4/2/2008 Meeting Minutes

Table Leader - Chick Jordan

Prayer Leader - Mark Savarese
Mark focused the prayer session on God’s given freedom and our free will. He opened the session with the song Joyful, Joyful, We
Adore Thee and closed the session with Our God Reigns. We had an insightful prayer session on the use of free will in our lives.

Witness Theme and Presenter - Scripture by Juan Lahera
Juan spoke of the impact of scripture in his life, particularly after attending his first retreat (CRHP) weekend here at St. James. He said that in his own life he needs to continue to trust in the Lord. He reflected on how the bible teaches that we should turn the other cheek and not return evil for evil. He quoted 1 Peter 3:11, which says that we must turn from evil and do good; seek peace and follow after it.
His challenge questions focused on temptation and how does reading scripture help avoid it. Juan had a question about the differences between Canonical and Divine scripture. See the last item in these minutes for Tom Grace's comments on this subject.

Scripture for April 6th Review and Discussion
Acts 2:14, 22-33, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Luke 24:13-35
Common themes are the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins, his resurrection, and his presence in the Eucharist at the breaking of the
bread.
Additional Comments from Tom Grace on Canonical and Divine Scripture
I read Juan’s notes from the Internet and now understand the distinction between the terms Canonical and Divine as applied to Scripture.
“Canon” or “Canonical” refers to the list of biblical books (OT & NT) that were official accepted as divinely inspired works, and hence “divine scripture’.
The official Catholic canon first appears in the late 4th century AD (382) and appeared rather regularly for the next 50 years at the Councils of Rome, Hippo, Carthage et al. This Canon, no doubt, was made necessary because of the claims of several heretical sects (esp. the Arians & the Nestorians) who were quoting from sources that were not part of the officially accepted list of books for the Bible to support their heretical views. The Catholic Church held to the view that only works included in the Canon could be deemed as inspired and therefore containing revealed truths. Any works not in the Canon, although perhaps of historical or other value, were not divinely inspired revelation.
The disputed sources are not the so-called Apocrypha works that distinguish Catholic and Protestant bibles. Rather they refer to works that are sometimes referred to as the Pseudoepigraphical Texts, a long word that literally translates into “false writings”. However to confuse the matter more they are frequently lumped into the same category and title as the Apocrypha writings. Some of these false writings have interest and value to social and cultural scientist. No biblical scholar considers them as part of authentic apostolic legacy. Pseudoepigraphical texts are later works posing as earlier works written by Apostles. As to the claim by certain modern unconscionable authors, ever seeking the pot of gold, that these works were secreted away by the Vatican, a trip to any library of any size will dispel this claim. They are readily available but as St. Peter warned about St. Paul’s authentic writings, “such writings are difficult to understand and the unstable distort to their own destruction”.

Novel Assignment - Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg
Chapter 14 – Future Headline: Muslims turn to Christ in Record Numbers
Chapter 15 - Tracking the Tremors
Appendix 1 – Frequently Asked Questions
Overall, this is a scary book which takes the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 – 39 and builds a logical case that Iran and Russia will form an
alliance to attempt to destroy Israel. This will result in a tremendous battle in which God will intervene and save Israel. It’s particularly
frightening because, in Joel’s view, this will occur very soon and will have a dramatic effect on the world as we know it. The good
news is that God will prevail and the world will know it.
Next Assignment
Juan suggested that we take a lighter approach for our next book. He suggested The Jesus Prayer and we all agreed.

Administrative Item
The Right to Life ministry met earlier today and will be focusing their efforts on education, particularly on alternatives to abortion. The
next meeting will be on Wednesday, 4/23 at 5:30 PM.
The ministry will be having a potluck dinner on May 18th
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4/9/2008 Meeting Agenda
The Men’s Club will attend the 7:00 PM mass for Maria Hobson and will meet afterwards to discuss the transition of activities to the next CRHP weekend.

26 March 2008 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Hal Pawlowski, Ken Pritchett, Juan Lahera, Mark Savarese, and James Hodson

Table Leader: James Hodson

Prayer Leader: Juan Lahera Juan used the ACTS (adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, & supplication) format and focused on our need for God's grace and forgiveness. He also focused on our need for repentance.  He used Psalm 19 verse 15, Psalm 50 verse 23, and Psalm 150 to praise God for the help he has given in our lives.  We open with the song "Come, now is the time to worship" and closed with "Ever faithful God".

Witness Theme and Presenter- Eucharist by Mark Savarese
Mark focused on the "real presence of Jesus" in the Eucharist.  We are the only Christian faith that does.  Other Christian faiths see it as a symbol  of Jesus' death and resurrection.  The Eucharist is the best part of the mass.  The Eucharist also recharges God within you.  He gave 2 examples where a child feels great joy and need in participating in the Eucharist. Challenge Question: 1) What is your Present attitude concerning THE REAL PRESENCE of Jesus' body and blood available in the Eucharist? 2) What specifically can you do to better prepare yourself to receive Our Lord & Savior's sacred body and blood each time? With the challenge questions he handed out 2  Eucharistic Prayers.

Scripture Readings for 30 March 2008 Acts 2:42- 47, 1Peter 1:3- 9, John 20:19- 31
After completing the readings, the group discussed how faith leads to salvation.  There is new hope in Christ.

Admin items:
The group decided to attend mass on April 9th.  Maria Hodson's mass intention is April 9th.  We will move the group schedule  down 1 week.

2 books were suggested for our next reading, "A survival guide for thinking Catholics" by Bishop Tom Gumbleton and " America Alone" by Mark Steyn.  Juan suggested a short light book before delving back into heavy subjects.  Bring any suggestions to next meeting on April 2nd.

Novel Discussion - Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg Chapter 11: New war erupts in middle east as earthquakes, pandemics hit Europe, Africa & Asia Chapter 12: Iraq emerges from chaos as region's wealthiest country Chapter 13: Jews build third temple in Jerusalem Joel Rosenberg points out even with all this disaster, God is giving everyone a chance to follow him.  Iraq is stabilizing as large voter turnout and big companies move-in.  He also points out what needs  to happen to build third temple.
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2 April 2008 Meeting Agenda  7:00pm - 9:00pm

Table Leader: Chick Jordan
Prayer Leader: Mark Savarese
Scriptures for 6 April 2008 Reading
1: Acts 2:14, 22- 33 Reading
2: 1 Peter 1:17- 21
Gospel: Luke 24:13- 35
Witness Theme and Presenter: Scripture by Juan Lahera
Novel Assignment - Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg
Chapter 14: Muslims turn to Christ in record number
Chapter 15: Tracking the tremors
Appendix: All
Admin: Set date for CHRP Weekend and form up Bring suggestions for next book