• NEW TALK —This week, we start the first of a six-part Lenten series from Mike Tenney.  This first talk is a natural continuation of the theme from last week as Mike Tenney's talk is entitled Be Not Afraid - In Prayer. This talk will be live streamed and can be watched in the comfort of your home Thursday morning at 10:30 or anytime after it has been uploaded to our website.  Access this zoom session via this LINK with the password: TASTE2020    PLEASE NOTE: Opening Prayer will begin promptly at 10:20 if you would like to join us for that. The Zoom meeting invitation is attached for further options and complete instructions.  Remember, we are not meeting at St. Mary's until further notice.

TASTE SMALL GROUPS: 

• THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSION — We will reflect on Fr. Larry Young's talk entitled "Going into the Desert with Jesus".  He shared with us the three types of prayers and specifically how contemplative prayer is a gaze of faith on Jesus, the Word of God, and a silent love that allows us to be "lifted up" by His pure presence. He shared with us the picture that he uses to gaze upon Jesus and his popular video on Catholic Meditation.  The audio and video of his talk, Reflection Questions, and references that he mentioned are included HERE.  
• GENERAL INFORMATION
  • For those planning to attend small group, you can use this LINK to always access materials to prepare for small group each week.
  • If you have not yet participated, but would like to, please make sure you have the Zoom app installed on your phone, tablet or computer.  LINK  See attached notes.
• Please feel free to drop in to any of the virtual small groups (Zoom) that best meet your schedule.  Zoom small groups will last for 30 minutes:
  • MONDAYs from 10:00 - 10:30 facilitated by Maria Montgomery and Karen Schembari
  • TUESDAYs from 3:00 - 3:30 facilitated by Jennifer Dougherty and Debbie Schmidt
  • WEDNESDAYs from 11:00 - 11:30 facilitated by Mary Giesey and Lori Putman
• Access the meeting via this LINK with the password: TASTE2020   The Zoom meeting invitation is attached for further options and complete instructions.

SPECIAL REMINDERS

• PRAYER REQUESTS —  Several of our TASTE sisters need our prayers. Please pray for Terri Bueno, her husband Ramon, and Laura Chighizola's family members who are battling or recovering from COVID. Please continue to keep Gini Linsenmeyer (see above), Helen Martin, Kate Christianson, Laura Chighizola, Evelyn Dunne, Katylee McInerney, and Cristl Spicer (daughter of Cathy Homens) in your prayers. Please pray for the repose of Betty Albanesi's soul and God's healing and comfort for her husband Joe.  New prayer requests can be made to Joy Parker at joyparker73@gmail.com.
• LENTEN JOURNEY — Fr. Dan Leary and Kevin Wells are offering a free/virtual Lenten series at One 2 One podcasts. Talks will be posted weekly on Fridays starting February 19th. Through the process, they will teach you about a selfless person, Venerable Fr. Al Schwartz. This future saint was instrumental in bringing Christ to the poor and transforming their communities.  LINK 
• VIRTUAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCE — Check out this conference entitled "My Peace I Give You" which will be held virtually on March 12-14.  Attendees from last year shared with us that it was very good.  LINK
• LENTEN REFLECTION BOOK & WEEKLY DEVOTIONS —  To help you draw closer to God during this Lenten season, EWTN is offering a free eBook, 2021 Lenten Reflections.  Fr. Joseph will share a weekly devotional along with Sunday’s Mass readings to help us prepare for a glorious celebration of Easter.  As we take up our cross and follow Christ, our journey becomes one of love, healing, and forgiveness.  Here is a LINK to get your free copy of the 2021 Lenten Reflections eBook.  After you download it, you’ll also receive the weekly devotionals via email starting Ash Wednesday and continuing each Sunday of Lent.
• ST. JOSEPH GEMS — As we celebrate this special Year of St. Joseph, transform your routine with a daily meditation from Fr. Donald Calloway's book St. Joseph Gems: Daily Wisdom on our Spiritual Father.  Meditations will begin arriving in your email on Feb. 1 and end on Dec. 8.  LINK