RosemarieDRE

ASH WEDNESDAY 2011

2011-03-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

2011-03-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

"Most high glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command."

~St. Francis, The Prayer Before the Crucifix at San Damiano

Mark Wills - Don't Laugh At Me

2011-02-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

2010 was packed with joys and sorrows..health and illness...life and death...laughter and tears...dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled.

It had its ups...its downs...its ins...its outs...and...in a few hours it will be just a memory...gone forever.

My wish for 2011 is that we take the lessons learned from this past year...and...move forward with thankfulness...and...hope...into a new year filled with nothing but promise!

Happy 2011, Friends and Family!!

♥♥♥

A CUP OF CHRISTMAS TEA

2010-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Our beloved deacon, who has helped me stay sane through the crazy of the last few years, suggested this morning that I watch the following video. It has had the exact effect he told me it would.

What effect has watching it had on YOU?

Why?

What will YOU do about it?

STOP, BREATHE, PRAY!!

2010-08-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

I love computers, the Internet, video games, and cell phones! I am not as technologically knowledgeable or advanced as my two boys, but that’s okay, because I have them around to help me when things get beyond my capabilities.

In April, I bought a Droid.

WoW!!

If you have an iPhone or Droid, you know about the “apps” (applications)…the things that these phones can do. I was a little shocked at some of the “apps” in the Droid Marketplace…. but was pleasantly surprised to find many versions of the Bible…and absolutely thrilled to find the daily Mass Readings and Liturgy of the Hours “app”…for FREE!

Now, I just set the alarm on my phone to remind me to STOP, BREATHE, and PRAY the hours…no more missed or “bundled” daily prayers for me!

God truly is everywhere…even on the iPhone and the Droid!

We set our calendars and alarms for meetings with clients, bosses, doctors, and our children’s teachers…why not set it to remind us to take the time to “meet” with God?

Just be careful in the marketplace on these phones though, because just like on earth…where there is God…there is also Satan.

Always, choose wisely!

Even in technology…choose…GOD!

I KNOW A CONFIRMATION CLASS THAT WILL BE VIEWING THIS IN OCTOBER!

2010-08-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

VBS AND THE SEXUAL ABUSE CRISIS

2010-07-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

This week we started Vacation Bible School!

I LOVE VBS!!

The carnival-like atmosphere keeps the kids engaged while they learn sooo much about God.

Yesterday, as the children began to come in, I was told by a custodial parent that the ex-spouse was worried that their child was attending VBS at a Catholic parish.

With all the wounds re-opened by the child sexual abuse crisis in Europe, I certainly understood…even, as I took a deep breath and thought…”Oh no, how is it we are at this place, again.”

Then, last evening, I was doing my monthly Virtus facilitator’s training, and came upon the following, written by a sexual abuse survivor named Kimberly. It speaks so clearly and honestly of the struggles of the abused, even while offering a way back to wholeness.

Nine Steps for Sexual Abuse Victims

Step 1: I recognize that I am powerless to heal the damaged emotions resulting from my sexual abuse, and I look to God for the power to make me whole.

Step 2: I acknowledge that God's plan for my life includes victory over the experience of sexual abuse.

Step 3: The person who abused me is responsible for the sexual acts committed against me. I will not accept the guilt and shame resulting from those sexual acts.

Step 4: I am looking to God and His Word to find my identity as a worthwhile and loved human being.

Step 5: I am honestly sharing my feelings with God and with at least one other person to help me identify those areas needing cleansing and healing.

Step 6: I am accepting responsibility for my responses to being sexually abused.

Step 7: I am willing to accept God's help in the decision and the process of forgiving myself and those who have offended me.

Step 8: I am willing to mature in my relationship with God and others.

Step 9: I am willing to be used by God as an instrument of healing and restoration in the lives of others. [1]

The abuse crisis is horrible to be sure, and a scar on the face of the Catholic Church, as well as many other denominations, organizations, and families.

Any time a disservice is done to a child of God, no matter the age, or by whom, the whole of humanity suffers.

The Good News is that God will ALWAYS help us pick up the pieces...we only need let Him!!

God Bless You!!

[1]http://oneway.jesusanswers.com/whats_new.htmlTaken from the Internet December 10, 2009. Help for the Abused. One Way! Which Way Are You Going? Articles to Help You.

EVERYDAY SAINTS

2010-06-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

The family is the great catechism God has given the world. The work of our lifetime is to learn how to read it and then study it prayerfully. — from Love in the Little Things

I love to watch people!

Now before you get the idea that I am some creepy, old church lady who hides in the bushes and peers into other people’s windows in my spare time, let me say that I do 90% of my people watching at church.

And, sometimes the things that I see touch me profoundly.

Last week, was a difficult one for my family, my husband collapsed twice (once, winding up in the ER) because even with insulin, his sugar has been on a roller coaster ride since Easter; and, my seemingly healthy Snowball went to the vet last Saturday morning for her annual doggie shots, and died there that afternoon.

By the time I got to church Sunday morning for mass, I was shaky, deep inside the pit of my stomach. The air quality wasn’t great that day, and I stayed out in the foyer during mass just in case the annoying allergy cough I get should raise its ugly head.

And, that’s when I saw them, a family of four…mom, dad, older brother, and little sister. It was clear from the Shirley Temple curls, the gorgeous blue frothy tutu, and the sparkly shoes she wore, that the little girl would be dancing in a show sometime after mass. This family though, no matter how difficult it may have been to do, modeled for their children and for me just where God’s place is in their lives…and, where it should be in ours.

They are everyday saints!

Last month at one of the communions, I was out in the foyer again (and, again for allergy reasons), when another family walked in.

I took notice immediately because the father who was probably my age or a little older, walked in holding his son’s hand. The son was as tall as the father and probably in his early twenties. The young man kept asking his dad where someone was. I assumed he was looking for his nephew or maybe cousin who was receiving First Communion that day.

As the pastor was praying inside the church, the young man kept repeating certain words father was saying. At one point, father and son came over to the chairs and sat across from me.

When it came time for the Lord’s Prayer this young man put his head on his dad's shoulder and they prayed the Our Father in a more beautiful way than I have ever seen or heard it prayed before. Clearly, these two had a love, one for the other, and for their God, that some of us can only dream of!

They too, are everyday saints!

Do YOU people watch, too?

What are YOU seeing the everyday saints in YOUR midst doing that affects YOU profoundly?

What are YOU doing as an everyday saint that affects others?

Lady Snowball Kisses February 17, 1997 - June 12, 2010

2010-06-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning began as any other. The dogs were going for their annual physical and vaccinations. My husband got up early to bathe them before their trip to the vet. As he was washing our Snowball, he let out a yell. She had sneezed and blood splattered all over the tub. He rinsed her quickly and raced the dogs to the vet.

Once there, they took Snowball right away to do some x-rays. In an odd coincidence, all my dogs have the same heart deformity as my sons and I. The doctor tested her heart, and sent the results to a cardiologist. The diagnosis was that she would need to be on medication for the rest of her life. It was decided she would stay at the vet for observation until Monday.

At one o'clock that afternoon the vet called. We were waiting for blood test results so I thought that's why he was calling. When I picked up the phone I asked how my Snowy was doing. The vet said that at 12:30 she was her regular self and doing well. But, that a few minutes earlier she took two deep breaths and just died. They tried to resuscitate her, but failed.

I don't know who was more in shock, the doctor or me. He asked if Snow had been coughing lately...No. He asked if she had been having difficulty breathing...No. He said he had checked her gums...they were a healthy pink. He said the only thing wrong was an elevation of her white blood cells. She had an infection, and his best guess was that she had a silent killer inside her...a tumor on her adrenal gland.

I asked him what I should have been looking for to have caught this sooner...he told me there was nothing. That he, too hadn't thought there was anything so wrong with Snow that, she was dying right before our eyes.

A friend from Facebook took the picture of my Snowball baby, in happier times, that I had posted, and made the beautiful memorial above. I share it today for everyone who has ever lost a beloved pet...

I'm sending you this message just to say,
I'm safe here in heaven to run and play.

The Angels watch over me all of the time.
The biggest one here is mine, All mine.

There's so much here to see and do,
My only wish is that you were here too.

Don't worry about me or think I'm alone,
Jesus has been with me, since I've been gone.

We sat by a river that is crystal clear,
He said no one here ever sheds a tear.

I told Him of you and all the fun we had,
He just smiled and said, "don't be sad.

For someday soon you'll see her again,
But until then I will be your friend."

So when you miss me, please don't be blue,
I'm just playing in heaven, waiting for you.
-Lady Snowball

Thank you, Kay for such a sweet memorial to my little girl!!

And, I encourage everyone with older pets to visit your vet more often, and to ask for a wellness blood panel at every visit...forewarned is forearmed.

Saint Francis of Assisi, protect our brother and sister pets!

GOD'S CAKE

2010-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

So many times in our lives we ask: “WHY?”

“Why ME?”

“Why NOW?”

“Why THIS?”

“W-H-Y, God?”

God does not “do things” to us!

Circumstances, family members, friends, strangers, and sometimes even unknown or unseen forces, place us in situations that without the love, support, and mercy of the Triune God, could potentially break us.

I received the following in an e-mail, although the author is unknown, it is certainly a parable for anyone asking “WHY?”

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong.

She’s failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her, and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake, and asks her daughter if she would like a snack.

The daughter says, “Absolutely, Mom, I love your cake.”

“Here, have some cooking oil,” her mother offers.

“Yuck,” says the daughter, “Gross, Mom!”

“Would you like some flour then? Or maybe some baking soda?”

“Mom, those are all yucky!”

To which the mother replies, “Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves; but, when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!”

“God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him, and eventually, they will all make something wonderful!”

God is crazy about YOU!

He sends YOU flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever YOU want to talk, He listens.

He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose YOUR heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

Although I may still ask “WHY?” now and again…I also choose to DANCE!!

How about YOU?

MY NEW PRAYER

2010-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

I used to ask God for strength...

And,

He kept giving me things to be strong about.

Now,

I pray for mercy...

I can't take any more of His strength training!

The Huntington Men's Chorus Annual Spring Concert

2010-04-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Deacon Jim is a member of The Huntington Men's Chorus...a wonderfully gifted and talented group of men...who at their performances have everyone...from the youngest to the oldest in attendance...tapping their feet, swaying to the music, and just having a grand old time!!!

Their next concert is May 1st...and...is a tribute to Long Island's own Harry Chapin!!

Long Island Cares...Mr. Chapin's own charity...will be collecting canned goods for our dangerously low food pantries across the island.

A good time...supporting a great cause...what more can you ask, for the nominal cost of $10 (Seniors and Students: $8) and a can of food??

And, if Jim has a solo...you are in for a rare treat indeed!!

My canned goods and I will be in attendance.

How about YOU?

If you would like to purchase tickets, please leave a comment and I will forward Deacon Jim's email address so you can contact him directly!

God Bless!!

JUST CALL ME THE COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT

2010-03-23T06:22:00.001-07:00

Some days, I feel like I am the complaint department for the parish, the diocese, and the entire Catholic Church!

In the last month, I have had complaints about catechists teaching that abortion is murder; complaints that we expect the children AND their families to actually attend mass; complaints that we are rigid (WHAT does that even mean?); complaints that there are too many meetings; complaints that there are not enough meetings; complaints that each class must do an end of the year review; complaints that all I do is defend (again, WHAT does that mean?); and complaints that expecting Confirmation Candidates to fulfill a few requirements (a saint report, 4 service projects, 2 service reports, 10 mass reflection papers, and completion of information and sponsor forms over the course of an entire school year) on the journey, is asking too much...and...that it is not asking enough!

My all-time favorite complaint by far is this: "Exactly WHY does the sponsor have to be CATHOLIC? My sister-in-law is 'born again,' and she's a better Christian than you will ever be!"

(Well, that may be true; but if you want your child to be a baseball player you don't bring him to a basketball coach!! Is that really so difficult to understand?!?)

At times, I think that those complaining really believe that I personally make the rules, and sit up nights trying to come up with new and more tortuous ways to make their life difficult.

When the complaints begin, I usually take a breath and then begin the explanations that unfortunately at times simply fall on deaf ears.

Then I am told, "I don't know why I bother, all you do is defend!"

At times, I ask myself, "Why do I bother?"

And then I remember...

I bother because I care...because I believe that Jesus Christ took on human flesh to walk this earth to show ME the path to salvation.

I bother because I want to help others share in that salvation.

I bother because I believe that even with all the mistakes that have been made throughout the centuries, it is the Catholic Church that has immediate succession from Christ.

I bother because I worry about the immortal souls and the eternal life of us all.

I bother because Christ bothered to die for ME...AND...YOU!!

So then the question becomes: "If YOU say YOU believe, are YOU bothering, too?"

LIFE IS A GIFT

2010-02-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

Feeling...

...put upon?

...alienated?

...angry?

Then let these words sent by a very wise religious brother, sink in.

And then, proceed with your day!

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life -Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children -Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another...

Remember...

that not one of us is without faults and we all answer to one MAKER.

And, when depressing thoughts seem to get you down...

Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around to see another day!

LENT 2010

2010-02-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

BUSY - A Thought Provoking E-mail I Received Today

2010-02-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.

In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church.

We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.

We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior.

Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.

So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.

Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.

Keep them from spending time with their children.

As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!

Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.

Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.

To keep the TV, VCR, Cd's and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly.

This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.

Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.

Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.

Invade their driving moments with billboards.

Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.

Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.

Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.

Give them headaches too!

If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere.

That will fragment their families quickly!

Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.

Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.

Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.

Have them return from their recreation exhausted.

Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.

Keep them busy, busy, busy!

And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences.

Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.

Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.

It will work!

It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

YOU be the judge!

Does "BUSY" mean:

B-eing

U-nder

S-atan's

Y-oke?

~ Author Unknown ~

2010-01-26T03:31:00.000-08:00

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain when it will end.

Nor do I really know myself.

And the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean I am actually following Your will.

But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You.

And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore, I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

~ Thomas Merton ~
Thoughts in Solitude

2010-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

We are now six days into a new year...SO, how are you doing with those resolutions made in the merriment of New Year's Eve?

At the beginning of each New Year, it is assumed we will look inside ourselves and make a list of flaws to be worked on...fixed...removed.

We make big plans to change, and then inevitably become overwhelmed, fall back into old patterns, and leave our best intentions at the curb.

While we should always seek to improve ourselves, our faith, our health, and our relationships, this year, I suggest we not dwell on the negative aspects of these areas of our lives...but, instead let us make a list of everything we are doing right with them.

Let our New Year's Resolution be to build upon all the goodness we already are, have, and are doing.

As we keep building...good upon good...and, taking time to recognize it, we will grow a more positive attitude, squeeze out the negatives, and leave them at the curb instead.

All-powerful God,

increase our strength of will for doing good

that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming

and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven

where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Twenty-ten is only 6 days old...it's not too late!

I wish YOU a New Year filled with all goodness and blessings!!

2009-11-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world.

It is not a idea in the air but feet on the ground, going Gods way.

It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty its roots and branch.

Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will.

We may cry about the duty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted bread and rootless hope, unless we plant and plow in His kingdom here and now.

To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities.

There is no substitute for plain, everyday goodness.

~Author Unknown~

THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

2009-11-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

As one liturgical year comes to an end, and another begins next week with the First Sunday of Advent, it is time to reflect...on how our relationship with Christ has grown...or weakened...over the last twelve months.

Have we kept Christ as the King of our hearts...our souls...and our lives?

Have our words and actions loving shown this truth to others?

OR...

Have we made ourselves the king...or queen...of our own universe?

Have our words and actions shown to others a love of dominance above all else?

Is it always YOUR way or the highway...in your family and professional relationships?

Can YOU bend with circumstances...or...do YOU bend circumstances to suit YOURSELF?

Do YOU always have to have the last word?

Are YOU always right...in spite of what the facts may prove?

The time is right to change that dynamic...to put Christ back where He belongs...as the King of YOUR heart...YOUR soul...and YOUR life!

Turn back to Christ...give Him back His rightful place in YOUR life...the time is NOW!

FOR DOG LOVERS

2009-11-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!!

2009-11-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

My younger son and I love the television show "Monk." In this week's episode, Mr. Monk was talking with Randy Disher about how even when everyone pokes fun at him and gives him a hard time, Randy is always good natured. Randy explained that years earlier on a case, he saw a bumper sticker that read:

"CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY."

As the show went on, Mr. Monk...obsessively, obsessively compulsive...took this advice to heart...and...even after getting bad news...literally danced out of a courtroom and almost did a Fred Astaire on a bench in the hallway...all the while repeating: "I choose to be happy."

Yesterday was my 49th birthday. I always enjoy it more when a birthday falls on a weekend, because in my house that means we celebrate ALL weekend long...a veritable holiday weekend for the birthday boy or girl.

It isn't grand or expensive...just three days of doing the favorite things and eating the favorite foods of the birthday person.

In this case...ME!

And so, it was...God...family...barbecue...the arcade...relaxation...and, a triple chocolate birthday cake from my favorite bakery.

All weekend long, I kept hearing Mr. Monk repeating: "I choose to be happy." That simple phrase, became the mantra for my birthday weekend between my younger son and I.

The past few years at my house have been difficult:

illness...anger...helplessness...death...sadness...irrationality...threats...drama...and the ultimate realization that there are always those among us, who...no matter what we may say or do...cannot love or respect us...because, they simply have not yet learned how to love or respect themselves.

Today, as I begin my 50th year on earth...I am adopting Mr. Monk's motto for this next part of my life:

"I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!!"

To paraphrase Mother Teresa: it is never between me and THEM...it is...and...always has been...and...always will be...between me and GOD!

God wants me to be happy.

I choose to be so!

How about YOU?

God wants YOU to be happy, too!

Say it...

in your head...

out loud...

or...

dancing down the hallway, a la Fred Astaire...

but...

just say it:

"I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!!!"

Then...make it so!

God Bless YOU!!

MY PRAYER

2009-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father,

Open my ears that I may hear You,
My eyes that I may see You,
My mind that I may come to know You better,
My heart that I may love You more deeply, and
My soul that I may have eternal life in Your loving caress.

Amen.

GOD IN THE STREETS

2009-10-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

We are called to see Christ in everyone...everywhere...always...and...forever.

Sometimes, however, it is nearly impossible to recognize...to tune in to...Christ...in the person in front of us at a particular moment.

Anger...fear...sadness...misconceptions...mental illness...all these things...and more...blur the presence of Christ in the other we are encountering.

And so, we avoid....we ignore...we fight back...we lash out...in reaction to the other's behavior.

Yet, our faith is not re-active...but rather...pro-active.

Sure we will fall...sin...at times...and, we will have many excuses..."I'm tired"..."I don't feel well"..."it's not fair"..."he shouldn't have said that"..."she shouldn't have done that"..."it was supposed to be ME"...and on...and on...and on.

But, will we rise up...reconcile and move on...or...will we fall even further?

While the clip above shows Eucharistic Procession through the streets: the Real Presence of Christ in procession among us...in our everyday life, we encounter Christ in EVERYONE we meet...the good...the bad...the ugly...the infuriating.

The question is:

Will YOU recognize Him before it's too late?

Will I?

HEART OF MY OWN HEART

2009-10-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

If you greet sunrise with God in your heart and a prayer on your lips, there is a better chance that your day will reflect God's love, mercy and justice, and you will be better able to treat others the way God would. —~ From: When Did I See You Hungry? ~

There are four things that you cannot recover in life:

(1) The Stone...........after it's thrown

(2) The Word...............after it's said

(3) The Occasion......after it's missed

and

(4) The Time............after it's gone.

So, keep God in YOUR heart...a prayer always on YOUR lips...and...a smile for EVERYONE YOU meet!

Not only will YOU become a blessing to those around YOU...YOU will be bountifully blessed in return!!

Heart of my own heart...whatever befall...still be my vision...oh Ruler of all!

THE FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

2009-10-04T01:39:00.000-07:00

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who deal likewise with their fellow men." ~ Saint Francis of Assisi

"I beseech all of you, by whatever charity I can, that you show reverence and all honor to the most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, because (in Him) all things, whether on earth or in heaven have been pacified and reconciled with Almighty God." ~ Saint Francis of Assisi

THE ANNUAL ANIMAL BLESSING

2009-10-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, we will be having the Annual Blessing of the Animals in the parish. I am praying the rain will either be done or hold off until after the blessing is over. Some of our Level 7 boys and girls will assist as one of their parish service projects towards the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Over the years, we have seen many dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters...and even...snakes. After each pet is blessed, the Level 7 boys and girls will complete a certificate for the animal...and...present it to the owner with a medal of Saint Francis of Assisi. Treats and goodies for the pets will be available as well.

In the book..."Will I See My Dog in Heaven," by Jack Wintz, OFM...Father Wintz discusses how the book has sprung forth from an article he had written for St. Anthony Messenger magazine in 2003. After the article appeared in the magazine...the following Letter to the Editor was received. From the pen of Mother Teresa of Calcutta comes sound advice for all pet owners:

[Dear editors:] I am still jumping up and down over the article about animals in heaven. All observations made by Father Jack are sound references to the fact that God loves all creation and will include all in our heavenly home.

For the past several years, I have organized a "Blessing of the Animals." In 1972, I had written to Mother Teresa [of Calcutta] to ask for a letter of support. She sent one, over her own signature, and I quote: "[Animals] too are created by the same hand of God which created us. As we humans are gifted with intelligence, which the animals lack, it is our duty to protect them and to promote their well-being. We also owe it to them as they serve us with such docility and loyalty."

I think Mother Teresa says all there is to say about the sacredness of the animal kingdom.

[From Marlene, Louisville, KY] (p17)

I think so, too.

How about YOU?

WILL I SEE MY DOG IN HEAVEN?

2009-09-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a great book for anyone who has suffered the loss of a beloved pet..."Will I See My Dog in Heaven?" by Jack Wintz, OFM.

Based on Holy Scripture and the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi...whose feast we celebrate this coming Sunday...this book has brought me great comfort by proposing...and...supporting the case that we will in some way see our beloved pets again in eternal life.

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi...October 4...over the next few days, I will be posting excerpts from this wonderful book, filled to the brim with the beauty of Franciscan Spirituality.

When we investigate God's way of exercising dominion over the world and its creatures, whether nonhuman or human, we see a Creator who is loving, gentle, thoughtful, and wise. God creates in a reverent and caring way, making sure that everything is "good" at every stage. God "blesses" the first man and woman and exhorts them to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). Like a proud parent, God watches as the earth brings forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and living things of every kind. God provides a beautiful garden watered by lovely rivers. There is never a sense that God is acting in a domineering or exploitative way. God's dominion is one of respect, not a heavy-handed domination. This is the way that humans are meant to exercise dominion over their sister and brother creatures and the created world. (pp12-13)

Jesus came to teach us to love as God loves.

God's love is "gentle, thoughtful...wise," and respectful.

God's love is not exploitative or domineering.

How does YOUR way of loving compare to that?

What do YOU need to do to...make YOUR relationships...reflect God's way of loving...more fully?

To order your copy of this beautiful book: WILL I SEE MY DOG IN HEAVEN?

To join the discussion: WILL I SEE MY PET IN HEAVEN? DISCUSSION GROUP ON FACEBOOK

WE CAN'T TAKE IT WITH US

2009-09-27T01:14:00.000-07:00

You can’t take it with you!

We have all heard this phrase time and time again.

And, we know it is so true.

We can’t take the stuff…the things…the detritus of this life…with us into the next life with Christ.

And, who would want to?

There is nothing man can make on earth…no matter how fabulous it may seem…that can compare to what God has ready for us in heaven.

No, we can’t take the stuff of this world into the next.

Neither can we enter the next world with the baggage of sin on our souls!

We don’t like to admit it much…but…

WE ARE SINNERS!!

We make mistakes…we do and say things that we shouldn’t…and we don’t do and say things that we should…every…single…day.

We are imperfect.

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that if our hand causes us to sin…we should cut it off. If it is our eye through which we sin we should pluck it out!

And, what about our tongue…angry words spoken in the heat of a moment…gossip, rumors…telling our “friends” things that we know will hurt them...and sometimes cause them to re-evaluate everything they have ever believed…under the guise of “better they should hear it from me than someone who doesn’t love and care for them?!”

If that’s how we love and care for our friends…I feel sorry for our enemies!

Sins!

Over the last two weekends, the Level 2 children and parents came for gatherings. The first sacrament the boys and girls will receive in 2010 is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children come up in the church…they are taught to bow as they approach the altar...as they will on their First Holy Communion Day...and sin is explained to them.

SIN…such a little word that causes so much terror and distress...in our lives...and...in our world.

Last week, one of the second graders raised her hand and said, “I don’t sin.”

Once sin was explained, the look on her face said clearly…that she too has sinned...at least once...in her seven years.

So, too… you and I.

The good news is, Jesus gave us a wonderful gift before he left us…The Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When we grow weary from the weight of the baggage of sin we carry with us…a few minutes of heartfelt confession with a priest...renews our soul...our heart...and...our conviction to live a life of love...so that we may be welcomed into the loving arms of Christ...and...granted eternal life.

When First Reconciliation Day comes…some of the children will be a little anxious…they are encouraged not to be nervous because when they are done they will be refreshed...and...renewed.

They will be given a new page upon which to write their future.

Some come out literally glowing!

And how about us?

Sometimes we feel weary…overburdened.

Sometimes we need to be refreshed…renewed…strengthened to resist temptation.

So I invite you to accept the gift Christ so graciously offers…the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It is true…we can’t take it with us!

When we die…all the things we hold dear here on earth will be…disbursed…discarded…even destroyed.

Our soul will always be…either with Christ…or…in Gehenna.

In the Religious Education Program, it is our task to help you…help…your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews grow in relationship with Christ.

Each and every one of us is called to be a prophet.

Would that we take that calling seriously, and model by our actions, the things our words say.

We must...

Walk the Talk.

Why not…walk the talk…right into the confessional…and…show our boys and girls the importance of cleansing our soul…even as we nourish it each week…at the altar?

I promise you…that even if you are a little anxious…you will feel so much better afterward.

You will be refreshed…renewed…you may even…GLOW…with the mercy...and...glory...of God!

THE BEST LAID PLANS...

2009-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

On Friday, when I was putting the finishing touches on plans for our catechist meetings, I wrote...and...scheduled the blog that appeared yesterday.

In reality, the meetings never occurred because I spent the better part of the day in the Emergency Room.

The morning began like so many others...

I left the house at 8:56 AM...got in my car...buckled my seatbelt...and...left the driveway. By the time I reached the stop sign on the corner of my block...just one house away from mine...I felt what I thought was my seat belt, pinching my shoulder.

As I turned the corner, I reached over to rearrange the belt, and came away with a piece of fuzz in between my fingers. Still driving, I tried to flick the fuzz out of my hand, when I realized I had instead crushed a bug in my fingers!

At the same moment I realized that the pinching was getting worse. I stopped on the side of the road...to find...that I had been stung by a bee. In just those seconds there was an angry..swelling...red patch on my shoulder.

I turned back home, put an onion on the sting, and my son took me to the hospital. By the time I got there, my blood pressure was very high, and I could barely breathe.

In triage, there were two men ahead of me...each with a bee sting of their own.

Last week, my husband had been stung twice.

The week before that, the pastor had been stung.

The receptionist in the doctor's office said her husband had been stung last week.

And, when my younger son came home last night, he told me he too, had been stung...on his way to class...yesterday morning.

Thankfully, my son did not have the reaction I did to the assault.

Today, I am home from work still having difficulty breathing...itching all over...and...wondering what's up with the bees this year!?

Bee careful (sorry, in my weakened condition...I just couldn't resist) when you are outside...avoid perfumes, open food and beverage containers...and of course...hives and nests.

If you know you are deathly allergic to bee stings...make sure your Epi-pen is up-to-date!

Take care of Yourself and each other!

TWELVE VIRTUES OF A GOOD TEACHER

2009-09-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Today, our catechists will join with me to "kick off" our Catechetical Year. We will come together for prayer and plans.

There are the weekly classes to discuss, as well as, Sacrament Preparation, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, retreats, Christmas Pageant, Stations of the Cross, Seders, Hunger Banquets, Chinese Auction, walk-a-thon, service projects, parachute making, gatherings, potluck dinners, Catholic Jeopardy, VBS, soccer camp...and, on...and, on...and on.

Our year will be chockful of opportunities to talk...and...learn...and...grow...as well as...opportunities to walk the talk.

There is much promise in the air!

One of the handouts I will distribute...this morning and evening...at the meetings...lists the Twelve Virtues Of A Good Teacher as described by Saint John Baptist de La Salle...Patron Saint of teachers:

GRAVITY

SILENCE

HUMILITY

PRUDENCE

WISDOM

PATIENCE

RESERVE

GENTLENESS

ZEAL

VIGILANCE

PIETY

GENEROSITY

As I distribute this handout, my prayer for our catechists, myself, and all catechists worldwide is this:

Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit...fill us with the gifts You know we need...to help us open the hearts...and...minds...and...souls...of those entrusted to our care...to the beauty and wonder...that is only found in relationship...through You and the Holy Spirit...with our Father in Heaven.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Amen.

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

2009-09-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is our salvation, our life and our resurrection: through Him we are saved and made free. ~ Entrance Antiphon for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ~

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

2009-09-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our Catechetical Year began with Parent/Child Meetings for our Level 1 children. I love working with the little ones. After a brief talk and prayer with the parents and children, we bring the children upstairs where I gather with them around the Baptismal Font in the vestibule. After we discuss why we bless ourselves with Holy Water upon entering church, we line the children up in pairs at the inner doors of the church and I ask them what they see.

Of course, the first thing they see is "the big table." As I explain that we call that table the altar, I tell the children that when we come to mass it is just like when we have a fancy dinner at home. At home, the food we eat strengthens our body. At mass, the food we receive strengthens our soul. And, like that fancy party, when mom's best table cloth comes out, candles may be lit, and flowers may be put on the table...at church, too we have a fancy tablecloth, special candles, and flowers. Mass, is the fancy party where we celebrate Jesus...and...our friendship with Him.

Still, as we stand by the entrance, I point out the gold box on the wall behind the altar. I tell the children that in the Catholic faith we use many BIG words to describe things. I explain that I think we use such big words to try to show the "big-ness" of God. I tell them that the gold box is called a Tabernacle...a big word that means..."little house." And, in that "little house" is Jesus. And, we know He is always there because the little red candle by the Tabernacle is always lit. I explain that Jesus is present there in the form of the host...the small hosts that have been blessed at mass...and a larger one that is always there, too.

I tell them that when we enter a church we must do so in a special...quiet...way to show that we know that God...Jesus...is there. One of my young helpers leads the way into the church and demonstrates for the children how they must genuflect when they reach their row...their pew. I then send the children in...two by two...to quietly, and reverently take their seats.

Once we are all inside, I ask the children if they have any questions about the things they see. The Level 1 boys and girls yesterday were exceptional. They asked about the "trophies" in the case. I have to admit, the bottles of holy oils in the cabinet...do...look like "trophies" from a distance. And, they are in a way "trophies" of our faith. When "-trophy" is used as a suffix it means " a condition of nutrition or growth." How smart was the child who called the holy oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick..."trophies!"

One little girl asked why Jesus was nailed to that cross. I explained that Jesus came to teach us a new way. He was a king but not one with a palace...gold...or...jewels. As people began to follow him, the kings with the palaces, gold, and jewels got worried because they thought Jesus was going to take their place. They didn't understand. I pointed out the tapestry of the Stations of the Cross on the far wall, and explained how Jesus was arrested, carried His cross, fell, nailed to the cross and died.

But, that the story did not end there, that God raised Jesus from the dead and that proved that everything He had said was true...that love is the true treasure...and...that Jesus rising from the dead, and God's great love for us is what we celebrate at the party...the mass...each and every Sunday!

Before the parents came upstairs, the children asked about the stained glass windows and what they depicted, and, we ended with a prayer for the new year followed by an Our Father. At that point, the children got up to go with my young helper to get a better look at the window of the Good Shepherd and receive their gift...a children's mass book.

As she walked over to the window with the other boys and girls...the little six year old girl in pink, who had asked about Jesus on the cross...looked over her shoulder at me and said, "I still don't understand why they had to kill Him! Couldn't they have just asked Him to sit down and explain it all a little better?"

Out of the mouths of babes!

So, my dear friend, co-worker, brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin...neighbor...my challenge to YOU today is this:

Rather than crucify that person YOU are having issues with...

Why don't YOU take the advice of my little friend in pink?

Ask them to sit down with YOU...and...explain it all a little better!

Are YOU up to that challenge?

TRUST IN GOD

2009-09-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

How important it is to avoid being upset by the trials and troubles of this life, for these things always tend to contract the heart rather than opening it up to trust God. ~ Quiet Moments With Padre Pio ~

May God bless all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

May God bless all those who lost their lives due to health complications from exposure on 9/11.

May God bless all those men and women still suffering from health complications linked to that fateful day.

May God bless their families and friends who grieve or care for them.

May God bless our Nation...and...our World.

May God help us to always keep our hearts open...through even the most horrific events we must endure...now and forever.

Amen.

THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY

2009-09-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today the barren Anna claps her hands for joy, the earth radiates with light, kings sing their happiness, priests enjoy every blessing, the entire universe rejoices, for she who is queen and the Father's immaculate bride buds forth from the stem of Jesse. (adapted from Byzantine Daily Worship) ~ Saint of the Day ~

Today, we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. No pregnancy...or birth...is an accident. Rather, pregnancy and birth are miracles...revelations of God's unfolding plan for the world.

Each child...even from before the moment he/she begins growing in the mother's womb...is precious to our Heavenly Father. Each child...each of us...has a special place in God's plan.

Mary knew this...and, God's plan for her was extraordinary.

Mary's faith in God...proven with a simple "yes"...brought Salvation into the world.

Just like us, Mary had free-will to answer "yes"...or..."no" to God's plan for her. Her faith and devotion to our Heavenly Father, led her to willingly say "yes" to His plan for her and us...for...the whole world!

Eternity beckoned...and..Mary's belief helped set us all free!

God has a plan for YOU...and me!

Through prayer and quietude we can discern our place...our part...in God's plan.

With free-will, we can answer "Yes!"...or..."No!"

Eternity beckons...what is YOUR answer?

What is mine?

God entered history through a family in order to make family life holy and show us how to live in our homes. ~ Love in the Little Things ~

DAY OF PRAYER FOR CANCER

2009-09-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Today...and each first Wednesday of every month...is a Day of Prayer for Cancer...at The National Shrine of Saint Jude.

When you visit the shrine's site, you may send prayer petitions...light a vigil candle...request a mass...post a prayer...or, sign-up for weekly devotionals.

In the meantime, please join me in praying...the following prayer from the shrine...for all those dealing with the affects of cancer...at this very moment.

God of healing mercy, in Jesus your Son you stretch out your hand in compassion, restoring the sinner, healing the sick, and lifting up those bowed down. Embrace us now in your loving care, particularly those afflicted with cancer, for whom this intention is offered. May the Spirit of Jesus bring us all health in soul and body, that with joy and thanksgiving we may praise you for your goodness, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have A Blessed Day!!

THERESA TUXEDO AKA SPEEDRACER AKA TERRY TERRIFIC...RIP BABY GIRL!

2009-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy 18 months and 18 days at my house...and...cancer seems to dominate every conversation.

My baby girl...Theresa Tuxedo...died...Saturday morning.

That is her...in better times...in the above picture.

Theresa was born...in our home...on December 18, 2000. She was one of three babies I found when I came home for lunch that day to check on Precious...her mommy...whom I knew was due any day.

When the other puppies began to stand and walk around...Theresa still lay on her chest...dragging her back legs behind her. I took her to the vet, beside myself. Something was wrong with this adorable little girl.

The vet told me she was a "swimmer puppy." He taught me exercises and sent me home to do physical therapy with Theresa to help her legs grow stronger. For months afterward, I would pick her up and exercise her legs...before I went to work in the morning...when I came home at lunchtime...twice each evening...and every two hours on weekends...praying all the way.

Not only did her legs strengthen...and she began to walk...but, she began to RUN around the house at high speeds...and so, earned the nickname: "SpeedRacer," from my older son.

Theresa was such a success story...born crippled to SpeedRacer status...in only a few short months!

A very sweet little girl with the humans in the house, Theresa took no guff from the other canines...or the pastor...my boss. Several years ago, she began barking loudly at the then pastor as I brought her before him, at the Annual Blessing of the Animals. Before I could tell him her name, he joked: "This one's named 'Rosemarie,' right?"

She was my good baby girl. When she went for her annual physical this past June I wanted to know what food I should give her, because she had put on a great deal of weight. Her belly was very large for a little dog. Her weight had increased from 24 to over 27 pounds.

The vet said she wasn't fat she had a tumor growing inside her.

Talk about feeling like an idiot!

Her bloodwork showed her white blood cell count was very high...over forty thousand. The doctor put her on a two week regimen of meds, and said that if they helped he would perform surgery to remove the tumor.

I went home, started the meds and began praying. I asked St. Peregrine, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Jude to intercede for Theresa as well.

After two weeks, we returned and surgery was scheduled. The doctor said he didn't know if Theresa would survive the surgery...I continued praying...and she did!

The doctor had gotten the entire tumor out...over three pounds worth...but said he couldn't be sure that the cancer hadn't seeded elswhere in Theresa's body. Complicating it all was the fact that the original tumor was in a mammary gland, but the biopsy showed it was a particularly fast growing and aggressive bone cancer that was involved...even though it was not in Theresa's bones!

Her blood count fell to a more normal thirteen thousand, and she came home with an E-collar and a drain in her belly:

The prognosis was guarded...but good.

Until, I found another growth on her shoulder shortly after the drain and stitches had come out.

The growth was removed in a second surgery, and Theresa was racing through the house, being her normal loving, gentle self...a demeanor that had not changed during any part of her journey here on earth.

I began to call her Terry Terrific!

She returned to the vet last Saturday to have the stitches in her shoulder removed and it was then that two more growths were found in her belly. She came home with more meds and an appointment in two weeks to see if they grew.

By Monday, August 24th...merely two days later...the two growths had doubled in size. On Tuesday, I was in the dining room and heard something fall, down the hall. I went to investigate and saw nothing.

Theresa was sitting in the hallway so I gave her a pat, and that is when I noticed her breathing was labored. As I sat watching her for a minute, she fell forward onto the tile floor. That was the noise I had heard. I felt the growths and found they had doubled again...overnight.

I brought her to the vet that afternoon, he gave her a steroid shot and more meds. After he took an x-ray, he brought me into the operating room to show me that the cancer had spread to Theresa's lungs. And, something was blocking her stomach as well.

I thought he was going to tell me that we would have to put Theresa down...but to my surprise he gave me meds to make her comfortable...all the while apologizing to me...and telling me that all we could do now was make her comfortable. Through it all, Theresa did not utter a sound...aside from all the barking she had done at the other dogs in the waiting room...before we saw the doctor.

I had to get to work, so I asked the doctor if I could bring Theresa with me. He told me by all means...bring her everywhere!

And so, I did.

Theresa came to work with me that night, and every night last week. She strutted on the leash even as her little sides worked hard for air. She sat by my side at my desk each evening. She was so excited that she was going everywhere with me in the car...to work...to my aunt's to let the man in who diagnosed the leak in the basement, and the following day to let the man in to fix the sprinklers. Each time I went to leave the house last week, Theresa raced down the stairs and sat by the door waiting for me to put on her leash.

She just strutted on that leash...pulling me along.

To the very end, Theresa lived up to her nickname: "SpeedRacer!"

But then, late Friday night, something changed. I was already in bed and Theresa wasn't coming into the room to sleep by my side...as she always did. She stayed in the hall sitting upright with my younger son's bedroom door seemingly supporting her. I went to her...got down on the floor with her...and...between her demeanor and the demeanor of the other dogs...realized the end was very near.

Lucky, her dad...ran into the bedroom and hid on the other side of the bed. Her brother, Mr. Wiggles (he's a whole other story all by himself!) sat upright in the hallway as if standing guard...very uncharacteristic for him, since he likes to be the center of attention.

Theresa put her head on my leg, and I pet and consoled her. Her eyes were not right, and I knew that whatever my prayer...this time around...God's Will was going to be very hard to take!

My sweet little Theresa snuggled as close as she could, and I kissed her on the bridge of her nose. I thought about how much I despised cancer, and spoke some of the same things to Theresa, that I had spoken to my aunt back in April. I told her that she had fought a good fight, but there was nothing more we could do...that I loved her, and would miss her...but that the time for suffering was over. I made the Sign of the Cross on her forehead.

Theresa licked the tears from my face, and just sat with me for a couple of hours. When she went back to her position by my son's door, I tried to help her rest on a pillow...but she would not have any part of it.

She sat upright that entire night.

The next morning Theresa had an appointment with the vet. She was walking and acting normally, with the exception of the still labored breathing, but even my older son commented on how different her eyes were.

As for me, I told my husband, if the vet thought another surgery would help...schedule it!

My heart, though, knew better.

I had Catechist Training that morning, so my husband took Theresa to the vet. I gave her a kiss...told her I loved her...and...made the Sign of the Cross on her head...before she left.

The last picture I have in my mind of Theresa, is of her plopping down on the porch, not wanting to leave with my husband. He picked her up, carried her to the truck and they were on their way.

As I was driving to the church, I got the call that on the way to the vet, Theresa looked over her shoulder at my husband...sighed...and, dropped her head on the seat. He could not find a pulse. He rushed the rest of the way to the vet...they tried to revive her...but, it was too late.

Theresa was gone...another statistic in the insanity that is cancer!

We are heartbroken...and, again struggling with the "how-comes" and the "if-onlys"...that accompany illness and death...whether it be the death of a man, woman, child, or beloved pet.

Theresa is now at rest.

Her earthly journey ended.

I know that animals do not have the same souls as humans...but, because they are energy...I do hope and pray...that the energy that was Theresa...somehow returned on Saturday...to the energy's Source...our Heavenly Father!

My husband simply insists: "All dogs go to heaven!"

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~ From a Headstone in Ireland ~

For more information on

SWIMMER PUPPIES

BONE CANCER IN PETS

OR

MY FAVORITE VETERINARY PRACTICE ON LONG ISLAND

HOW CUTE IS THIS GUY?!?

2009-08-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

I found this Costa Rican lizard through @Eco_Costa_Rica on Twitter. For some reason, the link wouldn't work when I re-tweeted, so I am posting it here.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all. ~Cecil F. Alexander~

FAITH

2009-08-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Faith is a gift of God to man and it is, at the same time, man's free and total entrusting of himself to God.

Faith is the docile listening to the Word of the Lord, that is the "lamp" for our steps and the "light" on our way.

If we open our hearts to Christ with confidence, if we let ourselves be conquered by him, we too can experience, together with the Curé d'Ars, "that our only happiness on this earth is to love God, and to know that He loves us."

Let us ask the Virgin Mary, always to keep alive in us this faith impregnated by love, which made her, the humble girl of Nazareth, Mother of God and model for all believers. ~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

RAY "BUBBA" SORENSEN

2009-08-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

I received these pictures in my e-mail...the pictures and the story must be shared!

There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Highway 25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.

It's quite an impressive sight. The flag is not draped over the rock...it's actually painted on the rock, too.

Here's the artist: Ray 'Bubba' Sorensen:

Thank you, Ray, for sharing your God-given talents with the whole world!!

HE WILL MAKE A WAY

2009-08-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

♫ ♫ ♫ COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS! ♫ ♫ ♫

2009-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

The other day, I received the following e-mail from my cousin whose son and daughter-in-law...both...are in service to our country:

Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward? Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out. Please everybody take just a moment to watch...The Gratitude Campaign...and then forward it to your friends!

THEN START USING THE SIGN!

While I was on YouTube, I found the following video in the same line-up as The Gratitude Campaign...

This has been a difficult year for so many of us...death, economic woes, family hardships, illness...and, on...and, on...and, on. Yet, even as we lament the hard times, we must never lose sight of the good that is around us always and everywhere.

Both these videos started me counting my blessings:

The butterfly that greeted me as I left my home yesterday afternoon to go to work (that's it in the picture above, taken when it settled on it's purple perch).

The majesty of God in the stunning sunsets (that's a picture I took of one on the post entitled The Feast of the Transfiguration) I see each evening as I take Horseblock Road home from Auntie Dee's house after collecting the mail.

My husband and sons who stand side by side with me through the good times...and...the less than good times.

My friends who lift my spirits...even as they extend a shoulder to cry on.

Our pastor, deacon, and so many parishioners who pray for me each and every day.

My babies...you probably call them dogs :)...who greet me with unconditional love each and every time I enter the house...even if I have only been gone a moment...to get something from the car!

My cousins...with whom I have reconnected...who send me prayers, blessings, and wonderful inspiring e-mails like the one above.

The waves on the ocean that remind me of the strength and awesomeness of God.

Food on the table...and...good friends around it.

The kindness of strangers.

The excitement of the children, and the fun we had during VBS last week.

My God-given life...talents...and...gifts.

The freedoms I enjoy, in a country secured by the strength and intelligence of men and women...like my cousin's children...who sacrifice for me!

How about YOU?

Been a bad year?

So bad...that YOU haven't been able to see the good, all around YOU?

Why not take a moment...and...count YOUR blessings?

And, then...

DANCE!!!

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.~ Melodie Beattie ~

To help Veterans right here on Long Island go to: VETERANSROCK.COM

REJOICE! GOD LOVES US EVEN WHEN OTHERS CAN'T...OR...WON'T!

2009-08-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 49:15-16:

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has born?

Though she may forget,

I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

2009-08-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pinto was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.

Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "And think of me.."

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan...

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: "You don't owe me anything...I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson." ~Author Unknown~

There is an old saying..."What goes around comes around." All it is, is another way to say, we reap that which we sow.

What have YOU been reaping lately?

What have YOU sown?

Have YOU been sowing:

Love...or...Vengeance?

Duplicity...or...Transparency?

Healing Actions...or...Hate-filled Ones?

We all must be very careful of that which we sow...the harvest will be bountiful!

The question is:

Will it be a harvest of goodness...and...grace?

OR

Will it be a harvest of ill-will...and...hardship?

The choice is ours...

What do YOU choose?

BEAUTY TIPS

2009-08-10T01:50:00.000-07:00

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

And, just for fun...a clip from one of my all-time favorite movie musicals. Enjoy!

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

2009-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

At His Transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which He will shape and color those who are His: "He will reform our lowness configured to the body of His glory" (Philippians 3:21) ~St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae~

The homily I heard today was about "mountaintop experiences." The disciples certainly had a "mountaintop experience" on Mount Tabor...when Jesus was transfigured...right in front of their eyes.

Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” ~Mark 9:7~

While we were not present on Mount Tabor, with open hearts...we too, can recognize our own personal "mountaintop experiences"...those times, when God reaches through the firmament to grant us a glimpse of His Transcendent Glory...His Almighty Power.

Creation, in all it's wonder...from the coos of a newborn...the waves on the water...a beautiful sky at sunrise or sunset...a puppy's sighs...to a new bloom in the garden...reveal to me glimpses of God's Transcendent Glory.

These are MY "mountaintop experiences."

What are YOURS?

Free your heart...your mind...and...your soul, to recognize and savor the glimpses of God's Transcendent Glory all around YOU!

And, may our "mountaintop experiences" strengthen us to know...who it is...we are called to be...and...how it is...that God ultimately reveals Himself...in the fullness of His love.

THE JOURNEY

2009-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

I began this blog and joined Twitter as a diversion...during the long hours...days...and...weeks of sitting...watching...waiting...and...praying...when my aunt was in the hospital in March.

It has become a place where I share my faith...my ministry...my life...and...my struggles with all three.

Not many of us live charmed lives...I know I don't. And, no matter how many letters you can write after your name...nor...what they mean...a life of faith is still a journey, with all the wonders...and...pitfalls, that any journey on earth can...and...usually does entail.

My route thus far has been circuitous at best. And, yes, the journey has been beautiful...and yet at times...exasperating...holy...and yet at times...insane...a great blessing...and yet at times...a great trial.

Some years ago, I was complaining to my confessor about how difficult some thing or another was for me...and, this was his reply: "You follow a God who carried a cross, was nailed to it, and died an undignified death upon it. WHAT Do YOU Expect?!"

Well, in a world of instant gratification...me, me, and more me...anything goes, etc., etc. we expect rainbows and baby kisses every single day. Yet, there is no rainbow without at least a little rain...nor...a baby to kiss without at least a little pain.

And so too, our faith journey will be strewn with good times...and...bad...baby steps forward...and...giant leaps backward.

The thing is, as in any journey...to stay the course...until the destination has been reached...the loving arms of Christ...as He welcomes us...Home!

ABBEY AND MEREDITH

2009-08-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

I received this beautiful story in my e-mail today.

It came from Dr. Jon at PetPlace.com.

It is proof of what God can accomplish...through us...when we just open our hearts to let Him!

"Our 14-year-old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4-year-old daughter, Meredith, was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to Heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in Heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog.

I really miss her.

Love,

Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to 'God/Heaven'. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to Heaven.

That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed to Meredith in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.

On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.

Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in Heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and send it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,

God"

Who needs YOU to share God's love with them today?

For help in caring for your pet visit: PETPLACE.COM!

FIRST PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION IN IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

2009-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

The goal of our life is to be with God forever.
God, who loves us, gave us life.
Our own response of love allows God's life to flow into us without limit.

All the things in this world are gifts from God, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily.

As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God insofar as they help us develop as loving persons. But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives, they displace God and so hinder our growth toward our goal.

In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance before all these created gifts insofar as we have a choice and are not bound by some obligation.

We should not fix our desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in us a deeper response to our life in God.

Our only desire and our one choice should be this:

I want and I choose what better leads to God's deepening His life in me.

~Saint Ignatius, as paraphrased by David L. Fleming, S.J. ~

THE FEAST OF SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA

2009-07-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

On his way to fame and fortune in the military, Saint Ignatius was sidetracked by a cannonball...at the Battle of Pamplona...which shattered his leg. While he convalesced, he spent his time reading The Life of Christ and The Lives of The Saints...the only books available to him, at the time. His conscience deeply touched, he began a long and painful conversion to Christ.

Eventually, he founded the Society of Jesus...the Jesuits...employing the motto:

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam...

To The Greater Glory Of God.

Everyone who calls themselves a Catholic Christian would do well to make this their motto, as well...that everything...we say and do...always be said and done for, "the greater glory of God."

What are YOU saying and doing, today?

Are YOU saying and doing it for the glory of self?

Or, do YOUR words, actions, and deeds ultimately glorify God?

He has given us a great gift...life.

What we make of that life is our gift back to Him!

I pray that my words, actions, and deeds always glorify He, who has so generously gifted me!

I pray too, that YOUR words, actions, and deeds always glorify Him as well...for YOU, too have been generously gifted by God!

A few years ago...as I was discerning a call to become a Spiritual Director...I spent much time...with my own Spiritual Director..praying through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola.

The Examen of Consciousness is an integral component of the exercises...and, quite frankly...should be an integral component of the prayer life of us all...to help us grow more sensitive to our spirit and our Source:

Saint Ignatius' Prayer For Penitents:

Receive, Lord, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. You have given me all that I have, all that I am, and I surrender all to your divine will, that you dispose of me. Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask.

For more information on the Spiritual Exercises, visit:
IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

THE FEAST OF SAINT MARTHA

2009-07-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feast of Saint Martha.

We don't know much about Martha except that she...and her sister, Mary, and brother Lazarus...were dear friends of Jesus...probably wealthy...and...that she was so busy cooking, cleaning, and complaining about it all, that she usually lost sight of more important matters.

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ~Luke 10:38-42~

Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ~John 11:21~

Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” ~John 11:39~

I confess right now, that I have never been able to relate to Martha. I have always found her to be short-sighted...too busy...do-ing...to just be. Too busy complaining about her sister to just love.

And yet, it is in just be-ing that we find peace.

It is in taking our place at the feet of our Lord that we learn how to love.

How about YOU?

Are YOU a "do"-er?

Always...

Everywhere?

Are YOU always complaining about all YOU do?

Are YOU always complaining that no one helps YOU?

Then, it's probably time for YOU to just be!

Take the time so necessary for YOUR soul and YOUR psyche to just "be"...

AND, more importantly...

to let Christ just "be" in YOU!

Once Jesus...gently...instructed Martha on the proper place of faith in service...her complaints ceased...and her service became filled with love.

The same can be true for YOU.

If YOU just take some time to be infused..as Martha was...with the love of our Lord!

Take some time today...and...just be!

LAUGHING WITH THE SAINTS

2009-07-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

I was reminded the other day...right here on this blog...by a dear friend from Twitter...that ours should be a joyful faith. Sometimes, though we get so bogged down in our own struggles of being in the world but not of it...in our own Good Friday-like experiences...that we lose sight of the fact that without the pain of Good Friday...there is NO joy of Easter Sunday Resurrection.

For some time now, I have been enduring a personal Good Friday. My faith and my hope in Christ help me to know...unreservedly...that my own personal Easter Sunday-like resurrection is on the horizon. In the meantime, rather than wallowing in the pain and darkness, I have chosen to Laugh With The Saints!

I hope these videos give you a laugh or two...or, if you are enduring a personal Good Friday of your own...I hope they give you a few moments of respite.

And...the whisper of a promise...that your own Easter Sunday-like resurrection is on the horizon, as well!

God Bless, You!!

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

2009-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

My husband and I, and even a good family friend, are worried about my older son. He has been through a great deal this past year and a half.

His world...as he knew it...was blown apart...as if by a dirty bomb.

The scales have been ripped from his eyes, and two women, whom he had adored, have shown him a different...darker...more hurtful...side of their personalities...the side, I had managed to protect him from...for much of his meager twenty-three years.

He has lost all respect for these elders, and he is questioning...everything...at the moment...his heritage...his genealogy...and yes, even...or more precisely...especially...God.

It breaks my heart.

This is a young man to whom I would go to discuss philosophy and faith...a young man who talked about the priesthood...went on vocation retreats...and even pilgrimage to Medjugorje for discernment.

That is no more.

The harshness that can sometimes be found in extended familial relationships...is weighing him down at twenty-three.

Each day, I place him...as I place my entire family...in God's Hands.

I pray, that God's justice and righteousness will cut through the insanity of the situation that is wearing my son down, and show him that God IS real...IS listening...and...IS able...to soften even the most hardened of hearts.

And, even as I pray for solace for my son, still I say:

"Thy will...NOT my will...be done!"

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

2009-07-26T09:02:00.001-07:00

Today, we heard proclaimed the Gospel of the loaves and fishes. The homily I heard, reminded me of a story my boys loved to have me read...over and over again...when they were little. It was a Little Golden Book called "Mickey's Stone Soup."

Based on the Grimm Brother's tale, Mickey Mouse enters a village and with a "magic stone" manages to gain everyone's trust and cooperation to make a grand soup to share. Someone brings the pot...another the water...others, the carrots, potatoes, and a bone...until a savory soup is simmering.

The Body of Christ is like that!

We all have something to share!

Too many times...like the villagers in the story...we do not even realize, just how much we have within us to share. But, when we loosen up just a teensy bit, we find that our contribution...no matter how big...or...how small...is just the thing to season the mix perfectly.

The little boy in the Gospel, had enough faith that his contribution of five barley loaves and two fish in Jesus' hands could feed the multitude gathered.

Jesus tells us we must have the faith of a little child to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

How is...YOUR...faith doing, today?

How is...MINE?

What do...YOU...have...within YOU...that is just the thing that the Body of Christ needs to fulfill the Kingdom?

What do...I?

How can...WE...come together...with...OUR...different contributions...to further God's Kingdom...here on earth?

At the end of the homily, the presider began to sing the refrain from a beautiful old song about the Holy Family, called Wind In The Willows:

As I went a walking
One morning in spring
I met with some travelers
On an old country lane
One was an old man
The second a maid
The third was a young boy who smiled as he said
"With the wind in the willows
The birds in the sky
There's a bright sun to warm us wherever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind."
So I asked them to tell me their names and their race
So I could remember each smile on their face
"My name is Joseph this is Mary my wife
And this is our young son, our pride and delight
With the wind in the willows
The birds in the sky
There's a bright sun to warm us wherever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind."
So I sat down beside them
With flowers all around
We et from a mantle
Spread out on the ground
They told me of prophets
And peoples and kings
And all of the one God that knows everything
"We're traveling to Glaston
Over England's green lanes
To hear of men's troubles
To hear of their pains
We travel the wide world
Over land and the sea
To tell all the people
How they can be free
With the wind in the willows
The birds in the sky
There's a bright sun to warm us wherever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind."
So sadly I left them
On that old country lane
For I knew that I'd never see them again
One was an old man
The second a maid
The third was a young boy who smiled as he said
"With the wind in the willows
The birds in the sky
There's a bright sun to warm us wherever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind."

I found the following video of the song. I just wish the lyrics had not been changed to exclude the names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

FINDING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

2009-07-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Each morning, I receive a Minute Meditation via e-mail. The thought for today is:

Love within a family is unconditional, and this kind of environment is necessary not only for children but also for adults who need a space of healing from wounds inflicted in the marketplace.
~Living a Spirituality of Action~

Love within a family SHOULD be unconditional and curative.

Is it that way in YOUR family?

Is it that way in MINE?

Too many times, our families are our worst judges and juries...our closest relations are our harshest critics...our most punitive taskmasters...a veritable fount of unforgiveness.

There are many reasons...excuses...why this dynamic is so; and yet, it is not the familial relationship-dynamic modeled to us by our Triune God!

So, where do we go, when the harshest wounds are not inflicted in the marketplace, but rather in the bosom of the family?

While some turn to alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, overspending, and other "self-medicating"...self-harming...short-term fixes; I turn to God...my haven in the complexities and irrationalities that are my family life. I would love to have had a "Donna Reed-type" family...but, I was not so blessed.

And so, I turn to God...who KNOWS all...and...SEES all.

I pray for conversion of hearts for those who refuse to communicate...or have right relationship...with me.

I pray for God to pour His love and mercy and forgiveness out upon me, so I in turn, may have mercy, forgiveness, love...AND...understanding for those who are hurting my children and I.

I pray that God may keep me from becoming as bitter as some.

And, I pray for fortitude...to continue doing what I know in my heart is the right thing to do...to follow through on the wishes of the one who was disrespected...in life...in illness...and even...in death.

I guess, as the old saw goes: "candy is dandy...liquor is quicker"...

but...

GOD IS FOREVER!

To subscribe to Minute Meditations go to:
AMERICAN CATHOLIC.ORG

IS IT JUST ME?

2009-07-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

I wish this couple all God's Blessings on their recent marriage...and, I do find the video fun...even, as I happily note it was not done in a Catholic Church...BUT, I can't help thinking this performance would have been better suited as the entrance to the reception...rather than the entrance in a church! Am I out of line?

Thoughts?

Comments?

THE CARPENTER'S HOUSE

2009-07-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today!

~Author Unknown~

For more stories like this, visit:
INSPIRATIONSPEAK.COM

WHAT WILL MATTER

2009-07-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.

What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

~Michael Josephson~

Michael Josephson is nationally known as an ethicist and radio commentator. Mr. Josephson is the founder and president of Josephson Institute and its CHARACTER COUNTS! project. The Josephson Institute consists of Centers for Ethics for Youth, Sports, Business, Public Service, and Policing.

For more information on the Josephson Institute, project CHARACTER COUNTS!, or to subscribe to Mr. Josephson's valuable newsletters visit:
JOSEPHSON INSTITUTE CENTER FOR ETHICS

FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST COMMUNION ON THE MOON

2009-07-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

"...the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements.” ~Buzz Aldrin~

FOR MORE ON THE FIRST COMMUNION ON THE MOON GO TO:
REV. BOSCO PETERS' "FIRST COMMUNION ON THE MOON ANNIVERSARY" AT LITURGY.COM.NZ

DIGNITY

2009-07-18T01:23:00.000-07:00

One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it cannot be taken away unless it's surrendered! ~ Michael J. Fox ~

So...Don't...Surrender...Your...Dignity!

Don't Surrender To...

Abuse

Addiction

Entitlement

Threats

Illness

Overspending

Jealousy

Hate

Greed

Bullying

Fear

Ego

Unbridled Passions

Rather...Submit...Your...Very...Being!

Submit to the Holy Spirit...

To the dignity and peace that can only be found within YOURSELF

Within YOUR heart

Within YOUR soul

Within YOUR relationship with our Heavenly Father...as mediated through Christ...and...guided by the Holy Spirit!

Despite what the world tells us...

Dignity and peace do not come from what others do...or...say about...or...to us!

IF THEY DID...what a roller coaster ride our life would be...as we rode the wave of compliments...and fell into the pit of complaints...over and over...many times...every single day!

Dignity and peace do not come from external things...fancy cars...fancier houses...closets full of clothes and shoes...vacations across the world...fame...fortune...things...and more...things.

IF THEY DID...all those sporting that onerous bumper sticker: "Whoever dies with the most toys...WINS," would be happy and at peace...rather than working more and more hours...at more and more jobs...even at times...grasping at that which is not theirs...in the vain attempt to sustain the unsustainable.

Just pick up a newspaper, a magazine, or turn on the television...the story is there for all to see...happening to all too many...all too often...all the time!

Christ surrendered HIS dignity...that we should keep ours...as royalty...sons and daughters of the KING! That is the only thing we possess...freely given by God...that will survive our death...and...all eternity.

So, as Catholic Christians, our bumper sticker should read, "Whoever dies with the dignity and peace of their soul intact...WINS!"

How are...YOUR...dignity and peace doing today?

Have...YOU...surrendered them to another's abuse...threats...or...jealousy?

Have...YOU...surrendered them to illness...or...fear?

Have...YOU...surrendered them to the opinion of another?

Have...YOU...surrendered them in...YOUR...own over-developed sense of entitlement...overspending...or...greed?

Have...YOU...surrendered them in the race for MORE?

As long as...YOU...are breathing...YOU...can reclaim...YOUR...dignity and peace...YOUR...very SOUL!

The question is...

Do...YOU...have the...FAITH...necessary to...submit...to the Holy Spirit...in order to do so?

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 ~

"I THIRST FOR YOU!"

2009-07-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

SAY A PRAYER...LIGHT A CANDLE

2009-07-16T01:02:00.000-07:00

Praying should be as easy as breathing for us. It should be one of the first and last things we do each day...as well, as something we do continually, throughout the day. Because we live in the world, we must accomplish other tasks in our day as well. Unlike contemplatives, most of us cannot sit and pray all day long, even if that might be our fondest wish.

Therefore, we make use of votive or vigil candles. We visit a church, offer our prayer of...petition...thanksgiving...praise...blessing...and light a candle. The candle symbolizes our prayer long after we have left...keeping it "aflame." The candle also shows solidarity with others sending their own prayers aloft.

Some days, it may be impossible for us to find the time to stop into a church to light a candle. Rev. Bosco Peters (@Liturgy on Twitter) has given us all the solution to that problem. By clicking on the link below you will be brought to a virtual chapel. Lift up your prayer and light a candle right from your pc.

While NOTHING can compare to, or replace, an actual visit to church, in a pinch, this is a wonderful, occasional alternative!

LIGHT A VIRTUAL CANDLE!

THE POLICEMAN

2009-07-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Who are YOU judging?

Who needs to hear YOU say..."I love you?"

What are YOU waiting for?

Tomorrow, may be TOO LATE!

THE REASON FOR OUR HOPE FOUNDATION

"...WHOEVER IS ASHAMED OF ME..."

2009-07-14T14:46:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I talk about God all the time...to anyone...anywhere.

He is a part of me...He is the very air I breathe. He is closer to me than my sons...my husband...my friends.

It is just a natural thing, for me to tell people I will pray for them, in whatever circumstance happens to be under discussion.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a bible-thumper...I do not go door-to-door handing out prayer cards...I do not stand on street corners with a placard...but, God does come up, at some point, in many of my conversations outside of the parish.

I've begun to notice, however, that my faith appears to make others uncomfortable.

And, I don't understand WHY!?!

Cases in point:

Last year, when I brought my aunt for her first surgery, I escorted her to pre-op. When the doctor came to explain everything they would be doing, I told him, I would be praying for them...the doctors and my aunt...during surgery.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

This past March, when my aunt was again in the hospital, I received a telephone call, early one morning, from the surgeon who was going to perform the procedure. He kindly explained everything he would be doing...how long it would be taking...and...what the prognosis would be. I thanked him and told him I would be praying, for both he and my aunt, during the operation.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Last week, one of my dogs went in for surgery. The doctor called to tell me exactly what he would be doing...what the dangers were...and...that she had a 50-50 chance of survival. I told him I would be praying for him and my baby.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Yesterday, I received the monthly telephone call from the bereavement arm of hospice. The lady is very kind...she asked how I was doing. I told her: "I seem to be surrounded by cancer and death at the moment. I would probably be drowning, right now, if I didn't have God."

There was an awkward pause on the other end of the line...a tentative chuckle...good wishes...and the promise that I would receive another call next month.

Why do people, living in a country established under GOD...living under independence declared in GOD's Name...with the motto: "In GOD We Trust"...squirm when...GOD...is mentioned?

Or worse, when you simply say you will pray for them?

I just don't get it!

When I speak my mind on any other subject, I do not witness this uncomfortable reaction from others.

I am not trying to convert anyone...I am not trying to get anyone to drink any kool-aid...I am merely expressing myself...in what is a very natural way...for me!

How about YOU?

Do YOU believe in GOD?

Do YOU speak about Him outside of prayer, home, and church?

OR,

Does it make YOU uncomfortable when others speak of GOD?

If so, WHY is THAT?

Only YOU know the answer!

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. ~ Mark 8:38 ~

"I BELIEVE GOD HOLDS THE BRUSH"

2009-07-13T07:13:00.001-07:00

Not long after we joined our new parish, there was an evening of prayer and conversion talks. When we entered the parish hall, there was a large display of paintings in the front of the room. We took seats in the back, (it is my habit to always sit as close to an exit as possible, should the panic rise within me), and listened as one by one people stood to talk about their struggles...their faith...and...their struggles...with...their faith.

At one point, a pretty blonde woman in a wheelchair began to speak. A terrible skiing accident many years earlier had left her quadriplegic and despairing. She spoke about her trials...her road to recovery after the accident...and, how she came to be an artist.

YES, THE PAINTINGS...WATERCOLORS....WERE HER CREATIONS!

This remarkable woman was Sylvia Geoghegan. The life story she told that evening was an inspiration...an invitation...to a new way of living...of being...for all of us gathered in that room...for me.

Sylvia spoke about learning new ways...about making deals with herself to go outside the house...to go to the store...even though she disliked the way people stared at her. Though mine was a different problem, her fears and how she had overcome them struck a chord deep inside me!

After the talks were over, I went to the display of paintings. One in particular caught my eye. I was just staring at it...feeling the words gently caress the pain...the constant panic...in my own heart...when Sylvia came over to me. She told me the words on the painting were what had saved her...become her motto for life...

"And the day came when to remain tight as a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

I told Sylvia that those words touched me right to my very soul.

I asked how much the painting cost.

When she told me the price, I knew we could never afford it...my husband had only been back to work a short time and I was back to just medical billing jobs since the short term high paying contract had ended. Even as these thoughts were running through my mind, Sylvia...this incredible woman, who had never laid eyes on me before in her life...said: "Here take it...you can pay me twenty-five dollars a month, until it's paid for."

I couldn't believe what was happening!

That night, I wrote her a check for twenty-five dollars, and brought my treasure home.

Each month, I faithfully made my payment to this incredible woman who gifted me with so much more than a pretty painting...she gave me hope, faith, and the way to get my life back.

To this day, that painting (along with a smaller one of an angel I had purchased later) hangs right by my front door...a constant inspiration...reminder...every time I leave the house.

Sadly, Sylvia Geoghegan passed from our lives...tragically and accidentally...much too soon on November 7, 1999...yet, her enthusiasm...her love...her inspiration...live forever in those who were blessed to have been touched by her indomitable spirit!

So, the questions are these:

What has YOU painfully twisted..."tight as a bud"...today?

What risk must YOU take...to blossom?

To read more about the remarkable Sylvia Geoghegan visit:

A HANDICAP IS TURNED INTO AN INSPIRATION ~NY TIMES-JUNE 8, 1997 ~

PART TWO IN A SERIES

2009-07-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

In 1997, when my boys were little, my husband was laid off from work. He was eligible for unemployment insurance...I took on more hours at my job...and we muddled through...as families do...during such times.

Suffering with agoraphobia induced by uncontrollable migraines (a diagnosis I kept secret from everyone but my very closest friends and family members), I was doing medical billing, at home, at the time, and getting paid piece-meal. I asked my supervisor for a larger workload. It just so happened that he had a new job come in that went faster and paid better. Because I had a nearly perfect accuracy rate, he trained me on that job.

The catch was, he didn't know how long the extra hours would last; and, the work had to be picked up at 5AM each weekday morning and returned by 10AM. My supervisor let me take on this job, in addition to increasing the number of regular medical billing bundles, I did each day.

That man was a life saver that summer!

My husband would go pick up the work at 5AM and deliver it at 10AM, while I worked non-stop on the computer. I was working fifteen hours a day, seven days a week. With my husband's unemployment insurance, we managed to take home only a couple hundred dollars less each paycheck.

We tightened our belts, and made it through, until my husband found a new job. Which, just so happened to coincide with the end of the contract for the new billing job, that had saved us over that summer.

Can we say: "God"-incidence!?!

Because, I was working non-stop seven days a week, for me, mass took a backseat to the situation that needed addressing at our domestic church. My husband took the boys each Sunday, but, because of our financial situation, we stopped putting envelopes in the basket, and instead the boys would each put in a dollar or two.

Then the telephone call came one Sunday afternoon, as I was struggling to get out a larger than normal billing job!

Seems the pastor was away, the DRE was on a prolonged sick leave, and one of the associate pastors was running the Religious Education Office. When he announced himself on the telephone, I was surprised, but since he had always been friendly and helpful in the past, I was happy to speak to him.

Until he told me why he had called!

He said that he was grateful that I had again volunteered to teach religion, but that I wouldn't be needed that year. He told me I was a troublemaker. He went on to tell me that he didn't understand why I wanted to teach religion, anyway, since my family never went to mass.

My family...minus only me...was at mass that very morning. It dawned on me that what this associate pastor had not been seeing, was not my family, but rather my family's envelopes!

I told him my family had been there that morning, and that I was working even as we spoke because my husband had been laid off.

HE DID NOT CARE.

Finally, I handed the telephone to my husband, who also couldn't get anywhere with the man.

I was beside myself!

The next day, I called the pastor, and that was when I found out he was away. A week or so later, he called me, and stood by everything his associate had to say because he was running the program now.

I asked the pastor: "What about my boys and religion."

His answer was: "Well, that's entirely up to you!"

WHAT?!?

I handed the telephone to my husband because I wasn't sure if I was hearing correctly...AGAIN!

My husband spoke with the pastor, and reiterated everything I had heard.

The next day, I called the diocese. A very nice religious sister told me to find another parish! She said her own sister had been treated badly at her geographic parish, and she found another parish...was happy, and practically running the place.

I didn't think that was going to happen with ME!

That afternoon, one of the auxiliary bishops called my house, to tell me that this was a parish matter, and he would not be getting involved. He just wanted to let me know that he was praying for me.

I wasn't really impressed...although today, I will tell you I have much respect for this same bishop!

I hung up with the bishop and went to pick up my boys from school. When I returned home, there was a message on my answering machine from the pastor...saying that by all means my children were welcome in that parish!

MY CHILDREN WERE WELCOME!?!

HUH?!?!

NOT MY HUSBAND!?!

NOT ME!?!

JUST THE CHILDREN!?!

AND, THEY WOULD GET THERE HOW!?!

THEY WERE 11 AND 7 AT THE TIME!

I didn't return the call...although, it was obvious to me that, although the bishop wasn't getting involved...he clearly DID!

I was leaving the Church!

How dare they JUDGE me when they didn't even know what was going on in my life...and how much we were struggling!

Who did they think they were!?!

September came, and my boys were not enrolled in religious education.

My father was very upset, because I wasn't doing what was right by his grandkids!

My family are Sacrament Catholics at best, and my younger son was in second grade at the time...so First Holy Communion was in jeopardy, here! This was IMPORTANT to my dad!

One evening, I was washing dishes and the wind started howling. I always begin to pray when the wind begins to blow, because, the swaying trees remind me of just how close the Holy Spirit really is to us, at all times. That evening, as I washed the dinner dishes, I began to pray about my son, my dad, my faith, my Church...or lack thereof.

As I prayed, Mother Cabrini came to mind. Always, I go to her when I am in trouble. And, I was very troubled that evening. As I prayed, I realized there was a church in her name one town over. I listened to the little voice saying: "call them."

I looked up the number in the telephone book...called...and left a message on the answering machine in the Religious Education Office. All I said was that I was interested in enrolling my sons.

As for ME...I WAS DONE with the Catholic Church...apparently, SHE is STILL NOT DONE with ME!

The next day, the sister who ran the program at the time called me to say my boys were more than welcome to enter the program there; but, (there's always a but with God...isn't there?) I would have to meet with her in the morning before she could place them.

Since, I had to go to this meeting because my father was upset that his boys wouldn't have the sacraments, I called and dragged him and mother with me!

Misery loves company, you know!

The next day, I went to the church. I had never been there before. The boys were in school, so it was just the three of us. Sister told me to come into her office. She closed the door, and it was now just Sister and I.

Ruh-roh!

Sister told me she would enroll my boys, and then asked about their religious education thus far. I told her that I had taught my older son through fifth grade, and that the younger boy was in second grade. Sister said, "You are a catechist?! You teach fifth grade?! I need a fifth grade catechist for the same time your boys will be here!"

Keeping my cool...I WAS leaving the CHURCH...after all...I WAS only there to shut my father up...after all...I told her I couldn't possibly teach.

When she pressed me, I broke into tears!

I told her I wasn't good enough to be a catechist...I was a troublemaker...the priest at the other parish had said so. I don't always make it to mass because of work obligations and health problems...Sister interrupted me, and said she didn't care about that!

As I wiped my leaking face, she handed me a catechist manual saying: "Your boys are enrolled for Saturdays at 10AM. I need a fifth grade catechist for Saturdays at 10AM. You are a fifth grade catechist. You were sent here. Go home and pray about it. I'll see you, Saturday!"

And, ushered me right OUT of the office!!

I went home, looked at the book, prayed about it, and went back on Saturday to teach that class! We went to mass the next day, and I haven't stopped teaching religion, or going to mass...health permitting...since!

Three months later...four months before my younger son received First Holy Communion...my father died.

To this day...I believe, that the reason he had lived through the heart attacks and stroke, he had had over the years prior...was because he had to bring me back...albeit, kicking and screaming...to the Catholic Church!

Right before my younger son was to receive First Holy Communion, I was formally introduced to the pastor. I will tell you, I was a little nervous. Up until that point, I did well with nuns, not...so...well...with...priests!

Sister introduced me by saying I was geographically from another parish.

I thought, "Oh boy...here it comes!"

Father looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and said, "I don't care where you are from, and I don't care what went on over there, in the past...I'm just glad you're here now, in the present!"

That sealed it for me!

Three years later, it was that same pastor and that same sister who wrote the recommendation letters, so I could attend the seminary, to study for my Master's Degree in Theology!

And, I have praised God and thanked Him,...for them, both...and, the two who were the catalyst for the move...and, that auxiliary bishop...every single day, since!

WE INTERRUPT OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING FOR AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE DIRECT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE...

2009-07-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today, I received the following e-mail from John O. Brennan, regarding the H1N1 Virus and the upcoming fall flu season. I pass it on with blessings for YOUR good health!

As the President's advisor on Homeland Security, I am passing along the following message from Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, who are leading the efforts to prepare our Nation for the coming flu season.

Fellow Americans,

This spring we were confronted with an outbreak of a troubling flu virus called 2009-H1N1. As the fall flu season approaches, it is critical that we reinvigorate our preparedness efforts across the country in order to mitigate the effects of this virus on our communities.

Today, we are holding an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit in conjunction with the White House to discuss our Nation's preparedness. We are working together to monitor the spread of 2009-H1N1 and to prepare to initiate a voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009-H1N1 flu virus, assuming we have a safe vaccine and do not see changes in the virus that would render the vaccine ineffective.

But the most critical steps to mitigating the effects of 2009-H1N1 won't take place in Washington — they will take place in your homes, schools and community businesses.

Taking precautions for this fall's flu season is a responsibility we all share. Visit Flu.gov to make sure you are ready and learn how you can help promote public awareness. We are making every effort to have a safe and effective vaccine available for distribution as soon as possible, but our current estimate is that it won't be ready before mid-October. This makes individual prevention even more critical. Wash your hands regularly. Take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and if you do get sick, stay home from work or school.

We are doing everything possible to prepare for the fall flu season and encourage all Americans to do the same — this is a shared responsibility and now is the time to prepare. Please visit Flu.gov to learn what steps you can take to prepare and do your part to mitigate the effects of H1N1.

Take Care,
Kathleen, Janet and Arne

The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

BEAUTIFUL WORDS

2009-07-08T01:40:00.000-07:00

I know I walk to the beat of a different drummer...but, I got home from work yesterday to ALL MICHAEL, ALL THE TIME television...and wondered if the rest of the world had stopped...inasmuch as, there was no other news being reported!

I watched for a few minutes as people who supposedly knew him well, spoke so eloquently about him:

His laugh was sweet and pure.

He was mischievous.

He was honest.

He was a lover of life.

He cared deeply for his family, friends, and fans.

He saw everything with his heart.

I have no doubt, that these remarks spoken with love, are true.

Yet, I wonder if, when he was alive, he knew those people felt that way about him!

I remember years ago, the commercial he did when he was going to trial...it was replayed several times over this past week on many different channels...he sat there and begged everyone to reserve judgment until all the facts were in...he appeared nearly broken.

The television cameras have been showing us for days, the crush of people celebrating this man's life.

And, through it all I keep thinking...it's too late!

Where were these people when he needed help...with alleged childhood struggles...with accusations...with lawsuits...with trials...with bad publicity...with alleged drug abuse??

Beautiful words spoken in eulogy are really only that...pretty words.

Before he died, many had accused him, judged him, and punished him...over and over again.

I don't pretend to know who he was, what he did or didn't do, or how he suffered in life. At times over the years, I too, raised more than one eyebrow over allegations and reported incidents involving children. Still, I leave his final judgment up to our Almighty Father.

My observation is merely this:

How much more beautiful these words would be, when spoken to the living!

And, how much more curative!

How much more meaningful...to celebrate someone in life...rather than after death!

What are YOU waiting for?

Tell those YOU love just how much they mean to YOU!

Do it NOW, while there is still time!

And, to those...who have nothing good to say about a person...even after he/she has died...I say this:

YOU need to look within YOUR own heart on that one!

It says so much more about...YOU...than the deceased...regardless of his/her alleged sins!

~ For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. ~ Matthew 7:2

"CARITAS IN VERITATE"

2009-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

READ "CARITAS IN VERITATE" HERE: VATICAN SITE

THE PAULINE CHAPEL IN THE VATICAN'S APOSTOLIC PALACE

2009-07-07T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Pauline Chapel serves as the personal prayer space of the pope and his household. By order of Pope Paul III, the chapel was commissioned in 1537. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the chapel has been closed for more than five years for restoration.

Michelangelo's two frescoes in the Pauline Chapel, The Conversion of Saul and The Crucifixion of St Peter, were painted during the height of his fame from 1542 to 1550.

Other paintings and statues in the chapel were created by Lorenzo Sabbatini, Federico Zuccari, and P. Bresciano.

For more information on the re-opening of the Pauline Chapel, visit:

CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY ~ POPE OPENS RESTORED PAULINE CHAPEL ~

For Pope Benedict's reflection on Michelangelo's frescoes in the Pauline Chapel, visit:

ZENIT.ORG ~ POPE SHARES ART-INSPIRED MEDITATION ~

EMBODIED FAITH

2009-07-06T01:16:00.000-07:00

When presented to archbishops, the pallium signifies their participation in the pastoral power of the pope within their church province.

The pallium is a circular, white, woolen stole approximately two inches wide, worn about the neck, breast, and shoulders.

The pallium has two pendants, one hanging down in front and one behind...each are about two inches wide and twelve inches long...and are weighted with small pieces of lead covered with black silk.

At least part of the wool of the pallium is supplied by two lambs presented annually as a tax by the Lateran Canons Regular to the Chapter of St. John on the feast of St. Agnes.

There are six small black crosses on the pallium...the crosses on the breast, back, and left shoulder each have a loop which secures a gold pin set with a precious stone.

The pallium is worn over the chasuble.

For more information on the pallium go to:

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA ~ PALLIUM ~

...ANYWAY

2009-07-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, a friend gave me a wall hanging attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Apparently, the original hangs in Mother Teresa's Home For Children in India. The last line says it all!

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

FORGIVENESS

2009-07-04T01:41:00.000-07:00

So, the Sacrament of Reconciliation makes right our sins against God and others. But, what about those sins perpetrated against us?

To whom much is given, much is expected. ~ Luke 12:48 ~

When we walk out of the confessional basking in the glow of healing and renewal, we MUST pass the forgiveness on...for the other...but, more importantly for ourself.

In our society, forgiveness is often seen as weakness. People who forgive those who have hurt them or their family are made to look as if they really don't care about their loved ones. But forgiveness is tremendous strength. It is the action of someone who refuses to be consumed by hatred and revenge. ~ Helen Prejean, csj ~

And, by ridding ourselves of hatred and revenge, we also rid ourselves of stress and anxiety. We stop dwelling on the particulars of the offense, we avoid becoming consumed by the desire to punish the other and, we find peace...happiness...emotional and spiritual healing.

Forgiving the other means we take away the power we have given that person over our life. Forgiveness allows us to stand up straight and strong, and to loudly proclaim:

"I will be a victim no longer!"

So, what is YOUR decision?

Will YOU continue on in weakness?

Will YOU allow pride...hatred...revenge to ruin YOUR life?

Or...

Do YOU have the strength it takes to forgive and live free...

to evict that person or circumstance YOU allow...

to live rent-free in YOUR psyche?

For more on grudges, bitterness, and forgiveness go to:

FORGIVENESS: HOW TO LET GO OF GRUDGES AND BITTERNESS ~ MAYOCLINIC.COM ~

COME BACK HOME

2009-07-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

When I gather the children to talk about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I tell them God loves us unconditionally. He is always there. Sometimes, though, we turn our backs on Him...but He NEVER, EVER turns His back on us.

God is always there with arms wide open, waiting to envelope us in the biggest hug we could ever imagine!

In this world, that kind of love is hard to come by...let alone understand. I tell the children that when we are baptized, we are welcomed into the family of God...the Church. God gifts us with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, though, we lose our way...we let anger, fear, ego, jealousy, spite, greed, and other selfish motives interrupt our grace-filled relationship with God and one another. We all know, this is called sin.

Now, children know that when they disobey their parents there are usually consequences...punishment...time out...loss of privileges. That is the human way of discipline.

God however, has a different way...Perfect Love.

It's not always easy for the children to understand that God does not punish as human parents so often do. They come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with trepidation and fear. They equate penance with punishment.

I tell them the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).

As you know, this is the story of a father and two sons. The younger son decides one day that he wants to go out into the world and live his own life. In an insult to his father (inasmuch as he is saying his dad is worth more to him dead than alive) he asks for his inheritance. The father gives it to him and he is off.

The son squanders every penny and winds up working feeding swine. He is so impoverished that he would gladly eat the pods he is feeding the pigs. One day, he comes to his senses and realizes that his father's servants have more than enough to eat.

He decides to journey home, throw himself at his father's mercy, and ask to be hired on as a slave. As he approaches home, his father gets word and runs out to meet him. The son drops to his knees and tells the father he is no longer worthy to be called his son.

Rather than say (as many a parent exercising the dreaded "tough love" might), "You've got that right, it's about time you came to your senses! Get inside and suffer your punishment!"

The father in Jesus' parable instructs the servants to get the best robe and put it on his son along with a ring and sandals. The father further instructs the servants to kill the fatted calf for a grand celebration for his long lost son!

Of course, there is another, older sibling in this picture. The one who was with the father the entire time. Always there...always perfect...this son comes home to a grand celebration and wants to know whats going on. When he finds out that his brother is home, and that the celebration is for him, he becomes angry and complains to the father that he has never even been given so much as a goat to celebrate with his friends!

The father tells him that he was with him the whole time and that everything the father has is his. BUT, the one who was lost has been found and everyone must rejoice. The father is exercising Perfect Love.

This is the love God extends to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are all human. We all make mistakes. We all hurt others, God, and, in the process, ourselves. We all sin...that's the bad news.

The good news is...before He died, Jesus gave us the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation to help us be better children of God. When we sin, we can go to confession. Once there, we can unburden our souls and become enveloped in God's perfect love. Just as the younger son in the parable was enveloped in his father's love...even, to the consternation of his older sibling.

In Reconciliation, we meet with the priest. His is a two-fold job in this. When we sin, we not only strain our relationship with God, but the person we sin against, and the entire community of the faithful...the Body of Christ. Therefore, while the Holy Spirit works through the priest to absolve us of our sins, the priest also represents the other whom we have sinned against, and the community which also suffers by our sinful actions.

When we enter the confessional with a truly contrite heart, penance is not punishment, but rather the first concrete step we take in the new life we are living...healed and renewed.

I tell the boys and girls that on the day of Baptism our soul is clean and fresh. As we make bad choices...in a child's case: lying, talking back, striking another, cheating on a test, stealing...in an adult's case: gossiping, lashing out in anger, abusing drugs, stepping out on a spouse, having an abortion...our souls become muddied and we become confused. The more sins we pile on, the easier it becomes to sin and, the more confused we become.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our souls are renewed and refreshed. We are given a clean, new page upon which to write the rest of our lives.

No sin is too great for the Perfect Love of God our Father...as mediated through Christ, His Son...by the power of the Holy Spirit!

So, who are YOU in the parable of the Prodigal Son?

Are YOU more like the father who loves perfectly?

Or...

Are YOU more like the child who has been lost?

Or...

Are YOU more like the older sibling who resents that which is given the other?

If the answer is bad news...here is the good news:

Yes, even YOU, can Come Back Home to the Body of Christ...The Church!

In fact, we are waiting for YOU!

No sin is too great for the Perfect Love of the Holy Trinity!

What are YOU waiting for?

We want to welcome YOU back...won't YOU let us?

CATHOLICS COME HOME VIDEO

CATHOLICS COME HOME.ORG

Love is a mutual self-giving that ends in self-recovery. YOU recover GOD, and HE recovers YOU. ~ Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ~

"I THIRST"

2009-07-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

I was watching a show called God is Good on Telecare the other morning. There was a sister on the show from Nebraska talking about her conversion, and subsequent founding of a religious order.

She was telling about how after she had been a Catholic for three whole months, she realized that she didn't even know the Blessed Mother. So, she decided to go to Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to spend a holy hour with Christ. She went on to say that she brought many books with her because she wasn't sure how she would spend a full hour in prayer.

As she sat praying, she began to meditate on Jesus' words: "I thirst."

The sister too, began to pray: "I thirst."

She envisioned herself with Jesus in the garden and she told him that she thirsted to know Mary. Soon a woman entered the garden in her meditation, and Jesus introduced that woman as his mother.

The story this sister was telling was faith-filled and beautiful. And, it got me to thinking...

For what do I thirst?

I thirst for:

peace,

justice,

righteousness,

guidance,

health,

love,

reconciliation!

And, just like the good sister, I find all of these in Christ!

How about YOU?

For what do YOU thirst?

How can Christ quench that thirst for YOU?

TELECARE TELEVISION

"FATHERHOOD BEGINS AT CONCEPTION!"

2009-07-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama recently declared that "Fatherhood begins at conception!"

While I am dismayed, that inasmuch as he appears to believe that statement, and yet also does not appear to believe that MOTHERHOOD begins at the same time, that is not what I am addressing today.

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure via SQPN and USTREAM Live, to virtually "attend" the CNMC (Catholic New Media Celebration) 2009 held in San Antonio, Texas. While I enjoyed seeing the faces and hearing the voices of many Catholic bloggers, podcasters, and Twitter friends I follow; and, was immensely blessed to see and hear their presentations; it was the presentation by the Knights of Columbus that impacted me the most.

You see, long before our president issued his declaration on fatherhood, the Knights of Columbus have been faithfully declaring it, living it, and assisting men in the vocation of marriage and fatherhood...and, doing it for over one hundred and twenty-five years.

Now too, they have a wonderful website entirely dedicated to good fathering.

And ladies, there is plenty of info there for us, as well!

WHY NOT CHECK IT OUT TODAY?

FATHERS FOR GOOD

To view recorded videos of CNMC 2009 visit SQPN:

STAR QUEST PRODUCTION NETWORK CNMC 2009 VIDEOS

May God Bless You!!

PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN

2009-06-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

In two weeks, our Second Annual Summer Soccer Camp will begin. Earlier this month, we held two organizational meetings. We are blessed to have many talented and faith-filled volunteers. Many of whom, are public school teachers giving of themselves and their time over the summer, to help the children of our parish family gain new skills and insight.

There are many new faces this year, which is always wonderful.

Tonight, I will be holding a Virtus: Protecting God's Children training session, so we can place all our wonderful new volunteers with the children. For the most part, everyone willingly participates in these sessions...understanding, that while we are not part of the problem...it is in our power to be the solution.

At our last soccer meeting, however, one individual's displeasure at being required to take the training was loud and clear. I simply don't understand the reticence, reluctance, and seeming fears of impending doom, which surround the announcement that volunteers must attend ONE on-site session, to arm themselves with the information necessary, to keep our most precious gifts from God...OUR CHILDREN...safe!

We are all too familiar with the sins of the past in regard to pedophilia, in all institutions that serve children, including the Church. Why then, when a program is put in place to bring awareness to the problem, in the hope that not a single child more will suffer...do good people balk?

Isn't the health and well-being of a child more valuable than the few hours spent learning how to protect that child?

Is it fear of facing reality...seeing that the "bogeyman" looks just like us?

Is it fear of facing our own behaviors...recognizing the changes we must make in ourselves, in order to keep children safe?

Is it just anger at being put upon one more time for the sins of others?

Is it any or all of that...or something more?

I really don't understand, because to me, it is very simple...children have been hurt badly in the past...their innocence stolen away.

Children are being hurt right now in the present...their innocence stolen away.

Some have taken their own lives to escape the pain...some more, very likely, will take their own lives to escape the pain.

WE CAN DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE THAT DYNAMIC!

WE MUST DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE THAT DYNAMIC!

The light has been shined on the darkness.

Why would some rather stay in the dark?

How about YOU?

What are YOU being required to do that makes YOU balk?

WHY IS THAT?

How are YOU going to reconcile YOURSELF to it?

GOD vs SCIENCE

2009-06-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

I received this in my e-mail the other day. Unfortunately, the author is unknown. I hope it speaks to you the way it did to me:

A professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, "Let me explain the problem science has with religion."

The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"

"Yes sir," the student says.

"So you believe in God?"

"Absolutely."

"Is God good?"

"Sure! God's good."

"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"

"Yes."

"Are you good or evil?"

"The Bible says I'm evil."

The professor grins knowingly.

"Aha! The Bible!"

He considers for a moment.

"Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"

"Yes sir, I would."

"So you're good."

"I wouldn't say that."

"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."

The student does not answer, so the professor continues.

"He doesn't, does He? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"

The student remains silent.

"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says.

He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"

"Errr yes," the student says.

"Is Satan good?"

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."

"Then where does Satan come from?"

The student falters. "From God"

"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"

"Yes, sir."

"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"

"Yes."

"So who created evil?"

The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

Again, the student has no answer.

"Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"

The student squirms on his feet.

"Yes."

"So who created them?"

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.

"Who created them?"

There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.

"Tell me," he continues on to another student.

"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"

The student's voice betrays him and cracks.

"Yes, professor, I do."

The old man stops pacing.

"Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"

"No sir. I've never seen Him."

"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"

"No, sir, I have not."

"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelled your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"

"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Yet you still believe in him?"

"Yes."

"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"

"Nothing," the student replies.

"I only have my faith."

"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own.

"Professor, is there such thing as heat?"

"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."

"And is there such a thing as cold?"

"Yes, son, there's cold too."

"No sir, there isn't."

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.

The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

"You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that.. There is no such thing as cold, otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"

"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"

"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.

"So what point are you making, young man?"

"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.

"Flawed? Can you explain how?"

"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"

"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."

"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."

The student looks around the room.

"Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?"

The class breaks out into laughter.

"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers.

"I guess you'll have to take them on faith."

"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues.

"Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"

Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."

To this the student replied,

"Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

In reality, there is only one sin: turning away from God. And there is simply one conversion: returning to God's love.
~ John Dear on Peace ~

CATHOLIC CLIMATE COVENANT

2009-06-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

TAKE THE SAINT FRANCIS PLEDGE TO CARE FOR CREATION AND THE POOR AT: CATHOLIC CLIMATE COVENANT

CRY OUT TO JESUS

2009-06-27T01:32:00.000-07:00

LIFE IS LIKE A CUP OF COFFEE

2009-06-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

So, how about YOU?

In YOUR life, is it the "coffee" or the "cup?"

Are YOU savoring YOUR "coffee," or struggling to get YOURSELF a better "cup?"

Are YOU coveting someone else's "cup?"

Whose?

Why?

Because YOU really need it, or because YOU just don't want THEM TO HAVE IT?

How are YOU going to change YOURSELF, so YOU can savor YOUR "coffee," without a second thought to someone else's "cup?"

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF DRIVING

2009-06-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

As has become my habit the last couple of months, I left church yesterday afternoon, and began the drive straight down Horseblock Road to my aunt's house, to take care of the daily chores there. As I came closer to the fireworks company, I noticed crime scene tape cordoning off a large area of the westbound side of the road. Vehicles were parked on the shoulder of my side of the road, and police cars were scattered over a very large area of the opposite side of the road...lights flashing!

Then I saw him...

A lone body lying in the middle of the roadway covered with a blanket.

I guess everyone was waiting for the coroner, because NO ONE was anywhere near the man who had just been killed, in what I later learned was a motorcycle-truck accident.

As the good sisters of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament taught us so many years ago, whenever we see or hear police cars, fire trucks or sirens...

I began to pray and yes, even cry as I continued on my way.

I felt so sorry for whom I later learned was a young man, just lying there ALL ALONE, with NO ONE to hold his hand or comfort him as he passed from this world to the next.

I prayed for Saint Michael to lead him to our Father in heaven. I prayed that Christ would welcome him, even as He consoled the young man's family, as they too, begin a new way of being...without their loved one.

It makes me crazy the way people drive on Long Island. Like everything else in so many people's lives, driving has become more an exercise in ME and I, rather than in a safe mode of moving from Point A to Point B.

On June 17, 2007, the Vatican issued the Ten Commandments of Driving. Just as so many threw the Vatican out of the bedroom with Humanae Vitae...so many scoffed at the Vatican's joining us in the car each and every day.

If we could only learn to listen...how much easier, happier, and lengthy could life be?!?

I do not pretend to know how this fatal accident occurred. I did not witness the actual occurrence, I only saw the aftermath...the devastation.

I did not witness the crash that ultimately killed my brother in 1967, I only live the aftermath...the devastation.

As I taught my two boys how to drive, I reminded them, and still do to this day, that when they are behind the wheel of a car, they have freedom in their hands...in their hands as well, is a potential one-ton weapon of mass destruction...proceed cautiously.

I pray that YOU, too will realize that YOU have the power over life and death with EVERY action YOU take, when YOU are behind the wheel...or handlebars...of ANY vehicle!

Please Proceed Cautiously!

The Ten Commandments of Driving:

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

In loving memory of Joseph L. Malack ~ May 8, 1948 - January 16, 1967 ~

PART ONE IN A SERIES

2009-06-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

As we begin the Year For Priests, I have been reflecting on the many good men I have known and/or worked with over the years. While there are a very small handful of negative experiences I have had, the many, many good priests I have known far outnumber the few questionable experiences I have had.

Therefore, from time to time I will be telling of my experiences with the true "Alter Christi" I have encountered:

When my older son, now 23 years old, was an infant, my husband and I took him to mass one Sunday morning. He began to fuss, so I took out a bottle to quiet him. An elderly lady sitting in the pew in front of us saw me feeding my son as she turned to sit back down, and with a horrible face, snapped at me that it was not the time or place to be feeding my infant.

It WAS a bottle...it WAS NOT dripping...I WAS NOT nursing..It WAS NOT noisy...IT WAS A BOTTLE OF FORMULA!

Yet, I had so offended this woman by what she considered to be sacrilege, that she let me know it, and her companion as well. I was beside myself.

The next Sunday, I stayed home with my baby. The week after that, we went to a later mass, sat way in the back, and, did not bring any bottles, so as not to insult any elderly ladies.

BAD IDEA!!

As the visiting priest stepped into the center aisle and began his homily, my son began to fuss. I could not quiet him, so I got up. As I stepped into the aisle...

HORRORS!! THE VISITING PRIEST STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS!

He asked me if I was leaving because the baby was crying. I just nodded my head sheepishly, as I began to turn to leave.

He told me to STOP! And, to return to my seat, as he walked down the aisle toward us.

As Roseanne Roseannadanna would say: "I thought I was gonna DIE!!"

But, I did what I was told.

This priest then did a complete about face in his homily, and instead began to preach on Jesus telling the little children to come to him, and how we are not to get in their way!

Had he been sitting near us, two weeks previously?!?

When he reached my child and I, he blessed my son, and made it pefectly clear that we were welcome at mass anytime, no matter what my son's demeanor might be. And, that the rest of the congregation were to echo his sentiments with ALL children...always!

Twenty-three years later, I still remember that sermon, that priest, and, how I prayed the floor would open up and swallow me as he just kept talking, and talking, and talking about how we must always allow the children to come to Jesus, etc. even, as EVERY eye was upon us!

I have only seen that particular priest on one other occasion over the years, when he was doing another mission in another parish. Yet, clearly, he has left an indelible impression upon me.

When young families tell me how difficult it is to bring the children and keep them completely quiet during mass, and how they do not want to disturb those around them, I tell them the story of this wonderful priest who welcomed a crying infant, AND an embarrassed new mother, because he knew it was what Christ wanted!

And, I pass on the most memorable homily I have ever heard, even as I welcome the little children...just as this child AND her child were welcomed, fussing and all, so many years ago!

WE THANK YOU, LORD, FOR YOUR WELCOMING AND UNDERSTANDING PRIESTS!

THE PASTOR'S SON

2009-06-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

This came in my e-mail the other day. The author is unknown. I hope it speaks to YOU the way it did to me:

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready."

His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?"

"Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'"

Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain."

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'"

Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather."

Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?'"

His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son.'"

"Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain.

This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT.

He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered.

He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him.

Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch!

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady.

She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?"

With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that * JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?"

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.'

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly...I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.'

I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life.

His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .'

Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand. As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated... He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for his son...Except for One.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message. Don't let this message die, read it again, and learn from it.

Heaven is for His people!

Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.

Spread His word, and share His goodness and faithfulness.

Who are the people around YOU who need to hear the message of Hope today?

Will YOU hide in the house from the rain, like the good pastor in this story?

Or,

Will YOU be more like the eleven year old son, and shine YOUR light of hope for all to see, and come to believe in the promises of Christ?

"Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven"
~ Matthew 10:32 ~

THE LORD'S PRAYER

2009-06-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

>

Do YOU pray The Lord's Prayer each day?

Do YOU really understand what it is YOU are saying as YOU recite this prayer that Jesus taught us?

Do YOU really mean the words YOU are reciting?

Have YOU ever even given it a second thought?

Let's see, shall we?

Our Father who art in heaven...

Okay, that's simple enough, and a very basic belief in the Catholic Christian faith. We believe that God created each one of us, and we become his "adopted" children through Baptism in Jesus Christ. We believe God has His place in heaven.

So far...so good...right?

Let's continue:

...hallowed be thy name...

We believe that the Father's name is holy, and should only be spoken with respect and reverence.

Ruh roh...here we go..."Only Spoken With Respect And Reverence!"

How are YOU doing with that?

Do YOU only use God's name in praise, worship, petition, and thanksgiving?

Or, when YOU get angry do YOU use it as a curse against God, others, or things?

YOU just got done saying God's is a HOLY name.

YOU best be behaving like YOU mean it!

...Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

We believe that the kingdom is here but not yet. That means that Jesus told us that because he walked the earth, the kingdom of God is here among us. It's not yet fulfilled ~perfect...complete... as it is in heaven ~ because we have not learned well the lessons Jesus came to teach.

The kingdom will be fulfilled on earth when we put our petty differences aside, and live in peace, love, and harmony. So, we pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven..." still, we haven't learned to live it, yet.

How are YOU doing with YOUR part of that?

Is it always the Father's Will or YOUR will, that YOU are most concerned about?

The kingdom can be fulfilled if we ALL do our part!

Give us this day our daily bread...

Do YOU really believe that God supplies YOU with everything YOU need?

Do YOU notice God's hand in things, when they work out, even when YOU were positive they wouldn't, because they weren't progressing the way YOU thought they should?

Do YOU recognize that everything YOU are, have been, will be, and possess are gifts from YOUR Heavenly Father?

Do YOU offer thanks to God for YOUR very being at all times?

"It is right to give Him thanks and praise!"

...and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Oh boy, this is where it gets really serious for us.

We are not just asking for God to forgive US; but rather for Him to forgive US in the same way that WE forgive OTHERS.

This might not be going so well for us, now!

How do YOU forgive?

Do YOU forgive easily?

Do YOU forgive everyone?

Do YOU only forgive YOUR family members?

Do YOU only forgive YOUR friends?

Do YOU only forgive YOURSELF?

Do YOU forgive anyone at all?

Do YOU forgive with no strings attached?

Do YOU hold a grudge until YOU can't even remember what the argument was about in the first place?

These are very important questions; because, when YOU pray: "and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us..." YOU are telling God to forgive YOU in the way YOU do or don't forgive others.

When YOU pray those words do YOU picture those who have hurt YOU and offer forgiveness at the same time YOU are asking God to forgive YOU?

"To he who has been given much...much is expected!"

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...

These words are very simple, right?

Save us, Lord and keep the devil away from us!

But, what are YOU doing to help YOURSELF avoid temptation?

Do YOU squelch bad thoughts as soon as they come into your head?

Do YOU avoid situations and persons that always lead YOU to behave badly?

Or, do YOU just do what YOU want, when YOU want, how YOU want, and then pray feverishly for God to get YOU out of the mess YOU made?

If that's how YOU have been doing it...the question is...how has that been working for YOU?

Is it time for YOU to try a different way of doing things?

"Help me to avoid whatever leads me to sin."

...Amen.

When we say "Amen," we are really saying: "Yes, it is so!"

So, how about it?

Now that YOU know what YOU are really saying when YOU pray The Lord's Prayer, do YOU really believe it is so?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

A good father is one of the
most unsung,
unpraised,
unnoticed,
and yet one of the
most valuable assets
in our society.
~ Billy Graham ~

A father is a man who expects his son
to be as good a man as he meant to be.
A father is someone who carries pictures
where his money used to be.
~ Frank Howard Clark ~

In Loving Memory of Stephen Martin Malack
~ January 10, 1923 - January 17, 1998 ~
He was the BEST DAD a girl could ever ask for;
I miss him...I pray for him and his intercession EVERY SINGLE DAY!

For Assistance In Being The BEST DAD YOU Can Be...Visit:

FATHERS FOR GOOD

FATHERS.COM ~ NATIONAL CENTER FOR FATHERING

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

2009-06-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today, we observe the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; celebrated each year, on the Saturday following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

On May 4, 1944, in the midst of World War II, Pope Pius XII decreed the whole world to be under the special protection of the Virgin Mother, by consecrating it to her Immaculate Heart.

Pope Pius XII further decreed the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to be for the whole Church a way to obtain Mary's intercession for "peace among nations, freedom for the Church, the conversion of sinners, the love of purity and the practice of virtue."

With the escalating situation in Iran today, we can turn to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for intercession and aid.

Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially:

(state your intention).

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.

TOUGH LOVE

2009-06-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

It seems, I can hardly flip through the television channels or pick up a newspaper without hearing or seeing the term: "tough love!" It appears to be the phrase du jour for anyone who fancies themselvs a pop-psychologist. I even read a headline the other day that stated that our president was using "tough love" on the participants of one situation or another.

According to Merriam-Webster Online, "tough love" is a noun meaning: "love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior."

Typically, "tough love" refers to helping a person battling addiction, not by enabling the behavior, but rather, by forcing them to face their problem squarely in the eye.

A coach who strongly disciplines his team members, yet genuinely likes and respects them, may also be said to be employing "tough love" tactics.

In the wrong hands, however, "tough love" boils down to nothing more than an excuse for abusive behavior.

"Tough love," can be, and is, useful in certain situations; BUT, if YOU are using it on EVERYONE in YOUR life ...THEY ARE NOT the problem!

Remember:

It Is Easier To Nurture A Child Than Repair An Adult!

Think About It!

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BEGINS THE YEAR FOR PRIESTS

2009-06-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

SACRED HEART OF JESUS, I PLACE ALL MY TRUST IN YOU!

MAY THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE ADORED, AND LOVED IN ALL THE TABERNACLES OF THE WORLD, UNTIL THE END OF TIME. AMEN

MAY THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE PRAISED AND GLORIFIED NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN

Dear Lord,

We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words:

"Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5).

May your priests have the heart of Saint Joseph, Mary's most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory, and the salvation of souls.

Amen.

Saint John Vianney, Pray For Us.

For More Information On The YEAR FOR PRIESTS, Please Visit:

UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, SECRETARIAT OF CLERGY, CONSECRATED LIFE AND VOCATIONS

THE COUNTRY PARSON

2009-06-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Frank A. Clark, of Elkhart, Iowa, ministered to tens of thousands of people in a unique way - via his popular newspaper cartoon: "The Country Parson."

In 1963, at the height of the cartoon's popularity, it was published in 79 American newspapers, although during its lifetime it was carried by over 200.

Mr. Clark took weighty ideas, treated them with gentle humor, and lightly poked fun at human foibles and weaknesses.

Each cartoon featured a single panel with an illustration, usually of the kindly parson himself (as drawn by Denny Neal), and an aphorism to make his readers think.

Decades later, these "mini-sermons" still speak to our hearts, minds, and souls.

Here are a few of my favorites:

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

Criticism like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.

There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child.

If you haven't time to help youngsters find the right way in life, somebody with more time will help them find the wrong way.

The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't.

Sins are kinda like rabbits - turn a couple of 'em loose and the first thing you know there's a whole bunch of new ones.

A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn't.

Modern man is frantically trying to earn enough to buy things he's too busy to enjoy.

Why not upset the apple cart? If you don't, the apples will rot anyway.

A man's conscience, like a warning line on the highway, tells him what he shouldn't do / but it does not keep him from doing it.

I'd rather see folks doubt what's true than accept what isn't.

We're all generous, but with different things, like time, money, talent - criticism.

Which ones speak to YOUR heart, mind, and soul?

What are YOU going to do about it?

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

2009-06-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

"Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today." ~ St. Padre Pio ~

"My impression is that the Rosary is of the greatest value not only according to the words of Our Lady at Fátima, but according to the effects of the Rosary one sees throughout history. My impression is that Our Lady wanted to give ordinary people, who might not know how to pray, this simple method of getting closer to God." ~ Sister Lucia, one of the seers of Fátima ~

THE MYSTERIES AND PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY

"WE INTERRUPT OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING FOR THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE!"

2009-06-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT an attorney; however, some things are just good old fashioned common sense! Should YOU find yourself in the following situation, SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY BEFORE YOU SAY OR DO ANYTHING!

Apparently, when my aunt was applying for credit with banks, shopping shows, food catalogs, clothes catalogs, and sundry many others...she put me down on all the accounts as the person to contact when she could not be reached.

And, that is what they are now doing. Offering to "let me" settle my aunt's debt so I will not receive any more annoying telephone calls.

At the beginning of each telephone call they tell me that the call is an attempt to collect a debt, and that any information I may give them will be used to collect that debt. They then go on to say that I am not personally responsible for the debt (You've got that right!)

These calls are coming to my home...EVERY SINGLE DAY!

The gentleman who called this morning gave me the usual spiel. I told him that I am not in a position to settle the matter at this time. I explained that the will is in probate and until the probate judge rules, the bills cannot be paid.

He went on to explain that the interest would stop accruing on the loan if I PAID THE DEBT WITH MY OWN CREDIT CARD!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!

I told the gentleman that since he himself had told me in the beginning of the call that I WAS NOT PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEBT...that I would not be making it my responsibility by CHARGING IT TO MY OWN CREDIT CARD!

He tried to pressure me to take advantage of this one time only chance to settle the debt, and stop him from calling.

I again declined. He then asked if there was a probate attorney.

THIS IS ALWAYS THEIR NEXT QUESTION!

My answer is always the same: "Yes, there is, and I pay them out of my own pocket at the moment, and I do not give out their telephone number, nor do I advise them to speak to anyone without my consent, inasmuch as I am paying a very high hourly rate for their services."

It was a very civilized conversation; however, once again he tried to convince me to put the debt (this ONE $15,000.00) on my credit card. I told him I would be hanging up, and that once the probate matter was settled, the bills would be paid according to New York State Law.

He was still talking as I said good-bye and hung up the telephone!

The first thought that entered my mind was this: "How many people do these collectors get EACH AND EVERY DAY to take responsibility for another's debt, because, their minds are clouded by grief and, they just want to stop the constant telephone calls?!

Be careful out there!

If someone tries this trick on YOU, as it has been tried on me several times a week since my aunt passed...DON'T YOU LET THEM GET THE BETTER OF YOU!

Call an attorney and know your rights.

We have many freedoms and rights in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE YOURS AWAY!

Take Care, And Love Each Other!!

WHOSE "ANGEL" WILL YOU BE?

2009-06-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them. ~ Saint Therese of Lisieux ~

Today, who needs YOU to be their "angel?"

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. ~ Luciano de Crescenzo ~

Today, who will YOU help to "fly?"

FINANCIAL vs SPIRITUAL RUIN

2009-06-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

It is always amazing to me how two people from the same family can be SO completely different. Even the children I meet who are identical twins: "they laugh alike, they walk alike, at times they even talk alike..." and yet, there is ALWAYS something that distinguishes them one from the other...completely!

As I was praying the rosary yesterday morning, I flashed upon something that was written in an e-mail I received last year. Among other more hurtful things said in a series of e-mails, was this: "Grow up, you're an idiot!"

Of all things to come to mind, while I was praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary; but, there it was: my heart and soul kept flashing on that one word: "IDIOT!"

At 48 years old, I no longer fit the world's description of a child. However, in Christ's eyes and the eyes of our Heavenly Father, I am just that: their CHILD.

Just like YOU:

I Am A Child of God!

Apparently, according to some, I am the "Idiot" Child of God!

That puts me in good company. The prophets of the Old Testament are considered the predecessors of the "fools for Christ." The actual term: "fools for Christ" is attributed to Saint Paul. Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony, and Saint Benedict Joseph Labre were all famous "fools for Christ!"

The term "fools for Christ" refers to behavior including giving up worldly possessions, and employing shocking, unconventional means to challenge accepted social norms.

To be incredibly honest with you, I am probably teetering on the brink of financial ruin because of the added burden of the debts of my aunt, that I have been and must continue to pay, while the probate process runs it's course.

I guess I really am an "idiot," as my relative so boldly wrote; because, I believe myself to be a wealthy woman SPIRITUALLY; and, that means more to me than ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD!

Money, jewelry, houses, cars, jobs...THINGS...they come and go, in and out of our lives.

But, OUR SOUL IS ALWAYS THERE, OUR SOUL IS US, AND WILL BE US FOR ALL ETERNITY!

Being the "idiot" that I am, I would rather be financially ruined on earth in service to others...than spiritually ruined in Hell, because I lived my life in service to myself!

How about YOU?

Do YOU have more saved up in the "Bank" of Materialism?

OR,

Are all YOUR important assets in the "BANK" OF GOD?

Here is our reflection for today:

As long as YOU are still breathing, YOU can change the course of YOUR eternity!

But, when YOU die, it's simply too late to make a transfer of funds!

Only You can answer this question:

Do YOU need to transfer YOUR assets to the "BANK" OF GOD?

May God Bless You And Those You Love...And, Even Those You Don't!!

THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

2009-06-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

Eucharistic Miracles have been reported and confirmed for centuries. From the more famous: such as the Miracle of Saint Clare (1240 in Assisi, Italy) defending the convent against the Saracen soldiers; to, the more recent: the likeness of Christ crowned with thorns (2001 in Chiattakonam, India) appearing on the Sacred Host displayed in the monstrance during Adoration.

Here are two other examples across the centuries:

In the year 1345, King Casimar III the Great of Poland gave orders to build a church named Corpus Christi in honor of the Eucharistic miracle that was verified that same year. It had taken place in the village of Wawel, near Krakow. Some thieves broke into a little church (The Collegiate Church of All Saints), which was a short distance from Krakow. They forced their way into the tabernacle and stole the monstrance, which contained consecrated Hosts.

They got away, but when they figured out that the monstrance was not made of real gold, they threw it (including the Hosts) into the muddy marshland that was prevalent in the area. Priests from the church began a search, but they did not hold out much hope. When darkness fell, however, a mysterious light emanated from the spot where the treasure had been abandoned.

Bright flashes of light were visible for several kilometers. Frightened villagers approached the area and reported back to the Bishop of Krakow. The bishop called for three days of fasting and prayer. On the third day, he led a procession out to the marsh. There, they found the monstrance, and within it they found the Hosts, which were unbroken and were the source of the unusual lights. The people began to pray and to celebrate the miracle.

Annually on the occasion of the feast of Corpus Christi, the miracle is celebrated in the church of Corpus Christi in Krakow.

In 1948, in the monastery church of Rosano, Italy, another miracle occurred when the statue of the Sacred Heart began to bleed and weep:

From Bishop Luciano Giovanotti’s letter of
April 4, 1948:

“In the evening of April 4 1948, the first Sunday after Easter, during the chanting of vespers, people noticed for the first time that drops as if of blood were falling from the eyes of the statue."

In June of that year, another stunning and unexpected miracle occurred – the flow of blood. These events occurred repeatedly between 1948 and 1950 and were corroborated by many eyewitnesses, by the nuns themselves and particularly by the abbess, Mother Ildegarde Cabitza of holy memory.

In the monastery archives are preserved many sworn testimonies even of priests, preachers, and visitors, together with medical analyses of the blood, as well as finger towels and purificators soaked with blood. One of the most endearing testimonies is that of Monsignor Angelo Scapecchi, who later became Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Arezzo. From the archives we learn of the investigation of the Visitator, Father Luigi Romoli, O.P., sent by the Holy Office, who personally interrogated all the nuns, imposing the strictest secrecy on the community.

Subsequently, on November 14, 1950, the Holy Office ordered the statue to be removed so as to keep it in a secret location. It was brought back to Rosano in 1952. The community of nuns of Rosano lived these events with intimate joy and great devotion but with great reserve; so much so that, as we learn from the chronicles, they were not distracted from their daily duties. On the contrary, they lived their monastic life even more intensely according to the Benedictine motto: Ora et Labora.

The weeping and the flow of blood were considered inexplicable from a natural and human point of view. Bishop Giovanni Giorgis, saw in these events of Rosano an appeal from the Lord "to fidelity, reparation and prayer."

"[…] Beloved brothers and sisters, with great devotion and pride let us look back on the events that took place in our diocese fifty years ago and see them as signs of the Lord’s benevolence and love and an invitation to a serious and profound reflection.

With great ardor let us joyfully renew our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And as we receive this message, let us ask for the gift of an ever deeper conversion to His love, for the grace of an increase of apostolic fervor, as well as for the gift of numerous holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life, so as to make Christ the Heart of the world.

Looking at the Heart of Jesus, we will joyfully draw life from the fountain of salvation!”

These Stories Of Eucharistic Miracles And Others Throughout The Centuries May Be Found At: THE REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST

ANIMA CHRISTI

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within your wounds conceal me.

Do not permit me to be parted from you.

From the evil foe protect me.

At the hour of my death call me.

And bid me come to you, to praise you with all your saints forever and ever.

Amen.

DO, RE, MI, FA, SO, LA, TI, DO!

2009-06-13T01:05:00.000-07:00

On March 23, 2009, more than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. With just two rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! It was a promotion for a Belgian television program. They are looking for someone to play the leading role in the musical "The Sound of Music".

Amazing what 200 people can do with just two rehearsals when they come together for a common cause!

It is the same in our lives of faithful service.

We have all heard the phrase: "Many hands make light work."

What is it YOU are being called to DO FOR GOD??

WHO can help YOU?

Have YOU asked them, yet?

What are YOU waiting for?

The time is NOW, the world needs YOUR Ideas... YOUR Hopes...YOUR Dreams!

If God calls you to it, He will guide you through it!

Have FAITH: in God...in YOURSELF...and, in God's Trust In YOU!