GIFT Session Resources

Although we “do it” virtually every week of our lives, there is so much about the Mass that is unknown or misunderstood. In this session, we will try to “demystify” the Mass so that it becomes less of a repetitive ritual and more of a meaningful and even inspirational experience. 

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The Synod on Synodality is a three-year, worldwide process of listening and dialogue that began in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021. The synodal process will conclude in October of 2024.

Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission.”

Synod Resources

• To read the entire synthesis report from the October 2023 gathering at the Vatican, read A Synodal Church in Mission: Synthesis Report
• Pope Francis has said, without prayer, there will be no Synod.” Prayer resources for the Synod can be found here.
• Archdiocese of Milwaukee Synthesis of the Synod on Synodality June 30, 2022
• The National Catholic Reporter has a page devoted to the Synod on Synodality with numerous articles delving into the Synod, including:
  • Pope’s major Vatican summit ends without action on women deacons, mention of LGBTQ Catholics
  • 15 hidden gems in the synod on synodality report
  • More signs of hope from the synod synthesis report

• Three excellent podcasts that walk through the Synod:
  • From America Magazine’s Inside the Vatican podcast Deep Dive: What happened at the synod in Rome?
  • From the National Catholic Reporter, The Francis Effect podcast Synod on Synodality special episode
  • From Commonweal magazine, the Commonweal Podcast, Processing the Synod

During the GIFT session on November 19, 2023, Maggie referenced several resources that aid her in her prayer life. As an avid book worm, it’s unsurprising that Maggie’s go to resources are books. However, don’t miss out on the last resource – it’s perfect for our tech savvy disciples!

Syllabus

This book has inspired multiple programs that Maggie has facilitated including this GIFT session, an OLOL staff retreat, and youth nights. Lynda Berry’s message that anyone can be an artist is the same philosophy that Maggie holds about prayer. Everyone already has the tools they need to have a dynamic prayer life, they just need to be brave and dive in.

Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God & Science

This is geared towards younger readers. However, Maggie absolutely adores this book. It does a brilliant job of connecting faith and science to show God’s presence in the physical world. Every devotion is filled with astounding facts about creation and paired with a beautiful prayer.

Help Thanks Wow

Maggie has recommended this book to multiple people. She may be biased because Anne Lamott is one of her personal heroes, but this book truly is fantastic. It’s a short and easy read. It’s like a DIY instruction guide to prayer that is hilarious, emotional, sharp, and practical. Our Parish Director, Deb Steppe, is also a big fan of the book.

Be Still and Know that I am God: A Promise Journal

This is Maggie’s favorite prayer journal. She typically uses this journal when she needs to jumpstart her prayer life. More often than not when she reaches for it the collection of quotes and scripture verses on the page are the exact words she has been waiting to hear. Unfortunately, it looks like this may be out of print and copies are becoming hard to find. If you cannot get your hands on this journal, consider checking out Ellie Claire’s other journals.

Bible App

For those of you with an iPhone, you can use the link above to download this wonderful app. If you do not have an iPhone, you can search for it in your app store. Its title is simply “Bible” and Life.Church is the developer. Maggie has used this app both personally and professionally during the height of the pandemic. She used as a model for virtual youth group during quarantine and she and her friends participated in several of the bible study plans while they were practicing social distancing.

These two podcasts were used in preparation for the session recorded above:   

The Beatitudes of Nonviolence

The Nonviolent Sermon on the Mount

Follow-up Resources

Session 2 Recap

Gift Exchange