Sun Chat Jul 31:
If God is present everywhere, why is it so important to also talk about God’s presence in the Eucharist?
How can you be more present during your daily (or weekly) celebration of the Eucharist?
How can we live Eucharistic lives in our day-to-day activities? What would this even look like? :23 PM
VisitationSiste: I once had a prayer group friend who
Jul 31 2016, 7:24 PM
VisitationSiste: gave me a good definition
Jul 31 2016, 7:24 PM
VisitationSiste: about God’s presence in the Eucharist, in us and elsewhere
2016, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: She said in the Eucharist Jesus is purely Himself with no obstacles blocking His Presence
Jul 31 2016, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: In us, we can put up blocks, or sins and His Presence is diffrent then
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Guest2109 (guest): The first question is about the importance of speaking about the presence of God in the Eucharist. In our day, even many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and so it is imperative that we draw to this fact whenever possible.
Jul 31 2016, 7:26 PM
Guest2109 (guest): Draw attention
Jul 31 2016, 7:26 PM
Carol Ann: Is it that He Himself does not change but our sin changes our perception?
VisitationSiste: I think so
Jul 31 2016, 7:28 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Our sin might also diminish our ability to relate to Him.
Jul 31 2016, 7:30 PM
VisitationSiste: His Power doesn’t diminish but His presence respects our blocks so maybe He does not come thru us as strongly as in the Sacred Host?
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) But our sin might also serve to remind us of how much we really need Him.
Jul 31 2016, 7:31 PM
Lisa C: I think our perception of Him is proportional to our faith
Jul 31 2016, 7:31 PM
Carol Ann: And when we become aware we can ask Him to remove the block because we cannot
Jul 31 2016, 7:32 PM
Guest2109 (guest): judy) And then to desire Him even more.
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Lisa C: Romans 1:20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 16, 7:33 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I wonder how we reached this point where even many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence.
Jul 31 2016, 7:33 PM
Lisa C: He is not hidden from us.
Jul 31 2016, 7:34 PM
Lisa C: Faith is a gift though
Jul 31 2016, 7:34 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy Welcome Alyce!
Lisa C: Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–
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Carol Ann: I think it might be that the priests don’t always teach it during sermons, when people who don’t attend classes are most likely to hear. They are rightly trying to make the Gospel life releva37 PM
Lisa C: So if faith is a gift and some have more than others how can we hold anyone responsible for what they have not been given?
Jul 31 2016, 7:37 PM
Carol Ann: But there is so little time for them to teach!
Jul 31 2016, 7:37 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) In addition to homilies, maybe frequent Bulletin articles about the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist might be helpful. This could also increase the sense of reverence in the people as they are in church.
Alyce (guest): I will venture to say we must gently claim and demand faith. Cling to it with all we can muster. Waiting for it to be presented I its most palatable fashion is a mistake.
Jul 31 2016, 7:38 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Valerie & Ruth
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VisitationSiste: Yes faith is a gift but we can share gifts
Jul 31 2016, 7:40 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) We need to use that prayer from the Scripture. <“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
Jul 31 2016, 7:40 PM
Lisa C: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV / 61 helpful votes
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
Jul 31 2016, 7:40 PM
Carol Ann: Faith grows when it is shared
Jul 31 2016, 7:41 PM
Alyce (guest): Judy, l love be that and say it all the time…and it works.
Jul 31 2016, 7:41 PM
Lisa C: First fruits were offered to God as a sacrifice
Jul 31 2016, 7:41 PM
Lisa C: Those with faith now are an offering for the salvation of those who do not know
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VisitationSiste: God is always present to us in the Eucharist but how intensely are we present to Him? PM
Ruth (guest): Greetings Alyce, Judy, Sr. Susan, Carol Ann, Lisa, and a special welcome to Valerie and Alyce. Did I leave anyone out? I’m always playing catch-up!
Jul 31 2016, 7:44 PM
Carol Ann: It is so easy for me to be distracted by worry, so I offer my distraction to Him and He takes it away
Jul 31 2016, 7:45 PM
Ruth (guest): good move, Carol Ann!
Jul 31 2016, 7:45 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) How can we be more present during our celebration of the Eucharist?Become centered on the Mass.Make an offering of yourself, placing yourself on the altar and asking that as the bread and wine placed there will become the Body and Blood of Jesus, so may you be transformed into His living presence in the world toda
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Carol Ann: That is beautiful, Judy
Jul 31 2016, 7:45 PM
Dawn L: the temptation to worry is also my biggest distraction Carol Ann
Jul 31 2016, 7:46 PM
Lisa C: 1Cor 15:23
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
Jul 31 2016, 7:46 PM
Ruth (guest): Excellent, Judy!
Jul 31 2016, 7:46 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Ask the Lord to prepare you heart to receive Him, to forgive all your sins and to remove from you even the slightest inclination to sin, and to give you the strength to reject all near occasions of sin.
Jul 31 2016, 7:46 PM
Ruth (guest): I think my biggest problem lately is PRIORITIZING!
Jul 31 2016, 7:46 PM
Dawn L: beautiful, Judy
Jul 31 2016, 7:47 PM
Carol Ann: I wonder did Jesus worry wh e n he lived among us as fully human and is my worry my part in carrying the cross
Jul 31 2016, 7:47 PM
Ruth (guest): Mass and quiet time, especially with the Blessed Sacrament, help — a lot.
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Dawn L: often I am unable to verbalize my interior prayers, at Mass, but I have faith that Christ understands and hears them
Jul 31 2016, 7:49 PM
Ruth (guest): Carol Ann, I think He did, at least during the Agony in the Garden, and it can well be that your concerns ARE his concerns, it’s just — not sure about “worry.”
Jul 31 2016, 7:49 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Oops, had to run and close the sliding doors in my living room because it started to rain abit heavily.
Jul 31 2016, 7:49 PM
Lisa C: Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Jul 31 2016, 7:50 PM
Alyce (guest): I just read this prayer by St Teresa of Avila that may help with worry and anxiety, which I also struggle with: “Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough.”
Jul 31 2016, 7:50 PM
Lisa C: He does, Dawn
Jul 31 2016, 7:50 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes,more storms are predicted for tonight, and I have lots of windows open, but right now the sky is still clear.
Jul 31 2016, 7:50 PM
Dawn L: there Lisa, that is it.
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) But at the same time, we should never abandon our efforts to pray ourselves. I believe that our efforts are pleasing to God.
Jul 31 2016, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: The book Abandonment to Divine Providence is a powerful one to help with worries too
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Ruth (guest): Alyce, I have that prayer on a card — remind myself of it too.
Jul 31 2016, 7:51 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, concern is proper worry can lead to sinful worry
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Ruth (guest): Another reminder I simply remember God is in charge; nothing can happen to me or to my loved ones that cannot be turned to His greater glory and my/our growth in Faith.
Jul 31 2016, 7:52 PM
Carol Ann: I have a pamphlet that is a summary of Abandondonment, I need to find it!
2016, 7:53 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I think that worry and fear go hand in hand. And so we need to remember the words of Jesus, do not be afraid, which were so often reiterated by Saint John Paul II.
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Carol Ann: I recently got the daily devotional Jesus Calling and it talks a lot about letting go of fear and worry
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I would guess that you need to begin with a preliminary needs assessment from all the Sisters, then to choose the most needed, then to prioritize them, and then to create a plan of action to meet the needs. That could certainly take a year.
Jul 31 2016, 7:57 PM
Ruth (guest): Still, I think, sometimes grief and worry seem to vie for a place in our attention. It grieves me, for instance, that Fr. Marone died alone in the woods, off the trail == and he never goes off the trail ordinarily. We have to wait several more weeks for the results of the autopsy — raises questions of foul play, and those questions can become worries. But a plenary indulgence — so easy to obtain in this year of Mercy — offered for his soul — stills at least the worries for him — though not for the ag
Jul 31 2016, 7:57 PM
Ruth (guest): gressor if there was one.
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Ruth (guest): Judy, we do not know. Our pastor suggests he might have “just become confused.
Jul 31 2016, 8:01 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Let’s hope that that is the case.
Jul 31 2016, 8:01 PM
Ruth (guest): And it was on the anniversary of his retirement. He’s the one who anointed me before my surgery. He was a very holy man, with no known heart condition or such.
Jul 31 2016, 8:02 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: special prayers for the repose of the soul of Fr. Marone!
Jul 31 2016, 8:02 PM
Carol Ann: Very odd
Jul 31 2016, 8:02 PM
Carol Ann: It doesn’t sound like he would just wander off
Jul 31 2016, 8:02 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) May Father Marone dwell for eternity in the loving arms of Jesus.
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Mary Roberta Viano: The priests whose holy hands “confect” the Eucharistic Host (Our Lord’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity) are especially vulnerable. 8:05 PM
Ruth (guest): But when I raised the concern with the Chaplain of Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of prayer at the funeral reception, that good actively retired priest, said “it could be; we will not know until the autopsy is complete in about six weeks.” And then he went on to list several priest he knew — in this diocese — who had been murdered.
Jul 31 2016, 8:05 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I wonder if there is a connection between the lack of regard for the life of priests, and the decline in belief in the Real Presence.
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Mary Roberta Viano: It was because of the Holy Eucharist that I became Catholic. And it would always bring me to tears at the Consecration – so hard to understand God’s overwhelming love for us!
Jul 31 2016, 8:06 PM
VisitationSiste: We need then to really live Eucharistic lives
Jul 31 2016, 8:06 PM
Ruth (guest): Thank you. I believe that he died in grace, offering himself — again — completely to the Lord. His body was found stretched out, face down, like when a priest is ordained.
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Mary Roberta Viano: Amazing, Ruth! A special sign, as you say!
Jul 31 2016, 8:07 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Eucharist means thanksgiving. So if we are Eucharistic people, we are united with the Lord, and should be offering all of our day and its activities as an act of thanksgiving.
Jul 31 2016, 8:07 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, indeed, Judy
Jul 31 2016, 8:08 PM
Carol Ann: Yes! To rejoice no matter what, while not sugar coating trials into nothingness
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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, if we are truly thankful, then we’ll be optimistic and compassionate with all we meet.
Jul 31 2016, 8:09 PM
Lisa C: A Eucharistic life= seeing Christ in others and letting them see Him in us. Christ becomes all
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VisitationSiste: Hidden and compassionate lives too
Jul 31 2016, 8:10 PM
Lisa C: Life of love
Jul 31 2016, 8:10 PM
Ruth (guest): Sometimes I think that I am the greatest cause of my frustrations — usually related to not accomplishing what I set out to do — even when I am praying practically all the time, at least if it is physical work that I am undertaking.
Jul 31 2016, 8:10 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: My struggle is always to stay totally focused on Our Lord Presence as the Mass moves upward to the moment of Consecration.
2016, 8:11 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) We should also be people of the smile. A smile can do much to lift the spirits of others. I recall a saying that I like, “If you see someone without a smile, give him one of yours.” The smile is a sign of our joy, that joy that comes from living in Christ.
Jul 31 2016, 8:11 PM
Carol Ann: Mine is to leave off worry and anxiety
Jul 31 2016, 8:11 PM
Lisa C: Sister Mary Roberta, I find saying His name helps, I just say Jesus
Jul 31 2016, 8:11 PM
Lisa C: Calling Him by His name when He is there
Jul 31 2016, 8:12 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: too often, I’m thinking about the attitudes of the people around me instead of looking deeply and honestly into myself and my own attitude.
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Ruth (guest): He is there, ALWAYS. “I will be with you always.”
Jul 31 2016, 8:13 PM
Lisa C: Ruth, I mean when the Consecration happens and when I receive Him I say His name
Jul 31 2016, 8:13 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Sister, rather than looking at yourself, look intently at Him. Keep your focus on the prayers of the Mass and they should help you keep your focus in the right place.
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, that’s why Sisters often received “of the Holy Name” or “of the Holy Face” ad part of their names.
Jul 31 2016, 8:14 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: as part
Jul 31 2016, 8:14 PM
Ruth (guest): Today I sat way in the back of our church, on the other side. Mostly different people, who did not pray the vocal parts aloud. Sometimes were even carrying on conversations about something someone said on FaceBook, for example. I caught myself, not only distracted, but a bit judgemental.
Jul 31 2016, 8:14 PM
Lisa C: I am also busy talking to Him at the moment of Consecration praying for people
Jul 31 2016, 8:14 PM
Alyce (guest): I think it is essential to attend Mass with great charity towards all. When I contemplate my own sins and unworthiness any impatience I feel with those around me melts away and I am so grateful to just be there. That snaps me back into focus.
Jul 31 2016, 8:14 PM
Lisa C: I ask Him to go to people
Jul 31 2016, 8:15 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Since I have to cantor so often at the Mass, I’m often too focused on what I have to sing next.
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Dawn L: Sister Mary, when I look at your profile picture I am reminded it is always Christmas..Christ Mass. its lovely
Jul 31 2016, 8:15 PM
VisitationSiste: The intensity of howe the priest says Mass also help
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Ruth (guest): Then I decided to THANK GOD for each of them, that they were at least physically present, greet them and the “Kiss of Peace” sincerely. It helped me if not them.
Jul 31 2016, 8:16 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, that’s why I esp. like the EF or Latin Mass where we’re all facing the same direction – ad orientum, as Cardinal Sarah suggests we return to doing.
Jul 31 2016, 8:17 PM
Ruth (guest): AT the “Kiss of Peace”
Jul 31 2016, 8:17 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: ad orientem
Jul 31 2016, 8:17 PM
Ruth (guest): Cardinal Sarah?
Jul 31 2016, 8:17 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) And if focus in your problem, perhaps using a missal or missalette will help. Being a cantor can be a distraction because of the tendency to concentrate on what is the next thing to be sung. Perhaps you could try to just let your singing flow naturally from the prayers of the Mass. That might help.
Jul 31 2016, 8:17 PM
Carol Ann: Sr. I think it happens to many. My novice director has asked me not to serve at Mass for a while so that I can be fed
Jul 31 2016, 8:18 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s what the African cardinal (Sarah), head of liturgy at the Vatican, has recently proposed.
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Mary Roberta Viano: We have so few sisters able to serve at Mass that we have no choice.
Jul 31 2016, 8:19 PM
Carol Ann: True. I wish I could be there to help
Jul 31 2016, 8:20 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, I was considering joining the choir. But, though I love to sing, I thought I might find fumbling for the right page for the next song, or “focusing” on the music a distraction. Not sure yet.
Jul 31 2016, 8:20 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: actually I think ours may face East, too, but then we need the priest to be facing the altar, as we are
Jul 31 2016, 8:21 PM
Lisa C: If singing is praying twice according to St. Augustine, you will be ok
Jul 31 2016, 8:21 PM
Dawn L: In the Latin Rite Mass, there were no others on the altar ex priests and altar boys….?
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Ruth (guest): AD OR ation. has that route — mouth-to-mouth.
Jul 31 2016, 8:21 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: so many of our priests seem to want to insert their own personalities into the Mass (and change the words) that it becomes distracting (not to mention disobedient!).
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I truly dislike the ad orientem direction. It makes me feel separated from the Mass since the actions of the priest are hidden. With priest and people facing each other, and both facing the altar, there is a greater atmosphere of unity and the parts of the Mass are visible to all. I also question the “Facing East”. That to me smacks of Islam, where they always face East to pray. I sometimes that our Church has a tendency to strain at gnats and to swallow camels.
Jul 31 2016, 8:23 PM
Carol Ann: I have seen examples in the least likely of places
Mary Roberta Viano: “How wonderful to be nourished on the Bread come down from Heaven, the Bread of angels!” SFdS continues.
Ruth (guest): Yet,I chose not to worry too much about compass dierections unless I am on the move and need to attend to them in order not to get lost, or to find my way when I think I am lost. Nice, though to be greeted in my home by the rising or setting su
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Mary Roberta Viano: “He changes Himself into food so that He may penetrate our souls and unite Himself most intimately to the heart and to the body of His faithful” – so beyond our comprehension! PM
Carol Ann: I wonder if that tradition was not always practiced because I can think of many loc a l churches that face north or west
Jul 31 2016, 8:29 PM
Ruth (guest): Indeed, Sr. Mary Rpberta. And I know, personally, at least three other people who were drawn to the R. Catholic Church by the Eucharist.
Jul 31 2016, 8:30 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Everything about the celebration of the Eucharist should be directed at helping priest and congregation to center on the action of the Lord in making Himself present to us in this miraculous transformation. I have to say that I do not think that the direction we face is anywhere near as important as the manner in which we offer the sacrifice.
Jul 31 2016, 8:30 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: yes, Ruth, since in the Eucharist we are as close as we can possibly be to Our Lord on this earth
Jul 31 2016, 8:30 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: and that, after all, is our main goal!
Jul 31 2016, 8:31 PM
Ruth (guest): Funny – odd — though, that it was precisely then, when Jesus made clear what he meant by eating his body and drinking his blood that many turned away from Him. Although it is also understandable. Canabilism? Jews had very strict Kosher laws.
Jul 31 2016, 8:31 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: We need to maintain ourselves in spiritual health by feeding on His Body, just as we eat good food to maintain our physical health.
Jul 31 2016, 8:32 PM
Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) Can there be anything more beautiful than being so intimately united with Jesus than in taking Him in as our food!
Jul 31 2016, 8:32 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, and there was a Swiss saint — an advisor to many government leaders — who maintained his good health on ONLY the EUCHARI
Jul 31 2016, 8:32 PM
Alyce (guest): It is a great mystery, the Eucharist, and the more I receive it the more awestruck I become.
Jul 31 2016, 8:33 PM
Ruth (guest): ST for many, many years.
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) There are a number of people who are sustained solely on the Eucharist, including some contemporary mystics. 34 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes even some Visitandines in the last century
Jul 31 2016, 8:35 PM
VisitationSiste: I think Sr Mary Martha Chambon from France, for a while
Jul 31 2016, 8:35 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: and as SFdS says elsewhere: “How we should be overwhelmed with joy when we are visited by this Divine Savior in the Eucharist!”
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Guest2109 (guest): (Judy) I guess it is getting to be time to put this discussion to bed and get ourselves ready to head there ourselves. May we all grow in our love for the
Jul 31 2016, 8:36 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes and receive Him often!!
Jul 31 2016, 8:36 PM
VisitationSiste: Blessings to all