Thursday, November 4, 2021

There is Something About Mary (part 2) - Sainthood

I - Review:
    * Mary is a central figure in our faith, for she is the Mother of Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior.
    * Mary was a teenager when she was informed that she had been chosen by God. Her "yes" is also known as "Fiat" (which means "let it be done").
    * She is the one who asks Jesus to perform his first public miracle at what is called "The Wedding at Cana" (read Gospel of John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12).

II - Mary points the way to Jesus = what is a saint?
    * Mary is considered one of the first saints in our faith. Through her life, she models for us the characteristics required to be a saint: courage, trust, faith, love, hope.
    * What is a saint? Take a look at the video below:

III - Can YOU be a saint?
    * Saints can come from all walks of life, all ages, all around the world. They inspire others to get closer to God and live the life they are called to live. Each person has a calling to be saints, including YOU!
    * Part of being a saint, means our call/goal to be holy. The word "Holy" means to be set apart. All of us are called to live a life of holiness. But what does that mean?

  * Saints are not only our friends, but in many ways, our lawyers. They "intercede" for us and our needs. They pray for us and ask God on our behalf for help. But you must get to know them too!

IV - Patron Saints and Confirmation
    * As part of your Confirmation journey, you will be asked to select a saint whom you want to intercede for you for the rest of your life.
    * This saint will become your patron, and they are the ones to pray for you and with you when you need it the most!
    * Saints are also patrons of different interests: sports, professions, countries, etc. There is a patron saint for almost everything! You can start your search for YOUR patron saint based on your interests...

V - HOMEWORK (due on 11/7/21) & REMINDERS
* Please make sure you complete the HW for Session #4!
* We will meet next week, 11/11/2021
* Read the Gospel of John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12
    - What is the one thing that stood out for you?
* As you think of sainthood: what qualities do YOU possess that you can find in saints?
* What qualities will you look for when choosing a saint? Do you have someone in mind?