Human Dignity Human beings have value. We are made in the image and likeness of God. We have immortal souls and therefore we are made to life forever. If humans do not have immortal souls, we are no different than animals. If God does not exist, humans are not different from animals. personality If God does not exit, human personhood does not exist. Love not just a biochemical reaction; feelings of love demonstrate existence of God. Why a human die to protect another? Why do we cry when a loved one dies? It is natural to grieve. Meaning Christ died and was raised. Morality, knowledge, human dignity, human personality, and love are meaningful human realities. If we are the product of accidental causes, then we cannot account for meaning in life. 11:00AM Sunday Mass, 12-?-12 Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for those not yet baptized). One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial. 12-25-12 No class – Merry Christmas 1- 1-13 No class – Holy Day of Obligation: Mary the Mother of God; New Years’ Day 1-8-13 Trinity God is mystery. St. Augustine says, “If you understand, that isn’t God.” Father: Covenant with the Israelites (highlighted in Old Testament) Son: Incarnation & Death and Resurrection (highlighted in New Testament) Unlike all previous prophets, Jesus spoke and acted in the very person of God. Holy Spirit: Gift to Church/believers (guiding Church since Pentecost). The Holy Spirit kindles faith. Allows us to call God, “Abba, Father.” Gal 4:6 Symbols of the Holy Spirit: water, anointing, fire, cloud, light, dove God creates ex nihilo, from nothing. Places in scripture where we hear about Trinity: In Baptism of Jesus we hear voice of Father, see the Holy Spirit as a dove, and Jesus in water. Trinity – sign of cross, communion, unity, family of love. God is love. – Beloved – Shared Love Father – Son – Holy Spirit
fertile and infertile times, and then they use that knowledge to either try to achieve or postpone a pregnancy after prayerful discernment of their family’s situation. Advantages of NFP » Safe & Healthy — Because it is 100% natural, NFP is safe and has no health risks. It involves no harmful drugs or devices. » Effective — Modern NFP is 99% effective in postponing pregnancy, comparable to hormonal methods and more effective than devices and barriers. » Shared Responsibility — Most NFP couples report that they appreciate the shared responsibility of the practice of NFP, as both husband and wife work together to practice it. » Fertility Awareness — Most couples — even those who did not want to attend an NFP » Increased Health Awareness — Because NFP teaches a woman to become aware of her normal fertility pattern, changes in this pattern can alert her to possible medical problems. » Low Cost — the initial instruction, there are essentially no continuing costs. » More Satisfying Marriages — Most couples report that practicing NFP has a positive effect on marriages. They find that periodic abstinence helps keep their relationship fresh, improves their communication, and gives them
class — acknowledge that if they had not attended they would have never known they had a licit and effective option for family planning. Many come to see their share fertility as a gift to be cherished rather a problem to be controlled. » Morally Acceptable — Unlike contraceptive methods, NFP allows the marital embrace to remain free, total, faithful and fruitful, thus keeping it a reflection/renewal of their marital vows. a deeper respect for each other. » Environmentally — NFP methods have no negative environmental impact, unlike artificial methods which produce waste in both production and packaging. NFP also does not pollute the body with artificial chemicals and hormones. Source: (click “Clergy”) “Contraception, Why not?” by Dr. Janet Smith (excellent audio talk) Infertility "On the part of the spouses, the desire for a child is natural: it expresses the vocation to fatherhood and motherhood inscribed in conjugal love. This desire can be even stronger if the couple is affected by sterility which appears incurable. Nevertheless, marriage does not confer upon the spouses the right to have a child, but only the right to perform those natural acts which are per se ordered to procreation. A true and proper right to a child would be contrary to the child's dignity and nature. The child is not an object to which one has a right, nor can he be considered as an object of ownership: rather, a child is a gift, "the supreme gift" and the most gratuitous gift of