A) Rediscover Jesus, Prologue a. What Interested, surprised or challenged you in this chapter?

Transcription

1 Our Lady Of the Rosary Catholic Church Young Adult Ministry Lenten Series 2018 (Feb 16-Mar 23) Rediscover Jesus Discussion Guide ** Credit to Church of St. Ann** Session 1 Feb. 16 th : Rediscover Jesus, Prologue-Chapter 5 (Ash Wed. Feb 14 th - Feb 16 th ) Leader: Fr. Xavy 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions: - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Lenten Overview by Fr. Xavy 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. QUESTIONS FROM THE READING A) Rediscover Jesus, Prologue b. What areas of your life suffer due to busyness c. How might busyness prevent us from living the life God is calling (us) to live? (Pg 15.) B) Rediscover Jesus, Opening Thoughts b. What do you think the author means by a dynamic relationship wit Christ? (pg. 16) C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 1- New Beginnings b. Is there a time in your day or year that you look at as an opportunity for a new beginning? c. How about in your spiritual life? Where does your faith/and or the Church offer the opportunity to start fresh? D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 2- Getting to Know Jesus

2 b. The author lists ust some of the many names of Jesus. (pg 21). To those, one could add teacher, brother, friend, guide, hero, role model, etc. What name for Jesus do you connect with most at this point in your faith journey? Why? E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 3- An Invitation b. How might rediscovering Jesus impact you? How might your rediscovering Jesus impact your family, our church, our community, etc. (pg 25) c. Where are people looking for that someone or something to solve the crisis of our lives and of our times? (pg. 26) F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 4- The Jesus Question b. What might we be trying to avoid when we avoid the Jesus question? (pg 28) ACT c. Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be fully human, as well as divine? d. Jesus says, I came into the world to testify to the truth. (pg. 31) What is the truth? G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 5- The God Claim b. Have you ever been awestruck by Jesus? (p5. 35) Describe the circumstances. c. What is holding you back from believing in Jesus completely? (pg. 36) Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer

3 Session 2 Feb. 23 rd : Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 6-12 Leader: Kathy Desanto 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions (if New) - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Ice Breaker (TBD) 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. A) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 6- There is More b. Did any of the claims of Jesus surprise or challenge you? 1) Jesus is able to give eternal life. 2) Jesus is the Messiah (savior). 3) Jesus could/can see into the future. 4) Jesus preexisted the world. (pgs 37-38). If so, why? B) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 7- The Third Question b. Where might we find the answers to the question, Who does Jesus say that you are? (pg. 42) c. God values freedom so much that he gives you the freedom to reject him? (pg. 45) What does that say about God? About you? C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 8- Jesus was a Radical b. What story from Scripture do you recall in which Jesus behaved or spoke like a radical? c. What are some of the ways we are tempted in our everyday lives to have a casual relationship with the truth? (pg. 48) D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 9- The Greatest Teacher Ever b. Have you ever spent time reading the Scripture readings for a coming Sunday? How did it change your experience of the Mass- the music, hearing the readings from the ambo (pulpit), the homily, recognizing Jesus in the Eucarist?

4 c. How might you make time in your week to ponder and meditate on the teachings of Jesus? (pg. 51) E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 10- Forty Words b. Why is it difficult to break the habit to care more about what others think than what God thinks? (pg. 55) c. What resonated with you in Matthew Kelly s section on gift giving? (pg. 55) F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 11- The Heart of the Gospel b. In what area is it more difficult for you to be generous: Time, talent, treasure? Praise and encouragement? Compassion and patience? Why is that? G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 12- The Soul of the Gospel b. Do you know of a true story in which a person forgave an individual who did them or a loved one a grave harm? How do you react to this? ACT c. Why is forgiveness considered countercultural in today s society? (Pg. 61) Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer

5 Session 3: March 2nd: Rediscover Jesus, Chapter Leader: Deacon Frank Desanto 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions (if New) - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Ice Breaker (TBD) 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. A) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 13- Who is the Greatest? b. Would you say that every child or person is considered to be of equal inestimable value in today s society? (pg. 63) c. The author claims that Jesus makes a connection between the way we live our lives here on earth and where we end up in the afterlife. (pg. 67) We don t talk much about hell these days. Why is that? B) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 14- Purity of Heart b. What vices and platforms these days pose the greatest challenges to our self-control? (pg. 69) c. Do you worry about what young people are being exposed to? How might you help counteract negative influences in the loves of young people- even if you don t have children of your own? C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 15- Making Sense of Suffering b. Have you ever had an experience where you found meaning in suffering- yours or another s? Can you share about it? c. Did you or your parents/grandparents ever say, Offer it up? (pg. 74) How might it be helpful to adopt this phrase/mentality today?

6 D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 16- Do Not Judge b. What do you make of the notion that being judgmental is also an obstacle in our quest to love ourselves as God wants us to? (pg. 76) c. Did you do the counting exercise to see how many times you judge someone or something in a day? (pg. 77) How do you feel about the results? What could make that number lower? E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 17- Radical Relationships b. Who are the people in your life who encourage and challenger (you) to be the bestversion-of- yourself? (pg. 82) Do you spend enough time with them? c. Why do you think Jesus chose unlikely, imperfect people to be his followers and grow the Church? F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 18- Jesus on Lifestyle b. How does it feel to be asked to examine what you spend your money and time on? DO you see the need for any changes? (pg. 84) c. What fuels our culture s inordinate desire to be noticed.and our obsession with fame? (pg. 87) Why is this a dangerous inclination? G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 19- Miracles Abound b. Which is your favoritie of Jesus miracles? Why? If you could perform any of Jesus miracles, which would it be and why? (pg. 90) ACT c. Who do you know who seems to allow God to work through him/her? What might hold you back from embracing this power? (pg. 92) Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer

7 Session 4 Mar. 9th : Rediscover Jesus, Chapter Leader: Father Xavy 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions (if New) - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Ice Breaker (TBD) 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. A) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 20- Radical Love b. Who do you know/know of who expresses unconditional /agape love. What makes it hard for us to love this way? (pg. 93) c. Matthew Kelly says that Jesusu was constantly pouring himself out for other,. Then he would go away to a quiet place to get reenergized so that he could pour himself out again. (pg. 95) Taking a day of rest is no longer part of our American culture. Where do you build in Sabbath moments? What about the Mass reenergizes you? B) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 21- The Main Event b. Why is belief in Jesus Resurrection so essential to Christianity? c. Are you aware that Jesus is alive and at work TODAY, and interested in a relationship with you, or do you think of him mostly in the past tense? C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 22- Beyond Tweaking b. What holds some people back from reading the Bible on their own? What could remedy that? c. Describe the feelings that arose when you read the prayer on transformation? (pg. 103) d. What will be the hardest thing about letting God transform your life? (pg. 104) D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 23- Upside Down

8 b. The author offers several transformation stories in this chapter: Zaccaeus, who boldly and proactively seeks Jesus. Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus slowly and uncertainly at first, then embraces faith courageously. The rich young man, who was ready to follow Jesus, wuntil he realized the cost. Lazarus, who found new life through his relationship with Jesus. Paul, who, in high school, would have been voted least likely to become a jesus follower! Do you see yourself here? If not, what s your story? E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 24- The Gap b. What are the dangers of the comparison trap? (pg. 113) c. Can you describe a time when you went out of your way to get close to Jesus? (pg. 114) (You had to find a church, said a prayer at an unexpected time, etc.) What made you do that? What could help you get close to Jesus more regularly? F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 25- Delve into the Gospels b. What is the best time/place for you to read and reflect on Scripture? Do you prefer a paper bible, an online source? Is there a prayer posture that helps focus your prayer? c. How could imaging yourself in the Gospel story affect your engagement in Scripture? (pg. 119) G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 26- The Prayer Process b. Who has taught you how to pray over the years? ACT c. Jesus gave us the Lord s Prayer, but also talk to God spontaneously. Why are rote prayer and spontaneous prayer so important? Are you comfortable with both? If not, why not? Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer

9 Session 5 Mar. 16th : Rediscover Jesus, Chapter Leader: Elise Wilson 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions (if New) - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Ice Breaker (TBD) 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. A) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 27- Deny yourself b. Why do you think Matthew Kelly is so insistent on self-denial as the key to success in most areas of our life, including the Christian walk? B) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 28- Spontaneous Prayer b. Has there been a time in your life when a particular prayer (rote or spontaneous) has a special meaning to you? Can you share it? c. Why is it difficult for some people to have a conversational relationship with God- to complain to him, to talk about the small stuff. (Pg. 130) C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 29- Dancing for Joy b. What would be different if Christians behave like Christians in your family? At your parish? In your town? (pg. 137) c. An you describe a time when you felt the presence of God so strongly that you wanted to dance for joy? When you knew beyond a doubt that it was a God moment. D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 30- Blind Spots b. Have you ever heard of spiritual direction, or been to a spiritual director? If so, can you share a little bit about the experience? If not, what might be the value in talking to someone about faith journey? (pg. 142)

10 c. Which is the more difficult trait to develop, humility, docility or being non-judgmental? Why? (pg. 143) E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 31-Man s Ways and God s Ways b. Matthew Kelly says Every problem we experience has a spiritual dimension, but often we leave the spiritual dimension of things unconsidered. (pg. 149) Why do we do this? Can you give an example of the spiritual dimension of any everyday problem? c. What is one practical example of how God is inviting you to let go of your way and open yourself to his way? (pg. 150) F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 32- The Real Problem b. What is your definition of sin? Has it changed over time? c. How does it feel to think that every time we sin, we re rejecting the best-version ofourselves? (pg. 153) d. Does it change your attitude toward sin to consider that sin is more than just bad behavior. It is the rejection or destruction of something good.in some way a rejection of God. (pg. 153) G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 33- Comfortably Comfortable b. The author talks about the accountability of friendship and community. (pg. 159) Has the community during this series on Rediscover Jesus given you that sense of accountability? How has it affected your faith journey? c. How does the church help us to practice denying ourselves? ACT Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer

11 Session 6 Mar. 23 rd : Rediscover Jesus, Chapter Leader: Fr. Xavy 6pm: Meet in Rosary Hall for Parish Fish Fry 6:30-7 pm: Meet in Immaculata Hall for light dessert and refreshments 7 pm. Opening Prayer, Housekeeping, Introductions (Meredith Keppel) Housekeeping: Meet weekly for about 90 minutes Meet in Imaculata Hall thru February and then hopefully Nicodemus Room Rotating Leaders Restrooms Ground Rules: Speak if/when youre comfortable What is shared in this room stays in this room, unless other permission is granted, No judgment of other s sharing- we all are on an individual faith journey Questions are encouraged Lets stay on topic Introductions (if New) - Tell us your name, age, your job/school, - As you begin this book, what are your expectations? What do you hope to learn or explore about Jesus. 7:15 pm: Ice Breaker (TBD) 7:30-8:30 pm: Discussion of selected chapters. A) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 34- Two Wrestling Questions b. If life is not about getting what you want, then what is life about? (pg. 161) c. So that our motives don t get in the way, how can we remain aware of and focused on what God wants for us? B) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 35- Complete Joy b. What is the difference between happiness and joy? c. How might we get in the way of our own joy? (pg. 166) d. The author states, Gratitude is a sure path to joy. (pg. 167) Can you think of someone who seemed joyful despite his/her many trials? What was the source of their joy? C) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 36- The Biggest Lie b. When did you stop believing holiness was possible for you? c. What holds you back from fully embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ? D) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 37- The Holy Moment b. Before now, did you ever believe holiness was possible for you?

12 c. During this past week, did you have a moment of holiness, if so, can you please share? E) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 38- What If b. If you were dying, would you be paying more attention to your spiritual health than you are today? c. What are some examples of how you can Live your best Life? F) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 39- People of Possibility b. Have you ever tried to live Christianity wholeheartedly? G) Rediscover Jesus, Chapter 40- An Hour of Power b. Why is silence so overwhelming? c. How has this book and weekly gathering inspired you to live in God s power? What can you do each day or each week that will keep you inspired? How can these actions help inspire others? ACT Reflect upon these questions and this discussion this weekend as you prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. REFLECTION Does anyone have anything in particular they would like to share from their experience in participating in this series during these past 6 weeks? 8:30-9pm: Wrap up and Closing Prayer