A Lenten message from the Holy Father

Homily Notes

Yesterday was our first Sunday of Lent and our second opportunity to take notes during the homilies. The first one I was ready listening to Fr Andrew, the following morning I had the opportunity to preach. This weekend I had a busy schedule and completely forgot to bring a pen and notebook. As Fr Andrew and I sat listening to the first reading, he asked "are you ready?" I wasn't!  He began his homily questioning the choir, next me! I had to duck into the Sacristy for a bulletin, that is left open for notes and a pen. The homily focused on the reality of temptation, how we can deal with it, and to imitate Christ in these ways...

1. Avoid Temptation 

2. Remember who you are..a child of God..loved, beautiful, and endowed with dignity 

3. Remember who God is

4. Surround yourself with people who want to fight temptation.

One final thought I jotted down from one of the prayers....Dear Lord...put us in the right disposition!

Peace 

Deacon Mitch 

A Gray Day

Yesterday all Deacons and their spouses were invited to gather, to pray, and to learn. We began with Morning Prayer led by our Bishop. We sang an unfamiliar song with a twist...to the tune of the Marine song! It went incredibly well! We had an open session, and many concerns were shared.

I just had to share this picture one more time..soon it will be a year.

Next we learned about immigration.....

This was well done and timely.

Lastly, social media and trying to communicate with our youth!

It was a great day to gather and see the many shades of gray...we were all asked to dress in clerics (gray). A very gray day indeed.

Peace

Deacon Mitch

Frozen pipes

Today I'm remembering this verse with my own twist...

Ice and snow....bless the Lord

Broken pipes...bless the Lord

Frozen pipes....bless the Lord

Great public servants thawing the pipes....Bless the Lord!

Peace

Deacon Mitch

Prayers requested

It's very cold in Brrrrrrlin. Yesterday was my day to preach at a couple of Masses. I started early at 7 am and then was scheduled for 6 pm. The first went well and I received some excellent feedback from Fr Kyle. With the time coming soon to go to Church I went upstairs to prepare, and noticed a problem. We had no water pressure. I thought because of the cold and winds our pipes were freezing. I cancelled out and tried a few things in vain, later finding out that we have a major water line break. Terry and I prayed the rosary, for a quick return, but mostly for those who had to endure the repair work under terrible conditions. As I write this the faucet is dripping, music to our ears. Please continue to pray, and give thanks for all we have.

Peace 

Deacon Mitch 

Setting the right goals

I have been reading Rediscovering Catholicism for RCIA and it has been wonderful. Go figure, after all these years of not enjoying reading to where I am today. I'm not a voracious reader,nor will I ever be, yet it has been enlightening. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. The following quote resonates well in my  heart...

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. — Michelangelo

In all you do give glory to God, but always aim high.

Peace

Deacon Mitch

Each Sunday

Each Sunday give us the joy of gathering as your people,
– around the table of your Word and your Body. LOH

Peace

Deacon Mitch