Prep for January 13th

Here is what is needed for 1/13/16 (First Session of the New Year!):

This week, we are trying something new!

Podcasts (embedded below):
First, let's finish up the Daily Prayer of Discernment (the Examen) series, as preparation for your confessions and also so that we can have a good discussion of discernment in the life of the confirmed. I will include the first two episodes (which we all should have already listened to) on this page for your convenience.

Next, we will prepare, not with Symbolon, but with Opening the Word. Sometime near Sunday the 10th, please

1. read the readings for The Baptism of the Lord, then
2. watch the corresponding episode
3. and e-mail me your answers to the questions on pages 5 and 6 of the journal pdf.

1. According to Fr. Gallagher, what is the examen prayer?
2. What does "examen" mean?
3. What is the guiding question Fr. Gallagher keeps repeating in the telling of the saints' lives?
4. What was the classic phrase with which one of St. Ignatius's early companions characterized him? What does that phrase mean?

1. What's the best time of the day for someone to look for to pray the examen? What time of day is that for you?
2. Explain the first step of the examen prayer, describing its "internal dynamic."
3. What is according to St. Ignatius one of the worst things in God's eyes? What is one of the best?

1. Explain the first and second steps of the Examen.
2. What is the most important part of the examen?

1. Explain the third step of the Examen.

1. Listen to DPD5 and DPD6, then name and describe the fourth step of the Examen.
2. Listen to DPD6 and DPD7, then name and describe the fifth step of the Examen.
3. After listening to DPD8, describe the different dimensions of the Examen and its application in your life.