Prayer

Sunday's Gospel was a lesson in prayer. After discussing how and when to pray with the children at Children's Liturgy, we still had time to talk some more. The homily ran a bit longer than usual. So, I offered the following idea to the children. Pray with ACTS.
A-Adoration, tell God how much you adore Him and love Him
C- Contrition, tell God you are sorry for everything you did wrong today
T- Thanksgiving, tell God thank you for all that you have in your life
S-Supplication- ask God for what you need
They loved it, even if it took some time explaining what all those big words meant. We'll see how it worked for them this week.

Pet Peeve

I have come to the conclusion that I am really bothered by the phrase, "that's just the way he/she is." I work with people who use this phrase as an excuse for poor behavior, mistreatment of others, and glaring rudeness. If you are a certain way, and it offends others, should you not at least try to change. Or else, you must suffer the consequences of others being "just the way they are." I notice that people who live their lives spewing that phrase, think it is fine for themselves, but not for you. I mean, it seems only right and fair that is you can be yourself, then others should be themselves as well. But no, that is too much for these people to accept. I must accept their humanity and personality quirks, but they do not have to accept mine. I want to start reacting to people instead of pausing and trying to remember that I work in a church and should be pastoral. I have to understand the unorganized, no concern for time, last minute changes guy. Why does he not have to understand my need to be organized, on time and not make changes unless absolutely necessary.
I could go on; but I won't. I think I need some time off!

Thoughts to Ponder

"God never sends anyone trials too heavy to bear and He is with those in distress. Since this is certain, you need fear nothing, but rely on His mercy."
St. Teresa of Avila

Church Trash

We have a little problem going on in church. It was brought up at our staff meeting yesterday and we were all pretty disgusted. People are leaving their breakfast trash in the pews. A few items include empty coffee cups from Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, McDonald's bags, and a half eaten apple. What are people thinking? This is not the movies or a baseball game. Plus, what happened to fasting before receiving communion? We will put a little reminder of church etiquette int he bulletin and see if that helps. If it doesn't, maybe we'll start standing at the doors and searching people as they enter!

Consecration Question

Question of the Week?

When, during the Eucharistic Prayer, does the actual consecration take place?
I keep getting two different answers from books, priests, deacons, and other assorted educated people. Anyone want to get in on the conversation?

Heard a Good Homily Lately?

I attend Mass every Sunday and frequently during the week as well. Most times the daily homily is fine, sometimes even good. Sunday homilies usually leave me crying inside. Not because I am convicted of something I should be doing differently, but because they are painful to listen to. But, this past Sunday I was in Orlando and heard a wonderful homily that will carry me for a few weeks.
The Gospel reading was about following Jesus and the priest spoke about each of the Apostles and how there was something lacking in each of them, yet Jesus called them and they followed. What they were not lacking, was willingness. He closed the homily by saying, "God is calling, are you willing?" And then he sat down and let us think about that for a minute. WOW.