Anointing
Our faith is filled with symbols that are steeped in historical and scriptural richness. Everyday substances are used during the Sacraments to represent a deeper reality. Oil is one of those important symbols in our sacramental tradition. The pouring of oil on someone or something to achieve sacredness is an anointing.
Anointing of the sick is one of the Church’s seven Sacraments, but it tends to be the forgotten one.
While celebrating Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and healing through Reconciliation, we also face our own frailty and mortality most poignantly during the anointing of the sick.
Commonly believed to be only celebrated near death, anointing of the sick can be administered to those who face a serious risk through long-term physical or mental illness, the elderly, or those who have surgery coming up. It is not only for those on their deathbed. The Catechism states: “The Holy Spirit’s gifts of strength, faith, peace and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church.”
In moments of grace, in "small s" sacraments, we can anoint each other and the important places in our lives.
Bless and Anoint As a Church of the Home
Bless and Anoint each member of your Church of the Home with olive oil and pray: "Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless_____ in your name. May this healing oil bring him/her comfort and strength throughout his/her day. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Anointing your home with oil is a Catholic custom that can consecrate your home to the Holy Spirit and invite Him into your home. You can anoint the frames of every door in your home with a small amount of oil from your finger. As you anoint, pray: "Jesus, by faith I anoint this home, windows and doorways and declare them all holy unto you and ask that You would cleanse this home."
Remember those that need healing within your Church of the Home and beyond. Discuss and pray as a family for someone who is sick or struggling in any way. How can you support them and foster healing?
Resurrection Steps of our Lenten Journey
Daily reflections by Roger Vanden Busch on the Scripture readings for Lent
We begin our daily Lenten journey with Jesus. Along the way, we go to an “out of the way” place to encounter His presence in Readings, Reality, and Prayer.
Daily Reflections :
Join us for Mass at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, or on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Many times in our society, we focus on the winners and the losers. But God's loving nature emphasizes that when we reflect the love of God in the world, we are all winners. Where do you see examples of love, commitment, forgiveness, and compassion? That's where you find the true "wins" of life. Join Fr. Paul as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
Auditio Divina
Drawing upon the steps of Lectio Divina, Auditio Divina brings this ancient prayer practice into today’s world. It breaks open the lyrics of modern songs to help individuals listen with heart.
Katie and Tony break open the song "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars for the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
Lyrics:
If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see
I'll be the light to guide you
We'll find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Families
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Loss in our Parish Family
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Ruby & Res
Someone's full of shenanigans and ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
