Bulletin Excerpts

Examen

An ancient spiritual practice which was popularized by St. Ignatius of Loyola and has come to be called the Examen. It was designed to enable believers to find God in their lives. It is a simple prayer with five easy steps and is normally done toward the end of your day. You can do it at home or away. Begin by asking for God to be with you.

The first step is gratitude. You spend a few moments recalling the good things that happened to you during the day and you give thanks for any good things or moments that happened.

The second step is asking God to help you know the times when you turned away from your spiritual self or away from God. When did you act contrary to who you really are or against your better judgments?

The third step is to review the day. Simply ask yourself, what happened today? Take time to look back over your day – recall the sights and sounds, the tastes and smells, the thoughts, words and deeds. Every single thing can offer you an insight into where God has been in your day.

The fourth step is to ask God for forgiveness for anything sinful you may have done during your day. This is meant to be a freeing thing, not a guilt ridden thing. God is ever merciful and is always welcoming us back. Trust and know that.

The last step is to ask for the grace of God’s help to be with you during the next day and then close with a prayer you know by heart – like the Our Father. The entire thing does not have to take more than ten to fifteen minutes.

St. Ignatius taught, as did many spiritual guides before and since, that this simple practice will change your life. Over time, you will begin to notice the presence and patterns of God’s activity in your daily life. You will see God acting at the very moment it is taking place and not just during the Examen at the end of the day. The Examen helps you to realize where God is. If you do this simple practice day after day, year after year, you will be transformed into a wise and holy person. Others will seek you out because you will live in the presence of God in each and every moment.

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Knights of Columbus Catholic Corner

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The Holy Rosary

The Holy Rosary with Monsignor Dunne. The rosary has been prayed since the thirteenth century. While meditating on the life of Jesus, one recites the prayers that bring one closer to Him and to His Mother, Mary. The Rosary is divided into three parts, each having five mysteries.

More information in the Weekly Bulletin

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 09:16 AM