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Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17, 2021) and for each Sunday of the season of Lent, Bishop McGrattan is offering spiritual renewal reflections for individuals, families and communities in the Diocese as we prepare to celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This 8-part video series of Lenten Spiritual Renewal (15-25 minutes reflection) is a part of the Diocesan Spiritual Renewal “Duc in altum | Put out into the deep”. Upcoming reflection themes on Sundays of Lent:
Ash Wednesday On his first reflection (Ash Wednesday), Bishop McGrattan calls for a personal renewal, for us to recognize or reimagine the deep gifts we received at our Baptism First Sunday of Lent | The Primacy of Grace "Opening our lives and receiving God's grace... This is how the church grows, not because of human's effort, but by us being open to receive the grace of God, and to be drawn to Christ." In today’s reflection, Bishop McGrattan speaks of the primacy of grace, that it's always God's initiative that draws us to Christ. Second Sunday of Lent | The Call to Holiness "The acceptance of God's grace is the beginning to the call of the path of holiness. It's the response that each of us are called to make in our lives." In today’s reflection, Bishop McGrattan speaks of the call to holiness. He reminds us of ways to reintensify or redevelop the call to holiness that we received in our baptism. Third Sunday of Lent 2021 | Lent “Prayer is this lifting of mind, entering into this conversation and relationship with God, lifting our heart and wanting our heart to be one with God.” In today’s reflection, Bishop McGrattan reminds us that amidst our busyness and distraction, we must always try to seek silence and solitude, to focus our minds to God. But how? Watch the video to get thoughtful examples and ideas from the Bishop. Fourth Sunday of Lent 2021 | Listening to the Word of God “To receive, to hear, to listen to the Word of God is the essential nature of the Church.” In today’s reflection, Bishop McGrattan reminds us that scripture must be at the forefront of our activities and endeavour as Christians, and invites us to renew how we listen to the Word of God. “Through the scripture, we are introduced to the very life and the mysteries of God.” The listening of the Word of God through praying, reading, studying and meditating with scripture is equally important and necessary step of preparation for when we gather as a community, and when we engage in pastoral activities. Bishop McGrattan shares the 5 steps of Lectio Divina, divine reading praying with scripture. 1. Lectio - reading of text, looking at the words we’re reading, the images of text, and to see the significance of the text and image. 2. Meditatio - what does this passage say to me, or to the early church? 3. Oratio - how does this passage of scripture move me to respond? 4. Contemplatio - how is this word of God forming in me the mind and heart of Christ? 5. Actio - how is this word making my life a gift for others? To study Verbum Domini, download the file below. 
Fifth Sunday of Lent 2021 | Proclaiming the Word of God "..being sent forth is part of the nature of the Church. We call it the essential mission." In today’s reflection, Bishop McGrattan brings to mind that faith is often formed by secular values or opinions of the world. As missionary disciples, we are called to recognize these limitations, to understand the challenges we face in proclaiming the Word of God, as we go forward to convey a message of love.
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Catholic Pastoral Centre Staff and Guest Writers Archives
September 2023
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