From the Knights of Columbus Prayer Book:
Remember, Christian soul, that you have this day and every day of your life:
God to glorify,
Jesus to imitate,
The Angels and Saints to invoke,
A soul to save,
A body to mortify,
Sins to expiate,
Virtues to acquire,
Hell to avoid,
Heaven to gain,
Eternity to prepare for,
Time to profit by,
Neighbors to edify,
The world to despise,
Devils to combat,
Passions to subdue,
Death perhaps to suffer, and Judgment
to undergo.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Pope Francis - This Time It's Personal
I'm 38 years old and on my third pope. This papal conclave, for me anyway, was personal.
Pope John Paul II
I was 4 years old when John Paul II was elected pope. My grandmother had polish ancestry. So, he was held in even higher esteem in her house.
I can remember going to Greenpoint, Brooklyn several times as a kid. We would go specifically to a polish butcher for their fresh polish kielbasa. And greeting all the customers behind the counter was a beautiful, framed picture of a smiling John Paul II.
For most Blessed John Paul's reign, however, I was an ambivalent catholic. I was too young to understand the richness of our church. I'm a cradle catholic and just going through the motions those years - communion, penance, confirmation and the occasional mass.
But I was the lesser for my inconsiderate catholic behavior.
Pope Benedict XVI
When Blessed Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005, I was more interested in my catholic faith.
I remember watching, with the rest of the world, the lights in the papal apartment go dark. That signified the death of my childhood pope. I can recall the funeral, as well.
Funny, though, I don't remember much about the election of Pope Benedict XVI. I remember the announcement but I was not concerned about the machinations involved with the conclave.
This time, however, it was different.
I was sad to hear about the abdication of Pope Benedict XVI.
I watched with great interest as Pope Benedict XVI departured from Vatican City. I viewed the somber occasion of the Swiss Guard's retirement from Castel Gandolfo when his resignation was official.
I kept tabs on the cardinals as they travelled to Rome to start the conclave.
When the cardinals started the conclave I kept tabs on the election results.
Black smoke. Black smoke....
Habemus Papam
I was listening to a stream of my local radio station when the program host mentioned the sight of white smoke. I quickly switched to the Catholic Channel stream on Sirius XM radio. I listened intently to the hosts describe the scene as we waited for the official announcement.
Life be darned, though, I had to leave to pickup my kids from school.
I hurried to the car to make sure I didn't miss a moment of the historic event. The four miles I drive everyday to their catholic school seemed longer as no information was forthcoming about who the new pope was.
I pulled into the car pool line at the school. There still was no announcement. The radio hosts were wondering why the delay was longer than usual.
Usually the car pool line starts moving at the top of the hour. Not this time. We waited in line until around 20 minutes after the hour. It seemed to line up with the announcement of the new pope.
Could it be the children were inside awaiting word about who the pope was?
As I opened the door to our minivan, my children came racing over. "Dad, we have a new pope! His name is Francis!"
So, they were watching and waiting inside until the new pope was named. It was amazing to see the excitement in their eyes and hear it in their voices! What a blessing to be able to have my children in a catholic school!
As the night wound down, I continued to look for more information online about Pope Francis.
What a wonderful time to be a catholic! And a renewed one at that!
Pope John Paul II
I was 4 years old when John Paul II was elected pope. My grandmother had polish ancestry. So, he was held in even higher esteem in her house.
I can remember going to Greenpoint, Brooklyn several times as a kid. We would go specifically to a polish butcher for their fresh polish kielbasa. And greeting all the customers behind the counter was a beautiful, framed picture of a smiling John Paul II.
For most Blessed John Paul's reign, however, I was an ambivalent catholic. I was too young to understand the richness of our church. I'm a cradle catholic and just going through the motions those years - communion, penance, confirmation and the occasional mass.
But I was the lesser for my inconsiderate catholic behavior.
Pope Benedict XVI
When Blessed Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005, I was more interested in my catholic faith.
I remember watching, with the rest of the world, the lights in the papal apartment go dark. That signified the death of my childhood pope. I can recall the funeral, as well.
Funny, though, I don't remember much about the election of Pope Benedict XVI. I remember the announcement but I was not concerned about the machinations involved with the conclave.
This time, however, it was different.
I was sad to hear about the abdication of Pope Benedict XVI.
I watched with great interest as Pope Benedict XVI departured from Vatican City. I viewed the somber occasion of the Swiss Guard's retirement from Castel Gandolfo when his resignation was official.
I kept tabs on the cardinals as they travelled to Rome to start the conclave.
When the cardinals started the conclave I kept tabs on the election results.
Black smoke. Black smoke....
Habemus Papam
I was listening to a stream of my local radio station when the program host mentioned the sight of white smoke. I quickly switched to the Catholic Channel stream on Sirius XM radio. I listened intently to the hosts describe the scene as we waited for the official announcement.
Life be darned, though, I had to leave to pickup my kids from school.
I hurried to the car to make sure I didn't miss a moment of the historic event. The four miles I drive everyday to their catholic school seemed longer as no information was forthcoming about who the new pope was.
I pulled into the car pool line at the school. There still was no announcement. The radio hosts were wondering why the delay was longer than usual.
Usually the car pool line starts moving at the top of the hour. Not this time. We waited in line until around 20 minutes after the hour. It seemed to line up with the announcement of the new pope.
Could it be the children were inside awaiting word about who the pope was?
As I opened the door to our minivan, my children came racing over. "Dad, we have a new pope! His name is Francis!"
So, they were watching and waiting inside until the new pope was named. It was amazing to see the excitement in their eyes and hear it in their voices! What a blessing to be able to have my children in a catholic school!
As the night wound down, I continued to look for more information online about Pope Francis.
What a wonderful time to be a catholic! And a renewed one at that!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Abiding Presence of Christ in Catholic School
I was feeling a little stressed last night; like there was this huge concrete slab pushing down on my shoulders. I felt like I was shrinking.
After returning a book to the library, I drove 1 mile out of my way to my church. We are very fortunate to have an adoration chapel. I don't go often - almost never.
But I felt Jesus calling me to spend time with him to renew my spirit.
What love!
In the time I was there I felt very loved. A calm came over me and that feeling that a concrete block was upon me was lifted.
I stayed some more time. More than I planned.
I focused on Christ present in the room. Another thought entered my mind.
How truly blessed the children of our parish school are! I am very fortunate and blessed to count my children among those students! To have the continuous presence of Christ only feet away from some of there classrooms.
Any catholic school student is fortunate to be in their school. If they don't have an adoration chapel, they certainly have the crucifix to remind them of Jesus' love for them. Consider how consoling it must be to calm their nerves by looking at a crucifix, statue of Jesus or Mary before, during or after a test.
If only all school students were allowed that exercise.....
After returning a book to the library, I drove 1 mile out of my way to my church. We are very fortunate to have an adoration chapel. I don't go often - almost never.
But I felt Jesus calling me to spend time with him to renew my spirit.
What love!
In the time I was there I felt very loved. A calm came over me and that feeling that a concrete block was upon me was lifted.
I stayed some more time. More than I planned.
I focused on Christ present in the room. Another thought entered my mind.
How truly blessed the children of our parish school are! I am very fortunate and blessed to count my children among those students! To have the continuous presence of Christ only feet away from some of there classrooms.
Any catholic school student is fortunate to be in their school. If they don't have an adoration chapel, they certainly have the crucifix to remind them of Jesus' love for them. Consider how consoling it must be to calm their nerves by looking at a crucifix, statue of Jesus or Mary before, during or after a test.
If only all school students were allowed that exercise.....
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The Universal Catholic Church
Describing the catholic church as universal is not some grand claim. It is a fact. You can find a church, I dare say, almost anywhere you are in the world.
Since this past January was my son's tenth birthday, we took a family trip to Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida. My son is a big fan of LEGO City and my daughter enjoys LEGO Friends.
Legoland was a lot of fun. You can read about our trip here.
We visited the park on Thursday. We then visited friends and family in Southern Florida the following weekend.
On Sunday we went to the local catholic church. As I was sitting there I thought how great is the Holy Spirit! What started as a small community in the Middle East has spread over the millennium throughout the world.
Praise Jesus that we can attend mass anywhere we find ourselves!
Since this past January was my son's tenth birthday, we took a family trip to Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida. My son is a big fan of LEGO City and my daughter enjoys LEGO Friends.
Legoland was a lot of fun. You can read about our trip here.
We visited the park on Thursday. We then visited friends and family in Southern Florida the following weekend.
On Sunday we went to the local catholic church. As I was sitting there I thought how great is the Holy Spirit! What started as a small community in the Middle East has spread over the millennium throughout the world.
Praise Jesus that we can attend mass anywhere we find ourselves!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Lent - Not Just About Sacrifice
"So, what are you giving up for Lent"?
That will be a common question - especially today with Ashes on my forehead.
Sometimes I think we focus too much on rejecting something for Lent. Sacrificing something and replacing that craving with prayer is definitely a good thing. But how many of us remember to pray when we see that nice jelly donut in the display case after giving it up for Lent (a little glimpse into what I am sacrificing)?
I know I forget to offer up prayer when my cravings begin.
So, in conjunction with sacrificing something, I will be actively reminding myself to pray the rosary everyday.
For 40 days.
I am sure that will be a challenge. Not because I don't like to pray the rosary but because I don't focus on making time in my day for it.
This Lenten season don't just reject something but accept something as an affirmation of your love for Jesus.
That will be a common question - especially today with Ashes on my forehead.
Sometimes I think we focus too much on rejecting something for Lent. Sacrificing something and replacing that craving with prayer is definitely a good thing. But how many of us remember to pray when we see that nice jelly donut in the display case after giving it up for Lent (a little glimpse into what I am sacrificing)?
I know I forget to offer up prayer when my cravings begin.
So, in conjunction with sacrificing something, I will be actively reminding myself to pray the rosary everyday.
For 40 days.
I am sure that will be a challenge. Not because I don't like to pray the rosary but because I don't focus on making time in my day for it.
This Lenten season don't just reject something but accept something as an affirmation of your love for Jesus.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
The world learned today of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. This is an event that has not occurred in almost 600 years. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415.
Many opponents of the Catholic Church will, yet again, point to this as their evidence that the position of pope is not from God.
Of course, they are wrong.
The position of pope takes so much strength and faith. It is not a position that any man seeks. Would you want to be responsible for the souls of over 1 billion people? A 2,000 year old church? All that history and precedence on your shoulders?
It is a position of responsibility that none of us can truly understand.
Yes, many critics will point to this as another example of how the Catholic Church is "out of touch" and needs to abolish the "archaic position of pope".
Unfortunately, some catholics will hear these voices and follow them to their own detriment.
We must pray for Pope Benedict XVI, the College of Cardinals, the successor and the detractors.
God works in mysterious ways.
Who are we to criticize his methods?
Many opponents of the Catholic Church will, yet again, point to this as their evidence that the position of pope is not from God.
Of course, they are wrong.
The position of pope takes so much strength and faith. It is not a position that any man seeks. Would you want to be responsible for the souls of over 1 billion people? A 2,000 year old church? All that history and precedence on your shoulders?
It is a position of responsibility that none of us can truly understand.
Yes, many critics will point to this as another example of how the Catholic Church is "out of touch" and needs to abolish the "archaic position of pope".
Unfortunately, some catholics will hear these voices and follow them to their own detriment.
We must pray for Pope Benedict XVI, the College of Cardinals, the successor and the detractors.
God works in mysterious ways.
Who are we to criticize his methods?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
No More Eucharists
I have noticed an increase in attendance at the mass I usually attend on Sundays. Perhaps it is a result of New Year's resolutions people have made to go to mass every week. I hope so.
Our parish extends over a large geographic area. It is comprised of at least two counties. So most masses are crowded.
We, as parishioners, are used to the cramped space and are in the process of building a new church.
But I don't think I ever witnessed what occurred during the mass last Sunday.
We usually arrive for mass just before it begins. As a result, we are not afforded a seat and we stand in the same area each week. After we receive communion, we move into the hall that separates that sanctuary from the dining room (cafeteria for the school) and wait for the end of mass there.
As we were waiting after communion last Sunday there was quite a backup of parishioners waiting to receive the eucharist. It was at a standstill. Finally, after what seemed like 20 minutes, the line started to move.
That seemed really odd to me. I never saw that occur even during Christmas and Easter masses when our church is really packed.
Before the final blessing, the priest apologized for the shortage or hosts. He invited anyone that did not receive to remain during the next mass or return at 1:30 PM and he would happily distribute Holy Communion when the tabernacle was replenished.
I was curious to find out more about this occurrence. I found information about proper consecration here on wdtprs.com. Reading that, I was happy to see that our celebrant did not consecrate more hosts which, to the uninitiated, would seem like the proper course of action.
I continue to be amazed as I learn more about the intricacies and reverence accorded to each mass!
Our parish extends over a large geographic area. It is comprised of at least two counties. So most masses are crowded.
We, as parishioners, are used to the cramped space and are in the process of building a new church.
But I don't think I ever witnessed what occurred during the mass last Sunday.
We usually arrive for mass just before it begins. As a result, we are not afforded a seat and we stand in the same area each week. After we receive communion, we move into the hall that separates that sanctuary from the dining room (cafeteria for the school) and wait for the end of mass there.
As we were waiting after communion last Sunday there was quite a backup of parishioners waiting to receive the eucharist. It was at a standstill. Finally, after what seemed like 20 minutes, the line started to move.
That seemed really odd to me. I never saw that occur even during Christmas and Easter masses when our church is really packed.
Before the final blessing, the priest apologized for the shortage or hosts. He invited anyone that did not receive to remain during the next mass or return at 1:30 PM and he would happily distribute Holy Communion when the tabernacle was replenished.
I was curious to find out more about this occurrence. I found information about proper consecration here on wdtprs.com. Reading that, I was happy to see that our celebrant did not consecrate more hosts which, to the uninitiated, would seem like the proper course of action.
I continue to be amazed as I learn more about the intricacies and reverence accorded to each mass!
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