WAY Prayer to Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, bride of Christ and mother of souls, you went to your martyrdom united with the sacrifice of your Divine Spouse and in solidarity with the suffering of God's Chosen People.

Inspired by your teaching on our feminine nature and vocation, we seek a path to holiness that allows us

to carry out the duties of our state in life with patience, gratitude, and joy.

Pray that we may find in our study of your work a compelling vision of our charism of spiritual maternity and how we are to live this charism in a world that denies what it means to be authentically human.

May your love of learning rouse us from mental sloth, rebuke our ignorance of the teachings of the Church, and inspire us to use our minds to witness with conviction and courage to the certain victory of Christ the King over every form of evil that plagues us in this world.

In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Enlightenment

Prayer for Enlightenment

Holy Spirit, soul of our souls, we adore Thee.

Enlighten us, guide us, strengthen and comfort us.

Tell us what we ought to do, and order us to do it.

We promise to submit to all that Thou requirest from us,

and to accept with love all that Thou allowest to happen to us.  Just show us what Thy will is.

(Cardinal Mercier)

Divine Love, we beg Thee to enlighten our minds so we may know how to bring the gospel message to the souls we meet. Help us, like the early Christians, live with joy in a world that is at times hostile to what we hold dear. 

May we be confident in the knowledge that we are beloved children of God, and that our task is not to rely on our own strength, but rather to be responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as He uses us to be instruments of God’s love. 
We ask that you deepen our life of prayer in the coming months so we may have a more profound sense of The Father’s will in our lives and the courage to carry our that will. 

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

“O Holy Spirit, sweet Guest of my soul, abide in me and grant that I may always abide in You”

 The Women’s Apostolate to Youth invites you to pray for the spiritual well being of children and youth.

Acts of the Apostles Reading Schedule

As baptized Christians we are called to proclaim God’s message of salvation, to bring Christ to each person so they can receive Him in faith.  We are not called “simply to teach a doctrine, but to proclaim Jesus Christ by our words and actions, to make ourselves instruments of God’s presence and actions in the world” (CDF Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization, Dec. 3, 2007). 

Pope Benedict reiterated this when he wrote on the New Evangelization, reminding us that evangelizing is a form of living, not merely speaking.  (Pope Benedict XVI “The New Evangelization” Dec. 12, 2000).

It is hoped through our reading of the Acts of the Apostles we will glean practical insights that can be applied to our lives.   May we, like the early Christians, “live Christ”, and be bearers of God’s message of salvation to the many souls He places in our lives. 

As you read the Book of Acts:

1.     Pray with and from these texts, asking the Holy Spirit to point out what God wants you to learn through this study.

2.     Ask, what do these passages teach or reveal about being a witness to Christ?

3.     Does your life reflect these teachings?

4.     Note any resolutions or changes you are making as a result of what you have learned.

September 11: Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, found in our retreat packet and Chapters 1 and 2 from the Book of Acts. 
October 9:    Chapters 3-5
November 6: Chapters 6 and 7
December 4: No regular meeting
January 15:  Chapters 8-12
February 12: Chapters 13-16
March 12:   Chapters 17-20
April 9:    Chapters 21-23
May 7:  Chapters 24-26
June 11: Chapters 27-28

Essays on Woman Reading Schedule

“Woman can become what she should be…only when formation through grace accompanies the natural inner formation.”

Essays on Woman, p135. Edith Stein

Please join us at either Angelus Academy, 7644 Dynatech Ct. Springfield, VA  22153 or

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Rd., Gainesville, VA  20155

Meetings are held each month from 7:30pm-9:00pm (see dates below)

Essays on Woman

 by Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

  Reading Schedule

September 18: Chapter I, The Ethos of Women’s Professions. 

October 16: Chapter II, The Separate Vocations of Man and Woman According to Nature and Grace

November 13: Chapter III, parts 1 and 2, pages 87-108 Spirituality of the Christian Woman

December 11: Chapter III, parts 3 and 4, pages 109-128 Spirituality of the Christian Woman

January 22: Chapter IV, Fundamental Principles of Women’s Education

February 19: Chapter V, part 1, pages 147-172, Problems of Women’s Education

April 23: Chapter V, part 2, pages 147-191, Problems of Women’s Education

May 21: Chapter V, parts 3 and 4, pages 191-235, The Goal of Education

June 18: Chapter VI, The Church, Women and Youth

July 23: Chapters VII and VIII, The Significance of Woman’s Intrinsic Value in National Life and Mission of the Catholic Academic Woman

As you read each chapter, begin by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts so you may draw insights from this text. 

1. Identify concrete steps that can be taken for the formation and education of young women in our society. 

2. Consider how the teachings of Edith Stein (Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) apply to your own life, and in particular each woman’s call to be a “fruitful vine” for others. 

3. Note any resolutions or changes you are making as a consequence of what you have learned. 

4. Close with a prayer of thanksgiving and ask for the grace to implement the changes you have identified if they are pleasing to God.

To RSVP or for more information about the Women’s Apostolate to Youth, contact Melissa Manaker at 703-350-5015 or womensapostolatetoyouth@gmail.com.  Or visit our blog at http://www.womensapostolatetoyouth.blogspot.com/

The Women’s Apostolate invites you to pray for the spiritual well being of children and youth.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Reading Schedule

The Devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus

 How to practice the Sacred Heart Devotion

Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

September 12:

   Chapters 1-3, begin the motives for this devotion

October 10:

     Chapter 4-6, conclude the motives for this devotion

November 7: 

     Part 2: The Means of Acquiring this Devotion, Chapter 1-Chapter 2, end of second obstacle (self-love)

 December 5:

     Part 2: Third obstacle through end of Chapter 3

January 9:

     Part 2: Chapter 4 (particular means)

 

February 6:
     Part 3: The Practice of this Devotion. Chapters 1-3

March 6:

     Chapter 4-Visiting the Blessed Sacrament

 

April 10:
     Chapters 5 and 6-Holy Mass and Holy Communion

 May 1:

     Chapters 7 and 8-Marks of this devotion and select writings

 

June 12:

     Chapter 9-Meditations for the Feast of the Sacred Heart

 

I believe, I Adore, I trust

Offering the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I offer Thee my heart with all the sentiments of which it is capable; I give myself entirely to Thee, and from this hour I protest most sincerely that I desire to forget myself and all that can have reference to myself, in order to remove the obstacles which might prevent me from entering into this Divine Heart which in Thy divine goodness Thou openest to me, and where I desire to enter in order to live and die with Thy most faithful servants.

Amen.

 

Blessed Claude de la Columbière

 

Maurice and Thérèse Reading Schedule

September 19:
    Introduction and Chapter 1

October 17:

     Chapter 2 through the Christmas Miracle

November 14: 

     January 31, 1897-April 25, 1897

December 12:

     The Little Way-June 21, 1897

January 16:

     Merciful Love-July 17, 1897

February 20:

     A Lovely Home in Your Holy Friendship-August 5, 1897

March 13:

     I Found Jesus in You- Death of Thérèse

April 17:

    Chapter 3

May 8:

     Chapters 4 and 5

 

I wish “to make God loved”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dear St. Therese,

We implore you to be with our community as we strive to serve the Father’s will.  Perfect in our hearts the desire to “please Him in all things”.  Ask the Father to bless our apostolate of spiritual maternity so the fruits of our labors may be realized in the drawing of souls to Christ, particularly the souls of His little ones, those at risk, and those who have lost hope.  Amen.

 

Women’s Apostolate to Youth

Schedule: October 2012

October 1-WAY Promise and Renewal Mass and installation of new director, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Springfield. 7:30 PM
 Mass to be followed by a reception of gratitude for Robin Maas (no confessions this evening). More details to follow.

October 10-Rule Talk/Discussion-Croiset-Chapters 4-6 (concludes the motives for this devotion)

 As you address our study of the Sacred Heart this month, I ask you to consider reading the meditation for the First Friday of the Month (there are meditations for the Friday's of each month, if you are able to read all or part of these meditations, great!). See chapter IX, The exercises of this Devotion. Your practice this month-Commit to making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament on one of the Fridays of this month and read all or at least part of the Friday meditation. Jot down words or phrases that resonate in your life. What is the Holy Spirit asking you to give Our Lord's Sacred Heart? If you are in a position to do this each Friday, please do-and hold your fellow sisters' intentions in your prayers. God will reward you for your generosity!

October 17-Maurice and Therese Chapter II read up to and through "The Christmas Miracle" As you read the letters between Maurice and Therese, you may choose to read the commentary, or simply allow Maurice and Therese to teach and guide you. Consider the intimacy and trust that is required of them both. Ask Our Lord to deepen your trust and confidence in Him this month.

October 24-Community Holy Hour and Mass-Angelus Academy

Schedule: September 2012

September 5-Full Member WAY-In (location?)

September 12 Rule Talk/readings-on the Sacred Heart: Croiset-Chapter's 1-3 (The Motives for this devotion)

 As you begin this month and the study of the Sacred Heart, address one way you can show greater devotion to the Eucharist.  Possible practices to acquire/adapt (work on only one thing!): attire for Mass/Adoration/visits to the Blessed Sacrament; wearing of the veil; prayer of thanksgiving following reception of the Eucharist; length of fast before reception-3 hours versus one hour; preparatory prayer (time and quality) before Mass.  This is not an exhaustive list, ask the Holy Spirit to guide the emphasis of your devotion. Your practice this month-add/increase one aspect of your Eucharistic reverence and note the impact this has on you or those around you.  


September 19-Study of Therese:  Maurice and Therese
Read the Introduction and Chapter One-A Leap of Faith As you read the correspondence between Maurice and the Reverend Mother, I urge you to consider the impact our words have on one another-of our human need to be loved and supported in an efficacious and holy manner.  The life of a priest can be a lonely life.  The prayers, sacrifices and words of encouragement we offer will help or hinder their human and spiritual formation.  Beseech Mary to guide your words.


September 26-Council Meeting (location-Vivian's home?)

Schedule: August 2012

August 1-no scheduled meeting


August 8 -Rule Talk/Discussion
 Two readings:
   1. Porta Fidei Apostolic Letter on the Year of Faith (see your retreat packet, page 175)by Pope Benedict XVI
   2. On The New Evangelization, Address to Catechists and Religion Teachers by Cardinal Raztzinger
(http://www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/Ratzinger.htm)
Please read both of these documents in light of our study on prayer, our mission as a community: "to promote the spiritual well being of children and youth and to provide spiritual formation and moral support for women who are called to work in a variety of apostolates dedicated to this end" (Chapter One, The Nature of the Apostolate), and our participation in both the WAY retreat for scouts and the Pope's Year of Faith for the Church.

August 15th-Feast of the Assumption-a holy day of obligation. No meeting tonight so our members can facilitate a reverent observance of this marvelous feast within their families.


August 22-Community Mass, St. Raymond of Penafort Church

August 29-Study on the Sacred Heart
Study on the Sacred Heart: The Two Hearts: A History of Doctrine and Devotion (retreat packet, pages 52-62) This will lay the foundation for our study of the Sacred Heart and in particular, Father Croisset's book on St. Margaret Mary's Devotion to the Sacred Heart As you read this introduction, ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart to this very efficacious devotion.

The Way of Perfection Reading Schedule Fall 2011-Spring 2012

The other book we are studying this year is The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila.

St. Teresa of Avila is an unsurpassed teacher of Christian prayer and spirituality. In The Way of Perfection, St. Teresa gives practical counsels and advice on prayer, destined originally for the few nuns who embraced the reformed Carmelite life she established. As a handbook for spiritual formation, it presented them with the basic Christian spirituality undergirding their Constitutions and Rule. More and more today, Teresa's instructions speak to all those interested in prayer, providing them with basic guidelines for praying and showing how to avoid potential pitfalls.

• Oct. 19 Intro; Prologue; Chapter 1
• Nov. 9 Chapters 2-7
• Dec. 14 Chapters 8-12
• Jan. 18 Chapters 13-18
• Feb. 8 Chapters 19-23
• Mar. 21 Chapters 24-30
• Apr. 18 Chapters 31-35
• May 16 Chapters 36-42

Intercessory Prayer Reading Schedule Fall 2011-Spring 2012

This year we are reading The Beginner's Guide to Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets in tandem with The Holy Bible

General Instructions:
1--Each month you will receive a list of scriptures to read and reflect on as we did over the summer, using the same format with your prayer diary:
What does the passage teach you about prayer--either directly stated or implied?
Does my praying take this teaching into account?
Observations on praying with this scripture.
Resolutions or changes you are making as a consequence of what you have learned.

2--After you have done this exercise (and only after!) read the assigned chapter in the Sheets book and examine the way he makes use of these same scriptures in relation to intercessory prayer.

FOR OCTOBER 12

Luke10:38-42
Genesis 18:17-33
Psalm 73

Read Chapter 1: The Priority of Intercession

FOR NOVEMBER 2

2 Chronicles 7:14
I Kings 18, 1; 36-46
Numbers 14: 10-24
Ezekiel 22: 23-31

Read Chapter 2: The Plan of Intercession

FOR DECEMBER 7

John 14:6
Hebrews 10:19
I John 2:1
I Tim. 2:5
Acts 3:1-10
I John 3:8

Read Chapter 3: The Person of Intercession

FOR JANUARY 11

2 Cor. 5:17-20
Acts 6:7-7:2, 51-59; 8:1-4; 9:1-22
Eph. 2:11-3:21

Read Chapter 4: The Purpose of Intercession

FOR FEBRUARY 1

Acts 10
2 Cor. 4: 3-6
2 Cor. 10: 3-6
Acts 1: 1-5; 2:1-5

Read Chapter 5: The Prize of Intercession

FOR MARCH 14

Gen. 28: 10-19

Read Chapter 6: The Place of Intercession

MORE MONTHS TO COME ....

Mrs. Seton Reading Schedule 2010-2011

On the 3rd Wednesdays of this year (from September 2010-May 2011), we will be reading Mrs. Seton by Fr. Joseph Dirvin. This unparalleled biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton uses many primary materials including Mother Seton's own words.

Sept. Chapters 1-­‐3

Oct. Chapters 4-­‐6

Nov. Chapters 7-­‐9

Dec. Chapters 10-­‐11

Jan. Chapters 12-­‐13

Feb. Chapters 14-­‐15

Mar. Chapters 16-­‐18

April Chapters 19-­‐21

May Chapter 22-­‐23

He Leadeth Me Reading Schedule Sept 2010-May 2011

This year we will be reading He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek on the 2nd Wednesdays of each month. This book is the deeply moving personal story of one man's spiritual odyssey and the unflagging faith which enabled him to survive the horrendous ordeal that wrenched his body and spirit to near collapse during years of captivity in the USSR.

Sept Chapters 1-­‐2
Oct. Chapters 3-­‐5
Nov. Chapters 6-­‐8
Dec. Chapters 9-­‐11
Jan. Chapters 12-­‐13
Feb. Chapters 14-­‐15
Mar. Chapters 16-­‐17
April Chapters 18-­‐19
May Chapters 20-­‐Epilogue

St. Catherine: The Dialogue 2009-2010

We will begin reading Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue in September. The recommended edition is translated and introduced by Suzanne Noffke, OP. It is available at PaulistPress.com and Amazon.com as well as most Catholic book stores (they can also order it for you).

Our schedule is as follows:

SEPT. Introduction to the Life and Mission of St. Catherine, including overview of the Prologue (pp. 1-27; sections 1-2)

OCT. “Way of Perfection” and “Dialogue” (pp.28-63; sections 3-25)

NOV. “The Bridge” (pp. 64-109; sections 26-54)

DEC. “The Bridge” (pp. 109-160; sections 55-87)

JAN. “Tears” (pp. 161-183; sections 88-97)

FEB. “Truth” (pp. 184-204; sections 98-109)

MAR. “Mystical Body of Holy Church” (pp. 205-240; sections 110-124)

APR. “Mystical Body of Holy Church” (pp. 240-276; sections 125-134)

MAY “Providence” (pp. 277-326;sections 135-153)

JUNE “Obedience” and “Conclusion” (pp. 327-366; sections 154-167 )

Revelation Reading Schedule 2009-2010

THE BOOK OF REVELATION READING READING SCHEDULE

Leader’s resource: Navarre Bible Commentary on Revelation

Recommended Supplementary Reading:

Scott Han, The Lamb’s Supper

H.M. . Feret, OP, The Apocalypse Explained

SEPT. Talk on Introduction to Prophecy

OCT. Chs. 1-3

NOV. Chs. 4-5

DEC. Chs. 6-7

JAN. Chs. 8-11:14

FEB. Chs. 11:15--13

MAR. Chs. 14-15

APR. Chs. 16-18

MAY Chs.19-20

JUNE Chs. 21-22