March 13, 2022
Dear Ladies and Friends of TASTE,
- As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, we see the best and the worst of humanity. The worst of course includes indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and strikes on civilian hospitals and schools; threats to those who support Ukraine, and censorship and propaganda to conceal the truth. But at the same time, we also see the incredible leadership and courage of President Zelenskyy, the drive and determination of Ukraine's military and civilians, and the outpouring of worldwide support to include many countries opening their doors wide to assimilate over 2.5 million refugees!
- This week, we celebrate two saints: St. Patrick's Day (March 17) and St. Joseph's Day (March 19). With the current Russian invasion as a backdrop, we think about how St. Patrick was able to conquer the dark and demonic paganism of Ireland and "convert" the Irish people. As suggested by our Blessed Mother in Fatima, we pray the Rosary for the "conversion of Russia" and seek a peaceful end to this war. As we also think about St. Joseph during this challenging time, let us remember his humble and faithful service and unwavering protection of his family. Let us pray for all of the citizens of Ukraine, especially those who are risking their lives to protect their families. For more on what these two saints had in common, see LINK.
- Last week, Mike Tenney gave his second talk in our Lenten Series on Catholic Spirituality entitled "Dominican Spirituality: The Rosary & More! " Mike began with a quick review of last week's talk on prayer, before launching into Dominican Spirituality. He began with a brief history of this mendicant order (vs. monastic order), and mentioned some of its more famous members - St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope St. Pius V, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Martin Porres, St. Rose of Lima to name a few. Dominicans often have an "OP" at the end of their names, referring to the "Order of Preachers." Mike then discussed the two basic principles of Dominican Spirituality: True devotion to God comes from knowing the Truth, and God is the first cause. He then went on to discuss how to pray as a Dominican. He first described the nine ways/postures of prayer. There are three focused on humbling oneself before God, four that reflect an openness to God, and two that encourage a posture of receiving God's word and carrying it out to the world. He then discussed the rosary as a prayer with Mary, sitting with Mary and walking with her through the life of her son. He discussed how the rosary came about as a substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours which involved reciting all 150 psalms over a period of time. Instead, for those who could not read, or did not have access to the psalms in writing, they could pray 150 Hail Marys via three rosaries, and use these as a meditation instead. We ended with a decade of the rosary, and a homework assignment to try out one or more of the Dominican postures.
THIS WEEK AT TASTE
- NEW TALK — This week, Mike Tenney continues his Lenten Series on Catholic Spirituality as he gives a talk entitled "Benedictine Spirituality: Lectio Divina & the Monk Life."
- THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSION — We will discuss Mike Tenney's talk "Dominican Spirituality: The Rosary & More!" The talk, as well as the reflection questions can be found HERE.
SPECIAL REMINDERS
- PRAYER REQUESTS — Several of our TASTE sisters need our prayers. Please also pray for:
- All our TASTE sisters, especially Kate Christianson, Katylee McInerney, and Geraldine Broglio.
- Our spiritual director, Fr. Larry Swink as well as all of the priests in the Baltimore and Washington Archdioceses, especially those of whom you may have spiritually adopted.
- Our speakers and their families — especially: 1) Susan Conroy for her health and 2) Colleen Duggan and family - baby Caleb who has post-surgery complications and 3) Sister Mary Michael Fox: a special intention concerning her family.
- Supreme Court Justices — Please let us all pray today for wisdom, strength, and courage for our Supreme Court Justices and for Life to be victorious.
- New prayer requests can be sent to Joy Parker at joyparker73@gmail.com.
- UKRAINE — The Russian invasion of Ukraine looks like something out of the history books, and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has a lot at stake. Fr. Joseph Matlak walks through "Why Ukraine matters" to all Catholics in this 7-minute VIDEO and what we can do to help.
- FATIMA — Are you looking to learn more about the history surrounding FATIMA and how it might relate to current events? This MOVIE presents the global perspective surrounding Our Blessed Mother's dramatic appearance to three Portuguese children in 1917. Actual news clips and historical footage are interwoven with interviews from actual eyewitnesses.
CONTINUED REMINDERS
- FR. SWINK'S WEBSITE — His new website called Quis ut Deus includes information on future retreats, talks, videos, pilgrimages, and recollections. We have permanently included this LINK on Fr. Swink's speaker page for future reference.
- USCCB & SUPREME COURT — For a reminder of prayer intentions for the USCCB and Supreme Court, please view this LINK and see UPDATE.
- LOGISTICS — For a reminder of any information associated with zoom small group, parking, masks, public health, babysitting, or registration, please view this LINK.
- DONATIONS — For a reminder of how to donate to TASTE or the Sisters of the Servants of the Lord, please view this LINK.
Blessings,
Joy, Michele, Carolyn, and Karen
Jesus, I trust in You!
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