Thursday's Events
December 10, 2020
Arise and Take a Risk
Daily Prayer and Reflection
Bishop Robert J. McClory
Diocese of Gary
Daily Prayer and Reflection
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan
Eparchy of
Our Lady of Lebanon
Your Forum Prayer Guide for Thursday, December 10, 2020
Arise and Take a Risk
How can we commit to changing the world if we don’t learn to take risks? Pope Francis told us, in his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit: “Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don’t go through life anaesthetized or approach the world like tourists. Make a ruckus! Cast out the fears that paralyze you...” (no. 143). We are invited to take a risk in our lives, our ministries, and our work as missionary disciples - all with the knowledge that God tells us, “Fear not, I will help you… says the Lord.” (Is 41:13)
Scripture for the Day: Isaiah 41:13-20
This is the first reading for the celebration of Mass on the Thursday of the Second Week of Advent. In this passage, God announces that he will make of us “a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and double-edged, to thresh the mountains and crush them.” (Is 41:15) Those who take risks cut through the obstacles and forge a new path. Even though we are small like the “worm” or the “maggot” (Is 41:14), we can accomplish much and the Lord will not forsake us or the afflicted he calls us to risk everything for and accompany.
Saints and Companions for the Day
St. Paul (first century) and St. Timothy (first century)
who risked everything and together traveled throughout Asia Minor and Macedonia, preaching the Gospel as mentor and mentee.
St. Juan Diego (1474-1548)
whom the Blessed Mother appeared to as Our Lady of Guadalupe and who valiantly took a risk and brought the image of Our Lady to the bishop on his tilma, which led him to believe.
Bl. Andrew Phu Yen (1858-1955)
the young adult proto-martyr of Vietnam, whose mission was to evangelize and form the people of Vietnam in the faith, risked it all and was martyred in 1644, crying out, “Jesus!”
Ven. Thea Bowman (1937-1990)
who converted to Catholicism at the age of nine, was a bold risk-taker and prophetic preacher, teacher, and disciple who sought to break down the racial and cultural prejudices in the United States. Sr. Thea, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, even continued her ministry after being diagnosed with breast cancer, including her well-known final address to all the bishops of the United States in 1989.
And be sure to take time today to pray the Official Prayer for the 2020 Forum. With the intercessions of these holy companions, we pray in solidarity with one another as we “arise and hope.”
12:00-1:00 PM Eastern
Aloha Hour
Join participants from across the country to say “hello” to each other and “hello” to a new innovative skill. This is your time to network with other participants in the forum while also engage in small group discussions with others in your track. We will showcase an important ministry skill and then launch into small group discussions. On Thursday, we will dive into the skill of “Marketing to Young Adults” with Joey Pontarelli. In order to join the breakout sessions in this call, you *Need* to download the latest version of zoom onto your computer or phone. See you there!
Joey Pontarelli is the CEO and founder of Restored: Helping Children of Divorce where he helps teens and young adults cope, heal, and grow from the trauma of their parents' divorce or separation.
8:00-9:00 PM Eastern (Virtual "doors" will be open at 7:30 for fellowship)
Creative Conversations: Arise
Join in the conversation with your fellow Forum participants as we engage in topics facing our ministry. Have an opportunity to ask questions of other ministry leaders, and engage in ministry formation.