Friday, April 28, 2006

Sacraments of initiation begin. Again

This Sunday the children in the parish school receive their First Holy Communion. Next Sunday, it's about half of the CCD kids, then the rest go on May 21. (Yes. I didn't schedule anything for Mother's Day. You know why? I don't like working on Mother's Day. I know it's a Hallmark holiday, but it's MY Hallmark holiday. And isn't it enough that I'm missing the Dan Zanes concert at Montclair State with my DH, mom, and the kids this Sunday? And I'm the DRE. So there. Nyah.) :)

Then, we have Confirmation on June 3. 2 Masses on one day. 110 kids receiving First Eucharist and 110 receiving Confirmation this year. Thos eare small groups. It's usually closer to 140 each.

So the chaos has begun. As I type, I am severely procrastinating on typing out the First Eucharist Certificates which I will be giving out on Sunday.

Please pray for me that I do not spontaneously combust due to the stress of the next 5 or so weeks.

Please pray for our parish, as our pastor is indeed retiring. May the Lord send us a half decent pastor who will not fire me when my contract is up.

Most of all, please pray for the boys and girls who are receiving these sacraments this year. Pray for their parents that they may foster their children's relationships with Christ.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

They're on their way-please pray!


My sister-in-law's water broke tonight and she's in the hospital. She is 30 weeks along with my twin nieces. The girls will be born withing the next 24 hours. Please pray for Coleen (her real name) and the girls and my brother Frank. They're in Denver. They girls are at least 8 weeks early and are going to be spending some time in the NICU. Please pray that everyone turns out OK. Thanks in advance. You all are the best.

Update: Grace was born at 11:41 p.m. MDT and Elizabeth was born at 11:51 p.m. MDT on April 25. Both girls were 3 lbs. 6 oz. They are on breathing tubes, heart monitors and intravenous fluids, but are doing so well that they're going to be weaned from those soon. They'll be staying in the hospital for the next 8 weeks, until they reach what would have been 38 weeks gestation.
Thanks for your prayers. Please keep them coming.

Fr. Bryce Sibley podcasts!

Fr. Bryce Sibley, priest of Louisiana USA, who maintained the blog A Saintly Salmagundi until retiring it last summer, is podcasting. I've listened to 2 of them just this morning and they're really great. I am right now listening to his podcast on Feminine (not feminist) Theology which is blowing my mind. Go over to The Word Made Flesh and check it out. I highly recommend "Do not dialogue with the Evil One."

With many thanks to Dawn Eden, newly Catholic pro-life blogger, music critic, watchdog of Planned Parenthood, and otherwise really awesome person.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Bloggers take note


"Of Unseemly Words and the Respect Due to Others

One of the most evil dispositions possible is that which satirizes everything and turns it to ridicule....Nothing is so opposed to Charity, much more to a devout spirit, as contempt and deprication of one's neighbor, and where satire and ridicule exist, contempt must be.
...[C]ontempt is a grievous sin...ridicule is the greatest sin we can commit in word against our neighbor, inasmuch as when we offend him any other way there may be still some respect for him in our heart, but we are sure to despise those whom we ridicule. ...Ridicule excites mirth at the expense of one's neighbor; seemly mirth and playful fun never lose sight of a trustful, kindly courtesy, which can wound no one."

St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life" New York: Vintage Spiritual Classics, 2002. P. 150

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 9

"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Then pray the chaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 8


"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Then Pray the Chaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 7


"Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Then Pray the Chaplet:
1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 6


"Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence. "

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.


Then Pray the Chaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Head covering

I've decided to do it. I started during the Triduum. I've mostly been wearing hats and the occasional scarf. No funny looks so far. I'll keep you posted.

Divine Mercy Novena Day 5


"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Then Pray the CHaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 4


"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me, I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.


Then Pray the Chaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 3


"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.


Then Pray the Chaplet:
1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 2




"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Divine Mercy Novena Day 1


The Divine Mercy Novena begins today, Good Friday. From EWTN: Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina Kowalska an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena.... In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls." For the next nine days, you can find the novena here. If you're in the neighborhood during the novena, and you want to stop by my parish to pray the chaplet, click here for the schedule. Mass on Mercy Sunday is awesome. 3:00, the hour of mercy. Please be aware it is a Charismatic Mass and it gets packed by 2:00. Click here for information on the Mercy Sunday Indulgence.

Prayer for Novena Day One (Good Friday):

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Then, pray the Chaplet:

1. Begin with 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Interesting

Yesterday our Archdiocesan newspaper reported our pastor's retirement.

Our pastor hadn't told anyone in the parish he is retiring, though many of us expect him to this summer since he has been unwell for about half a year. He's been back at the parish and working as much as he's allowed to, but he always concelebrates Mass since he's too weak to do it alone.

His day off was yesterday. I seriously doubt he wanted the parish to find out this way. There's a dinner for the staff at a local restaurant on the 23rd, and I think he intended to announce it to us then. If the report is true, it will be a very interesting Easter Weekend.

Equally interesting to ponder: who will replace him and will I still have a job when my contract is up in June?

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

the fallout has begun

Yesterday, I had practice with some of the First Communicants. They practiced receiving the bread and wine at Mass.

Out of 25 kids in the room 6 could not make the Sign of the Cross. Only about 6 of them go to Mass on a regular basis (at least 2 times a month). So, I sent the following letter home (altered slightly in typos, tone, and to add more dates since the kids in question yesterday go on Tuesdays and will receive their First Eucharist on May 7) and I went over it with the parents in the hallway.

Dear Parents,

Some important information for you before First Holy Communion.

All of the children must attend Mass and get a bulletin signed by the presiding priest (or a concelebrating priest) for the weeks leading up to their First Holy Communion. For Monday and Wednesday Students that means the children must bring to CCD with them a bulletin signed by a priest of the parish where you attended Mass that day for April 16 (Easter Sunday), April 23, April 30, May 7 and May 14. Children who do not complete this assignment will not receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist on May 21.

On the reverse side, you will find the procedure for receiving communion. Please practice this with your child at home. You can use an animal cracker or a piece of popcorn or bread in place of a host. You can use any beverage in place of wine.

Thank you for you cooperation.


I have had some complaints, mostly about the tone of my talk and from people who actually take their kids to Mass on a regular basis who now have to "wait around after Mass to get a bulletin signed". I have apologized for insulting people (I suppose that since I didn't make some sort of comment like "I know this doesn't apply to all of you, but..." they were insulted), but I don't apologize for my actions. I do have to admit that I didn't pray before I spoke. I always get in trouble if I don't pray before I talk.

20% of First Graders not knowing how to make the basic sign of our faith is wrong. Those kids, arguably, should not receive the sacrament anyway. The fact that 75% of them (give or take) do not go to Mass regularly is wrong. And they can complain to the pope for all I care. He would back me up, I'm sure.

When I die, I've got to answer for myself, my husband, my kids, and these CCD kids. I have to do what I can to make sure they are worthy to receive the sacraments. I have to do what I can to make sure they know what they're being brought here to learn. I have to do what I can to make sure they get the chance to develop a relationship with Christ. I also realize I am a supplement to their parents. I can only do so much. So I pray for them. I pray for their parents. I ask you to pray for them too.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Thank you Easter bunny....




Have you ever had Monmouth Candies? Their Easter Chocolate is what the K of C in Toms River sold as a fundraiser, and it was, by far, the BEST chocolate! I miss it so much!

This comment from Chris, reproduced above, got me thinking. What is the Easter candy you can't go without? Or what is the Easter candy from your childhood that you totally miss?

For me, I miss the Stutz Candy Company (no link available). My family used to get all of its Easter Candy there. Bunnies, crosses, chocolate eggs, jelly beans (oh, the best jelly beans ever. For the longest time I wouldn't eat jelly beans if they weren't Stutz's). Excellent dark chocolate.

And how can you have Easter baskets without Peeps? Or Cadbury Creme Eggs (Though I prefer the caramel ones myself)?

So what rings your bell before Mass on Easter Morning? Do you raid or allow the kids to raid the basket before Mass? Before breakfast? Tell us in the comments.

Sunset


Overheard in the car on Saturday night:

"Huh! Orange and Purple really DO go together!"

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Passion Sunday

I really don't like Passion Sunday. Not because church is crowded or because my sons use the palms for swords during Mass.

I don't like saying "Crucify Him!" I don't like to be reminded that because I sin, Jesus dies. That my guilt is why he's humiliated. That's probably part of why the assembly speaks the part of the crowd: to remind us that we are part of His Crucifixion.

But that's only half of the story isn't it? The story of our salvation continues through Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday: the Resurrection. Jesus conquered death. He is very much alive. He is still working in the world, using us and the stuff of His creation to save. we are an Easter people, going forth in joy because the story didn't end on Good Friday because it's still being written.

he's on a team!!

Mike's Power Wash. His first game is April 22. He's got a t shirt two times too big and a cool black hat. Thanks for your prayers!

Friday, April 07, 2006

Holy Week Meme

Barb tagged me. Here I go:

Lent is almost over and this Sunday is Palm Sunday already! I thought it would be fun to share what we do special to commemorate the Passion and Resurrection of Our Lord.

1. What do you do with your new blessed palm from Palm Sunday?
It goes into our bedroom.

2. What do you do with your old one from last year?
They just keep hanging around until they crumble into a million pieces. I thinkit's time to burn them and sprinkle them in the garden.

3. What do you do during Holy Week in preparation for Good Friday?
I'll be going to Holy Thursday Mass alone (I have to bring up the oil of the catechumens since I'm the parish DRE) be cause 5 and 2 year olds and an hour and a half Mass at 7 p.m. don't mix.

4. How do you commemorate Christ's Passion on Good Friday?
We'll go to the service at 3:30.

5. When do you color Easter eggs?
Primo colored eggs at school today. We'll probably do the family egg coloring on Holy Saturday. Truthfully, we haven't decided yet.

6. When do you buy Easter candy?
My mother bought a ton of it from the school's Gertrude Hawk fundraiser, so all I bought were some pre-filled plastic ones for the kids to hunt on Easter morning. Since they wind up getting 4 Easter baskets (home, mom-mom, grandma and pop-pop, grandpop and me-me), I try hard not to buy candy at all. I thinkI may still have some candy from Halloween!

7. What is the first thing you plan to do Easter morning?
Try my best not to scream at the boys for waking us up at 5:30. I am not a morning person.

Tag! You're it!
Mark
Tommissar
Fra. Lawrence

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Updates for everyone!!!

Renee, our little friend with kidney cancer, is doing well. She is done with her radiation and is having a follow-up with the good people at CHOP this morning. I'll let you know what's happening with her tomorrow when I see her mom. St. Peregrine, pray for her.

My sister-in-law is home from the hospital now. She went into pre-term labor with my twin nieces a couple of weeks ago. She's on strict bedrest at home, but she is still having contractions. She is 28 weeks and 2 days. Adding to their stress, I found out last night, is that their hospital is an hour away (they're in Boulder, Co. The hospital is in Denver. Don't know why.). St. Gerard Majella, pray for her.

On a much lighter note, Primo is on a waiting list for Tee Ball. He's the first kid on the list and the PAL director said there are boys on teams who should be playing in the next league (slow pitch?), so it's very likely that he'll be playing ball this weekend. St. Sebastian pray for him.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Put me in coach


Just found out at 8:30 last night that Primo is old enough to play Tee Ball this year. Problem: First game is Saturday.

Baseball is the only sport the boy is interested in. His friends are playing soccer. Wanna play soccer, Primo? "Nah. Not really, mom." But your best friend is playing soccer. Don't you want to play with him? "No." Okay.

We are a baseball family. DH played inhigh school and briefly in college. DH's dad was a coach until this year (he retired). He took the high school team he coached to the state championships 4 times in 6 years and won the final games twice. He was the large North Jersey Paper's coach of the Year three years ago. He's in our county's baseball hall of fame. They bleed pinstripes.

I'm at work last night when I find out that signups are over, but we're going to try anyway. I call my DH, who is putting the boys to bed to tell him the news. He asks Primo if he would want to play baseball on a team. The excited-5-year-old-boy-giggling starts. "Yeah!!!!!" They are tucked in. DH is downstairs when he hears, "Dad! Dad! I have to ask you something!" Yes? "What team will I be on?"

Let's ask for the intercession of St. Sebastian, patron of atheletes, that he can get on a team.

Monday, April 03, 2006

I know. This has to stop

OK, so Tom Cruise is in Germany to promote "MI:3" with Katie Holmes about to go into labor any minute.

Cruise was in Germany to plug the film on the country's popular "Wetten Dass ..." ("I'll Bet ...") TV show. He said on the show Saturday that two pilots were at the ready to fly him home should Holmes go into labor.

Maybe Katie's family can whisk her away so she can get deprogrammed.

Cruise confirmed to Bild that he and Holmes planned to marry in the coming months.
"First the baby, then the film," he was quoted as saying. "Then, in summer, we want to get married. "


Come on, Holmes family, plenty of time to keep this marriage from happening.

"I won't let this woman get away."

A threat if I ever heard one. Please pray for both of them. Cruise is a former Catholic. See St. Monica Prayer below.

A post in which

the blogger realizes she failed to do her Catholic Blogger Duty by posting a reflection on the passing of Pope John Paul II on the anniversary of his death (yesterday).

All I can say is,
  • I cleaned all day Saturday
  • I had to staff a table after the 9, 10:30, and noon Masses yesterday for a ministry fair during which I spoke to 1 prospective catechist and lots of teens who want to help with VBS again
  • Got home at 1:45 to cook up some Chicken Parm for the 3 college boys coming to the house at 3:30 (they didn't eat as much as one would expect 3 20 year old boys to eat. I now have 1+ lbs. linguine cold in my fridge and a full loaf of Italian bread. No sauce. How does that happen?)
  • cleaned up dinner and passed out on the couch at 8:30.

So, no post on JP2. For those interested, here is a link to an archived bit from last year where I reflect on the election of B16.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

I worry for Katie Holmes


I know it is probably a sign that I am too much interested in the lives of celebrities. But, I am worried about Katie. I know, she's 26 and she can do what she wants. I think that what bothers me most is that she is Catholic and now she's getting into this Scientology cult. Yes. I said cult.

Anyhow, this via the American Papist: At In the Light of the Law, Edward R. Peters, blogging canon lawyer, says that it is not likely that the TomKat child could be baptized.

So, I'm publishing here a prayer from the St. Monica Sodality which was originally printed with the permission of the Diocese of Cleveland.

First, backbround on St. Monica. St. Monica is the mother of St. Augustine. St. Augustine, as you may well know, was not a model Christian youth. He was involved with heretics, had a child out of wedlock, and thought he was just too smart for all of this Christianity stuff.

Well, his good old mom followed him all around the Roman Empire pleading with him to return to God, bugging every bishop she could get to talk to her to talk to her son. One priest said to her, "The son of so many tears cannot perish."

Finally, she was able to work on St. Ambrose enough to get him to talk to Augustine and he turned around. Augustine went on to repent of his former life and become one of the Church's greatest saints.

My personal St. Monica glory story is that I prayed for her intercesssion for my mom and one of my brothers for a long time. Mom is now back in the Church and receives the sacraments regularly. My brother, well, he goes to Mass. Now, if I can just get her to work on my dad and other brother (they're tougher cases)....

So, here is the prayer. Use it to pray for Katie or for anyone else you may want St. Monica to work on to get them back to the Church.

Eternal and merciful Father, I give You thanks for the gift of Your Divine Son Who suffered, died, and rose for all mankind. I thank You also for my Catholic Faith and ask Your help that I may grow in fidelity by prayer, by works of charity and penance, by reflection on Your Word amd by regular participation in the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist.

You gave St. Monica a spirit of selfless love manifested in her constant prayer for her son Augustine. Inspired by her boundless confidence in Your power to move hearts, and by the success of her prayer, I ask for the grace to imitate her constancy in my prayer for (name(s)) who no longer share(s) in the intimate life of Your Catholic family. Grant through my prayer and witness that (he/she/they)may be open to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit, to return to loving union with Your Church. Grant also that my prayer be ever hopeful and that I may never judge another, for you alone can read hearts. I ask this throught Christ, Our Lord. Amen.