Merry Christmas

St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that JOY is the noblest human act. Have a very joyful holiday, and don't forget to continue the festivities through the entire Octave of Christmas (at least!).

Magi Text Gives Another View of the Christmas Story

The Bible tells us very little about the magi, those mysterious visitors “from the east” who come to Jerusalem looking for the child whose star they observed “at its rising” in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. After meeting with King Herod the magi follow the star to Bethlehem. There, upon seeing the baby Jesus and his mother Mary, the magi worship him, presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then they return to their own lands, never to be heard from again.

Questions about the background and personalities of the "wise men" (NOT kings) have fired the imaginations of Christians for over two millennia. Many have shaped new narratives to answer the fundamental question, “Who were the magi?” My favorite, written by Henry Van Dyke in 1895, is called The Other Wise Man.

But much earlier someone—whose identity remains unknown—wrote an apocryphal account of the traditional Christmas story that is attributed to the magi themselves. The Revelation of the Magi has been recently translated into English by Brent Landau, professor of religious studies at the University of Oklahoma, and is preserved in an eighth-century manuscript held in the Vatican Library.

The staff of the Biblical Archaeology Society describes the writing in this way:

"In the Revelation of the Magi, there are not just three magi, as often depicted in early Christian art (actually, Matthew does not tell us how many there were), nor are they Babylonian astrologers.... Rather  ... the magi (defined in this text as those who “pray in silence”) are a group—numbering as few as 12 and as many as several score—of monk-like mystics from a far-off, mythical land called Shir.... They are descendants of Seth, the righteous third son of Adam and the guardians of an age-old prophecy that a star of indescribable brightness would someday appear 'heralding the birth of God in human form.'

"When the long-prophesied star finally appears, the star is not simply sighted at its rising, as described in Matthew, but rather descends to earth, ultimately transforming into a luminous 'star-child' who instructs the magi to travel to Bethlehem to witness its birth in human form. The star then guides the magi along their journey, miraculously clearing their path of all obstacles and providing them with unlimited stamina and provisions. Finally, inside a cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem, the star reappears to the magi as a luminous human child—the Christ child—and commissions them to become witnesses to Christ in the lands of the east."

To find out more about The Revelation of the Magi, click here.

Course Instructor Change: Year 2

Congratulations to Fr. Aidan Donahue for his appointment as pastor at St. Mary Parish in Milford, CT beginning January 9, 2012. Fr. Donahue has taught in the Biblical School since its beginnings and promises to continue as part of our faculty for the foreseeable future. (Thanks be to God!)

His relocation to the southern part of the Archdiocese does, however, change Fr. Donahue’s availability to teach in certain northern locations. So beginning in January, Fr. Donahue will no longer be teaching the Year 2 class in Bloomfield on Wednesday nights. He will, however, continue teaching the Year 2 class in Cheshire on Monday nights.

We are pleased to announce that Deacon Robert Pallotti will take over for Fr. Donahue in Bloomfield. Dr. Pallotti joined the regular Biblical School faculty this year and will become the permanent instructor for the Year 2 class on Wednesday nights, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Bloomfield.

Biblical School Schedule

Biblical School students will enjoy an extended Christmas break this year. Classes will reconvene (God willing and the creek don't rise!) in the new year during the week of January 9-13, 2012. For details, check your CBS academic-year calendar or go to www.orehartford.org and click on “Calendar” at the top of the page. (Feel free to contact Jill Costa for step-by-step instructions for accessing the CBS online calendar.)

O Antiphons: Prayers for December 17-23

For more information to help you pray the O Antiphons this year, click on the image above, or cut and paste this URL into your web browser: http://www.rc.net/wcc/antiphon.htm.

HCBS Grads Living and Leading in God’s Word

Ms. Kathi Bonner, Class of 2011
Director of Religious Education
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish
West Simsbury, CT

We all know that the Sunday readings each week give us a "snapshot" of Holy Scripture. Week to week, these passages of God's Word come together to create a kind of mosaic of Scripture, drawing us more deeply into relationship with God's Word Become Flesh, Jesus the Christ our Savior.

This Advent, some parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Parish have been enjoying an even wider view. Under the guidance of Kathy Bonner, their parish catechetical leader, these adult learners have been exploring more deeply the rich Lectionary readings proclaimed each Sunday of the season.

Kathi holds the Certificate in Advanced Biblical Studies, awarded by Archbishop Mansell through the Office of Religious Education and St. Thomas Seminary. Her four years of study have provided the skills and knowledge needed to place the Sunday readings into conversation with the scriptural books of which they are a part and with the Bible as a whole.

"The adults who come to gather each Wednesday are so enthusiastic and open to learning," Kathi tells us. "I just love it!  It gives me renewed purpose."

Hundreds of graduates and students of the Hartford Catholic Biblical School are involved in ongoing ministries in their faith communities throughout Connecticut and even around the world. If you are, or someone you know is, a CBS graduate who helps others to encounter God's Living Word, we want to hear about it! Send a descriptive paragraph to BJ at cbs@orehartford.org.

December News in Faith Formation

What's happening in the Biblical School, adult spirituality, catechist enrichment, youth ministry? It's all here in the December 2011 newsletter, ORE Connections. Click here to explore what's happening this month in faith formation in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Discerning the Presence of God (Part Two)

Knowing how to act in a morally challenging situation can be confusing. Even the holy writers of the books of Scripture sometimes offer conflicting advice about how the people of their times should act in a given historical situation.

Daniel in Lion's Den

The Book of Daniel, on the one hand, advises believers not to take action against persecutions of the Emperor Antiochus IV but rather to trust completely in the power of God to deliver the faithful from their oppressors. The Books of  First Maccabees and Judith, on the other hand, encourage believers in this same thorny situation to take action--even violent action when necessary--against their persecutors. And the Book of Esther suggests a kind of "middle course" between these teachings.

Which advice is "right"?

The Old Testament teaches that what is "right" in any situation becomes known by the wise through discernment of God's presence and God's call within the situation itself. And it teaches that wisdom and discernment come only through living a life in right relationship (covenant) with God. This right relationship includes abiding in a deep love for and respect for Creator and all creation (and not just the community of faith). It is only if we come to know God intimately, seeking out God's presence in our every moment, that we will come to understand what God is requiring of us within our every moment.

Of course, moral behavior is expected and taught emphatically in the Old Testament. Morally evil actions are never considered "good," in the Bible, though they may sometimes be justified.

But there are loads of times when we are required to choose between more than one morally good course of action. Right now, should I be writing this blog post or clearing off my messy desk? Both are morally good things to do. I have to decide, moment by moment, "What is the most loving action for me to take?" (My desk can wait...again!)

St. Ignatius of Loyola taught his followers in the Society of Jesus many important principles for helping discern what God is requiring of us from day to day. But that's food for another post!

Discerning the Presence of God (Part One)

This winter, advanced students in the Biblical School are studying the post-exilic period of the Old Testament. We've been talking about how different biblical books show faithful Jews as responding in a variety of ways to the Hellenization ("Greek-izing") of Judaism in this time period.

"The Book of Jonah" observed one student, "Recognizes the value of all human life, Jew and Gentile alike, while other books, like Tobit, encourage Jews to remain as separate from foreign cultures as possible. Why is that? Doesn't the Bible teach us God's will?"

The Bible shows us human beings in communities of faith seeking to discern God's presence in their lives. God's presence, according to the Old Testament covenant, is found in right relationship with God and others. (Right relationship is translated in English Bibles, misleadingly, as "fear of the Lord.")

That is, the Old Testament urges us to know better our Creator and ourselves if we are to live in right relationship (covenant), and that the sign of this right relationship is "awe and respect" (translated misleadingly in English Bibles as "fear of the Lord.") before God.


In biblical times, the choice between holding fast to one's faith sometimes meant separating the community from what were seen as harmful influences in the dominant cultures (like Persian, Greek and Roman cultures). At other times believers were called to a "3 R" approach:

• recognizing God's presence in the dominant culture,
• reaching out to share the faith community's wisdom with these others, and  
• realizing what wisdom might be found in the other, new perspective.

And it's possible that, at the very same time and place, what is the best course of action (the best act of love) for one group or individual might not be the best course of action for another.


In the Old Testament, even apparently "conflicting" teachings (like those in Jonah and Tobit) are all considered sacred and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is up to the faithful, with the guidance of the Church, to discern the meaning of each and how to live the Word of God day by day.

(And, of course, the Biblical School is designed to help you in the process!)

Cancelled: A Festival of Lessons and Carols

St. Mark's is experiencing difficulties with church maintenance that have, sadly, required the cancellation of their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Proverb for Today

"Multitasking is the enemy of mindfulness."

(Remember to submit to BJ your favorite proverbs for publication any time!)

With Thanksgiving to God

The prayer that I say (sing, actually) every single day for the Hartford Catholic Biblical School—for students, faculty and administration, colleagues in other Biblical Schools and at Paulist Press, and Archbishop Mansell himself—is a prayer of thanksgiving in song, recorded by the Monks of the Weston Priory in their album, "Go Up to the Mountain." (Click on the link to order the song from their website.)

On this Thanksgiving Day, I wish to share this prayer with you, my friends:

With thanksgiving to God our prayer is
Always filled with profound joy for you
When we think of the strength you are for others
And letting God live in you with such beauty and truth.

May your faith become strong in God's Word,
Certain land having been planted in you:
Thirst for wisdom and sensing Spirit's presence,
A life within, deep instilled, will inspire others' joy.

May God's Spirit of Peace be with you,
Living sign of the love that you share;
May your homes be filled with goodness and caring,
A place where there's no difference between stranger and friend.

May God's Presence be what you offer
As you welcome each other this day;
Simple kindness the bread of our lives,
A word of peace, a gentle mood, is God's gift to be shared.

Amen my friends, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Advent Prophets—An Exploration into God's Word

The prophetic literature contains some of the most spiritually rewarding material in the Old Testament. At the same time, the prophets pose a number of unique challenges to those who read them and encounter them in the liturgy. In this lecture, Dr. Harry Nasuti, Professor of Old Testament at Fordham University, will explore some ways of experiencing the power and beauty of these important texts. The lecture will pay particular attention to the prophetic readings that play such a significant role in our liturgies during the Advent season.

Time: December 11, 2011, 1:00-3:00 p.m. (“Coffee and” at 12:30)
Place: The Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary
RSVP to Jill Costa by Fax or Email: 860-243-9690 or jcosta@adh-ore.org

Biblical School graduates, their guests, and other parish and archdiocesan leaders are invited to attend an afternoon designed for ongoing growth in understanding God’s Word. There is no fee for this program. It is essential, though, that all participants register with the Office of Religious Education by Friday, December 2, 2011.

Inka Peczerski, 1931-2011

J. Inka Peczerski 1931-2011

Our dear friend Inka, a 2011 graduate of the Catholic Biblical School, has been called to new life in Jesus this week. We celebrate the dynamic spirit she brought to everything she did and we mourn our own loss. We keep Inka and her children and grandchildren in our prayers. We will miss you, Inka!

Here are some thoughts from two of her classmates:

I was shocked to read this.... Last year when Inka and I visited with dying former classmate, Pauline Goulet who passed away on Oct. 30, 2010 from pancreatic cancer, I wonder if Inka knew of her own condition? (Nancy Stimac, Class of 2011)

This is very sad.  (Maureen Brouillard, Class of 2011)

Obituary Notice:

J. Inka (Hoffmann) Peczerski, 80 of Hartford, beloved widow of Roman J. Peczerski, died peacefully after waging a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Wednesday, (November 16, 2011) at her home. She was born in Lodz, Poland and had lived in Hartford since 1961. Mom was a lifelong learner and after raising her children she got her undergraduate degree in German from Central Connecticut State University and then a Masters in Library Science from Southern State College. She just finished a four year program in Bible Studies. She worked most of her career with Monsanto. She loved to travel and spend summers at her summer home on the coast of Maine. She was a flower enthusiast and a member of the CT Rose and Dahlia Society. She is survived by her son, Thomas Peczerski and his wife, Anna of Cottage Grove, WI and two grandchildren, Patrick and Natalia; her daughter, Teresa Baldwin and her husband, Kevin of Hebron and three grandchildren, Matthew Baldwin and his wife Tracy, Marc Baldwin and his wife Amanda, Peter Baldwin and his wife Mary Kathryn; great grandchildren, Mial, Sebastian, and Kayla Baldwin; her brother Harry Hoffmann and his wife Charlotte of Toronto, Canada and their daughter, Karen.

The funeral was held on Monday, November 21 at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Lawrence O'Toole Church, 494 New Britain Ave. Hartford. Burial will be private. There will be no visiting hours.... To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.

CBS Recommends—Advent Weekend Retreat

"Of Angels, Magi, Shepherds and Kings"

The Infancy Narratives in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

Saturday & Sunday

December 3, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. & December 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The Christmas creche is the most familiar visual icon of the Christmas story. Its origins can be traced to the tableau that Francis of Assisi arranged at Greccio in 1223. For centuries it has remained the main vehicle for conveying the Christmas story to believers and unbelievers alike: Angels announce the birth of God’s son from on high, while Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus are visited in a stable by shepherds at the bidding of an angel and by Magi at the leading of a star. Ironically, the creche scene mixes details from the two Gospel accounts (those of Matthew and Luke) into a single scene, which makes it difficult for modern audiences to hear the distinct message of each evangelist regarding the significance of Jesus’ birth. The two Gospel stories have different characters, different themes, and different theological and spiritual perspectives. During this weekend workshop, we will read and discuss the two Gospel stories separately to highlight the distinct contour and message of each, and look at how some of the main characters and themes from these stories were developed in later Christian centuries.

Presenter: Paul Sansone studied Scripture at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. and has been involved in adult faith formation for many years.

       
Suggested Offering:  $20.00; includes lunch on Saturday
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  November 29, 2011
To register, please call St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church at 860-756-4034

Do not contact the Catholic Biblical School office. This event is not sponsored by the Catholic Biblical School but is an authorized make-up for certain requirements towards archdiocesan certificates in biblical studies.

Urgent Notice for ALL CBS Students

All CBS classes have been cancelled for the week of October 31-November 4, 2011.

Several Catholic Biblical School campuses, including the St. Thomas Seminary home campus, are without power, and downed power lines continue to make travel unsafe for most Connecticut residents.

"Snow relays" for all CBS classes have been activated, but bear in mind that many telephones (including the CBS office phone) are not in service. Students and grads should make every reasonable effort to contact their small-group members. If a phone number is out of service, please skip ahead on the phone tree, calling the next person on the list--but please also continue, at intervals, to try to contact the individual you've skipped.

In preparation for classes next week (November 7-11, 2011), all students need to prepare Lessons 1.8 and 1.9 in their student workbooks, and should bring both these homework assignments with them to class next week.

Faculty members have agreed to cover both the missed lesson (1.9) and conduct a review of the Unit material next week. Unit "memory exercises" will take place as previously scheduled, November 14-18, 2011.

As indicated on the CBS calendar (online at http://www.orehartford.org/), no classes are scheduled during the Thanksgiving holiday week, with the exception of the Year 2 class on Monday, November 21, at Epiphany Parish in Cheshire. Classes will then resume November 28, 2011. (God willing.)

St. Thomas Seminary                        Archdiocese of Hartford

Certificate in Biblical Studies           Catholic Biblical School

Ten books on the shelf ...

Bookshelf, by Colin Thompson

CBS students and grads are always asking me to provide book recommendations. Although I can't seem to find time to blog on the subject, I found this excellent listing of "Ten Books on the Shelf" of Walter Brueggemann in  Sojourners magazine.

To see Brueggemann's review of each book,click here:

And here's the "short" version:

1. Job, part of the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series (Smyth & Helwys, 2006), by Samuel E. Balentine

2. The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder (Oxford University Press, 2010), by William P. Brown

3. The Arrogance of Nations: Reading Romans in the Shadow of Empire (Fortress Press, 2008), by Neil Elliott

4. The Ten Commandments (Interpretation commentary series; Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), Patrick D. Miller

5  In Apocalypse against Empire: Theologies of Resistance in Early Judaism (Eerdmans, 2011) Anathea E. Portier-Young

ORE Leader to Receive Award

The Biblical School has been profoundly blessed by the ministry of Patricia A. Keck, M.A., Assistant Director in the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Hartford. "Behind the scenes," Pat has smoothed the way for developments that have enhanced the experience of students and graduates in the Biblical School, including our recent accreditation and the addition of new continuing education programs for CBS grads.

Thank you, Pat, and congratulations on receiving Fordham University’s Sapientia et Doctrina Award (Fordham’s motto for wisdom and knowledge) for Service to the Renewal of the Church.

The ORE staff will be joining Pat's family and friends to honor her at Fordham this Friday evening, October 21.

"Keck’s path to receiving this award is rather unexpected," as Maria Zone, Communications Director for the Archdiocese, writes. "For twenty years, Keck worked in the corporate world as a director of management information at Aetna Life & Casualty, where she developed impeccable organizational skills and the ability to set goals and get things done. She never contemplated a career in religious education. As it turns out, the same skill set has served her well as Assistant Director in the Office of Religious Education. She supervises a large staff of professional religious educators, including RCIA, Catholic Biblical School, Adult Lay Ministry Formation, Catechist Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Catholic Scouting, and Catechesis for Hispanics.

"Keck says working in religious education has fulfilled her life. When she worked in corporate America,

New Series: HCBS Grads Living and Leading in God's Word

Hundreds of graduates and students of the Biblical School are involved in ongoing ministries in their faith communities throughout Connecticut and even around the world. If you are, or someone you know is, a CBS graduate who--by their lives and activities--helps others to encounter God's Living Word, we want to hear about it! Send a descriptive paragraph to BJ at cbs@orehartford.org.

Living and Leading in God's Word #1

Nancy Stimac (Class of 2011)
Mary and Lawrence Galarneau (Class of 2010)
St. Mary, Windsor Locks

For the past couple of years, Nancy, Mary and Larry have facilitated a Centering Prayer group at their parish. During this time, they've been fortunate to have the pastor, Fr. O'Grady, sponsor several contemplative prayer workshops offered by the renowned retreat master, Fr. William Sheehan, OMI, who was recently at St. Mary Parish to introduce the ancient prayer practice called Lectio Divina.

One of the principal ways to develop receptivity to God's Word in the Bible, Lectio DIvina teaches us to deeply listen and hear; to spontaneously respond; and then to consent and surrender to the indwelling of Christ, God's Word, within us. St. Mary parish was blessed with 40 attendees at this workshop, a number of whom were CBS grads and students. 

The Hartford Catholic Biblical School encourages Lectio DIvina as a way of praying in conjunction with formal Bible study.

CBS Recommends—“Hearing the Lord’s Gospel ...

... Hearing the Gospel’s Lord,” A Day of Reflection at St. Thomas Seminary
 
Romans 10:17 says, “Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” With this biblical writing in mind, the Pastoral Department of Small Christian Communities (SCC) of the Archdiocese of Hartford is sponsoring a day of reflection called, “Hearing the Lord’s Gospel, Hearing the Gospel’s Lord.” It will be held on Saturday, October 29, at the Archdiocesan Center at Saint Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave, in Bloomfield from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Brother Robert K. Moriarty, S.M., will lead the conference in prayer, reflection and conversation.

Year Two Class Scheduling Alert

If you are in Year Two of the Biblical School, please note that Fr. Donahue's class in Cheshire (Epiphany Parish) will NOT be meeting on November 28, as previously scheduled.

Instead the class will meet on November 21 (the Monday before Thanksgiving). The material covered in all other CBS classes during the week of 11-28 through 12-2 (Year 2 Unit 2 Lesson 2) will be covered (for Fr. Donahue's class in Cheshire only) on 11-21.

If you have questions, please call Jill Costa at 860-243-9465, ext. 2670.

Post Your Own Proverbs!

The Hartford Catholic Biblical School wants to post your original proverbs.

Successful entries will be written in the biblical style of the Book of Proverbs but will incorporate contemporary elements that address lived spirituality for today.

Within the limits of the editor's time and imagination, all suitable entries will be posted in this blog with a by-line (so please include your full name, as you prefer it to appear, with your proverb). Entries will not be returned or acknowledged, but successful proverbs will be posted on this blog.

Inspired by CBS Year Four Optional Challenge #1.3. Have fun with it!

And here's an example, by third-year student (and CBS resident rapper--see April 2010), Margaret (Marj) Hurley:

Better than glib promises are commitments honorably kept.

Email yours to: cbs@orehartford.org. Contemporary (and of course "clean") imagery and language encouraged!

Echoes of Canaanite Concepts in Biblical Language

Biblical School graduates, their guests, and other leaders in parish and archdiocesan ministries are welcome to register (by October 7, please!) for this seminar exploring the mythological background of our biblical texts:

Ruins at Ras Shamra

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011, 9:30-noon

(Sign in and "coffee and" begins at 9:00)

Where: St. Thomas Seminary, Room 2A

(Click here for directions.)

Presenter: Mr. Paul Sansone, life-long biblical educator

Since 1929 when the first Canaanite (Ugaritic) texts were found at Tel Ras Shamra in northern Syria, a steady stream of publications has made us aware of the religious beliefs of the people who wrote these texts. The people of Canaan shared a common culture with the people of Israel. These writings shed light on the religious language of the Old Testament (and indirectly on some important New Testament imagery).


During this session, we will discuss examples that illustrate how the biblical authors drew on their cultural background to forge a rich and textured language about God (including various divine titles used in the Old Testament) and God's interaction with human beings. We will also consider how these cultural forms of expression influenced Israelite worship and look at some of the theological debates presented in the Old Testament through the lens that this language provides us in order to gain a better understanding of the biblical authors' meaning and message.

Survey: Young Adults and the Bible

"If there were a monthly discussion group that met to talk about how the Bible could connect to our everyday lives as young adult Catholics, would you be interested in attending?"   

Leigh-Ann at CBS graduation 2009

This opening to a ten-question survey gets to the heart of Leigh-Ann Hammond's new ministry project. A 2009 graduate of the Hartford Catholic Biblical School, Leigh-Ann is working with the Office of Religious Education to identify and develop a faith community of young adults interested in learning more about the Bible.

The survey identifies interest in a Bible-based discussion group among young Catholic adults in Connecticut between the ages of 21-39.

If you are 21-39 and this idea appeals to you, click here to take the survey.

Or if someone you know might be interested in developing this kind of faith community of young Catholics, email this blog to them by clicking on the envelope icon where it appears below.

Melinda Scollin (Class of 2010) Presents...

A Free Concert to Raise Awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease

As part of their journey of healing, professional musicians Melinda Czerkawski Scollin and Gregory Czerkawski present classic religious and secular pieces, including "There is a Balm in Gilead"; Faure’s Pie Jesu; and DeBussy's Claire de Lune.

When:  Sunday, November 13, 2011, 3:00 PM
Where:  The Church of St. Aedan, 112 Fountain Street, New Haven

As Melinda says, "So many of my Biblical School companions helped me survive my journey with my Mom's Alzheimer's.  This I will never forget."

Click here for directions to the Church of St. Aedan.

"If this is Catholic teaching, how come I've never heard it before?"

A recent article in America magazine points out that "according to many studies, Catholics are among the most biblically illiterate Americans," despite the best efforts of the Catholic Biblical Schools all over the country and their graduates, who bring biblical literacy into ever-wider circles.

And, as the author explains, contemporary Catholics continue to be "shocked at [for example] the suggestion that the first and second chapters of Genesis did not contain literal, historically accurate accounts of creation." Biblical literalism (or fundamentalism) is well and flourishing in our nation.

I recommend this interesting and accurate (in my experience) article by Brian Pinter, who is the director of campus ministry at Regis High School in New York and a graduate student in Bible at The General Theological Seminary in New York City.

Follow this link to read more: http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13002

CBS First-Year Class Meetings Changed

Please note the following two schedule changes:

• Bloomfield, CT: Mondays, 7:00-9:00 pm, St. Thomas Seminary (moved from Sacred Heart Parish beginning Monday, Sept. 19). Instructor: Ms. Marcia Franko, MA.

• No class in Milford, CT

If God Had Texted Moses (10)

Moses: Check your phone!

No 10: You shall not set your desire on ... anything that belongs to your neighbor. (NIV Dt 5:21b)

Courtesy of Sr. Carol Cimino, PhD and Religious Education Consultant for Sadlier Publishers.