tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26583983037040671162024-03-17T19:16:07.704-04:00Windows on Ursuline LifeThis blog is an opportunity to share with our friends and others more about our community, our ministries, how we live and what's important to us. We hope you enjoy reading it. Please feel free to ask questions and post feedback. Looking forward to hearing from you.Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.comBlogger840125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-51952789435094909642024-03-17T19:15:00.002-04:002024-03-17T19:15:33.397-04:00<p> </p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day. <span style="background-color: white;">St. Patrick’s Breastplate is one of the great hymns of the church, sung especially for Saint Patrick’s Day. It is an Old Irish prayer of protection called a lorica</span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">,</em><span style="background-color: white;"> and the text is attributed to St. Patrick</span><span style="background-color: white;"> or his followers in early Celtic monasticism. Literally, </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">lorica</em><span style="background-color: white;"> is the Latin term for body armor, thus the title “Saint Patrick’s Breastplate.” Cecil Alexander translated the prayer into an English hymn in 1889, and since then, it has also been known by its first line: “I bind unto myself today.”</span></span></p><p><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">I arise today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through belief in the Threeness,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through confession of the Oneness<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />of the Creator of creation.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I arise today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I arise today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through the strength of the love of cherubim,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the obedience of angels,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the service of archangels,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the prayers of patriarchs,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the predictions of prophets,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the preaching of apostles,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the faith of confessors,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the innocence of holy virgins,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In the deeds of righteous men.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I arise today, through<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The strength of heaven,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The light of the sun,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The radiance of the moon,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The splendor of fire,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The speed of lightning,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The swiftness of wind,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The depth of the sea,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The stability of the earth,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The firmness of rock.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I arise today, through<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's strength to pilot me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's might to uphold me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's wisdom to guide me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's eye to look before me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's ear to hear me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's word to speak for me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's hand to guard me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's shield to protect me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's host to save me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />From snares of devils,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />From temptation of vices,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />From everyone who shall wish me ill,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />afar and near.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I summon today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />All these powers between me and those evils,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against every cruel and merciless power<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />that may oppose my body and soul,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against incantations of false prophets,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against black laws of pagandom,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against false laws of heretics,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against craft of idolatry,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ to shield me today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against poison, against burning,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Against drowning, against wounding,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ with me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ before me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ behind me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ in me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ beneath me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ above me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ on my right,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ on my left,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ when I lie down,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ when I sit down,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ when I arise,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ in every eye that sees me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Christ in every ear that hears me.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I arise today<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through belief in the Threeness,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through confession of the Oneness<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />of the Creator of creation.</span></i></p><p><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJzb51j04z1dUvIAYgPVuVrojrMfjVVRcE0V572euATQSvHRjcXCGDC9ZZ3UkmsOaXBQl4nKsxHeLRAR-6e4WIrOErV7q9H4iH4daLxLyv_UwQx_Ko4BRIvMRT9bySSF510qnaN-8ywoLGQFhF6SpxCDmeAGGLMtLxWeO_yJTxw16C-Dk2Yjsey_SJ8z1l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJzb51j04z1dUvIAYgPVuVrojrMfjVVRcE0V572euATQSvHRjcXCGDC9ZZ3UkmsOaXBQl4nKsxHeLRAR-6e4WIrOErV7q9H4iH4daLxLyv_UwQx_Ko4BRIvMRT9bySSF510qnaN-8ywoLGQFhF6SpxCDmeAGGLMtLxWeO_yJTxw16C-Dk2Yjsey_SJ8z1l" width="192" /></a></span></i></div><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-72742548969948214782024-03-10T09:29:00.000-04:002024-03-10T09:29:21.360-04:00An Incredible Story<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the movies. I went to see Cabrini with one of our sisters. It was a truly moving experience. I remember as a young child learning about her life and visiting her body in the shrine. The timing of the release of the film was on International Women's Day and at the very beginning of National Catholic Sisters Week.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Her story is one that many immigrants faced in her day and still face today. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Arriving in New York City in 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini is greeted by disease, crime and impoverished children. She soon sets off on a daring mission to convince the mayor to secure housing and health care for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini use</span><span class="yZlgBd" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: arial;">s her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world has ever seen. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="yZlgBd" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: arial;">Cabrini had a tenacity that was unyielding. She stood up to Church authorities, hostile civil authorities and anyone who stood in her way. Born prematurely, Cabrini suffered from compromised lungs and was always frail. Her health never thwarted her determination to help others. She was the voice of the voiceless and challenged authorities to help her. Facing obstacles was a reflection of her strong will. Nothing would stand in the way of her achieving her goal of serving. Her dream was to go to the east but she was sent to the west. She made the best of the situation and helped many to survive.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="yZlgBd" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: arial;">If you have the opportunity and the desire for an uplifting yet challenging film go see Cabrini - you won't be disappointed.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="yZlgBd" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="yZlgBd" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKckX9iVKa2NWvroTxwGx1kR04F4TR2vYXgKdldVRLz20sI-FVy_2s3BYJPDjKq4HgE5uWRfMFL-MVt75zH1kL5fmnJvwN21VJ6SJIcrnK8EGZykNfmvQbxRa62_671ZMcO8vegMO_ZNWfNhr7ZQLXm9_8X6qsZ-ZTFSsPr-3Fy8l9tl6ZBO_g5r8Nhle3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="92" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKckX9iVKa2NWvroTxwGx1kR04F4TR2vYXgKdldVRLz20sI-FVy_2s3BYJPDjKq4HgE5uWRfMFL-MVt75zH1kL5fmnJvwN21VJ6SJIcrnK8EGZykNfmvQbxRa62_671ZMcO8vegMO_ZNWfNhr7ZQLXm9_8X6qsZ-ZTFSsPr-3Fy8l9tl6ZBO_g5r8Nhle3" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-33588806615573339482024-03-03T09:31:00.000-05:002024-03-03T09:31:31.680-05:00Transforming Grace<p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The LCWR
(Leadership Conference of Women Religious) have been encouraging their
membership to participate in a program of Transforming Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each week they provide a reflection for the
journey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fasting
from Words that Divide</span></span></i></b></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week, try
fasting from spoken and unspoken words that divide. Be attentive to words which
create ‘Either | Or’ instead of ‘Both | And’ thinking. Notice the way you think
and speak of those who are “other.”</span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lenten Fasting for Feast of
Transforming Grace </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="ql-cursor"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from Words that Divide<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on words that invite<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from ‘Either | Or’ thinking<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on ‘Both | And’ living<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from convincing certitude<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on space for uncertainty<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from anger<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on space for serenity<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from algorithms<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on discernment<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from fear<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on being willing to speak<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fast from isolation<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Feast on connection.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACJrG98P9IviCKJvwAhIorrfibEzSoU00quitsuFf3n2x-LIiRI828C1XGFpshoMFJApa8_h9CgnvX0T9vJIbgtzFGcW4ioViTkO5JJ6X0xxJ6HN5lrDJSdrkdq8LCziZtY7J7AQuDE2BRCoDlQYv2-xJ_lxLm6_QrBzemIAJPprVnamW6JYoQQqIL4Zf/s311/God's%20hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACJrG98P9IviCKJvwAhIorrfibEzSoU00quitsuFf3n2x-LIiRI828C1XGFpshoMFJApa8_h9CgnvX0T9vJIbgtzFGcW4ioViTkO5JJ6X0xxJ6HN5lrDJSdrkdq8LCziZtY7J7AQuDE2BRCoDlQYv2-xJ_lxLm6_QrBzemIAJPprVnamW6JYoQQqIL4Zf/s1600/God's%20hand.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-8962677518732673462024-02-25T09:32:00.002-05:002024-02-25T09:32:38.425-05:00Second Sunday of Lent<p> </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A friend of mine shared this quote of Pope Francis with me.
As I reflected on it this week I found it to be rather challenging. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pope Francis spoke again:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Eat what you want at Easter, the sacrifice is not in the
stomach, but in the heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They refrain from eating meat, but they do not talk to their
brothers or relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They do not visit their parents or burden them with care.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They do not share their food with the needy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They do not allow their children to see their father. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They do not forbid grandparents to see their grandchildren.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">They criticize other people’s lives, beat their wives, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A good roast or meat stew won’t make you a bad person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nor a fish fillet will make you a saint. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Better to try to have a deeper relationship with God
through better treatment of others. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We are less superficial and more humble of heart.” </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pope
Francis<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">In today’s gospel we hear the familiar story of the
Transfiguration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go to the mountain
with Jesus, Peter, James, and John where they experience Jesus in a glorified state.
Jesus is transfigured before them and the voice of God instructs them, “This is
my beloved Son, listen to Him. They have heard Jesus speak before, but have
they fully understood what Jesus was saying? The Lenten journey is meant to
waken us up to the reality that we have all we need in Jesus. Let us continue
to walk the path of the death and resurrection of Jesus. May we always hear and
understand Jesus’ call and invitations to us.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHW10q8zSl3JEP9sV3oCsk8tkVt-F42ZGNvYVA7SboxXPctzbHK0BRt4gN6JNBXpZwZ3bWVW_u10SFVWGLSnB6Ah2EjzloeEcYgdRja7q4lnIlD8dnuLi18f9iRZsYyM7ediBS5WWH3W9-QpfI6oVcLyzvjJqm80vf8ODcfanx1rF3kkxRTVKGOQys5CIv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="297" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHW10q8zSl3JEP9sV3oCsk8tkVt-F42ZGNvYVA7SboxXPctzbHK0BRt4gN6JNBXpZwZ3bWVW_u10SFVWGLSnB6Ah2EjzloeEcYgdRja7q4lnIlD8dnuLi18f9iRZsYyM7ediBS5WWH3W9-QpfI6oVcLyzvjJqm80vf8ODcfanx1rF3kkxRTVKGOQys5CIv" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-17457725949046775102024-02-18T09:26:00.000-05:002024-02-18T09:26:16.749-05:00First Sunday of Lent<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The prayer below was written by</span> Sr. Dorothea Gooud, an Australian
Ursuline sister. As we journey through these forty days may we reflect and pray
using it during this Lenten Season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Enlighten, O Lord, the darkness of my heart, </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>the gateways to my spirit open wide; </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>My eyes, my ears, my pow’r to feel and love, </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>O Divine Majesty, pour in your radiant light </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>So strong, so clear that I would rather die </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>than lose that radiance shining from your Face. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></i></p><p class="Pa2"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Let me not betray the trust you place in me</i></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Within that secret room which is my heart </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>I lay before you, Lord, my weakness and my sin </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Blind, lame, bent down, I can’t look to you. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>But night and day, at work and rest, I pray </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>My Healer, lay your gentle hand on me. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><i><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></i></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Your mercy is my hope; forgive me, Lord, restore </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>The crystal clearness of Baptismal grace </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>And thus I pray, O Lord, for those you give to me </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>With all in this vast world, Jesus, you died to save. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>And by your passion, by your blood outpoured – </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>In pity grant us time for change of heart. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><i><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></i></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>I give to you, my Lord, my only life and hope, </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Your dear-bought treasures I have called my own. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Within, without, they are your gifts to me. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Oh cast your fire of love upon my dried-up heart. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Consume its dead wood like the wild bush fire, </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Then touch to green new growth of love and peace. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><i><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></i></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>How long I’ve made you wait for my poor service, Lord. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Life’s hurts are hard to bear when love is small. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Yet I can truly say my greatest sorrow, Lord, </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Is watching human beings turn from love. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Pa2"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>I’d gladly give my life to cure their blindness.</i></span></p><p class="Pa2"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Take
all I am and have! Blessed be your name!</span></i></p><p class="Pa2"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNa8oo5SdlcS11krD5oqjLKKDkriA7Z9cQMILs0QB9QkzVAqvWpcwnvg1xBJOwllUYtP-cVTiokP6vl4IASo5OMn7TAeSP8BXVltJGKCgdEvUPf54TGkNlFON89xGwfNTCLzqs5AlorzWl9YnISWuvuvu6pxkOdLLiUPxMIwmxXXi4gYnWxpd5Z2Zy3xHf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNa8oo5SdlcS11krD5oqjLKKDkriA7Z9cQMILs0QB9QkzVAqvWpcwnvg1xBJOwllUYtP-cVTiokP6vl4IASo5OMn7TAeSP8BXVltJGKCgdEvUPf54TGkNlFON89xGwfNTCLzqs5AlorzWl9YnISWuvuvu6pxkOdLLiUPxMIwmxXXi4gYnWxpd5Z2Zy3xHf" width="320" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></i><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-2932129116044637992024-02-11T09:39:00.000-05:002024-02-11T09:39:34.165-05:00Ash Wednesday and Valentines Day<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">For
the first time since 2018, Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day fall on the same
day.</span> <span style="line-height: 107%;">This year</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">, Ash Wednesday and
Valentine’s Day coincide: a day about joy, love, and celebration alongside a
day about sacrifice, remembering our mortality, and recalling our utter
dependence on God. As we prepare to commemorate these two realities let us remember
that it may be the perfect time to invite our loving God into all of our life
experiences and remember that love heals. It may just be the perfect way for us
to enter Lent, remembering God is the one love that was here at the beginning
of our lives and will be here long after our inevitable end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">In
his 2024 Lenten message, Pope Francis reminds us of a question that God asked
Adam and Eve after they had eaten of the fruit, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) God
was looking for them not to judge them, but rather to enter into a dialogue.
Notice that God made the first move to search out where Adam and Eve were
hiding, and God reached out. Lent reminds us that God continues to reach out to
us. He does not want any of us to be lost. He knows our limitations; thus, He
comes to tell us that He understands us and loves us. That is what Lent is
about. It is a time to respond to the call. Let us not allow our fears, our
notion of unworthiness hide us from God. Lent invites us to open our ears and our
hearts and listen to the voice of the Lover. And we can do that by practicing
the three disciplines of Lent: Listen in prayer. Fast from the noises,
activities, attitudes that inhibit us from hearing His voice. Give alms, which
is to be good to others and to ourselves. In doing so, we rediscover that God
absolutely loves us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This
year as we celebrate Valentine’s Day let us remember to invite God in for the
joys as well as the sorrows, the excitements as well as the frustrations, and
the healthy moments as well as the sick ones. Ash Wednesday and Lent are both
encounters of love. Let us allow our
hearts to be filled with love and at the same time be open to the ultimate gift
of love that our God continually showers us with.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm59w4UBnhzHYYroUbcoujeGdGnAxfO71wb6MVlMXtTk8t2vN4DbhaY9eatCRY9-wkAPR_j-HOIHanXiu-Sy444xYd57MUZkIncL9f6HrcC3Pt2-fLNUdZ-6Mj5I3shTpGT8ASfLxZK_9D1nBCul0aBHRlmDoGCaoTc6xKGFQ8pnxCo_cGKegDjc1I67Xl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm59w4UBnhzHYYroUbcoujeGdGnAxfO71wb6MVlMXtTk8t2vN4DbhaY9eatCRY9-wkAPR_j-HOIHanXiu-Sy444xYd57MUZkIncL9f6HrcC3Pt2-fLNUdZ-6Mj5I3shTpGT8ASfLxZK_9D1nBCul0aBHRlmDoGCaoTc6xKGFQ8pnxCo_cGKegDjc1I67Xl" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-52747753668010766992024-02-04T09:17:00.000-05:002024-02-04T09:17:18.959-05:00 Bridges of Hope/Puentes De Esperanza<p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 40.95pt; margin-top: 11.3pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-font-width: 110%;">From<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Thursday,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>January<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">
</span>25th<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Sunday,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>January<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>28th,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Jeannie<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Pat<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>attended </span>Bridges of Hope/Puentes
De Esperanza sponsored by the Leadership Collaborative for <span style="mso-font-width: 110%;">women<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>religious<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>under<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;">
</span>65.Jeannie<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>participated<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>person<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>Chicago<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>Pat<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>participated via<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>Zoom.<span style="letter-spacing: 2.0pt;"> </span>There<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>were<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>150<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>women<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;">
</span>religious<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>under<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>age<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>65<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>gathered<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;">
</span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>person,<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>with </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">more</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">than</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">100</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">others</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">joining</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">them</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">virtually</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">from</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">108</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Congregations</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">28</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Countries,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">to discuss,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">discern</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">embrace</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">the</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">future</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">religious</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">life.</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Discussion</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">prayer</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">time</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">was
lively, deep and meaningful. Connections were strengthened and built as
simultaneous translation was provided.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.35pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b>Some<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>questions<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>discussed<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">were:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.35pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><br /></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-font-width: 110%;">·What<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>willing<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>challenge<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>challenged<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>about<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>this<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">life? </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">·Can</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.45pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">we</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">be</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">fearless?</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">What</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">does</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">that</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">mean?</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">What</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">would</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">it</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">look</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">like? </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">·How</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">can</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">we</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">live</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">without</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">anxiety</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">with</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">hope</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">in</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">this</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">in</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">between</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">time</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">what</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">was</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and what will be? </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">·How</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">you</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">have</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">been</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">an</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">agent</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">hope</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">a</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">co-creator</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">with</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">God</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">in</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.8pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">your</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">life/ministry?</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b>Some<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>shared<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;">
</span>thoughts<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">were:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"><br /></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.55pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-font-width: 110%;">·Mission<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>we<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>about-not<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;">
</span>just<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>ourselves<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>our<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>own<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">ministries.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.55pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">·A</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">healthy</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">balanced</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">life</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">ministry,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">relationships,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">wellness</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">activities,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">contemplation,
reading, recreation, and prayer are needed and desired. </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.55pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">·We</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">are</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">proud</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">to</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">be</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">women</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">religious</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">enjoy</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">the</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">connections</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">we</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">have</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">with</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">one
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">another. </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.65pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.55pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">·Our</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">willingness</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">to</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">be</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">vulnerable</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">is</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">not</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">a</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">sign</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">weakness</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">but</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">an</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">embrace</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">strength</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.85pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">authenticity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 8.6pt; margin-right: 40.95pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -2.95pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">·As<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>Pope<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>Francis,<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>says<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>‘We<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>never<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>disillusioned<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>lose<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>our<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>way<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>if<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>we<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>guided<span style="letter-spacing: 1.6pt;"> </span>by <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-font-width: 110%;">God”. </span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 8.6pt; margin-right: 40.95pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -2.95pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">They</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">both</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">enjoyed</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">the</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">gathering</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">tremendously</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">and</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">look</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">forward</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;">
</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">to</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">continuing</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; text-indent: -2.95pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;">the connections made.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 8.6pt; margin-right: 40.95pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -2.95pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 8.6pt; margin-right: 40.95pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -2.95pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-indent: -2.95pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTKHqv710uHNUdRkQ1Pet0zbfA7CkgluW0WXjpdwEMBqi8_Ycs0DATl988iBGMDtCQyYTylotBID5iXl9R6HHuJr6IaO2tr3U9HhV68L0D8AI8E6EzgIYJTZJoQMWqHT4eN_6oApRTId1CuGt6gjl_mFE-D2D1sIVSmAEXzaW2k7cdLgii_rJ32CezD1RW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="207" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTKHqv710uHNUdRkQ1Pet0zbfA7CkgluW0WXjpdwEMBqi8_Ycs0DATl988iBGMDtCQyYTylotBID5iXl9R6HHuJr6IaO2tr3U9HhV68L0D8AI8E6EzgIYJTZJoQMWqHT4eN_6oApRTId1CuGt6gjl_mFE-D2D1sIVSmAEXzaW2k7cdLgii_rJ32CezD1RW" width="221" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 2.6pt;"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-49780475139411967842024-01-21T09:20:00.001-05:002024-01-21T09:20:58.139-05:00Hope<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">On Saturday we celebrate the Feast of St. Angela. Angela founded the Company of St. Ursula in 1535. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">St. Angela was a woman of hope, and her words continue to encourage and support our efforts to “have </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">hope and firm faith in God who will help us everything” (Prologue to the Counsels). Our January Heart to Heart selection was an invitation to respond to the following questions: </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">What are you hopeful for in the new year?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">How might you nurture hope in yourself and others?</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">How/where do you find invitations to hope in your daily life?</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Jeannie was one of the seven who responded to the invitation. Her refelction is below:</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">A way I can nurture hope is by being more of a listening </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">presence to hear people’s stories and then trying to </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">acknowledge their pain and reaffirm the goodness </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">in them. So many I know are being asked to make </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">changes within their lives and I need to help them see </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">that, no matter what, God is present. As I write this </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">response, it is Epiphany Sunday, and I am struck by </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">how the magi had to go home another way. What is </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">the other way that I might be? How can I be creative </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">when faced with challenges? How can I exist in the </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">grey and uncertainty? I need to remember and </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">remind others that no one is exempt from the human </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">condition and experience of pain and disappointment, </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">but how we deal, live life and treat others is what </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">matters. I always think of hope as “Hold Onto Positive </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Energy” and “Hang On Peace Emerges,” and these are </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">messages I find myself thinking and praying with each </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">day and sharing with others.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">—Jeannie Humphries, OSU</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdg49GMJs2HWrVUGkkY7jEiHh9gS_PBrtu_ZTKJ1PyGGCxNPJziIzc1q8pIwKY0eveRU3ewOdgzT1RiyPcIn-tLTSRO9lBl0JTdbqQj9r2KPog91MOG6J_y4KZZBHQsCV2z91q8s1wSIuBVekuS0Zfjtss1ewe5ZeCAvBIfJWd6ItWITPXOoUuo6BTWMQr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdg49GMJs2HWrVUGkkY7jEiHh9gS_PBrtu_ZTKJ1PyGGCxNPJziIzc1q8pIwKY0eveRU3ewOdgzT1RiyPcIn-tLTSRO9lBl0JTdbqQj9r2KPog91MOG6J_y4KZZBHQsCV2z91q8s1wSIuBVekuS0Zfjtss1ewe5ZeCAvBIfJWd6ItWITPXOoUuo6BTWMQr" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-62391006281609070652024-01-14T09:35:00.000-05:002024-01-14T09:35:07.547-05:00Second Sunday in Ordinary TIme<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">In our first reading today, we
hear the familiar story of Samuel in the Temple.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Samuel is in the Temple when he hears the
word of God for the first time.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">In
Samuel’s time the word of God was scarce, and Eli helps him to listen to God. Eli
in his wisdom tells Samuel to respond when he hears the voice of God with, “Speak
Lord your servant is listening.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">In today’s Gospel, Jesus
invites his first disciples to come and stay with him. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">John
the Baptist introduces the disciples to Jesus, and they are invited to have
their own experience of God. Much like Samuel they are invited to say, “Speak
Lord your servant is listening.” They are
called to leave all and follow Jesus in uncharted ways. They are called to leave all that was
familiar and embrace what was not. The disciples
were challenged to have tremendous faith, courage, and trust in someone who
they had just met.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">One of my favorite songs is The Servant Song by Richard
Gillard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Will you let me be your servant let me be as
Christ to you<br />
Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">We are pilgrims on the journey we are travelers
on the road<br />
We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">I will hold the Christ light for you in the nighttime
of your fear<br />
I will hold my hand out to you speak the peace you long to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">I will weep when you are weeping when you
laugh, I'll laugh with you<br />
I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Will you let me be your servant let me be as
Christ to you<br />
Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">May we have the grace, like
the first disciples, to be servants of Jesus and all those we encounter on our
life’s journey.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhniSPb9_G_g25LHsHSotJ8uV0g_rj1nrUiInRfVZ9AC7KH3HMHBslCpHqIZJY2_s5JfLYhcl7Dl9LNl-jlYYLRIYgWfX1RGnczvZxowviRK6BWOUq5HzdpMwFEfz4xb76368Xbl378i-FkXI_KDRitWT7zlq8XDvYhnlx-PFG3_8gEGoXbt7nYziD8B-YA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhniSPb9_G_g25LHsHSotJ8uV0g_rj1nrUiInRfVZ9AC7KH3HMHBslCpHqIZJY2_s5JfLYhcl7Dl9LNl-jlYYLRIYgWfX1RGnczvZxowviRK6BWOUq5HzdpMwFEfz4xb76368Xbl378i-FkXI_KDRitWT7zlq8XDvYhnlx-PFG3_8gEGoXbt7nYziD8B-YA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-33607541826709972102024-01-07T15:07:00.002-05:002024-01-07T15:07:46.847-05:00Solemnity of the Epiphany<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the day long ago when the Magi followed
the star to Bethlehem and found the child Jesus who had been born in a stable. The hymn that is most famous for this day was written by John Henry Hopkins,
Jr. in 1857. </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> It recalls for us </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the events in Matthew’s gospel.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>We Three Kings</b></span></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: white; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td colspan="2" style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar,<br />
Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, following yonder Star.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 38.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">O Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star
with Royal Beauty bright,<br />
Westward leading, Still proceeding, guide us to Thy perfect Light.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Born a King on Bethlehem, Gold I
bring to crown Him again,<br />
King forever, Ceasing never Over us all to reign.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top"><br /></td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deity" title="Deity"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ty</span></a> nigh:<br />
Prayer and praising All men raising, Worship God on
High.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of
gathering gloom; —<br />
Sorrowing, sighing, Bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Glorious now behold Him arise, King,
and God, and Sacrifice;<br />
Heav’n sings Hallelujah. Hallelujah
the earth replies.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Magi were seekers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we always remember to be seekers of the
truth and live lives focused on the gospel and following Jesus in all we do.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQk5Udln87-o0Xak9HX1PI6Vg9mkMKgz0noCcu6g3_2S969vfrobWw7jExHWlehV06C_pjm3YqsdK55bQrEWbdweg3-TlMPYx80A994PgN5gYrqKdiQuhhA10VWzSas1Y4EdHrZTPdzgq58SNkQesaN-U-EuTbYvMG3-MU7oBij2HCT8QsS91IvOwVooG/s843/Epiphany%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="843" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQk5Udln87-o0Xak9HX1PI6Vg9mkMKgz0noCcu6g3_2S969vfrobWw7jExHWlehV06C_pjm3YqsdK55bQrEWbdweg3-TlMPYx80A994PgN5gYrqKdiQuhhA10VWzSas1Y4EdHrZTPdzgq58SNkQesaN-U-EuTbYvMG3-MU7oBij2HCT8QsS91IvOwVooG/s320/Epiphany%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></o:p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-58432288053487791112023-12-31T09:45:00.002-05:002023-12-31T09:45:37.061-05:00Feast of the Holy Family<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Feast is celebrated on the Sunday after
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Feast of the Holy Family
is a rather tender remembrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary, Joseph,
and Jesus did not have an easy life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many
ways they were refugees trying to make ends meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They embraced significant difficulties and had
more than their share of life’s struggles. Like them, we too, have family
struggles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Pope Francis wrote, “</span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God has saved us by living among us. He lived
in a family, an everyday life. He did not avoid difficulties, but rather chose
a family “experienced in suffering,” as if to tell our families: “You are not
alone!”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Our loving, compassionate,
God promises to always be present to us.
As we go through life there are times when this is very real and other
times when it seems impossible. God’s
presence is not seen it is felt with one’s heart. We are called to believe with he eyes of
faith. Much like Simeon, we are called
to testify to Christ alive among us. On this
last day of 2023 let us take time to look back and reflect on the past years
through the eyes of faith. I am sure God’s
presence will be full of many surprises.
May 2024 be filled with many blessings and much happiness, peace, and
love for all.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-inuzIrZTgHvLJ216AkCLq0vmAoiP0Cy3CoAdLO4ecN021eiKbCa6SQyr6QonPN_QYWP__QzbU6w8EHwdc5w435tgalHg04r5UsULsEk6FC7Fux1fKOb7QXKJwT4onzPOXGh6ojRtvWNXRyoh_kn7whhJ5Mj0Qtd7Azot2Wjq3IPnXgDHFlGhB-vDzR-o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-inuzIrZTgHvLJ216AkCLq0vmAoiP0Cy3CoAdLO4ecN021eiKbCa6SQyr6QonPN_QYWP__QzbU6w8EHwdc5w435tgalHg04r5UsULsEk6FC7Fux1fKOb7QXKJwT4onzPOXGh6ojRtvWNXRyoh_kn7whhJ5Mj0Qtd7Azot2Wjq3IPnXgDHFlGhB-vDzR-o" width="110" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-34811266111975046312023-12-24T08:40:00.001-05:002023-12-24T08:40:42.397-05:00<p> </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><em><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.<br /></span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">May it be done to me according to your
word.”</span></span></b></em></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%;">On this fourth Sunday
of Advent, we hear the familiar story of the Annunciation by the Angel
Gabriel. This message comes from an
angel, and its words are not only for Mary, but for each of us to whom the
angel speaks today through the Gospel.
St. Gabriel’s message tells us about a plan: a plan God has for Mary’s life, and a plan
that God has for the life of each one of us.
The purpose of this gospel passage is to show us how to accept in our
lives this plan that God has for us. The
way that the gospel shows us to accept this plan is to imitate the Blessed
Virgin Mary. We need to say “yes” to God’s
plan for us. Advent is that season when
we anticipate the coming of Christ. We cannot
come to savor the joy of Christmas without living out the humility of
Advent. Advent is a season of humble
expectation.</span></em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This year Advent
is particularly short and ends on the 4<sup>th</sup> Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas Eve begins with the Vigil Liturgy
at 4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many fond memories of
Christmas Eve dinner at my aunt’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She made the traditional Italian seven fishes but always had something
for those of us who did not eat fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
the endless antipasto platters that were on the table and the linguini without clam
sauce that was part of the tradition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
meal always concluded with pastries and a Yule Log.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%;">May these days be
filled with anticipation, love and the profound “yes” of Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we follow her example and proclaim, “May
it be done to me according to your word.”</span></em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgshlw5pucBJviYzzzKiwRRVLCWobZ1_ix-wJFokD73a6MW1jYMNLcjgDcQva30jXOda8gRFsOKnYdo6MCusDV2mWrcTr3VZTxkuZ47ymJICAfUY-21ujGdOH_RcuEfhTvYJjJuPy15Ni99AV6yJkLaEPTJamN59-xR7QINGZdosZL0AEngfPRlQsEx-OdZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgshlw5pucBJviYzzzKiwRRVLCWobZ1_ix-wJFokD73a6MW1jYMNLcjgDcQva30jXOda8gRFsOKnYdo6MCusDV2mWrcTr3VZTxkuZ47ymJICAfUY-21ujGdOH_RcuEfhTvYJjJuPy15Ni99AV6yJkLaEPTJamN59-xR7QINGZdosZL0AEngfPRlQsEx-OdZ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-61527134631376400852023-12-17T09:30:00.001-05:002023-12-17T09:30:57.572-05:00Gaudete Sunday<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I have always loved the third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the Sunday when we light the pink candle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear the story of John the Baptist, a
witness to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew Jesus and revealed
what he knew of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are invited this
day to continue the journey of getting to know Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the day when we are invited to let joy
fill our hearts as we prepare once again for the coming of Christ into our
hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Christmas
show of a friend’s school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This school
is for students with special learning issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a truly profound experience of joy for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each student performed with their whole
heart, mind and entire being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart
was filled with joy watching these young people sing, dance, and perform the
Nativity of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire room
was filled with excitement as the show began. Each level presented two songs,
were involved in the choir, and the older students presented the story of that
night long, long ago when Jesus was born in a stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were shepherds, kings, angels, joining Mary,
Joseph, and the baby (a doll) on the stage. The students performed with reverence,
respect, and were filled with joy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Friday night truly began a sense of Christmas spirit for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching these young people filled
me with a tremendous sense of joy and anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt that the show touched my heart in a
very special way. Perhaps it was the fact that I was in the front row in a reserved
seat or that I was asked to take pictures of the performance that enabled me to
feel totally absorbed in the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took
about 150 pictures trying to capture the experience for the principal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May shows like this and other Christmas
classics carry us through this season with hope, faith, and joy!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjDWjUfZloGoOU1xNijA8lbzl_lQ5SCNGgh25psiWHmixUYKWV6-81wgWME0r8eN35FOjbHzvS4r6mtn5Ca6Hbn2JQrZIHXddws5DplxSbqEse9xqfgGkgGQmzP2nNe0m9hAjnysoL0G1IgTZDZuS0g1yMrtd8b0JxpopLFvsm6u72_EPuFlknWxsmubm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjDWjUfZloGoOU1xNijA8lbzl_lQ5SCNGgh25psiWHmixUYKWV6-81wgWME0r8eN35FOjbHzvS4r6mtn5Ca6Hbn2JQrZIHXddws5DplxSbqEse9xqfgGkgGQmzP2nNe0m9hAjnysoL0G1IgTZDZuS0g1yMrtd8b0JxpopLFvsm6u72_EPuFlknWxsmubm" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-62443804402038700342023-12-10T09:24:00.000-05:002023-12-10T09:24:37.310-05:00Second Sunday of Advent<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Today we continue the journey as we mark the Second Sunday of Advent. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Every year on the second Sunday of Advent, the Church has us ponder the words and deeds of Saint John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of the Lord. The </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Advent season is an invitation to refocus your mind away from the stresses of the year. We can take our focus off of the crazy hustle of the season and the sadness that could accompany the different ways some of us may be choosing to observe the holiday season this year. Even when things feel chaotic we can find peace in Jesus. Advent is a chance to focus our thoughts on the gift God has given us in his son Jesus who stepped down from heaven and took the form of a man </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">so that we might believe</em><span style="background-color: white;">. As we begin this second week of Advent let us take on the attitude of Advent as we pray:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">"Loving God, prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth joyfully! We thank you for faithfully doing what you promised long ago when you sent your Son to earth so that we might have the chance to become part of your family. Let the promise of your second coming inspire us to live with hope and purpose. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">As we wait</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">for your plan to unfold, give us the patience we need. Remind us of the peace we can access when we take time to still ourselves before you and remember that you are God. We thank you that you are both sovereign and gracious.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 12px 0px !important;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Help us to find rest in the midst of what feels like chaos in our world'. Amen.</span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">During this season of hope and promise let us </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">be patient with ourselves, our God, one another. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDe-YlumbbjqezVMsiUzCsWI2w3zEQpMPq2JNb5GsX7FAYM52fKjvPtCJ7tKKK69QNNM5p46pwc_jv_elvaCZ50uk5dokaVEiGCfvkOyOFUQIWzGtgJzxZsQRBbxNONY9VruoaDnENB2Vp2f7IdOTU7S6587fd6YeHXscYFfLxD4FbeMJD7luMEOanj0R/s950/Advent%20Attitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="946" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDe-YlumbbjqezVMsiUzCsWI2w3zEQpMPq2JNb5GsX7FAYM52fKjvPtCJ7tKKK69QNNM5p46pwc_jv_elvaCZ50uk5dokaVEiGCfvkOyOFUQIWzGtgJzxZsQRBbxNONY9VruoaDnENB2Vp2f7IdOTU7S6587fd6YeHXscYFfLxD4FbeMJD7luMEOanj0R/s320/Advent%20Attitudes.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-668350916366398052023-12-03T13:51:00.000-05:002023-12-03T13:51:14.342-05:00First Sunday of Advent<p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Just as I was about to write the blog for the first Sunday
of Advent, Sr. Jeannie sent me this acrostic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a wonderful gift as we begin this Advent Season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">time to stop<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">reaming of what will be in the
future <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">V</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ery much now to be in the now <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">E</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">mergence of something new <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">odding acceptance of reality<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">T</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">o allow God to be present in us</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">In our readings from this first Sunday, we focus on our
ultimate goal of entering the Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The image of God as a potter forming us, shaping us into who we are
called to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the image of God molding
us into the people we are. God is called to be tender and love us into life if
we are willing to listen. In Mark’s Gospel, he speaks of disasters that can
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Jesus’ message is stay
alert and be ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be who we are called
to be. Jesus calls us to be active, to be excited, not passive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This is really what Advent is all about, to be ready and
full of hope. Time is moving by so quickly; we need to be sure to take time to
allow God to be present to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advent is
very short this year, just twenty-two days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is much to do and much to reflect on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many resources are available this year to
help guide us through the Advent season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Community Works, Inc <a href="https://www.cworksindy.com/">https://www.cworksindy.com/</a>
is one of many resources available to help guide you through the Advent
journey. May these days of Advent be filled with much hope, peace, joy, and
love for our world.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4D6hjAUiOtldFSIjRRUUW-cxQOe_Lk-0m0lGMOaX9ynTTH3MKF1p-1Bky7iKLROIPgNaw3aC2-rIyy4DC4okKif4yzUtIEk1NzZ89kVt3vy3Gm66vPYJsmF9mROILb9O7bd-t8ooysMTUlDoEU0AYCQjWTN8JXWxR0Nwc7WrWv8vYb9kyQAWgbVVWieZ/s984/Advent%20W1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="946" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4D6hjAUiOtldFSIjRRUUW-cxQOe_Lk-0m0lGMOaX9ynTTH3MKF1p-1Bky7iKLROIPgNaw3aC2-rIyy4DC4okKif4yzUtIEk1NzZ89kVt3vy3Gm66vPYJsmF9mROILb9O7bd-t8ooysMTUlDoEU0AYCQjWTN8JXWxR0Nwc7WrWv8vYb9kyQAWgbVVWieZ/s320/Advent%20W1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-49190572620736968482023-11-26T09:26:00.000-05:002023-11-26T09:26:20.403-05:00Celebrating Our Roots<p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday, Ursuline Sisters,
Associates, colleagues, and friends are celebrated St. Angela Merici’s
foundation of the Company of St. Ursula in 1535. On November 25, 1535, Angela Merici
with 28 of her followers attended Mass and then signed their name (or made
their mark) in the Book of the Company of St. Ursula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This simple ceremony was the beginning of a
legacy that has lasted 488 years. As we celebrate this 488th anniversary, we
recommit ourselves to bringing the spirit of St. Angela to our church and our
world and to living her words to us: “Act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry out
to God with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvelous things if
you direct everything to the praise and glory of God </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and the good of others.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">On Tuesday, November 28<sup>th</sup>
we commemorate the foundation of the Roman Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1900, Pope Leo XIII expressed the wish to
see all the Ursulines united under the authority of one Superior General living
in Rome. A consultation was sent to all the Ursulines and to all the bishops
concerned. The questions, correspondence, support and even the objections led
to the convocation of a General Assembly in Rome on November 15, 1900. The 71
superiors and delegates discussed and voted the plan for a General Government. Sixth-two
of the monasteries joined the Union. The verbal approval of the Holy Father on
November 28, 1900 was followed by the opening of the first General Chapter of
the Roman Union, and the election of Mother Marie de Saint Julien Aubry as
Prioress General, as well as the election of four Councilors : German, American
(USA), French and Italian.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then the work of organization of the Roman Union
began – the name was chosen to assert its international character from the very
beginning, compared to other national unions. In 1900, this Union included 62
monasteries from diverse continents. The
Roman Union continues to live out the charism of St. Angela.</span></span></span><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictDBik7b33oKTtZ8r1XAgC6_fx3zirb8GJDCEapiKCOQru6hFRnoKWIPkPS9hBYpygiVMIqJ0iwJEHdLhXh9xnrt1NYYIrFlYwRVizhpvpcZ5Mz2tQMh0mMjo1axtzckkU5zjplIElC9_yxZze1-LT4EkdAJNF_c0W2GHO1lexPHAiDq6VrN8bUzj-E1u/s2048/Foundation%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="2048" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictDBik7b33oKTtZ8r1XAgC6_fx3zirb8GJDCEapiKCOQru6hFRnoKWIPkPS9hBYpygiVMIqJ0iwJEHdLhXh9xnrt1NYYIrFlYwRVizhpvpcZ5Mz2tQMh0mMjo1axtzckkU5zjplIElC9_yxZze1-LT4EkdAJNF_c0W2GHO1lexPHAiDq6VrN8bUzj-E1u/s320/Foundation%20Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-14744839642934560852023-11-19T09:21:00.003-05:002023-11-19T09:22:59.323-05:00Gratitude<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">On Thursday of this week, we will celebrate the great
tradition of Thanksgiving. Families will gather with loved ones and eat a
bountiful feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we enjoy being with
family and friends let us take a moment to pause and thank our loving God for
the many blessings bestowed on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we
always have grateful hearts and think of others at this time. So many people are
struggling at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I prayed
about Thanksgiving and what it means to me, I found this prayer from Xavier
University which summarized the true meaning of gratitude for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.5pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Show My Gratitude<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have
bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have
imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You
have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and
actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my
spirit soar.<br />
<br />
Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things
that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices and provide me with
advisors to help me with life's difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many
ways so that I always know you are here.<br />
<br />
And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope
that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much
they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same
kindness they have provided to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I am extremely grateful for all of your
blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind of just how blessed I am and
that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned
acts of kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">By Kelli Mahoney<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwBvkkbEaCNV4QOAPCwO48v5Ufz9k7xHlHKAGooVkVbcpGo7Y5OvsqUh49zeVDPOgOX-HXS6AXrMXk0U3M_6C9z0G_8HvujtFNt7lji-APlD-Y94qPzfxnYwv0W3dQ8w0aMUQM9zzhGqXGF4M647lbtQSOIv4bCHtiWbgtcBqyekAmGjxk5Udbbhdu12tj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwBvkkbEaCNV4QOAPCwO48v5Ufz9k7xHlHKAGooVkVbcpGo7Y5OvsqUh49zeVDPOgOX-HXS6AXrMXk0U3M_6C9z0G_8HvujtFNt7lji-APlD-Y94qPzfxnYwv0W3dQ8w0aMUQM9zzhGqXGF4M647lbtQSOIv4bCHtiWbgtcBqyekAmGjxk5Udbbhdu12tj" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-64778526213380732182023-11-12T09:34:00.000-05:002023-11-12T09:34:26.463-05:00Watching, Waiting, Living<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">In our Gospel today we hear the Story of the Ten Virgins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five were foolish and five were wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The five who were wise were prepared and
brought extra oil for their lamps to keep them lit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five were unprepared and did not bring extra
oil to keep their lamps lit. They needed lamp oil when the bridegroom came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bridegroom came and those who were ready
were welcomed into the wedding feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
others had to go to buy oil for their lamps and when they returned, they were
not permitted to enter the feast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This story reminds us that we are in the home stretch of
the Liturgical Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one month, we
will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and begin the new Liturgical Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called today to look at our
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways the oil in this story
represents our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day we are
called to keep working on our faith and live it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we don’t live our faith, we see that in
many ways we are unprepared.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Yesterday I was at the burial of a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were leaving his wife asked me, “He is
in Heaven, isn’t he?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of
her grief, she wanted the assurance that her beloved husband was in Heaven with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart ached for her, and my
response was an emphatic “yes!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe in my innermost being that he is with God and at peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suffered terribly with cancer and fought
valiantly. When there was no more hope for a cure, he placed his trust in God and
journey toward his final day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Watching, waiting, living our faith is part of who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be ready today and everyday to give
life and witness to the faith that God has given to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we always be alert and prepared.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDR_1336HR_U5jR4BGj4ftsnQ5OeSJPWmnzbyIZXXlCS_RrzO65w8gVczlv5aswRwpZnblUIk0Ke39_fvQmJQY90TWtHMIGEodve_TljaZh_cbNsXY-Quq3nlDBziaICsvmv-YGX5VMj1DuEIwP3_6yqUyXT_RBYRGWPSeUONgyVISjTCteWd9vto-8FIO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDR_1336HR_U5jR4BGj4ftsnQ5OeSJPWmnzbyIZXXlCS_RrzO65w8gVczlv5aswRwpZnblUIk0Ke39_fvQmJQY90TWtHMIGEodve_TljaZh_cbNsXY-Quq3nlDBziaICsvmv-YGX5VMj1DuEIwP3_6yqUyXT_RBYRGWPSeUONgyVISjTCteWd9vto-8FIO" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-84425566139851830182023-11-05T09:08:00.003-05:002023-11-05T09:08:47.668-05:00National Vocation Awareness Week<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.288px; text-align: justify;">National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer, invitation, and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. This year it is celebrated November 5 - 11. Let us pray for all who are considering their vocation at this time. May God's call become clear for them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; letter-spacing: -0.288px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; letter-spacing: -0.288px; text-align: justify;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYPBk7Di1Q61AC-Kyhz_p5tyaogPWroHKzTaMa8b-VSy0naI2tQ0RjhCSjjdGNO6ez8XcCgMCZ6BRFmKVlnj6z6faYRWh6qrmCsnrzT_eGqXA49AkHtH_j1grtL8l4fdmk_qpJVAzInyFmViMjYOj1_uIzqG0XLbYzjvY7ZVxHh5uO7qi_wnSiqqSDj_e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="250" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYPBk7Di1Q61AC-Kyhz_p5tyaogPWroHKzTaMa8b-VSy0naI2tQ0RjhCSjjdGNO6ez8XcCgMCZ6BRFmKVlnj6z6faYRWh6qrmCsnrzT_eGqXA49AkHtH_j1grtL8l4fdmk_qpJVAzInyFmViMjYOj1_uIzqG0XLbYzjvY7ZVxHh5uO7qi_wnSiqqSDj_e" width="247" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-24701531913814912052023-10-29T09:07:00.000-04:002023-10-29T09:07:54.583-04:00Letter to the People of God<p> </p><p class="01TESTOARTICOLO" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Letter of the <br />
XVI Ordinary General Assembly<br />
of the Synod of Bishops<br />
to the People of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Dear sisters, dear brothers,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">As the proceedings of the first session of the 16th
Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops draw to a close, we want to
thank God with all of you for the beautiful and enriching experience we have
lived. We lived this blessed time in profound communion with all of you. We
were supported by your prayers, bearing with you your expectations, your
questions, as well as your fears. As Pope Francis requested two years ago, a
long process of listening and discernment was initiated, open to all the People
of God, no one being excluded, to “journey together” under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, missionary disciples engaged in the following of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The session in which we have been gathered in Rome
since 30 September is an important phase of this process. In many ways it has
been an unprecedented experience. For the first time, at Pope Francis’
invitation, men and women have been invited, in virtue of their baptism, to sit
at the same table to take part, not only in the discussions, but also in the
voting process of this Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Together, in the
complementarity of our vocations, our charisms and our ministries, we have
listened intensely to the Word of God and the experience of others. Using the
conversation in the Spirit method, we have humbly shared the wealth and poverty
of our communities from every continent, seeking to discern what the Holy
Spirit wants to say to the Church today. We have thus also experienced the
importance of fostering mutual exchanges between the Latin tradition and the
traditions of Eastern Christianity. The participation of fraternal delegates
from other Churches and Ecclesial Communities deeply enriched our discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Our assembly took place in the context of a world in
crisis, whose wounds and scandalous inequalities resonated painfully in our
hearts, infusing our work with a particular gravity, especially since some of
us come from countries where war rages. We prayed for the victims of deadly
violence, without forgetting all those who have been forced by misery and
corruption to take the dangerous road of migration. We assured our solidarity
and commitment alongside the women and men all over the world who are working
to build justice and peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">At the invitation of the Holy Father, we made
significant room for silence to foster mutual listening and a desire for
communion in the Spirit among us. During the opening ecumenical vigil, we
experienced how the thirst for unity increases in the silent contemplation of
the crucified Christ. In fact, the cross is the only cathedra of the One who,
having given himself for the salvation of the world, entrusted His disciples to
His Father, so that “they may all be one” (John 17:21). Firmly united in the
hope brought by His Resurrection, we entrusted to Him our common home where the
cries of the earth and the poor are becoming increasingly urgent: “<i>Laudate
Deum</i>!” (“Praise God!”), as Pope Francis reminded us at the beginning of our
work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Day by day, we felt the pressing call to pastoral and
missionary conversion. For the Church’s vocation is to proclaim the Gospel not
by focusing on itself, but by placing itself at the service of the infinite
love with which God loved the world (cf. John 3:16). When homeless people near
St. Peter’s Square were asked about their expectations regarding the Church on
the occasion of this synod, they replied: “Love!”. This love must always remain
the ardent heart of the Church, a Trinitarian and Eucharistic love, as the Pope
recalled on October 15, midway through our assembly, invoking the message of
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. It is “trust” that gives us the audacity and
inner freedom that we experienced, not hesitating to freely and humbly express
our convergences, differences, desires and questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">And now? We hope that the months leading to the second
session in October 2024 will allow everyone to concretely participate in the
dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word “synod”. This is not
about ideology, but about an experience rooted in the apostolic tradition. As
the Pope reminded us at the beginning of this process, “communion and mission <span style="background: white;">can risk remaining somewhat abstract, unless
we cultivate an ecclesial praxis that expresses<i> the concreteness of
synodality</i></span> (...) <span style="background: white;">encouraging
real involvement on the part of each and all</span>” (October 9, 2021). There
are multiple challenges and numerous questions: the synthesis report of the
first session will specify the points of agreement we have reached, highlight
the open questions, and indicate how our work will proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">To progress in its discernment, the Church absolutely
needs to listen to everyone, starting with the poorest. This requires a path of
conversion on its part, which is also a path of praise: <span style="background: white;">“</span>I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding
and revealed them to little children” (Luke 10:21)! It means listening to
those who have been denied the right to speak in society or who feel excluded,
even by the Church; listening to people who are victims of racism in all its
forms – in particular in some regions to indigenous peoples whose cultures have
been scorned. Above all, the Church of our time has the duty to listen, in a
spirit of conversion, to those who have been victims of abuse committed by
members of the ecclesial body, and to commit herself concretely and
structurally to ensuring that this does not happen again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Church also needs to listen to the laity, women
and men, all called to holiness by virtue of their baptismal vocation: to the
testimony of catechists, who in many situations are the first proclaimers of
the Gospel; to the simplicity and vivacity of children, the enthusiasm of
youth, to their questions, and their pleas; to the dreams, the wisdom and the
memory of elderly people. The Church needs to listen to families, to their
educational concerns, to the Christian witness they offer in today's world. She
needs to welcome the voice of those who want to be involved in lay ministries
and to participate in discernment and decision-making structures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">To progress further in synodal discernment, the Church
particularly needs to gather even more the words and experience of the ordained
ministers: priests, the primary collaborators of the bishops, whose sacramental
ministry is indispensable for the life of the whole body; deacons, who, through
their ministry, signify the care of the entire Church for the most vulnerable.
She also needs to let herself be questioned by the prophetic voice of
consecrated life, the watchful sentinel of the Spirit’s call. She also needs to
be attentive to all those who do not share her faith but are seeking the truth,
and in whom the Spirit, who “offers everyone the possibility of being
associated with this paschal mystery” (<i>Gaudium et Spes</i> 22, 5), is also
present and operative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“<span style="background: white;">The world
in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its
contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of
her mission. It is precisely this path of <i>synodality</i> which God
expects of the Church of the third millennium</span>” (Pope Francis, October
17, 2015). We do not need to be afraid to respond to this call. Mary, the first
on the journey, accompanies our pilgrimage. In joy and in sorrow, she shows us
her Son and invites us to trust. And He, Jesus, is our only hope!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vatican
City, October 25, 2023</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5gdnrYHNulQkcSu9wBxsPhPnjSwwb3ywfwFoGaE-wg9STsbXCfiLxctloWCQ415zOZ79dukfwAD1fsmUM9D3nnCI1ILKTUSsBjBoKrY83118rJzC9zEYju0kpg0Vhn8Wb0GKWO_GbG7f7ipy873uR0fhu-vKSyQiUmlUZu4MsaJeJHgqrPbzFme3RQd7r" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5gdnrYHNulQkcSu9wBxsPhPnjSwwb3ywfwFoGaE-wg9STsbXCfiLxctloWCQ415zOZ79dukfwAD1fsmUM9D3nnCI1ILKTUSsBjBoKrY83118rJzC9zEYju0kpg0Vhn8Wb0GKWO_GbG7f7ipy873uR0fhu-vKSyQiUmlUZu4MsaJeJHgqrPbzFme3RQd7r" width="240" /></span></a></i></div><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span><br /></i><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-37378274340260683872023-10-22T09:14:00.000-04:002023-10-22T09:14:07.725-04:00St. Ursula<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of St. Ursula. <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But who is Saint Ursula? Saint Ursula is a legendary Romano-British Christian saint who died on 21 October 383. Her feast day in the pre-1970 General Roman Calendar is 21 October. There is little information about her and the anonymous group of virgin saints who accompanied her and who, on an uncertain date, were killed with her in Cologne.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">From <i>Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart </i>by Mary-Cabrini Durkin*</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">“…Ursula and her companions model a new truth, forge a new way, within the Church. Ursula was a natural leader, who evoked faith and encouraged her companions to greatness. She stood among them, not above them. Her authority flowed from her holiness and zeal. Ursula had shared her spirit with her companions. Following her example, they too had committed themselves to Christ…There was once a group of brave Christian women. There was once a woman whom we call Ursula. May she forever be the heavenly friend and model of all who will bear the name Ursuline: companions on life’s journey, following Christ together, and leading others to him; faithful, courageous, and loving!”</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Loving God, you gave St. Ursula and her companions the courage to witness to the Gospel of Jesus even to the point of giving their lives for it. We ask you to let our lives be centered in you. May we, too, be strong in faith and courageous in leadership. By being faithful to your love, may we live in you, receive life from you, and always be true to your inspiration and call. Amen.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRW99kdP_m9YNGIeZMo3U6FpeYh-hwVzZxXfSbLahg1LX_9EOtThKIDjsr-rO-G6uvw_9HsziyomARzem6vcDvUe5UdBVKdHzWYHlDP9EKz56B7IXsnGlbsm-Z8MqrV3VqNXu_ykYeUlyS16Uq7j4SZBS2Mbc23OkeGhKHQfpRD5LZabnJvaG2p9j6tnXz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRW99kdP_m9YNGIeZMo3U6FpeYh-hwVzZxXfSbLahg1LX_9EOtThKIDjsr-rO-G6uvw_9HsziyomARzem6vcDvUe5UdBVKdHzWYHlDP9EKz56B7IXsnGlbsm-Z8MqrV3VqNXu_ykYeUlyS16Uq7j4SZBS2Mbc23OkeGhKHQfpRD5LZabnJvaG2p9j6tnXz" width="161" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-57824547880643591672023-10-15T09:19:00.000-04:002023-10-15T09:19:17.272-04:00Peace, Peace, Peace<p> </p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">For the last several days we have been inundated with images from the media of the start of yet another war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas. The images have been violent, gruesome, and unfathomable. Innocent victims have been kidnapped, slaughtered and the world is truly on edge. There have been warnings of even greater attacks and atrocities. I have felt once again a profound sadness as these events unfold. Like many, I have had to turn off the news because of the gory images being shown. As I listened to the news last night, they interviewed a psychiatrist who spoke to the images that are overwhelming people. I admit that I will most likely never fully understand the reasons for the violence, but I know that I am called to pray for peace in our hearts, our homes, and our universe. There are so many places in our world that are experiencing war, terrorism, and fear.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I have found myself tunring to two prayers these days -- 1) the World Peace Prayer and 2)the Prayer of St. Francis. </span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">1) Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">2) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
<br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
<br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Perhaps it is a good time for all of us to select our favorite prayer for peace and storm heaven with prayers for peace in our hearts, our homes, and our universe.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9yWfIGUjjBrIySDukk0-g7EYtm2_Xt5nVMVfkRn4fR_wd4iuV9ViP29IsimvaEbYd8FBcrDFn_CuXQsjycpxdWf7SQ31aRPGpvzS3D4XzO70FI7S3LmZ5FTkvyTRZPcw3OWh93Vt-CVdH7kcg4FCxu_cLyuGZgsA_S5o2n_YrU4Sro7qnj5vocLAnQ_2R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9yWfIGUjjBrIySDukk0-g7EYtm2_Xt5nVMVfkRn4fR_wd4iuV9ViP29IsimvaEbYd8FBcrDFn_CuXQsjycpxdWf7SQ31aRPGpvzS3D4XzO70FI7S3LmZ5FTkvyTRZPcw3OWh93Vt-CVdH7kcg4FCxu_cLyuGZgsA_S5o2n_YrU4Sro7qnj5vocLAnQ_2R" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-76639993218520882422023-10-08T10:04:00.001-04:002023-10-08T10:04:51.244-04:00Goodbye to Summer<p><br /></p><div align="center">
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<p><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Goodbye to Summer”</span></span></b></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Impermanence,
transformation, </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">seasonal
change, goodbyes. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Call
it by whatever name, </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">it’s
bound to leave a crusty mark </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">on
my reluctant spirit.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">The
time has come to end </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">my
light-filled summertime </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">when
I floated on emerald wings. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Now
I stand here at the patio door </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">looking
out at naked trees.</span><b><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Overnight,
determined rain pressed </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">nearly
every leaf to the ground; </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">nly
a landscape of emptiness remains </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">where
once lived contented fullness.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">I
take a deep breath, give a sigh </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">of
resignation, gather my precious </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">remembrance
of those succulent months </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">while
my memory takes one last, grateful look </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">at
summer’s dewy dawns.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Now
is the time to yield, to enter </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">the
next turning, accept the stark contrast </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">of
barrenness in place of fullness.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">As
I turn away from the emptied trees </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">I
take my generous basket of summer </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">with
me, trusting it has stored </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">enough
to see me through </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">until
the time of melting snow.</span></p>
<p><b><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">~
Joyce Rupp (</span><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">My Soul Feels Lean</i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">)</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">The above poem came to my mailbox this week. It spoke deeply to me as I wanted to hang on to summer and not embrace the change of seasons. I wasn't ready to put away my summer wear in exchange for fall sweaters and warm clothing. The change of seasons has certainly come accuentated by deliuge rain and winds. May the days ahead be filled with many blessings for all.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcsj616FErFqrU4MhdgSDAfjU54gDyzF4BbKESvle90rTxJ4H2ADgcrhRzC_Xzj97_G0vXr_PtSRQS7AUK8mtU3FhUgmRLlY-hpqFxyVwHmVefwZJ6iN0IOlp3ItY-OMROZi0svRR46KN5ZjyR1y4JvwVg_rqT8tVaCsiqesQBLyKuZDv9HLEoIhrjS0A4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="185" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcsj616FErFqrU4MhdgSDAfjU54gDyzF4BbKESvle90rTxJ4H2ADgcrhRzC_Xzj97_G0vXr_PtSRQS7AUK8mtU3FhUgmRLlY-hpqFxyVwHmVefwZJ6iN0IOlp3ItY-OMROZi0svRR46KN5ZjyR1y4JvwVg_rqT8tVaCsiqesQBLyKuZDv9HLEoIhrjS0A4" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="display: none; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-70026973783291312802023-10-01T09:23:00.000-04:002023-10-01T09:23:03.660-04:00Prayer for the Synod<p> </p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">The Synod on Synodality begins on October 4th and ends on October29th. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Let us pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit during this very important time in our Church.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Prayer for the Synod</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternallife and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i>Amen.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeLeEigBZssn6sNys7Ire6ryeV7wc7-_rMYmJg5iuCCCfWuEbBjhpXsZtk76BYl8PwrAdxgTn0s9ar9JW7OkTW78kyGbVk3zFdfthVe8h65bcCrBC0b7otw2LPlnhrf2iCTuoXbGvA--WLpt7-UUyTRRcg_UMqXissX1zOI5E6EMQvU6GsAEJIel9q9f_8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="239" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeLeEigBZssn6sNys7Ire6ryeV7wc7-_rMYmJg5iuCCCfWuEbBjhpXsZtk76BYl8PwrAdxgTn0s9ar9JW7OkTW78kyGbVk3zFdfthVe8h65bcCrBC0b7otw2LPlnhrf2iCTuoXbGvA--WLpt7-UUyTRRcg_UMqXissX1zOI5E6EMQvU6GsAEJIel9q9f_8" width="272" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i><br /><br /></i></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658398303704067116.post-39180139126991289172023-09-24T09:33:00.001-04:002023-09-24T09:33:25.798-04:00Laborers and the Vineyard<p> </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Today’s Gospel is a most familiar one. Many people have the
reaction “that’s not fair” when listening to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the story told is not the whole meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Gospel tells us of God’s goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God accepts us as we are, for who we are,
never asking us to be something we can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to seek the Lord while He may be found, we need to call to him
as we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God invites us, gives us
opportunities, God gives us hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
on the way; we need to show up and do God’s will and follow God’s way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Whenever
I hear the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah I recall the song Seek the
Lord by Roc O’Connor <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Seek
the Lord whose mercy abounds; </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">call
aloud to God who is near. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Today
is the day and now the proper hour </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">to
forsake our sinful lives and turn to the Lord.</span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Seek
the Lord whose mercy abounds; </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">call
aloud to God who is near. A</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">s
high as the sky is above the earth, </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">so
high above our ways, the ways of the Lord.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Seek
the Lord whose mercy abounds; </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">call
aloud to God who is near. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Open
your heart to hear the voice of God, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">whose
words, whose ways lead us to life.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Seek
the Lord whose mercy abounds; </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">call
aloud to God who is near. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Some
day we'll live in the house of God; </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">hearts
full of praise for God's gracious love.</span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">May
we always seek the Lord whose mercy abounds and call to our God who is always
near.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDukoq0N2T1lodbhPVw2j7E3kVkpNywUmfSscFoLEqv2TkviFFxt2d9u6zsoWeRpsSkHK7KXEOMPSM3pQ04TjqhqPu5KPAt3I4zA325bxXrSpiOCO6z1P7cL5yQclF9RXzcMoJ7po5UlET1UzuPZnJEFicmGcg1XlorxrGXmeplBqhTcCJ5YTFNWCfsjH/s275/Seek%20the%20Lord.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDukoq0N2T1lodbhPVw2j7E3kVkpNywUmfSscFoLEqv2TkviFFxt2d9u6zsoWeRpsSkHK7KXEOMPSM3pQ04TjqhqPu5KPAt3I4zA325bxXrSpiOCO6z1P7cL5yQclF9RXzcMoJ7po5UlET1UzuPZnJEFicmGcg1XlorxrGXmeplBqhTcCJ5YTFNWCfsjH/s1600/Seek%20the%20Lord.png" width="183" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Who are we?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15872284160872384923noreply@blogger.com0