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Welcome to Rochester's Lay Preaching Web Site

God’s Word, Many Voices
is a website which showcases weekly Sunday reflections by lay people
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, NY.

The First Sunday
of Lent

February 26, 2023

Preacher: Sheryl Zabel

ALSO: Voices of Women, Feb. 26
with Sonja Livingston
“Against the Grain of the World:
The Radical Gift of Lent”

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

I was so moved last week when I saw on TV American physicians performing surgeries in tents in Turkey to save people’s lives. Surely, they were doing God’s will. And we all should be doing whatever God is calling us to do.

But, as our first reading reminds us, sin entered humanity, and it is still very much with us. We are all tempted, in one way or another. And way too often we give in to the temptations.

Before he began his public ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days. He could have had that time to reflect on his upcoming ministry among his people, and I am sure that he did. But even Jesus was tempted by evil. And in particularly evil ways.

I have always been fascinated by the third temptation. ....READ more here.

What did you think of this week's reflection? To add a comment Click here! See COMMENTS below......

Special Announcements and Prayers

Voices of Women Presents Sonja Livingston

Sunday – February 26

“Against the Grain of the World: The Radical Gift of Lent”

As we begin this season of Lent, our speaker will reflect with us how

little the culture supports the values associated with the spiritual

life. The Lenten season really highlights this. Sonja will feature the

Christian values of “humility, stillness, surrender” and how the

larger world is disconnected from these values. Sharing a handful of

poems, prayers and readings gathered along her faith journey, Sonja

will explore the opportunities and overlooked gifts of the Lenten season.

VOW is fortunate to have Sonja join us for this most meaningful

experience. Join us on February 26 at 12 noon in the Dugan Center

of St. Mary’s church. Make attending this valuable experience one of

your Lenten resolutions. And bring a friend! Refreshment provided. Free parking!

Sonja Livingston is the author of four books, including Ghostbread, an award-winning account of childhood poverty in Rochester, which has been widely adopted for classroom use, and her most recent essay collection, The Virgin of Prince Street, which explores her return to her childhood church. Her interests include women’s lives, social class and Catholicism. Sonja, who completed Richard’s Rohr’s Living School through the Center for Action and Contemplation, is an associate professor of creative writing at Virginia Commonwealth University. She splits her time between Rochester and Richmond.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clarke on Sunday January 22nd. No words can express our thankfulness for his loving service as well as his respect and care for the laity. He was instrumental in lifting up the voices of women in leadership and preaching.

Bishop Matthew Clark prays during Thanksgiving Day Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002.

Image by Shawn Dawd. Thanksgiving Mass November 2022

The Spirit and the Promise of Vatican II
We will be running a series of articles that highlight the Spirit of Vatican II and how it energizes our faith and worship. Our first article will be offered by Fr. Ed Palumbos. Check our website in the coming weeks!

The Synod -

Global Synod reports submitted to the Vatican “raise the issue of full and equal participation of women” (DCS #64) with an appeal coming “from all continents…for Catholic women to be valued first and foremost as baptised and equal members of the People of God” (DCS #61). Please read Enlarge the Space of Your Tent, the Vatican report also known as the Document on the Continental Stage (DCS) that synthesizes the fruits of listening to millions during the first year of the global synod. It’s a profound gift to the Church from the People of God, and it surfaces three specific areas for continued discernment regarding women’s roles in the church: preaching, governance, and the diaconate.

Also see the Eucharistic Revival Resources - https://eucharisticrevival.dor.org/

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Forward

Purpose

This website provides the opportunity to hear a variety of voices reflecting on the scriptures used in Sunday Masses. Lay men and women will contribute, along with priests and deacons, so that a diversity of viewpoints and experiences will inform and inspire the reader’s reflections. The site will be continuously expanded and improved to provide additional resources.

The Spirit and the Promise of Vatican II We will be running a series of articles that highlight the Spirit of Vatican II and how it energizes our faith and worship. Our first article will be offered by Fr. Ed Palumbos. Check our website in the coming weeks!

The Synod -

SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER!

Purpose

The Spirit and the Promise of Vatican II
We will be running a series of articles that highlight the Spirit of Vatican II and how it energizes our faith and worship. Our first article will be offered by Fr. Ed Palumbos. Check our website in the coming weeks!