The Examen
The Examen, a spiritual exercise originating from the 16th century, was created by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. Initially designed for Jesuits to reflect on their daily experiences and discern God’s presence, the Examen has since been adapted for various contexts, including family life. The core elements include gratitude, reflection, seeking forgiveness, and setting intentions for the next day. For Churches of the Home, the Examen can serve as a meaningful practice to come together, reflect on your day, and recognize moments of grace and growth.
Incorporating the Examen into family life can help foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding among all members within your Church of the Home. By regularly practicing the Examen together, families can create a space for open communication and shared reflection. This practice encourages each member to express their thoughts and feelings, acknowledge their experiences, and support one another in their spiritual and personal growth. It also helps families to cultivate a habit of gratitude, recognizing the positive aspects of their lives and the blessings they receive daily.
Examen for Your Church of the Home
Become aware of God’s presence: Start by gathering together in a quiet space. Take a moment to recognize that God is with you.
Review the day with gratitude: Each family member takes a turn to share the highs and lows of their day. This helps everyone to see the blessings and challenges they experienced.
Discover where you experienced love: Reflect on moments where you felt God’s love or showed love to others. Share these moments with each other.
Bring your failures to God: Acknowledge any mistakes or moments where you fell short. Ask for forgiveness and support from God and each other.
Look toward tomorrow: Discuss what you hope for the next day. Ask for God’s guidance and strength to face any challenges.
Close with a prayer, such as the Our Father, to bring your time of reflection to an end.
Revealed Podcast Episode 5: The Examen
Join Katie and Tony in learning about a reflective practice called the Daily Examen from St. Ignatius. The Examen helps one notice God's revelation in our daily lives. Through this practice, we’re invited to encounter God, express gratitude for the gift and gifts of each day, and to commit to make up for any mistakes we may have made.
Other Resources
Join us for Mass this weekend
in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Sometimes the world seems dark and filled with distress but there is hope amidst the turmoil. Despite the darkness, we are called to look for signs of growth and light, particularly as the Christmas season approaches, symbolizing the coming of Christ to bring hope and renewal. How do we actively seek out the light in our lives? Join Tony as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings
FAMILIES
WEEKLY BULLETIN
(click to read)
PARISH LYCEUM
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Executive Director Jesse Brunette talks with Katie and Tony to reveal where he sees the sacred in the work of St. John's Ministries.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONGOING EVENTS
Ruby and Res
Could this be the best musical trio to come along since Three Dog Night?
