportunity to show you something new, which also increases your connection, this is the key to succesful dating.
Dating Tip 5: The Golden Rule
“Treat Others As You Would Want to be Treated” You have probably heard this a thousand times, but when it comes to dating, it is paramount. If you treat your date like you would want to be treated, you will find a companion who enjoys the same things as you, which is your ultimate goal. That is where relationships begin to gain momentum. It’s as simple as the rule itself, just keep that in mind when on your dates and you will definately find someone who you want to be with, and who wants to be with you.
5 Common Dating “Problems”
Posted on: March 7, 2011
- In: College | Unmarried
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By Amy Spencer
Problem #1: You aren’t feeling instant sparks
Solution: Forget romance for a second and use the “friend” filter
When we go on a date with someone, we’re usually looking for some hit-us-over-the-head romantic chemistry, and when we don’t feel it, we think the date is a waste of time. But that’s not true! “If you have a strong negative reaction to someone you meet, that’s one thing, but a neutral or unsure reaction to a person can turn into chemistry down the line — and those who shut the door right away won’t get to find that out,” says Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., author of the Boomer’s Guide to Dating (Again) and creator of Wakingdesire.com. So how can you be sure you’re open to later-blooming chemistry? Instead of using the “romance” filter that measures that love-at-first-sight chemistry, use the “friend” filter on your next date. Think about it: when you talk to a new person at a party, you don’t use small talk to search out what the two of you don’t have in common; you look for the things you do have in common. Try doing that on your next date. Instead of casting off your date too quickly (as in “Oh, he’s not into music,” or “Oh, she’s far too quiet compared to me”), hone in on whether you both love Family Guy reruns, have similar views on immigration, or can’t stand cheese plates. “The pursuit of friendship takes the pressure off by making the goal of the date learning about the person,” says Dr. Helgoe. Which, let’s be honest, is what a first date should be anyway. Because the more common ground you discover, the more likely chemistry can develop later.
Problem #2: Your dates look great on paper… but that’s it
Solution: Pay attention to how you’re feeling vs. your date’s résumé
So this person has a ton of wonderful qualities. That’s fine, for a start. But amazing chemistry isn’t just about finding someone you admire or think would be a great life partner. It’s about how you feel when you’re with that person. For instance, if the date you had last night was friendly and gregarious, but you felt more meek or quiet than usual in his or her shadow, that doesn’t make for strong chemistry. “You want to really feel like yourself — your happiest, most excited self,” explains Rhonda Findling, author of The Dating Cure. So on your next rendezvous, don’t merely ask, “Do I like this person?” Also ask yourself, “Do I like myself when I’m around this person?” And with an attitude like that, you just may recognize something brilliant very soon.
Problem #3: You don’t think this person has long-term potential
Solution: Try the “Carpe date-’em” trick
We single people are so afraid of “settling” that we can’t help looking ahead to the future in the first few minutes on a date. In the movie Something’s Gotta Give, Jack Nicholson asks Diane Keaton if she wants to go for a walk along the beach. She stammers and wavers until finally he says, “It’s just a walk, not a marriage proposal!” Try to think of your dates the same way. It’s not a long-term commitment… it’s a latte. Take it one step at a time. You know that saying, “carpe diem” — in Latin, it means “seize the day?” Instead of carpe diem, carpe date-’em! Go one a date for what it is, and don’t start obsessing about whether this person wants the same number of kids as you do. Going slow is fine.
Problem #4: You swear all the good ones are taken already
Solution: Look again… at people you usually pass over
Thanks to all the adorably hopeful romantic comedy movies they keep making, it’s sometimes hard to shake the thought that someone, somewhere, someday, will sweep you off your feet and move with you to an old chateau in France. But what about your neighbor, who hits the same coffee shop in the morning 30 seconds after you do? Like traffic accidents, love run-ins often happen close to home. You may be looking for a fairy tale, but remember that sometimes, the real fairy tale is finding someone when you’re taking out the trash. “Think about the happy ending in Bridget Jones’s Diary,” says Dr. Helgoe. “She didn’t end up with her sexy boss… she ended up with the guy she met at the family party wearing a reindeer sweater!” So keep your antenna up 24/7 and the next time you wonder, “Where are all the good single men and women?” remind yourself they may be standing next to you in line at Old Navy or Whole Foods.
Problem #5: You feel down about yourself and not date-worthy
Solution: Give yourself a pre-date pep rally
After traveling a few miles on the road to nobody special, it’s easy to start blaming yourself. You wind up going out and socializing or turning up on a date with a sad attitude. Nobody wants to date a downer, so it’s time to corral the cheerleaders in your life to remind you why you’re such a catch. One hour before your next date, give one of your cheerleaders a call. Maybe it’s an older brother who says, “Dude, you are a fine specimen. Go get ’em!” When I’m having a down dating spell, I email my gay friend (the Will to my Grace) my latest dating sob story just so he’ll write back, “Are you kidding? You’re the prettiest girl in the world! If I liked girls, I would have wanted to marry you five years ago!”
http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=10287&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=730920
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Join the St. Francis of Young Adults Married Ministry as they discover “True Love in a World of Lies.
Come hear author and national speaker, Monica Ashour, MTS; M Hum from TOBET, the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team on
March 24, 2011 from 7-9pm at St. Francis Catholic Church.
*The SFYA Unmarried, College and Hispanic Ministries are welcome to attend!*
Childcare will be provided! RSVP for this event and for childcare at sfyainfo@yahoo.com.
Monetary donations will be accepted to support the efforts of TOBET!
The CASINO NIGHT Tour
Posted on: March 1, 2011
- In: SFYA
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Sunday, February 27, 2011
Good Morning Everyone!
We hope you had a good nights rest, especially if you attended last nights festivities at the SFYA Casino Night! 🙂 We hope that we have contributed in ending your week with a bang and starting another week in high spirits!
For those who weren’t able to attend, no worries, there are still more events to come 😉 with more opportunities to meet others. But just in case you’re curious or wanting to recap the night, here is what the evening entailed…
We wanted to be able to provide you with an atmosphere that corresponded with the nights theme: FUN! YOUNG ADULTS! DANCING! GAMES! and FUN! That’s right…FUN was mentioned twice and that was our goal…double the fun!
The delicious food was provided by The Empty Nesters: lasagna, Italian salad, bread assortments, condiments. To compliment the main course, various desserts were provided by the Empty Nesters and the Hispanic Ministry. There were poker tables, blackjack table, and roulette table for all to play. So if you wanted a “warm-up” for that Shreveport vacation, then our Casino Night was the place to be :p .Now what dance floor is a success unless there is some grooves and moves? 😀 That’s right!…a dance floor area was setup with your very own DJ, Marcelo Davis. To top of the night of fun, some of your Hispanic Young Adults, offered Salsa Dancing Lessons. It was great to see that once the dance floor was open, it was never empty…
Before the closing of the event and the last few songs of the night, we presented the winners of the raffle with not only their prizes but a cheerful, Father Vincent.
The Casino Event was altogether a great success!
We would like to give a special thanks! to Cristina’s, Mary Kay, and La Hacienda for providing prizes for our raffle; to the Empty Nesters for the delicious food, their time and help; our DJ, our Babysitters Volunteers in the nursery and youth room, and to ALL Volunteers that helped setup and cleanup that night! We couldn’t have done it without you! Everything was made possible because of your support, excitement, and energy.
Most importantly, BIG THANKS!!! to our supportive and loving priests: Msgr. Larry and Fr Vincent! They were just as excited as we were, to see all your faces as well as all the newcomers!
We look forward to seeing you all again soon…so keep an eye out for our SFYA events!
May God Bless you all,
The SFYA Leadership Team
Young Adults of St Francis 
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