Focus on the good.

USCCB - (NAB) - May 23, 2008: "Jas 5:9-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged."

This is a really hard one. Everywhere we turn these days there seems to be reason for complaint...and no where more then within our own families. God give us the strength necessary today to focus on the good that is all around us...beginning in our own homes with our spouses and children.

Prayer for Marriages(Sean Cardinal O'Malley)

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the Holy Family,
Help us to treasure the gift of marriage that reflects the love of Christ for the Church,
where the self-giving love of husband and wife unites them more perfectly and cooperates in your plan for new life created in your image.

Help us support men and women in their vocation of marriage, especially in difficult times when they join their sufferings to the Cross.

Help us uphold the institution of marriage in our society as the place where love is nurtured and family life begins.

Help us to acknowledge that our future depends on this love and on your providential care for us. Amen.

Gospel
Mk 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate.”

2008 National Foster Care Vigil

2008 National Foster Care Vigil - FamilyLife.com

2008 National Foster Care Vigil

2008 National Foster Care Vigil - FamilyLife.com

prayers please

Daughter of Christian music star killed by car - Yahoo! News

Please pray for this family...I can't even imagine the horror...my heart aches for them.

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Happy Hearts At Home: The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy: Admonishing the Sinner:
"The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Convert the sinner,
Instruct the ignorant,
Counsel the doubtful,
Comfort the sorrowful,
Bear wrongs patiently,
Forgive injuries,
Pray for the living and the dead."

Hmmm...I quickly read through the above list and went 'ick...those are hard...I don't think I like them very much'...lol. That was my 'inner brat'...lol. The thing is that those are indeed hard if you aren't grounded in Christ and have no clue to the Truth that only the Holy Spirit can provide...no wait...they aren't 'hard'...they are impossible.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 3 SECTION 1 CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE 2:
"CHAPTER THREE
GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE"

the basis of our mission

The Sprirt takes us out into the desert (Pastoral Letter, Lenten 2006) | Gozo Diocese:

"I really wish that we all grow in our conviction that we are truly God’s children and treasure this identity which is really the basis of our mission. Oh how I do wish that we become even more rooted in our sense of belonging to God and that it informs our vision of Church."

Our True Identity

The Real Me : A Catholic Reflection:

"Of ourselves, we are nothing. In Christ, we are sharers of the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4). When we realize our nothingness without Christ and our glory in Him, we will love ourselves and not be proud."

casting spirits

USCCB - (NAB) - May 19, 2008:

"When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private,
“Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”"

Oh Lord, may we always turn to You for grace in dispelling all that is tormenting us. May we be delivered from all evil in our lives, homes and families...and may we turn to God alone as the source of our hope and healing.

Head for His Light

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"Many times in life, we have problems with a spiritual root that we don't recognize. This leads to everything from little anxieties to traumatic ailments. It leads to divorce. It leads to misfortunes large and small.

However it comes, shake it off and gravitate to Jesus. This bring us -- and everything that haunts us -- into the Light. Train your eyes on Him, not your problems. Move straight forward. Never step in reverse!

Head for His Light and the shadow of your burdens will fall behind you."

Actual Pictures from Tuesday

Duh...ofcourse someone had a camera...we even posed for a group picture...lol...how could I have forgotten that?! Anyway...here they are. Thanks Laura!

22 degree halo

We gathered to pray the rosary in the lawn in front of my church at noon today by the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, on this her feast day. Even with the distraction of running around after a very active four year old, the Lord still touched my heart in a powerful way. At one point when we were nearly finishing, someone pointed to the sun! It was the most unbelievable thing that I had ever experienced. It shone magnifecently with a beautiful bright circle around it. I looked it up online and found that it is called a 22 degree halo and got this picture of it to post here. Yes...it is a natural occurence...but its timing was absolutely super natural. A little gift for those that were there at that moment.

From today's First Reading (Jas 1:12-18)...

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."

A Very Happy Birthday to My Baby Girl

This is her favorite song! Happy Sixth Birthday Sarah! Please say a prayer for her if you have a chance.

Holy spirit rain down

Fresh Fire...

"Fresh fire let it fall
O God hear our call
Send Your Spirit like a rushing wind
We need fresh fire

We are hungry we are thirsty
Crying out for more of You
Lord we are desperate for Your mercy
Let us burn to know Your Truth
Light a flame in us now
Send Your holy fire down

We have left our hearts unguarded
We confess we've walked away
Lord take us back to where we started
Where we first found love and grace
Light a flame in us now
Send Your holy fire down

More of Your love
More of Your power
Send a revival
We need it now
Stir up a fire
Let it burn brighter
Let the flame burn higher
higher higher

Revive us again"

Holy Spirit Feasts (Porguguese Tradition)

Saint Anthony's Parish, Cambridge, MA - English version

Towards the end of the page at the link above Fr. gives a good explanation of where the 'Festas Do Espirito Santo' in Portugal derived from.

PENTECOST Novena (Day 9)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts:
"NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
"

PENTECOST Novena (day 8)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

We Are One In Christ!

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall" : A Catholic Reflection

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall" : A Catholic Reflection:

"Jesus' prayer for unity begins to be answered when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the Source of unity (Eph 4:3). 'It was in one Spirit that all of us, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, were baptized into one body' (1 Cor 12:13). We are 'one in the Spirit.' The Spirit reverses divisions which go back to the first sin and were exacerbated at the tower of Babel (see Gn 11:9). By the Spirit of Pentecost, all nations can once again communicate with each other and be restored to the unity of paradise (see Acts 2:5-11). Then, as at the first Christian Pentecost, the Spirit showcases our unity to lead thousands into God's kingdom (see Acts 2:41), and the strongholds of the devil are destroyed (see 2 Cor 10:4). Come, Holy Spirit of unity, evangelization, and victory."

Unity

USCCB - (NAB) - May 8, 2008:

"And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
"

Today I pray for unity...in families...in nations. We are all so divided...and this is definitely part of the Evil One's plan. We need each other in order to 'be brought to perfection'. Let's put the gifts of the Holy Spirit to use and make it happen!

PENTECOST Novena (Day 7)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts


On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Deliver us from Evil (forgive our sins)

USCCB - (NAB) - May 7, 2008:

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One."

We are living in a very confusing time when the world's morals are often in strong opposition to God's teachings. It is often mistakenly thought that if it is popular then it is right. There is a strong lacking of 'Understanding'. Fads and trends may change...the Word of God DOES NOT!

May the Lord pour forth an outpouring of His Spirit and lead us to full conviction of what evil is and what it is doing to us and our society...so that we can come to repentance and be set free.

PENTECOST Novena (day 6)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Expanding...

Honey, I Shrunk the Church : A Catholic Reflection:

"The Holy Spirit lavishes us with grace to expand. Yet we must put aside our old, fearful nature which shrinks from the fear of man. Jesus taught that no one sews a new 'unshrunken' cloth onto an old cloth (Mt 9:16), else it would tear loose. We can't mix our old 'shrinking-violet' ways with the Holy Spirit. Nothing good comes from shrinking away. As Job proclaims: 'What I fear overtakes me, and what I shrink from comes upon me' (Jb 3:25)."

PENTECOST Novena (day 5)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts
FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

PENTECOST Novena (day 4)

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

The Gift of Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.



PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Ultimate Call to Prayer

The Ultimate Call to Prayer : A Catholic Reflection:

"The Ascension of Jesus is the most powerful and successful call to prayer in the Bible. After the Ascension, apostles who didn't pray an hour in the garden of Gethsemani devoted themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). On this holy day of the Ascension, the Lord offers us a special invitation to pray and a gift to pray. Accept the invitation, pray, and receive the Spirit."

PENTECOST Novena(Day 3)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts:

"THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter)
Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts"

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Prayer request from a friend

"Hi Essy, Can you kindly spread the word for my nephew Stevie,he needs prayers. He is in Mass General. They think he is leaking infection into his body from his intestines, he is on strong antibiotic IV. One of the many things he suffers from is slow motility meaning waste does not move through him very well. He has a dialated colon due to back-up that extends into his intestines. He is in touble. Please pray. Thanks so much."

PENTECOST Novena (Day 2)

SECOND DAY (Saturday, 6th Week of Easter)

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

PENTECOST Novena (Day 1)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

FIRST DAY (Friday, 6th Week of Easter)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin· Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

God is Good (come on, sing it with me)

God is good all the time by Don Moen


Chorus:
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise
In this heart of Mine;
God is good all the time
Through the darknes night
His light we shine
God is good, God is good
all the time.

***
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise
In this heart of Mine;
God is good all the time
Through the darknes night
His light we shine
God is good, God is good
all the time.

If youre walking through the shadows
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
He has promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you, and His word is true

***
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise
In this heart of Mine;
God is good all the time
Through the darknes night
His light we shine
God is good, God is good
all the time.

II
We were sinners so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die
Filled us with His Holy spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love everlasting
And his mercies they will never end.
Though I may not understand
All the plans You have for me
My life is in Your hands
And thorough the eyes of faith
I can clearly see.
(repeat chorus)
He’s so good, God is good,
He’s so good, God is good,
He’s so good all the time."

God is indeed good all the time!

USCCB - (NAB) - May 2, 2008:
"Gospel
Jn 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”"

Those of you who have been with me a while are probably getting sick of hearing this story...lol...it has become my 'Passover' story for the past six years now. My testimony of God's great love for me and my family. There are moments when I forget...it's probably better that way...but then there are days like today when it all comes flooding back to me.

The Lord called me to Mass this morning...as I was pulling out of the driveway, I sort of wondered what He was up to...lol. He seems to draw me in at the moments when I really need to hear something. So I sat at Mass and listened...1'st reading was ok...but nothing hit me particularly hard...until the Gospel was proclaimed. WOW...the tears started falling down my cheeks...but unlike tears that I had shed in the past...these were happy tears...tears that came from remembering that God indeed is Good all the Time.

You see...the Gospel that was read today is the same one that was read at my husband's Cursillo weekend, six years ago. During Lectio Divina that weekend, he was asked to meditate on the above scripture and to allow the Lord to speak to Him personally. That weekend was also Mother's Day weekend. One of the hardest that I had ever had to endure. I had lost my mom a few years before, was childless, was alone for the weekend and in physical pain...I spent the day in bed actually...in gut wrenching agony.

Well...a couple of days later we got a call from Catholic Charities...and got the news that a baby had indeed been born that Mother's Day (it was May 12'th that year). The rest is history. We will be celebrating Sarah's birthday in just a short while, and today the Lord reminded me of how far He has carried me.

May...month of Mary

toc

If you have ever felt called to a deeper relationship with our Lord's Blessed Mother...the Carmelite Order may be just thing for you. Check out the link above.

Are you ready?

"Perfect Storm" : A Catholic Reflection:

"Tomorrow we begin praying the Pentecost Novena, nine days of fervent prayer to prepare for receiving a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. What storm will result if you receive the Holy Spirit during or after this Novena? It may mean that:

you must leave your job, as did St. Joseph (Mt 2:14),
you start a new job, which becomes the launching pad for a new ministry (Acts 18:3, 5),
you pack up and move where the Spirit leads (Acts 18:1),
you lose your spiritual mentor (Jn 16:17) and have to step out and take leadership, as did the apostles,
you will weep, mourn, and grieve (Jn 16:20),
you step out in bold obedience to the Holy Spirit, and because of that, your church is instantly divided (Acts 18:4ff),
talented leaders are converted and raised up (Acts 18:8),
many hear the word of God and come to believe in Jesus (Acts 18:8), and
you 'shake' off the spiritual and physical debris left by the storm (Acts 18:6), and, undaunted, continue bearing fruit in the power of the Spirit (see Mt 7:24-25).

'Receive the Holy Spirit' (Jn 20:22), and let Him 'stir' up your world (2 Tm 1:6).

PRAYER: Father, may I be more concerned with being separated from the Holy Spirit than I am with having to endure upheaval.
PROMISE: 'Your grief will be turned into joy.' –Jn 16:20
PRAISE: St. Joseph accepted Mary as his wife, thus enduring scandal, rejection, and relocation, and did so joyfully."

So...are you ready to start 'marching to a different drummer'? It might throw you out of sync...but oh the JOY that is to come!

Out of sync?

USCCB - (NAB) - May 1, 2008:

"Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”"

Sometimes being a Christian means that we are just bit out of sync with the rest of the world. We may be told to 'wait' while every one else is rushing forward...or to go ahead when it just doesn't make sense to anyone else. This may indeed cause pain...but only for a little while...wait...the joy is coming!

YouTube - Days of Elijah

The Future Of The United States.?

National Day of Prayer Task Force

National Day of Prayer Task Force | Home | Home Page

Here's the direct link to the National Day of Prayer Web site.

National Day of Prayer

"just got an email about a national day of prayer tomorrow, May 1. This is not
a Catholic initiative but it sounds very good. Would you please post in your
blog or email list. Here are some of the details:

web site:
http://www.ndptf.org/home/index.cfm?flash=1

Local event:

National Day of Prayer Gathering in Stoneham, MA
Additional Information: All are welcome to attend.
Location: Town Hall around the flag pole
35 Central St
Stoneham, MA 02180
Start Date & Time: 05/01/2008 12:00 PM
End Date & Time: 05/01/2008 12:30 PM
Coordinator: Nancy Smith
978-531-7912
pbsmith51@aol.com "

Come Holy Spirit

USCCB - (NAB) - April 27, 2008:

"Now when the apostles in Jerusalem
heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,
they sent them Peter and John,
who went down and prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
for it had not yet fallen upon any of them;
they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them
and they received the Holy Spirit."

Let us pray for one another!

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Cardinal Seán’s Blog

Cardinal Seán’s Blog » Red socks at Yankee Stadium

Cardinal Sean has beautiful pictures of last weekend's events at his blog. I was blessed to be able to personally attend the Boston Women's Conference...it was amazing!

Catholics Come Home

Catholics Come Home Papa is here!

Feast of Santo Cristo dos Milagres

Feast of Santo Cristo dos Milagres

Archdiocese of Boston Cursillo

CURSILLO

Archdiocese of Boston

Please join us on May l0, 2008 from 9:00 - l:00
For the lst Cursillo Day of Renewal - Cost is $20.00/person

Place: Marist House, 5l8 Pleasant Street, Framingham, Ma.

The program will include presentations, small group discussions, guided meditations and a
Prayer Service orMass.

Anyone that would like to stay after is welcome to bring their bagged lunch. Registration and payment are due that day.

DIRECTIONS: can be downloaded or call The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life at 6l7-779-

Pope Benedict XVI Prayer Intentions

Pope Benedict XVI Prayer Intentions

Today is the deadline to get your prayer intentions in to the site above.

Smile!

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:

"When compassion is around us and when it is projected to others, it disarms even those who are hostile. The key is to approach every person with a mouth that curves upward. Mother Teresa said that 'holy living consists of doing God’s work with a smile.'

She also said that the smile on a child was God’s love.
A smile points the mouth, eyes, and soul up to God."

They shall all be taught by God

USCCB - (NAB) - April 10, 2008:
"Gospel
Jn 6:44-51

Jesus said to the crowds:
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him,
and I will raise him on the last day.
It is written in the prophets:

They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me."

It's been a crazy week with all kinds of false preachers coming forward and then...from the most un-expected place we get The Word spoken(sang) to millions (billions?). However the phrase 'My Jesus' was still edited out...they can edit all they want...it still came through nice and loud! So come on! Let's all shout to the Lord today...

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Chorus
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.


Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have...
Nothing compares to the promise I have...
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Shout To The Lord

>: ""

Rising Expectations

Rising Expectations : A Catholic Reflection: "How many Christian parents are merely hoping to get their adult children back in Church? They can't imagine their children or themselves prophesying, healing, preaching, teaching, or leading. Sometimes in our prayer, we don't seem to be aware of Jesus' resurrection and its implications. The life of Philip opens us to a new dimension of life – risen life."

it continues

USCCB - (NAB) - April 8, 2008:

"But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him."

Still today there are those that have accepted the gift of faith and can now see and those who haven't yet and would like nothing better then to get rid of the first bunch in anyway possible. They too 'close their ears' and rush in 'together'...it may not be done in as brutal fashion as the above story mentions...but they get the job done.

Prayer Request

www.bravenet.com - A Bravenet.com Guestbook:
"What is your name? Joyce

Where are you from? Minnesota

Please enter your prayer request:

Please ask the Lord to restore my mother this week.
Since an auto accident in Dec. she has suffered declining health, chronic fatigue, depression, no appetite, and poor sleep. I love her. "

YouTube - Alleluia He is coming

the work of God

USCCB - (NAB) - April 7, 2008:

"So they said to him,
“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”"

There are so many forces at work today trying to set us on the wrong track...it comes at us from every direction imaginable..even 'dressed in sheeps clothing'...but just because something has worldly appeal doesn't make it right...weigh it against this dictate. How is it adding or subtracting from your belief in Jesus? If it is in any way detracting, run away from it as fast as you can.

Childhood Poems for parents

Childhood Poems for parents:
"A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day,
With little time to stop and pray,
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called me to be a mom--
Running errands, matching socks,
Building dreams with wooden blocks,
Cooking, cleaning, finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose,
Fitting lids on bottled bugs,
Wiping tears and giving hugs,
A stack of last week's mail to read--
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet, when I steal a moment, Lord,
Just at the sink or ironing board,
To ask the blessings of Your grace,
I see then, in my small one's face,
That you have blessed me all the while --
And I stoop to kiss that
precious smile.

Author unknown"

A Prayer Request from our prayer book

- A Bravenet.com Guestbook:



Where are you from?
South Dakota

Please enter your prayer request:

Please join with me in praying for a nephew who just had surgery on his elbow...Judie's granddaughter and son need a miracle, financial and physical. Amen. Betty

Medjugorje Message

Medjugorje Graces: Message to Mirjana: April 2nd 2008:
"Message to Mirjana: April 2nd 2008

Dear children! Also today, as I am with you in the great love of God, I desire to ask you: Are you with me? Is your heart open for me? Do you permit me to purify and prepare it for my Son? My children, you are chosen because, in your time, the great grace of God descended on earth. Do not hesitate to accept it. Thank you."

Cursillo message

(just got this today and thought I'd pass it along)
Good morning from the Boston Cursillo Prayerline.

Just alittle bit of information...
We have received l4 applications for
up-coming women's weekend in the end of April.

How about having a full house like we did from the last
men's weekend!!!

Women's weekend April 24-27, 2008
It will be held at the Marist House
5l8 Pleasant Street,
Framingham, Ma.

You can get a application off the web site:
www.bostoncursilo.org

Ultreya: June l3, 2008 Reunion of candidates and team members.
All are welcome to come!!!
Come and bring a friend!!!

Have a great day,
De Colores,
Nancy

Porguese foster parents needed

PORTUGUESE TIMES - New Bedford, Mass.

My cousin just sent me the above article and any time I read about children needing homes my heart jumps. I think this particular article is referring to a need that they have in the South Shore...so if you are Portuguese speaking and live in the south shore...take a look. Meanwhile...let's pray for all the children, their families and for open and obedient hearts to take them in.

celebrities and their beliefs

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world

"The good news is that most "celebrities" at least believe in a higher force (unlike the world of science, where skepticism rules the roost). A lot of it is vague. Some is New Agey. Here we see what has happened to Oprah Winfrey. But at least there is a sense, among entertainers, of a spiritual dimension."

Right Living

USCCB - (NAB) - March 30, 2008: "Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."

Even today, as people with families and jobs we can still have a little taste of this. Our churches are still open!

Wasn't it great to see the Church filled to capacity on Easter Sunday? Keep praying and they'll be back.

Everyone Suffers

Recapturing Our Catholic Patrimony: Everyone Suffers

This is a beautifully written article on suffering.

Test Your Knowledge of Carmel

Quiz 3: Test Your Knowledge of Carmel

Our Lady's Message

Medjugorje Graces: Our Lady's mMessage 25-3-08 to Marija:
"Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Our Lady's mMessage 25-3-08 to Marija

“Dear children! I call you to work on your personal conversion. You are still far from meeting with God in your heart. Therefore, spend all the more time in prayer and Adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, for Him to change you and to put into your hearts a living faith and a desire for eternal life. Everything is passing, little children, only God is not passing. I am with you and I encourage you with love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”"

Catholic books

Catholic books, bibles, christmas cards, advent wreaths, religious goods and gifts at your Catholic store

If you didn't get to buy the books you wanted at the Lenten Mission this weekend, make sure to go to the above link and place your order. This is a Catholic homeschooling family that can use your support...so shop around and I'm sure you'll find something you like.

Ralph Martin

Renewal Ministries, renewal and evangelization in the Catholic Church, focusing on Jesus, and grounded in prayer, scripture and the spirituality of the saints, we seek to proclaim Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.



We are blessed to have Ralph Martin with us at St. Joseph's in Wakefield for our parish mission...he was here yesterday and will be here today and tomorrow as well(7-9PM). Yesterday's talk was very powerful and really a confirmation for me of everything that the Lord has been doing in my life...I LOVE that!

Please pray for all who will be in attendance.

YouTube - City of God

time to wake up

USCCB - (NAB) - March 2, 2008:
"Eph 5:8-14

Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention
the things done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”"

Society is in such need of critical thinking at this time. Everything that is put forth through so many venues are merely taken in hook, line and sinker. We need the Light of Truth to show us 'what is pleasing to the Lord'. We need to awake from our sleep and arise from the dead. Satan is gaining territory very fast...our world needs us to do our part as children of Light.

YouTube - They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love

love your neighbor AS YOURSELF!

USCCB - (NAB) - February 29, 2008: "Mk 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”"

Those two words 'as yourself' often go un-noticed or get over looked by good intentioned Christians. We are so busy loving and caring for others that the person who gets the scraps from the heap is often us...and we think that we are doing a great and holy thing. Not exactly. We are to love others as ourselves...which means that it starts with loving yourself (in a balanced way of course). You can't love others if you are completly exhausted, drained and with nothing left. You need to fill yourself up first. Just like the airplanes tell you to do in case of an emergency...apply your own oxygen first and then attend to those near you. So...'fill up' on God's graces by partaking of the Sacraments (the Church is the 'gas station' that the Lord left for us, to keep us going until His return), develop an intimate and personal relationship with Him and allow Him to guide you forward and to show you what you need to do to better care for yourself and then others. That's our whole mission here! Simple...huh?

By the way...I have a small group of friends meeting regularly with me over at 'Spark People'...the group is called 'A Mother's Heart in Motion' and our whole purpose is 'To love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and others as our selves.(Mark 12:28-31) By taking up our daily cross and following Him. (Luke 9:23)'. We are learning to care for ourselves through diet and exercise, caring for our loved ones through frugality and simplicity and Loving God with our whole hearts through prayer and praise. If you are interested in joining us, let me know and I'll send you an invite.

YouTube - Blessed

teach the gospel

USCCB - (NAB) - February 27, 2008:

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”"

You may be wondering how the 'teaches others to do so' may apply to each one of us...we are not priests or teachers...are we? Well the Bible does say "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)." But we also'teach' by our own actions and inactions. If you aren't going to church then you are teaching your children something. If you aren't standing up for the sacredness of life or the holiness of matrimony then you are teaching those around you something. Like St. Francis of Assisi said "Preach the gospel always, If necessary use words."

Our Ladys Message

Medjugorje Graces: Our Ladys Message 25-2-08 to Marija:
"Our Ladys Message 25-2-08 to Marija

'Dear children! In this time of grace, I call you anew to prayer and renunciation. May your day be interwoven with little ardent prayers for all those who have not come to know God´s love. Thank you for having responded to my call.'"

YouTube - You are My All in All

with our whole heart

USCCB - (NAB) - February 26, 2008:

"But with contrite heart and humble spirit
let us be received;
As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks,
or thousands of fat lambs,
So let our sacrifice be in your presence today
as we follow you unreservedly;for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.
And now we follow you with our whole heart,
we fear you and we pray to you.
Do not let us be put to shame,
but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
Deliver us by your wonders,
and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”"

This is what the Season of Lent is about...turning back to the Lord with our whole hearts. Yes, we should be living like this year round...but in our humanity we stray off...the Church in her great wisdome has set up a little 'wake up call'.

Sunday Mass

St Joseph Home Page

Check out 'Mass this week' at the above link. If you look closely on the third rowe from the front, right center aisle...you will see my family(yep...as if attending Mass with two little ones isn't humbling enough...we now have cameras at church...lol).

Prayer Request

"I'm asking for prayers for Maria. We are in the hospital again with bronchiolitis. She's really been struggling to breathe and is on oxygen and breathing treatments.

Alicia Fazio"

Please pray for my friend Alicia and her baby Maria as well as the entire family...may the Lord extend His loving protection over them.

prayer request

"My aunt’s illness is progressing. Please pray that when the Lord decides to take her, she goes peacefully. She is not afraid to die. Her torment is that she will not see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren again. Please pray for all of us who love her very much, this is a very difficult time for us.

Luisa Raleza"

YouTube - Marie Bellet in Ordinary Time

easy does it

USCCB - (NAB) - February 25, 2008:

"But his servants came up and reasoned with him.
“My father,” they said,
“if the prophet had told you to do something extraordinary,
would you not have done it?
All the more now, since he said to you,
‘Wash and be clean,’ should you do as he said.”
So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times
at the word of the man of God.
His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."

The Lord never asks for more then what we can give, or at least not more then His grace can cover. What is the Lord asking from you? Look around your immediate environment, your family, your church. Holly Pierlot's book 'A Mother's Rule of Life' has us doing just that and then formulating a 'rule' very similar to the ones used by religious sisters in convents. This is how the Lord is looking to bless us, through ordinary day to day obedience to His calling.

Prayer Request

"

From Mary Andreyo of Toms River, New Jersey

My son, Matthew for a spirit, mind, body healing. Also, that he can find a job he can handle and close by. Thank you"

Only noticed this prayer request today in our 'prayer book'...will you all please join me in praying for Matthew? Thanks and God bless.

YouTube - DON MOEN - I Need Thee Every Hour

YouTube - Come to the Rivers of Life - Don Moen

no more thirsting

USCCB - (NAB) - February 24, 2008:
"Jesus answered and said to her,
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again;
but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst;
the water I shall give will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”"

This Gospel was so timely for me...you see, all week I've been 'thirsting'...you know...that disquiet feeling deep down that leaves you un-satisfied and dis-content about everything and yet nothing in particular. Then your mind starts going and the 'if only' litany starts...if only I had a bigger house, if only I could manage the one I have better, if only I could lose more weight, if only my kids would listen to me...lol...and on and on. I know that I have a greatly blessed life, one that a huge part of the population would go to great lengths for...yet I manage to be less then joyful about it a great deal of the time. Maybe it is ungratefulness that is at the heart of it all...I don't know. Thankfully I've been on this journey long enough to at least recognize it for what it is...a spiritual drought...but how come? Why now? I'm sure the Lord hasn't moved away from me...but...was it me? Did I move? I am hardly aware of it at all...that's the problem...it's like playing around in the water at the beach and getting distracted...before you know it the current has carried you off quite a bit. My eyes cannot be taken away from Him...He is my spring of water...the minute that I 'disconnect' then I run dry.

one little step in the right directlion

USCCB - (NAB) - February 23, 2008:

"So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him."

One little step from us is all that is necessary...our Heavenly Father does the rest.

God's blessings...

USCCB - (NAB) - February 21, 2008:

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit."

The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each one of us and if we only would listen to Him and obey Him, then He will see us through the tough times. You see...He doesn't promise us that we will never experience a 'year of drought' but He does promise that we can still continue to be fruitful in spite of it. Praise God!

to serve

USCCB - (NAB) - February 20, 2008:

"Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”"

When we think of 'serving others' we often think of 'active service'...the kind that requires us to be able bodied and abounding in ample health...which leaves a very large section of the population unable to fulfill this command...or does it? How about small children, the elderly, the sick, the institutionalized? Can they be of service? Can we be of service when our health and strength fail? Well...let's look at that Crucifix again...that was THE MOMENT when Jesus performed the greatest service to us. There He was hanging on that Cross, His physical strength all gone, His blood dripping to the ground and once He drew His last breath that is when His most important job was done...the curtain between heaven and earth was ripped in two and salvation was won for us. POWERFUL! We are not Jesus though, so how can we weak as we are be of service? By following Jesus' example of obedience and offering Our Heavenly Father all that we do possess at the moment...God will do the rest!

flower of carmel -Flos Carmeli

I've been pondering lately about this 'dual' calling that the Lord has put before me...the Contemplative world of the Carmelites and what at first glimpse seems to be a more 'worldly' call of the Charismatic Renewal. How do they fit together? Are they diverging? Do they unite at some point? So many questions that I've posed to Him. My answer came quickly and simply to me today. If Carmel is the stem, long and dignified with its deep roots and occasional thorns...the Charismatic movement then is the bloom...it reaches out to heaven with arms out stretched giving off its delicate aroma in worship and praise of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mary then is the perfect model for both.

FLOWER of Carmel,
Tall vine blossom laden;
Splendor of heaven,
Childbearing yet maiden.
None equals thee.

Mother so tender,
Who no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
Thy favors bestow.
Star of the Sea.

Strong stem of Jesse,
Who bore one bright flower,
Be ever near us
And guard us each hour,
who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies,
That flowers among thorns,
Bring help to the true heart
That in weakness turns
and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armor,
We trust in thy might:
Under thy mantle,
Hard press'd in the fight,
we call to thee.

Our way uncertain,
Surrounded by foes,
Unfailing counsel
You give to those
who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother
Who in Carmel reigns,
Share with your servants
That gladness you gained
and now enjoy.

Amen Hail, Gate of Heaven,
With glory now crowned,
Bring us to safety
Where thy Son is found,
true joy to see.

article by Ralph Martin

Charismatic and Contemplative? What would St. John of the Cross Say?

Immaculate Heart

Universalis: Morning Prayer (Lauds)

: "Short readingJoel 2:12 - 13 ©
Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to Yahweh your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent."

Geesh...why do we keep straying? God is so good, so patient, so mercyful...He keeps calling us back to Him. He wants our whole heart...not just some show of affection. Puritas Cordis...purity of heart! Meaning, a heart with no other attachments but God.

YouTube - I Offer My Life

true humility

USCCB - (NAB) - February 19, 2008:

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”"

True humility is not about thinking of yourself as worthless but it is instead the deep knowing that without God you can do NOTHING! I've heard it said that 'God laughs when you make plans'...well, I don't know about outright laughter, but I can imagine a little chuckle coming forth from His lips right about now as so many of us are well on our way with our Lenten disciplines...then again...maybe you are all doing better then I am. You see...I get 'derailed' easily. Know what did it for me this time? a bug. yep...something so microscopic that it would be totally inconsequential if it weren't for the devestation that it can cause...the flu! I've been knocked out and dragged out of the race. I've been 'humbled'...not a bad thing in the long run I guess.

YouTube - Free Hugs Campaign.

give to get

USCCB - (NAB) - February 18, 2008:

"Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”"

When we find ourselves in a dried up phase of our lives where not much is being received (both physically and spiritualy), it is time to take a look at our 'giving'. What have we been holding back from the Lord and from each other? Never mind if others 'appreciate' it or not...you will get your merit...for you can never out give God. I don't know about you, but I for one want every single one of the blessings that the Lord has destined for me.

reconciling the family

USCCB - (NAB) - February 15, 2008:
"Gospel
Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”"

healing the family

healing generational curses

Fr. McDonough

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:

"Please pray for major healer Father Ed McDonough, Boston, who died today:
Friday 2-8 Wake at Mission Church, followed by 8 p.m. Vespers Saturday the Mass 10 a.m."

I remember going to Fr. McDonough's healing Masses as a kid with my mom when he was still in Cambridge. He will be greatly missed.

Lenten Resources Home Page

USCCB - Lenten Resources Home Page

February Readings

Today's Mass Readings and Homily

This is a great list to print off and then get into the Word at your own pace.