Upsetting

For three years, on and off, I wondered what was happening with the founder of LifeTeen. I have some answers now courtesy of Amy Welborn. Thanks.


http://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/back-in-business/

Meeting Jesus

The gospel reading (Luke 19:1-10) this morning at Mass was Zacchaeus the tax collector meeting Jesus. Those verses always remind me that encounters with Jesus should leave us all changed for the better. I used that story to teach the children about reconciliation and how important it is to recognize our sin, truly repent, and make amends. It isn't always easy, but so important if we are to receive God's grace. That grace is what enables us to change when we have an encounter with the Lord. Pray, then, for the ability to accept the grace so to move forward and draw closer to our Savior.

Rant

I went to our LifeTeen mass Sunday evening with my son and his girlfriend. I did not leave feeling very happy. Samples of problems: text messaging during Mass, signing in front of the Altar during the Our Father, boy with a picture of a gun on his tee-shirt, girl with a tee-shirt on which read," Lei back and enjoy the ride." This was what I could see in front of me, maybe 20 teens in my line of sight. Who knows what else was going on! My son could not believe the disrespect. I will not even begin to address the music. Enough.

Happy Birthday

Today is my little pumpkin's 19th birthday. I suppose she really isn't little anymore. It is rather odd to not be together for her special day, but she is coming home for Thanksgiving next week, so we'll celebrate then.

Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

This week I had the pleasure of meeting two of the foundresses of the order, Mother Assumpta and Sister Joseph Andrew. For the past two summers, we have had two sisters come and run a summer camp for a week for our elementary school children. So, the sisters decided to come for a visit and see where they were sending these not yet fully professed sisters each year. It is a wonderful order for young women and so full of life. If you want to find out more info on the order, here is the website:sistersofmary.org.

Reconciliation 2

So, all the meetings are done. Let's hope they bring the lambs to the actual Reconciliation Service. I am going to do future meetings in the Chapel, it's quieter, less spread out, and if people look around instead of paying attention to talk, there is something good for them to look at and it all directs them to Jesus. And HE of course, is the main thing anyway!

Reconciliation

This week we have our parent/child classes for those children preparing to receive reconciliation for the first time. Tonight I had one meeting, tomorrow I have two. We wound up in the Chapel, instead of the hall, for the entire time, which was very nice. Much less noise and I think the atmosphere helps everyone pay better attention. Plus, Jesus is there with us in the tabernacle. It's all good. Now, if only the parents would go to the sacrament themselves.

What should I be when I grow up?

I ask myself this question frequently and I thought I had it figured out. I mean, I really like my job as a DRE. My pastor thinks I would also be a good Stewardship Director but according this quiz, I should be a doctor!
Not even close, I can't even watch an episode of House, without covering my eyes.

You Should Be a Doctor

You are practical, sharp, and very intuitive. Optimistic and energetic, you are a problem solver who doesn't get discouraged easily. You are also quite compassionate and caring. You make people feel hopeful. You're highly adaptable and capable. You do well with almost any curve ball life throws at you. You do best when you: - Are always learning new subjects - Use your knowledge to solve problems You would also be a good therapist or detective.

href="http://www.blogger.com/What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

Prayers Please

So many people in need of love, prayers, and support:
for Dcn John's family as they grieve the loss of husband and father
for a friend undergoing surgery
for a catechist with congestive heart failure
for a 5 year old boy with leukemia
for marriages in need of healing
for all pregnant women and their unborn babies

Lord, you remind us to ask in your name and trust in your Father's love, mercy and unending care for us. Be with all those in need. Amen.

Cars

Today was a notable day for there are three people living in the house and each of us has our own car. This, of course, is most exciting for me, since I was the person to give up my car for another. In honor of this occasion, I went for a drive after my doctor's appointment.
One question stills remains, why does the youngest member in the house have the nicest car?

Happy Anniversary

Yes, twenty-four years ago today we said our "I do's" in front of many people and God and have been together ever since. Our son, a recent culinary school graduate, cooked us a wonderful dinner and now we are going to watch "House" over dessert. Though it hasn't always been easy, we are happy to be together and wouldn't want it any other way. Next year, Alaska, (sans offspring) here we come!

Football

What is the point of football?

I know, so I can catch up on the things I want to do while the rest of the family yells at the TV.

Week in Review

This week was busier then Holy Week at our parish. The death of Deacon John threw all of us into a tailspin and frenzy of work. We had already been planning for our 20th Anniversary celebration today, but in addition we had to plan Solemn Vespers for the Dead, two funerals, one wake service, and a funeral reception. Thank God for parishioners with the desire to serve and the time to do it.
By 3:30 this afternoon the Parish Hall was cleaner then it was in the beginning of the week, about five hundred people had been fed two different lunches, and our pastor was pleased, since his fellow priests (who are pastors elsewhere) were very complimentary about the Liturgy, Meditation Garden blessing and the luncheon. Tomorrow I am sleeping in and then going to get ready for RCIA after lunch. Oh, and my dear husband has the tables all ready for RCIA tomorrow night!

Clean

I learned today that the name "Zacchaeus" means 'clean.' How fitting, then, that after an encounter with Jesus not only does Zacchaeus become clean we all can become clean. I always find it interesting when the comment is made that Jesus ate with sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes, so we as a Church should welcome any and all manner of people who are sinners. But what is forgotten is that after that encounter with Jesus, those who accept him, like Zacchaeus did, are changed; unlike the rich young man who left Jesus because the price was too high for him to pay.
So, yes, we should welcome the sinner and pray that the encounter changes them to be faithful and true to the teachings we hold dear; but if the choice is to continue in the sin, then they are not allowing the encounter with Jesus to change them.