October News in Faith Formation

What's happening in the Biblical School, adult spirituality, catechist enrichment, youth ministry? It's all here in the October 2010 newsletter, ORE Connections. Click here to explore what's happening this month in faith formation in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

CBS Recommends—Tour the Holy Land with Monsignor Motta

Monsignor Michael J. Motta, Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education and Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in West Hartford, invites you to journey with him in faith to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Galilee, and other ancient and holy sites.

During ten days of discovery led by Msgr. Motta and Deacon Dick Sennett, pilgrims will read the Scriptures, pray, and celebrate Mass in places that Jesus actually lived and preached. And those who continue for an additional seven days will camp at Mount Sinai, cross the desert into Egypt to sail the Nile, visit pyramids, and immerse themselves in the land of the Pharaohs!

Travel begins from JFK in New York City on February 6, 2011. Cost for ten days starts at $1998, with an optional extension to Egypt for an additional $1398 (plus tax, tips, and fees). Contact Msgr. Motta at 860-243-9465 for more details.

Msgr. Motta has been honored by Fordham University as the winner of the 2010 Sapientia et Doctrina Award for Leadership in Religious Education. His leadership in promoting devotion to God's Word in New England has been essential to the thriving of the Hartford Catholic Biblical School for more than fifteen years.

Deacon Dick Sennett is a graduate of the Hartford Catholic Biblical School. Since his ordination in 1982, Dick has served as deacon and pastoral leader in the Diocese of Hartford, CT. An experienced traveler and tour host, Dick has led over twenty pilgrimages and trips.

September "Bible Blog" Winner—by Pat Emons

Moses Prays for Discernment (Exodus 33:12-17)

Moses said to the LORD, "You, indeed, are telling me to lead this people on; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'You are my intimate friend,' and also, 'You have found favor with me.' Now, if I have found favor with you, do let me know your ways so that, in knowing you, I may continue to find favor with you.”

"I myself," the LORD answered, "will go along, to give you rest."

(Moses prays again) "If you are not going yourself, do not make us go up from here. For how can it be known that we, your people and I, have found favor with you, except by your going with us? Then we, your people and I, will be singled out from every other people on the earth."

(God’s Response) "This request, too, which you have just made, I will carry out, because you have found favor with me and you are my intimate friend."

Let us Pray: Blessed be you, our God! You open your heart in friendship and encouragement to us. Help us always to know your ways that we may find favor with you. Walk with us as you promised to Moses, so that we always strive to promote your kingdom by the way we live our lives. When your kingdom comes, I pray that you will recognize us as your intimate friends. Amen.

CBS Announces—"Bible Blog" Contest Winner for September

The CBS publishing contest continues, with more "Bible Blogs" inspired by the Word of God.

September's winner is Pat Emons, Catholic Biblical School Class of 2010! Congratulations Pat, and thank you all who have submitted your profound reflections on Scripture. Our next winner will be chosen on All Hallows Eve, October 31.

For contest rules and information about how to submit your entry, click here.