The Annunication

This is usually celebrated on March 25. But this year because that was a Sunday during Lent it was moved to March 26.

Novena Prayer for the Annunciation

O most holy Virgin Mary,
to whom God sent eh Angel Gabriel
to announce that you should be the mother of His Only-Begotten Son,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

Holy, lovely Mary
We give our all to you
What is past and present,
And the future, too.
Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception
of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

What greater love is there than God's love for each one of us? His lvoe isn't a fantasy. It is real.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Novenna Prayer for Conversion

After each invocation say: My Jesus, pardon and mercy through Thy Sacred Wounds

My dear parents and grandparents,
My brothers and sisters and other near relatives,
My godparents and sponsors of Confirmation,
My spiritual and temporal benefactors,
My friends and neighbors,
All for whom love or duty bids me pray,
Those who have offended me,
Those who will offend me,
Those who have suffered disadvantage of harm through me,
Those whom I, still a sinner, will offend,
Those who are especially beloved by Thee,
Those whose death is near at hand,
Those who desire most to be united to Thee,
Those who endure the greatest sufferings and trials, especially spiritual torments,
Those whose death is most remote,
Those sinners have no one to pray for them,
Those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church,
The rich who do not need Thee and are thus the most destitute,
The mighty who spurn Thee,
The spiritually blind, that they might see their folly,
The frivolous, who spend their time in idleness,
The poor, who do not seek the treasures of Heaven,
The tepid, who devote little time to prayer,
The indolent, who neglect to perform good works,
Those of little faith, who neglect the frequent reception of the Sacraments,
The habitual sinners, who require for their salvation to a miracle of grace,
Parents who fail to watch over their children,
Superiors who are not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them,
Those who strive for worldly riches and pleasures,
The worldly minded, who fail to use their wealth and talents in the service of God,
Those who witness the death of others, but do not think of their own,
Those who blaspheme and commit sacrilege,
Those who violate the dignity of the human body and mind through impurity,
Those who sin because of my sins and bad example,
Those who do not provide for the life hereafter,
Those whose judgment will be severe because of the great things entrusted to them,
The pope, kings and rulers,
The bishops and their counselors,
My teachers and spiritual advisors,
The priests of this diocese,
The priests and religious of the Catholic Church,
The defenders of the holy Catholic Faith,
Those who die on the battlefield,
Those who fight for their country,
Those who will be buried in the sea,
Those who are to die suddenly, in accidents and from other causes,
Those who will die of heart attacks,
Those who suffer with cancer,
Those who suffer with AIDS,
Those who shall die without the last rites of the Church,
Those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours,
For Catholic apostates, heretics, and other unbelievers,
For Catholics who hold Masonic membership or in other secret societies,
For the conversion of the Jews, Thy chosen people of old,
For abortionists and those who aid them,
For women who seek abortions,
For those who promote or practicre contraception,
For those who give scandal, especially to children,
My own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat.


Final perseverance and pardon grant unto all of these, O Lord; and let Thy graces through these petitions flow unto them and be fruitful. Amen.

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Wow! You are totally educated in the Catholic faith. A real genius! Have you thought of teaching the faith to others? Be sure to share your wealth of knowledge with those who need it.

Catholic Truths
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Solemnity of St. Joseph...March 19

Especially important to me as one of my parishes in my local cluster is St. Joseph. (They combined the two parishes in my town a couple of years ago in order to save money and as a way to deal with the Priest shortage.)


Litany Of Saint Joseph

Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,
Pray for us.
Holy Joseph,
Pray for us.

Noble Son of the House of David,
Pray for us.
Light of the Patriarchs,
Pray for us.
Husband of the Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin,
Pray for us.
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Pray for us.
Sedulous Defender of Christ,
Pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family,
Pray for us.
Joseph most just,
Pray for us.
Joseph most chaste,
Pray for us.
Joseph most prudent,
Pray for us.
Joseph most valiant,
Pray for us.
Joseph most obedient,
Pray for us.
Joseph most faithful,
Pray for us.
Mirror of patience,
Pray for us.
Lover of poverty,
Pray for us.
Model of all who labor,
Pray for us.
Glory of family life,
Pray for us.
Protector of Virgins,
Pray for us.
Pillar of families,
Pray for us.
Consolation of the afflicted,
Pray for us.
Hope of the sick,
Pray for us.
Patron of the dying,
Pray for us.
Terror of the demons,
Pray for us.
Protector of the holy Church,
Pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

He made him master of his house,
and ruler of all his possesions.



O God, You were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as the husband of Mary and the guardian of your Son. Grant that, as we venerate him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

100 Posts...

This is my 101. :)


This morning at Mass a man a few seats ahead of me collapsed. I noticed him leaning over sideways, about to fall over. The couple behind him caught him and people helped him down. When he was laying on the pew I realized it was serious and went to help.

I walked up saying I'm a RN, can I help. I felt his neck. Had a pulse. Someone called 911. I talked to dispatch. The man was gray, unresponsive, sweaty and when he came to was confused. We got him in a wheelchair and wheeled him to the entrance way of the church.

Fire dept showed up first. Put oxygen on the man. The ambulance got there. The man was OK and checked out OK. He refused to go to the hospital because he felt fine by then.

Turns out this man has cancer and started chemo. It was probably the drugs that caused his blood pressure to drop drastically and he fainted.

The oddest thing about the whole situation...when I returned back to my pew to be with my kids the people around me were asking me if I knew that man. When I said no they were shocked I helped a stranger. And these are good Mass going Christians that go every Sunday....something wrong with that.

St. Patrick

Kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer. After six years of this life, he received had a dream in which he was commanded to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. He studied in several monasteries in Europe. Priest. Bishop. Sent by Pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England, then Ireland, during which his chariot driver was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted the Ireland. In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Patrick's ministry.

Patronage
archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia against ophidiophobia; against snakes; archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland; diocese of Auckland, New Zealand; diocese of Ballarat, Australia; archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts; diocese of Burlington, Vermont; archdiocese of Cape Town, South Africa; diocese of Dromore, Ireland; engineers; diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania; excluded people; fear of snakes; diocese of Fort Worth, Texas; diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Ireland; diocese of Kilmore, Ireland; Loiza, Puerto Rico; archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia; diocese of Mymensingh, Bangladesh; archdiocese of New York; Nigeria; diocese of Norwich, Connecticut; ophidiophobics; diocese of Poona, India; diocese of Port Elizabeth, South Africa; diocese of Portland, Maine; diocese of Sacramento, California; snake bites



Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.


Saint Patrick Prayer

God our Father, you sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland. By the help of his prayers, may all Christians proclaim your love to all men. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.


Prayer for God's Protection and Christ's Presence

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today...Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.

- Saint Patrick of Ireland, Bishop and Missionary

Quote for the day

The joy of this life is nothing; the joy of the after life is everlasting."

- Blessed William Hart

It's Friday

Tonight I went to Stations of the Cross at my local Parish. This is one of my favourite devotions...it humbles me and makes me realize that my crosses are nothing compared to what Jesus had to carry. It gives me faith and hope and I am always extremely thankful afterwards.

I often do this devotion on my own each Friday (just as Pope John Paul II did) but I am very happy that during Lent I can participate in it with others.

I like this one by Pope John Paull II.


On a side note...being off I am able to go to Mass everyday. I went Wednesday morning and discovered they have the Our Mother of Perpetual Help service that day...I was disappointed. It use to be on Tuesdays like it should be. I might have to ask Father about that one.

Thanks to SFO Mom

Your Irish Name Is...

Lorna MacDermot

What's your Irish Name?

Forgiveness

Last night at Mass the Gospel reading was about forgiveness. It really made me think. Have I forgiven those in my life that I should?

I think I have but I still am wondering about it.



Prayer for the Strength to Forgive

Faultless Lord, enduring death for me,
You have consummated the debt of my sins:
Your sacrifice of forgiveness was absolute!
Grant me the strength to also forgive others,
To excuse their transgressions against me.
So I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit,
Obliterate any persistent feelings of malice.
Let each trespass end as a closing chapter,
My continuing on the road of righteousness.
Forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others.
You are truly archetypical of forgiveness.
You are a most forgiving Lord!

A quote from today's saint...

Without Prayer nothing good is done. God's works are done with our hands joined, and on our knees. Even when we run, we must remain spiritually kneeling before Him.

St. Luigi Orione

Dominic Savio

One of ten children of a blacksmith and seamstress. Protege of Saint John Bosco. Altar boy at age 5. At 12 he entered the Oratory School preparatory to becoming a priest. Well-liked and pius, his health forced him to give up his dream of the priesthood. He died at age 15. His dying words: "What beautiful things I see!"


Patronage

boys, children's choirs, choir boys, choirs, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents, Pueri Cantors


Prayer

Dear Saint Dominic, you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother. Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives. You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion. At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord. Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him.

We desperately need your intercession to protect today's children from the snares of the world. Watch over them and lead them on the narrow road to Heaven. Ask God to give us the grace to sanctify our daily duties by performing them perfectly out of love for Him. Remind us of the necessity of practicing virtue especially in times of trial.

Saint Dominic Savio, you who preserved your Baptismal innocence of heart, pray for us.

It's Friday

Things I need to do....


1. Pray:

The 3 o'clock prayer

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelope the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

And then, three times, "O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus, as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You.





I adore you Oh Holy Cross, adorned by the Most Sacred Body of my Lord.
I adore you Oh My God, put on the cross for me.
I adore you Oh Holy Cross, for love of He who is my Lord. Amen.

(When prayed 5 times today 5 souls will be released from purgatory)


2. Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

3. Abstain from meat....some type of penance, which I usually choose this one.

4. Because it is lent I am taking the money I would have spent today on coffee and take out to the church on Sunday. It isn't alot but still it is alms.

National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

The fact is that this makes me want to vomit. So today I will say a prayer for all the Mom's out their who chose not to have an abortion. Those young women who were faced with a pregnancy...alone, young, not knowing what to do and chose the right path. For those young girls who now are mothers or gave the greatest gift to someone else I thank you. (And yes...I could technically apply to that group of thanks)


Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, Yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, and never to stoop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice, not just for some, but for all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conversations with a Priest

I was asked why I wanted to get married...my answer.


I am a Catholic. A traditional Catholic. I believe in the Sacrament of Marriage and hold that value very dearly. I also recognize that marriage is a union with God and I feel it is my calling to follow it.



The Priest told me later that was one of the best responses he had ever heard to that question.

March 8 - John of God

You all know the nurse in me isn't going to let this day go by without mentioning him.

Grew up working as a shepherd in Castile. He led a misspent a wild youth, and travelled over much of Europe and north Africa as a soldier in the army of Charles V, and as a mercenary. Fought through a brief period of insanity. Peddled religous books and pictures in Gibraltar, though without any religious conviction himself. In his 40's he received a vision of the Infant Jesus who called him John of God. To make up for the misery he had caused as a soldier, he left the military, rented a house in Granada, Spain, and began caring for the sick, poor, homeless and unwanted. He gave what he had, begged for those who couldn't, carried those who could not move on their own, and converted both his patients and those who saw him work with them. Friend of Saint John of Avila, on whom he tried to model his life. John founded the Order of Charity and the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John of God.

Patronage

alcoholics; alcoholism; bodily ills; bookbinders; booksellers; dying people; firefighters; heart patients; hospitals; hospital workers; nurses; publishers; printers; sick people; sickness; Tultepec Mexico


Prayer to Saint John of God

Dear Convert, after a sinful life, through the power of God's holy Word you learned to love your fellow human beings. Self-sacrificing, you founded the Society of Hospital Brothers. No wonder the Church made you the patron of patients and nurses. That is why we confidently have recourse to you. Please give assistance to {name of heart patient}, and teach us to be kind like you. Amen.

Thanks to SFO Mom

Your Brain is Orange

Of all the brain types, yours is the quickest. You are usually thinking a mile a minute, and you could be thinking about anything at all. Your thoughts are often scattered and random - but they're also a lot of fun! You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about esoteric subjects, the meaning of life, and pop culture.

What Color Is Your Brain?

Doesn't suprise me...being bipolar and all ;)

Prayer For Spiritual Healing

Dear Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me. I am sinful, I am proud, I am even jealous. I beg You Heart of Jesus, wash me clean of all my wrong doing and make me whole again in Your eyes. Take me to rest in Your Sacred Heart that I may spend this day in peace and love. Protect me with Your Most precious Blood from all evil. Amen


I am posting this because I really need to pray it lately.

Computer problems

I got a new computer and lost all the links for my fav blogs.
So please take the time to leave a message so I get your blog addy.

Thanks :)

I might not have time to post this tomorrow.

Prayer Before Surgery
Loving Father, I entrust myself to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with you and with those around me. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into your hands, I commend my body and my soul. Amen.

Thursday

Today is Thursday, a day to pray the luminous mysteries of the rosary.



I find these ones harder to remember, probably because I didn't learn them before. Often I have to review them beforehand and sometimes stop to look them up.


First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Matthew 3:17


The Second Luminous Mystery - The Wedding at Cana, Christ Manifested
Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
John 2:11


The Third Luminous Mystery - the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Mark 1:15


The Fourth Luminous Mystery - The Transfiguration of Jesus
And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.
Matthew 17:2


The Fifth Luminous Mystery - The Last Supper, the Holy Eucharist
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26


I love praying the rosary. I often pray it in the evening on my days off and to and from work. I also pray it every night before going to bed. I also have prayed it with the Catholics at work who are actively dying. I believe it's important to help them pass along with their beliefs in place.



On a fluff note: Surgery is tomorrow. I am thinking it will be a peice of cake and on Saturday I will be back to my normal self. lol. I wish.
I will be needing some help around here for the next few days.

I also am trying to work things out to have a better relationship and friendship with the kids dad. I'm not sure what's going to happen but we can do it if we work together.