Hello All,
We have our last session of the Revelation bible study this coming Friday. I have found this to be an inspiring study that has personally provided me a great deal of hope! And so timely with the current Mass readings about the last things! You will be able to view Jeff Cavins' lectures on line until 12/31/19.
If you are interested in our next Friday morning bible study,
Galatians: Set Free to Live, another Jeff Cavins study, please put a reminder on your calendar to sign up with Cheryl at the parish office on or soon after
December 2, the first Monday of Advent. The Galatians study is 8 sessions beginning Friday February 8, 2020 and is WAY less intense than the Revelation study! We'll focus on the Mosaic Law, justification under the Law vs by faith, etc. Bulletin announcements begin the first weekend of Advent. We will be limited to 50 participants on Friday mornings. I do not know if a second evening session is planned. If you would like to learn more about the study and even preview the first episode, please look at this link:
https://ascensionpress.com/collections/galatians-set-free-to-live.
Many interesting and important questions were raised in Friday's session. This afternoon I read the Catechism sections 988-1065 covering the resurrection of the body, death, the Particular Judgement, Hell, Heaven, Purgatory, the Last Judgement, and the hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Please read it! Most of the questions brought up on Friday are answered in these sections-so beautifully written, so comforting, countless scripture references-many from Revelation. You will completely understand it after doing this bible study and you will be able to explain it to others!
Here are some references from the Catholic Answers website that also answer the questions raised:
Are we saved by grace through faith? or by our righteous deeds? Stay tuned till fall, 2020 when we will study James, also by Jeff Cavins. Here are a few quick references:
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank several people:
Dr. Mary Utzerath-for so graciously facilitating a second small group for the first sessions of the Revelation study! And for providing the delicious baked goods every week!
Joyce Lex-for so graciously facilitating a group in my absence in September!
Mary Jo Gordon and Ann Sarnowski-for so generously making coffee for us!
And to all of you for your inspiring participation! It is very clear to me that the Holy Spirit is present in the room with us-your questions and answers are so inspiring and there is a wonderful feeling of community among us as well. A great blessing.
I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Advent! If any questions come up at the final session, I'll send a quick email in the next few weeks.
And please pray for the recoveries of Dee Powers and Steve Koehler who recently underwent surgery and for the soul of Dorothy Wiegel, mother of Mary Jo Gordon and grandmother of Ann Sarnowski. May she rest in peace.
God bless,
Krishna Smith