Spectacular September

 Greetings Areopagites and friends,

    Our September meeting was fantastic!  It would have been better if more had been able to attend, but there was a reasonably-sized group nonetheless.  We are all extremely grateful to the Manteys for letting us congregate at their house; they deserve special thanks for the delicious caramel apples!  This month, Fr. Ward read part of an English translation of Pope Benedict's homily at World Youth Day.  This excerpt concentrated on faith.  Then, Odysseus the Box having made his rounds, we discussed the burning questions of our times:

Is it a sin to imitate Gideon and other great men by smashing idols, (such as any of the 300,000,000 hindu gods?)

 Is it sinful to insult Muslims and politicians?

Is there moral objectivity when it comes to music - can you draw a line between good and bad?  On the same line - can you do the same with everything?

Should teenagers wear chasitity rings?

When  Pope John Paul II said "I charge you to profess your faith" what does he mean?  Does it mean to go out of your way to quote the Bible to random people?

lastly (and most importantly)
 Did you know that ATM's have braille on the buttons for all those blind drivers?

As usual, we had a great time.



Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in Madrid

    Next month, Areopagus will be held at the Romstad's house.  The address is 249 N. Force Road, Attica Mich 48412.  We will be meeting on the usual 3rd Friday this time, which is the 21st of October.  Remember to invite anyone who you think may be interested in attending the meetings.  Also, if any of you have not been receiving the reminder emails lately, please let me know.  Don't forget the snacks!

In Christ,

Lois



Gideon and his men rout the Midianites

Art credits:
http://zayzay.com/news/pope-in-spain-for-world-youth-day/
http://www.textweek.com/art/gideon.htm

In the Second Week of September

Greetings fellow Areopagites!


The next Areopagus meeting will be held on September 9th, the second Friday of that month. The date was changed from the third Friday to the second Friday because Fr. Ward will be out of town on the 16th, and will thus be unable to assist us in our quest for the truth at that time. The September Areopagus will be held at the Mantey’s home. Their address is:

2834 Oakview Dr.

Dryden, MI 48428

I hope everyone will be able to make it to this meeting. If you have met anyone who is interested in coming to Areopagus or if your email address has been updated, please let me know so I can make the necessary adjustments to my mailing list. See you on the 9th, and don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks!

In Christ,

Lois

Summer Break

Odysseus the box has been found at last!  He was able to join us for the gathering on Fr. Ward's patio yesterday.  HUGE thanks to Fr. Ward for allowing us to meet at the Rectory for this month's Areopagus!  The location of September's meeting is still undetermined, and there will be no Areopagus during August, giving us a short break.
For those of you who weren't there, (physically, or mentally for that matter) Fr. Ward started the evening off by reading the sixth part of a letter from the Pope to the youth of the world, warning of temptations from within ourselves as well as from the world around us.
A short summary of the questions asked yesterday evening:
-What does Gollum represent allegorically, and why did Frodo choose him over Sam in the movie?
-What is eternity, and can it be defined with making reference to time?  Is time a human concept?
-Is is a big deal if you swear as long as you aren't swearing at anyone in particular?
-Can a good angel become bad and turn into a fallen angel?
-What are the conditions for receiving a partial indulgence?
-Is sabotage in wartime acceptable?
-If euthanasia is wrong, then why is it all right to kill someone in prison who has received the death penalty?
-Where do dinosaurs come into creation?
-A catechism teacher said it's not a sin to attend Protestant services.  Is this true, and if so, is it all right to attend SSPX Masses?
-Will people have personality traits in Heaven?
- Is there a personal demon assigned to each of us as described in the Screwtape Letters?
- Why are some of the prayers of the Mass said quietly?

I know I still don't have a complete email list, and I am still wrestling with the addresses I have being bounced.  It would be very helpful if you would tell me if you know of anyone who did not receive an email so I can add them or edit the address I already have.  Thank you!
Great meeting everyone, see you next time!

Lois

Picture credit: http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/g/giotto/padova/3christ/scenes_1/chris
Web Gallery of Art
Two Archangels1002-19
Gold and precious stones
Musée de Cluny, Paris

Areopagus at the Parish

Our next Areopagus is on July 15, 2011, here at the parish. If the weather cooperates, we can gather on the back patio, which is splendidly arranged right now. Come with munchies, questions, and great topics of conversation so we can grow both as Catholics and Philsoophers.

I lost Ulysses the Box again! Anyone know where he went? To Ithaka, probably...

Special thanks to the Ianuzzi family for the spendid hospitatlity!

Jumping into June

Hello everyone! A warm thank you to the Peters Family for hosting May's meeting! I know the questions have yet to be posted, but it would seem that Ulysses has sailed away from Calypso and home to Penelope a.k.a. Sacred Heart, ironically in the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart.


This month's meeting is tomorrow, the third Friday as usual at 7p.m. sharp. The Iannuzzi Family has generously offered to take up the torch this time. Please feel free to message or text me for their address and directions. Please bring a friend and a finger food to share along with your questions!

Also, speaking of passing the torch, Fr. and I are looking for someone to take up my place as his assistant in all matters Areopagus. I will be leaving for U of M in August, and will no longer be able to carry on the honor, unfortunately. If you're interested in the commitment, please email either Fr. or myself. It's quite fun, I assure you!

God Bless,
Gabrielle

Meeting in the Month of Mary

A great thank you to the Gagnon Family for hosting last month's meeting! The Peters Family has kindly offered to take up the torch this month. The meeting will be held at their house this Friday, the 20th, at the usual time of 7:00 p.m. sharp.

I know we're all waiting on the edge of our seats for Summer, so let's throw some of that pent-up anticipation into learning some new aspects of our Faith. Bring questions, friends, and a snack to stop all our chattering teeth from this cold spell if you can!

Feel free to message or text me for directions.
God Bless,
Gabrielle

Photo Credit: La Visitation, Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1491.
In this month of Marian feasts, let us remember and emulate the fervent devotion St. Louis de Montfort held for Our Lady. All true devotion to Mary leads to Jesus Christ, for who better to instruct us in knowledge and love of the Son of God than His mother? We pray that like St. Elizabeth at the Visitation, we may recognize and revere Our Lady as our channel to God, Salvation, and the Resurrection. 

Going to the Gagnons'

Hello, fellow Areopagites!  The Gagnon family has kindly offered to open their home to our meeting this month! It will be this Friday, April 15th, at the usual time, 7:00 p.m. on the dot. Their address is listed below, and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Come with questions, friends, and a snack to pass if you can! 

The Gagnon Home

12351 Hegel

Goodrich, MI 48438

Also, I am looking for someone to save Ulysses the Question Box from the captivity of Calypso, as Fr. has so humorously dubbed me! I cannot make it to this Friday's meeting, and I would greatly appreciate a volunteer to take him to and fro. Please email or text me if you would be able to do so! :)

God Bless,

Gabrielle