Devout Heart is a Program for Young-Adults offered by Saint Gianna Catholic Church in Wentzville, Missouri. It is a Thirty-Five Part Series of Sessions for Confirmed, Young-Adult Catholics (19 and Under) Who Desire to Grow in a Deeper Relationship with Jesus Christ. Soon-to-be-Confirmed Young Adults Are Welcome As Well. Devout Heart Focuses on Forming the Interior Life to Help Young-Adults Embrace Their Role as Soldiers in the Church Militant. http://devoutheart.com Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:40:00 +0000 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:40:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com David Williams David Williams St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas is often remembered as the Patron of Academia but is also hailed as the Patron of Chastity and is a prime example of meekness for all of us to follow. You can learn more about St. Thomas [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/28/happy-feast-of-st-thomas-aquinas Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:40:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/28/happy-feast-of-st-thomas-aquinas
Today is the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas is often remembered as the Patron of Academia but is also hailed as the Patron of Chastity and is a prime example of meekness for all of us to follow. You can learn more about St. Thomas by listening to and viewing the material on "Wrath". There you will find it is always justified to stand for Truth and fight sin with utter abandonment. Our souls must be protected with holy anger. Below is an excerpt used on page 88 of the Devout Heart material by renowned Catholic author G.K. Chesterton:

“...his brothers introduced into his room some specially gorgeous and painted courtesan, with the idea of surprising him by a sudden temptation, or at least involving him in a scandal. His anger was justified, even by less strict moral standards than his own; for the meanness was even worse than the foulness of the expedient. Even on the lowest grounds, he knew his brothers knew, and they knew that he knew, that it was an insult to him as a gentleman to suppose that he would break his pledge upon so base a provocation; and he had behind him a far more terrible sensibility; all that huge ambition of humility which was to him the voice of God out of heaven. In this one flash alone we see that huge unwieldy figure in an attitude of activity, or even animation; and he was very animated indeed. He sprang from his seat and snatched a brand out of the fire, and stood brandishing it like a flaming sword. The woman not unnaturally shrieked and fled, which was all that he wanted; but it is quaint to think of what she must have thought of that madman of monstrous stature juggling with flames and apparently threatening to burn down the house. All he did, however, was to stride after her to the door and bang and bar it behind her; and then, with a sort of impulse of violent ritual, he rammed the burning brand into the door, blackening and blistering it with one big black sign of the cross.”

-G.K. Chesterton, St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox, Chapter III

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/28/happy-feast-of-st-thomas-aquinas#comments 0 David Williams David Williams Today is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales! St. Francis is regarded as one of the greatest reformers of the Church and through his writings gave the laity of the Church a precious clear path of devotion. Two of his most famous works are http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/24/the-feast-of-st-francis-de-sales-bishop-and-doctor-of-the-church Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:42:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/24/the-feast-of-st-francis-de-sales-bishop-and-doctor-of-the-church Today is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales! St. Francis is regarded as one of the greatest reformers of the Church and through his writings gave the laity of the Church a precious clear path of devotion. Two of his most famous works are Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God.

Devout Heart is patterned after St. Francis' love for teaching all people that it is possible to be holy regardless of vocation and occupation. To view a Novena for St. Francis you can click HERE.

We will continue Devout Heart tonight at 6:30pm at St. Gianna Parish with a study of the Cardinal Virtue of Temperance. Please continue to pray that all of our hearts continue to unite to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/24/the-feast-of-st-francis-de-sales-bishop-and-doctor-of-the-church#comments 0 David Williams David Williams This Wednesday, from 7:30-10:00pm is the monthly Devout Heart Game Night.  We will meet in Weber Hall (Upstairs) @ Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New Melle.  Bring your favorite games and we'll have a great time!  If possible, it would be great if you could bring a snack or two to ensure everyone has something to eat. [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/14/game-night-devout-heart-march-for-life Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:07:49 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/14/game-night-devout-heart-march-for-life
This Wednesday, from 7:30-10:00pm is the monthly Devout Heart Game Night.  We will meet in Weber Hall (Upstairs) @ Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New Melle.  Bring your favorite games and we'll have a great time!  If possible, it would be great if you could bring a snack or two to ensure everyone has something to eat.  We will finish up the evening at 9:50pm with Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Joseph's Chapel.



Thank you all so much for praying for the Williams Family last week.  Assuming all are well,  we will meet at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish from 6:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, January 22nd for Devout Heart.  This Devout Heart meeting will kick off the springtime sessions on "Know Him" which is a study on the person and God: Jesus Christ.  We hope to see all of you there.  If possible, please bring a snack to share.  The snack list is below:

Last Name A-F: Desserts (Cookies, treats, etc.)
Last Name G-L: Snacks (veggies, fruit, Chex Mix, etc.)
Last Name M-R: Soda (Coke, Sprite, Mt. Dew, etc.)
Last Name S-Z: Chips (Doritos, Sun Chips, Lays, etc.)



If you haven't (or even if you have) planned to go to Washington DC to March For Life, then I will exhort you to pass along this video to everyone you know via email and social networking.  It's time for us as the people of God to take a stand for life and you can take a stand by forwarding this to as many people as you know.  Please also take a stand for life each day in prayer and pray especially for all of those who plan to attend this year's event.  To donate funds or to find out more about the March for Life, you can visit www.marchforlife.org





If you would like, you can now listen to any of the sessions from the "Find Him" Devout Heart series.  You can click HERE to access them.



As always, please let us know how we can pray for you.  Click HERE to submit a prayer intention to us.  Know, we pray for each of you often.  God bless you and see you all soon!

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2013/01/14/game-night-devout-heart-march-for-life#comments 0 David Williams David Williams Catholic Youth Conference coming this June to St. Gianna Parish in Wentzville, Missouri!  Father Elliott has been very generous to open up the weekend of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/06/01/hearts-on-fire-youth-conference Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:44:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/06/01/hearts-on-fire-youth-conference
This post is to announce a Catholic Youth Conference coming this June to St. Gianna Parish in Wentzville, Missouri!  Father Elliott has been very generous to open up the weekend of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the youth in the area of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

To view a video promotion for the conference please click HERE

To learn more about this conference, please visit the link below:

devoutheart.com/h-o-f.htm

Have a blessed Solemnity!
 


]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/06/01/hearts-on-fire-youth-conference#comments 0 David Williams David Williams
Below is the revised schedule for Devout Heart this Summer.  In September of 2012 we will go back to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday night format:

May 22nd-Baptism
June 15th-16th- http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/05/15/summer-schedule Tue, 15 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/05/15/summer-schedule
Below is the revised schedule for Devout Heart this Summer.  In September of 2012 we will go back to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday night format:

May 22nd-Baptism
June 15th-16th-Hearts on Fire Youth Conference
July 10th-Confirmation

Have a blessed Summer and we look forward to seeing you all at these upcoming events.

God bless you,

David & Kendel

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/05/15/summer-schedule#comments 0 David Williams David Williams St. Paul the Apostle, let us pray for the faith to say "Yes" to God in everything and make our way to the path of His Rightousness. To listen to the Devout Heart [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-the-apostle Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:01:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-the-apostle St. Paul the Apostle, let us pray for the faith to say "Yes" to God in everything and make our way to the path of His Rightousness. To listen to the Devout Heart talk on Conversion and Faith click HERE.

Have a Blessed Feast!

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/25/the-feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-the-apostle#comments 0 David Williams David Williams Today is the Memorial of St. Agnes of Rome. St. Agnes is the patroness of Bodily Purity and is featured in the Devout Heart material and talk on "Gluttony". Let us thank God for giving us such a beautiful example to follow in St. Agnes. If possible, take some time today to read about her on page 23 [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/21/happy-st-agnes-day Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:59:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/21/happy-st-agnes-day Today is the Memorial of St. Agnes of Rome. St. Agnes is the patroness of Bodily Purity and is featured in the Devout Heart material and talk on "Gluttony". Let us thank God for giving us such a beautiful example to follow in St. Agnes. If possible, take some time today to read about her on page 23 in Module One: Need Him. Also, let's ask for her prayers as we prepare to learn about the Cardinal Virtue of "Temperance" this coming Tuesday. Below is an excerpt from St. Ambrose about St. Agnes:

“Today is the birthday of a virgin; let us imitate her purity. It is the birthday of a martyr; let us offer ourselves in sacrifice. It is the birthday of Saint Agnes, who is said to have suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve. There was little or no room in that small body for a wound. Yet she shows no fear of the blood-stained hands of her executioners. She offers her whole body to be put to the sword by fierce soldiers. She is too young to know of death, yet is ready to face it. Dragged against her will to the altars, she stretches out her hands to the Lord in the midst of the flames, making the triumphant sign of Christ the victor on the altars of sacrilege. She puts her neck and hands in iron chains, but no chain can hold fast her tiny limbs. In the midst of tears, she sheds no tears herself. She stood still, she prayed, she offered her neck. You could see fear in the eyes of the executioner, as if he were the one condemned. His right hand trembled, his face grew pale as he saw the girl’s peril, while she had no fear for herself. One victim, but a twin martyrdom, to modesty and religion; Agnes preserved her virginity and gained a martyr’s crown.” 

-St. Ambrose of Milan, from an essay On Virgins






]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/21/happy-st-agnes-day#comments 0 David Williams David Williams St. Francis de Sales begins today, January 16th!

St. Francis de Sales is the Patron of Devotion so if there's a Saint who might know what a Devout Heart is, it's going to be him. (I suppose you could say this for all of the saints, though.) http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/16/the-novena-to-st-francis-de-sales-begins-today Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/16/the-novena-to-st-francis-de-sales-begins-today St. Francis de Sales begins today, January 16th!

St. Francis de Sales is the Patron of Devotion so if there's a Saint who might know what a Devout Heart is, it's going to be him. (I suppose you could say this for all of the saints, though.) You can click HERE to access the main page to watch a video that has the Novena recorded. We will have the chance to talk more about Novenas and Litanies when we gather together again on January 24th, the Feast of St. Francis de Sales!

St. Alphonsus Liguori said that the most useful practice of a Novena is to make up our minds at the beginning of the Novena to correct some fault we have been accustomed to commit. Let us ask St. Francis de Sales to stir our hearts toward greater devotion and love for God.

Don't forget to pray this Novena each day for nine straight days...

If you'd rather read the Novena than watch the video you can say the Novena below or reference the handout you received at the last Devout Heart session:

Novena to
St. Francis de Sales
*********
O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue, especially in the love of God and neighbor, I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and
protection. Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart. Grant that all people, especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love. Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth. Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion, to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit. Encouraged by your prayers and example, help me to live fully my sacred dignity with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny: eternal life with God. Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need). O God, for the salvation of all, you desired that St. Francis de Sales—preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—should befriend many long the road to salvation. Mercifully grant that we, infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity, guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
********
NIHIL OBSTAT—J.D. Sweeney, V.G.
IMPRIMATUR—Edmond J. Fitzmaurice, D.D.
Bishop of Wilmington
October 11, 1949

Have a blessed day and week!

-David & Kendel

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/16/the-novena-to-st-francis-de-sales-begins-today#comments 0 David Williams David Williams posted HERE for you to resource.

Also, don't forget we will all begin the Novena to St. Francis de Sales starting on the 16th. We will discuss the power of Novenas and Litanies at the next session. Watch for a post for the Novena to [...]]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/14/you-gotta-have-faith Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:28:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/14/you-gotta-have-faith posted HERE for you to resource.

Also, don't forget we will all begin the Novena to St. Francis de Sales starting on the 16th. We will discuss the power of Novenas and Litanies at the next session. Watch for a post for the Novena to St. Francis de Sales on the 16th.

Have a blessed weekend and make sure to mark your calendar for the evening of the 24th when we will cover the Cardinal Virtue of "Temperance".

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2012/01/14/you-gotta-have-faith#comments 0 davidmatthewwilliams@gmail.com davidmatthewwilliams@gmail.com http://devoutheart.com/blog/2011/12/27/seek-him-begins-in-lake-st-louis-on-january-10th Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:44:00 +0000 http://devoutheart.com/blog/2011/12/27/seek-him-begins-in-lake-st-louis-on-january-10th contact David & Kendel Williams HERE

]]> http://devoutheart.com/blog/2011/12/27/seek-him-begins-in-lake-st-louis-on-january-10th#comments 0