Adult / Couple
Pray!
This month we celebrate the feast of one of the most popular Saints - St. Francis (October 4th). Pray this expanded version of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. . .
Where there is hatred, let me sow love. . .
When politics tempt me to hate the other side,
when my envy delights in workplace intrigue,
when my thoughts walk the paths of anger's edge:
teach me to love as you have loved me.
Where there is injury, pardon. . .
When words cut sharp as knives,
when idle gossip tears apart,
when careless deeds wound deeply:
teach me to pardon and offer healing
as you have healed and pardoned me.
Where there is despair, hope. . .
Teach me, Lord,
to hope when I'm unsure of many things,
to trust when I want so much to give up,
to believe when I'm confused and lost in doubt,
to share your truth and my hope in you
with those who struggle to trust in you.
Where there is darkness, light . . .
Teach me, Lord,
to trust in your light when I cannot find it,
to walk by your light when the shadows beckon,
to stand firm in your light when darkness threatens
and to share your light and warmth with all who seek it.
Where there is sadness, joy . . .
Lighten my heart with the gifts of your Spirit,
touch my heart's ache with the peace of your presence,
lift my heart's burdens and free me to share
the gift of your joy, the joy of your grace.
O Divine Master,
Help me find my peace
in making peace with others,
help me come to know your love
in learning to love those I know
and let the needs of others' hearts
help me learn what I most need.
Teach me to give from my heart as your heart gives to me,
teach me to pardon others as freely as you forgive me
and deepen my faith
that in your dying
I rise to life,
forever with you.
With Brother Francis I offer this prayer, my God.
(The Concord Pastor)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. . .
Where there is hatred, let me sow love. . .
When politics tempt me to hate the other side,
when my envy delights in workplace intrigue,
when my thoughts walk the paths of anger's edge:
teach me to love as you have loved me.
Where there is injury, pardon. . .
When words cut sharp as knives,
when idle gossip tears apart,
when careless deeds wound deeply:
teach me to pardon and offer healing
as you have healed and pardoned me.
Where there is despair, hope. . .
Teach me, Lord,
to hope when I'm unsure of many things,
to trust when I want so much to give up,
to believe when I'm confused and lost in doubt,
to share your truth and my hope in you
with those who struggle to trust in you.
Where there is darkness, light . . .
Teach me, Lord,
to trust in your light when I cannot find it,
to walk by your light when the shadows beckon,
to stand firm in your light when darkness threatens
and to share your light and warmth with all who seek it.
Where there is sadness, joy . . .
Lighten my heart with the gifts of your Spirit,
touch my heart's ache with the peace of your presence,
lift my heart's burdens and free me to share
the gift of your joy, the joy of your grace.
O Divine Master,
Help me find my peace
in making peace with others,
help me come to know your love
in learning to love those I know
and let the needs of others' hearts
help me learn what I most need.
Teach me to give from my heart as your heart gives to me,
teach me to pardon others as freely as you forgive me
and deepen my faith
that in your dying
I rise to life,
forever with you.
With Brother Francis I offer this prayer, my God.
(The Concord Pastor)
Learn!
Pope Francis has advised U.S. Catholics voting in November's presidential election to study the proposals of the candidates well, to pray about it, and then "choose in conscience."
In a lengthy press conference aboard the papal flight back to Rome Oct. 2 after a weekend visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, the pope was asked what counsel he might give to Catholics who are unhappy with both Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
"I never say a word about electoral campaigns," the pope replied. "The people are sovereign. I will only say: Study the proposals well, pray, and choose in conscience."
How Do Catholics Form Their Conscience?
1. When examining any issue or situation, we must begin by being open to the truth and what is right.
2. We must study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church.
3. We must examine the facts and background information about various choices.
4. We must prayerfully reflect to discern the will of God.
(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship)
What Should Iowa Catholics Ask Candidates?
For a list of questions click on this link: Faithful Citizenship for Iowa Catholics
In a lengthy press conference aboard the papal flight back to Rome Oct. 2 after a weekend visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, the pope was asked what counsel he might give to Catholics who are unhappy with both Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
"I never say a word about electoral campaigns," the pope replied. "The people are sovereign. I will only say: Study the proposals well, pray, and choose in conscience."
How Do Catholics Form Their Conscience?
1. When examining any issue or situation, we must begin by being open to the truth and what is right.
2. We must study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church.
3. We must examine the facts and background information about various choices.
4. We must prayerfully reflect to discern the will of God.
(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship)
What Should Iowa Catholics Ask Candidates?
For a list of questions click on this link: Faithful Citizenship for Iowa Catholics
Do!
Top 10 Ways That YOU Can Be A Faithful Citizen
- Visit Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and email the link to others.
- Pick out some issues from Faithful Citizenship that you don't know much about.
- Pray each day for those who are impacted by injustice, for policymakers, and for the ability to take action.
- Send letters to your local leaders expressing your opinions and why your faith motivates you to care.
- Organize a prayer vigil for resolution to an issue you care about.
- Discuss Faithful Citizenship over coffee with your friends.
- Take part in your diocesan lobby day.
- Stay focused on the issues and not on personalities.
- VOTE and encourage others to do so.
- Make a commitment to always defend human life and dignity and promote justice and peace.
