Our Lady of the Rosary Parish seeks to provide a variety of ways for its members to grow closer to Christ. One way to do that is in the quieter method of contemplation.
What is contemplative prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that "Contemplative prayer seeks him 'whom my soul loves.' It is Jesus, and in him, the Father....In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself." (CCC ¶2709). We fix our gaze on Jesus and share our hearts with Him.
Right now, our primary method of encouraging contemplation is by providing Consecration Programs. The end goal of all Consecration programs is to (1) move closer to Jesus and (2) to dedicate yourself to living for Him with the help of His grace and the intercession of His Mother and all the saints.
This webpage will always highlight the most current Contemplative Program we are running. Be sure to check back frequently for new offerings.
First, order this wonderful book (link can be found below in "Step 2". Then, for nine days, from July 8th - July 16th, you will spend a few minutes each day reading the book, "A Journey to Mount Carmel" by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, followed by some time in personal prayer.
We will offer one introductory meeting on Monday, July 8th from 7pm-8:30pm, to explain the history of the Brown Scapular; why it is important; what Our Lady has promised to those who wear it faithfully; and how the 9-day program works. You will then do the remaining readings on your own.
Then, on Tuesday, July 16th, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we will become invested in the Brown Scapular during the 6:00pm Mass. All registered participants will receive a free Brown Scapular.
Even if you are already wearing the Brown Scapular, we invite you to participate in this program. Fr. Kirby's book has many deep insights to help us grow in our spiritual life and your lived experience with the Scapular will be helpful to all the newer folks.
This book highlights the importance of the Brown Scapular in the devotional life of the faithful. It is neither jewelry, sentimental religious article, nor a vain token of superstition. Rather, it is a simple pairing of two pieces of brown wool with ribbon, worn around the neck. The scapular, when worn, is a declaration that you have put on Christ and are seeking to follow His way by imitating Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Although there is no formal preparation for investiture in the Brown Scapular, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby has collected the Church’s best writings on the subject to prepare you for receiving the scapular and incorporating it into your daily faith practice. Because Baptism is foundational to your consecration and commitment to Jesus Christ, Fr. Kirby organizes the reflections according to the six baptismal promises so as to heighten and intensify your experience of the baptismal way of life.
Please register here so we know how many people will become invested in the Brown Scapular on Tuesday, July 16th- the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Here are the Contemplative Programs that we've already done as a parish family:
* May 2022= "Mary's Mantle": a consecration to the Blessed Mother
* October-November 2023= "Consecration to St. Joseph"
* March-April 2024= "33 Days to Merciful Love"- a consecration to Divine Mercy
* July 2024= "A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady"
If you see one that you missed, and would like to see us offer again, please let us know. Email [email protected]