MJ's Musings

Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-09-15T10:48:00.003-04:00

Father, as your Son was raised on the cross, His mother Mary stood by Him, sharing His sufferings. May your Church be united with Christ in His suffering and death and so come to share in His rising to new life, where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

~ LOH

Triumph of the Cross

2010-09-14T09:58:00.004-04:00

How radiant is that precious cross which brought us our salvation. In the cross we are victorius, through the cross we shall reign, by the cross all evil is destroyed, alleluia.

God our Father, in obedience to you your only Son accepted death on the cross for the salvation of mankind. We acknowledge the mystery of the cross on earth. May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

~LOH

Our Lady of Lourdes

2010-02-11T11:05:00.003-05:00

Blessed are you, O Mary, for the world's salvation came forth from you; now in glory, you rejoice forever with the Lord. Intercede for us with your Son.

~ Antiphon, Morning Prayer

Snow Day, Glorious Snow Day

2010-01-04T13:33:00.004-05:00

At 5:45 am this morning, the impossible happened, my phone rang and I was told that we had a snow day. OK not really impossible but this was to be our first day back and I really didn't want to go and I got the phone call before I had gotten in the shower. Oh glorious day!!!

I finished up a few things,feeding the pets, taking out the garbage for garbage day and then went back to bed for a few more hours sleep. Now I'm doing things around the house, finishing some school work that I didn't get done and tonight I will venture out to teach PSR.
The only thing that would make this day better is if I could go skiing. When I had my knee replacement this summer the doctor told me I can't ski anymore and I won't this year because my leg is too weak . However I am stubborn and don't listen well when it's something that I really want to do. So maybe next year!!!!

Happy Feast Day Mary, Mother of God

2010-01-01T13:01:00.003-05:00

Mary has given birth to a King whose name is everlasting: hers the joy of motherhood, hers the virgin's glory. Never was the like seen before, never shall it be seen again, alleluia.

~antiphon 3 from morning prayer

Father, source of light in every age, the virgin conceived and bore your Son who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace. May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love, be your people's joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

~ from morning prayer

The Marian feasts are my favorite. Even though I've always been called by my middle name I like the fact that my first name is Mary and sometimes wish that my parents had chosen to call me by my first name. Regardless, the Blessed Virgin is my patron saint. When my mom found out her due date, when she was pregnant with me, was in September she said novenas that I would be born on the Blessed Mother's birthday and I was born on her birthday.

With all the connections I really need to pray for Mary's intercession more and that will be one thing I try to do more this new year.

May everyone have a very Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Feast of The Holy Family

2009-12-27T11:41:00.004-05:00

Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace and mutual love that You found in Your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, nourish our family with Your faith and Your love.
Keep us close to Your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joy.

Joseph, Foster - father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement and anxiety.

Holy Family of Nazareth, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with You. Amen.

The Holy Family has always been one of my favorite devotions. When my children were young I hung a picture of the Holy Family by our kitchen table and it still hangs there today. I also pray to the Holy Family most days.

Holy Family, Pray for us.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T08:59:00.002-05:00

Jesus gave the world the gift of Himself,

the gift that gives forever.

May everyone's Christmas be wrapped in

the blessings of His love.

Where Does the Time Go

2009-07-06T12:08:00.002-04:00

I had promised myself that once school was out I would blog on a regular basis. When school was out I only had a week before I started a graduate class. That class was for 2 weeks, every day, Monday through Friday. I knew when class started that time would be limited.
I mulled over what to write. Now, being a left brain, math type, I've always found writing difficult. I can do bullet point, outline type writing but essay, creative writing has never been my strong point. Always wished that I was creative but alas!!! So time passed and no blogging.
Then I had dinner with a good friend several weeks ago and I explained my predicament to her. What do I write about? Something profound, informative, some tidbit that happens that maybe only interests me? Should it be long or short? How often? She said, you know it's your blog do what you want. Good advice!!
Tomorrow I am having knee replacement surgery but as soon as I'm able I'll write about whatever strikes my fancy. Maybe a little or maybe a lot!!
I can have a computer in the hospital but my brain may still be a bit fuzzy. Might be a good idea to just read my favorite blogs for a bit!!

Prayers for Priests

2009-06-23T09:16:00.005-04:00

I've added a prayer for priests on my sidebar, to go along with the Year for Priests. The prayer is one that I have been and am still saying every day. If you click on the picture of St. John Vianney a website will come up that has many more prayers for priests.
I'm really happy to see a year dedicated to priests. I shudder to think what we would do without priests and all they do for us. They need more than just a year dedicated to them!

Immaculate Heart of Mary , Pray for Us

2009-06-20T10:03:00.010-04:00

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

I, (name), a faithless sinner,renew and ratify today in thy hands,O Immaculate Mother, the vows of my baptism;I renounce Satan, his pomps and works;and I give myself entirely to Jesus Christ,the Incarnate Wisdom,to carry my cross after Him all the days of my life,and to be more faithful to Him than I have ever been before.
In the presence of all the Heavenly courtI choose thee this day for my Mother and Mistress.I deliver and consecrate to thee, as thy slave,my body and soul, my goods,both interior and exterior,and even the value of all my good actions,past, present and future;leaving to thee the entire andfull right of disposing of me,and all that belongs to me, without exception,according to thy good pleasure,for the greater glory of God,in time and in eternity.
Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us.

2009-06-19T10:08:00.004-04:00

Today begins the Year for Priests.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart for Priests

Remember, 0 most loving Heart of Jesus, that they for whom I pray are those for whom You prayed so earnestly the night before Your death. These are they to whom You look to continue with You in Your sorrows when others forsake You, who share Your griefs and have inherited your persecutions, according to Your word: That the servant is not greater than his Lord. Remember, O Heart of Jesus, that they are the objects of the world's hatred and Satan's deadliest snares. Keep them then, 0 Jesus, in the safe citadel of Your Sacred Heart and there let them be sanctified in truth. May they be one with you and one among themselves, and grant that multitudes may be brought through their word to believe in You and love You.

And another prayer that I like:

Memorare to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Remember, O most kind Jesus, that none who have had recourse to Your Sacred Heart, implored its assistance, or called for mercy, have ever been abandoned. Filled, and animated by this same confidence, O divine Heart, Ruler of all hearts, I fly to You, and oppressed beneath the weight of my sins, I prostrate myself before You. Despise not Your unworthy child, but grant me, I pray, an entrance into Your Sacred Heart. Sustain me in all my combats and be with me now, and at all times, but especially in the hour of my death. 0 gracious Jesus! 0 amiable Jesus! 0 loving Jesus!

Spring Break

2009-04-13T17:06:00.002-04:00

School's Out

Although my first day of spring break was last Thursday, today feels like the first day of actual vacation. Being in the choir and a sacristan at my parish, the Triduum and Easter Sunday kept me quite busy.

Break will be a combination of having lunch with friends that I don't see much of during the school year and working around the house. The housework suffers during the school year too.
Lesson planning will wait until the end of the week. I worked hard at getting grading and recording grades done before break started, only a little to do at the end of the week. The slower pace and not getting up at 5:oo am are the best perks of having this week off.
Well better get back to work.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T13:30:00.003-04:00

Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
~ antiphon from morning prayer

Enjoy this season of new life and hope.

Hope is what sits by the window and waits for one more dawn, despite the fact that there isn't an ounce of proof in tonight's black, black sky that it can possibly come.
~ Joan Chittister, OSB

Good Friday

2009-04-10T11:36:00.003-04:00

Jesus Christ loved us, and poured out His own blood for us to wash away our sins.
~antiphon from morning prayer

Today is a day that I have mixed feelings. I feel sadness that Jesus, who loved us so much had to be nailed to the cross to wash away our sins. Yet we still on a daily basis turn away from Him by continuing to sin. Then I feel joy that He did love us enough despite our sinful nature to die so that we would be saved. He even gave us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist so that we would be nourished.

Christ our salvation, you gave yourself up to death out of love for us,
- help us to show your love to one another.
~intercession from morning prayer

Holy Thursday

2009-04-09T12:19:00.004-04:00

I have longed to eat this meal with you before I suffer.

~ Canticle of Zechariah

Lent is my favorite time of the liturgical year. It gives us time to reflect, pray, repent and, hopefully, grow spiritually with the outward support of the entire Church. Most parishes have added more programs and services to help us in our spiritual journey. There is not all of the commercialism of the Christmas season to distract us from what should be our main focus, Jesus.

Today we enter into the Triduum, the holiest part of the year. Tonight is the Mass of the Lord's Last Supper and then Jesus is processed to the altar of repose. Now we watch and wait!

"I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

I was reminded of the group Critical Mass over at Fr. V's blog Adams Ale . Here is one of their songs that I like and think is appropriate for today:

Dog Visitor

2009-03-14T10:34:00.004-04:00

I normally don't post emails but my oldest son sent this to me and I thought it was too cute.
First it reminds me of our golden (my baby) that we had to put to sleep a year ago this past Christmas because of bone cancer. I can, also, relate to it because my youngest rarely slept his entire first year.

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard.I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour.
This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is
and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.'

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar:
'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep.
Can I come with him tomorrow?'

Happy Saint Cyril and Methodius Day

2009-02-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

Father,
You brought the light of the gospel to the Slavic nations
through Saint Cyril and his brother Saint Methodius.
Open our hearts to understand your teaching and help
us to become one in faith and praise.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

~ Morning prayer, Christian Prayer book

Sleep, Glorious Sleep

2009-02-06T20:23:00.004-05:00

Yeah!! Tomorrow I don't have to be anywhere until 5:00 pm mass. That means I don't have to set the alarm and can sleep in past 5:00 am. Most weekends I have to schedule things or run errands that I can't do during the week. That means having to set an alarm even if it isn't as early as I usually get up. I have a plethora of school work but I can sleep in. Life is good!! Funny what we get excited about as we grow older. Or maybe I really need to get a life!!

Snow Day

2009-01-28T20:21:00.003-05:00

Whoo hoo, snow day today! As luck would have it, though, I had just stepped into the shower and started washing my hair when my husband yelled to me that my school was on the school closings on TV. I was taking my shower earlier than usual because my school district rarely closes. Since Christmas break my 1 hour drive each way has been taking 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours unless the roads are completely dry. The way the morning was shaping up I figured that 2 hours was optimistic. I needed to be at school on time beause our Catholic Schools week mass was first thing and I was a Eucharistic Minister. We were having the mass today because it's the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas and he is our patron saint. I must say I was disappointed about not having the mass but the auxiliary Bishop that was to have the mass graciously agreed to have it tomorrow. Since I was already up and showered I dressed, put in a load of laundry and headed off to mass at my parish. The roads and freeway had not been plowed so the going was really slow. The 25 minute drive took 1 hour 15 minutes. My sons and husband said I was crazy for driving in to mass. Well let's see, I've lived in an all male household the past 20 some years and I teach teenagers. Crazy? I'm just saying...... Besides when we had the big snow storm on Friday night a couple weeks ago my oldest son drove through that to Buffalo and back to go to the Sabres game!! Like mother, like son?

Happy Feast Day St Thomas Aquinas

2009-01-28T12:40:00.003-05:00

Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas

Grant me, O Lord my God,

a mind to know you,

a heart to seek you,

wisdom to find you,

conduct pleasing to you,

faithful perseverance in waiting for you,

and a hope of finally embracing you.Amen.

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of the high school where I teach. We were supposed to have our Catholic Schools Week mass this morning with one of our Auxiliary Bishops presiding. Alas, with the weather it didn't happen. I was looking forward to it but better to be safe. Scary to think of all those teenage drivers on the road. Phew!!

My Sunday Adventures

2009-01-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today on the way to church for 10:00 am mass (choir at 10 and sacristan at 12) the freeway was a mess from the predicted snow that we had overnight. Only 2 of the 3 lanes were passable. You would think that they had enough time to get plows and salt trucks out, but no!! Is this weather something new around here?!! And just let me say, some people should put their cars in the garage when the first snow falls and keep them there until spring!!
At my sacristan mass 2 servers and 1 Eucharistic minister didn't make it but at least they had let us know ahead of time that they couldn't find subs. Our pastor emeritus who was supposed to have the mass also didn't make it both for health reasons and weather. Our pastor had to come over to say mass even though he is in pain from a herniated disc. Both of these priests need our prayers. Since our pastor is the only priest at our parish we have been having a lot of visiting priests since the week before Christmas. This last month in particular has reminded us that there is a real need for more priestly vocations.

The Sunday after Chrostmas high winds provided an adventure. I was sacristan for 8:00 am mass and left the house a little after 6:30 am because I had to stop for gas. At the gas station I had to hold tight to my door when I was opening it to keep it from being whipped away by the winds. Driving on the freeway with an SUV was a little tricky, trying to fight the wind. As I got closer to my parish the thought crossed my mind that this past fall when we had high winds our parish along with the surrounding area had no power for 3 days. As I turneed down the street that my parish is on I was relieved to see houses with outdoor christmas lights as well as inside lights shining brightly. That is until I was a block away from the church. The entire block around and including the church was completely dark. No power. It was still pitch black and not looking to brighten anytime soon because of heavy cloud cover. I went inside but stood in the hallway leading to the church since it was too dark to go any further. Since we were having a visiting priest I hated to call the pastor but it was his decision as to what to do. He called the power company and they told him that we had no power (No, really?!!). We called back and forth to each other deciding what to do, - would people show up, would we have ministers, lectors, communion service or mass, etc. As it turned out it did get light enough that with the candles lit we could go into the church. The ushers told people to sit up front so that they could hear and see better. Since 8:00 am mass is mostly elderly we didn't use the gift table so that nothing was in the aisle. I flipped some of the light switches on before mass started so that if the power came on we would know. The power did come on just as the lector started the first reading so I went back in to the sacristy and turned the rest of the lights on. The rest of mass went on as usual.
Sometimes I think God has a sense of humor and just tries to keep us on our toes!!

Arctic Freeze

2009-01-17T10:15:00.004-05:00

Finally the arctic temperature is supposed to let up somewhat tomorrow. The high is predicted at 23 degrees ( a regular heat wave). However we are supposed to get a lot of snow. Give me the snow over the below zero temperatures any day. My drive time to school each day this past week and a half has turned into an hour and a half to two hours anyway. Even though we haven't had much snow, the little we did have turned into icy conditions with the cold temperatures.

Our superintendent said she wouldn't cancel school unless it was minus 18 so Thursday even though a lot of other schools were off, including the district I live in , off to school I went. Our building has glass windows and doors at the end of each wing so with the wind the classrooms at the end of the wings(the ones I'm in) are freezing. I wore a zip up front sweatshirt over my sweater!! On Friday it was even colder and school was called off.

I could see God's hand in this. Friday my husband was to go into the hospital for some minor outpatient surgery and needed someone to drive him because of the anesthesia. Since my son doesn't have classes on Friday he was going to take his dad. I normally would have taken a personal day but because it was the last day 0f midterms and of the grading period, I had to have all grades posted by Tuesday 8:00 am. That meant I would have to pick up the completed midterms Friday and because of the timing of my husband being released and the long drive to school that would have been impossible. Thankfully with school being called off I was able to be there.

Actually I love winter just not the bitter cold. The city I teach in is in the snowbelt and normally gets a lot of snow. A couple years ago we had vey little snow up through January, neither here or in Niagara Falls, NY where my older son was in college. One day in January it started snowing about midmorning and didn't quit. My son called me to let me know it was snowing there and I told him it was snowing here as well. He was disappointed because he thought he was going to be the first to have snow. After school I called him to tell him I had just scraped about 3 inches of snow off of my car but actually enjoyed it because it was the first time this season. He said he did too and felt the same way. I then said we probably should keep this conversation to ourselves or somebody might have us committed!!!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T13:27:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! May everyone have a new year full of health, prosperity and God's blessing.

Mary, Mother of God - Solemnity

Father,

source of light in every age, the

virgin onceived and bore your Son

who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.

May her prayer, the gify of a mother's love,

be your people's joy through all ages.

May her response, born of a humble heart,

draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

~Morning prayer - LOH~

Belated Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T09:29:00.002-05:00

What a week!! Last day of school, Friday Dec. 19th, finally!! Went straight home to do laundry and pack. We had to be at the airport on Saturday morning at 7:30 am for a 9:00 am flight. Bryan spent the night with us so we just had to pick up my oldest son and his girlfriend. At the airport we find out the flight is delayed until 10:30 am. Oh well at least it's on the way there.
We were headed for Las Vegas. Not my idea of a great vacation destination but since Bryan just turned 21, he was on cloud nine. In his words, Las Vegas is the adults Disneyland!
When we started planning this trip, for Bryan's birthday, my husband made return plane reservations for the redeye at 11:30 pm on Christmas day. WHAT? No way, I said, I want to be back home for Christmas. Four days is more than enough in Las Vegas. Besides, I want to be at my own parish for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! I'm in the choir and we were singing at 10:00 pm mass Christmas Eve and 10:00 am mass Christmas Day. On Christmas day I was to be sacristan at two masses and Eucharistic Minister at one mass. Yes, I definitely needed to be back home by Christmas Eve. So with grumbling from my family, reservations were made for my return flight at 11:00 am on Christmas Eve. After all, I would be spendig time with them until I left and they would be home a day and a half later.
Our time in Las Vegas was mainly spent gambling and eating. Bryan was on a mission to see every casino in Vegas. Big brother did his best to tell him which casino's were nicer since he had been there before, but to no avail. It was his first time and he had to see for himself. I am not much of a gambler so spent most of my time at the penny machines. This earned me the nickname grandma! Nice family, I have!
In Vegas it doesn't even seem like it's Christmas. It's not just the lack of snow, at least by the time we got there. The only decorations are a few real Christmas trees in some of the hotel lobbies but for the most part any Christmas trees around the casinos were a bunch of gold sphere shapes "glued " together in the shape of a tree. It was really unnerving walking through a casino, with all the bright lights, ding - ding from slot machines and heariing Adeste Fideles over the sound system. Bryan mentioned the word surreal several times.
Finally it was Chritmas Eve and I got up early, showered, packed and was ready to go home. My husband checked his phone and there was an automated message from the airline telling us to call the airline and check on the flight. After waiting on hold for fifteen minutes, we decided it was probably a delayed flight and not knowing for how long, I probably should head for the airport. We took the cell phone, still on hold, with us. Just as we got to the cab stand in front of the hotel, the airline reservationist answered. My flight wasn't delayed, it was cancelled. WHAT? The next flight that they could put me on was at 3:15 pm. Today? No, tomorrow. But I need to be back home today!!! Sorry! I ended up on the redeye with the rest of my family.
Back up to the hotel room and unpack. After some tears, a call back to my parish to let them know I needed someone to cover for me as sacristan and Eucharistic minister, I resigned myself to the fact I wouldn't be home for Christmas. I was homesick for my parish, my spiritual family.
Actually, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, though I tried to be in a good mood for my family. After all, it wasn't their fault. No need to ruin their vacation.
When I finally got home, I was trying to catch up on reading the blogs that I follow. I was reading Adoro's blog for Christmas day and it really hit home. How selfish was I being. Christmas day for our Savior was one of hardship. Who am I to complain? Adoro you really should be a homilist!
We are all home safe and sound. I am thankful.
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.

Twelve days of Christmas

2008-12-19T19:11:00.002-05:00

I don't forward many emails but I received this one at school the other day. The story may not be true but I thought the symbolism was something to think about.

In England from 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So the next time you hear the Christmas Carol of the Twelve Days of Christmas may you remember those who were so creative in finding ways to teach the children the foundations of our faith.

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone

Happy 21st Birthday Bryan

2008-12-13T23:11:00.011-05:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that it has already been 21 years since you came into this world . When people tell you that children grow up fast, they weren't kidding. The years have flown! It seems just yesterday that Dad was talking to you,telling you not to make us go to the hospital until he had his coffee and read the paper and to please be born within a reasonable time. This was after spending 18 hours in labor and going through 3 shifts of nurses with your brother. Gee, poor Dad! But you listened to Dad, probably one of the few times in your life, and we didn't have to head to the hospital until 7:00 am and you were born a few minutes before 1:00 pm.

When they laid you in my arms you alternately cried and tried to put your fist in your mouth, obviously hungry. That didn't change much when you went home, you were trying to drink 8 ozs. of formula when most newborns drink 2 ozs.

Maybe that was the reason you cried most of the 1st year - and didn't sleep, you were hungry!!

The nurses in the nursery absolutely loved you because you liked to be held and rocked. You have always been so affectionate and loving. After that first year you were a happy child, always laughing and you had the most wonderful laugh.

Always the jokester, it was hard to stay mad at you. As I was giving you a "stern talking to" you would usually come up with some quip that would make me start laughing. So much for disciplining!

As you got older that sense of humor turned into telling me stories with a straight face. Then when I believed you, you would laugh and tell me how gullible I am.

Well baby boy it's been a wonderful 21 years and I'm looking forward to many more. You are truly a gift from God and I am happy He gave you to me. There's nothing better than being a mom. I love you very much!!

Listen Up

2008-11-28T07:44:00.003-05:00

StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization that honors and celebrates lives through listening, has declared today as the first National Day of Listening. Here is their press release:

StoryCorps is declaring November 28, 2008 the first annual National Day of Listening.
This holiday season, ask the people around you about their lives — it could be your grandmother, a teacher, or someone from the neighborhood. By listening to their stories, you will be telling them that they matter and they won’t ever be forgotten. It may be the most meaningful time you spend this year.

It made me think about how many times some people want to tell you their story but we are thinking about what we need to do or where we need to be and are only half way listening. How many interesting stories do we miss? How much of our own personal history do we not know?

I know I wish I would have listened more. When I was younger and when I was raising my sons I was to busy and distracted to listen to my parents and relatives. Now that I'm older and would love to hear these stories, my parents are deceased and I'm an only child. I still have cousins to share stories about general family history but no siblings to share and remember more of my personal history.

During this busy season and beyond, let us try to listen more, really listen, to relatives, people at church, neighbors and others that we see on a regular basis. Maybe we will learn something really interesting and maybe we will make someone feel special.

Both sound great to me.

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T07:19:00.002-05:00

This is a prayer from the Diocese of Cleveland newsletter. It is taken from a memo from the Akron Area Interfaith Council:

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

O Creator and God of All,
We give thanks for all that we have.

For our food, we give thanks.
Help us to remember those who are hungry.
Instill in us the goal to feed all of your people.

For our friends, we give thanks.
Help us to remember those who are alone.
Instill in us the care to bring others into our circle.

For our job, we give thanks.
Help us to remember the jobless.
Instill in us the resources to find jobs for all.

For our health, we give thanks.
Help us to care for those with health needs.
Instill in us the focus to provide all with needed healthcare.

For the beauty of nature, we give thanks.
Help us to remember that we are stewards of creation.
Instill in us the wisdom and will to care for our planet.

When we sit to rest and think that all is well, stir us up to know
that your work is not done. Instill in us the heart to love all
as we serve all. Amen.

Turkey Day

2008-11-26T12:21:00.005-05:00

At the high school where I teach the seniors participate in"Turkey Day" every year on the tuesday before Thanksgiving. We start out at a Thanksgiving prayer service that includes the entire school. At the end of the service the student body extends their hands towards the seniors for a blessing before they leave for the day. They are headed for a day of community service at various programs in Lake and Geauga counties. Their time and talents are used ministering at hospice, food banks, homeless shelters, childcare centers, outdoor parks and catholic elementary schools.

This culminates almost three and one half years of emphasizing the Catholic practice of service to the community and each other. During freshman, sophomore and junior years the students do numerous hours of service as part of their religion studies. The hope is that they will continue serving others after they graduate from high school and many do just that.

It's amazing and heartening to see some students who are not the most responsible or conscientious in an academic setting, come to life when they are interacting with young children, the elderly or the homeless. To see the caring and compassion that you don't always see in the short time you are with them during the school day is very moving.

At the end of the day the seniors come back to school to share a meal together and reflect on their day. Since they are at approximately 18 different locations many stories are shared. The realization of the many blessings that they have is a great lesson learned by all.

When we so often hear a multitude of complaints against teenagers, it's important to remember to appreciate the many ways they share their gifts.

Lord, I am thankful for all our students. Please protect and guide them. Amen.