DISCUSSION GUIDE Issue of 12-16-18
Note: the complete discussion guide is now posted here
BISHOP-REFLECTION
Page 1
- According to the Bishop Hying, what should we do during these final days of Advent?
- Why is Advent his favorite season of the Church year?
- What does it mean when we say the Church year is circular?
- What does the bishop say he sees rather than a circle, and why?
- What are the three “comings” the bishop noted?
BISHOP HYING’S COLUMN
Page 5
- What does ‘Kerygma’ mean? Ash your teacher to explain.
- What are four aspects of Kerygma that the bishop points out in his column?
- What, according to Bishop Hying, should believers focus upon?
- What does ‘Follow me’ mean in this context?
- What does it mean to be a life-long learner?
- Why does God want to ‘form’ us?
- What is considered the center of our lives as missionary disciples?
- Is there someone in your life that you might share your faith in Jesus with? Who, and how would you do that?
ANSWERING
Page 7
- Does it ever seem that life becomes too busy during the weeks leading up to Christmas at your house? Talk about it.
- What, according to this article, is the real purpose of the season of Advent?
- St. Paul is quoted as saying, ‘Your kindness should be known to all.’ What are some ways you might go out of your way to be kind to others right now?
- What are some of the things in our lives that prevent us from being ‘joyful’?
- Why does Jesus reveal God’s love to us?
- Henri Nouwen states that ‘Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.’ Discuss.
PARISH TRADITION
Page 8
- What feast did we celebrate on Dec. 12?
- Who was Juan Diego and what role did he have in what happened in Mexico?
- What miracle took place when the local bishop failed to believe Juan Diego?
- Do you find it hard at times to trust in the power of God? Why/why not?
POLISH DUO
Page 13
- What did these two men do that was remarkable?
- How do we take our freedom here in the U.S. for granted?
- What do the ‘Pilgrims of God’s Mercy’ do?
- How do they finance their pilgrimages?
- In what ways do they demonstrate what it means to be missionary disciples of Jesus?