TODAY'S HOMILY - September 8, 2024 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
+ Our readings today have to do with at least 4 levels of deafness that can be found in our world. Firstly) There is the absence of the ability to hear, using the human ear, that comes as a defect of birth: sometimes the hearing apparatus is not intact or even present at all and so deafness results; Secondly) in other cases a person is born hearing, but through some disease or accident, he loses the ability to hear; slowly or quickly; sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. Thirdly) there is also another kind of inability to hear or deafness that can occur as well, and this is a very real case of psychological deafness: people hear only what they want to hear and tune out the rest, quite conveniently and dare I say easily. And finally) the last kind of deafness is what can be called theological or spiritual deafness: things of God and of the spiritual life somehow are accessed by the inner faculties only slightly, or not at all: this is the saddest and worst kind of all the deafnesses: for it can end in personal eternal loss and separation from God.
Jesus came to our world to repair the third and fourth kinds of deafness: the psychological and the theological/spiritual; while at the same time, not being entirely uninterested in the first and second kinds of inability to physically hear what is going on in the world. And to show his power over all of nature, he did open the ears of the deaf so that they could literally hear; but he would do this only if it would not be the end of the story. What comes after any restoration of healing of any of the four deafnesses is very important: which Jesus demonstrated in the healing of the deaf man in the gospel passage. Once hearing is restored, really and fully restored, one can hear the voice of Jesus speaking (in the variety of ways in which he does indeed speak to us during any given day), and then it is up to the healed person to sing out his praises (literally) and to proclaim the glory of his Father, and by his own words and actions to invite others to join him in sharing his newfound joy!
Our first reading tells us that God indeed comes to be our vindication – to make things right – everything about us (even our hearing) – but this is so that all of us, rich and poor alike (as we hear in the second reading) – on a level playing field – can receive God’s healing and blessing and share with all others the good things we have so undeservedly received. It also means that everyone will have the chance to hear and recognize and respond to Truth (Jesus) as he speaks truth to power, truth to lies, truth to deception, truth to hypocrisy, truth to misrepresentation, truth to bigotry, truth to greed, truth to ugliness, truth to darkness, truth to Satan – who in the end will and is about to lose his influence over the world – long enough for a General Examination of Conscience for all of humanity, for Confession, for reorientation, for renewal, for moving upward and forward until we do in fact reach the Gates of the Kingdom to which all are invited, but to which all may not count themselves in! The Day of the Lord is at hand! For truth, for real, for sure!
And so, may we who have heard the words of Jesus clearly at this Mass experience a deep opening of our theological / spiritual ears and thus have much to reflect and examine ourselves on, and have then, one day, even more to sing about, more to give God the glory about and reason to be instruments of gathering and bringing along with us all that we meet daily, to become one with us in God’s Banquet of never-ending praise, thanksgiving, adoration and worship!
Praise the Lord, my soul!
Jesus came to our world to repair the third and fourth kinds of deafness: the psychological and the theological/spiritual; while at the same time, not being entirely uninterested in the first and second kinds of inability to physically hear what is going on in the world. And to show his power over all of nature, he did open the ears of the deaf so that they could literally hear; but he would do this only if it would not be the end of the story. What comes after any restoration of healing of any of the four deafnesses is very important: which Jesus demonstrated in the healing of the deaf man in the gospel passage. Once hearing is restored, really and fully restored, one can hear the voice of Jesus speaking (in the variety of ways in which he does indeed speak to us during any given day), and then it is up to the healed person to sing out his praises (literally) and to proclaim the glory of his Father, and by his own words and actions to invite others to join him in sharing his newfound joy!
Our first reading tells us that God indeed comes to be our vindication – to make things right – everything about us (even our hearing) – but this is so that all of us, rich and poor alike (as we hear in the second reading) – on a level playing field – can receive God’s healing and blessing and share with all others the good things we have so undeservedly received. It also means that everyone will have the chance to hear and recognize and respond to Truth (Jesus) as he speaks truth to power, truth to lies, truth to deception, truth to hypocrisy, truth to misrepresentation, truth to bigotry, truth to greed, truth to ugliness, truth to darkness, truth to Satan – who in the end will and is about to lose his influence over the world – long enough for a General Examination of Conscience for all of humanity, for Confession, for reorientation, for renewal, for moving upward and forward until we do in fact reach the Gates of the Kingdom to which all are invited, but to which all may not count themselves in! The Day of the Lord is at hand! For truth, for real, for sure!
And so, may we who have heard the words of Jesus clearly at this Mass experience a deep opening of our theological / spiritual ears and thus have much to reflect and examine ourselves on, and have then, one day, even more to sing about, more to give God the glory about and reason to be instruments of gathering and bringing along with us all that we meet daily, to become one with us in God’s Banquet of never-ending praise, thanksgiving, adoration and worship!
Praise the Lord, my soul!
NEW OFFERING: GREGORIAN MASSES FOR SOULS IN PURGATORY
The Abbot-Guardian, and retired Priest of the Richmond Diocese is happy to announce his newest personal apostolate: the Offering of Sets of Gregorian Masses for the soul of a particular loved one for 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS, promised!, in private masses to be offered in the Monastery Chapel. This 30-Day Package comes with a recommended stipend of $550. Doing the math, this would allow him to participate in 12 of these sets per year - so if you are willing to be put "in line" for the next available pls contact the Abbot-Guardian soon to make the necessary arrangements! "The souls in purgatory ARE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT on our prayers to assist them for their advancement to their promised place in heaven! CONTACT fatherdinga@rjoy4u.org
Support the Joyful Servants of the Cross - we have shifted the year to becoming a "begging mendicant order" - in the tradition of our monastic ancestors back to the first centuries of Christendom. All donations and voluntary contributions will go to "doing the work of God" as He makes it known to us, day by day. We are currently revamping our online presence and will offer YouTube replays for the time being - until we have the funds and the following to go "YouTube LiveStream" - of our Liturgy of the Hours and Devotional Prayer Events daily. Our daily private community mass will be echoed by Facebook Live for the Time Being - Search: FB William Steven Dinga to find the Eucharistic Feed!
We are also in the process, as this is part of, to seek for "beg for" Patrons, Sponsors, Donors - depending on how much Our Lord and Our Lady and her Spouse move your heart to make. Currently we have check by mail, or Paypal Digital Payment to receive donations. Contact me here (by email) to indicate the Level that you wish to make, to help us fulfill our vision and or dreams for the continuation of our Monastery down the line. make a trip possible. A Patron would be an annual donation of $1000 (or more), A Sponsor would be $25/month, A Donor would be $5 to $24/month or simply a one time donation.
Blessings and Peace
Father Bill Dinga (aka Father Peter Anthony, JSC)
We are also in the process, as this is part of, to seek for "beg for" Patrons, Sponsors, Donors - depending on how much Our Lord and Our Lady and her Spouse move your heart to make. Currently we have check by mail, or Paypal Digital Payment to receive donations. Contact me here (by email) to indicate the Level that you wish to make, to help us fulfill our vision and or dreams for the continuation of our Monastery down the line. make a trip possible. A Patron would be an annual donation of $1000 (or more), A Sponsor would be $25/month, A Donor would be $5 to $24/month or simply a one time donation.
Blessings and Peace
Father Bill Dinga (aka Father Peter Anthony, JSC)
From "Seeker" to "Oblate" to "Simply Profess" to "Solemnly Professed" - there is a place for Catholic men in the Joyful Servants of the Cross. CONTACT
We are the Joyful Servants of the Cross, of the Nuptial Observance - The following video spells out clearly what our mission is: to get to "heaven" and to "take as many as we can with us!" - Come along with us to the Wedding of the Lamb of God!
CLICK > to Listen To HYMN while you read the text!
A Third Hymn dedicated to the JSC Written by our own Moderator - Father William Dinga, aka Br. Peter Anthony, JSC
Joy to the world, The Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King,
Let every heart prepare Him room,
Let heaven and nature sing,
Let heaven and nature sing,
Let heaven and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world, The Light has come
Into this world, forlorn.
It shines into the human soul, it shines into the darkest night,
It lights and guides our path,
It lights and guards our way,
We, the Joyful, Joyful Servants of the Cross
Joy to the young, the old, the frail,
Receive the Holy Rays
Of Grace and Strength, Of Tenderness and Truth,
From us who work and pray,
from us who heal and aid,
we Joyful, Joyful Servants of the Cross
we, the Joyful, Joyful Servants of the Cross.
"Evangelii Gaudium" The Joy of the Gospel - as put forth in 2013 by the Vatican at the promulgation of the Apostolic Exhortation of the same name, given in December of that year by Francis, our Holy Father, is the cumulative master-plank on which The Private Association of the Faithful (soon to be so), called "The Joyful Servants of the Cross, rests."
The opening paragraph (No.1) states the following: "THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL" fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church's journey in years to come."
Paragraph 3. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an opening to letting him encounter them, I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since "no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord."
Paragraph 5. The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ's cross, constantly invites us to rejoice. "Rejoice" is the angel's greeting to Mary. Then Mary proclaims, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior". Jesus himself "rejoiced in the Holy Spirit." And also, "I have said these things to you, so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." Later, "Wherever the disciples went, there was great joy" even amid persecution. Why should we not enter into this great stream of joy!
It is from these opening paragraphs in this classic exhortation that the almost ineffable, divinely inspired charism of the JSC is conceptualized and made plain in ordinary language: we were formed to be "dispensers of GREAT JOY - stemming from our own immersion in the GOSPEL OF THE LORD - (which boosts HOPE in the hearts of men and women and brings the deep and abiding PEACE of Christ to them). And so our initial impetus of desiring with all our hearts (both me and co-founder Richard William Steinberg, RN) to "spread Joy, Hope, and Peace" (in June of 2005 when we were founded and grounded in Boston, MA), is no trite saying: it is fully the essence and energizing impetus behind the whole GOSEPL and EVANGELIZING process!
The opening paragraph (No.1) states the following: "THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL" fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church's journey in years to come."
Paragraph 3. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an opening to letting him encounter them, I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since "no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord."
Paragraph 5. The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ's cross, constantly invites us to rejoice. "Rejoice" is the angel's greeting to Mary. Then Mary proclaims, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior". Jesus himself "rejoiced in the Holy Spirit." And also, "I have said these things to you, so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." Later, "Wherever the disciples went, there was great joy" even amid persecution. Why should we not enter into this great stream of joy!
It is from these opening paragraphs in this classic exhortation that the almost ineffable, divinely inspired charism of the JSC is conceptualized and made plain in ordinary language: we were formed to be "dispensers of GREAT JOY - stemming from our own immersion in the GOSPEL OF THE LORD - (which boosts HOPE in the hearts of men and women and brings the deep and abiding PEACE of Christ to them). And so our initial impetus of desiring with all our hearts (both me and co-founder Richard William Steinberg, RN) to "spread Joy, Hope, and Peace" (in June of 2005 when we were founded and grounded in Boston, MA), is no trite saying: it is fully the essence and energizing impetus behind the whole GOSEPL and EVANGELIZING process!
Our Constitutions and Practical Guidelines
1. Anyone who wants to enter more fully into the stream of Christian JOY, may become associated with the Joyful Servants of the Cross.
a. There are these stages of incorporation into the group:
1. Those who have heard about us, in some way, and who want to become more familiar with us, with an eye on, perhaps, in the future, becoming more integrated into the group. [The Seeker]
2. Those who have done some preliminary investigation and have had firsthand experience with a more fully integrated member, and who seek such further initiation. [The Finder]
3. Those who have sought after a fuller inclusion into the membership, and who want to explore all of the facets and assets of the group - with an eye, after this exploratory period, to become committed members of the group. [The Oblate]
4. Those who are tested and committed members and who wish to enter most fully into the group by becoming residential members in a contemplative/action type of perpetual commitment. [The Professed]
2. Paragraph 127 - Today, as the Church seeks to experience a profound missionary renewal, there is a kind of preaching which falls to each of us as a daily responsibility [As Joyful Servants of the Cross we count ourselves in the midst of this missionary renewal and adopt as our charism the preaching of Joy, Peace and Hope wherever we go each day, to whomever we meet - this we have done since day one of our founding in June, 2005.] It has to do with bringing the Gospel (of Joy) to everyone we meet, whether they be our neighbors or complete strangers. This is the informal preaching which takes place in the middle of a conversation, something along the lines of what a missionary does when visiting a home. [For us] being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place; on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey. [Our group desires to help train and focus our members and observers in the art of gentle persuasion, and respectful personal dialogue - with each other first, and then with those we meet, who are placed there specifically by God for us to interact with!
3. Paragraph 130 - The Holy Spirit [also] enriches the entire evangelizing Church with different charisms. These gifts are meant to renew and build up the Church. [The Joyful Servants of the Cross since its inception has prayed daily "for the purification and perfection of the Church on earth, and the spiritual transformation of the world into the glorious kingdom of God in a new heaven, and a new earth!] A sure sign of the authenticity of a charism is its ecclesial character, its ability to be integrated harmoniously into the life of God's holy and faithful people for the good of all. To the extent that a charism is better directed to the heart of the Gospel [which is JOY, which has always been our number one desire and object of upbuilding the people of God, and the world at large] its exercise will be more ecclesial.
4. Paragraph 276 - Christ's resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit. On razed land, life breaks through, stubbornly yet invincibly. Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history [even our own ongoing histories). Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power [Joyful Servants of the Cross have always been being honed and molded into missionaries and evangelizers.]
5. At his First Mass in his hometown of Endicott, NY, co-founder of the JSC, Father William Dinga of the RIchmond Diocese reminded the church full of family and friend before the dismissal at the end of the mass when explaining to the those present what the red and gold symbols of two crosses overlapping the gold slightly offset on top of the red - that "it is through the red cross of suffering that a gold cross of victory will always be won" - and that is the living redemptive dynamic of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. So now, the JSC accepts it challenge and privilege to proclaim the JOY that this never-failing promise will be to all its own members, and to men, women and children everywhere - Catholic or not, Christian or not, believer or not. GOD'S LOVE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, PEACE, HOPE and JOY ARE FOR EVERYONE! everyone!
6. Ultimately, the Private Association of the Faithful known as the Joyful Servants of the Cross (of the Nuptial Observance) is a training ground to those desiring to "become" Gospel-JOY, so to engender Gospel-Peace, which leads to Gospel-HOPE - at this time in history, this is the mandate that has been allotted to us by the Holy Spirit, as our part in building up not only ourselves in love, but also the Kingdom of God the Father!
7. And finally, with the "great cloud of witnesses" as our allies, friends and intercessors at the Throne of Mercy, the Seat of God Himself, and through the loving and maternal assistance of Mary, Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God's little ones, and asking her protection and daily guidance as we strive to BE THE JOY that welled up in her own heart and overflowed into never ceasing acts of kindness, compassion and joy, pray for heavenly Mother, and Queen of All Hearts! Amen. Alleluia!
Given this day: January 1, 2022, Feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
at Richmond, VA.
a. There are these stages of incorporation into the group:
1. Those who have heard about us, in some way, and who want to become more familiar with us, with an eye on, perhaps, in the future, becoming more integrated into the group. [The Seeker]
2. Those who have done some preliminary investigation and have had firsthand experience with a more fully integrated member, and who seek such further initiation. [The Finder]
3. Those who have sought after a fuller inclusion into the membership, and who want to explore all of the facets and assets of the group - with an eye, after this exploratory period, to become committed members of the group. [The Oblate]
4. Those who are tested and committed members and who wish to enter most fully into the group by becoming residential members in a contemplative/action type of perpetual commitment. [The Professed]
2. Paragraph 127 - Today, as the Church seeks to experience a profound missionary renewal, there is a kind of preaching which falls to each of us as a daily responsibility [As Joyful Servants of the Cross we count ourselves in the midst of this missionary renewal and adopt as our charism the preaching of Joy, Peace and Hope wherever we go each day, to whomever we meet - this we have done since day one of our founding in June, 2005.] It has to do with bringing the Gospel (of Joy) to everyone we meet, whether they be our neighbors or complete strangers. This is the informal preaching which takes place in the middle of a conversation, something along the lines of what a missionary does when visiting a home. [For us] being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place; on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey. [Our group desires to help train and focus our members and observers in the art of gentle persuasion, and respectful personal dialogue - with each other first, and then with those we meet, who are placed there specifically by God for us to interact with!
3. Paragraph 130 - The Holy Spirit [also] enriches the entire evangelizing Church with different charisms. These gifts are meant to renew and build up the Church. [The Joyful Servants of the Cross since its inception has prayed daily "for the purification and perfection of the Church on earth, and the spiritual transformation of the world into the glorious kingdom of God in a new heaven, and a new earth!] A sure sign of the authenticity of a charism is its ecclesial character, its ability to be integrated harmoniously into the life of God's holy and faithful people for the good of all. To the extent that a charism is better directed to the heart of the Gospel [which is JOY, which has always been our number one desire and object of upbuilding the people of God, and the world at large] its exercise will be more ecclesial.
4. Paragraph 276 - Christ's resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit. On razed land, life breaks through, stubbornly yet invincibly. Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history [even our own ongoing histories). Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power [Joyful Servants of the Cross have always been being honed and molded into missionaries and evangelizers.]
5. At his First Mass in his hometown of Endicott, NY, co-founder of the JSC, Father William Dinga of the RIchmond Diocese reminded the church full of family and friend before the dismissal at the end of the mass when explaining to the those present what the red and gold symbols of two crosses overlapping the gold slightly offset on top of the red - that "it is through the red cross of suffering that a gold cross of victory will always be won" - and that is the living redemptive dynamic of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. So now, the JSC accepts it challenge and privilege to proclaim the JOY that this never-failing promise will be to all its own members, and to men, women and children everywhere - Catholic or not, Christian or not, believer or not. GOD'S LOVE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, PEACE, HOPE and JOY ARE FOR EVERYONE! everyone!
6. Ultimately, the Private Association of the Faithful known as the Joyful Servants of the Cross (of the Nuptial Observance) is a training ground to those desiring to "become" Gospel-JOY, so to engender Gospel-Peace, which leads to Gospel-HOPE - at this time in history, this is the mandate that has been allotted to us by the Holy Spirit, as our part in building up not only ourselves in love, but also the Kingdom of God the Father!
7. And finally, with the "great cloud of witnesses" as our allies, friends and intercessors at the Throne of Mercy, the Seat of God Himself, and through the loving and maternal assistance of Mary, Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God's little ones, and asking her protection and daily guidance as we strive to BE THE JOY that welled up in her own heart and overflowed into never ceasing acts of kindness, compassion and joy, pray for heavenly Mother, and Queen of All Hearts! Amen. Alleluia!
Given this day: January 1, 2022, Feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
at Richmond, VA.
Joyful Servants of the Cross
of the Nuptial Observance
of the Nuptial Observance
As of April 27, 2018 - the Joyful Servants of the Cross have now amended our title to include at the end: "of the Nuptial Observance" - We have now been drawn by the Holy Spirit into not only a study of the Nuptial Feast of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, Risen and Ascended, with his Bride - his own Mystical Body - the Church. In the near future this entire website will be modified to reflect this magnificent and imminent event!
The Good News is that all - every person, and every creature is invited to attend - all of creation will rejoice, and be turned into an astounding symphony of praise and worship, glory, honor and adoration - which will exist in the new space, the new time, the new heavens, the new earth! AMEN! ALLELUIA! COME LORD JESUS - your Bride is nearly ready!
The Good News is that all - every person, and every creature is invited to attend - all of creation will rejoice, and be turned into an astounding symphony of praise and worship, glory, honor and adoration - which will exist in the new space, the new time, the new heavens, the new earth! AMEN! ALLELUIA! COME LORD JESUS - your Bride is nearly ready!
JOYFUL SERVANTS OF THE CROSS & OBLATE LIFE-PROGRAM
St. Benedict of Nursia is our primary Patron. We follow his Rule, modified for our own circumstances.
His primary admonition is to seek the will of God always, and when you find it, to do it with all your heart and soul. |
St. Francis of Assisi is the Patron of our Joy. This Poverello of Assisi found God's joy in everything beginning with creation and extending most assuredly in creatures poor and lowly throughout God's world.
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St. Faustina Kowalska was introduced to us by God to be our Patron of God's Mercy: bestowed abundantly, first of all on us, and then through us to as many people as he places in our path wherever we go!
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Welcome "seekers" and "potential oblates" - if you are "asking, seeking and knocking" on virtual doors for HOPE and peace and joy that seems missing from your life - then you may be in the right place, right here, at this time. Belonging to an online religious community of like-minded men and women who are tired of the recklessness and banality of the world around them, and who are searching for an "oasis in the desert of life" - why not "try on" a few days of investigating this website - and latching on to what seems to fit for you - and then contacting us so that you can give us your feedback, give us your input, and feel more connected with all who are living this "simple rule of life" - the gospel-oriented little Rule of St. Benedict! PAX VOBISCUM! Peace be with you, this day, and always!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Joyful Servants of the Cross now boasts that one of its members - who followed a simple daily "monastic type Rule" - completely doable by anyone at all - any person of any age - has made it across the FINISH LINE - has made to the Face of God, the Face of Jesus and the INDESCRIBABLE LOVE AND TRUTH of the Holy Spirit. What we have - now - is a member in heaven - with the transitioning of Br. Paul Andre, JSC, RN - and co-founder Fr. Peter Anthony, JSC, right here at our virtual abbey - at your service - to help you along your path - if you need us! Check out this website - and let us know how we can help you! Blessed and Holy Day to you!
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BELOW IS THE FRANSCISCAN MONASTERY OF THE LITUANIAN FRANCISCAN FRIARS IN KENNEBUNK, ME - WHERE WE VISITED MANY TIMES...
Newsletters
Enjoy this new way for us to communicate with all who are interested in what we do:
May 2014 - Newsletter No.1
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter1.pdf
June 2014 - Welcome and Information Pamphlet
http://www.rjoy4u.org/jscexpansion.pdf
May 2015 - Newsletter No. 2
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter2.pdf
March 2016 - Newsletter No. 3
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter3.pdf
FOUR LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP
The first level is the INQUIRER-“SEEKER” level. This level is open to anyone at all who wants to find out more about us, learn our ways and to try implementing them in their lives to “see if it in any way fits” – like a comfortable slipper.
The second level is called the OBLATE level. In our case, this means one who “offers him/herself” (to make an “oblation”) as a “confirmed seeker” – one who is committed to at least be numbered among the members and to whom they can turn for help in ministry (according to talents and abilities). The oblate can wear the simple member pendant.
The third level is the Simply Professed Non-residential – this level is reserved for Catholics because of the Eucharistic focus and full participation in the Mass that is required of members of this and the following level.) This is one step above the Oblate. These generous souls are willing and they promise to live our Modified Rule of St Benedict, to pray our other daily prayers, and to carry out the charism of the group: to spread joy, hope and peace wherever we go – (helping others deal with situations that God places them in – keeping in mind the motto: “through the red cross of suffering to the gold cross of victory”). The simply professed can wear the congregation’s multi-colored clothing patch.
The final stage of membership is the Fully Professed Residential. This is open to Catholic only. They are allowed to wear the full habit for religious services, including the profession cross. They have promised God solemnly to live the vows of “stability” “conversion of life” and “obedience.” They are bound to the prayer hours, and acts of charity, spreading joy, hope and peace for the glory of God, and the purification of the Church and spiritual transformation of the world.
For each of the levels there is a minimum program of learning that is required. For the Seeker Level – there is a 6 mo. Period of Instruction; for the Oblate Level, a full year of instruction and practice, for the Simply Professed, one year beyond the Oblate; and for the Final Profession – two years beyond the Simply Professed.
Enjoy this new way for us to communicate with all who are interested in what we do:
May 2014 - Newsletter No.1
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter1.pdf
June 2014 - Welcome and Information Pamphlet
http://www.rjoy4u.org/jscexpansion.pdf
May 2015 - Newsletter No. 2
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter2.pdf
March 2016 - Newsletter No. 3
http://www.rjoy4u.org/JSCNewsletter3.pdf
FOUR LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP
The first level is the INQUIRER-“SEEKER” level. This level is open to anyone at all who wants to find out more about us, learn our ways and to try implementing them in their lives to “see if it in any way fits” – like a comfortable slipper.
The second level is called the OBLATE level. In our case, this means one who “offers him/herself” (to make an “oblation”) as a “confirmed seeker” – one who is committed to at least be numbered among the members and to whom they can turn for help in ministry (according to talents and abilities). The oblate can wear the simple member pendant.
The third level is the Simply Professed Non-residential – this level is reserved for Catholics because of the Eucharistic focus and full participation in the Mass that is required of members of this and the following level.) This is one step above the Oblate. These generous souls are willing and they promise to live our Modified Rule of St Benedict, to pray our other daily prayers, and to carry out the charism of the group: to spread joy, hope and peace wherever we go – (helping others deal with situations that God places them in – keeping in mind the motto: “through the red cross of suffering to the gold cross of victory”). The simply professed can wear the congregation’s multi-colored clothing patch.
The final stage of membership is the Fully Professed Residential. This is open to Catholic only. They are allowed to wear the full habit for religious services, including the profession cross. They have promised God solemnly to live the vows of “stability” “conversion of life” and “obedience.” They are bound to the prayer hours, and acts of charity, spreading joy, hope and peace for the glory of God, and the purification of the Church and spiritual transformation of the world.
For each of the levels there is a minimum program of learning that is required. For the Seeker Level – there is a 6 mo. Period of Instruction; for the Oblate Level, a full year of instruction and practice, for the Simply Professed, one year beyond the Oblate; and for the Final Profession – two years beyond the Simply Professed.
BELOW ARE PHOTOS FROM THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF DIVINE MERCY, IN STOCKBRIDGE, MA - A PLACE WE VISITED MANY TIMES...IT IS A SPIRITUAL TREASURE AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO WANT TO COME AND EXPERIENCE IT...
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An Essential and Stable "Credo" - written by our Moderator
I believe in God
Who cannot be limited in any way,
Who dances with delight and abandon,
Who produces music,
Who crafts art,
Who ordered science / nature / supernature,
Who made the animals to be our companions and playmates,
Who speaks once,
Who laughs and who weeps and rejoices,
Who comforts and forgives and has mercy,
Who understands and encourages,
Who is Three Persons in One God who has redeemed us and spiritually sustains us...,
Who believes in me,
Who believes in you,
Who believes in us,
Who Is Here and Now,
Who invites us all into that infinite encompassing moment--
where we will BE, IN FULL CONSCIOUNESS AND EMBODIMENT
IMMERSED IN LOVE
Without end! Amen.
- Fr. William Dinga, JSC
Jan 21, 2022
Who cannot be limited in any way,
Who dances with delight and abandon,
Who produces music,
Who crafts art,
Who ordered science / nature / supernature,
Who made the animals to be our companions and playmates,
Who speaks once,
Who laughs and who weeps and rejoices,
Who comforts and forgives and has mercy,
Who understands and encourages,
Who is Three Persons in One God who has redeemed us and spiritually sustains us...,
Who believes in me,
Who believes in you,
Who believes in us,
Who Is Here and Now,
Who invites us all into that infinite encompassing moment--
where we will BE, IN FULL CONSCIOUNESS AND EMBODIMENT
IMMERSED IN LOVE
Without end! Amen.
- Fr. William Dinga, JSC
Jan 21, 2022