precepts of the church

Journey of Discipleship:The Precepts of the ChurchDeacon Patrick O’Toole ǀ Jonathan F. Sullivan

Ss. James and Patrick ParishOctober 12, 2013

OPENING ACTIVITY

Rules: Oppression vs Freedom

Sovereignty of Christ• Jesus as Lord• St. Paul and Christian

Freedom• Freedom from• Freedom for

Modern Culture and “Rules”• Restrict personal

autonomy• Exercise of

oppressive power

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Fr. Robert BarronIdolatry: A Commentary (youtube.com/watch?v=fWiEoZhyrQc)

TABLE REFLECTION

The Precepts of the Church

• “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.”• “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.”• “You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist

at least during the Easter season.”• “You shall observe the days of fasting and

abstinence established by the Church.”• “You shall help to provide for the needs of the

Church.”

Personal Reflection:

•What precept(s) do I find easy to follow?

• Have I struggled with any precepts in the past? How did I overcome that obstacle?

•Which precepts do I currently struggle with? Why?

LUNCH

THE BEATITUDES

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Fr. Robert BarronThe Beatitudes (from Catholicism)

PARISH EVANGELIZATION ANDTHE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful,Reaching the Lost, Making Church Matter

It’s All About the Weekend Experience (youtube.com/watch?v=2m6yMOSKq7A)

Table Reflection

• If we expect others to fulfill their obligation to worship the Lord on Sundays and holy days of obligations, are we creating and environment and experience in which people feel welcomed?

• What obstacles might discourage visitors and seekers from attending Mass at your parish? How can these obstacles be overcome?

FINAL THOUGHTS

CLOSING PRAYER