Side Dishes for Adults
-
-
March
This month's side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, watch, explore, reflect.
Pray
Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace
Prayer is an underutilized resource in the work of justice. Pray this online version of the Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace. We pray the Luminous Mysteries to help us follow more closely the example set by Jesus in His ministry to the poor and the vulnerable. The third luminous mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/scriptural-rosary-for-justice-and-peace
Watch
Video
This month's video features Catholic speaker and musician Steve Angrisano. Steve prays with us through song to help us understand how we are the body of Christ, here to support each other during difficult times.
Steve Angrisano March Faith Formation LIVE! (Part 1, 11 min)
https://youtu.be/Dirv2a54_0c
Steve Angrisano March Faith Formation LIVE! (Part 2, 7 min)
https://youtu.be/kfArcbJrsyY
Reflection Questions- When have you leaned on someone? Who has leaned on you?
- Where do you find silence, as in Steve’s song, “Sacred Silence?”
- Who is a saint you lean on? What saint is a role model for you as you try to be holy right where you are?
- What is the real purpose of Lent? What does it mean to repent?
Explore
What is the Kingdom of God?
What is the Kingdom of God? with Bishop Robert Barron (2-min video)
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/video/what-is-the-kingdom-of-god-askfrbarron/309/
The Kingdom of God is Here
Jesus says that The Kingdom of God is not a far off distant place that we can never reach. Rather, The Kingdom of God is right here with us, because we all are part of The Kingdom. Listen to this podcast from the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church.
https://bustedhalo.com/podcasts/the-kingdom-of-god-is-hereThe Year of St. Joseph
Learn about St. Joseph
As we begin the Year of St. Joseph, read more about him at these links.
https://catholiccurrent.org/saints/st-joseph-spouse-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/saint-joseph/
Prayer to St. Joseph in the Year of St. Joseph
https://catholiccurrent.org/prayers/prayer-to-st-joseph/
Living LentExplore the following resources from the Diocese of Des Moines to gain perspective on the “desert” practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving; as well as discover ideas for how to live them — individually or as families.
Living THIS Lent
Click here for a guide to Lent this year — with explanations for the “why” behind some of our traditions as well as simple ideas for “how.”
Weekly Prayer & Faith Conversations
Clck here for a one-page reflection guide for family prayer based on each week’s Sunday readings. Includes a related idea for family fast and almsgiving.
More Resources
More resources coming soon!
Lent with the SaintsSpend Lent with the saints this year, with the aid of our downloadable handout featuring 40 holy men and women. Let their lives inspire you to courage, service, surrender, and fidelity at https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2019/02/lent-with-the-saints/
Reflect
Confession: Try it, you'll like it! at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/confession-try-it-youll-like-it/
Six ways to evangelize during Lent at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/six-ways-to-evangelize-during-lent-2/
A Good Friday Reflection at https://catholiccurrent.org/catechetical-corner/good-friday-reflection/
Reflections on the Songs of the Suffering Servant at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/reflections-on-the-song-of-the-suffering-servant/
Lenten Reflections for Married Couples at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/lenten-resolutions-for-married-couples-inspired-by-pope-francis/Sunday Connections from Loyola Press
God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way. Find connections for every Sunday of the liturgical year at https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/
Third Sunday of Lent, March 7
Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14
Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21
Palm Sunday, March 28
Adult Reflection Questions from Liturgy Training Publications
At Home with the Word® is used in a variety of adult faith-sharing settings. They offer additional questions and activities for adults at https://d5ia2wpngn16p.cloudfront.net/resources/AHW21-adultfaith.pdf
-
-
-
February
This month's side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, watch, explore, reflect.
Pray
10 Pointers for Prayer at https://catholiccurrent.org/twim-0619/10-pointers-for-prayer/
Additional Ways to Pray at https://catholiccurrent.org/prayers/additional-ways-to-pray/
Living Lent DailyThe "Living Lent Daily" e-mail series for 2021 is filled with lessons of hope and courage. Inspired by the new book, I Am with You: Lessons of Hope and Courage in Times of Crisis by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, our daily reflections will encourage us in confusing and turbulent times. Sign up at
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/living-lent-daily/
Watch
Lent in 3 Minutes, from Busted Halo
What is Lent all about? Why do Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why 40 days? If you’re looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place. Busted Halo explains the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal at https://bustedhalo.com/video/watch-lent-3-minutesPop-Up Catechesis: Practicing the Lenten Disciplines
Joe Paprocki shares the domino effect of the three traditional Lenten disciplines: prayer, fasting and almsgiving at https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2021/01/pop-up-catechesis-practicing-the-lenten-disciplines/Carole Eipers Video
Click here to watch the video (34 minutes).
In this month’s video, Carole Eipers challenges us to consider the signs of the Kingdom of God in our lives and our world.
Reflection Questions- What image of the kingdom speaks to you? Treasure, pearl of great price, leaven, mustard seed, net, scattered seed?
- When have you experienced the Kingdom of God?
- Which fruit of the Holy Spirit do you think the world needs most today? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?
Dr. Carole Eipers is National Catechetical Advisor for William H. Sadlier, Inc. She served in parish ministries for over 20 years as a teacher, Director of Religious Education, Youth Minister, and Pastoral Associate.
Explore
Living Lent
Jesus, about to transition from the hidden mission of home to the public mission of proclaiming the Good News of God’s love, was drawn to pray and fast for 40 days in the desert. The desert. Why would Jesus go there – on purpose? Why does he invite us to join him there every Lent? And how do we do this? Explore the following resources from the Diocese of Des Moines to gain perspective on the “desert” practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving; as well as discover ideas for how to live them — individually or as families.
Living THIS Lent
Click here for a guide to figuring out your own Lent this year — with explanations for the “why” behind some of our traditions as well as simple ideas for “how.”
Weekly Prayer & Faith Conversations
Clck here for a one-page reflection guide for family prayer based on each week’s Sunday readings. Includes a related idea for family fast and almsgiving.
More Resources
Lenten Resources from IgnatianSpirituality.com
Lent is a season of repentance and renewal. We turn away from our sinfulness and recommit ourselves to following Jesus. Ignatian contemplation and reflective prayer encourage us in the season of Lent. Explore resources for Lent, including a daily email, online retreats, and video reflections at https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/lent/40 Ideas for 40 Days
Take a walk through each day of Lent with a different faith activity at https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/resources/40-ideas-for-40-days/
A Reflection on Lenten Fasting at https://catholiccurrent.org/catechetical-corner/a-reflection-on-lenten-fasting/
Questions and Answers about Lent at https://catholiccurrent.org/fact-of-faith/questions-and-answers-about-lent/
Lent with the SaintsSpend Lent with the saints this year, with the aid of our downloadable handout featuring 40 holy men and women. Let their lives inspire you to courage, service, surrender, and fidelity at https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2019/02/lent-with-the-saints/
Reflect
Examinations of Conscience. Click here for several different examinations of conscience based in Scripture and Catholic teaching, including formats for adults and children:
- Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments
- Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching
- Examination of Conscience for Children
- Examination of Conscience for Young Adults
- Examination of Conscience for Single People
- Examination of Conscience for Married Persons
A Good Friday Reflection at https://catholiccurrent.org/catechetical-corner/good-friday-reflection/
Reflections on the Songs of the Suffering Servant at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/reflections-on-the-song-of-the-suffering-servant/
Lenten Reflections for Married Couples at https://catholiccurrent.org/living-the-faith/lenten-resolutions-for-married-couples-inspired-by-pope-francis/Sunday Connections from Loyola Press
God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way. Find connections for every Sunday of the liturgical year at https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 7
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 14
First Sunday of Lent, February 21
Second Sunday of Lent, February 28
Adult Reflection Questions from Liturgy Training Publications
At Home with the Word® is used in a variety of adult faith-sharing settings. They offer additional questions and activities for adults at https://d5ia2wpngn16p.cloudfront.net/resources/AHW21-adultfaith.pdf
-
-
-
January
This month's side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, watch, explore, reflect.
Pray
A Prayer for the New Year. Click here for a family prayer for the new year.
Examen Prayer for the New Year. Click here for how to apply the examen to the past calendar year.Pray for your family. Click here for a Consecration to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Pope Francis' Prayer of the Month. Pope Francis shares his prayer intention for January, "For Human Fraternity," in a short video at this link.
Pause+Pray. When asked once how important prayer is in our daily lives, Pope Francis' message was emphatic: “How powerful it is! May we never lose the courage to say, 'Lord, give us your peace.’” Looking for a new prayer resource? Try Pause+Pray, from Franciscan Media, a daily e-mail that includes a brief reflection, prayer, and call to action to inspire you to greet each day prayerfully. Click here for more information.
Watch
Kathy Hendricks Video
Click here to watch the video (28 minutes).
In this month’s video, Kathy Hendricks discusses the difference between a perfect family and a holy family. Using personal examples and beautiful visuals, Kathy helpfully illustrates the domestic church with thoughts about Joseph's vigilance, Mary's openness and Jesus's redemptive love.
Reflection Questions- What sort of vigilance marks your experience of family?
- How does the example of Joseph reflect what it means to be a holy family?
- How have you experienced the mercy of grace and forgiveness in your family?
- What affirms your understanding of "holy families?" What questions remain around this topic?
Resources
Kathy offers talks and retreats across the country on catechesis, spirituality, and family and is the author of several books, including:
The Spirituality of Parenting
Prayers and Rituals for the Home
Seeking Spiritual Balance in Off-Kilter Times
Forming Families in Faith: Catechesis in the Home
Heavenly Friends: An introduction to the Beauty of Icons, with Father William Hart McNichols.Kathy Hendricks is the National Catechetical Consultant for William H. Sadlier and a contributing writer for their programs.
Explore
Pope announces yearlong reflection on family, 'Amoris Laetitia'
During his Sunday Angelus address Dec. 27, Pope Francis commemorated the feast of the Holy Family and said that it served as a reminder "of the example of evangelizing with the family" as highlighted in his apostolic exhortation, "Amoris Laetitia" He also announced announced that the Catholic Church will dedicate more than a year to focusing on the family and conjugal love, beginning on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, 2021.
"I invite everyone to take part in the initiatives that will be promoted during the year," he said. And added, "Let us entrust this journey, with families all over the world, to the Holy Family of Nazareth, in particular to St. Joseph, the devoted spouse and father." Read more at this link.Being a Holy Family is Hard as Heaven
I heard a wonderful homily last year on the Holy Family. It prompted me to write a reflection later that night in my journal. The priest spoke compellingly on Catholic social teaching, in which the family serves as the most basic cell and grounding paradigm for any just society. “This is,” he argued, “because family embodies the most important expressions of loving your neighbor as your self, a commandment that defines all social life.” Read more of this blog post by Dr. Tom Neal at this link.
Christmas Season Resources from the Diocese of Des Moines
Come Christmas Eve, we pivot to celebrating. . . now. Emmanuel. . . God with us. . . has arrived! This truth is so game-changing that a single day is not adequate to take it in and celebrate it. Our Christmas joy spills over into a whole liturgical season all its own. Click here for "Living this Christmas Season," a resource for all ages from the Diocese of Des Moines.
Sunday Reflections from St. Joseph Educational Center
Below are short reflections on the Sunday readings for December shared by Tom Quinlan, Ministry Director at St. Joseph Educational Center in West Des Moines. These are great tools for personal prayer and reflection, and also wonderful ways to help lead a discussion about the readings among the members of your household or with a group of friends.
Sunday, January 3, 2021, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Link coming soon!
Sunday, January 10, 2021, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Link coming soon!
Sunday, January 17, 2021, Second Sunday Ordinary Time
Link coming soon!
Sunday, January 24, 2021, Third Sunday Ordinary Time
Link coming soon!
Sunday, January 31, 2021, Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time
Link coming soon!
-
-
-
December
This month's side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, watch, explore, reflect.
Pray
An Advent meal prayer for the month is available at this link.
Pope Francis shares his prayer intention for December, "For a Life of Prayer," in a short video at this link.
Learn how to pray the O Antiphons at this link. The O Antiphons are an ancient sung prayer of the Church, dating back to at least the eighth century.Beginning on December 17 and continuing through December 23, they bring together the prophecies about the coming of the Messiah found in the Old Testament with the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus proclaimed in the New Testament.Pray and Act
Prayerfully consider now you might help moms in need by reading, "Serving Moms in Need This Advent," from the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities blog at this link. Then take another step by:
- Contacting a local pregnancy resource center like Inner Visions HealthCare.. Ask about ways you can help, such as volunteering or donating baby items.
- Offering some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
- Learning more about how you can help mothers in your community by signing up at walkingwithmoms.com and following @walkingwithmoms on Instagram!
Watch
Peter Herbeck Video
Click here to watch the video.
In this month’s video, Peter Herbeck breaks open the central themes of Advent: waiting, watching, hope, resting, and anticipation to help us at the beginning of this new liturgical year and during this strange time in our world. The pandemic is an invitation to live in a “dialed down” existence, as well as an opportunity for growth in spiritual life and family relationships. Peter Herbeck is Vice President and Director of Missions at Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor, MI.
Explore
Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2020.
Today’s readings propose two key words for the Advent season: closeness and watchfulness. God’s closeness and our watchfulness. The prophet Isaiah says that God is close to us, while in the Gospel Jesus urges us to keep watch in expectation of his return. Read more of the homily at this link.
Advent Resources from the Diocese of Des Moines
Click here for Advent resources for all ages from the Diocese of Des Moines. The page is updated weekly and includes:
- Living This Advent: A Four-Week Journey (fun guide with simple ideas)
- Weekly prayer and discussion pages (one page reflection guide for daily prayer)
- The meaning of Advent and other resources
Reflect
Below are short reflections on the Sunday readings for December shared by Tom Quinlan, Ministry Director at St. Joseph Educational Center in Des Moines. These are great tools for personal prayer and reflection, and also wonderful ways to help lead a discussion about the readings among the members of your household or with a group of friends.
Sunday, December 6, 2020, Second Sunday of Advent
https://youtu.be/HJXwk1B-lU0
Sunday, December 13, 2020, Third Sunday of Advent
https://youtu.be/e_giqx4vbZU
Sunday, December 20, 2020, Fourth Sunday of Advent
https://youtu.be/4ZPHgfdB__Y
Sunday, December 27, 2020, Feast of the Holy Family
https://youtu.be/CCgoLSqcWEQ
-
-
November
-
This month's side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, watch, explore, reflect.
Pray
Our actions as faithful citizens should flow from prayer. We we pray, we experience God and we remember that He is in us and in all people, who are created in His image and have inherent dignity. If we want to truly be faithful citizens, we must know how to come to God in prayer, experience God in ourselves and others, and listen to the ways God is calling us to respond.
Click here to view and print "Praying LIke a Faithful Citizen: 9 New Ways to Pray."
Watch
Thanksgiving attitude
During this month of thanks and family gatherings, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a way to turn our apologies into gratitude for others' acceptance of our "I'm sorry." It's a great message that we as Christians can embrace to help us move forward rather than stay stuck in difficult relationships.
Click here to watch, "I'm sorry vs Thank You."National Vocation Awareness Week
National Vocation Awareness Week is celebrated the first week of November every year in the United States Catholic Church. The week is dedicated to awareness of and promotion of all vocations, but especially the vocations of the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. We express our gratitude -- Thanks be to God! -- and renew our prayers and support for those who have been called to or are considering a particular vocation.
Click here to watch "How pursuing a vocation is filled with joy."Click here to watch, "What's My Vocation?" with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Explore
After reading Luke 24:13-35 and watching Fr. Michael Driscoll's video at this link, consider exploring:
- The Emmaus story using art like Sr. Marie-Paul's icon of the two disciples as a married couple. Read more at this link.
- Ideas for a Thanksgiving litany or other table prayers that connect with the Church liturgical year. Print a Thanksgiving table prayer at this link.
- How you can incorporate the liturgical year into your meal planning and cooking. Visit "Catholic Cuisine" at this link and "Catholic Recipes for the Liturgical Year" at this link.
Reflect
Below are short reflections on the readings for Sundays of November shared by Tom Quinlan, Ministry Director of St. Joseph Educational Center in Des Moines. These are great tools for personal prayer and reflection, and also wonderful ways to help lead a discussion about the readings among the members of your household.
Gospel reflection for Sun, Nov 1, 2020, Feast of All Saints
https://youtu.be/uFqm8yQQOTE
Gospel reflection for Sun, Nov 8, 2020
https://youtu.be/218OVhbLUd4
Gospel reflection for Sun, Nov 15, 2020
https://youtu.be/qOfiuSbC2Vk
Gospel reflection for Sun, Nov 22, 2020, Solemnity of Christ the King
https://youtu.be/FCzetoFMgcs
Gospel reflection for Sun, Nov 29, 2020, First Sunday of Advent
https://youtu.be/FCzetoFMgcs
-
-
-
October
Side dishes for adults include suggestions in four categories: pray, explore, reflect and participate.
Pray
Examen
Participate in this guided audio examen with Becky Eldridge.
https://soundcloud.com/beldredge98/guided-examen-with-becky-eldredg
Explore
Spiritual Plan
Create an individual spiritual plan for yourself for the next year.
https://lpress-craft.s3.amazonaws.com/files/TraWeb5269_SpiritualPlan.pdfExcerpt from "The Inner Child"
https://virtualfamilyofbelievers.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/3/3/133300024/chapter4_theinnerchapel_.pdf
Other Resources from Loyola Press
Reflect
October Gospel Reflections
Watch these 5-minute video reflections recorded by Tom Quinlan, Director of St. Joseph Educational Center, West Des Moines.
Sun, Oct 4, Respect Life Sunday
https://youtu.be/NX2fXRdJoAc
Sun, Oct 11, 28th Sunday Ordinary Time
https://youtu.be/so-EsR8FZW8
Sun, Oct 18, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time
https://youtu.be/cU1rpVE8LyQ
Sun, Oct 25, Priesthood Sunday
https://youtu.be/Qy8EcB4t9Gw
Participate
Faithful Citizenship
Although many of us are tired of all the political ads, it is essential that we Catholics exercise our rights and responsibilities to participate in the governance of our nation, state, and local communities.
As Catholic citizen, we are called to register to vote, to inform our consciences, and to make informed decisions as we exercise our right to vote.
To discover more about our call to participate in the public square, please visit the USCCB's Faithful Citizenship page at https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-peace-human-development/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship
-
-
September
-
LIVE! Speaker for Adults
Join Mike Patin as he shares about connecting to Jesus. This message is just for adults on their faith journey. https://youtu.be/Yhp0auyle0Y
September Prayer Tool: A Space for Prayer
One of our goals for this month is for our households to create a prayer space in their homes (or refresh an existing one). Whether you live in a household of one person or ten, having a focal point for prayer aids in quieting down and placing oneself in God's presence. A prayer space can be anywhere - a dedicated corner of a room, a shelf with some spiritual items on it, the centerpiece of the kitchen table...and it is good to add to your prayer space as the year unfolds.
Watch this video to learn about the basics of creating a prayer space.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhy_o0-9HUQ&feature=youtu.be
This article expands upon the video to share more ideas for your prayer space.
https://buildfaith.org/creating-a-prayer-space-at-home/
Be creative! Make it your own! Let us pray....
Discovering the New Testament
As we explore the New Testament this year, it is good for us to have a reminder of how the Bible is organized and how to look up a Scripture verse or passage (group of verses). Here is a short description of how the books of the Bible are arranged and another explanation of how to look something up in the Bible.
https://watch.formed.org/symbolon-the-catholic-faith-explained/season:1/videos/the-bible-god-s-love-letter-to-humanity
To access FORMED for FREE using our church account, visit: https://formed.org/signup and enter our parish zip code: 50263.
Faithful Citizenship
Although we are all tired of all the political ads, it is essential that we Catholics exercise our rights and responsibilities to participate in the governance of our nation, state, and local communities. Here is a video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) which explains our role as Catholic citizens and calls us to register to vote, inform our consciences, and make informed choices.
To discover more about our call to participate in the public square, please visit the USCCB's Faithful Citizenship page.
-