The countdown to the New Year is fast approaching. Will you be making resolutions?
For most of us, the answer is yes. If you are a regular reader of this blog then you know that last year, I wrote a blog using the acronym
R-E-S-O-L-V-E-D to help us focus our resolutions on the things that really matter. The "L" in the acronym stood for "Listening" in which I encouraged the cultivation of a listening spirit so that we could hear the voice of God in our everyday circumstances. In addition to prayer of the Holy Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and Lectio Divina, one of my favorite ways to practice "listening" is spiritual reading.
I've compiled the
list below which features some of my all time
favorite books for spiritual reflection, prayer, meditation and direction. I hope that you will incorporate one or several of them into your Catholic library because I know that you too will see much fruit in your relationship with God as a result. They are in no particular order.
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As you may know, the Women of Grace 5
th Annual Retreat was held at Malvern Retreat House the weekend of July 23-25. It was preceded by the Women of Grace Leadership Institute on July 22, ending mid- afternoon on the 23
rd. Both events were abundantly blessed and I am delighted in the receptivity of heart so apparent in the women who attended. If you weren't able to make it this year, I just wanted to give you a little taste of what the retreat was like so you will seriosly consider coming next year.
Our guest presenter for the retreat was Dr. Edward Sri, Provost of the Augustine Institute in the Archdiocese of Denver. Father Edmund Sylvia, C.S.C. and myself were the retreat directors. The theme was “The Mysteries of Mary: Hope, Healing, and New Life.” We have copies of the retreat talks available for you on CD.
I was personally inspired by Dr. Sri’s discussion of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and his enlightening discussion of the marriage feast of Cana. In both instances, I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to enter more deeply into the call and mission God has entrusted to me and to surrender more fully to His Holy Will. I am confident you, too, will experience the power of the Holy Spirit as you listen to Dr. Sri’s presentations.
The Scripture passages we were led to consider throughout the retreat, in the order they were given, are the following:
Jeremiah 1: 5-10
2 Chronicles 7:14
Jeremiah 7:3-11
Ezekiel 22:30
Throughout the retreat the women were encouraged to be the prophetic voice of this our day and time and to step boldly into the mission which God has entrusted to them. Reminding them of the Closing Message to Women from the 2
nd Vatican Council, the women were exhorted to “reconcile men with life” and to “save the peace of the world” as the Council Fathers told them only they can do. A big mission to be sure, but a mission that can be accomplished, “for with God, nothing is impossible.”
I suggest you pray the passages the women received at the retreat, see what the Holy Spirit is saying to you, and give your “fiat” to the Lord as did Our Lady. The salvation of the world depends on it.
Like most retreats, the end came too soon and we had to leave our mountaintop experience and return to the realities of everyday living. I am certain that we have all been refueled for the certain challenges which lie ahead. I hope that you too will consider joining us next year for this beautiful retreat experience!
Our next event is the Women of Grace National "Healed for Holiness" Conference , Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sacramento California, September 17-19, preceded by the Leadership Institute September 16 -17 (mid-afternoon). You won't want to miss this faith-filled opportunity!
Enjoy a few pictures from the retreat. If you'd like to see them all, visit my
Facebook page.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Today’s National Day of Prayer will receive scant attention from the Obama Administration as the president breaks from tradition and nixes a formal morning prayer service. He also decided not to attend a large Catholic prayer breakfast tomorrow morning.
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by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Students across the nation will be gathering around the flagpoles of their schools before classes begin on Sept. 24 to pray for their schools, teachers and the country in order to exercise their First Amendment right to pray at their schools.
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by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
(June 26, 2008) After 18 years of prayer, the Catholic Pro-Life Committee of the Diocese of Dallas will mark the closing of the eighth abortion clinic in the city since retired Bishop Charles Grahmann began leading a monthly “Second Saturday Rosary” campaign outside Dallas area clinics in 1990.
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