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TO WITNESS AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL

As Christians, we are all called to priestly and prophetic mission to share and proclaim the Gospel. We hope to share with others the good works of God in our lives and strive towards holiness through Mary and the Dominican Spirituality.
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The Power of Religion in Schools

8/29/2019

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by Br. Raymond Penefort

Since they knew I had been a teacher in public and private schools for a number of years I was recently approached by some younger relatives who were trying to make a decision on school placement for their first kindergarten age child regarding morality and values. As I have responded to others, I directed their attention to an article on a study conducted under the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study for Educational Statistics Center, which was published in the Wall Street Journal on June 2nd, 2018, Opinion Section.

In it they found that children, in general, exhibited more self-discipline in Catholic Schools and that minority students in particular showed higher academic performance than those at nearby public schools.

Besides other points made, the study firmly cautioned not to underestimate the power of religion to positively influence a child's behavior. The authors further emphasize that religion isn't the only way to foster self-discipline but its effective compared to most of the alternatives in channeling youthful energy into productive self - control.

So teaching the Ten Commandments and the love God and neighbor is, as was once said "Not bad after all."

Final note: Even if not directly involved, take a raffle ticket, go to a bingo or just make a direct contribution to a Catholic School. It's good for the Country and the church.
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Pazzo d'amore

8/27/2019

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by Sr. Mary Magdalene, OP
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I remember reading a book on Blessed Charles de Foucauld which had excerpts translated from the French language throughout. Occasionally, however, the author deliberately left words in French because he felt that their meaning was a bit weightier than if he had tried to find an equivalent word in English. Upon initial reading, I found myself stumbling over the sudden appearance of a French word set off in italics. But upon reading the footnote descriptor of its approximate meaning I came to appreciate that it took nearly a sentence or two to even attempt to flesh out what that little word in italics embodied in itself.

More recently, another author, in referring to the writings of St. Catherine of Sienna, left a phrase in its original Italian. Immediately I thought of my earlier experience and sensed that the phrase held more treasure than a simple translation to English might convey.
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So here I am turning the phrase Pazzo d’amore* over in my mind and my heart in an effort to reveal just a small portion of what St. Catherine might be trying to share.

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Feast of St. Rose of Lima

8/23/2019

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by Alexis 
Canonized on April 12, 1671 by Pope Clement X, Rose of Lima was the first person from the American continents to be sainted. 

A model of perseverance and fortitude, St. Rose of Lima joined the Third Order while living in seclusion at her family home after being forbidden to join the Dominican nuns by her father, who wished her to marry. 
Novena to St. Rose of Lima
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Intercessory Prayer: A blessing!

8/15/2019

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Sr. Margaret Mary Magdalene O.P.
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My friends in Christ, I hope to bring to you the good news of intercessory prayer in explanation to the best that this lay person can. As in all prayer, it is a presentation to the Lord.  Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. All prayer rises to Him and with the Holy Spirit. Intercessory prayer is not new. From the time of our knowledge of the Lord it has been done. It has and is a loving act between those that pray and to whom we ask.  

I myself as a convert many years ago did not know the full benefit of asking for prayer from others, especially those that are in His Glorious presence.  In most cases too ashamed, afraid, or felt undeserving of this help; or simply did not understand. How wrong was I. We are not alone in this world and it is this wonderful freedom we have to seek the Divine relationship with Him and through Him by the means He has given us.

The litany of saints; who are in the presence of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Paraclete is a wonder intercessory prayer of the church. 

If I were to ask you, my friends in Christ to pray for me, would you turn me down?  Why would the heavenly occupants do so either, that is what they do. They are working for us, they are the aid of mediation to the Holy Trinity.  I daily ask for intercessory prayer from the saints; it is a wondrous fact to know how many saints are “watching our back”.
"I give thanks to my God, with every remembrance of you, always, in all my prayers, making supplication for all of you with joy."
Philippians 1:3-4 CPDV

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    Disclaimer: We hope that you enjoy the content of this website.  We are all journeyers on the road toward heaven and these are some of our thoughts and ideas.  None of us is a religious expert; we hope not to make any egregious errors, and we will try to be as accurate as possible.

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​Joy of the Just - Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic (Eastern Province)
Saints Philip & James Catholic Church & University Parish
2801 North Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218
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