Pope Benedict is Amazing!

Among the reasons that Pope Benedict is so fantastic is this from his vigil homily at World Youth Day:
"Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love, do not be content with anything less than Christ."
You can, and should, read the whole thing here.

High School

Hey, I've got good news!

If you are a high school student and you belong to Holy Name of Jesus parish you're invited to come to Bible Study on Wednesday evenings starting September 28th right after Mass. So... roughly 6:30-8pm. I mean, really, there's nothing good on TV on Wednesday any way right? Exactly! Let's do something worthwhile. Come to the school library, in the basement of the school near Hartman Hall.

We'll be studying the Gospel of Luke.

If you think about it, get a yellow permission slip from the church narthex this Sunday.

EDGE Nights

I wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that EDGE Nights will be 4-5:30pm on Mondays starting September 12. We want to encourage kids who go to public schools to attend our youth ministry events as well. We'll be talking about the Sacraments this semester. I hope to see you all Monday the 12th at 4 o'clock.

Get Excited

Hey! I think there's a good chance that YOU will be the next author on the Holy Name Youth Ministry blog. If you're involved in the youth ministry at Holy Name, call the office at 317.784.5454 and ask to speak with Stephen.

Prepare Your Hearts for Jesus!

In just a few days we will celebrate the birth of our Savior!  Really think about this - the meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating Jesus' birth!  The Son of God came to earth - as both human and divine - yet without sin, to teach us how to live.  He teaches us how to love - how to love our family, our friends, and even how to love our enemies.  He teaches us how to pray - as He would often go away from the crowds and pray to His Father in heaven.  Through all of this, he teaches us how to grow in holiness and leads us on the path to heaven.

This Christmas, have a thankful heart!! Thank our Father in Heaven for sending His only Son into the world to save us and lead us to heaven!

Fr. Williams asks us:  "What are you going to give to Jesus for Christmas?"  Why not give Him a thankful and loving heart, and a strong desire to grow in holiness?!  He will lead you on the path of holiness and sainthood!

May God bless you and all of your family abundantly this Christmas season!  He is Peace!

From today's 1st Reading...

The Book of Amos:

"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; Then truly will the LORD, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim!"

Let's keep it simple - do what is right & be faithful to God!  Peace & blessings in your day!

Dance at Central Catholic this Saturday!

Return your permission form & $5.00 as soon as possible!  And remember to bring 2 pair of flip flops (any size) as a donation!  The dance is from 7pm - 9pm.  It's going to be a great time!

Confirmation this Wednesday!

Confirmation class is this Wednesday, April 21; 7 - 8:30 PM in the parish meeting rooms.  We will be learning about the Gifts & Fruits of the Holy Spirit!

Youth Ministry Policies!

Please sign & return the parent & student letter regarding youth ministry/D.U.C.K. policies before attending D.U.C.K. tomorrow!  A copy was also sent on Homework Watcher.
We want you all to be safe!

D.U.C.K. Today!

From 3:00 - 5:00 PM for all middle school students in grades 6 - 8!  Come to the JCPC & parish meeting rooms for prayer & fun!

High School Night - tonight!

From 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the JCPC.  Come & bring a friend! :)

80's Dance at Nativity

7th & 8th Graders... If you are planning to attend the 80's Dance at Nativity this Saturday, return your registration form and $5.00 by this Wednesday...  It's going to be a great time!  You should come... and bring a friend (who is also in 7th or 8th grade)!

Easter Monday

He is Risen! Alleluia!

We are in the Easter Octave now.  It is Easter for 8 days!

Today's Gospel Reading:  Matthew 28:8-15

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

     Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples.  And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.  They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.  Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid.  Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

     While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened.  The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.'  And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble."  The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.  And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
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Reflect:
Happy Easter! Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ is gone from the tomb. He is risen from the dead. His promise and kingdom reigns. We have new life. Alleluia! (Reflection from http://www.lifeteen.com/, Daily Devotional 4-5-10).

HAPPY EASTER!

The Exsultet, proclaimed at the Easter Vigil

Rejoice, heavenly powers!  Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered!  Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes for ever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church!  Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people! ...

May each of you have a very blessed Easter, celebrating Jesus' Resurrection!

Peace & Blessings!

Good Friday

Let us reflect today on the Great Love and Mercy of God the Father.  He sent His only Son to die for our sins.  Jesus chose to die for us, instead of spending eternity without us!

Reflect on the Passion of Christ today.  Meditate on the sufferings He endured for each of us.  As Jesus was dying on the Cross, He thought of you, with love!  He received insults, for you.  He fell carrying His heavy Cross, for you.  He allowed the soldiers to nail Him to the Cross, for you.

Hopefully through this Lenten journey, we have grown in our love for God and have grown in virtue & holiness.  For, after all, we are called to be holy and to become saints!  It is possible through God's Grace!

Allow your sacrifices and prayers throughout Lent to be your encouragement to continue to grow in love for God and to continue your discipleship.  Jesus asks us to give His love to others, as He loved us!  That means that we must have God's love within us to start!  We cannot give what we do not have.  So, spend time with Jesus... pray, attend Sunday Mass, attend daily Mass as often as possible, receive the Sacraments, go to Eucharistic Adoration... talk to God and allow Him to transform your life so that you can be His instrument in giving His love to others!

Keep up the good work!  May you have a blessed Easter, celebrating these holy days of Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection, which won for us everlasting life!

Peace & Blessings!

Holy Thursday, Gospel Reading

John 13:1-15

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had cometo pass from this world to the Father.  He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.  The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand hiim over.  So, durng supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.  He took a towel and tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.  He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?"  Jesus answered and said to hiim, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later."  Peter said to him, "Yu will never wash my feet."  Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me."  Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well."  Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all."  For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean."

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am.  If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
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Reflect:

How far are you willing to go to share in the heritage of Christ? Jesus needed to wash the feet of His disciples to show them and us what it means to minister. Washing feet was a demeaning task reserved only for slaves. If we desire to share in the heritage of Christ we need to also imitate His ministry. We need to set aside our self- proclaimed status. A person of heroic virtue stoops down to embrace another’s feet, especially the feet of the poor, outcasted, and neglected. (Reflection from http://www.lifeteen.com/; Daily Devotional, 4-1-10)

Wednesday of Holy Week, Gospel Reading

Matthew 26:14-25

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the cheif priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?"  They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

     One the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"  He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."'"  The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

     When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve.  And while they were eating, he said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."  Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?"  He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.  The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.  It would be better for that man if he had never been born."  Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"  He answered, "You have said so."
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Reflect:

We now hear Matthew’s rendition of the same story we heard yesterday. This time Judas is directly called out by Jesus. This season we too have been called out by Christ through our Lenten practices. Hopefully, by the grace of the Holy Spirit you have taken a deeper perspective of yourself and noticed how blessed you are by God. You may have learned that you can conquer many things simply by trusting in Him. You may have fallen to temptation, you may have given up. Always know that our Lord is always there not to call you out, but to help you reconcile with God. Tomorrow we enter the holiest days of the year. Are you ready? A suggestion: If you have never done this: participate in all the liturgies your parish has to offer these next three days, you’ll be greatly surprised at the reward and your deeper understanding of Easter.  (Reflection is from http://www.lifeteen.com/, Daily Devotional, 3-31-10)

Stuffing Easter Eggs & Easter Baskets!

You don't want to miss it! 
Come to D.U.C.K. tomorrow to stuff Easter Eggs & Easter gifts!

Youth Ministry will be stuffing Easter eggs for the Holy Name Easter Egg Hunt... coming up on Holy Saturday, from 8 AM - 2 PM.  Also, we will be making Easter basket gifts for the children & families at the Holy Family Shelter in Indianapolis.

This is a wonderful project in which to serve others and bring God's love to those in need!

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday of Holy Week, Gospel Reading

John 13:21-33, 36-38

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."  The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.  One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus' side.  So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.  He leaned back against Jesus' chest and said to him, "Master, who is it?"  Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it."  So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, so of Simon the Iscariot.  After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him.  So Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."  Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.  Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or to give something to the poor.  So Judas took the morsel and left at once.  And it was night.

When he had left, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.  My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.  You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you."

Simon Peter said to him, "Master, where are you going?"  Jesus answered him, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later."  Peter said to him, "Master, why can I not follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you."  Jesus answered, "Will you lay down you life for me?  Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times."
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Reflect:

Jesus answers Peter with a question that hits right to the heart,†"Will you lay down your life for me? ...” Here is something to ponder. How far are you willing to go to bring others closer to Christ? Pray for the virtues to be heroic in proclaiming the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Reflection from http://www.lifeteen.com/; Daily Devotional, 3-30-10)

Monday of Holy Week, Gospel Reading

John 12:1-11

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.  Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who whould betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?"  He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.  So Jesus said, "Leave her alone.  Let her keep this for the day of my burial.  You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
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Reflect:

Martha foretells the coming of Jesus’ death by anointing His feet with oil. Ironically, this action is done in the presence of Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead. Another foretelling of what Jesus will do for our salvation. I hope you take time this week to truly and deeply reflect and pray all that Jesus endured for your salvation and redemption.  (Reflection from http://www.lifeteen.com/, Daily Devotional, 3-29-10)