"Micro" Catechism for Busy Adults

The relationship between the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and Forgiveness

There is little doubt that, of all the sacraments, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is the least understood by the greatest number of Catholics. Older Catholics may remember it from its commonly used previous name of “Extreme Unction.” From the word “extreme” many take the idea that this is a sacrament that is rarely to be used. Indeed, many Catholics incorrectly equate this sacrament with the idea of “Last Rites” and would presume that it is reserved exclusively for those who are at death’s door. The actual teaching of the Church is very different.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states, “as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (no. 73). The Catechism of the Catholic Church goes further in stating, “If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced” (no. 1515).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has many effects: the uniting of the person to the Passion of Christ, for one's own good and that of all the Church; the strengthening, peace and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of one's soul; and the preparation for passing over to eternal life. Finally, the Church teaches as well that an effect of the sacrament is the forgiveness of sins, if the person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Thus we see that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is another of the sacraments though which God offers his gift of forgiveness.

Reflection Question
Have you yourself ever received this sacrament or been present when another has received it? If so, in what way were you witness to the graces of this sacrament? If you have never been present for the celebration of this sacrament, why do you think that is the case?
Scripture to Explore
Hebrews 8:1-12

 Additional References
Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 1514-1515, 1520-1523, 1532
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults pp. 253-255
Catechetical Framework for Lifelong Faith Formation MA.2.2.40, MA.2.2.41

Resource for Adult Faith Formation
Prepared for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Distributed courtesy of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)

© Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 2014
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the copyright holder.

Permission is hereby granted to all (arch)dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools, and other ecclesial entities to reproduce this document in whole or in part, in whatever form is most expedient, for the purposes of catechizing the People of God, provided that the copyright information on this page is included in its entirety. This grant does not diminish the rights reserved hereunder.

Weekly Bible Study - Genesis 9:8-15

22 February 2015
1st Sunday of Lent   

God has wiped the slate clean!

In the story of Noah, God has given humankind a fresh start, a new beginning. But he has not left Noah and the ark’s inhabitants to their own devices, merely depositing them on a mountaintop. God has given Noah and all humanity a unique gift of God’s fellowship: a covenant.

When we look at this story through the eyes of a child, we see a family, a menagerie of precious
animals, an odd-looking boat, and vast flood waters. We also see a colorful rainbow and a pretty white dove.

When we look at this account with the eyes of faith, what do we see? Do we perceive the preciousness of life as God promises never again to allow such destruction? Do we see concrete evidence (“rainbows and doves”) of God’s providence in our world today? Are we in tune with the sentiment of St. Paul who tells us in today’s second reading that this story really prefigures our Baptism? That the vast chaotic waters of sin are now stilled by the mercy of God?

Do grasp the enormity of God’s reaching to us in covenant faithfulness, throughout time?

Most importantly, do we see in this account an echo of what is to come, the New Covenant, the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises in Jesus? God, indeed, has wiped our slates clean in the passion, death and resurrection of God's own Son.

This Lent, what will we do to bring our covenant relationship with God more fully to our minds and our lives, for the great grace of our salvation?  How will we respond to the invitation to be loved by the Living God?

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, Class of 2001, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Living and Leading in God's Word

Every year, one or two CBS graduates are inspired to take their studies to the next level by pursuing graduate studies in theology, spirituality or religious education. Judy Kostelni, Class of 2009, recently began a Masters in Theological Studies with an intended concentration in biblical studies from the Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. She writes:

CBS Graduation 2009, with Hugo and Judy Kostelni, far right

"The CBS has prepared me very well for my two Old Testament classes. I have a solid foundational knowledge, and I am just so very happy to be studying God's word in greater depth!"

Her studies this semester include two Old Testament courses, Christian social ethics, and spirituality, with some highly respected professors.

While not everyone is called to engage in graduate studies, everyone is called to lifelong learning and growth in their faith! Check out all that the Catholic Biblical School has to offer at the Celebration of Sacred Scripture on March 8, 2015, 12:30-4:00 pm. Sign in and "coffee and" begin at noon; advance registration required. The registration form can be downloaded at: http://www.orehartford.org/joomla2/. 

Weekly Bible Study - Lev 13:1-2, 44-46 and Mark 1:40-45

15 February 2015

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Leprosy in ancient times was somewhat akin to our modern day Ebola. Isolation of the patient was vital. And for the ancient Israelites who had a strong corporate identity, alienation from the community could be devastating. And as if the disease was not humiliating enough, the leper had to announce his uncleanness to those around him.

The purity laws described in the Book of Leviticus were intended not only to separate the clean from

the unclean, but the sacred from the profane. It’s no wonder that it was the priest who had to verify the cleansing and admit the leper back into fellowship. It was also believed that the leprosy was the result of sin. Spiritual uncleanness disqualified people from participating in community worship. More humiliation!

In today’s Gospel Jesus encounters a leper who begs the Lord to make him clean. With the leper’s social, physical and psychological baggage, it will take a God “moved with pity” to remove the bonds of humiliation, pain and suffering. But there is a strange twist as this brief story comes to an end. Following his healing, the leper does not obey the command of Jesus to “tell no one anything.”* Can we blame this man for wanting to shout his good fortune from the housetops? Would that, in fact, make his cleansing invalid as he is not even allowed to tell the priest?

Mark tells us that following this encounter Jesus remained outside in deserted places as it was impossible for him to enter a town openly. Has Jesus now become the outcast, putting himself outside of the community, assuming the place of the lepers he healed? Has he taken upon himself the suffering of all humanity? As this Gospel leaves us with many questions worth pondering, why not continue the conversation with God in prayer this week?

*This is the Messianic secrecy motif, a prominent feature in Mark’s Gospel.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, Class of 2001, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Paul and the Powerful Word - Gospel, Community, Mission

The Living Word

Dec 5 2014 - 10:43am | N. T. Wright
Quotations taken from America, December 2014

"What is the word of God, and how do we hear it?"

"Paul’s 'theology of the word' is about a life-transforming energy which immediately results in new community, not just new ideas.... Paul believed in the personal presence and energy of the one true God being unleashed through the gospel and through its work in the dangerous transformation of human lives. He is not, in other words, simply constructing a system of theological thought, deciding to begin with the Word, with scripture, rather than with something else, such as symbols or images. Paul’s “theology of the word” is about a life-transforming energy which immediately results in new community, not just new ideas."

For all the Year 2 students out there, and anyone else wrestling with the theology and spirituality of St. Paul, I recommend reading the whole article, found online at: http://www.americamagazine.org/paul-and-powerful-word.

Note, that this author is N.T. Wright, retired Bishop of Durham in the Church of England, is one of the world’s leading Bible scholars. He participated as an observer in the Roman Catholic 2008 Synod on the Word of God and currently holds a teaching position at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Scheduling Correction for CBS 100 in Waterbury

CBS 100 in Waterbury, Tuesdays: Class will NOT meet 2/17/15, contrary to the notification posted
2/9/2015.

Celebration of Sacred Scripture - Open to the Public

Explore with us a proven strategy for sharing and teaching the Bible in our daily lives. In two sessions we'll explore biblical texts using Dr. Thomas Groome's method of evangelization and religious education, learning how to use this approach in pastoral contexts and interpersonal encounters.

All are welcome! Free of charge!

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 12:30-4:00 pm

Sign-in and "Coffee And" begin at noon

Bring a friend! Advance registration required. To download a registration form click on this link: http://www.orehartford.org/2015/CBS/flyerregistration.pdf

Registration Deadline: March 3, 2015. For more information contact Jill Costa or BJ Daly Horell in the Office of Religious Education and Evangelization (860-242-5573, ext. 2670 or catholic.biblical.school@aohct.org).

Joy of the Gospel #9

40. The Church is herself a missionary disciple; she needs to grow in her interpretation of the revealed word and in her understanding of truth.

It is the task of exegetes and theologians to help “the judgment of the Church to mature.” The other sciences also help to accomplish this, each in its own way. With reference to the social sciences, for example, John Paul II said that the Church values their research.*

Within the Church countless issues are being studied and reflected upon with great freedom. Differing currents of thought ... if open to being reconciled by the Spirit in respect and love, can enable the Church to grow....

For those who long for a monolithic body of doctrine guarded by all and leaving no room for nuance, this might appear as undesirable and leading to confusion. But in fact such variety serves to bring out and develop different facets of the inexhaustible riches of the Gospel.

Gospel Links to Ponder: Romans 12:3-10 Click here to find this biblical reading: http://www.usccb.org/bible/romans/12

After word: We all sin. What happens to the Body of Christ when we reject the witness of one or more body parts? What happens to the Body of Christ when we refuse to use our gifts for the Church, out of fear of our using them imperfectly? Let us not judge others OR ourselves overmuch. But let us seek to grow in faith together with the entire Body of Christ and the gifts God has given us by being active in our faith communities.

*Motu Proprio Socialium Scientiarum (1 January 1994): AAS 86 (1994), 209

Paragraph numbers are provided to help you find the quotes for further study and to place these ideas in their original context, should you wish to do so. To read the text in full, click here:http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html#II.%E2%80%82Mary,_mother_of_evangelization

CBS Class Notification

CBS 200 in Plantsville is cancelled this morning but will meet next week, February 17, 2015, during the snow make-up week for an extended class from 10:15 am-1:00 pm. Unit exam will take place as scheduled on 2/24/15.

All other Tuesday classes are planning to meet this evening.

Weekly Bible Study - Exodus 20:1-17

8 March 2015
3rd Sunday of Lent  

The Ten Commandments. We’ve heard them, learned them and recited them. We’ve broken them and ignored them. We might even consider ourselves lucky that we are not bound by the six hundred plus mandates contained in the Torah! (Torah is Hebrew for teaching and refers to the first five books of the Bible.) Can we sift through this all-too-familiar list and somehow discover a merciful and loving God? Today’s first reading offers us an opportunity to view the commandments in a wider context.

God prefaces his list by telling us first and foremost that he is a God of liberation, having brought his chosen people out of slavery. Indeed, God has rescued all of us from the bondage of our moral frailty. His voice may be authoritative, but as our loving Father he extends mercy to the “thousandth generation” (that is, for all time and for everyone). As the psalmist tells us, God is slow to anger and abounding in kindness.

We hear in today's first reading that God is a jealous God, protective of his wayward sons and daughters as a mother defends her children. He desires that we embrace his law of love rather than the empty allurements and false values of idols. As we examine that familiar list, we see a generous God. He invites his people to take pleasure in his holy day, to enjoy the gifts and restfulness of the Sabbath, and for one day put aside their worldly concerns. Our God values life, its procreation and protection by honoring and blessing parents, his primary life-givers. He knows human nature so well that he offers us ways to free us from our slavery to sinfulness, to safeguard our behaviors and make the best of our relationships.

This is not an image of a God who is eager to exact punishment. It is, rather, about our Lord who created a people he could lovingly guide along their journey to salvation, make of them a great and holy nation, call them his own and ask only for their reverence and faithfulness.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, Class of 2001, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Weekly Bible Study - Job 7:1-7

8 February 2015

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time  

Misery loves company!  In so many ways Job’s story is our own. Here is a man grateful for his many blessings, righteous in his ways and faithful to the Lord. His good fortune changes abruptly as he is heaped with one hardship after another.  Frustration overwhelms him, and hope is far from sight. The nights drag on with pain and restlessness, and the days pass in the company of judgmental “friends.”  The utter misery in today’s first reading is palpable. “Where did I go wrong?” “Why is the Lord punishing me?” echo from Job’s broken heart.  A familiar scenario?

Much of this lengthy book (a worthwhile Lenten read*) will find Job engaged in conversation, even argument, with God as he grapples with the question of the suffering of a good man. His suffering is made worse, it seems, because he fears that he has been cast out by God, whom he loves. Ironically, his misery may be confounded by his faith in God and in his own desire to be a good man! You see, the theology of Job’s time insists just people suffer because of their sins. Job struggles to understand how his actions could possibly have led him to lose God’s love, as he sees the situation.

Although we have only caught a glimpse of Job’s misery, we learn much from this masterpiece of Wisdom literature. As God goes on to show his servant Job the vast mysteries of creation and the human place within the divine order, Job realizes that evil, too, is a great mystery. Human reason is insufficient to provide answers. What becomes clear to Job is that God has all of creation faithfully in hand. Job further realizes that faith and trust in God offer the comfort he needs in his time of trial. In the end God comforts Job lavishly.

This book ultimately raises significant questions about the idea that human suffering comes from personal sin. Sure, evil is often a source of suffering, but is it always? Are there other factors that lead to suffering, well apart from the effects of personal or communal sin? And is it possible that our best reward is our relationship with the loving God who gives himself and his life to us through Christ Jesus? The mystery and misery of suffering may be part of the human condition, but faithful servants rest assured of eternal union with God in the communion of saints.

*One chapter a day almost gets you through it. Just double-up twice, and you’re all set.

Classes Cancelled Monday 2/9/15

I am filled with regret to say that Monday classes must once again be cancelled, but I trust in God and our wonderful faculty to make something even better come from this prolonged "vacation" for the Monday classes. Here is how we plan to proceed:

All Monday classes will meet on Monday, February 16, 2015, during the snow make-up week, as follows:

CBS 100 in Bloomfield, Mondays: Extended class February 16, 2015—6:30-9:15 pm.

CBS 200 in West Hartford, Mondays: Extended class February 16, 2015—6:15-9:30 pm.

CBS 300 in Bloomfield, Mondays: Extended class February 16, 2015—6:00-9:00 pm. Instructor will cover Ezra, Nehemiah, and provide exam review.

All Tuesday classes should check back Tuesday two hours before class time to see whether your class will be able to meet.

CBS 100 in Waterbury, Tuesdays: Extended class February 10, 2015—6:00-8:45 pm. Class will meet 2/17/15 at the regular time of 6:30 pm.

CBS 200 in Hamden, Tuesdays: Class is expected to meet February 10, 2015 for the review session. Exam schedule is not affected.

Wednesday: CBS 100 in West Haven only on February 11, 2015 is cancelled and will meet on February 18 (God willing). Exam schedule is not affected.

Remember that HOMEWORK for all lessons should continue, week-to-week, regardless of whether you have class. Bring all assignments to the next class meeting and give them to your regular instructor. When visiting another class, have the instructor sign your homework but keep it to give to your regular instructor to review when you return to your "regularly scheduled" class.

Stay warm and safe! BJ

Toronto Consecrated Life Video Features CBS Student

"Who knew poverty, chastity and obedience could be so life giving?"*

A Young Louise Edwards

CBS recommends this inspiring (and brief) video on the power of Consecrated Life, featuring our friend Sr. Maria Louise Edwards: https://www.archtoronto.org/Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=8.

From 2012-2014, Sr. Maria Louise participated in the Hartford Catholic Biblical School (HCBS) as part of her formation in the Felician Sisters (Enfield, CT). After taking vows in August 2014, Sr. Maria Louise was assigned to ministry in the Archdiocese of Toronto, where she is making an impact on young women at Holy Name of Mary College School in Mississauga, Ontario. She has continued her studies online with the University of Dallas's Catholic Biblical School (which uses the same curriculum as we do) and is now in the middle of her first Advanced Year of studies.

Sr. Maria Louise Edwards, CSSF

I hope you'll take a moment (less than five minutes) to be moved by her story: moving from non-practicing Catholic to big city model to Felician sister. Her journey toward Consecrated Life is joyful and life-giving, and Sr. Maria Louise is the first to tell anyone who will listen that the Hartford Catholic Biblical School inspired her to grow in her love of Christ.

Whatever vocation a person is living or moving toward—be it consecrated life, marriage, Holy Orders, or a faithful single life—studying and living the Word of God is an essential part of knowing and serving Christ in faith and grace. Consider opening the Bible today and reading about, for example, the life of Jesus (Gospel of Matthew), or the beginnings of the church (Acts of the Apostles) or the life of Abraham (Genesis 12-25).

And remember, the Catholic Biblical School is here to help you read more thoughtfully and prayerfully! To find out more, browse our web pages at: http://www.orehartford.org/joomla2/index.php/our-programs/catholic-biblical-school/the-program.

Left to right: HCBS Felicians: Sr. Bridget Mary, Sr. Angelise, Sr. Desiré, Sr. Maria Louise

_______________________
*Quote from Sr. Maria Louise Edwards, CSSF, Celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life, video at https://www.archtoronto.org

Updates on Scheduling of Class Make-ups

CBS 100 in Waterbury will meet half an hour early on Tuesday evening, 2/10, to make up for missed classes. Sr. Jewel will begin class at 6:00 and continue through 8:30 or 8:45, as need dictates.

Making Up Missed HCBS Classes

Students whose Biblical School classes have been cancelled in the last couple of weeks may be interested in learning what is planned for upcoming weeks in those classes. I will post updates here as they come in.

Make-ups Scheduled:
CBS 100 in Bloomfield, Mondays: Extended Class February 9, 2015—6:30-9:15 pm. No class anticipated for 2/16.

CBS 200 in West Hartford, Mondays: Extended Classes (6:30-9:30 approximately) are in effect for the next several weeks. At this time it is not clear whether class will meet during the snow make-up week, so call Dcn. Pallotti in the Permanent Diaconate Office (860-242-5573 ext. 7445) if you're thinking of attending as a visitor.

CBS 300 in Bloomfield, Mondays: Extended Class February 9—6:00-9:00 pm. Instructor will cover Ezra, Nehemiah, and provide exam review.

CBS 200 in Hamden, Tuesdays: is on track now and will have the review session on February 9, weather permitting.

ALL OTHER CLASSES are either on track or haven't let me know their plans (yet). I will post updates as information comes in.

Remember, when visiting another class: Have the instructor sign your homework, but don't turn it in that night. Instead, keep it to give to your regular instructor, when you return to your "regularly scheduled" class.

And: HOMEWORK for all lessons should continue, week-to-week, regardless of whether you have class. Bring all assignments to the next class meeting and give them to your regular instructor.

CBS Classes Meeting Tuesday Evening

CBS 200 in Hamden will meet at 6:00 pm to catch up from last week's class.

CBS 100 in Waterbury will meet at the regular time: 6:30 pm.

Classes Cancellations Due to the Storm

No CBS Classes today or Tuesday morning, February 3, 2015.

Check back Tuesday afternoon to determine whether Tuesday evening classes will meet.

For all those whose classes are cancelled this week, continue with the next homework assignment and bring both (or all three, in some cases!) to class the following week. Your instructor will discuss how missed classes will be made up.

Make-ups Scheduled to-date:
If classes can be held Tuesday evening, then CBS 200 at Caritas Christi Center will begin early, at 6:00 pm, on Tuesday (2/6), and will cover two lessons.

Remember, Thursday and Friday classes are still on course. You are free to visit one of those classes at your level to keep on track. A complete schedule of classes can be found by clicking: http://www.orehartford.org/2014/CBS/Public_Calendar_201415.pdf.

Weekly Bible Study - Mark 1:21-28

1 February 2015

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Unlike Luke and Matthew, the evangelist Mark does not introduce a newborn Christ to the world, nor offer any infancy stories. This Gospel hits the ground running. From the outset, his vivid, breathless style emphasizes the identity of Jesus as Son of God and powerful miracle worker.

In today’s passage, we are barely into the first chapter when Jesus already encounters a demonic power, in a synagogue no less! As Mark’s Jesus gets right down to business, he asserts his authority and astonishes the crowds. Mark clearly portrays Jesus as a "doer."

Jesus' very first miracle here demonstrates his power over an “unclean" spirit--a designation that refers to the spirit’s resistance to the holiness of God. Attempting to gain mastery over Jesus by calling out his name (Holy One of God), the unclean spirit is immediately silenced. Without so much as blinking, Jesus demonstrates here his authority as Son of God.

Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is in conflict with the forces of evil. His healings and exorcisms are meant to break up the hold that evil has on human beings. Jesus’ purpose is not to captivate the crowds with his godly powers. Rather, he seeks something more profound: to free the human heart of its bondage to all the world’s subversive forces.

In this way, Mark’s Gospel sets the stage for Jesus’ miraculous and redeeming acts to follow, moving quickly and decisively toward the final act: freeing all of humanity from bondage to sin and death, on the cross.




The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, Class of 2001, leads Bible studies at Incarnation Parish of Wethersfield, CT. She is the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.