Midwest Tornadoes

It is at times like these, when we remember the raw power of the earth and we remember

the strength of a people gathered for the one purpose of helping others, that the grace and

love of God is present in our midst. The Lord speaks to each one of us to the purpose of

making the world a place where everyone is able to enjoy the sounds of the earth sighing; to enjoy the fruits of the earth, enjoy a cool breeze and enjoy life-giving water. 

 We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their

livelihoods, their security and their hope. Bless the work of relief

agencies and those providing emergency assistance. May their work

be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the

best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those

affected, even after the crisis is over. We ask this in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Prayer by: CRS

Typhoon Haiyan

Youth Rally Mass 2013

For homily click here:  YOUTH RALLY HOMILY

Seminarians of Peoria visit USCCB meetings

FIRST CONTRIBUTION OF 150,000 DOLLARS FOR AID TO THE PHILIPPINES

Vatican City, 11 November 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis, through the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” has decided to send an aid contribution of 150,000 dollars to assist the population of the Philippines, devastated by the passage of the typhoon Haiyan which violently struck the country this weekend, in particular affecting the islands of Leyte and Samar and causing, according to unconfirmed estimates, more than ten thousand deaths.

This sum, which will be distributed by the local Church in the regions most affected by the disaster, will be used to support aid work for the assistance of displaced persons from the flooded areas, and it is intended as a first and concrete expression of spiritual nearness and paternal encouragement on the part of the Supreme Pontiff in relation to the people and territories devastated by the floods.

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Prayer

Each day we should read at least a little portion of the Bible. Every syllable of the scriptures is from God. The Bible proclaims God’s own self-revelation, who God is, what God is doing, and what God asks of us. The Bible offers a practical guide for daily living, a map for eternity, and a thesaurus for the awesome mysteries of our faith. In a world full of lies and confusion, we should read the scriptures the way someone desperate and starving might eat and drink. The Holy Spirit who guides and sanctifies the Church will not neglect the opportunity to speak to our hearts and enlighten our minds whenever we study and savor the Word of the Lord. 

We should certainly pray in the morning when we get up, and we should also pray again at night before we go to bed. We should pray before and after we eat and before and after we undertake any work or project. We should examine our consciences in the light of God’s mercy and regularly approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Such habits of prayer acknowledge no more than the simple truth that we are but stewards of our lives. Even were we to live for a hundred years, this is only a flashing instant out of eternity. Prayer can liberate our lives from the distractions and deceptions of contemporary culture, and enable us to notice and enjoy the things that really matter. Listening and talking to the Lord not only helps us to know God, but in this divine conversation we may also grow in wonder, knowledge and appreciation of creation, of one another, and even of our self.

Fr. Raney Memorial Mass/Clergy Days Day 2 with Bishop Rice

For the homily from Fr. Raney memorial Mass click here: HOMILY Fr. Raney Memorial

Bishop Jenky and Bishop Rice embrace