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Scenes from my first Christmas

Yes, this is my First Christmas.....as a Deacon of course. Fr. Andrew reminded me and the entire congregation of that, along with the story ...

Sunday, June 30, 2013

A night with my Son!

 



Last night my son and I attended a mixed martial arts event. This was the first time for 
me and he follows it almost religiously. He knows all the moves and he was really lighting up inside when he was filling me in with all the subtle nuances of the event. I wasn't sure at all if I would like it, but honestly his enthusiasm and the atmosphere provided something special for the two of us. I learned that at times I need to enter into his loves, his world to spend some time with him. He and I are already planning on going to a larger venue and having another father/son night. After reflecting on it all, the same message rings loudly in my heart, it's all about presence!

 Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Sorry I missed you, but I'll always remember you!

I'm starting to settle into a groove and it's a good thing. We are getting busier at the store and the staff is starting to come around to the point where my load is getting a little lighter. This week I met with Deacon Jeff and we started to put a framework together of what will be our Baptismal catechism program for the parish.  We met for an hour, and we both had some insights to share. He showed me a copy of the YouCat (catechism for youth) and he shared that it is great for young adults. I chimed in with insights taken from the Rite of Baptism. I especially loved the point that "Baptism isn't a just a personal affair for the family, it is for the entire faith community to share". 

It actually was funny seeing the two of us working together. I'm old enough to be his father, and we both approached this project on two different plains. He is taking his notes on an Ipad and I'm doing it the old fashioned way, pen and paper. It was a mixture that is working for the two of us and I feel we are well on our way. 

Just before wrapping up I shared with him that I would love to add a new dimension to our parish. Our pastor Fr. Marc stated to me at his last meeting that he wants to add something new to the parish. I showed him the Rite of blessing of the unborn. Not to be outdone by my junior partner, I had my Kindle fire along with me to show him the Rite. 

Tonight I'm off to a local MMA bout in my town! I'm not really a fan of this, but my son wants to go and I want to share something with him. Regardless of what happens, the fact that we are together can only produce something special. 

Today and every day I ask the Lord to open my eyes so that I may see clearly all the gifts and blessings I have received and most of all see His presence in everyone I meet!

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis!

Mitch

 PS! Oh, and you probably thought how did this posting tie in with what happened. This week a dear friend happened to be in the area hiking and stopped by to see me. Unfortunately I had already left for the day. Doug, sorry I missed you, but I'll always remember you!

Monday, June 24, 2013

No slowing down yet!

As the title states there isn't any slowing down in my life at all. It isn't out of control or stressful by any means, just different. Last Wednesday I met with my pastor to discuss what project he would like me to tackle. Together we met for about an hour and he asked if I would work with the Deacon to set up a Baptism program for the parish. With the birth of my grand daughter this one seems very timely, very providential to say the least. It really touches a nerve inside of me and this week the two of us will begin the project that we will be collaborating on. 

Late Friday afternoon Mike and I traveled to Franklin to stay at our "second home". We both find it so amazing how comfortable we are there. We are always welcomed like family, and honestly we are. 

The three of us got up early, said prayers together and then traveled off to Manchester for our preaching workshop. We were all divided into 5 smaller groups and were given the opportunity to preach. I got volunteered to go first. The verdict was pretty much what I thought for only having done two previously. I had very good eye contact, but I need to focus my preaching on one topic, and not the three that I did. I was asked to take a mulligan and give it one more shot in front of all our peers, with the modifications they respectfully presented to me. 

There were 5 of us selected to make a presentation, and I am so thankful for the second opportunity. I asked my coordinator to critique me once more and he offered an insight I wasn't aware I had done. Was it better, definitely.Even though it was better, I thought I could have improved on it even more. Oh well, that's why we need to practice. My buddy Mike did an awesome job and I am so proud of him. Go figure, two boys from Berlin working and growing together. 

It was a great weekend to learn, to practice, and best of all being with each other!

Bonsoir et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch
 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

What a week it was!

It all began last weekend on Friday as our community prepared to gather for our final retreat for the year. The weather wasn't great but I was very excited to finally be face to face with all of my brothers and sisters. No more video conferencing, at least for while, and we were there in the flesh and in living color. Unfortunately one of our brother and sister couldn't be with us physically, but their spirit was with us. Our retreat focus was on the Eucharist and it was very appropriate for what was to be conferred upon us.

After our evening session a few of us questioned each other about the  Bruins game that was going on. Well four of us gathered together to watch, share, and be with each other. It was a great evening.

Day two was filled with more insights on the Eucharist and you could feel something was going on with all of us. One of us commented " we have loved our courses and training and we all seem to be anxious to get out there and do something!" He really summed up quite well our feeling, our energy to move forward. We also prepared for the ceremony for the following day, the Rite of Acolyte.

Another day was slowly coming to an end and Tom asked me, "if we decided to go to tonight's game....?" I didn't even give him a chance to finish, when I said "I'm in!" We were now 5 of us having a great time being with each other. Tom mentioned that this is the new Catholic Church. Even though we are all being called into service, we still love to have fun! Jesus gathered with his buddies, and I'm positive in my mind and heart that he just loved sharing good times alone with them. When we returned we were asked by some where did we go, and I responded "Evangelizing!"

Day three, the big day! We had a short session in the morning and went over the final details. We had lunch together and then it was off to Manchester. Once more there was a feeling of jubilation in the air. The third year is over and we will be given more responsibility, more hands on work for the next nine months. The rite was absolutely awesome and I couldn't contain the joy that was in my heart. At the end it was so special that I really didn't want to see it end.

The next day was another special moment as we celebrated my wife's 50th birthday. It was a small gathering and we were treated to our favorite guest, our granddaughter. Even though it was Terry's day, she seemed to really enjoy sharing the lime light with Myanna.

Tuesday was another very special day as my Mom turned 87! Yeah! Unfortunately I had to work all day and I only had a few moments with her.

Next, as though that wasn't enough for one week, I made an appointment to meet with my pastor and our Deacon for next Wednesday evening. My first focus will be Baptism! Hum, a very appropriate beginning indeed. After the appointment was confirmed I did a little fist pumping! I'm very anxious to get started.

Well for the next few days I've just enjoyed being with people, working in the garden, and having a fire in the back yard.

Today being father's day, congratulations all you dad's out there, we all went to Mass at 9 am. Our shiny new, fresh out of the box Deacon, was there! He spoke well and he looks very happy, and by the reception he received I think everyone is very happy to have him here too! At the end of Mass before the final blessing Fr. Kyle asked everyone to sit down and then he spoke about Mike and myself studying for three years and being received as Acolytes. He asked that both couples stand! He reminded all how much it was a sacrifice for our wives to be giving us to Christ's Church! It was a very humbling experience.

I spent the rest of the afternoon with Mom and Dad, doing what my spiritual director has reinforced in me. It's about presence, it's all about being with people, and it's all really good!

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch

Friday, June 7, 2013

Lean on what got you here!

I know that it has been a while since I posted and I'm sure you all realize that it has been a very busy few weeks. My wife and I celebrate daily the birth of Myanna and we are preparing for our retreat this weekend. I met with my confessor yesterday to go over a few things and to enter fully prepared for what the Spirit has in store for me. My confessor shared a little advice with me " lean on what got you here, what helped them select you as a candidate."

On Sunday we will be received as acolytes, which will be our final step prior to ordination. Then the big stuff begins. We will planning with our mentors what service and training we will be receiving on our assignments. We have all less than a year to prepare and I'm asking that you all continue praying for all of us.

I hope to post pictures next week!

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch