Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Pope is on YouTube
I had no idea the Pope was on YouTube. It looks like a great site to visit and use to keep up to date. Go on over and take a look, at the Vatican's Channel.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Gianna's Aunt Deanna Interview Project
My job as described by a 2nd grader who happens to be my godchild and niece.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday Reflection
Every Sunday I go to Mass. And I want a nugget, a sliver, a pin head worth of something to chew on for a bit, to ponder during the quiet while the collection is taken up. Alas, I spend the time reading the reflection in my Magnificat or thinking about what I would have said. So, here is what I would have said:
Today we hear about a young man, Samuel who is in the temple learning how to be a priest, a servant of God. He was brought to the temple by his mother, Hannah, who promised she would do this if God gave her a son. The man who is teaching him is Eli, who has sons of his own but they have all turned away from God. So, it is a good situation for all the parties involved. What is so striking is that Hannah keeps her promise and Samuel is obedient to his mother. How many of us would willingly give our son or daughter to God as a priest or sister?
In the reading Samuel keeps hearing God calling him, but does not realize it is God. We are the same way. When is the last time you heard God? Or maybe the better question is when is the last time you were quiet enough to hear God? God comes to us in quiet, in stillness and we live in a world of noise and distractions. It is up to us to make time each and every day to be still and listen. Then, we will hear God calling us in the same way the Andrew and Peter heard Jesus calling them.
In John's Gospel Andrew and Simon go to Jesus, they follow him so simply and with trust. When they go to Jesus he changes Simon's name to Peter and we intuit that a conversion has taken place, something major has happened. The lives of Andrew and Peter will never be the same. So it should be with us when we encounter Jesus, our lives should never be the same. And yet, they are the same. Each Sunday we come and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Does it change us, to we hear the call to decrease so Jesus may increase? That is the call, it is the call of God to Samuel, the call of Jesus to Peter and Andrew and the call each one of us receives. We must live our very lives as an example to all we meet. And we can only do this through the power of the Eucharist.
What do you hear a call to? The answers are as varied as each person who heard these readings today. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. He has a plan for us within our families, our job, our vocation, our ministry, our parish. We must take the time to say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3:10b) so that we can hear Jesus say, "Come, follow me."
Then we must act on what we hear. If each person hearing these words prayed them and acted on their response our world would be transformed. So, this week, take the time each day to sit and pray and hear, so that you may know the will of God and how to follow Jesus.
Today we hear about a young man, Samuel who is in the temple learning how to be a priest, a servant of God. He was brought to the temple by his mother, Hannah, who promised she would do this if God gave her a son. The man who is teaching him is Eli, who has sons of his own but they have all turned away from God. So, it is a good situation for all the parties involved. What is so striking is that Hannah keeps her promise and Samuel is obedient to his mother. How many of us would willingly give our son or daughter to God as a priest or sister?
In the reading Samuel keeps hearing God calling him, but does not realize it is God. We are the same way. When is the last time you heard God? Or maybe the better question is when is the last time you were quiet enough to hear God? God comes to us in quiet, in stillness and we live in a world of noise and distractions. It is up to us to make time each and every day to be still and listen. Then, we will hear God calling us in the same way the Andrew and Peter heard Jesus calling them.
In John's Gospel Andrew and Simon go to Jesus, they follow him so simply and with trust. When they go to Jesus he changes Simon's name to Peter and we intuit that a conversion has taken place, something major has happened. The lives of Andrew and Peter will never be the same. So it should be with us when we encounter Jesus, our lives should never be the same. And yet, they are the same. Each Sunday we come and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Does it change us, to we hear the call to decrease so Jesus may increase? That is the call, it is the call of God to Samuel, the call of Jesus to Peter and Andrew and the call each one of us receives. We must live our very lives as an example to all we meet. And we can only do this through the power of the Eucharist.
What do you hear a call to? The answers are as varied as each person who heard these readings today. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. He has a plan for us within our families, our job, our vocation, our ministry, our parish. We must take the time to say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3:10b) so that we can hear Jesus say, "Come, follow me."
Then we must act on what we hear. If each person hearing these words prayed them and acted on their response our world would be transformed. So, this week, take the time each day to sit and pray and hear, so that you may know the will of God and how to follow Jesus.
Here I am Lord
Today's reading from Samuel is the one I credit with as to why I am in ministry. Many years ago I was discerning my next move; back to teaching or work as a youth minister. This reading, combined with the song Here I am Lord just told me what I was to do. I became a youth minister and spent three wonderful years at the parish. God called, I answered and I believe saying yes to working in ministry was and still is what I should be doing. I have had valleys and extraordinary mountaintops. And always his grace to move between the two.
Food Pantry
Today has been a bit disheartening. We went to 8:00 am Mass as usual and then headed over to the hall for Knights pancake breakfast. The woman who shelves the food in the food pantry came over to me, very upset and asked me to come into the pantry and see the mess. Well, I did and it was bad. food on the floor, plastic bags strewn about, candy thrown around; a big mess. I made a call to find out who was in the parish hall Saturday night, but really got no where as far as finding out who could have done this. I recruited a few teens from the youth choir and they helped me pick up and put things back in order. I simply cannot think of any person who we have given a key to would come in and deliberately trash the food pantry. Even in church, the world is constantly intruding.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Trinity
The Trinity fascinates me. A book I am reading poses this ," Discuss ways in which your image of God does or does not include God as Trinity?"
For me, God is the Trinity. God is all three persons in one, not separated at all into any distinct persons. Julian of Norwich calls the Father our creator, Jesus our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier. But, together they form an undivided person whom I call God. He is the ONE who is responsible for all that I have been given; life, family, health, faith, love, the list is very long. Each person of the Trinity acts in accord with the others and it is through the great love of the Father and the Son that the Holy Spirit is present. It is about relationship. We then, can enter into a relationship with God through Father, Son, or Spirit. You cannot believe in one person of the Trinity and not the others. Each is as important as the others in terms of equality and knowledge of and faith in each person furthers my relationship with God.
For me, God is the Trinity. God is all three persons in one, not separated at all into any distinct persons. Julian of Norwich calls the Father our creator, Jesus our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier. But, together they form an undivided person whom I call God. He is the ONE who is responsible for all that I have been given; life, family, health, faith, love, the list is very long. Each person of the Trinity acts in accord with the others and it is through the great love of the Father and the Son that the Holy Spirit is present. It is about relationship. We then, can enter into a relationship with God through Father, Son, or Spirit. You cannot believe in one person of the Trinity and not the others. Each is as important as the others in terms of equality and knowledge of and faith in each person furthers my relationship with God.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bye, Bye
For weeks my son, a chef, had been waiting for word from a family in NY regarding employment. He resigned his positions here in FL and waited. The bonus was that he actually spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us, which never would have happened if he was working. This past Thursday, after almost a month of phone calls he settles the details and is off. Literally, off that night to NY. I spent most of the day ironing chef coats and pants, looking up the weather forecast for I-95, helping him pack, and praying I could get through the day without a total break down. I did, barely.
We blessed him and said good-bye at 8 pm, tears in all our eyes as he pulled out of the driveway for NYC, then prayed until he was safely at his aunt's on Friday night.
It is ironic, really, that 23 years ago his father and I did the same thing, only in reverse.
We blessed him and said good-bye at 8 pm, tears in all our eyes as he pulled out of the driveway for NYC, then prayed until he was safely at his aunt's on Friday night.
It is ironic, really, that 23 years ago his father and I did the same thing, only in reverse.
Back in the Communications Loop
Last week I had an interesting experience with communications technology. Failure of my home telephone and my DSL modem, at the same time. My phone was down for a few days before I even noticed, 3 to be exact. But then on day 4, I was taken up with helping my son. So on day 5 I went to my computer to search on-line for the phone number and discovered that overnight, my modem was no longer working.
Have you ever called your service provider and been forced to answer questions such as: Is it plugged in? Are you sure there are no lights flashing on the modem? Is the modem connected to the computer? It truly tries your patience, or maybe just mine. It reminds me of when I had to take my tower in for repair and the tech says to me over the phone, "Please do not bring in your monitor. We have monitors here if needed" I laughed and laughed, but apparently, it had been done, and he didn't want me to lug in everything.
But then, I wonder, am I the only person who is frustrated by these questions? But then I think about my mom, who says she can't possibly attach the cables between her monitor and tower and then plug it in. Even after realizing it's all color coded, she's afraid to make a mistake. So maybe the service provider was in my class when week after week the DVD player would not turn on and week after week our facilitator tried every button. What was the problem, oh, it was not plugged in! That's why we get asked those questions, because sometimes, it isn't plugged in and that really is the problem.
Well, everything is working now, phone line fixed, new modem plugged in, lights flashing appropriately. Isn't technology fun?
Have you ever called your service provider and been forced to answer questions such as: Is it plugged in? Are you sure there are no lights flashing on the modem? Is the modem connected to the computer? It truly tries your patience, or maybe just mine. It reminds me of when I had to take my tower in for repair and the tech says to me over the phone, "Please do not bring in your monitor. We have monitors here if needed" I laughed and laughed, but apparently, it had been done, and he didn't want me to lug in everything.
But then, I wonder, am I the only person who is frustrated by these questions? But then I think about my mom, who says she can't possibly attach the cables between her monitor and tower and then plug it in. Even after realizing it's all color coded, she's afraid to make a mistake. So maybe the service provider was in my class when week after week the DVD player would not turn on and week after week our facilitator tried every button. What was the problem, oh, it was not plugged in! That's why we get asked those questions, because sometimes, it isn't plugged in and that really is the problem.
Well, everything is working now, phone line fixed, new modem plugged in, lights flashing appropriately. Isn't technology fun?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Novena to Fight FOCA
If you are opposed to abortion then there is bad news on the horizon. For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is set to be signed if Congress passes it on January 21-22 of 2009. The FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law all limitations on abortion will be lifted which will result in the following:
1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more then 30% of all hospitals in the United States.
2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4) Parental notification will no longer be required.
5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of 100,000 annually.
Perhaps most importantly the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in a future amendment that would force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, down syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many children women are allowed to have. Needless to say this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.
The Plan
Pray a novena along with fasting starting on January 11th.
For Catholics, the prayer of choice will be the rosary with intentions to stop the FOCA. For non Catholics pray your strongest prayers with the same intentions, also for nine consecutive days. The hope is that this will branch and blossom as to become a global effort with maximum impact.
Please add this information to your own blog or link back to this one so as many people as possible will pray. Remember that with God all things are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable.
"If you pray well, you will live well, if you live well, you will die well; and if you die well, all will be well." -St. Augustine
"We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more then 30% of all hospitals in the United States.
2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4) Parental notification will no longer be required.
5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of 100,000 annually.
Perhaps most importantly the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in a future amendment that would force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, down syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many children women are allowed to have. Needless to say this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.
The Plan
Pray a novena along with fasting starting on January 11th.
For Catholics, the prayer of choice will be the rosary with intentions to stop the FOCA. For non Catholics pray your strongest prayers with the same intentions, also for nine consecutive days. The hope is that this will branch and blossom as to become a global effort with maximum impact.
Please add this information to your own blog or link back to this one so as many people as possible will pray. Remember that with God all things are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable.
"If you pray well, you will live well, if you live well, you will die well; and if you die well, all will be well." -St. Augustine
"We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year, New Hopes and Dreams
Are resolutions the same as goals? When I say, "I resolve to lose 10 pounds." Isn't that really a goal? What is the difference between a resolution and a goal?
according to dictionary.com resolution means (among other possibilities):
1.a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
2.the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
while goal means: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
So, then, the resolution is the act of making decision while a goal is the result of the decision. I think I get it now. And to think, I majored in Linguistics and have been an English teacher!
So, what are my resolutions? I have a few, in different categories.
Personal:
1. I resolve to take care of my body. As I once a heard a speaker say, our bodies are a Temple of the Holy Spirit, not a Cathedral.
2. Continue to learn how to quilt.
3. Make a new goal each month.
4. Learn to let go.
Spiritual:
1. Pray for those I dislike.
2. Fast once a week for particular intention.
3. Go to Adoration once a week.
4. Continue with my spiritual sisters group.
Educational
1. Complete my Master's degree, without any extensions.
Professional:
1. Increase participation in our ministries.
2. Create a Spirituality for Ministers program.
3. Design a retreat day for ministry leaders.
4. Stop working too many hours.
All of these resolutions will help me achieve my goal of being a person who takes care of myself and those I love. I am searching, for what this next phase of my life will bring me. A change is on the horizon and I do not what it is or where it will lead me, but I will be ready.
according to dictionary.com resolution means (among other possibilities):
1.a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
2.the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
while goal means: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
So, then, the resolution is the act of making decision while a goal is the result of the decision. I think I get it now. And to think, I majored in Linguistics and have been an English teacher!
So, what are my resolutions? I have a few, in different categories.
Personal:
1. I resolve to take care of my body. As I once a heard a speaker say, our bodies are a Temple of the Holy Spirit, not a Cathedral.
2. Continue to learn how to quilt.
3. Make a new goal each month.
4. Learn to let go.
Spiritual:
1. Pray for those I dislike.
2. Fast once a week for particular intention.
3. Go to Adoration once a week.
4. Continue with my spiritual sisters group.
Educational
1. Complete my Master's degree, without any extensions.
Professional:
1. Increase participation in our ministries.
2. Create a Spirituality for Ministers program.
3. Design a retreat day for ministry leaders.
4. Stop working too many hours.
All of these resolutions will help me achieve my goal of being a person who takes care of myself and those I love. I am searching, for what this next phase of my life will bring me. A change is on the horizon and I do not what it is or where it will lead me, but I will be ready.
Normal
I am looking forward to life getting back to normal in our house. Except, both children are home instead of away. Why? Well, son is waiting for the call to go to New York and daughter is not leaving for Australia until Feb. 13. So, the only thing that went back to normal is that husband went back to work today and son's girlfriend went back to home. This is good so now I have my sewing/office room back.
It the cooking dinner thing I get confused about when everyone is home. Are they eating with us or not? Could my son the chef make dinner for a change? I've also forgotten how to cook for the very picky daughter. Can I expect all the housecleaning done since no one is employed or has school work to do? What about the lawn and the laundry? I think the grocery shopping will be given to someone besides me or husband.
And now all the things we need to do to get her ready to go clear across the world, into a totally different time zone, on another continent. And how can they both leave at the same time, hardly seems fair to a mom, does it?
Did you ever think that normal is change and that no change is strange?
It the cooking dinner thing I get confused about when everyone is home. Are they eating with us or not? Could my son the chef make dinner for a change? I've also forgotten how to cook for the very picky daughter. Can I expect all the housecleaning done since no one is employed or has school work to do? What about the lawn and the laundry? I think the grocery shopping will be given to someone besides me or husband.
And now all the things we need to do to get her ready to go clear across the world, into a totally different time zone, on another continent. And how can they both leave at the same time, hardly seems fair to a mom, does it?
Did you ever think that normal is change and that no change is strange?
Celebrations of Life
I attended two very different celebrations of life on Friday and Saturday. Friday I attended the funeral of a friend's husband who could no longer face life and so took his own. On Saturday I attended the wedding of a beautiful young couple.
The priest who celebrated the funeral mass reminded us that it was the beginning of his eternal life. At the funeral friends told stories of the joy his family brought him and sang songs he loved.
The priest who celebrated the Nuptial Mass reminded us that the couple were together now until parted by death. At the wedding friends told stories of when the bride and groom met and the band played songs from high school and we danced.
At the funeral tears of sadness were shed as memories were recalled .
At the wedding tears of joy were shed as memories were created.
At the funeral the children were reminded of their father's love.
At the wedding the couple were reminded that their love would bring forth children.
At both, endings were mourned and new beginnings rejoiced over, focused on the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and that our faith is all we have in the beginning and in the end.
I never thought two seemingly dissimilar events were at all similar, but they are because of Christ and the Father's infinite love for us.
The priest who celebrated the funeral mass reminded us that it was the beginning of his eternal life. At the funeral friends told stories of the joy his family brought him and sang songs he loved.
The priest who celebrated the Nuptial Mass reminded us that the couple were together now until parted by death. At the wedding friends told stories of when the bride and groom met and the band played songs from high school and we danced.
At the funeral tears of sadness were shed as memories were recalled .
At the wedding tears of joy were shed as memories were created.
At the funeral the children were reminded of their father's love.
At the wedding the couple were reminded that their love would bring forth children.
At both, endings were mourned and new beginnings rejoiced over, focused on the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and that our faith is all we have in the beginning and in the end.
I never thought two seemingly dissimilar events were at all similar, but they are because of Christ and the Father's infinite love for us.
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