Home Living the Faith Sacramentals Crucifix - the Sign, the Meaning, the Gift

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Celebration of
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time

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From the Diocese of Palm Beach:


Our 2011 DSA Goal

Holy Name of Jesus Church's Parishioners are expected to contribute to the operation and services provided by The Diocese of Palm Beach. If we are unable to reach our DSA goal assessment, the deficit will have to be paid from our offertory collections..
$257500
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$0
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0%
Updated:
3/12/2011

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the 2010 Diocesan Services Appeal. Visit the Diocesan Service Appeal website to learn about the services we offer as a wider faith community and make your contribution today.
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Catechism Quote

In keeping with the Lord's command, the Gospel was handed on in two ways:

- orally "by the apostles who handed on, by the spoken word of their preaching, by the example they gave, by the institutions they established, what they themselves had received - whether from the lips of Christ, from his way of life and his works, or whether they had learned it at the prompting of the Holy Spirit";

- in writing "by those apostles and other men associated with the apostles who, under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit, committed the message of salvation to writing". - CCC 76
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Living The Faith - Sacramentals

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CRUCIFIX

Renaissance Collection Crucifix - 20 inchCatholics are often asked why we have crucifixes and not just the plain cross? A crucifix is a cross which has the crucified body (the corpus) of Christ. The answer comes from Scripture:

"But we preach Christ crucified: unto the Jews indeed a stumbling block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness: But unto them that are called...Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God." ( I Corinthians 1:23-24)

The presence of Christ's body on the cross does not mean that we ignore the Resurrection. Instead, it is a reminder to us that the bonds of sin were broken by Christ's suffering and death (1 Peter 2:24).

The crucifix is a sign of Christ's unconditional love for us, a reminder of the hope we have for a life united to Him, and an outward expression of our Faith as Catholic Christians.

For these reasons, the Catholic Church encourages the faithful to place crucifixes and other sacramentals in their churches, institutions, and homes. A sacramental is an object such as a crucifix, rosary, statue, or artwork which helps us grow in our faith and open our hearts to God's graces. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1677)

WHY CRUCIFIXES SHOULD BE IN OUR HOMES

The tradition of hanging crucifixes in homes has been handed down from generation to generation of Catholics. It is not uncommon to see a crucifix in every room of the house - especially family rooms and bedrooms. The presence of crucifixes offers four important benefits:

1. A Sign of our Faith - Crucifixes proudly proclaim our Christian faith to all who come into our homes. This silent, but powerful sign of Christ's love serves as a witness to visiting family members, our children's guests, and anyone who may do repair work in our home.

2. Comfort in times of need - When hard or sad times come to our families the crucifix is a vivid reminder that suffering has a purpose and a value. As Christians we are called to pick up our cross and follow in Christ's footsteps, uniting our suffering to His. With Christ no suffering is in vain.

3. An aid to prayer - It is human nature for our minds to wander during prayer. Distractions, interruptions, and our busy schedules often pull us away from our intentions for a good prayer life. Quiet contemplation of a crucifix helps us refocus and go deeper in prayer. The crucifix is not what you will pray to or pray about. Instead, it is just a visual reminder and a starting point for conversation with God. Here are some examples: thank Christ for the suffering He endured for you; thank God for sending Christ into the world for us; meditate on Scripture passages about Christ's teachings.

4. Spiritual protection - Not just something you see in movies, crucifixes really are a protection against evil spirits. Crucifixes proclaim for all to see the triumph of Jesus over sin and death. Evil has no power in the presence of Christ. "At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:8-10).

CRUCIFIXES MAKE
GREAT GIFTS

1. Baptisms
2. Weddings & Anniversaries
3. First Communion
4. Confirmation
5. Birthdays
6. Jubilee Anniversaries for Priests
7. Memorial gifts
8. House warming gifts

 
 

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February is dedicated to

The Holy Family


Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15 RSV-SCE

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy surpassing virtues and the example of Thy home life didst hallow the household in which Thou didst choose to live while on earth, mercifully look down upon this family, whose members, humbly prostrate before Thee, implore Thy protection. Remember that we are Thine, bound and consecrated to Thee by a special devotion. Protect us in Thy mercy, deliver us from danger, help us in our necessities, and impart to us strength to persevere always in the imitation of Thy Holy Family, so that, by serving Thee and loving Thee faithfully during this mortal life, we may at length give Thee eternal praise in heaven.

O Mary, dearest Mother, we implore thy assistance, knowing that thy divine Son will hearken to thy petition.

And do thou, most glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, help us with thy powerful patronage, and place our petitions in Mary's hands, that she may offer them to Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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