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"The Word," by Barbara Reid, OP, America Magazine     Barbara Reid, O.P., is professor of New Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She began writing the America Word column in Advent 2008.As a Dominican biblical scholar, Reid has a keen interest in relating the study of the scriptures with the ministry of preaching. Her work on the parables and on women in the Gospel of Luke makes current feminist biblical scholarship available to preachers, teachers, and pastoral ministers. She is the author of Choosing the Better Part? Women in the Gospel of Luke and Parables for Preachers. 

The Text This Week     At The Text This Week, you will find conveniently-organized links to a treasure of resources for study, reflection and liturgy pertaining to each week's lectionary texts - both as individual pericopes and as a group of readings within their liturgical setting - a virtual study desk of sorts, laid out for your weekly exegetical work.

Connections     A newsletter of ideas, approaches and reflections designed to help you develop a homily that is yours, using words and images that you make your own. You will find stories, quotes, anecdotes and reflections that relate to the themes of each Sunday's readings (in both the Roman and common lectionaries) . This site is designed as a tool for the homilist  or preacher to help him/her make the Connections between the lives of the worshiping community and the Gospel.

Earth Words      Connecting Scripture and Creation: EarthWords is a weekly reflection of "creation flavored thoughts on the lectionary texts". Sometimes it's just noticing and cherishing the natural images in the text, sometimes it spins off into environmental and ecological issues. 

World Council of Churches     In God's Hands: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.At the very heart of the ecumenical movement is the reality of prayer. Jesus prayed that we may all be one, united in God in the mystery of the Trinity. That is the basis and the goal of our search for unity. The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts. Lord, hear our prayer ...

Featured website:

Creighton University Liturgy 

• What is Triduum?

• A Sample of Planning for Holy Thursday:
  The Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper

• A Sample of Planning for Good Friday:
  Celebration of the Lord's Passion

• A Sample Planning for Easter Vigil

Spirituality and Practice      Personal Transformation and Spiritual Development Resources: Spiritual growth is a lifelong process that can effect a transformation of your life at home, at work, in your relationships, and in your wider community. Spirituality & Practice is a multifaith organization providing resources for your spiritual journey that encourage and accelerate this process. Whether you are just beginning to explore how your spirituality influences your personal growth, a seasoned seeker looking to enhance your

Contemplative Photography     Diane Walker is a contemplative photographer with an extensive background in journalism, religion and marketing. She has served as the Communications Director for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Washington and on the faculty of the Diocesan School of Theology, and is currently the volunteer exhibitions director at ECVA, a national artists registry with online exhibition space.

St. John's Bible     In 1998, Saint John's Abbey and University commissioned renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson to produce a hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible. We invite you to explore this work of art that unites an ancient Benedictine tradition with the technology and vision of today, illuminating the Word of God for a new millennium.

Creator Mundi      "The gallery of distinctive sacred art, music and literature." For a truly wonderful experience which will rejuvenate your spirit, walk through the pages of this gallery. Creator Mundi offers a unique collection of original art from internationally celebrated artists, bronze crosses and plaques from Germany, handcrafted dolomite statuary from France, exquisite handcarved nativities from Italyand a unique collection by artisans from North and South America.

Egino Weinert - Master Craftsman     World renowned German artist, Egino Weinert, is a master in the field of sacred gold smithery, as well as, a painter and sculptor. In addition to creating liturgical art for Cathedrals and Churches throughout the world, Egino Weinert has designed and produced a remarkable collection of small bronzes. He has consigned pieces of art for Cathedrals and Churches throughout the world. Several of Mr. Weinert's original enamel works can be seen in the Galleria Moderna of the Vatican Museum.

Diane Walker is a contemplative photographer with an extensive background in journalism, religion and marketing. She has served as the Communications Director for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Washington and on the faculty of the Diocesan School of Theology, and is currently the volunteer exhibitions director at ECVA, a national artists registry with online exhibition space.

 Visit Diane's website at www.ContemplativePhotography.com

Picture source: ContemplativePhotography ©

National Jesuit News     Since St. Ignatius bought a printing press in 1556, the Jesuits have always been involved in communications through popular media. National Jesuit News began in 1971 as a way to keep Jesuits of the United States Assistancy informed of news which affects Jesuits and their works in America, and around the globe. This is a very rich source of information on multiple topics. Scroll down and find on the right links related to: Art, Defending Life, Government, Interreligious Dialogue, Justice Law, Media, Migration and Immigration, Education, Entertainment, Spirituality, Socially Responsible Inverting, Poverty, Retreat Centers, Social Justice, Theology, etc.

Whispers in the Loggia      One of global Catholicism's most prominent chroniclers, Rocco Palmo has held court as the "Church Whisperer" since 2004. A former US correspondent for the London-based international Catholic weekly The Tablet, Palmo's served as a church analyst for The New York Times, Associated Press, BBC, NBC, National Public Radio, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and a host of other print and broadcast outlets worldwide.

CADEIO Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers      This site is intended to serve those delegated as Ecumenical/Interreligious Officers in each Catholic Diocese in the United States, to whom is given the care of Christian Unity and understanding among faiths. Further, it is intended to familiarize others interested in the field of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue with the aims and work of CADEIO.

Dominican Network: The Delegation of the Order of Preachers to the UN      Dominicans for Justice and Peace was created in 1998 by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans, OP) as a permanent presence at the United Nations as part of the ministry to give witness to the Gospel message at the frontiers, especially focusing on the challenge of justice and peace in the world; to contribute to the ongoing discourse on social justice and human rights violations worldwide; to provide an international forum for members of the Dominican family who are active in these fields to advocate on behalf of victims of human rights violations; to work with NGO in the field and in partnership with Franciscans International.

SERRV      SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. Why choose SERRV? For 60 years SERRV has worked to improve the lives of artisans and farmers worldwide.

IHM Justice, Peace & Sustainability    Since its founding in 1845, the IHM community has been committed to issues of justice, peace and sustainability. The original mission to educate young women was a matter of justice. Education provides opportunities and privileges not easily available to those without it. Since the 1960s, the focus on social justice and peace became a more conscious choice for congregational decisions. Sisters joined urban and civil rights groups to become informed on social issues and to influence decision-making.In 1972, the community affirmed a commitment to channel the resources of the congregation, to eradicate the causes of injustice and oppression and to create and promote structures to correct inequities in society. In 1976, the community began its work in socially responsible investing through stock portfolio screening, proxy voting, alternative community investments, shareholder actions and collaborations within the corporate responsibility movement. The IHM community continues to promote peace and non-violence, solidarity with the materially poor, economic justice and the development of an ecological consciousness in order to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Just Peace      According to the site's introduction: "The study, practice, and spirituality of Catholic social justice teachings may be hazardous to your hard-heartedness, complacency, skepticism, indifference, and hubris. Proceed at your own risk!" Be prepared to be challenged...!

Center of Concern     The Center envisions a future where people working for justice in their home communities will be linked with their sisters and brothers around the world, learning from each other's discoveries, supporting each other's efforts, standing with each other in solidarity, strong and wise enough finally to make a difference.

Odyssey Networks - Interfaith Coalition     Odyssey Networks is the nation’s largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to achieving interfaith understanding through the production and distribution of media. Odyssey’s membership includes over 40 faith groups and organizations and comprises more than 200,000 congregations with 120 million congregants. Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, which was founded in 1987.

Sister Helen Prejean     Sister Helen Prejean travels extensively, giving, on average, 120 lectures a year, seeking to ignite public discourse on the death penalty. Her first book, Dead Man Walking, was turned into a film by Tim Robbins. With her second book entitled The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions Sister Helen has broadened the death penalty discourse even further, and she invites you to join the discussion.

Woodstock Theological Center - Georgetown University     The Woodstock Theological Center is an independent research institute located at Georgetown University that carries out theological and ethical reflection on the most pressing human issues of the day. Drawing on the Roman Catholic tradition, the Woodstock Center is ecumenically open, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative with, among others, the business community, government, religious groups, universities, other research centers, and the media.Woodstock has its own Podcasts.  New episodes of "Woodstock Reflections" will be released twice monthly.

NETWORK -  A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby     NETWORK is a progressive voice within the Catholic community that has been influencing Congress in favor of peace and justice for more than 30 years. Through lobbying and legislative advocacy, NETWORK strives to close the gap between rich and poor and to dismantle policies rooted in racism, greed and violence. NETWORK’s membership, which includes both individuals and organizations, represents more than 100,000 people. This vast constituency is committed and active. When the national office puts out the word that Congress needs to act on critical legislation, Network's members respond by calling, writing, emailing or visiting their Senators and Representatives, and by mobilizing others to take action as well.

Pax Christi USA     Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating, and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. This work begins in personal life and extends to communities of reflection and action to transform structures of society. Pax Christi USA rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation.

Independent Catholic News     This site was set up on a voluntary basis in May 2000 in response to Tertio Millennio Adveniente, which called for lay people to play a more active role in the work of the Church. As journalists, the founders felt this project was one way to make a contribution. Their aim is to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community.

Odyssey Networks - Interfaith Coalition

Odyssey Networks is the nation’s largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to achieving interfaith understanding through the production and distribution of media. Odyssey’s membership includes over 40 faith groups and organizations and comprises more than 200,000 congregations with 120 million congregants. Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, which was founded in 1987.

IHM Sisters: Climate Change: This is Your Home      The Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office for the IHM Sisters of Monroe, Mich., created This is Your Home, a three-part slide show funded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This presentation and accompanying study guide materials can be downloaded on this site. 

Ignatian Econet's Blog      On the occasion of the COP 15 meeting at Copenhagen, the Ignatian Network on Environment starts up this blog. José-Ignacio Garcia and Jacques Haers, both Jesuits active at OCIPE in Brussels (Belgium) will offer food for thought and discussion. We hope that readers will actively participate and share their own opinions and ideas.

 Eco-Congregation     What is eco-congregation?   Eco-congregation is a tool to help churches begin to address environmental issues in all that they do. It is suitable for all kinds of churches to use. Churches are encouraged to use the resources provided to look at three main areas of church life:  - Spiritual: worship and teaching (this might include services, preaching, work with children and young people, small groups)  - Practical: things to do with buildings, land and church management  - Mission: reaching out to the local and/or global community

Earth Words      Connecting Scripture and Creation: EarthWords is a weekly reflection of "creation flavored thoughts on the lectionary texts". Sometimes it's just noticing and cherishing the natural images in the text, sometimes it spins off into environmental and ecological issues. 

Looking for newer Scripture resources?

Check out these two links from Odyssey Networks:

ON Scripture

ON Scripture - The Bible™