An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for your Life is an eight-part series by Christopher West on Pope John Paul's Theology of the Body.  It imparts a total vision of the Catholic faith that addresses some of the most fundamental and important questions of human existence, including

• Where do we come from and why?
• What is the meaning of life? How do we experience it?
• Why is there evil in the world and how do we overcome it?
• Why were we created male and female? 
• What is God's original plan for marriage and sexuality?

Please pray for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti:

Psalm 102

"O Lord, listen to my prayer and let my cry for help reach you.  Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress.  Turn your ear towards me and answer me quickly when I call...

You, O Lord, will endure forever and your name from age to age.  You will arise and have mercy...for this is the time to have mercy, yes the time appointed...turn to the prayers of the helpless... [do] not despise their prayers...[look] down from heaven to the earth...[and] hear the" cries that come unto you.  Let us Pray:

God our Father,

In faith we acknowledge your paternal care over us, your sons, daughters and children. In hope we trust in your divine providence of giving us wisdom and courage as we face the challenges in life. In love we invoke your help and guidance during these difficult days of death and destruction in Haiti.

Ours is an imperfect world touched by sin and we often see visibly how man and nature are not at peace.  We so often call upon you when we are in need and desperation and forget you when times are favorable.  We call on you now as the people of Haiti are suffering so terribly:

-Grant eternal peace to those who lost their lives. Embrace the children who died in their innocence. Help those who are hurt and cure those who are sick.
-Encourage those who suffer the destruction of their homes and properties, and to once again stand up and rebuild their future.
-Bless all those who extend their helping hands to those in need of food, shelter and clothing, who share their time, talents and resources with others.
-Inspire more people to be men and women for their neighbors, convinced that the more they are for others, the taller they stand before you.
-Spare the people of Haiti, please, from other natural disasters and devastations if this be according to Your will and for our own spiritual good and growth.

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.

If you would like to make a donation to Catholic Relief Services for the Haitian relief efforts after their major earthquake please click here or drop off a donation at the parish office anytime.  There will be a second collection at Sunday's Mass for the relief effort.