CATHOLIC FAITH AT HOME RESOURCES

For Our STELLA MARIS

Family of Parishes

including:

St. Thomas More, St. Bernadette,

St. Mary's, St. Peter's


July 9


THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

OF JESUS


In July we celebrate

our nation’s freedom and independence.


As we remember the sacrifices of this country's men and women,

let us also remember the sacrifices of Jesus

as a way of showing God’s

immeasurable love and compassion.


July is dedicated as the month of the

Most Precious Blood of Jesus,

the holy blood that symbolizes love and sacrifice

for all mankind.


Prayer and devotion to His Most Precious Blood

will guide and inspire us to be more compassionate

in reaching out with our brothers and sisters in need.



The following passage is from one of the oldest documents

of the Christian era's first century

– to be exact, from Pope St. Clement I, dated about 96 A.D.


Says Pope Clement:


"Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ

and realize how truly precious It is,

seeing that it was poured out for our salvation

and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world.


"To understand the meaning of the Precious Blood

we must get some comprehension of the gravity of sin,

of the awfulness of offending God,

because it required the Blood of the Son of God

to forgive that sin.

We are living in an age in which to sin

has become fashionable.


This veneration of the Precious Blood,

which is the first element in our devotion to the Precious Blood

means that we have a deep sensitivity to the awfulness of sin.


Sin must be terrible.

It must be awful.

It must be the most dreadful thing in the universe.

Why?

Because it cost the living God in human form the shedding of His Blood."


Click the link below to watch and pray the Litany of the Precious Blood:


LITANY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS


JOIN and WELCOME our

NEW DIRECTOR OF EVANGELIZATION

FOR OUR STELLA MARIS FAMILY

*** BRAD BURSA ***

PRESERVING A CONSTITUTION DESIGNED FOR

A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS

PEOPLE



One of the foremost constitutional writers of the founding documents, John Adams, observed,


“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.

It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”


He wasn’t the only Founding Father to hold this view.

Indeed, James Madison wrote that our Constitution requires

sufficient virtue among men for self-government,”

otherwise, “nothing less than the chains of despotism

can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another.”


Many of our Founders were men of faith or

were influenced strongly by the Judeo-Christian tradition.

 

They accepted the knowledge of mankind’s imperfect nature.


They had experienced first-hand the oppressive dictates

of Parliament and the Crown that led to the American Revolution.


And they were rightly suspicious of the accumulation of

governmental power by one person or a small body.


Why did they believe that the success of the union

ultimately depended on the virtue of the people?


Simply put, the Founders knew that government and culture are intertwined.


A virtuous people would courageously defend the rights

endowed by their Creator and restored by the courage of patriots.



But a fearful people would readily give up these rights

in exchange for a fleeting sense of security. 


So how do we cultivate the virtue needed to sustain our republic?


It falls to the family, the church, and educational institutions to transmit

to each new generation the virtues

without which free societies cannot survive:

basic honesty, integrity, self-restraint, concern for others

and respect for their dignity and rights.


The biggest threat to our constitutional order is

not a series of decisions from the 3 branches of the government.


It is instead, as our Founders warned, the failure to pass to subsequent generations

the character, virtue, and knowledge required to protect the constitutional safeguards


In Deuteronomy 6:7 God instructs the Israelites:


"You shall teach my words diligently to your children,

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,

and when you walk by the way,

and when you lie down, and when you rise."


We as Catholics have a huge challenge before us!


We have the essential tools with our teachings, the Eucharist,

our ministries, and our Holy Scriptures!


Now do we have the courage and perseverance necessary

for this urgent responsibility to transmit our teachings

on virtue, freedom, human nature and holiness to the next generation?


Click below for an online text of our founding documents:


AMERICA'S FOUNDING DOCUMENTS

Click below for an online version of our

Catechism of the Catholic Church

with all the teachings we need to diligently teach the next generation:


CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH


A WORK IN PROGRESS


In recent years some Americans have been harshly

criticizing their country as irremediably flawed,

oppressive and racist.


While not a paradise,

the U.S. has been a source and symbol

of hope for countless people. 



It’s an act of humility to admit past and present mistakes

 and to hope that, with God’s grace, a nation can move forward. 


None of us is independent.

We rely on God’s providence to sustain us at every moment,

and we are relational beings who depend on the support of others.


We are reminded that true liberation is found in union with Jesus.


For each of us, like each nation, is a work in progress.


Click below to find encouragement in a

Retreat Guide titled “Christ Alone Is Enough.”


CHRIST ALONE IS ENOUGH

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 WITH AN EXORCIST


We all have wounds, attachments and weaknesses,

and our culture has a lot of answers as to

how we ought to heal from them.


But did you know that they have spiritual implications

— and spiritual cures — too?


Fr. Chad Ripperger is back to tell us

how our wounds can provide the Devil with footholds into our life.


More importantly, he tells us how

our own actions can affect the power those wounds have over us.


Click the link below to watch and hear Fr. Ripperger's wisdom:


FR. RIPPERGER ON HEALING OUR WOUNDS


CAN NOVELS

CONTRIBUTE TO

CATHOLIC LIFE?



What’s the point of reading fiction?


Wouldn’t it be better to just read works

about theology and the spiritual life?


Actually, novels and short stories contribute to Catholic life

by helping us understand the human experience more deeply.


Click below to discover 10 recommendations:


10 FICTION RECOMMENDATIONS


Click below for more fiction books recommended:


BEST CATHOLIC FICTION BOOKS


Click below to watch Fr. Mark Mary recommend 6 more books:


RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FR. MARK MARY




WHAT

IS

CATHOLIC.CHAT???




The debut of ChatGPT by OpenAI sent shockwaves

through the tech world, captivating audiences far and wide.


In the Catholic world, we’re just as mystified.


For those who are unfamiliar with ChatGPT,

it’s an artificial intelligence (AI) technology

programmed with the ability to generate

remarkably human-like text responses. 


The process of “teaching” it is referred to as “training” and

involves feeding it text from various sources.


In a groundbreaking move, Fivable, a South Carolina-based tech company,

took the technology that powers ChatGPT, GPT 3

and trained it using solely the Catechism of the Catholic Church.


The outcome?


The interactive platform “Catholic.chat” that enables users to

engage with the Catechism in a natural, conversational format.


As with any technological advancement,

there are inherent risks with using AI.

We need to know what we want to achieve with itthis is crucial to ensure it is employed in alignment with Catholic values and teachings.


In this way, AI has potential to be a formidable instrument for good. 


Catholic.chat could be a significant turning point,

creating a space where technology and tradition intertwine.


Click below to ask Catholic.chat a question:


TRY OUT CATHOLIC.CHAT

SPECIAL PRAYERS

Pleading the Blood of Jesus



“Father in heaven, may we all be cleansed

by the saving Blood of Jesus;

may our consciences be purged of dead works.


Scripture says that evil is defeated by the Blood of the Lamb,

so we ask that the Blood of Jesus cover all who are in need of protection

(all civil, religious and lay leaders, our families,

friends, enemies, all those for whom

we have promised to pray, and ourselves).


We mark the borders of our nation and

the doorposts of our churches, homes, schools

and places of employment with the Precious Blood of Jesus.


Also, we cover our vehicles that no one may ever be injured through them.


Thank You, Lord, for shedding Your Blood for us.

May the Water and Blood that came from the

side of Jesus create a protecting fountain of grace,

one which flows directly from the throne of God to us.

Come, Lord, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit.”

Amen.


Click below to watch and pray The Chaplet of the Precious Blood:


CHAPLET OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And for inspiration through

our Family of Parishes' Patron...


Click below to read the:

AVE MARIS STELLA PRAYER


Click below to hear:

AVE MARIS STELLA in GREGORIAN CHANT


Click below to hear:

AVE MARIS STELLA SUNG IN ENGLISH

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

NEW WEEKLY INFO


How an Italian Teenager’s Love for the Eucharist

Transformed a 50th Wedding Anniversary Road Trip


Not only have Bill and Peg White shared nearly

53 years of married life together,

they began traveling the country to celebrate their Golden Jubilee

sharing the truth and beauty of the Eucharist through the

Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition.


This includes panels researched and designed by the

holy teenager, Blessed Carlo Acutis.


Learn more about their inspiring story

and how a religious community in Miami

is also part of this special mission to share the work of Blessed Carlo.


Click the link below to read more:


A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROAD TRIP

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I Am with You:

A Documentary on Carlo Acutis


Filmed on location in Italy,

this EWTN original documentary

introduces you to the remarkable story of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Family, friends, neighbors and classmates

paint a moving image of this impressive young man

whose spiritual wisdom far surpassed his age.

Through photos, videos and eyewitness accounts,

you’ll get an insight into his true devotion to Jesus

in the Blessed Sacrament and his relentless determination

to spread the truth of Eucharistic miracles

to believers around the world.


Click below to WATCH:


CARLOS ACUTIS DOCUMENTARY


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Our Bishops Speak: The Eucharist


On June 9, 2023, during a presentation to the

Catholic Media Association, Bishop Cozzens shared the

powerful story of a man named Fernand,

whom he met when he was a young priest,

and how Fernand’s Eucharistic faith carried him

through more than 50 years of crippling illness.

Click below to read his reflection:


BISHOP COZZENS STORY


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the Streets


Another major moment in the Revival:

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

one of the largest Eucharistic pilgrimages in history!


We will process with our Eucharistic Lord on 4 routes,

departing from our nation's north, south, east, and west edges.


These branches will meet in Indianapolis in July 2024

for the National Eucharistic Congress.


To see the four routes, and intercessor for each, click below:


NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE ROUTES


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


The Eucharist and the Sacred Heart:

A Prayer after Communion

By St. John Henry Newman


Most Sacred, most loving Heart of Jesus,

You are concealed in the Holy Eucharist,

And you beat for us still.

Now, as then, you say: “With desire I have desired.”

I worship you with all my best love and awe,

With fervent affection,

With my most subdued, most resolved will.

For a while you take up your abode within me.

O make my heart beat with your Heart!

Purify it of all that is earthly,

All that is proud and sensual,

All that is hard and cruel,

Of all perversity,

Of all disorder,

Of all deadness.

So fill it with you,

That neither the events of the day,

Nor the circumstances of the time,

May have the power to ruffle it;

But that in your love and your fear,

It may have peace.



Registration for the Congress


With all the grace Our Lord wants to pour over the U. S.

through this Congress,

the devil wants to disrupt it in big and little ways.


Please pray - even just a quick prayer -

for everyone involved, especially:


• The technology that will process registrations

Congress volunteers

• Event organizers and administrative staff

• All those considering attending

• All who God is calling to the Congress, especially sacrifice to be there

• The pilgrims as they prepare for the National Eucharistic Procession


Thank you for being a Prayer Partner of the Revival.

Your intercession makes a real difference!!!

WILL YOU BE THERE, TOO?


You can join us!

in July, 2024

for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.


Directly experience the fruits of your intercession and

see its impact around the country.

Click the link below to REGISTER:

REGISTRATION FOR 10TH

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONFERENCE

QUIZ! FOR THE WEEK


What are relics? What is the difference between first, second, and third-class relics? 

 

Scroll down to find the answer!


HUMOR HIGHLIGHT


KEEPING SECRETS




Doug was leaving church after Christmas services when Father McCarthy took him aside. "Douglas, my son," he said, "it's time you joined the Army of the Lord. We need to see you every Sunday."


"I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Father," Doug replied.


"Then why do we only see you on Christmas and Easter?"


Doug looked to the right and to the left, and then

leaned over to whisper in Father McCarthy's ear.


 "I'm in the Secret Service."

GOSPEL READING REFLECTION

For JULY 9, 2023


FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Gospel:  Mt 11:25-30


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY



  • When Christ spoke these words, no one on earth knew the persons of the Blessed Trinity except Christ. But the Son became man so that we might know them.


  • We can know Christ, the just universal king, to whom the Father has handed over all things.
  • The requirement to know him is that we become “little ones” as opposed to being among “the wise and the learned.” That is, we must be humble and not claim a wisdom and learning we don’t actually possess.
  • It is scary to be humble and lowly, which is why Christ promises we can trust him.
  • He himself is humble and lowly and yet the King.


  • None of us is burdenless. The good transformation we need from within is also a burden. It is not a burden imposed on us by violence or its threat. Rather, it is an easy and light yoke. That yoke is used by the meek and humble teacher to lead us to rest.


  • As Paul teaches, part of the burden of Christ’s yoke is to “put to death the deeds of the body.” This refers to our evil deeds.



  • . Christ promises that God will richly reward us for this, as the sonless wife was rewarded by Elisha.


SCOTT HAHN'S

MASS READINGS REFLECTION


Click the link below to hear Scott Hahn reflect on

the FOURTEENTH Sunday in Ordinary Time:


A YOKE FOR THE CHILDLIKE


14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME REFLECTION



ANSWER TO QUIZ


The term “relics of the saints” principally signifies the saints' bodies

—or notable parts of their bodies.


As distinguished members of

Christ’s mystical body and as temples of the Holy Spirit

(cf. 1 Cor 3, 16; 6, 19; 2 Cor 6, 16),

in virtue of their heroic sanctity,

they now dwell in heaven, but once lived on earth.


Objects which belonged to the saints,

such as personal objects, clothes, and manuscripts

are also considered relics.


These are objects that have touched their bodies

or tombs, such as oils, cloths, and images.


Relics are contained in a reliquary.



Traditional categories of relics:

  • First class relics consist of the bodies or parts of the bodies of saints or blesseds.
  • Second class relics consist of clothing or other articles used by the saint or blesseds.
  • Third class relics consist of objects touched to a first class relic (or, according to some accounts, also to a second class relic).


To read more about Relics click the link below:


RELICS IN THE CHURCH


ST. THOMAS MORE WEBSITE LINKS


Click the link below to find more:


Faith Formation Activities & Events for every Month & Season


Looking for previous editions of:


CATHOLIC FAITH NEWSLETTERS?


Click on the link below for past newsletters:

PREVIOUS CATHOLIC FAITH NEWSLETTERS


BOOK

RECOMMENDATION

 

We need to be armed for battle!



At all times, and especially during these crazy times in this vale of tears,

we need to lay our foundation in Christ Jesus.

Spiritual reading helps us build and strengthen that foundation.

Order though your favorite book dealer.

This week's recommendation is:

 

MY SON CARLO

By Antonia Salzano Acutis

Since he was beatified in 2020, Carlo Acutis

has been the subject of widespread interest across the globe.


The typical Italian teenager

who lived a life of extraordinary virtue

has captivated countless millions.

And yet, even with the worldwide attention on this millennial saint,

we're left wondering and wanting more.


 In My Son Carlo, Antonia Salzano Acutis shares for the first time

the intimate, private moments of her son's life,

including his final days

in vivid detail

before he died from leukemia at the age of 15.


In her own words, Antonia shares stories and memories

as a mother who lost her son too early

but was forever shaped by his remarkable life.


Carlo has quickly become a favorite patron in heaven,

changing the lives of those who pray for his intercession.


In this book, Antonia shares how Carlo desires to bring people to Jesus,

like he did for her, helping rekindle her faith:


"This was his secret: that he had a constant, intimate relationship with Jesus.

He wanted everyone he encountered to have this kind of

relationship like he did.

He did not consider it to be something just for him.

He was convinced that this relationship was accessible to all."


Here is an excerpt from her book:


My son taught catechism to children for a few years, and to help them progress spiritually,

he created a kit for becoming a saint. He wrote: “I want to tell you a few of my very special secrets which will help you quickly reach sainthood. Always remember that you, too, can become a saint!”

1. First, you have to want it [sainthood] with your whole heart, and if you do not have the desire yet, you must ask the Lord for it with insistence.

2. Try to go to Mass every day and receive holy Communion.

3. If you can, try to spend a few minutes in Eucharistic adoration before the tabernacle where Jesus is truly present. In this way, you’ll see how your level of holiness increases!

4. Remember to recite the holy Rosary every day.

5. Read a passage from holy Scripture every day.

6. If you can, confess every week, even for venial sins.

7. Make promises often to God and the Virgin Mary to help others.

8. Ask your guardian angel, who must become your best friend, for help.


To read more click the link below:


MEET THE REAL BLESSED CARLO


 Below is a reliquary containing blood from Carlos Acutis...

We pray you will be excited to embark on purposeful

spiritual reading as a way to build a more prayer-filled,

Christ centered life.