jeff noel.org » Catholic

jeff noel Had A Mini Epiphany While Lectoring At Church On Sunday

jeff noel — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:03:09 +0000

No, seriously, we ARE here to change the world

The Catholic Church uses volunteers to conduct Mass. So jeff noel volunteers his public speaking experience, as a Catholic Lector. Typically, The Old Testament and The New Testament passages are read by laypeople and the Priest or Deacon reads The Gospel.

Baptized Lutheran and converted to Catholicism (1999 at age 40), jeff noel quickly saw the stereotypical (but well-intentioned) going-through-the-motions sound of a Lector who reads the way they’ve grown up listening. This led to a Sunday epiphany.

Next Blog

Share/Bookmark

What Will It Take?

jeff noel — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:48:51 +0000

When you’re waiting for the light to turn green, sitting in your vehicle, or on the bus, does your mind ever wander into crazy territory?

You think of something and you can’t recall where such a powerful thought was born.

Ann Rice recently denounced organized religion.

Her son is gay. Anne Rice is in conflict.

It occurred to me that she is committing the very sin she is opposing.

What will it take?

Share/Bookmark

50 Days Later

jeff noel — Sun, 23 May 2010 10:46:13 +0000

Is Pentecost A Tool?

You know who shapes the minds, bodies and spirits of children?

No, seriously, do you know?

You do!

It was 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection that the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Some say this is the day the Church was born. This morning, it’s my privilege to help several dozen youngsters understand this a little better than they did yesterday.

And 50 days from today, will it still be with them? What kind of pressure do you place on yourself to be a beacon for children?

Share/Bookmark

Was It Worth It?

jeff noel — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:32:10 +0000

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If so, then here’s the photo answer to today’s question:

It Was A Spirit-Filled Celebration

Share/Bookmark

God’s Holy Word

jeff noel — Sun, 09 May 2010 09:08:48 +0000

One Microphone, One Thousand Parishioners

We have teachable moments all the time. Most of them pass by too quickly to be noticed.

A decade ago, I volunteered to become a Church Lector, figuring my new role as a Professional Speaker would add value to the Church.

A year or so into it, we had a formal training class and one of the volunteers got up and made a statement that I’ll never forget.

“You may think you are simply doing a reading, but you are actually proclaiming God’s Holy Word. This may be the only scripture much of our congregation gets all week.”

Rather than judge others, I’ve promised God to do the best with the 60 – 90 seconds He gives me once or twice a month.

At 8:45AM Mass this morning, I hope it’s God’s voice they hear and not mine.

Share/Bookmark