FAITH FORMATION
There are many resources that can help us to grow as men of prayer who want to learn more about our Catholic faith and enjoy the fellowship of other men who are trying to do the same. To help us all on our journey we recommend the following resources for prayer, learning, and fellowship as ways that can assist in the path to a deeper faith and spiritual life. We hope that you find them helpful.
PRAYER
I. Public Worship, Eucharist and the other Sacraments
Regular weekend Mass participation as well as Holy Days of Obligation
Daily Mass if possible
For Mass away from home while traveling or on family vacations – masstimes.org
Proper reverence and behavior before, during and after Mass
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) on a regular basis and Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when needed
Service (love of neighbor) – StMMM Mission/Outreach
The Epidemic – Invitation to Mass
II. Private Prayer
Making time for daily prayer (5 min – 30 min per day)
Different types of prayer – praise, forgiveness, petition, thanksgiving
o Vocal prayer
o Meditative prayer – mental or verbal prayer combining visualization
o Contemplative prayer – quiet presence with God, listening with our hearts not our minds
Spiritual Reading (Lectio Divina) – cf. Reading List below
Pray the Rosary – How to Guide – www.catholic.org
Adoration Chapel (visit – weekly hour if possible)
Family prayer times (grace, intentions, etc.)
LEARNING
Suggested Reading List
James V. Schall, S.J – Reading List
St. Mary Lecture Resources – St Mary Faith Formation
St. Mary Scripture Study Program – http://www.smcr.org
St. Augustine Lecture Series – http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com
EWTN programming – channel 291 Comcast
St. Cyril of Jerusalem Program for Catechists – bridgeportdiocese.com
Article on Islam
Education for Parish Service (EPS) – bridgeportdiocese.com
Religious Education courses at local universities (Sacred Heart, Fordham, etc)
Online programs – bridgeportdiocese.com
RCIA for those wishing to become Catholics and for those desiring to become full initiated members of our Church – attend meetings – http://www.smcr.org
Retreats – www.catholiclinks.org
Spiritual direction – www.catholiclinks.org
Service (love of neighbor)
o http://www.stmmm.org/RT-MissionOutreach.html
Ethics Guidance from Vatican II
Topics On Life and Human Dignity (Related to contraception, genetic engineering…)
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2366 – 2379
Donum Vitae
Dignatas Personae
USCCB Article on Reproductive Technology
Humanae Vitae
FELLOWSHIP
Enhanced MM participation – Contact Joe Scharr
Form smaller MM sub-groups that schedule meetings in addition to MM Saturday gatherings
Join an existing Cursillo group – Contact George Schuster
Join Catholic organizations – Knights of Columbus, Regnum Christi, etc. – Contact Brian Martin
Parish service – Saint Mary Parish