Who We Are - Formation 2003

FORMATION

Formation 2004

Formation 2003

Formation 2002

Formation 2001

Formation 2000

Formation 1999

Formation 1998

Formation 1997

Formation 1996

FORMATION 2004

Click this image to see Jubilee 2000 at the Vatican

Introduction

Format

Programme

Theme
#1

Theme
#2

Theme
#3

Theme
#4

Theme
#5

Theme
#6

Theme
#7

Theme
#8

segment NO 2

theme:        “Mary, Mother of god”

call to prayer & opening prayer:

As for the Order Prayers

focus:

“Mary, our Mother, have us always in your keeping.”

(International Alliance Prayer)

word of reflection

Reflect on the reading of the following words taken from the documents of the Church:

Mary is acknowledged as both the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer. Because of this, she has a place of honour both in the Church and in heaven. She has a unique relationship to God and a special relationship to the Church. And although she is unlike us in these ways, she is also like us in the most fundamental aspects of her nature: she is in need of salvation, not because of any sin, but simply because she is human.

Mary does not stand above Christ, but stands with all of us who need a saviour. What a remarkable relationship this is! Jesus depended on Mary for the things of this earth. Mary depended on Jesus for the things of heaven! This, of course means that Mary is a member of the Church and an excellent example of faith and charity.

Vatican II, Constitution on the Church – paraphrase #55

To conclude this Apostolic Exhortation, I invite you to join me in turning to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church, who is so revered throughout Oceania. Missionaries and immigrants alike brought with them a deep devotion to her as an integral part of their Catholic faith; and since that time, the faithful of Oceania have not ceased to show their great love for Mary. She has been a wondrous helper in all the Church’s efforts to preach and teach the Gospel in the world of the Pacific. In our time, she is no less present to the Church than she was at Pentecost, gathered with the Apostles in prayer (cf. Acts 1:14). With her prayer and presence, she will surely support the new evangelization just as she supported the first.

John Paul II, Ecclesia in Oceania – The Church in Oceania #53

            Allow a few moments reflective silence, then proclaim the Word of God

word of god

& The Gospel according to John 2: 1-12

The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

$ For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the readings.

       Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.

the sharing

” Now bring your insights and reflection around the theme and the Readings into discussion of the following:                                                                                                                   (10 mins)

v     What role does Mary play in the life and work of Jesus?

v     What specific devotion to Mary helps you to be more open to receive the grace of God?

v     How do you imitate the life of Mary in terms of bringing the presence of Christ to the world?

conclusion

Leader:         As we conclude this time of reflection, let us give praise to God as we say:

All:      Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

            as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

closing prayers:

As for the Order Prayers at the Closing of the Meeting.

Last updated: 12/02/2006