Featured Book
The Gospel According to St. Paul: Meditations on His Life and Letters by Carlo Cardinal Martini, SJ, 2008.
A biblical scholar of international fame, Cardinal Martini successfully captures St. Paul’s passion for spreading the gospel in words that speak to our church today. The cardinal identifies key moments in this “apostle to the gentiles” life that provide insight into the pastoral spirit of this larger-than-life man with a mission. The thought provoking commentaries and meditations on St. Paul’s work in the early Christian communities reveal tireless efforts in instructing and forming the fledgling Christian communities. St. Paul’s zeal for spreading the gospel, despite every kind of suffering and persecution, shines through the text in every chapter. Don Franco Brovelli of the Diocese of Milan, Italy, states in the book’s preface: “The cardinal listens to Paul, but at the same time, he gives a voice and a face to those who are engaged in the apostolic endeavors of the Church today.” This book is meant to be read and used with prayer. The chapters also include questions that challenge us to reflect on our own lives as Christian disciples.
Faith Sharing
Juanita Deshotels shares her favorite Bible passage from Ephesians 6:14-16 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench the flaming arrows of the evil one.
“This passage means a lot to me because of the trials in my life. Joe and I married in 1962. Both his parents died by 1965, leaving behind an 18-year-old. At that time we had two babies and an 18-year-old in our care. Later two more children were born, and we lived life in faith.
At age 49, Joe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, but lost the battle in 2000 at the age of 60. The children graduated from ULL, married, and we had a wonderful life in our Catholic community, one filled with love and faith.
In 2002 I was diagnosed with hepatitis C as a result of a blood transfusion in 1975. I underwent treatment and was completely healed. In 2012 a diagnosis of multiple myeloma came my way. At present I am undergoing chemotherapy.
Without my faith there is no telling where I would be. My St. Elizabeth Seton community continues to be a strong support. I am forever grateful for the love and compassion showered upon me. Thank you, Lord!”
What is your favorite Bible verse and why is it your favorite? E-mail us with your response at SetonScriptureStudy@gmail.com.
Church Structure
Narthex: entry area.
Nave: main body of the church. The word nave comes from the Latin word for ship. Early churches often resembled a ship, reminiscent of St. Peter’s boat.
Sanctuary: Location of the altar. The word means “holy place.”
Inside the Church
Dedicated for God’s service and therefore treated with respect.
Tabernacle: The focus and heart of each church. The Blessed Sacrament is kept there. There is a light/burning candle there to remind us of Christ, the light of the world. The origins of a lamp at the tabernacle have Jewish origins where the ner tamid or “eternal flame” burns before the ark in every synagogue. “Taber” is the Hebrew word for tent and reminds us of the 40 years in the desert.
Altar: Where the sacrifice of the Mass is offered. The first were placed over the tombs of martyrs. Ours has a relic of St. Elizabeth Seton. We were the first church in the world to be named after her.
Ambo: The readings and gospel are proclaimed from here.
Holy Water: Water that has been blessed by a priest at the Easter Vigil to be used for baptisms and blessings. Holy water has been used since the earliest days of Christianity. It reminds us of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan and our own baptism.
Stoup: The small container near the doors of the church which contain Holy Water. We dip our fingers into it and pray the Sign of the Cross to remind us of our own baptism.
Candles: As the wax dissolves, giving away heat and light, so we must surrender ourselves to become the light of the world.
Vestments
The vestments mark the priest as a servant of Christ. The vestments are free from class or social standings. They draw our attention to the timeless sacrifice taking place throughout the world rather than the man. Originally, they were the formal clothing of the day.
Alb – floor length tunic
Chasuble – the word means “little house.”
Stole – Originally used to wipe away sweat and dust from face and hands.
The colors remind us of the Church season:
White/Gold: joyful occasions such as Christmas, Easter. Also used for funerals.
Red: feasts of martyrs, the passion of Christ, Pentecost.
Purple: penitential times; Lent, Advent.
Rose Pink: may be used for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, joyful anticipation.
Green: ordinary days.
Blue: special feasts for Mary.
