Catholicism WOW! ……………..because our Catholic faith is so amazing.

For upcoming meeting topics and details, please scroll down.

WHAT IS CATHOLICISM WOW! ?

Given that many are unaware or distracted by misinformation or lack of information about Catholicism, we need to be explorers and companions. Come join other explorers as we seek to discover how our faith continues to survive and thrive 2,000+ years and counting, despite of human frailty and mistakes.  But then, Jesus promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail over his church.

What kind of things do we discuss? In the past, we have watched and discussed Bishop Robert Barron’s video series on Catholicism, the Saints, and the Mass. We’ve also read and discussed the lives of the saints, our Pope’s writings, and have explored topics in the news, as well as protecting the environment, racial justice, participants’ experiences in and of Catholicism, and myriad other topics.

You are warmly invited to join our remote Catholicism WOW meetings via Zoom. 

We will start at 7 pm every Wednesday via ZOOM.     We stop at 8 pm.  

Want to attend?   Please tell us to add you to the guest list.

Signing up to get the link does not oblige you to attend the meeting, it just tells us you might attend some of the remote meetings.  You can eat dinner during the meeting.   You can arrive late.  You can leave early.   We are all supporting each other as we explore our amazing Catholic faith. 

Please join us.    We look forward to seeing you!
Yvette and Ned

Questions?   Contact us
Yvette  (925) 640-0024   yvetteniccolls@gmail.com
Ned    (925) 209-1271    niccolls@comcast.net 
Note: if you are receiving email notices about the meetings and no longer wish to do so, please contact us and we’ll remove you from the mailing list.

Wednesday January 1 at 7 pm  — ”Joyful 2025”
(see ZOOM link below)

Topic:     Joyful 2025
Time: Jan 1, 2025 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89444707521?pwd=vGblquYfxX1mYTrnrolNNCdKG6d6ay.1

Meeting ID: 894 4470 7521
Passcode: 758663

 Meditations
Consider these meditations on Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (the Three Kings)

• God's message

The story shows that God tries to reach everyone on Earth with His message, no matter how far away they are. 

• Trust in God

The Magi followed their hearts and trusted in God's guidance, even when faced with challenges like King Herod. 

• Openness to new ideas

The Magi were open to new ideas and followed the star that led them to the newborn Christ. 

• Self-transcendence

The Magi represent the search for truth and the true God, which is a core part of religion. 

• Universal symbols

The Magi are universal symbols of mankind adoring God Incarnate. 

• The gifts

The Magi brought gifts of diplomatic significance, including frankincense, which was the main ingredient for incense used in the biblical Temple. 

• The date of Christ's birth

Church Fathers believe that Jesus was born around 3 to 2 B.C. 

• The Magi's identity

The Magi were likely Zoroastrian-influenced astrologers in the court of the Kingdoms of Nabatea and Sheba. 

Homework, if you have time and inclination:

1.      Please read the Gospel for Sunday
Matthew 2: 1 – 12  (shown below)

2.      Please watch this video from Bishop Barron “The Peace That the World Can’t Give”.

Here Bishop Barron discusses the Gospel reading for Gaudete Sunday   Luke 3: 10-18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyrBgRrY1Tg

Discussion Questions:

1.      What hopes and resolutions do you have for 2025?

2.      Consider the various insights listed above which pertain to the Three Kings visiting Jesus in the manger.   Tell us your perspective.   Can you add to the list?   We’re eager to hear any thoughts you might have.

3.      In his video Bishop Barron says only Jesus can give true peace in the ups and downs of life.    Describe a time when you felt bouyant happiness.    Conversely, think of a time when you were going through a rough spot.   What insights can you share from these experiences?

Please join us on Wednesday Jan 1.    We wish you all a blessed and joyful Christmas and we look forward to seeing you on ZOOM!

Yvette and Ned

Questions?   Contact us

Yvette  (925) 640-0024   yvetteniccolls@gmail.com

Ned    (925) 209-1271    niccolls@comcast.net

If you don't wish to receive the Catholicism WOW announcements, please let us know and we'll remove you from mailings.

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video The Peace that the World Can’t Give - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

The Peace that the World Can’t Give - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon