Church Diligent Countdown to
Next Holy League

April 10th & 24th, 6pm

"Happy is he who, while he is still in health, accustoms himself to be left alone, and when in solitude to hold communion with God, with his guardian angel, and the saints, to bear patiently privation and neglect. If you do not learn this, your lot at the last will not be a happy one, nor will your conduct be edifying. Consider the matter, for it is most important."

"He said to His Apostles in figurative language that they should become the salt of the earth, or they would be good for nothing....You should by your diligence and zeal labour to preserve them from the corruption of sin, and induce them to render themselves pleasing to God by the practice of virtue. It is true that this is the work of grace; but grace seldom acts without our cooperation. What have you done, what are you habitually doing, to merit the assistance of grace?"

"...he is seeking and finding occasions of saying a word which will enlighten the mind and kindle the fire of divine love in the heart; in all places and at all times he is preaching , without appearing to do so. The light and the unction which he has received in prayer naturally flow from his heart and from his lips. People always leave him feeling that they have been enlightened and drawn nearer to God. Do you recognize yourself in this portrait? Are your brethren and others edified by intercourse with you , and especially by your conversation?"

About the "Church Diligent" name:

In Christianity, diligence is the practice of putting forth persistent effort, paying close attention to detail, and striving for excellence in all endeavors. It is a quality that is often associated with faithfulness and perseverance, and is the opposite of slothfulness.

The Greek word spoudazo, which is translated as "diligent" in the Bible, means "earnest and eager exertion".





Here are some ways that diligence is expressed in Christianity:

• Serving others: Diligence is motivated by a desire to serve others and honor God, rather than selfish ambition.  Combining diligence with faith: Diligence and faith are two sides of a mystery, and when combined, they can lead to spiritual success.
 
• Finding joy in God's work: Diligent Christians find joy and satisfaction in doing God's work.  Focusing on the most important things: Diligent Christians focus on the most important things and don't give up when things get hard.
 
• Praying for guidance: Diligent Christians pray for guidance and strength.
 
• Being a good steward: Diligent Christians are good stewards of what God has entrusted to them.

Prayer Before Work (St Joseph):

O Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me

• the grace to work in a spirit of penance for the expiation of my many sins;
• to work conscientiously,
• putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations;
• to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God;
• to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, never shrinking from weariness and trials;
• to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, keeping unceasingly before my eyes death and the account that I must give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God.

All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch, Saint Joseph. Such shall be my watch-word in life and in death. Amen.

– Composed by Pope St. Pius X

The Decalogue of Pope John XXIII

• Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
• Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
• Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
• Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
• Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
• Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
• Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
• Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
• Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
• Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.