tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15229384696066029702024-03-12T17:02:19.447-07:00The Catholic PathUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-11045014964141527942010-11-02T08:33:00.000-07:002010-11-02T08:36:51.079-07:00All Souls DayFor both my Grandpas, my Grandma, my Mother In Law, her Sister, My Sister and my friend Sarah.<br /><br />Eternal rest grant unto them,<br />O Lord,<br />and let perpetual light shine upon them.<br />May the souls of the faithful departed,<br />through the mercy of God,<br />rest in peace. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-76551535624283240752010-10-19T08:52:00.000-07:002010-10-19T08:53:05.375-07:00The Feast Day of the Canadian MartyrsSt . Jean de Brébeuf was a Jesuit missionary, born at Condé-sur-Vire in Normandy, 25 March, 1593; died in Canada, near Georgian Bay, 16 March, 1649. His desire was to become a lay brother, but he finally entered the Society of Jesus as a scholastic, 8 November, 1617. According to Ragueneau it was 5 October. Though of unusual physical strength, his health gave way completely when he was twenty-eight, which interfered with his studies and permitted only what was strictly necessary, so that he never acquired any extensive theological knowledge.<br /><br />On 19 June, 1625, he arrived in Quebec, with the Recollect, Joseph de la Roche d’ Aillon, and in spite of the threat which the Calvinist captain of the ship made to carry him back to France, he remained in the colony. He overcame the dislike of the colonists for Jesuits and secured a site for a residence on the St. Charles, the exact location of a former landing of Jacques Cartier. He immediately took up his abode in the Indian wigwams, and has left us an account of his five months’ experience there in the dead of winter. In the spring he set out with the Indians on a journey to Lake Huron in a canoe, during the course of which his life was in constant danger. With him was Father de Noüe, and they established their first mission near Georgian Bay, at Ihonatiria, but after a short time his companion was recalled, and he was left alone.<br /><br />Brébeuf met with no success. He was summoned to Quebec because of the danger of extinction to which the entire colony was then exposed, and arrived there after an absence of two years, 17 July, 1628. On 19 July, 1629, Champlain surrendered to the English, and the missionaries returned to France. Four years afterwards the colony was restored to France, and on 23 March, 1633, Brébeuf again set out for Canada. While in France he had pronounced his solemn vows as spiritual coadjutor. As soon as he arrived, viz., May, 1633, he attempted to return to Lake Huron. The Indians refused to take him, but during the following year he succeeded in reaching his old mission along with Father Daniel. It meant a journey of thirty days and constant danger of death. The next sixteen years of uninterrupted labours among these natives were a continual series of privations and sufferings which he used to say were only roses in comparison with what the end was to be. The details may be found in the “Jesuit Relations”.<br /><br />In 1640 he set out with Father Chaumonot to evangelize the Neutres, a tribe that lived north of Lake Erie, but after a winter of incredible hardship the missionaries returned unsuccessful. In 1642 he was sent down to Quebec, where he was given the care of the Indians in the Reservation at Sillery. About the time the war was at its height between the Hurons and the Iroquois, Jogues and Bressani had been captured in an effort to reach the Huron country, and Brébeuf was appointed to make a third attempt. He succeeded. With him on this journey were Chabanel and Garreau, both of whom were afterwards murdered. They reached St. Mary’s on the Wye, which was the central station of the Huron Mission.<br /><br />By 1647 the Iroquois had made peace with the French, but kept up their war with the Hurons, and in 1648 fresh disasters befell the work of the missionaries — their establishments were burned and the missionaries slaughtered. On 16 March, 1649, the enemy attacked the city of St. Louis and seized Brébeuf and Lallemant, who could have escaped but rejected the offer made to them and remained with their flock. The two priests were dragged to the city of St. Ignace, which the Iroquois had already captured.<br /><br />On entering the village, they were met with a shower of stones, cruelly beaten with clubs, and then tied to posts to be burned to death. Brébeuf is said to have kissed the stake to which he was bound. The fire was lighted under them, and their bodies slashed with knives. Brébeuf had scalding water poured on his head in mockery of baptism, a collar of red-hot tomahawk-heads placed around his neck, a red-hot iron thrust down his throat, and when he expired his heart was cut out and eaten. Through all the torture he never uttered a groan. The Iroquois withdrew when they had finished their work. The remains of the victims were gathered up subsequently, and the head of Brébeuf is still kept as a relic at the Hôtel-Dieu, Quebec.<br /><br />His memory is cherished in Canada more than that of all the other early missionaries. Although their names appear with his in letters of gold on the grand staircase of the public buildings, there is a vacant niche on the façade, with his name under it, awaiting his statue. His heroic virtues, manifested in such a remarkable degree at every stage of his missionary career, his almost incomprehensible endurance of privations and suffering, and the conviction that the reason of his death was not his association with the Hurons, but hatred of Christianity, has set on foot a movement for his canonization as a saint and martyr. An ecclesiastical court sat in 1904 for an entire year to examine his life and virtues and the cause of his death, and the result of the inquiry was forwarded to Rome.<br /><br />St. Jean de Brébeuf and the other North American Martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930. The Martyrs’ Shrine church in Midland, Ontario, the site of their missionary work among the Huron, and the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York, along the Mohawk River, are dedicated to them. They are collectively patron saints of Canada, and form part of the dedication of the Canadian national church in Rome. Their feast day is celebrated on September 26 in Canada and among Traditional Roman Catholics, and on October 19 in the United States under the title of “The North American Martyrs.”<br /><br />Saint Antoine Daniel<br />Saint Charles Garnier<br />Saint Gabriel Lalemant<br />Saint Isaac Jogues<br />Saint Jean de Brebeuf<br />Saint Jean de la Lande<br />Saint Noel Chabanel<br />Saint Rene GoupilUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-41342932355808595512010-04-08T04:57:00.000-07:002010-04-08T05:00:11.453-07:00Todays GospelAs I read the bible readings for today I wondered how I would have reacted.<br />As a nurse I would find it hard without scientific answers on to how it happened.<br />Don't know if I was there if I could swallow it.<br />It is easy for me to accept now and today.<br />I've learned it all my life, never questioned it, it's a matter of faith.<br />But if it actually happened how would I be.<br /><br />I'm sure I would be the first one to feel the wounds and see the bones.<br /><br />I was also struck by the irony of watching Sherlock Holmes which has a resurrection scene during the Tridium. Kind of a side note but the thought did cross my mind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-70724665282544560282010-01-14T10:02:00.000-08:002010-01-14T10:10:58.634-08:00Biblical readings for the dyingI work in long term care. My patients leave this world. Often when it is time I sit down and read the Bible with them. I did this last month with one of my favourite patients. He's still with us and he told me after how relaxed he was when I read to him. He told me I should read the bible in church. Said I am good at reading the bible. That when I read to him it really spoke to him.<br /><br />These are the passages I use. I'm writing it down so the next time I'm at work and want to know I can just google my blog and find them. lol.<br /><br />Isiah 35: 3-4, 6c-7, 1o:1<br />Job 19:23-27a<br />Psalm 23<br />Psalm 25:1, 5-11<br />Psalm 91<br />Psalm 114<br />Psalm 116: 3-5<br />Psalm 121:1-4<br />Psalm 123<br />1 Corinthians 15:1-4<br />1 John 4:16<br />Revelations 21:1-51, 6-7<br />Matthew 25:1-13<br />Mark 15:33-37<br />Mark 16:1-8<br />Luke 22:39-46<br />Luke 22:42-43<br />Luke 24:1-8<br />John 6:37-40<br />John 14:1-6, 23,27<br /><br />I commend you, my dear brother (sister), to almighty God<br />and entrust you to your Creator.<br />May you return to him<br />who formed you from the dust of the earth.<br />May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints<br />come to meet you as you go forth from this life.<br />may Christ, who was crucified for you,<br />bring you freedom and peace.<br />May Christ, who died for you, <br />admit you into his garden of paradise.<br />May Christ, the true Shepherd,<br />acknowledge you as one of his flock.<br />May he forgive all your sins<br />and set you among those he has chosen.<br />May you see your Redeemer face to face<br />and enjoy the vision of God forever.<br />Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-73218657452054445282010-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:002010-01-12T11:33:10.973-08:00Likes and DislikesIn the Gospel the Lord showed me clearly what his new commandment demands. I read in St. Matthew: "You have heard it said that you should love your neighbor and hate your enemy; but I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."<br /><br /> We all have our natural likes and dislikes. We may feel more drawn to one person and may be tempted to go a long way around to avoid meeting another. Well, the Lord tells me that the latter is the one I must love and pray for, even though the manner shown me leads me to believe that the person does not care for me. "If you love those that love you, what thanks are due to you? For sinners also love those who love them" (Luke 6:32)<br /><br /> Nor is it enough to love. We must prove our love. We rake a natural delight inpleasing friends, but that is not love, even sinners do the same.<br /><br />-ST. Therese of LisieuxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-33825325298438928642010-01-08T19:46:00.000-08:002010-01-08T19:48:50.324-08:00Prayer of AbandonmentFAther,<br />I abandon myself into your hands,<br />do with me what you will.<br />Whatever you may do, I thank you:<br />I am ready for all, I accept all.<br />Let only your will be done in me<br />and in all your creatures.<br />I wish no more than this, O Lord.<br />Into your hands, I commend my soul;<br />I offer it to you<br />with all the love of my heart;<br />for I love you, Lord,<br />and so need to give myself:<br />to surrender myself into your hands<br />without reserve and with boundless confidence;<br />for you are my father.<br /><br />Charles De FoucauldUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-69555864510578056842010-01-02T08:42:00.000-08:002010-01-02T08:49:18.162-08:00Planning my funerealMaybe it's because I work in long term care and see so many people die. Maybe it's because I want to control everything to the very end. Whatever the reason I've picked out the hymns and verses to be read at my funereal. I found a really cool website that you clicked on what you want and at the end it prints it out for you. I copied down all the hymns and passages and then found out which ones I wanted at my funeral.<br /><br />I do not want amazing grace.<br />I do not want the 23 Psalm.<br /><br />I have made that very clear to my husband. I just feel they are over-used.<br /><br />I had a hard time picking an old testament reading. There were so many good ones to choose. <br /><br />And I left instructions for the priest to do all the talking. I don't want family members up in the church saying stuff. <br /><br />The one hymn I knew for sure before I started all this was that when I leave the church they will play Ave Maria. It's my favourite. I saw a bunch of priests singing it on EWTN last month and it made me cry. It's such a beautiful song and they did a great job singing it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-23482720177486195422009-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:002009-12-20T07:41:24.480-08:00The Christmas ConcertThe kids had their school Christmas concert last week. This year wasn't too bad, they sang carols and explained the meaning behind each carol. It was kind of cool to learnt he history behind each song. I enjoyed this concert more than any other concert they've done.<br /><br />We got there really early and had the best seats in the house. And we had prime parking so we could leave whenever we wanted. Didn't have to wait for others to leave. The parking at the church is horrible. <br /><br />It upsets me that they have never once in 12 years done the Nativity story. It's a Catholic school and they learn about it in school. I could understand if it was a public school. I would love to have the story told in a play like structure in one concert my child attends. It's just really odd to me that they never explain the true reason for the season.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-66793350196434998632009-11-16T03:32:00.000-08:002009-11-16T03:36:09.534-08:00ConfessionMy baby is doing her first confession this month. We've worked through the book together and she has a retreat coming up at school this week about it. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for me. I've explained confession numerous times to adults but it's different with children.<br />She asked the usual questions but it was difficult to word it in a way a seven year old can understand. I know she's grasped the concept and will make a wonderful confession when the time comes.<br />She's very excited because this is one more step until she can receive the Eucharist. She is so excited and happy about that experience. It brings me great joy to see how important it is to her and how much she understands about the Eucharist.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-11453603968208696492009-08-05T03:54:00.000-07:002009-08-05T03:55:08.644-07:00Lord Jesus, you came into the world to heal our infirmities and to endure our sufferings. You went about healing all and bringing comfort to those in pain and need. We come before you now in this time of illness asking that you may be the source of our strength in body, courage in spirit and patience in pain. May we join ourselves more closely to you on the cross and in your suffering that through them we may draw our patience and hope. Assist us and restore us to health so that united more closely to your family, the Church, we may give praise and honour to your name.<br /><br />Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-39662280113165572982009-08-05T03:50:00.000-07:002009-08-05T03:53:26.405-07:00I still have not been to MassI have been really sick. I had major surgery then two major infections after. I laid in bed for days thinking I was dying. I did nothing. Now my hgb is bottomed out and I am tired and like a space zombie. I can barely keep my eyes open long enough to read let alone an hour for Mass. I did go to confession and spoke about this and was told it is not a sin. I am sick, if I chose to miss Mass it would be different.<br /><br />But how I long to go to Mass. To be there and partake in the eucharist.<br /><br />Please say a prayer for me that I get better soon so I can start going back to Mass. I miss it so much and my heart burns to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-66521622176844366372009-07-07T02:50:00.000-07:002009-07-07T02:53:30.158-07:00Friday : feast day of St. ThomasI have not been to mass in close to 2 mths. I was manic and couldn't sit still long enough to go. I figured I'd try Friday since it's a short mass and not a lot of people. I was wrong. I forgot about adoration and I didn't realize it was the first Friday.<br /><br />Anyways during my mania I do weird things. This time I looked up a lot about the jewish faith. Maybe I am suppose to be jewish. I doubted the whole Jesus story at a time.<br /><br />So the feast day and the readings really touched me about the doubting Thomas. And when the line was read blessed are those who believe but who have not touched me...i knew i was blessed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-82796816182941560612009-06-16T03:01:00.000-07:002009-06-16T03:04:58.757-07:00Psalm 22When I was in grade 5 The Gideons gave us a Bible with the New Testament and the Psalms in it. I remember reading the 23 Psalm once and finding the 22 Psalm. I realized the parallel between The Passion of Jesus Christ and that Psalm right away. Last night I was reading it again and was drawn again to the parallels. I am left wondering if the Psalmist realized what was to come? Did God inspire him with a vision of The Passion? Throughout the whole Psalm the person begs for God's help in ending his suffering. What exactly would have happened if God did save Jesus? Removed him from the cross alive? Stopped everything? Took the cup away from Jesus? How would things be different now?<br /><br />Just a few things rolling around my head early this morning. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-85444043247675775252009-06-14T01:47:00.000-07:002009-06-14T01:55:47.765-07:00I should write somethingIt's been so long since I've posted. Ash Wednesday seems so long ago.<br />Easter was wonderful, lent was great. I did a lot of reading and soul searaching which has probably got me through the bad times of recently.<br /><br />I still have not finished the Dolorous passion...it takes a long time to read, process and digest. I did get The Way which is easy and I use it for thoughts of the day.<br /><br />I also got a book on Catholic writing. I plan on posting some of the stuff on here from the book.<br /><br />The writings of St. Ambrose remind me so much of Shakespeare. Very difficult to understand.<br /><br />It's been a year since my mother in law died. God rest her soul. And four months since my friend died. She still had one large cross and three smaller ones at her grave, one from her husband and three from her kids. I still cry about it.<br /><br />I've been sick, can't sleep at night. Up at 3, back to bed...missed Mass a lot. Good thing they have a service Tuesday nights. <br /><br />I'll try to update with something a little more interesting later on. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-55855182848906819972009-02-25T10:21:00.000-08:002009-02-25T10:32:49.950-08:00Ash Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEyYYOojXp7FJrb664FZ8A8RAHFx0xpbqpo-2QcZObzPGsrSahjNyVyd-HUikLMEGpBo8xGFyaA0WRA7VaAPvSY1xatJ4IwsFofo1FTK2XLjmyAfvZgEKICNuLEXB-u5NwJTHiplFFWyd/s1600-h/ash+wednesday.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEyYYOojXp7FJrb664FZ8A8RAHFx0xpbqpo-2QcZObzPGsrSahjNyVyd-HUikLMEGpBo8xGFyaA0WRA7VaAPvSY1xatJ4IwsFofo1FTK2XLjmyAfvZgEKICNuLEXB-u5NwJTHiplFFWyd/s320/ash+wednesday.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306803148865133970" /></a><br />I do not make resolutions at New Years. I start thinking about Lent then...so it's been almost 2 mths I've been pondering what I am going to do this year.<br /><br />I am focusing on a few areas. Some are to increase my spiritual life. Some are for penance reasons. Some are to gain things and to lose other things. It is a time to reflect and refocus. To see where I can improve and what things I plan on continuining. <br /><br />This year I have decided to pray more. I want to try different types of prayer.<br />I have a devotional book to follow.<br />I want to get a copy of The Way and The Dolorous Passion.<br /><br />I want to give more to others. My patients at work. It has become work...a job. Not something I enjoy. I want to reconnect with why I chose nursing and incorporate it into my spiritual journey.<br /><br />I want to slow down life and enjoy the moment. <br /><br />I need to re-evaluate my wants vs needs. I am planning on not going on Facebook or blogging. It takes up too much of my time and is a want...not a need. I want to take that time and focus on more important things.<br /><br />I also am giving up chocolate. Need some type of penance!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-90824710490901296742009-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:002009-02-01T10:49:57.518-08:00My best friends sister died suddenly late Friday night. She was 33. She was the mother of 3 small children. We had no warning, no time to say good-bye. It was over in the blink of an eye. I guess you just never know what life holds.<br /><br />I remember the last time I saw her. I wish it had been different but I can't change the past. I remember all the things from all the years I've known her (I've known her since she was born) and take joy in knowing that she had a good life and is with God now. <br /><br />I am praying for her dad...who lost his wife not too long ago. For my best friend and her 2 brothers who all lost a sister. I am praying for her husband an 3 small children. I am praying that Sarah is in a greater place and that everyone will find the strength to carry on and realize that Jesus is here with us to help us through this.<br /><br /><br /><br />Prayers After Death<br /><br />Saints of God, come to her aid!<br />Come to meet her, angels of the Lord!<br /><br />Receive her soul and present her to God, the Most High.<br /><br />May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;<br />may angels lead you to Abraham's side.<br /><br />Give her eternal rest, O Lord,<br />and may your light shine on her forever.<br /><br />Let us pray.<br /><br />All-powerful and merciful God, <br />we commend to you Sarah, your servant.<br />In your mercy and love,<br />blot out the sins she has committed through human weakness.<br />In this world she had died;<br />let her live with you forever.<br />We ask this through Christ our Lord.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.<br />And let perpetual light shine upon her.<br />May she rest in peace.<br />Amen.<br /><br />May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.<br />Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-27781424998663496532009-01-27T05:24:00.000-08:002009-01-27T05:31:55.892-08:00Hail Mary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeDXNJGL-vMwEXjgrHrNw_N7lKCloR506FWygVgHxSDBgqYHVwfeP1rjiZ7Eh169vqBijrtyciSekuaKkcFeB-6wyVCQGnOaiCCG7CJWLvdC3isUCvGYmgasywTJr9zDJG2Z92CXjwBhS/s1600-h/mary+rosary.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeDXNJGL-vMwEXjgrHrNw_N7lKCloR506FWygVgHxSDBgqYHVwfeP1rjiZ7Eh169vqBijrtyciSekuaKkcFeB-6wyVCQGnOaiCCG7CJWLvdC3isUCvGYmgasywTJr9zDJG2Z92CXjwBhS/s320/mary+rosary.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295965301219486658" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. <br />Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. <br />Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-16941989928498863772009-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:002009-01-18T12:05:49.194-08:00Todays SermonWas about our calling to our vocations. Not just religious vocations but what we do in life. I am a wife, a mother and a nurse. Those are my callings. God had called me to these things as part of his plan. He has a reason for each of these jobs I perform. <br /><br />At the end of the sermon somehow Father worked in a memo from Satan. He was talking to his legion of demons on how to keep Christians away from Jesus and developing a deepened relationship with Jesus. Some of the things were working long hours, destruction of our family as we are working and no time for family. Financial ruin by the wants of people. Buying too much because we want it, not need it. The constant bombardment of music, video, media which is not biblical in nature. The basis of this memo was ways to busy the Christians with things to keep us away from Jesus. <br /><br />It was great timing because I've been thinking of those things myself and how the whole basis of desire, want, envy can have such terrible results in our lives.<br /><br />It was a great ending to the sermon. I wish I had recorded it so I could remember everything he said. Perhaps I will ask for a copy of it when I go to Mass on Tuesday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-51417990175647470762008-12-24T03:24:00.000-08:002008-12-24T03:38:23.045-08:00Please say a prayer for meI really could use a prayer or two for myself and a special intention for myself. I know it's kinda greedy to ask but I really need the help.<br /><br /><br />“Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so hopeless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly – (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen”<br /><br />Saint Joseph A prayer for Hopeless cases. O Glorious St. Joseph, advocate of hopeless cases, what's impossible to me is not imposible to Thee. Thou knowest my special intentions. I implore Thee, please come to my aid in my present trouble and distress before Christmas. O dear St. Joseph, all my confidence in Thee. Let it not be said that I would invoke Thee in vain. St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us. <br /><br /><br />Holy Patroness of those in need, Saint Rita, you were humble, pure and patient. Your pleadings with your divine Son are irresistible, so please obtain for me from our risen Jesus the request I make of you: {mention your petition here}. Be kind to me for the greater glory of God, and I shall honor you and sing your praises forever. Glorious Saint Rita, you miraculously participated in the sorrowful passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for me now the grace to suffer with resignation the troubles of life, and protect me in all my needs. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-75621945769397824132008-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:002008-12-21T11:28:37.554-08:007 random Christmas thingsFound this on Barb's blog. Thought I'd play around.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. I do have my shopping done, I just need to wrap them. That's going to be hard since the kids are done school.<br /><br />2. I just started my Christmas baking today. It took me all morning to do my sugar cookies. I am protecting them from my family until Christmas.<br /><br />3. We didn't hang lights up outside. It's too late now, there is a foot of snow and ice on top of my roof.<br /><br />4. We make a gingerbread house every year. This year I put it together and the 2 younger dk's decorated it.<br /><br />5. My favourite Christmas cartoon is the grinch and my favourite movie is A Christmas Carol with Alstair Sims.<br /><br />6. My favourite Christmas song is The First Noel and Feliz Navidad.<br /><br />7. I bought Christmas dinner yesterday. I forgot to buy the stuff to make Christmas breakfast...so I'll have to go back to the grocery store.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm on a roll...so I'll post more!<br /><br />8. My favourite part of the biblical writing is when Gabriel appears to Mary.<br /><br />9. My favourite ornament is an angel ornament my oldest dd gave me the first Christmas she was born.<br /><br />10. My Christmas lights are red.<br /><br />11. I usually decorate the tree with red lights, red ribbons, red beaded garland and gold balls but this year the kids made a bunch of ornaments so my tree is all homemade ornaments.<br /><br />12. My favourite cookie is shortcake.<br /><br />13. My favourite chocolate are cherry chocolates.<br /><br />14. Every year I read the kids the nativity story straight from the bible.<br /><br />15. I love my nativity scene. I bought it when I was in college...it's a precious moments set. I wish I had straw and a wooden stall for it.<br /><br />16. I have an angel on the top of my tree. It was made before I even had my own tree out of plastic canvas. I made a lot of ornaments out of plastic canvas and cross-stitch.<br /><br />17. I love snuggling up on the couch with cocoa and watching Christmas movies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-55503451881075199282008-12-18T04:21:00.000-08:002008-12-18T04:28:40.133-08:00The Christmas Concert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7hyjgf5-jP0dVqKF023zKjrfEesKbq3OpnDhyd81Aig1a2WEt7Mfdzysy9qCG-5cni4fBdNeCRCKXHrNe49Itr-fqHjJylZ_tDRQQqTNLJQ2KY-mFapA8uroxHspF1p8EhaMDG2IA9s2/s1600-h/Nativity_8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7hyjgf5-jP0dVqKF023zKjrfEesKbq3OpnDhyd81Aig1a2WEt7Mfdzysy9qCG-5cni4fBdNeCRCKXHrNe49Itr-fqHjJylZ_tDRQQqTNLJQ2KY-mFapA8uroxHspF1p8EhaMDG2IA9s2/s320/Nativity_8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281105987223709458" /></a><br />Last night was my children's Christmas Concert. They do go to a Catholic school and it was held in a church.<br /><br />I guess the first thing you need to know is that I can't stand these events. The noise, the loudness, the disruption all bother me. It is stimulation overload for me and my fragile psyche. The concert is for my children so every year I go. I realized next year I am taking some Ativan before I head out.<br /><br />Last night was no different...in fact I think it was louder than usual but I survived. And my youngest dd's (I call her the queen) class did a wonderful job. It honestly was the best song in the whole program. And at the end of the program the whole school got up and sang a song. It was great. They did it in a chorus and I was suprised at how well it sounded. <br /><br />What really bothers this traditional girl is the fact that for 12 years they have never done the nativity story. They loosely refer to it with bits and peices. I remember back to when I was a child and we acted out the nativity story each Christmas. I remember the thrill when my doll was baby Jesus. I miss that. Now at my children's concerts they don't even sing hymns. The closest in 12 years was away in a manager. All the hymns have been replaced with what I call secular Christian Christmas songs. <br /><br />My youngest is in gr 1. I pray that by the time she is finished the school will just once act out the nativity story with appropriate hymns.<br /><br />I guess I should just be thankful for what it is. It could be worse...it could be a holiday concert not a Christmas one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-33888935982437124322008-12-17T10:51:00.000-08:002008-12-17T10:53:18.190-08:00Today....Is my birthday. I really don't like my birthday...or holidays. I find myself sitting here thinking of what I don't have. What I didn't do, etc. You know...the whole cycle of self pity.<br /><br /><br />Then the thought occurred to me: I am where I am suppose to be. God wants me right here, right now for some purpose. <br /><br />After I realized that my whole self pity cycle disappeared and the day got a whole lot brighter. I need to stop and realize all God has in plan for me and embrace what he has given me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-88888024040614656022008-12-14T04:03:00.000-08:002008-12-14T04:13:29.411-08:00Favourite Rosary MemeI jumped in on this one. <a href="http://adriennescatholiccorner.blogspot.com/">Adrienne</a> had it posted over at her website.<br /><br />Your suppose to post a pic...well I'll too lazy so I'll just give a vivid description of it.<br />Your suppose to do your 3 favourite ones so I'll describe a couple of them. I can't promise it will stay as 3.<br /><br />Then you are suppose to tag people...so if your reading this, I'm tagging you!<br /><br /><br />My very favourite rosary is a light pink glass bead one. It has gold clasps holding each bead in place. When I approached the Priest after Mass one morning and expressed my desire to become Catholic he gave it to me. I treasured it. I had always wanted a rosary and now I had one of my very own...and it was PINK! Unfortunately one day I found it in pieces and some of them were missing. My favourite rosary was gone forever.<br /><br />Until... someone at work had the exact same rosary. She gave it to me. And now I treasure it twice as much because it is associated with both my favourite Priest and this person.<br /><br />The next rosary is very large. It has brilliant bright blue beads on it. Almost a royal blue colour. It has the miraculous medal on it. I have a very close relationship with that medal and St. Catherine. It was given to me by my Aunt Jacky. Her daughter lives in the States and got it in the mail when Jacky was visiting once. Aunt Jacky took it home and gave it to me. I often take this rosary to Mass.<br /><br />The other one is a toss up. I'm not sure which one to talk about. I have a glow in the dark plastic one. I believe my son has it in his room. Of course it glows in the dark so it is cool. I had a sterling silver rose one. I really liked it but lost it once when I was in hospital. The other rosary I treasure is a white plastic one my youngest gave me. They pray the rosary at school and she often brings home a white plastic rosary. This was her first one and she wanted to give it to her Mommy. It was such a sweet gesture and I'll always remember how happy she was to give her new found treasure to her Mommy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-86732536579818460282008-12-14T03:46:00.000-08:002008-12-14T03:57:48.909-08:00Gaudette Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr5z8XKRsIxtQW4ugmCg02_j3vFdV-m9hf1AGZlS7J1FiVVJBH3_wFvRB_WQsocAiTXQxG_s6VpVgXJ01V94ZTO_uPp-RbN5Fq7WK8cVoBrMTTaU8YpmD6sRgAdz1Q_i-SjBZca3Yh7fw/s1600-h/advent+wreath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr5z8XKRsIxtQW4ugmCg02_j3vFdV-m9hf1AGZlS7J1FiVVJBH3_wFvRB_WQsocAiTXQxG_s6VpVgXJ01V94ZTO_uPp-RbN5Fq7WK8cVoBrMTTaU8YpmD6sRgAdz1Q_i-SjBZca3Yh7fw/s320/advent+wreath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279613378706209794" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called "GAUDETTE SUNDAY" from the Latin word meaning to "rejoice". We rejoice because our salvation is closer, the time of Advent waiting is nearly over as the birth of Christ draws near. The Church emphasizes the joy which is in our heart over the Lord's upcoming birth. <br /><br />The purple color of penance is lightened to a rose color. The rose candle is lite on the advent wreath and the priest wears rose coloured vestements.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522938469606602970.post-43881677497940898422008-12-09T17:56:00.001-08:002008-12-09T17:57:47.282-08:00It was a signI have not been to Mass for a while.<br />At first I couldn't go because my back was too sore. It really was physically impossible. <br />And then I just didn't bother.<br />And then it was hard to go back. I felt everyone was going to tell me to leave, that I was a terrible person for not going.<br /><br />Well I went tonight.<br />And when I heard the gospel reading I had a few tears fall down my face.<br />The parable of the Lost Sheep.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7