CRS Rice Bowl Week 2 : NICARAGUA

Focus: NICARAGUA - Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

  The Young Professionals through the leadership of Claire McPherson at Christ our Hope Catholic Church worked together and prepared 2 delicious soups for our Soup Supper in observance of the 2nd week of Lent. From set up, audio visual, food prep, cooking, serving, presentation, prayer,  networking and clean up - they worked in solidarity.

   This week, the CRS focuses on its amazing work in Niacaragua to empower Young Adults through the Youthbuild International Programs. After the 7 pm mass, attendees ( parishioners and residents of the Josephinum) were shown the video of Cesia ( see above video) and learned about the important work of CRS globally and locally. It was an evening full of joy and spirit.

   As we continue to celebrate this Lenten season, the significance of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving is what we try to achieve and SHARE with others. As Fr. Lucas reiterated this weekend in his Homily  through the words of Pope Francis: "Lent is the perfect time to "come HOME" and to PAUSE, SEE AND RETURN

 

  "Pope Francis invited everyone to live the 40 days of Lent as a time to “pause” from things which keep us from virtue and to return home to the loving and merciful embrace of God the Father.“Return without fear to those outstretched, eager arms of your Father, who is rich in mercy, who awaits you. Return without fear, for this is the favorable time to come home,” the Pope said Feb. 14.“[Lent] is the time for allowing one’s heart to be touched...” he continued, explaining how “persisting on the path of evil only gives rise to disappointment and sadness. True life is something quite distinct and our heart indeed knows this. God does not tire, nor will he tire, of holding out his hand.”

                                                      

HERE ARE SOME PICS FROM OUR SOUP SUPPER:

Matt stirring a vegan minestrone soup

attendees watching the presentation

lining up for the soup

CRS Ambassadors and Outreach Charr

Claire, Christine and Matt of kitchen duty

Crystal leading the Prayer

Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are to live and work in the world. In this principle, Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers, we remember that, Jesus spent years working as a carpenter. Work is important to help people fulfill their potential. And everyone must receive a fair wage to provide for themselves and their families.

Thanks to the Young Professionals, Essential Baking Company and the Christ Our Hope Community for your support.

by:

Cate Lichten

CRS Ambassador

 

The Sermon on the Mount

     My work commute routine has been precise as clockwork for the past year. I leave the house at 4:55 am and by the time I'm driving on the freeway, I am listening to the EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) radio mass at 5 am through the Sacred Heart Radio (Seattle) app on my phone. What a great way to start my day and an incentive for me as well to leave the house on time so I'm not late for work and mass. After all this time, I started recognizing the voices of the priests. I continue to cherish these mornings alone in Prayer and in celebration of the Eucharist with our Lord. By the time I arrive work, the sermon is normally finished.

    This week is the first week of Lent. All week, as a catholic I am reminded again of the Lenten trifecta: The Prayer, Fasting and almsgiving. I find this practice rewarding and renewing every year.

    I started reading the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew Ch. 5-7)  this week and the first sermon is
"The Beatitudes". It's one of my favorite parts of the Bible (together with 1st Corinthians 13). I really believe that if we try to read this everyday, we will be encouraged to live like Christ in every instant of our lives. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the chapter on "The Dignity of the Human Person", the beatitudes is dissected into an incredible detailed group of messages . Number 1717 states:  
    
   " The Beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray his charity. They express the vocation of the faithful associated with the glory of his Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life; they are the paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulations; they proclaim the blessings and rewards already secured, however dimly, for Christ's disciples; they have begun in the lives of the Virgin Mary and all the saints." 

  It simply fulfills the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven.

   What else can I live for but to fulfill the promise of God. Am I doing enough? It will not be enough if I have to think about that. All I can do is to try to live everyday like HIM. I know that HIS reward in heaven  will be greater than anything here on earth.

    Have a Blessed Lent: 

CRS Rice Bowl Week 1 : IRAQ

CRS Weekly Lenten Soup Suppers started at Christ Our Hope Catholic Church featuring the country of IRAQ. After the 7 pm mass on Feb 18th, the CRS Ambassadors presented the story of Majd, an Iraqi boy whose life was changed by one of the great works of the Catholic Relief Services.

The parish Communications Commission members prepared and served the soup and Claire McPherson ( commission chair ) had the opportunity to share to the community in attendance what the Commission's mission and vision are, followed by a CRS blessing prayer before soup was served.

During the supper, videos of " Who is my Neighbor", " Prayer", "Fasting" and "Almsgiving" were shown. It was a great evening of fellowship and mindfulness as we learn about the heartwarming and life changing works of the Catholic Relief Services.

In behalf of the CRS Ambassadors, the Outreach Commission and Father Paul Magnano - Thank You for your support and participation - especially to the Communications Commission

Here are some photos from the evening:

Dinner is served!

Preparing Chicken and Chickpeas soup

Communications Commission led by Claire McPherson

Cate Lichten

CRS Ambassador