My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ

“An outstanding and often hilarious memoir.”    Publishers Weekly 

You are invited to read My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin, SJ on your own or join any of the book discussions.  Gathering in small groups to pray, study and discuss is at the heart of being Christian. Come to all the sessions or just those you can. No registration required.  For more information please call the Saint Clement Rectory at 216-226-5116 or Saint James Parish Center at 216-712-6755.

Week 1 Read Chapters 11 – 14
  • Saturday, February 6 – 9:00am- 10:30am – Saint Clement Rectory
  • Sunday, February 7 – 5:00pm-6:30pm – Saint James Parish Center
  • Tuesday, February 9 – 7:00pm-8:30pm – Saint Clement Parish Hall
  • Wednesday, February 10 – 1:00pm-2:30pm – Saint James Parish Center
Discussion questions for week 4
  1. Do you think it is true that Jesus chose Peter as an apostle as much for his weakness as for his strengths?  Are there ways that your weaknesses have moved you closer to God?
  2. Does the story of Peter give you comfort or challenge you?  What aspect of his experience impressed you the most?
  3. Peter was aware of his own sinfulness and weakness and was humble before the Lord.  How does humility fit into your spiritual life?
  4. Do you respond better to intellectual reasoning or to firsthand experiences in learning about your faith?  Is this true when you learn about other topics?
  5. Thomas Aquinas understood that faith and reason are complementary.  In what ways do you find that the two reinforce each other?
  6. Father Martin’s associate, Brother Bill, is described as a quirky individual with a radical experience of his call from God.  One could say the same about Francis.  What one characteristic of Brother Bill and/or Francis do you admire most?
  7. What impressed you most about the East African refugees?
  8. Like many saints, Francis of Assisi challenged us to live more simply.  What role does a simple lifestyle play in your spiritual life?
  9. Do you sometimes find it hard to understand church teachings because of the obscure language used?  How have you learned about your faith as an adult?