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Saint Gabriel Catholic Church
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Practices God’s Two Great Commandments The basis of all law (your rule of life) rests on two commandments: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:37, 39 Commandments of God 1. You shall honor no other God but me. 2. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods. Precepts of the Church From time to time, the Church has listed certain specific duties of Catholics. Some duties expected of Catholic Christians today include the following. (Those traditionally mentioned as Precepts of the Church are marked with an asterisk.) 11. To keep holy the day of the Lord’s resurrection: to worship God by participating in Mass every Sunday and every holy day of obligation: *to avoid those activities that would hinder renewal of the soul and body, for example, needless work and business activities, unnecessary shopping and so forth. 12. To lead a sacramental life: to receive Holy Communion frequently and the sacrament of penance regularly. 13. To study Catholic teaching in preparation for the sacrament of confirmation, to be confirmed, and then to continue to study and advance the cause of Christ. 14. To observe the marriage laws of the Church: *to give religious training (by example and word) to one’s children; to use parish schools and religious education programs. 15. To strengthen and support the Church: *one's own parish community and parish priests; the worldwide Church and the Holy Father. 16. To do penance, including abstaining from meat and fasting from food on appointed days. 17. To join in the missionary spirit and apostolate of the Church. Holy Days of Obligation Holy days of obligation are special feasts on which Catholics who have reached the age of reason are seriously obliged, as on Sunday, to attend Mass and to avoid unnecessary work. Serious reasons excuse us from these obligations. In the United States these days are: Mary, Mother of God, January 1; Mary’s Assumption, August 15; All Saint’s Day, November 1; Mary’s Immaculate Conception, December 8; Christmas, December 25. Regulations for Fast and Abstinence All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence: all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat. The law of fasting allows one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of the day and prohibits eating between meals. In the United States, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence; all other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence only. Some form of penance is especially encouraged on all Fridays throughout the year. Pregnant women and people who are sick are not obliged to fast. Others who feel they are unable to observe the laws of fast and abstinence should consult a parish priest or confessor. Fast and abstinence are recognized forms of penance. By doing these and other penances, we can realize that interior change of heart that is so necessary for all Christians. Confession of Sins The precept to confess at least once a year is a reminder to receive the sacrament of penance (reconciliation) on a regular basis. If no grave sin has been committed in that time, confession is not necessary. However, frequent confession is of great value; it makes us more deeply conformed to Christ and most submissive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Reconciliation is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ represented by the priest in the confessional or reconciliation room. The penitent admits to God that he or she has sinned, makes an act of sorrow, accepts a penance (prayer, act of self-denial, or works of service to others), and resolves to do better in the future. After prayer and examination of conscience to find out what sins you have committed, you enter the confessional. Father greets you kindly. You respond and then make and say the Sign of the Cross. Father invites you to have confidence in God. You answer, “Amen.” Father may read or recite some short selection from the Bible. You introduce yourself (not by name) and tell how long it has been since your last confession. You then tell your sins. (Each mortal sin must be confessed as well as possible.) It is useful to mention your most frequent and most troublesome venial sins. Father will give you any necessary advice and answer your questions. After he assigns a penance you make an Act of Contrition. The following is now the most common form of the Act of Contrition: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.” Father then places his hands on your head (or extends his right hand towards you) and prays these words of forgiveness: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You answer, “Amen”. Father then says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” You answer, “His mercy endures forever.” Father then dismisses you in these or similar words; “The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.” Regulations for the Communion Fast The conditions for receiving Holy Communion are the state of grace (freedom from mortal sin), the right intention (not out of routine or human respect but for the purpose of pleasing God), and observance of the Communion fast. This fast means that you must not eat anything or drink any liquid (other than water) one-hour before the reception of Communion. However, the sick and aged, even those not confined to bed or a home and those caring for them who wish to receive Communion but cannot fast for an hour without inconvenience, can receive Holy Communion even if they have taken something during the previous hour. How to Receive Communion Holy Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand and may be given under the form of bread alone or under both species. As the communicant approaches the minister, they bow in reverence as an Act of Faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharistic Bread and Cup, to manifest a need and desire for the Lord, and to accept the good news of Jesus’ paschal mystery. When the minister of the Eucharist addresses the communicant with the words “The Body of Christ,” and “The Blood of Christ,” the communicant responds “Amen” to each, openly professing his or her belief in the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic Species as well as in His Body, the Church. Beatitudes The beatitudes are a summary of the difficulties to be overcome by faithful Christians and the rewards that will be theirs if they are loyal followers of Christ (Matthew 5:3-10). 18. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 19. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 20. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 21. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 22. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 23. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 24. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 25. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Corporal (Material) Works of Mercy 26. To feed the hungry 27. To give drink to the thirsty 28. To clothe the naked 29. To visit the imprisoned 30. To shelter the homeless 31. To visit the sick 32. To bury the dead Spiritual Works of Mercy 33. To admonish the sinner 34. To instruct the ignorant 35. To counsel the doubtful 36. To comfort the sorrowful 37. To bear wrongs patiently 38. To forgive all injuries 39. To pray for the living and the dead Prayers Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.) Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Prayer of Praise Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be the world without end. Amen. Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Act of Faith O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all truths, which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen. Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen. Come Holy Spirit (Prayer for Guidance) Come, Holy Spirit Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created. Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Angelus The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. Response: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary) Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Response: May it be done unto me according to your word. (Hail Mary) And the word was made flesh. Response: And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary) Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: O Lord, it was through the message of an angel that we learned of the Incarnation of Christ, your Son. Pour your grace into our hearts, and by his Passion and cross bring us to the glory of his Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Queen of Heaven (Prayer during the Easter Season instead of Angelus) Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. Response: The Son whom you were privileged to bear, alleluia, has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary, alleluia Response: For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia. Let us pray: O God, it was by the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that you brought joy to the world. Grant that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may attain the joy of eternal life. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Grace Before Meals Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen. Hail, Holy Queen Hail, holy queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Saint Michael Prayer Saint Michael the Archangel; Defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy (For private recitation on ordinary rosary beads. The hour of Mercy is 3:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Begin with: Our Father, Hail Mary and The Apostles’ Creed. Then on the Our Father Beads you will say the following words: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. In the Hail Mary Beads you will say the following words: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world. In conclusion, Three times you can recite these words: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world. Fatima Prayer O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven especially those most in need of your mercy. Mary’s Rosary The complete rosary is composed of fifteen decades, divided into three distinct parts, each containing five decades. The first part consists of five joyful events in the life of Jesus and Mary, the second part recalls five sorrowful events, and the third part considers five glorious events. Pope John Paul II has added the Luminous Mysteries consisting of events from Jesus’ public life. We begin by making the Sign of the Cross. Then we say the Apostles’ Creed, one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be to the Father (Prayer of Praise) on the small chain. Then recall the first mystery, say one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory Be to the Father. This completes one decade. After each decade say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.” All the other decades are said in the same manner with a different mystery meditated during each decade. At the end of the rosary, the prayers Hail Holy Queen, the Memorare and the Saint Michael Prayer may be recited. The mysteries of the rosary are scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. By meditating on these sublime truths, we come to a better understanding of our religion: the Incarnation of the Lord, the Redemption, and the Christian life – present and future. In the following outline the words in parentheses indicate practical application to our daily lives. The Joyful Mysteries (prayed on Monday & Saturday) The messenger of God announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. (Humility) Luke 1:28 Mary visits and helps her cousin Elizabeth. (Love of Neighbor) Luke 1:41-42 Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. (Spirit of Poverty) Luke 2:7 Jesus is presented in the Temple. (Obedience to God’s Will) Luke 2:22-23 Jesus is found in the Temple. (Fidelity to Vocation) Luke 2:46 The Luminous Mysteries (prayed on Thursday) The Baptism of the Lord. (Openness to the Holy Spirit) Matthew 3:16-17 The Wedding Feast of Cana. (To Jesus through Mary) John 2:5-7 The Preaching of the Kingdom of God; the Call to Conversion. (Repentance and trust in God) Matthew 10:7-8 The Transfiguration of the Lord. (Desire for holiness) Luke 9:29, 35 The Institution of the Eucharist. (Adoration) Luke 22:19-20 The Sorrowful Mysteries (prayed on Tuesday & Friday) Jesus undergoes his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Spirit of Prayer) Luke 22:44-45 Jesus is scourged at the pillar. (Modesty and Purity) John 19:1 Jesus is crowned with thorns. (Courage) Matthew 27:28-29 Jesus carries the cross to Calvary. (Patience in Suffering) John 19:17 Jesus dies on the Cross for our sins. (Self-denial) Luke 23:46 The Glorious Mysteries (prayed on Wednesday & Sunday) Jesus rises from the dead. (Faith) Mark 16:6 Jesus ascends into heaven. (Hope) Mark 16:19 The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles and the Blessed Mother. (Wisdom, Love, Zeal, Fortitude) Acts 2:4 The Mother of Jesus is taken into heaven. (Eternal Happiness) Judith 15:9-10 Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and earth. (Devotion to Mary and Final Perseverance) Revelations 12:1 Final prayer (after the Hail Holy Queen) Let us pray: O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech you, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Stations of the Cross (Meditations on the Suffering and Death of Jesus) Introductory Prayer Jesus is condemned to death on the cross. Jesus accepts his cross. Jesus falls the first time. Jesus meets his sorrowful Mother. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Jesus falls the second time. Jesus meets and speaks to the women of Jerusalem. Jesus falls the third time. Jesus is stripped of his garments. Jesus is nailed to the cross. Jesus dies on the cross. Jesus is taken down from the cross. Jesus is placed in the tomb. Closing Prayer (recalling the Resurrection) (At each station, contemplate the scene and pray a brief, heartfelt prayer.) Prayer to Your Guardian Angel Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Prayer for the Sick Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole, and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this though the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen. Communion Mediation Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Blood of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Separated from you, let me never be. From the evil one, protect me. At the hour of my death, call me. And close to you, bid me that with all your saints I may ever be for ever and ever. Amen. By the light of the Holy Spirit grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for the Faithful Departed Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. Response: And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Response: Amen. |