Installation Mass

Yesterday was a wonderful day.  My boss was officially installed as Pastor of St. Edward at the noon Mass with our Bishop presiding.  It was especially fitting as it was Priesthood Sunday.  The Bishop's homily was good, focusing on the care a pastor gives and sharing why he choose Msgr. Klinzing to be the pastor.  Here's the story in the Shiny Sheet, our local paper.

Personally, I am absolutely thrilled that Msgr. Klinzing, or Fr. Tom (as he prefers) is back in a parish and as Pastor.  Granted, there may be a bit of bias, since I am now working for him.  Parishioners though seem to be quite positive that he is just what they need.  I pray that we all continue to grow and work together as a faith community. 

7 Quick Takes

1.  Big weekend coming up starting with picking up our son's girlfriend tonight and ending with my boss being installed as pastor on Sunday.  In between a friend is coming down from Orlando for Sunday's event but we'll spend Saturday night with him.  Saturday night a group of friends are coming over the house for Praise & Worship.  It will be a small group, maybe twenty people and a time to gather and sing and pray as a community.  Our song leader plays the guitar and we may also have a keyboard,bass and flute players.  No matter who is there to help lead us, we life our voices in song and prayer, confident that we are heard.  Then we have  snacks and wine.
2.  I joined Pinterest.   I am afraid, very afraid.  If you think Facebook or blogs or twitter could be a total time sucker, forget about the possibility of this for a person who loves to sew and craft.  I practically drool when see some of the projects.  I am planning a craft party for the next weekend John goes to seminary.
3.  I am so excited to start another run on the HcG diet this weekend.  Excited about a diet you say?  Of course, the first two days are gorge days!  After that, not so much.  But it works and it is for three weeks.  John and  I will do it together and another friend of ours is doing it as well. 
4.  I have almost set the dates for my Australia trip.  It will be in the beginning of January for two weeks.  I will meet our daughter in Sydney and then, well, right now there is no "and then".  So, any ideas for places to visit and things to do over there are welcome.  I do know I want to go to the Sydney Opera House for a show.  Elisa thinks we will stay in hostels, but I'm not so sure yet.  I am beyond excited, I am euphoric just planning this trip. (so much so that I mention it every quick take:)
5.  I watched a DVD on the Mass called Come and See from Loyola Press to get for ready for Faith&Fun in a few weeks.  Wow, have DVD's improved since the last time I was responsible for teaching children.  We'll use the DVD as a springboard for conversation and explanation of the Roman Missal changes.  If you need info for children, I suggest Joe Paprocki's blog, Catechist's Journey. 
6.  I have never prayed this particular novena, but I am told it is most efficacious.  Our Lady, Untier of Knots.  I think I am going to pray it for a couple we are praying for who will attend a marriage preparation retreat  next weekend.  Not to untie their upcoming marriage knot, but to make sure anything that could get in the way is taken care of so they can go with open hearts and minds.
7.  Wednesday night was Wives Night at the seminary.  It was very good, especially our speaker who is a very good friend.  I was so proud of her and the other ladies enjoyed her talk.  Her main focus was that there is no one way to be a deacon's wife.  Most important was to be a person of prayer and realize that people will judge no matter what you do or how you look.  The focus is to be a good disciple. She talked about our book group and showed many of the books we have read.  We prayed evening prayer and then had an open forum to ask questions. A great night.

More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes

More Quick Takes!

1.  Fall has arrived in South Florida.  My office windows are open to let in the fresh, cool air.  I briefly considered pantyhose, but why? no one sees my legs, they are under the desk most of the time.  I will be having lunch outside in the courtyard with a friend, just perfect.
2.  My new job is amazing.  The parishioners are very friendly and so pleased to have someone here to engage them in their faith journey. We have started our on-line program for grades 1-8, My Catholic Faith Delivered, using the faith and Life course.  Confirmation will be taught by our pastor and have a sponsor component.  I will start our first adult program in November, which is A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri.  We are a bit late in starting to educate the congregation on the Roman Missal changes, but I think it will all work out in the end.
3.  Our daughter has found her new family to work for in January.  She will move to Sydney, Australia after her Christmas holiday in Malaysia, Singapore and possibly Thailand.  I am going to visit her in January, before she starts working so we can travel and be tourists.  I am very excited that I can start planning now that we know where she will be.  And, Skype is the best because we can see her and her new tattoo.  Yes, another tattoo, a star behind her left ear.
4.  My husband conquered a fear last weekend.  Originally, the thought of preaching a homily was a bit intimidating.  However, speaking is nothing compared to singing.  At seminary he had to lector and then sing the Gospel Alleluia.  And he did it!  We found the tune on Youtube and he practiced and practiced.  He said all went well until it was time for the verse.  Ah well, progress, not perfection. 
5.  I am sure most Catholics in the know have seen and heard about Fr. Robert Barron.  He is been on the outer bands of my radar.  His website is unbelievable!  Take a look at the Word of Fire and get to know more about his ministry.  His EWTN series is also airing soon, but since I do not have TV I'll have to watch it some other way.
6.  Our new book club book is Between Heaven and Mirth by Fr. James Martin. Here's a short clip of Fr. James talking about the book.  (I can't get the video to embed in the post.  Can you help?) We decided that a few of us have so much 'heaviness' in our life, that something light would be helpful.  I am also reading "The Church and the New Media" by Brandon Vogt. 
7. Here is a picture of my new office.  If you want to see more, here is the entire post.

New Digs

My new position has me constantly thanking God for his blessings.  I truly feel like a different person, much more relaxed and calm.  My new office is bigger than my bedroom!  I took some pictures so you can see where I am every day. I usually have the verticals open, but to take the pictures I had to close them.
I know it's not all about a great new office or feeling wondrous at the possibilities or being so ecstatic that people notice.  I feel I have been given a gift and I intend to use it to serve others.  I am going to stop going on and on though, because a few of my friends can't take it anymore.  (Wow, too many I's and my's.)

My office as you look in from the doorway. A door that people knock on before entering:)



Bookshelves and credenza, still working on it

Work area in one corner of the room,
Pink chair!

My desk, with chairs for visitors.
The window that lets in the sun and lets me see outside.

Courtyard where I can sit to work or have lunch.

Adjectives

I am getting tired of my usual adjectives such as great and wonderful.  Awesome sounds dated, cool shows my age, as does crack and bad.  So what else is there to say?  First, let me explain why I have this situation.  I am so happy at my new job, people ask me how things are going and I say, "great" "wonderful."  The lack of variety in my vocabulary is grating on me.  So like a good geek, I looked up the words in the thesaurus and here are some possible new adjectives:   admirable, best, dynamite, exceptional,  fab, fantastic, fine, first-rate, good, hellacious, marvelous, masterly, number one, out of sight, out of this world, out-and-out, perfect, positive, super-duper, terrific, transcendent, tremendous, unmitigated, unqualified, wonderful,  amazing, astonishing, astounding, awe-inspiring, brilliant,  divine, enjoyable, excellent, fabulous, incredible, magnificent,  miraculous, outstanding, peachy, phenomenal, pleasant, pleasing, prime, remarkable, sensational, something else, staggering, startling, strange, stupendous, super, superb, surprising,  unheard-of, wondrous.
I do feel pretty amazing and think this might be the best job I have ever had.  I hope I am awe-inspiring while having a hellacious good time with everyone.  It seems like this excellent position came through divine intervention and it is a tremendous opportunity to work in such a pleasing environment.  The church itself is stupendous, its' beauty almost staggering, with phenomenal stained glass windows and the awe-inspiring Sacred Heart altar.  Our location is a prime real estate spot just a few minutes walk to the magnificent Atlantic ocean or the pleasant inter coastal. I can also walk to some superb restaurants with super service for lunch or grab a cup of coffee in the fine market next door. 
Think I'll stop now, as I am really annoying myself. I think I like miraculous, divine and wondrous. Let's see how those work out for the next few days.

Scott Hahn Re-cap

Last Saturday Scott Hahn was presenting at at church just north of us.  It was well worth the trip.  His first talk centered around the theme of covenant in the scripture and what the early Church Fathers had to say.  St. Augustine says, "The New Testament is concealed in the Old Testament; the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament."  Hahn told us to read the New Testament in light of the Old Testament.  Often times I think we forget to read the Old Testament, thinking perhaps that the Gospels are more important since they tell us about Jesus.  But Jesus knew the Old Testament and referenced it frequently in his teaching.  We also need to know it.
I was fascinated by his example of the parallels between Moses and Jesus.

Moses                      

Pharaoh wanted him dead                                            

He had to leave flee into the desert 

God called him to save his people                                                          

The rulers would not listen to him                              

Moses turned water into blood                                 

Helped provide manna in the desert                         

 Jesus

Herod wanted him dead

He went into the desert to prepare for his ministry
He came to save us

Many did not listen to him

Jesus turned water into wine and then wine into blood

Multiplication of the loaves and himself in the Eucharist

Then he spoke about the passover feast and John 6 (Bread of Life discourse)
For the passover to be complete one had to slaughter the lamb, shed its blood to expiate sins, and eat the lamb, so they would love.  If, on the first passover, the Israelites did not do this, they would die.  Jesus was crucified, his blood shed for our sins and when we eat his flesh and drink his blood in the Eucharist, we have eternal life.

Scott Hahn is so engaging as a speaker, very down to earth, not afraid to tell stories about himself to bring home a point.  His knowledge is vast but I could also sense humility there and a person who loves God and the Church.  If you ever have an opportunity to hear him speak, don't hesitate.

7 Quick Takes - It's All Good!

For more Quick Takes click on through to Jen at Conversion Diary!

1.  Week one at my new job has been wonderful!  My office looks much better, my computer is all set up and working, sent a note to all the families registered for religious ed, I've spoken to some parents, and started making plans for children's liturgy and more.
2.  Our primary delivery system for religious ed will be via an online program.  We'll also meet once a month with all the children and youth for Faith and Fun!  There will be food too.
3.  I am carpooling now with my dear friend.  She works on one side of the bridge and I work on the other.  So, when she drives I'll take her car over to work and when I drive I will just drop her off.  We are both excited, not only because it will save on gas and for me, help with my miles since I lease my car, but we will get to see each other almost every day and spend time together.  That is the best part.
4.  Tomorrow my husband and I are going to hear Scott Hahn speak at St. Joseph in Stuart.  We have heard him before and are looking forward to hearing him again.  It will also be nice to spend some time together.  Then, we have a dinner to attend for the community of Guadalupan sisters who serve in our parish. 
5.  I was interviewed by the local paper here on Palm Beach,  Palm Beach Daily News, The Shiny Sheet.   The article is not up as I write this, but the reporter said it would be there today.  I didn't realize I was being interviewed until a few minutes into the conversation so I hope I said the right things.  She also wanted a picture, but I had nothing.  Thankfully, our parish secretary was able to take a photo with her phone and send it.  I say thankfully, but since I  haven't seen the picture in print, maybe I won't be thankful.  Oh well, it is what it is.
6.  As I have been working this week I realize how much I love to plan.  For me the possibilities are so much fun to consider.  The fact that I am back working in faith formation is very uplifting.  I can't wait to meet the families next week and start to get to know everyone. 
7.  I meant to take a picture of my window, which I sit facing as I type, but I forgot my camera.  It really isn't a very special window, but I see the sky, trees swaying in the breeze, every  now and again a person walks down the street.  When I get here in the morning I open the verticals to let the sunshine in so my plants will grow.  I know it's just a window, but it is the best part of my office. Maybe.  It's all so good. 
Peace and Pumpkins to you all!

Book Review: Becoming:The Woman God Made You to Be

Reading books is one of my favorite things to do.  Dreaming about writing a book is my second favorite thing to do.  I wish I had written this book!  Becoming: The Woman God Made You to Be by Tammy Evevard is one of the best books for women I have ever read.  Tammy is so real and genuine, her personality comes through and I wish I could have coffee with her.  I'd buy and bring the biscotti!  The examples and stories she uses are so refreshingly honest.  She quotes some of my favorite people/authors: Mother Theresa, Henri Nouwen, and C.S.Lewis to name a few. There are eleven chapters running the gamut from "Beloved" to "I Hate Kids,"  each one another step toward wholly allowing yourself to become the woman God made you to be.

I marked quite a few lines in the book, but this one sums up what Tammy is saying, "It's time to stop playing it safe and start taking risks.  Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.  Don't try to be who you're not.  Be yourself.  Laugh at yourself.  Quit holding out.  Quit holding back.  Quit running away.  Chase the lion" (102).  The final chapter of twenty five things Tammy has learned in life go from lipstick to heroes to shoes to paint; every item on the list spoke to me.

I already have a short list of people to give this book, my daughter being #1.  If you have ever believed that you were "less than," bought into the lies of  the "isms" in the world or just wondered exactly why God made you, give yourself the gift of this book.  You will not regret it.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Becoming: The Woman God Made You to Be. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.