| Pastoral
Life April 1998 In this Issue Helping Those Who Mourn by Rev. Terence P. Curley; D.Min. Fr. Curley summarizes the dynamics of grieving and how the pastoral ministers should respond and aid those who have lost a love one. He covers not only the period surrounding the funeral but also the entire year after a death.
Afraid of Asking? About Petitionary Prayer by Dennis J. Billy, C.SS.R. Dennis Billy compares
the authentic understanding of prayers of petition and distorted approaches. He examines
the quality and depth of our spiritual life that is reflected in our prayers of petition.
He gives practical tips for reviewing our images of God and how we can develop our
spiritual life by developing our awareness of our dependence on God. Friday Fasting and Abstinence by Rev. Anthony J. Prosen The nature of fasting, penance and spirituality in the contemporary Church are explained and illustrated by Fr. Prosen. The importance of the fasting and abstinence for the spiritual life are stressed and the spiritual fruit of the practices emphasized. The relationship with fast and abstinence to the redemptive work of Good Friday are explained and the dynamics of growing in the Holy Spirit and our capacity to love clarified. Doors by Timothy Seidl SSP A reflection on the symbolism of doors in both the Scriptures and our contemporary situation. The author shows how doors can keep us in or out of places, be welcoming or blocking, lead to the fullness of life and the kingdom or separate from one another and the God of love. Illustrations Enliven Our Preaching by Rev. Richard Hart, OFM CAP The power of stories to transform and even save lives is vividly presented by Fr. Hart. The use of Metaphors, parables, analogies, personal experiences, newspaper stories are all invaluable tools for bringing our preaching alive. Movies, literature and the arts also provide vivid ways of bringing home the truths of the Gospel. After reading this article the preacher is better prepare to keep his homilies fresh and exciting. Looking For Genuine Spirituality by Rev. Vernon J. Schaefer, Ret. The author stresses the importance of presenting sound and clear doctrine, in our preaching and teaching. He shows the importance of being forthright and truthful and giving witness to our faith in every way possible. This includes stressing our rites, rituals, and wisdom encapsulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Penance Revisited by Joseph Fichtner, OSC The author illustrates Vatican II's position that the sacrament of penance should be both personal and social. He admits that there has been a dramatic drop in those utilizing the sacrament. He affirms along with John Paul II that the sacrament of Penance should lead to the Eucharist and the Eucharist should lead back to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Homilies, Liturgy, Reflections and Book Reviews. Each month Pastoral life also offers homily, outlines, a liturgical column, short reflections and book reviews. You can order Pastoral Life and receive 11 issues of 64 power packed pages of information for $17.00 per year by calling the following number: 1 800 533-2522 Please have your Master or Visa card ready |