How to Pray Over the Sacred Scriptures

How to Pray Over the Sacred Scriptures (Lectio Divina) The first element of this type of prayer is reading (lectio): you take a short passage from the Bible, preferably a Gospel passage and read it carefully, perhaps three or more times. Let it really soak in. The second element is meditation (meditatio). By using your imagination, enter into the Biblical scene in order to see the setting, the people, and the unfolding action. It is through this meditation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life. The next element is prayer (oratio) or your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation. Contemplation (contemplatio) is a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God. By God s action of grace, you may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality. In contemplation, you come into an experiential contact with the One behind and beyond the text. Source: usccb.org For more information about this form of prayer, contact Sharon Taszarek at sharon@thecasa.org or 480.948.7460 ext. 162

ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS Illuminating Lent with The Saint John s Bible Wednesday, April 9 Dinner: 6:00 pm Reflection: 7:00 pm A Twilight Retreat on The Raising of Lazarus gospel reading using images from The Saint John s Bible. Using a dinner and reflection format, Larry Fraher, MA will break open the Sunday reading on The Raising of Lazarus. Come see the word in The Saint. John s Bible and be challenged by what you see. Facilitator Larry Fraher, MA, holds degrees in theological studies and systematic theology from St. John s University Collegeville, MN. He currently is a PhD student at the Graduate Theological Union. Fee per person: $20 includes dinner $10 program only at 7:00 pm Remarrying Couples Seminar A program for those seriously considering another marriage Dancing Prayer for Beginners April 30, May 7, May 14 6:30-8:00 pm Ginny Temple If you have ever had a pull to experience dance as prayer, this workshop is for you. In an easy, fun environment, participants start at the beginning to discover gesture and gentle movement as prayer. Dance the prayer of St. Francis and learn movement to add to your personal prayer. All age participants are encouraged to attend. No experience necessary. Ginny Temple was a Franciscan Covenant Volunteer living in community at the Casa in 1983. She was once a staff member working in the Casa s liturgy office and director of liturgical dance. Fee per person: $35 Judith McHale, LPC & Tom Mitchell, LPC Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am-4:00 pm This is a program for those seriously considering another marriage. The preparation for this marriage can be more important than that for the first marriage whether it ended by death or divorce. This preparation will fulfill the educational component of the current remarriage preparation requirements in the Diocese of Phoenix. Fee per couple includes lunch: $110 April 12: Bill Cieslak, OFM Cap 9:00 am-noon Who are our Franciscan founders? What is our history? What are our values? What do we mean by the Franciscan way of life? Who are the followers of Sts. Francis & Clare? Topic: Scripture as Formation for Franciscans We will look at the lives of Francis and Clare and see the power of Scripture in their lives...and in ours. Fee: $25 per session For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit www.thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call 480.948.7460

ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS Dream Work for Spiritual Growth with Donna DeFelice, MD GRIEF AND LOSS RETREAT Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18 Sheila Marchetta, MA, Mauro Pando, MC & Timothy Ringgold, MT-BC Saturday, May 3, 9:00 am-noon Dr. DeFelice will explain how to work with our dreams, how to interpret them and use them as a springboard for further self exploration, prayer, discernment, and growth. Donna DeFelice, MD is a board certified psychiatrist with background training in Jungian psychoaalytics. Divorced & Separated Retreat May 2-4, 2014 Judith McHale, MA, LPC & Tom Mitchell, PhD, LPC Change your perspective! Learn to turn the relationship experiences of the past into life lessons that promote insight and growth. Judith McHale, MA, LPC, is the Director of the Counseling Ministry at the Franciscan Renewal Center. She has a private practice specializing in individual/group therapy and family origin issues. Tom Mitchell, PhD, received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and his Masters of Counseling from Arizona State University. He has volunteered at the Casa over thirteen years. Fee per person includes lodging, meals and program: Single: $215. Double: $165. Commuter: $130, includes meals and program There isn t enough room here to write about how incredible every part of this weekend has been. The program started at the beginning of my grief and worked through to the solution. Comment from 2013 retreatant This retreat is for anyone grieving over the loss of a loved one. The team provides a supportive setting, shares information about the grief process, and suggests ways to heal during the intense and painful period following a loved one s death. Fee per person includes lodging, meals and program: Single: $215. Double: $165 Commuter: $130, includes meals and program The Truth Behind the Headlines May 10, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Egyptologist Emad Samir will offer insights into the politics of the Middle East, and bring us The Truth Behind the Headlines. He will combine history, religion, politics, geography, culture, and current events. Learn why the Middle East is an area of such great concern to our country, and the rest of the world. Emad offers his insight as only he can, as a man who has lived in the Middle East for more than forty years. Emad Samir, MA, is Logos Bible Study Scholar in Residence at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Los Alamitos, CA where he brings biblical Egypt to life. Fee: $60, includes lunch For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit www.thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call 480.948.7460

FAITH IN ACTION MINISTRY Employment Healing Workshop Rescheduled!!! Just Scripture will not take place on April 13, as it is Palm Sunday and the Mass times are different. We will regroup again on Sunday, May 11 at 9:00 am. More information will follow in upcoming bulletins. Have a blessed Holy Week. What: Pax Christi-Phoenix Meeting When: Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8:00 pm Where: Ventura Room Who: Member of Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic organization and a section of Pax Christi International, the Catholic peace movement. For local information, contact Margaret McChesney at 602.510.8274 or marventura1@aol.com. 5 sessions Saturday, April 19 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM followed by four Monday evening sessions 6:30 to 9:00 pm April 27, May 5, 12, & 19 DISCOVER: the work you are called to do a supportive community DEVELOP: an understanding of today s marketplace a plan for creating opportunities through various networking strategies The Workshop leader is William F. Pilder, Ph.D. William has over 30 years of experience in the career transition field. He has helped displaced workers discover new opportunities for meaningful work. Cost is $45 to cover materials. Scholarships are available. Space is limited to 18 people. No online registrations. To register, please call the facilitator, William Pilder at 845-405-6408. After speaking with him, please call the Casa at 480-948-7460 to complete your registration. Flyer in the lobby with details. Don't Miss it! - COFFEE HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 26 The Second Annual Coffee House will be poolside 6:30-9:00 pm. Come enjoy live entertainment, good coffee, sweets from our Chef and a lovely spring evening under the stars. Featuring The Phoenician Four Jazztet and our own MG's Beatle Revival. Café Justo is a coffee grower cooperative supported by the Casa Grounds for Solidarity Ministry Contact us at 480-948 948-7460 Patti Sills-Trausch at x130 or socialconcerns@thecasa.org; Bonnie Wasniewski at x155 or bonnie@thecasa.org & Rita Smith at x146 or rita@thecasa.org

FAMILY CATECHESIS & SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION April 6 Family Faith Activities Fifth Sunday of Lent When Jesus heard that Lazarus had died, he went to the home of Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary. Those of us who have lost a beloved family member or friend know how they must have felt. Their brother Lazarus died, and Jesus did not protect them from the pain of mourning. In fact, Jesus wept, too, and was deeply troubled. But death is never the end of the story for Jesus or those who believe in Him. As a sign of that promise, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Ask your family, What do you hope for after your life has ended? Or for younger children, What do you think heaven is like? Read John 11:1-45 or watch the video on: http://www.thefiveloaves.com/home.html and discuss the following: What did Jesus say was the purpose of Lazarus illness? Did the disciples want to go to Bethany? What did Martha say to Jesus? How did Jesus reply? Resurrection Words Activity: Take a large piece of paper or poster board and write, I am the Resurrection and the Life. While talking about what this promise means, have family members decorate the paper with symbols of resurrection that remind us of this promise. Display in a prominent place until Easter as a reminder of Jesus promise! Wrap it Up Activity: Reenact John 11:38-43. Wrap a family member up in toilet paper and place the "dead" person in another room with the door closed. Read the passage. When Jesus ordered the stone removed, open the door. When he shouts, "Lazarus! Come out!" have the wrapped person walk into the room with your other family members. When he commands others to untie Lazarus, unwrap the person. Ask: What did Jesus mean by the phrase, "I am the Resurrection and the Life? Ask the question Jesus asked Martha: "Do you believe this?" Concluding prayer: God gave Jesus the power to give us all life forever. We pray that we will always believe in the promise of eternal life. Together pray: Jesus, we believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life. Coming up this week. Wed. April 9 Infant Baptism Information Night 6:30 pm Ventura Room Sat. April 12 Adult Confirmation Workshop Call for details Sun. April 13 RCIC Family Retreat Following 10:00 am Mass Spirituality in the Workplace How do we bring our faith to our workplace? It is easy to think of prayer or spirituality in a place like a monastery or church or the comfort and safety of our homes. What about our work environment? Is it possible to include a spiritual practice at work? Yes! According to Loyola Press, three elements are integral for this to be successful: Keep it simple Keep it quick Keep it private To do this, we may need to think outside the box. Here are some ideas to get you started: Praise before criticism. Make it a point to say something positive before dealing with any negatives. Stay away from office gossip! Strive for excellence! Approach each undertaking with the idea of doing your work to the best of your ability. Forgive imperfections. This is not to condone sloppy work, but to understand that we all make the occasional mistake. Smile! Simple, easy and makes a world of difference in the attitudes and energy around you. Prayer time. How many times do you check the clock on your computer? Why not set an alert for a quick prayer on the hour? Or every time you get a cup of coffee? By linking to an activity that you do each day, it becomes a built-in habit. Environment. Maybe a small cross or icon that is on your desk or on your computer to remind you that Christ is walking with you through the day. What other ideas can you come up with? Find the spiritual practices that work best for you and take them to work with you each day! For information about Baptisms, Sacramental Preparation and Family Catechesis, please contact Patty Tafolla at 480-948-7460 or dcm@thecasa.org

COUNSELING MINISTRY Monday: Tuesday: We Are Here for YOU We welcome all who are interested in attending Counseling Support Groups No appointments required for groups listed below 6:30-8:00 pm: Divorce & Separation/Relationship Endings 5:30-7:00 pm: Grief Support Group 6:30-8:30 pm: Depression Support Group (Every other Tuesday. Ask the front desk for dates.) Individual Sessions Individual sessions are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, Monday through Friday, and require an appointment. To make an appointment, please call the Counseling Ministry at 480.948.7460, ext. 133 between 8:30 am and Noon. If you know someone who is looking for help, answers, guidance or just needs someone to listen, please suggest our counseling ministry. Judith McHale, MA, LPC, Director of Counseling Ministry

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD E mail: How to Submit your Bulletin Information: Drop Off: bulletin@thecasa.org Fax: 480.948.2325 At the front desk (Attn: Bulletin) Seeking handymen to donate services: A friend in poor health and on a fixed income needs help with projects in his home, incl. prepping, painting, installing vinyl flooring and carpeting. He also needs exterior of house painted to comply with HOA...has small budget for this project. Please call 602.870.1000 or email beyondwords@cox.net. House cleaning: Honest and Trustworthy. 10 years of experience. Low rates. Call Iliana 602.413.4128. Scottsdale Room for Rent: Beautiful home in quiet area. Lrg. yard and pool. N/S. 480.946.2811. Leave message if needed. Household help needed: Christian, single mom looking for p/t person to help with light housework and gardening. Please call Stacy 602.790.8976. In need of a place to live: 56 yr. Catholic Female. I have lived in Scottsdale for many years. I am looking for a room to rent from you. Respectful, clean, quiet, N/S, N/D. Have ref. Call 480.628.5967 or email moonrise747@yahoo.com. Live-in companion needed: Visually impaired lady seeks mature, neat, live-in companion to drive/accompany to events and errands. No housekeeping, cooking or caregiving. Winters in Arcadia area; summers in Prescott! Pvt. br/bath, office space if necessary. Terms neg. Ref. req d. 602.840.2163. House-sitter needed. Mid-May to mid-october. Near Arcadia. Must be a neatnik. Terms neg.; ref. required. 602.840.2163. The Casa may publish requests in this space but it does not reflect our endorsement or knowledge of the people submitting the information. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Men in Spirit Come join us!! The Casa s Men in Spirit, a new men s group, meets the first Saturday of each month. Our next meeting is on May 3 from 7:00-9:00 am. Join us for Mass in the Chapel, followed by breakfast and an open discussion about spirituality. Contact jmccroy@yahoo.com The Casa Prayer Partners is a gathering of people petitioning prayers and praying for our human family. Please join us in this prayer ministry! Contact CasaPrayerPartners@gmail.com. Once a prayer partner, you will receive a daily e-mail with prayer petitions from a network of people. At times there are many petitions and may seem overwhelming at first, we encourage you to begin simple and trust. Growth is inevitable as we lift up our hearts in prayer and the rest is in God s loving hands! Are you Single? The Casa Single Adult Ministry is for anyone 21-101 years old looking for a place to share their faith with other singles. Whether you were never married or are divorced or widowed, this is a group for spiritual men and women who desire to share their journey with like-minded people of faith. We gather once a month for fun and fellowship. In addition, members often organize outside activities to keep the group connected. We meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Friday of every month. Please join us at our next meeting on April 11. For more information or to be added to the group s email list, contact spiritualsinglesouls@gmail.com. AZ Males A group inspired by the teachings of Fr. Richard Rohr OFM, meets at 5:30 pm on the last Wednesday of each month. The discussions are typically centered on one of Fr. Richard s teachings and philosophy. Please feel free to join us at our next meeting on April 30. Meeting details at www.azmalespirituality.com. The Casa Rosary Ministry The Casa Rosary Ministry was introduced in May 2010, and meets at 6:00 pm Monday through Friday in the Meditation Chapel. Divine Mercy is held on Friday night at 5:45 pm followed by the Rosary at 6:00 pm. The vision is to deliver a Rosary experience that is profoundly moving, uplifting, and unique to help increase our relationship with Jesus Christ and to increase reverence to our Blessed Mother. This is a ministry for the wellbeing of others and the world. The goal is to honor Our Blessed Mother and the Life of Jesus with a meditative and contemplative approach to each prayer. About the Franciscan Renewal Center Since 1951, the Franciscan Renewal Center affectionately known as the Casa de Paz y Bien, or simply the Casa has existed as a Catholic retreat center in Paradise Valley to offer spiritual growth, healing and transformation that moves lives into the service of others. The Casa was founded by and is today an active religious community of the Order of Friars Minor part of the worldwide Franciscan family, following the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Casa is a wholly owned entity of the Franciscan Friars Province of Saint Barbara, based in Oakland, Calif., that works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Activities at the Casa include daily Mass, Sunday services, private retreats, gathering space for non-profit groups, as well as 50 volunteer ministries that give aid to the poor or vulnerable, empower individuals to improve their circumstances, and build community fellowship. Discover more at www.thecasa.org If you would like to make a recurring donation to the Franciscan Renewal Center through your debit or credit card, please contact Ryan Hill at developmentpm@thecasa.org or 480.948.7460. Thank you for your generous hearts.

WORLD TAI CHI DAY Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:30 am to Noon Palm Court at the Franciscan Renewal Center The purpose of this celebration is to appeal for world peace and to share and promote the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. Tai chi is characterized by graceful, purposeful movement and deep, relaxed breathing. It can be learned and performed by anyone at any age. Beginning at 10:00 am in New Zealand, the celebration will spread across time zones around the globe, through 65 countries and across 6 continents. Join in, or observe the beauty of this ancient exercise. So bring your family and friends, a lawn chair and some sun protection, and enjoy a morning of peace and harmony amid tranquil surroundings. This event is FREE and all are welcome. We offer non-profit organizations an exclusively serene gathering place for meetings, conferences, and special events. With spaces and lodging designed to inspire the mind and soothe the spirit, as well as exceptional food to nourish the body, the Franciscan Renewal Center is a wellness plan for non-profits that allow them to renew and recharge. Our guests this week include: MEETINGS & CONFERENCES April 6-9 * Leaders Without Borders April 9 * Child Help USA Board Meeting April 10-12 * Great Hearts Academies April 10 * Mineralogical Society of Arizona April 10-12 * Deacons Wives Retreat April 12 * Crossroads Visit us at www.casameetings.org and take a Google Virtual Tour of the campus. We would appreciate it if you would refer any groups, churches, non-profits or government entities to: Sue Force, Director of Meetings and Conference Ministry, sue@thecasa.org or 480.948.7460 x173. Today is your day to be a hero! Stop by the Serra room in Piper Hall to donate blood. Walk-ins are always welcome. Your donation will save a life!

APRIL 6, 2014 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT This Week at the Casa: Sunday 7:00 am Blood Drive through 2:00 pm 9:00 am Casa Children s Celebration 9:00 am Sunday Bible Study 10:30 am Confirmation/Eucharist Sessions 10:30 am JustFaith Program 10:30 am Newcomers Welcome Gathering 5:00 pm Hogan s Heroes 5:00 pm Youth Ministry Connect with us online: wwww.thecasa.org or as TheCasaFRC at: Readings and Mass Intentions April 6 - April 12, 2014 Monday 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm T ai Chi 6:30 pm Divorced & Separated Support Tuesday 7:00 am Casa Gardeners 11:00 am Water From Rock 5:30 pm Grief Support Group 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Vision Summit 6:30 pm Depression Support Group 6:30 pm Infant Baptism Information Meeting 7:00 pm RCIA Elect Session 7:00 pm Water From Rock 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Wednesday 6:00 pm The St. John s Bible Twilight Retreat 6:00 pm Rosary Thursday 9:30am Daughters of Eve 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm EHM Intentional Community Meeting Friday 5:45 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet 5:45 pm Stations of the Cross 6:00 pm Simple Soup Supper 6:30 pm Care for Creation Movie Night 6:30 pm Spiritual Single Souls Saturday 8:30 am Holy Week Retreat 8:30 am Marriage in the Lord 9:00 am Franciscan Mentors Program 9:00 am Adult Confirmation Session Today: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45] Benefactors FMU 7:30 am Ken and Carol Kemp 9:15 am Tom Elias 11:00 am Pro-Populo 7:00 pm Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62];Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:1-11 Jim Carney 7:00 am Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Marjorie Hoffman 7:00 am Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56;Jn 8:31-42 Matt Taillon 7:00 am Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Jerry O Connell Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Shirley Vitello 7:00 am 7:00 am Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Matt Taillon 7:00 am No Mass 5:00 pm Next Sunday: Mt 21:1-11 (procession);is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24;Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 27:66 [27:11-54] The intentions listed here will be the intentions of the priest and will not be announced to the gathered assembly.