This Week

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

These words of our Savior seem to be in stark contrast to the previous chapter from the same Gospel, when we were told that if we do not take up our crosses, we are not worthy of Christ. Connecting these two messages might help us on our faith journeys. Being a follower of Christ surely means that we must embrace the cross, in its mystery of both suffering and triumph. This is something that we need not do alone, for the burden is often too heavy for us to carry by ourselves.

Who, then, do we turn to?
We can turn to the Body of Christ the community of disciples gathered for worship. When we find the burden too heavy, let us remember that we can share that burden with our Christian sisters and brothers, who can help bring us rest.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Treasures from our Tradition

With the Reformation, some early Protestants, including the “Anabaptists,” rejected infant baptism in favor of “believer’s baptism.” Against Orthodox and Catholic practice, which favored baptism as soon as possible for a newborn, these movements desired that the candidate for baptism speak for him- or herself at a mature age, not through godparents as an infant.

Today, it is clear that they were rejecting a very ancient practice (even as early as the second century) of baptizing children of all ages. Children came first in ancient baptismal ceremonies, and someone would speak for them. Gregory of Nazianzen wanted to delay the baptism of children to three years of age, since at that age they could retain at least some impression of the liturgy. He made an exception for the very ill, who were to be baptized ahead of the annual Easter baptism. That means that infants and children were normally baptized together with adults, and that everyone received confirmation and the Eucharist. The tone of the early bishops’ writings is generous and compassionate, and seeks to build up the eucharistic assembly by widely celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit. If a priest celebrated baptism, then the gift of the Spirit was postponed for the bishop, but with no regard for the person’s age. So, until the fifth century, confirmation was for infants, too.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA (1656-1680) July 14th

Though the New York State Thruway runs close by the North American Martyrs’ Shrine, traffic’s roar never pierces the peace enveloping Auriesville Ossernon to Native Americans in the lovely Mohawk Valley, where Kateri Tekakwitha was born barely ten years after the martyrdom of Isaac Jogues and his Jesuit and lay companions. Daughter of a Christian Algonquin mother and non-Christian Mohawk chief, Kateri’s parents died in a smallpox epidemic widely blamed on the missionaries. Moreover, many Native Americans had experienced exploitation at the hands of “Christian” traders and trappers, further discrediting the faith Kateri embraced in baptism, then pledged to live even more intensely in vowed virginity. Misunderstanding led to harassment, prompting her move to a Christian village farther north along the Saint Lawrence River. Despite this, Kateri’s faith remained undaunted, her selfless charity undiminished. Both before and after her death at twenty-four, this young “Lily of the Mohawks” drew countless converts to Christ by the fragrance of her goodness.

Through us, does “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15), attract others to the beauty of his gospel?

Friday, March 13, 2020

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” - Mother Teresa

Help a person in need today by making a gift now www.isupportabcd.org today!.

Whether you seek to strengthen the ministries of your parish, reach out to the homeless and the hungry or assist our seminarians, we welcome the opportunity to help you create a legacy that celebrates your faith, affirms your values and gives witness a love that endures forever.

Contact the Office of Planned Giving today (305) 762-1112.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)

When we contemplate on God’s call for us to be good stewards and generously share our time talent and treasure sometimes, we may consider that God might be asking too much of us. However, we must humble ourselves and remember that we are not “owners’ of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given us. All He asks from us is that we share with Him a small portion of what He has already given to us.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Life can seem overwhelming. Get help from counseling with a Catholic perspective.

Don’t suffer any longer. Catholic Charities offers affordable confidential counseling to help you cope with life challenges:

• Child/adolescent counseling
• Marriage/couples
• Grief, sickness or major life changes
• Financial, employment difficulties
• Depression, trauma or abuse
• Anxiety, stress management, etc

Sessions are affordable and available in Dade and Broward Counties.

Call us for an appointment of phone consultation

Miami Shores Office (954) 649-7785

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

CLICK HERE to download the Registration form.