And more....

The other day I posted on our parish's sweet sixteen! It definitely resounded in my heart that evening. Honestly, at times I had to focus on the flame coming from the Paschal Candle in order to maintain my composure. The Litany of the Saints got me going and just seeing all those people, all their smiles, all that effort they put into their studies, for that moment to be recognized as Catholics.

Yesterday, the joy continued. The 10 am Mass was filled with so much emotion. I had an opportunity to share a moment with a parishioner who lost her husband at Easter before Mass. I was drawn to be just a minister of presence. To allow the Holy Spirit to touch her and fill her with Peace.

Then the moments of joy continued. At Mass we began with three families bringing their children forward to be Baptized. The smiles, the eyes of the children, it was absolutely precious. One child was soundly sleeping until being baptized, good morning little one!!

The joy continues, as we had two children making their First Communion. Again, this just can't get any better??? Or can it?

The attendance at this Mass was incredible. We had about 800 to 900 people in attendance. Capacity is about 1,200 in St. Anne's Church. It was so beautiful to see so many people come. We had parishioners who attended the Vigil and still cam the next day!

What's next for our parishes?????


Obviously through the Holy Spirit.....More!!

Sweet Sixteen

Pardon the expression, but I can't hide the excitement of having 16 individuals coming into the Church this evening. We had a practice this morning and the sight of all these beautiful people together was to behold. Tonight we share in their joy, our joy, and the Glory of Christ's Ressurection. 

Praise God

Thriving and Surving....Bucket Sale Week

First I begin by apologizing for not posting anything in the last week. It's Bucket Sale week and one thing that I drill into my staff is that everybody makes a difference, and everybody has to be all in! The Bucket Sale is a huge event for our company, and my store has a high reputation for excelling at this event. For several weeks before the event we start preparing and planning for the big week. We communicate to one other, share ideas, take notes, and then we start sharing the good news about how we can help them on their projects and future projects. Each day is exciting and exhausting as we put every ounce of energy that we have. Amazingly though, the energy exhibited surprises even me. 

So, how is Lent going for you? Have we all put in the energy needed? This is the big week beginning today. How would Holy Week be for all of us if we put in every ounce of energy into this truly amazing and glorious week, and how much Grace will we receive by being all in? My challenge to all of us this week is to be all in! Let's take our prayer life to another level in that quiet place in your home, Let's all attend every single event offered by our parishes! Reconciliation, any special speakers, and of course the The Triduum. I believe that by doing so we will all be amazed about how much energy we truly have, and we will have Grace upon Grace poured upon us. Lastly, invite people to the Easter Vigil. Yes, that Mass. The Easter Vigil is the most beautiful, and Joyous, Mass we have in the Catholic Faith. For many years I believe what keeps people away is that it is called by the faithful the long Mass. If we all attended, and were all in, we would discover that it is the most beautiful and would want all of our friends and acquaintances to come. Go, share the Good News, and be all in!

May the Grace of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you All!

Did you hear that?

Well, it happened again at Sunday Mass this week. This time, however I wasn't caught off guard. I was ready, I was listening intently. This week Fr. Andrew used Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II. I strongly suggest that everyone googles this and reads them.The Prayers are absolutely beautiful. This is what caught my attention this week.......
" Holy Father, we humbly beseech you to accept us also, together with your Son, and in this saving banquet graciously to endow us with his very Spirit, who takes away everything that estranges us from one another."  At this time in Lent, let us reflect on those parts of our lives that estrange us from loving, from being merciful. bring them to the Altar. Offering them up that the Holy Spirit will take all of that away, and allow us to be loving, and merciful like the Father.

Prayers for Fr Jeff

On Saturday March 5^th, Rev. Jeffrey Paveglio (Chaplain), CPT USARMY NG NHARNG will be deploying along with the HHB 197^th Field Artillery Brigade for a period of one year.  Prior to heading to the Middle East in undisclosed areas as support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, they all will be at Fort Bliss in Texas, and at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.  

We thank Fr. Jeffrey for his service to the Church and to our country!  We pray for his safety and for all of our brave men and women serving in our military.

 

 

Road Trip

6) Plan a mini pilgrimage to a local shrine; make an effort along the way to live the corporal work of mercy of “welcoming the stranger” as Christ.

Mercy for all

5) Learn to say this prayer: "Dear Lord, bless [annoying persons name] and have mercy on me!

Now I know that after I mentioned this number you all have someone in mind, don't you? With that said let's all say a prayer for them this evening.

Write a letter

4]Write a letter of forgiveness to someone. If you cannot send it, sprinkle it with holy water, ask Christ Jesus to have mercy on you both and then burn or bury it.