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March 5, 2023

Dear Ladies and Friends of TASTE,
  • ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
    • This week, TASTE continues to meet at the Pallotti Chapel. Our speaker is once again Deacon Jim Munno as he continues our Lenten Series "Draw Close to God and He Will Draw Close to You (James 4:8); Talk entitled "Detest Your Sins."
    • Small group discussions will be in person on Thursday based on Reflection Questions and other material found HERE. The Zoom small group continues to meet on Tuesday mornings (ZOOM).
  • OPENING — As Catholics, we bring the richness of our faith to the public square. Our Bishops remind us of our responsibility to draw from both faith and reason as we seek to affirm the dignity of the human person and the common good.  Sadly, here in Maryland, there are currently a number of bills being put forward that are opposed to our Catholic teaching. Fortunately, the Maryland Right to Life organization (MDRTL.ORG) recognizes the fundamental value of every human life. They work to make abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and the destruction of human embryos socially, legally, and morally unacceptable and by promoting positive alternatives to these acts. MDRTL can alert citizens of upcoming  proceedings or voting on bills that we can positively influence.  We at TASTE stand behind the USCCB in recognizing that responsible citizenship is a virtue and reminding Catholics that participation in political life is a moral obligation.  Please consider going to MDRTL.ORG to sign up for alerts.  They make it very easy for us to contact our representatives with a quick response which can be tailored if desired.
  • LAST WEEK  — We welcomed back Deacon Jim Munno as he continued our Lenten series "Draw Close to God and He Will Draw Close to You" (James 4:8), with a talk entitled "Be Converted." Deacon Jim began with a brief review of our entire series, and emphasized that this series is not just to learn, it is also to experience the growth and transformation offered to us. He then summarized last week's talk in two short sentences: 1) Sin provokes deep sorrow in us, causing us to turn to God, ( No wallowing in our sins), and 2) We respond to His Grace (Actual Grace, Sanctifying Grace, Spiritual Gifts) and grow in love. Then he moved on to this week's topic - What does it mean to be converted? It means repentance (metanoia), and then some, according to Deacon Jim. "Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:190). Repentance is the first step, a turning towards God, but conversion goes further - it is, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church glossary, "a radical reorientation of the whole life away from sin and evil, and toward God. " and from HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, "The profound transformation of mind, will, and heart toward God." Conversion is about a change of heart, not just a change of direction. Metanoia happens in a moment, conversion is on-going, and can last a lifetime. He then proceeded to go into some detail on two Saints as examples of this profound conversion that not only illuminate but also inspire us.  MORE
  • NEW TALK —  This week, we welcome back Deacon Jim Munno as he continues our Lenten series with a talk entitled "Detest Your Sins."
  • THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSION — We will discuss Deacon Jim Munno's talk entitled "Be Converted." The audio, video, reflection questions, and other related material can be found HERE. The Tuesday Zoom Small Group will continue to meet as well via ZOOM.
  • MARCH 5-7: LENTEN PARISH MISSION  — Hosted by St. Joseph (Beltsville), Holy Redeemer (College Park), St. Hugh (Greenbelt) and St. Nicholas (Laurel) parishes. March 5-7, 2023, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Are you TRULY happy? Come discover the true happiness of being known intimately and loved unconditionally in the heart of Christ. Have you experienced unconditional love? Do you know you were made for greatness? Do you understand your life’s true purpose? At this special 3-day event, enter into a deeper experience of Christ through inspiring talks by renowned speaker, Dan Harms, powerful praise and worship, and Eucharistic adoration. Each evening will be followed by refreshments and a time for fellowship. See LINK for additional information.
  • MARCH 9: KIMBERLY HAHN — St. Louis Church in Clarksville, MD is hosting Kimberly Hahn as she speaks on "Helping Families Find Beauty and Mystery in Being Catholic: Tips for Family Prayer, Discipline, and Joy!"  This event will be at 7:00 pm in the main church.
  • MARCH 11, 18: PREPARING FOR THE LAST THINGS — St Mary of the Mills is offering a 3-part seminar called "Leaving a Legacy of Peace - Preparing for the Last Things" on 3 consecutive Saturday mornings.  While Part 1 was March 4, feel free to attend the next two sessions. Adults of all ages are welcome. LINK
  • MARCH 25: SPRING GALA — St. Vincent Pallotti High School is having their SPRING GALA on March 25th and will feature a sit-down dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, games, raffles and a live and silent auction.  This event is their largest fundraiser of the year.  We appreciate all of their support and want to offer support to them as well.  TICKETS are on sale now!
  • FR. SWINK— We have learned that Fr. Swink had a setback in his recovery from spinal surgery.  He is on medical leave while doctors assess the next steps.
  • PRAYER REQUESTS — Please continue to pray for our TASTE program, our speakers, and our ability to offer child care if needed. This week, please pray for: 1) Fr. Swink for resolution of his back problems, 2) Susan Conroy as she continues to have medical issues, 3) Katylee McInerney as she continues treatment for cancer, 4) eradication of Kate Christianson's cancer, 5) healing for Jennifer Dougherty's mother Kay for the pain in both of her hips, 6) Karen’s Aunt Joan who has stage 4 kidney cancer, 7) God's complete physical and spiritual healing for Helen Griffith's brother-in-law Rod, 8) Mike Frentz who is suffering from partial loss of eyesight, that it will not worsen, 9) Kara Helfenbein's daughter Ellie Carter for healing from complications of a bone marrow treatment for AML,  and 10) peace and comfort to the families of each of the people mentioned above.   New prayer requests can be sent to Joy Parker at joyparker73@gmail.com.
Blessings,
Joy, Michele, Karen, and Helen
Jesus, I trust in You!

CARRY-OVERS - The below information is carried over from the last email.

  • SPECIAL ACCESS — Exciting News! Bill Keimig has provided the TASTE Program with our very own membership to the Catechetical Institute's "Franciscan At Home" completely free of charge to you! With this membership, we have workshops available to us on our computer given by excellent instructors such as Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Bob Rice, and our very dear friend, Dr. Bill Keimig! You can go as deep as you like in your study or just explore various topics involving catechizing all age groups, parenting, holy families, the Eucharist, discipleship, and many more. The link to set up your account under TASTE's membership is HERE.  Questions? Feel free to email Karen Giermek at karen.giermek@gmail.com.
  • SUPPORT OUR PRIESTS— A few weeks ago, we had our Spiritually Adopt a Priest/Seminarian ceremony.  Thanks to all who are participating in this program since one of our three missions is to encourage priests in their ministry.  If you missed the opportunity to sign up and would like to participate, please email Jennifer.A.Dougherty@protonmail.com.  Additionally, here is an ARTICLE about 7 ways to support your priest.
  • PILGRIMAGE — Fr. Larry Swink and Fr. Tim Daniel will be the Spiritual Directors for a pilgrimage to France May 21-30, 2023.  If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, see this LINK
  • THE EUCHARIST - This year's TASTE theme "ABIDE IN ME" aligns with our Church's 3-year Eucharistic Revival (Additional LINK).  As mentioned earlier, Blessed Carlo Acutis  (Additional LINK) catalogued the Eucharistic Miracles of the World.
  • CHILD CARE - If you are in need of child care to attend TASTE, please contact Joy Parker joyparker73@gmail.com directly. Likewise, if you know of any young mothers who you think would like to come to TASTE, but would need babysitting to do so, please contact Joy about this as well.
  • REGISTRATION - We want to say thank you to all of the women who have already registered as it helps us significantly with our planning.  If you haven't registered yet or if you know someone who is interested in attending, please sign up and/or encourage them to do the same. REGISTRATION LINK.
  • INVITE A FRIEND - We encourage you to invite a friend regardless of where they are on their faith journey.  If they are interested, please also encourage them to register.  Attached is a POSTCARD that you can text, email, or print as an invitation to others.

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Postcard -- Abide in Me Swink
Archive Versions of This Week Emails

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