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Gifts dedicated to God

This month's Parish Intergenerational Faith Formation title is "Gifts Dedicated to God." We are highlighting how the Bible is the source and inspiration for works of art of all kinds. Through the centuries, artists have produced innumerable many paintings, drawings, hymns and songs, sculptures, and other works of art inspired by the Bible.

ARts and Faith - Palm Sunday

As we approach Holy Week, we offer links to great works of art that help us to focus on the significance of these great days in our Church year. They draw us to pray and reflect on the mysteries we commemorate at this time each year. For Palm Sunday, here is a reflection and narrative about Giotto's "Entry into Jerusalem," which was produced around the year 1305. Click the "play" button on the painting to hear the reflection, and then follow the instructions for Ignatian prayer below it.

arts and faith - holy thursday

For Holy Thursday, here is a reflection and narrative about "Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet" by Bernhard Strigel which was produced around the year 1520. Click the "play" button on the painting to hear the reflection, and then follow the instructions for Ignatian prayer below it.

Arts and Faith - Good Friday

On Good Friday, we have the opportunity to reflect on Titian's "Christ and the Good Thief," produced around the year 1566. Click the "play" button on the painting to hear the reflection, and then follow the instructions for Ignatian prayer below it.

Arts and Faith - HOly Saturday

In the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, visitors are treated to a medieval mosaic that tells the story of salvation history, with the cross of Christ as its center. Entitled "Triumph of the Cross," it was produced in the 12th century. This is a wonderful piece to reflect upon for Holy Saturday. Click the "play" button on the painting to hear the reflection, and then follow the instructions for Ignatian prayer below it.

Arts and Faith - Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, we are offered Piero della Francesca's, “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” from the year 1463. Click the "play" button on the painting to hear the reflection, and then follow the instructions for Ignatian prayer below it.

Prayer opportunities in a time of physical distancing

As Lent winds down and we anticipate Holy Week and Easter, we are acutely aware of our separation from one another as a parish. We miss gathering for weekend Mass, regular parish activities, and the special celebrations of Holy Week. We rely on our faith to help us get through these uncertain times. While we cannot physically gather to pray, many faith leaders and publishers are making on-line resources available. Here are some ideas to try:

Liturgical composer David Haas is live streaming morning prayer on Facebook daily at 8 a.m. Central. Follow David on Facebook or use this link.
Liturgy Training Publications, whose resources we use widely in our parish, is making several prayer resources available during this time. Visit their website to sign up to have daily prayer emailed to you, virtual retreats, and much more.
Fr. James Martin, S.J. is streaming reflections on the daily Mass readings called "Daily Faith Sharing" every afternoon at 2 p.m. Central. Follow him on Facebook to engage in these reflections.
"Give Us This Day" is temporarily available for free on-line. It includes brief daily Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, inspirational lives of saints, daily Mass texts, and reflections. You can access it here.

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Ease your stress with coloring

A few years ago, coloring books for adults were a big hit. While some of the novelty of this rediscovered pastime has worn off, coloring remains one of many options for relieving stress. During these uncertain days of isolating at home, some people are looking for things to occupy their time and for ways to ease their stress.

Brother Mickey McGrath is a wonderful artist and catechist. While many are spending so much extra time at home, he is offering coloring pages to help us pray and focus on God's goodness. Follow Brother Mickey on Facebook or subscribe to his e-newsletter to access the most current of his coloring pages. You can also find some of his older works here (the ones in the bottom row are able to be downloaded and printed) and here.
Who knew that the Vatican had downloadable coloring books?? On the website where they have digitized much of the content of the Vatican Archives, we can download a couple of coloring books featuring works of art and architecture from the Vatican.