I can remember the day 2 years ago like it was yesterday. It was extremely happy and extremely sad all at the same time. Today is the 2nd anniversary of the death of JP2. He is one of my role models. I was very saddened to found out that he had died as he did so much to work for Christian unity and harmony across the world in general. He is arguably (and definitely in my opinion) the most infulential person in the 20th century. But, I was very happy to hear that he no longer had to suffer. I'm sure more than the pain his illnesses caused him, it was even more painful for him not to be with the people giving his weekly addresses that he began and the traveling that he was well known for. The world definitely misses his smiling and kind face, but now we have a great intercessor for peace in heaven.
Pope John Paul the Great, pray for us!
Paix du Christ!
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Monday, April 02, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Welcome home, Lilly!
Wow, this morning, my Mom passed on some news that she found out last night! Apparently my brother's fiancée is receiving 3 sacraments in less than a week. Reconcilliation, Eucharist, Confirmation. That's right apparently, she's entering the Church on Easter Vigil. And we are just finding out!
We knew they were attending RCIA classes, but at first it was just for informational purposes, so she would have a way of finding out about the faith. Which is fine, you can attend the RCIA program without an intent to join the Church. However, they never told us that she changed her opinion and decided to join. My brother has been trying to talk us into spending Easter with them in Bloomington. Which, Mom was thinking about, but I was fighting because it didn't make any sense since the majority of our family will all be in the same town that's only a 2 hour drive from them. But, he finally let us in on why.
This is very exciting news. Congratulations Lilly, we'll all be there for you and I'll be praying for you this week (but I always am praying for family, too)!
Paix du Christ!
We knew they were attending RCIA classes, but at first it was just for informational purposes, so she would have a way of finding out about the faith. Which is fine, you can attend the RCIA program without an intent to join the Church. However, they never told us that she changed her opinion and decided to join. My brother has been trying to talk us into spending Easter with them in Bloomington. Which, Mom was thinking about, but I was fighting because it didn't make any sense since the majority of our family will all be in the same town that's only a 2 hour drive from them. But, he finally let us in on why.
This is very exciting news. Congratulations Lilly, we'll all be there for you and I'll be praying for you this week (but I always am praying for family, too)!
Paix du Christ!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!
Don't forget to celebrate this marvelously brave and courageous Saint! There are plenty of St. Patrick legends (Driving all the snakes out of Ireland, Using the clover to describe the trinity), surronding this real person, but they all make great faith stories and teaching stories.
Like I said, Patrick was a real person living in the late 4th century to mid 5th century. And his life was probably quite different than you think if you've never looked into who he is, such as he wasn't actually Irish!
There are 2 letters he wrote the contents of which have survived to this day. You can find these letters at Wikisource, or in audio book format at LibriVox (You should definitely check out this reader!). You can also check out encyclopedia entries about St. Patrick at Wikipedia and New Advent.
Go check him out, he was an outstanding evangelist of the Christian faith!
Paix du Christ!
Like I said, Patrick was a real person living in the late 4th century to mid 5th century. And his life was probably quite different than you think if you've never looked into who he is, such as he wasn't actually Irish!
There are 2 letters he wrote the contents of which have survived to this day. You can find these letters at Wikisource, or in audio book format at LibriVox (You should definitely check out this reader!). You can also check out encyclopedia entries about St. Patrick at Wikipedia and New Advent.
Go check him out, he was an outstanding evangelist of the Christian faith!
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Catholic Radio on the net
You may know that SIRIUS Satelite Radio is where it is at if you're Catholic. EWTN has had a channel there for awhile, and the Archdiocese of New York has put up their own Catholic channel next door called the Catholic Channel at the begining of the liturgical year.
You also probably already know that you can listen to all of your favorite EWTN programs with your computer by streaming from their website.
However, as of St. Valentine's Day (for all of the calendar-challenged guys out there, that's today, pick up a gift after work/classes) both EWTN and the Catholic Channel will be offered online at SIRIUS!!!
Sure, I'm excited, I already have a radio and subscription, so now I can check into the shows while at work or away from my radio. If you don't already have a SIRIUS radio you may not be excited, BUT this means you can sign up for the free 3-day trial at SIRIUS and actually check out the Catholic stations during the trial. Not planning on paying a large chunk of cash for radio hardware and still not convinced to use the trial? You don't have to have a radio to take advantage of the Catholic channels. You obviously have a computer and an internet connection, which means you can pay for the cheaper $6.99/mo. and still hear the great Catholic programs. Don't forget all of the nice music stations you get with that as well, there's genres and music you won't find on conventional radio.
Check it out. What can it hurt? It's just a free 3-day trail!
Paix du Christ!
You also probably already know that you can listen to all of your favorite EWTN programs with your computer by streaming from their website.
However, as of St. Valentine's Day (for all of the calendar-challenged guys out there, that's today, pick up a gift after work/classes) both EWTN and the Catholic Channel will be offered online at SIRIUS!!!
Sure, I'm excited, I already have a radio and subscription, so now I can check into the shows while at work or away from my radio. If you don't already have a SIRIUS radio you may not be excited, BUT this means you can sign up for the free 3-day trial at SIRIUS and actually check out the Catholic stations during the trial. Not planning on paying a large chunk of cash for radio hardware and still not convinced to use the trial? You don't have to have a radio to take advantage of the Catholic channels. You obviously have a computer and an internet connection, which means you can pay for the cheaper $6.99/mo. and still hear the great Catholic programs. Don't forget all of the nice music stations you get with that as well, there's genres and music you won't find on conventional radio.
Check it out. What can it hurt? It's just a free 3-day trail!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, February 12, 2007
21 Years of Adoration
Holy Spirit Catholic Church had an afternoon Mass and reception to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the perpetual adoration chapel. That's right, for 21 years, people have been praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament 24/7/52 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year) There is always someone keeping vigil with Jesus in the eucharist. So, if you're in Huntsville, AL at 3am or any other wierd hour, you can stop by the chapel (knock on the door if it's during the night hours) and pray before the blessed sacrament. It's the best secret in the town. I'm glad to say that I help out with an hour at 4am every Wed. morning. Once your body gets used to it, the extra hours 1 day a week isn't so bad. It re-charges my week right in the middle, to have my own personal time with Jesus.
May the chapel stay open for 21 and many more years!
Paix du Christ!
May the chapel stay open for 21 and many more years!
Paix du Christ!
Army barricades way to church
Sunday morning, on the way to church, there were road closed signs, barricades, and police blocking the roads to church. But that didn't stop us, we parked down the street and walked right through the barricade determined to fulfill our Sunday Obligation. Once past the road blocks we were met by army men and armed vehicles. But still we wouldn't let that keep us from freely practicing our religion.
Okay, now for the punch line. In Huntsville they had quite a few streets closed off for the weekend through the heart of downtown. They were trying to use a city type setting to do some kind of practice and testing. From what I've heard it was testing some new procedure to try scanning vehicles for IEDs and such.
Too bad I didn't have my camera, my phone was left at my apartment charging and I was running a little late for church (made it in just after the processional). There was a great opportunity for a photo. There were army men and an armored vehicle in the lot across from the church and I know I could have gotten a photo with the army vehicle in the foreground and the church in the background making it look like we are under martial law.
Either way it still made Sunday morning a little more usual than normal, but I still had to think about and pray for other people in the world who this is a reality for.
Paix du Christ!
Okay, now for the punch line. In Huntsville they had quite a few streets closed off for the weekend through the heart of downtown. They were trying to use a city type setting to do some kind of practice and testing. From what I've heard it was testing some new procedure to try scanning vehicles for IEDs and such.
Too bad I didn't have my camera, my phone was left at my apartment charging and I was running a little late for church (made it in just after the processional). There was a great opportunity for a photo. There were army men and an armored vehicle in the lot across from the church and I know I could have gotten a photo with the army vehicle in the foreground and the church in the background making it look like we are under martial law.
Either way it still made Sunday morning a little more usual than normal, but I still had to think about and pray for other people in the world who this is a reality for.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Mass Scandalization
Argh! I've been scandalized!!!!
I made my decision to go to All Saints Mass from one of the 3 local parishes mostly based on the fact that I sing in the choir and last I heard when a Holy Day falls on Wed. that's the choir that usually sings and practice is afterwards. I was a little surprised that the Mass has being held in the parish center (i.e. gym) instead of the sanctuary, since it is an old and pretty church. I show up just as the opening song is being sung and am a little shocked at the projection screen behind the "altar" with an animated image on it. I went ahead and stuck around because, I can handle that if it is done well and in a prayerful manner. Much to my dismay, it, of course, was not. I realize that it was the end of a parish mission, and it was the priest that was in for the mission, but that does not give anyone an excuse to mutalate the Mass.
Most of you can already see the Mass going bad, but, for the next 2 1/2 HOURS, it just gets worse. Before each reading there was some introductory dramatized story mostly from the Bible (but not readings and not straight from the Bible) between a sister and the priest(including the psalm and gospel). And the actual readings were done in parts (again including the psalm and gospel). You know, the sister reads cetain parts, one side of the room reads another, the other side reads another, and the priest reads a part. Needless to say, I had a real hard time concentrating on the readings, I finally was able to find a way to close my eyes to beter concentrate by the gospel and heard that is was the beatitudes.
The holmily was VERY long, and not about the readings or even the particular Holy Day, but about the Bible stories they picked out to read before each of the readings. Let see, one was about Moses and taking off the sandals on holy ground, the next was the pentecost story, and before the gospel was something really hard to follow about the founders of the Salvatorian order (whom I'm sure are not too happy up in heaven). Also, at the end he had everyone write down different lists of gifts they have or don't have and then break into groups of about 5 people to discuss them. I didn't participate, instead, I went outside to pray since I hadn't been able to the whole time. Also, it helped me to cool down some since it was cold and raining. I don't remember a presentation of the gifts, so apparently this discussion about personal gifts was sufficient.
Oh, did I mention that he had just been wearing his black clerics the whole time? Why yes he had, but fortunately, the priest finally decided to don an alb and chasuble (although when I spotted his garb hanging previously, I didn't see a stole) for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Of course, since it was in a gym, everyone stood for the whole thing sans moi. I decided to deny myself communion that day as I didn't feel prayerful enough to accept Jesus body, blood, soul, and divinity. Oh, also, he sung the whole eucharistic prayer, but whoever created the arrangment, I wasn't sure if it was a priest praying to Jesus, or a Phantom singing to Christine. Now, I LOVE music from musicals, and I LOVE Mass, but never the 2 should meet like that.
Okay, so communion is over, and then everyone must write down one gift, file back up, and burn it. All while the priest karaokes the song "On Holy Ground." Then, everyone again has to file back up and get a candle so everyone can go forth and "Be Fire," which is the whole "theme" of the Mass. And don't forget, there are CD's of Fr. Joe singing in the back of the same room, the whole time so you can buy them either before or afterwards. I think there was a Bible story about Jesus getting pissed about something similar to that?
The whole thing was absolutely ridiculous! There were 2 things of which I was glad. First and foremost, that the beautiful sanctuary of the Church wasn't defiled by this train wreck. And second, that the priest actually had sense to tell the people to bow when he did since they were standing during the Eucharistic Prayer. So, my reivew is: I went to a Catholic Church to have a Catholic Mass, if I wanted that type of setting, I would have gone to the Rock.
Paix du Christ!
I made my decision to go to All Saints Mass from one of the 3 local parishes mostly based on the fact that I sing in the choir and last I heard when a Holy Day falls on Wed. that's the choir that usually sings and practice is afterwards. I was a little surprised that the Mass has being held in the parish center (i.e. gym) instead of the sanctuary, since it is an old and pretty church. I show up just as the opening song is being sung and am a little shocked at the projection screen behind the "altar" with an animated image on it. I went ahead and stuck around because, I can handle that if it is done well and in a prayerful manner. Much to my dismay, it, of course, was not. I realize that it was the end of a parish mission, and it was the priest that was in for the mission, but that does not give anyone an excuse to mutalate the Mass.
Most of you can already see the Mass going bad, but, for the next 2 1/2 HOURS, it just gets worse. Before each reading there was some introductory dramatized story mostly from the Bible (but not readings and not straight from the Bible) between a sister and the priest(including the psalm and gospel). And the actual readings were done in parts (again including the psalm and gospel). You know, the sister reads cetain parts, one side of the room reads another, the other side reads another, and the priest reads a part. Needless to say, I had a real hard time concentrating on the readings, I finally was able to find a way to close my eyes to beter concentrate by the gospel and heard that is was the beatitudes.
The holmily was VERY long, and not about the readings or even the particular Holy Day, but about the Bible stories they picked out to read before each of the readings. Let see, one was about Moses and taking off the sandals on holy ground, the next was the pentecost story, and before the gospel was something really hard to follow about the founders of the Salvatorian order (whom I'm sure are not too happy up in heaven). Also, at the end he had everyone write down different lists of gifts they have or don't have and then break into groups of about 5 people to discuss them. I didn't participate, instead, I went outside to pray since I hadn't been able to the whole time. Also, it helped me to cool down some since it was cold and raining. I don't remember a presentation of the gifts, so apparently this discussion about personal gifts was sufficient.
Oh, did I mention that he had just been wearing his black clerics the whole time? Why yes he had, but fortunately, the priest finally decided to don an alb and chasuble (although when I spotted his garb hanging previously, I didn't see a stole) for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Of course, since it was in a gym, everyone stood for the whole thing sans moi. I decided to deny myself communion that day as I didn't feel prayerful enough to accept Jesus body, blood, soul, and divinity. Oh, also, he sung the whole eucharistic prayer, but whoever created the arrangment, I wasn't sure if it was a priest praying to Jesus, or a Phantom singing to Christine. Now, I LOVE music from musicals, and I LOVE Mass, but never the 2 should meet like that.
Okay, so communion is over, and then everyone must write down one gift, file back up, and burn it. All while the priest karaokes the song "On Holy Ground." Then, everyone again has to file back up and get a candle so everyone can go forth and "Be Fire," which is the whole "theme" of the Mass. And don't forget, there are CD's of Fr. Joe singing in the back of the same room, the whole time so you can buy them either before or afterwards. I think there was a Bible story about Jesus getting pissed about something similar to that?
The whole thing was absolutely ridiculous! There were 2 things of which I was glad. First and foremost, that the beautiful sanctuary of the Church wasn't defiled by this train wreck. And second, that the priest actually had sense to tell the people to bow when he did since they were standing during the Eucharistic Prayer. So, my reivew is: I went to a Catholic Church to have a Catholic Mass, if I wanted that type of setting, I would have gone to the Rock.
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
On the road again
Okay, before I continue story telling, I would just like to say that I decided to go to evening daily Mass yesterday due to being the feast day of St. James (patron St. of the church I grew up attending and at which I have made all of my sacraments thus far). It was my first attempt to attend Mass at St. Joe's; however, I was sorely disappointed. There were only like 6 other people I believe and one left after the readings. Everyone was so scattered a part it was ridiculous. Everyone also decided to say the prayers during Mass so softly that I was wondering if they all had just left and weren't there any more. And they forgot what the cues are to stand/kneel and so forth. I'm hoping that the small turn out was due to the fact that there was a funeral that afternoon and the regulars decided to go to that, but still from the people that attended, it made me feel like I didn't really want to be there anymore. Oh well, had to get that off of my chest, sorry about the short rant.
Since I was asked to go to the shrine, although I was already a little worn down after standing outside for over 4 hours, guess what I did? I ran back, cleaned up, and drove to the shrine. I had never been down there before, but found out that it takes 1 1/2 hours. Well, I prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the lower chapel, hung out in the upper church, walked around the gift shop for a while and bought some stuff. Well, I spent 2 hours there and really enjoy the awesomeness of the place, but I didn't see any of the walkers. Darn.
Well, I made the 1 1/2 hour drive back so that I could chaperone 14 high schoolers at our Youth Group lock-in for the next 12 hrs. I did lay down for an hour, and got a little bit less in sleep. We ended with early Mass where Brendan and Shannon, two of the walkers talked and had info afterwards. Yay! Shannon told me that they ended up running out of time to go to the shrine, so they didn't end up going. Well, lucky for me, there weren't many musicians showing up for the next Mass, so I stayed to sing for that one too. I remembered that I had a large denomination bill in the car from Christmas and decided to donate it to Crossroads. After Mass, it was time to go take another shower so I could go to a Baby Shower.
Well, the baby shower went well, and afterwards I had to stop by the adoration chapel since I promised the walkers that I'd pray for them. I prayed the glorious mysteries, and it was probably the most devout rosary that I've prayed in a long time. Then I final got to bed after about 39 hours.
Well, I got information from them about where they will be prayin' in ATL next weekend, so I figured since it's only 4 1/2 hours away, I can go out there and TRY to hang out with my friends and family ^_^
Sure it ended up being an extremely long and jam packed weekend, but it was full of life (quite litterally!) and Church and was actually rejuvinating. There are 3 treks of walkers (northern, central, southern) that will be covering about 60 miles per day until they all arrive in DC on Aug. 12. Please take some time in the upcomming weeks to pray for these great individuals. Also, if you are graduating high school, in college, or a young adult pray to see if you might be willing to donate all or some of your time next summer to walk across the country! To check out more about their group, go to Crossroads
Paix du Christ!
Since I was asked to go to the shrine, although I was already a little worn down after standing outside for over 4 hours, guess what I did? I ran back, cleaned up, and drove to the shrine. I had never been down there before, but found out that it takes 1 1/2 hours. Well, I prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the lower chapel, hung out in the upper church, walked around the gift shop for a while and bought some stuff. Well, I spent 2 hours there and really enjoy the awesomeness of the place, but I didn't see any of the walkers. Darn.
Well, I made the 1 1/2 hour drive back so that I could chaperone 14 high schoolers at our Youth Group lock-in for the next 12 hrs. I did lay down for an hour, and got a little bit less in sleep. We ended with early Mass where Brendan and Shannon, two of the walkers talked and had info afterwards. Yay! Shannon told me that they ended up running out of time to go to the shrine, so they didn't end up going. Well, lucky for me, there weren't many musicians showing up for the next Mass, so I stayed to sing for that one too. I remembered that I had a large denomination bill in the car from Christmas and decided to donate it to Crossroads. After Mass, it was time to go take another shower so I could go to a Baby Shower.
Well, the baby shower went well, and afterwards I had to stop by the adoration chapel since I promised the walkers that I'd pray for them. I prayed the glorious mysteries, and it was probably the most devout rosary that I've prayed in a long time. Then I final got to bed after about 39 hours.
Well, I got information from them about where they will be prayin' in ATL next weekend, so I figured since it's only 4 1/2 hours away, I can go out there and TRY to hang out with my friends and family ^_^
Sure it ended up being an extremely long and jam packed weekend, but it was full of life (quite litterally!) and Church and was actually rejuvinating. There are 3 treks of walkers (northern, central, southern) that will be covering about 60 miles per day until they all arrive in DC on Aug. 12. Please take some time in the upcomming weeks to pray for these great individuals. Also, if you are graduating high school, in college, or a young adult pray to see if you might be willing to donate all or some of your time next summer to walk across the country! To check out more about their group, go to Crossroads
Paix du Christ!
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