Mokena, IL — To all those responsible for the reflections, insights, Biblical analysis, and prayers… Your words bring me closer to an understanding of my inner self and closer to the God who created all. The Center for Liturgy brings God’s words into my home and the home of my spiritual companions. It nourishes our souls as we gather together as members in our Small Church Community and in our Retreat Group to find the Lord in our everyday lives.
Iraq — Thank you for your reflections on the readings. I am stationed in Iraq, and your website helps me through some really hard times.
WA — This site is a gift! I am a lay person involved in parish ministry as a lector and I facilitate a weekly small group reflection on the Sunday Scriptures to prepare for Sunday Liturgy. Thank you for a wonderful place to go deeper into scripture with out going over my head!
Bangalore, India — I would like to tell you how much your weekly writing means to me and how it enriches my week. I have been hanging on to the bottom rung of life for a while now. Every time I think that this is the low-point of my life, the floor below me gives way. Yet I haven't lost my faith. Thank you for reinforcing Jesus' message of love and his example of unshaken faith in his Father.
VA — Your website invites me into a relationship with God. Thank you for your prophetic witness!
South Africa — Your Sunday Reflections/Prayers are absolutely wonderful. We have a faith sharing meeting every Tuesday where we reflect on the next Sunday's readings. Thank you for the inspiring material you prepare and share with us. God bless you in the wonderful work you do.
Florida — I want to thank you for this website. I work in a law office and read it first thing every Monday morning. It really helps me in dealing with clients all week to remember that we deal with really good people having a difficult time.
USA — Thank you so much for this resource. Eighteen years on, my preaching is getting very tired – for me! One of last week’s reflections moved me to tears. Your website’s wisdom, knowledge, and common sense are so encouraging.
NC — I come to this site each week and it prepares me and centers me to be fully present at Eucharist. It is an incredible resource that exists no where else on the Internet. I would be at a loss without it!
Ghana — I am so touched by your reflections on this Sunday’s readings. May God bless you.
Pacifica — Thank you for such an awesome website. It's very enriching and a useful center accessible for a lot of people like us who need substantial help in scripture interpretation.
USA — I want you to know that God came to me as I read your reflection.
Toledo, OH — Thank you for your investment of time and prayer which allows you to offer your insights on the SLU web page for Sunday Liturgy Preparation. I check in every week, for my personal growth, for preparation in our Thursday evenings with young women seeking a deeper Christian life, and for networking with friends in an ongoing RENEW faith sharing group
Midwest USA — I truly enjoyed your reflection and have printed it to share with others. It spoke to my heart about the way I am supposed to live despite the Herod’s of the world. Thank you and God bless you.
Fresno, CA — Thanks for your work. We have a link to your site on our web page. St. Benedict Catholic Worker. Your reflections help me to prepare for my work at Fresno County Jail.
Topeka, KS —I found myself at your web site reading about today’s mass. I attended the 7pm mass at the university associated student catholic center. I find myself particularly greedy in my communications with Jesus lately. Today’s mass brings into focus how god’s love and forgiveness is steadfast.
USA — Father, Thank you for loving us through your words. The gospel virus someday will touch everyone. Then we will be able to say with the peace of Christ, “God doesn’t love us because we are good, were good because through his grace we realize how much he does love us."
Baltimore, MD — I discovered the Center for Liturgy on the Web. I look forward to my Sunday morning meditation each week. Thank you for centering on the heart of the Gospel. Your reflections provide a wealth of questions for me to contemplate throughout the week.
La Tuna, CA — Your reflections are superb! I will assist in a small way in a Catholic bible study program at La Tuna Correctional Institue tonight and I plan on reading these reflections as an introductory to the session. Thanks.
Dunedin, New Zealand — Easter Greetings from Dunedin in New Zealand.I am a frequent visitor to the wonderful site: “Centre For Liturgy” and find it very helpful in liturgy preparation.
USA — I always read your meditation on Sunday reading on web and I am always moved by your words. Now, I am touched more deeply. I am feeling something new. Thank you, thank you very much.
Falls City, NE — Week after week, your site provides one of the best, most helpful, freshest insights into the Word of God that I have seen. I am very grateful.
Australia — God has been prompting me to put Him first. Not treat Him as an after thought. Something to fit in between my other daily business. Your invitation to bring Him into every thought deed and action, every person and situation is wonderful. This Almighty God who created majestic mountain ranges, beautifully coloured coral reefs and complex human beings chose to be remembered in the breaking of the bread. As I held the host this evening I was overwhelmed by His humility.
Houstin, TX — Your words have been a life line for me at this time in my life. I am a cradle catholic and I am searching at this point in my life. I have been feeling lost and my Spiritual Director has taken some time off. Your words are helping me to feel grounded.
USA — I'm a 40 year old husband and father of six children ranging from 1 to 17. There are many challenges in our daily lives, but God has blessed us greatly and abundantly with health, sound mind and body, and closeness as a family. I look very forward to visiting your website prior to going to Mass on Sunday and I frequently share what I have read to my family. I will keep you in our prayers and our daily rosary.
Belize City, Belize — exquisite, touching, memorable, especially these lines that you write: “All fresh surprises of love in our lives are Christ-given, they are fondness-enfleshed, like the patter of rain at night. If Christ was love enough to last through death, then let us put that love first, even as we suffer or die.”
Manhattan Beach, CA — I wish to thank you for the effort you put into enhancing others liturgical experience. I am a music minister at American Martys Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach, CA., and your reflections help me to focus in on choosing music each week, as well as enlightening personally.
USA— I use your website to deepen my preparation for Sunday Mass. This is such a wonderful way to deepen my understanding and experience of Sunday worship and link that to everyday living.
Omaha, NE — I like “thirsting for the wine of life….” My focus keyed off a line in Gerald Darring’s column: “To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” I said we are each given gifts by God – but they are for others…. Several folks told me they had never heard anyone speak about gifts and their being for others.
Richmond, VA — It was a wonderful Sunday...my wife said it was one of the top three homilies I have offered...which says alot since I was once a United Methodist minister who preached every Sunday. But it really wasn't so much about doing it well...I was just so struck by the power of that gospel reading. Thanks for you role in the creative process.
Philadelphia, PA — When I read the Scriptures my head often feels so jumbled especially this weekend when the first Reading seems to say one thing and the Gospel the opposite. Your insight means so much because you help me to hear the message clearly. Now I can put the message into practice. Thank you so much. My heart is lifted and I truly feel inspired because of your aide and understanding. I sense the Holy Spirit in your work. Please keep up the fabulous work and ministry.
USA — For someone like me, who immensely desires union with the Lord, it is a tremendous help to be able to have the Readings and your words at the touch of a button. To be able to read and meditate on the Sunday Readings and then have the enhancement of your reflection is a grace and blessing. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to you and the whole staff at this website. My spirituality is very important to me. Your site is a delicacy and delight.
Episcopal Church, Newport News, VA — Hardly anything or anyone from the internet invites me into relationship (except when I'm asked to purchase something or to make a donation). Thank you for your prophetic witness!
Wales — I'm a priest of Cardiff archdiocese in Wales. At the ripe old age of 51, and ordained 26 years, I don't refer to much background stuff now in homily preparation - but I do usually read what you have written! So many guys seem to kind of unpack the reading a little and add a pious thought or moral point. Your material so often shines a light in a different place. So thanks again
USA — May the Lord continue to bless you, Fr. Larry, Anne Osdiek, and the rest of the team for giving us a full spiritual meal by way of your reflections, gentle challenges, and prompt questions. They stir my spirit up to critical relfection and action.
Wellington NZ — I have been meaning to write for some time to say how much I enjoy the whole site. Particularly taken with Easter effort so thought that today is the day I say 'thanks'.
I find all the different sections useful, but especially your column and the 'Word Embodied' section. Many a time you have helped my prepare a homily by suggesting a theme, or presenting a front page on the Parish Bulletin that uses your ideas.
Chicago, IL — I use every portion of the Center for Liturgy site every week as I prepare the prayers of the faithful and my occasional homily. It is a rich source of information, insight and perspectives. Your reflections open possibilities for your readers -- ways to illustrate the connection between God's word and our lives.
Springhill, GA — It’s wonderful to be able to have such good resources on line. I’ve bought several books, but your web site is by far better than anything I’ve found so far. Plus, I trust the Jesuits with regards to theology. I graduated from Springhill with my masters in Theology, so I know what awesome teachers you are.
Notts, England — Thank you for sharing your gospel reflections each week. You enable me to understand the person of Jesus and the ways in which I should choose to become more like him. It's attractive and scary at the same time.
USA — I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SITE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. IT IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL FOR OUR SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY MEETINGS.GOD BLESS YOUR WORK.
Wales, Eng — Thanks you a million times for the excellent help your liturgy page is...My ancient heart swells with love for you all and all that you are doing for we people who tap into your website. If only all the world could read the wonderful work of your contributors.
Never give up - You don't know what a superb work you are doing - we are so grateful to be able to have it incorporated into our Sunday liturgy in a small town in Wales! No doubt this could be said of every corner of the world!
Agnes - Wales, England
Lockport, NY — I hope you realize what a blessing your Website is. I'm not sure if you receive any feedback - I hope you do! I look at your site every week and am so appreciative of your insights and spirituality. Your commentaries and studies help me to enter the sanctuary each week armed with at least my own simple understanding of the Word we will hear. Thank you and thank God for blessing us with your gifts.
USA — This is by far the best website I have seen on liturgy. I wish I had known about this a long time ago! It is the most comprehensive website I have seen...deacons and priests should look at this site to do their homilies. The same is true for liturgist and musicians!
Thank you for having a site like this available for us!
Enumclaw, WA — This site is a a gift! I am a lay person involved in parish ministry as a lector and I co facilitate a weekly small group reflection on the Sunday Scriptures to prepare for Sunday Liturgy. After reading the scriptures myself, I use your site as a starting point (along with Creighton's Collaborative Ministry site) for background/historical information, and to add depth to my own reflections. Thank you for a wonderful place to go deeper into scripture with out going over my head! May our good and gracious God continue to bless your work.
South Africa — Just a note to tell you that your Sunday Reflections/Prayers etc. are absolutely wonderful. Our Parish is Our Lady of Lourdes Westville, outside Durban, Kwa Zulu Rep South Africa. We have a faith sharing meeting every Tuesday when we reflect on the next Sunday's reading. In addition to using material from the website " Emmaus Journey " we also use yours. This group numbers some 26/30 " Golden Oldies " and have been meeting for the last 8yrs. Our oldest member is 93 yrs old and bright as a button. This message is to say a big " Thank you " for the inspiring material you prepare and share with us. God bless you in the wonderful work you do.
Dayton, OH — The site is fabulous--I use it for personal prayer, for preparing sessions for my Small Church Community, and in my work as Pastoral Associate for two parishes. Thank you for your good work!
USA — I use the Center for Liturgy to deepen my preparation for Sunday Mass and other feast-days. This is such a wonderful site in helping people like me to deepen their understanding and experience of Sunday worship and linking that experience to everyday living. Thank you for providing this service
Raleigh,N C — Thank you. I come to this site each week and it prepares me and centers me to fully present at Eucharist. It is an incredible resource that exists no where else on the Internet. I would be at a loss without it
Woonsocket, RI — Thank you for this site. I use it every week in as part of my preparation for liturgy. The Praying Towards Sunday feature and Fr. Foley\'s reflections are especially helpful to me, as well as the music suggestions. The General Intercessions are thoughfuly written and several usually find their way into my community’s intercessions. Thanks for service you render.
Robert Carpentier -
E. Dundee, IL — I use material from your web site with our Bible study group. I find it both intellegently presented and easily understood, a combination infrequently found! Thank you.
Farmington Hills, MI — I was just in St. Louis and hoped to meet you Joe. I am at St. Kenneth Parish in Plymouth, and have found your site invaluable, insightful and insightful, and a definite avenue for my own spiritual growth as well as preparing the parish for liturgies. Keep up the good work; hope to meet you someday.
Gig Harbor, WA — I just would like to say that your web site is wonderful. I am a member of the RCIA team at my parish at St. Nicholas Church in Gig Harbor, WA and most of the team and the Dismissal team of which I am the leader, use your site a lot. . . Keep up the great work(s),
USA — I have used your great resources since the web site started. I realize money is always a problem but I hope this service can be continued. Each facet is well researched, solid theologically and it save enormous time for me each week in planning music for weekly liturgies for college students. I especially like items by Larry Gillick SJ and John FoleySJ. Regrettably I currently have no funding to forward to you - but I truly hope your ministry can continue - it is a marvelous asset to our worshipping community. Blessing for all you have brought us - and may your work continue!
Harrison NY — Hi, I think your site is terrific...I work for one church and I am a volunteer in my our parish and I think your site will be very helpful with the RCIA. Thank you and God Bless you
Toledo OH — Thank you for the liturgy site. A friend told me about it yesterday after Mass when I asked her about the St. Louis Jesuits. I found it to be helpful especially re: background information and thought-provoking questions. I am going to tell friends about it. God bless you and your ministry!
Anoka, MN — What a beautiful site! Thank you so much for all your hard work in creating it.
We have linked it to our website. Bless your ministry!
St. Louis, MO — Your site is my main source for guidance, prayer and reflection when I prepare music and prayers for many of the liturgies at Ursuline Academy. I also use the scripture reflections occasionally as the prayer for the liturgy committee at my parish, Queen of All Saints. I am very grateful for the intercession ideas and for the links to the scriptures and NPM music suggestions.
Thanks for all you do to produce such a useful and quality site. I love it.
USA — I am in my 9th month of pregnancy, and of late, its not been possible for me to go to church on Sundays. Browsing the internet for Sunday readings, I chanced upon your site, and I am so glad I found you. I shall be logging on to your site every week now until the time I can attend church once again.
USA — Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate reading the Sunday readings on your website. I especially appreciate The Word Encountered and The Historical Context, however, I enjoy reading all of them. Through your readings, I have found a special way to "connect" with God. Each week, I have found a segment of The Word Encountered where I feel God had a special message with me.
USA — This is by far the best website I have seen on liturgy. I was blown away by this site. I usually go to Creighton University to check the readings when I want to use the Sunday readings for our bible study of Fridays.
Chicago — I will definitely pass on the word about this site to our Young Adult Group (Ravenswood Young Adult group in Chicago) and to Charis Ministry (A Jesuit Young Adult Ministry here in Illinois, Cincinnati and Indianapolis). Thank you for having a site like this available for us!
St. Louis — To everyone working on this website: Congratulations...what a gift to the online Catholic community! I would like to direct some students to your site so they might use it to prepare for Sunday liturgy while away at university and college.
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