Archive for December 2015
Did You Know?
To Christians the classic Snakes and Ladders game seems to be based on Old Testament ideas around sin and God’s mercy. It makes us think of Jacob’s angel-laden ladder to the heavens in the Old, and satan disguised as a snake who sparked the Fall of Adam and Eve. But it’s actually an ancient Indian…
Read MoreThe Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy
Once we have received and become deeply aware of God’s loving mercy towards us, we’re more able to generously extend God’s love to others through what the Church calls corporal (physical) and spiritual acts of mercy. There are seven of each. Think about it; how many do you already do in your daily life? Which…
Read More6 Ways to Celebrate the Year of Mercy
Here are six ideas for you and your family to fully participate in the graces of this holy year, though they are good for every day, every year! Forgive those who have hurt you. Is anyone estranged from you because of a past conflict? Reach out to them in love this year. Tell them you…
Read MoreThe Rituals of Mercy
Pope Francis likens the Church to a field hospital in a battle field. The Catholic Church is not an exclusive country club for saints, rather it’s an emergency room for sinners with Jesus as the chief surgeon, blood and organ donor. His chief instruments are not a scalpel and forceps, but the Sacraments of Reconciliation…
Read MoreA Vision of Mercy
Pope Francis has invited Catholics to experience in a new and deeper way the joy of giving and receiving mercy during the Jubilee year. In this way, he believes, the Church will be more effective at witnessing to God’s mercy. It is impossible to be genuinely merciful towards others, or even be fully aware of…
Read MoreThe Way of Mercy
The Way of Mercy is four simple steps to heal a relationship based on the principles of restorative justice. When we make a bad choice, say or do things that we shouldn’t, hurt someone or break the trust of another, it’s important to take ownership of our actions (or inactions), apologise for it and rebuild…
Read More2015 December
God has brought us again to this beautiful Advent season of waiting and preparing for Christ to come into the world and into our hearts. You are so good in this busy time of year to take time for some spiritual reading and planning for Christmas! Thank you for your support of CathFamily this year;…
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