The Boston Red Sox: 2013 World Series Champions!!!

It is the holiest of all signs!

Week one of the Eucharist course is done and we continue to move forward. It was a challenge keeping up with everything, but this week I really surprised myself. I have found a passion for reading! Besides what I needed to read for my course, I read the book "Rebuilt". From the comments from our other Deacon Candidates it almost seems like everyone has read this. If you haven't it is worth the time.It ended up being one of those books I had trouble putting it down. 

I also finished the Pope's first encyclical and I really loved his words about the Sacraments. No, I'm not going to write them down for you because I feel that you should all take the time to read it. The only regret I have is that it didn't come out until after I finished my Baptismal Catechesis project. I know I will have to include some of it eventually. You gotta love our Pope!

As of yesterday Week 2 started for our course and there is some reading to do. I started reading the required book "The Eucharistic Celebration, The Source and Summit of Faith", by Adolf Adam. I was really moved by something I need to share with you and I will let the authors words inspire you:

"Because actions that are frequently repeated are in danger of losing beauty in their

outward form as well as losing the power and depth that come from inner participation, the following statement by Romano Guardini deserves careful consideration:

"When we cross ourselves, let it be a real sign of the cross. 

Instead of a cramped gesture that gives no notion of its meaning,

let us make a large, unhurried sign,

from forehead to breast,

from shoulder to shoulder,

consciously feeling how it includes the whole of us at once,

how it consecrates and sanctifies us.

It does so because it is the sign of the universe and the sign of our redemption....

It is the holiest of all signs."

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch  

A moment of faith!

Last night I was given a tremendous vote of confidence, and the faith that was bestowed upon me by our two wonderful priests is very heartwarming. These two men have worked very hard to put together a busy schedule to enlighten all the members of our parishes. With such a schedule it's not surprising that there is going to be some overlap in events and when one of them is away it can pose a challenge. 

One aspect of my assignment to the parish is that I would lead at least one evening, an episode of the Catholicism series that is being presented to the adults of our parish. A few weeks ago our priest's realized that they had a dilemma, two events (Catholicism & Boot camp for our Confirmation candidates) and one priest gone on retreat. I was asked and I accepted with great anticipation the invitation to lead on Tuesday evening the 22nd. Last week I watched and learned how they managed the evening, and with a quick lesson in technology it was soon to be my turn. 

Was I nervous, yeah a bit, but I was really looking forward to this. Sort of like riding your bike without training wheels for the first time. It was a little bumpy, yet it certainly was a joy and a thrill. Yes I struggled a little with the procedure, yes also with the equipment, but the thrill to have these people, my family in Christ, share their thoughts and their own understanding was awesome! I could feel Christ's presence within our midst and it was evident as I looked into their eyes.

I know that this will be another one of the first of many opportunities to come, yet this one was very, very special for me.

Bonsoir et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch 

From Goat....

 Yes it is a wonderful day in New England, the skies are clearing, and yes our beloved Red Sox are heading back to the world series. From being the goats of the American League East to a chance at redemption, to win it all. 

Shane Victorino typifies that metaphor of goat to hero, struggling to hit, and maybe just maybe questioning his own abilities. Failing to move the runners along at a crucial time, when he was considered one of the best at bunting. 

Then it comes, one more opportunity in front of him! As he approaches the plate he hears the chorus of faithful chanting...........

"Don't worry 'bout a thing," they crooned, "cuz every little thing's gonna be all right."

Can't you just imagine how you would feel if someone chanted that to you! Today and everyday Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling to us, crooning to us, telling us not to worry, cuz everything is going to be all right! With all the distractions out there in the world we often times struggle to hear him! So listen up everybody cuz this one's for you....
"Don't worry 'bout a thing," Christ and all the choirs of Saints are crooning, "cuz every little thing's gonna be all right."

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch

With Great Honor to serve!

This week I continued to get opportunities to grow, to learn, to serve, and to evangelize. With the passing away of Terry's uncle the family asked that I help them to prepare for the funeral. Terry and I worked as a team, going to their home, listening, sharing memories, and preparing for the words of remembrance of Uncle Chet. I asked Fr. Kyle if I could assist as Acolyte and he agreed that it would be a great opportunity to learn and to honor the family. 

I didn't stress as much with preparing what to say as I have recently. I wonder if it was that because I was in front of my peers and I may have tried too hard? I honestly think that this is what happened. On Tuesday evening I confided with Fr. Kyle that I was struggling to come up with something, and he shared this "keep it simple!" Hmmmm! Was I over thinking this again? Probably! No, definitely! I was inspired by things I saw, words I heard, the sharing of words from my wife, inspiration from the Holy Spirit, and words and thoughts that came to me when speaking with my daughter. 

This morning I thought that I should type it up in large enough print that I could follow my thoughts. A gush of inspiration filled me and it was as if the words were being spoken to me. It's tough to put something down about how you feel about someone and what you admired most about them.

I felt a little nervous today, yet there was a peace that was deep inside me. I continue to try to improve on what I do at the altar, and all for the glory of God. 

The moment came and there was a deep, very deep inner peace that came over me. I almost didn't need the papers in front of me, yet I'm not quite there yet. I was proud and honored to be able to do this for God and one of his creations. As Fr. Kyle put it, "Chet was unique, and there will never be another one quite like him!" 

Uncle Chet loved the classics in music, not classical, but the oldies. I felt that there was two songs from his era that summed up him and his life. The first one was Blue Skies! What I admired the most about him was how much he valued life and never complained, even though he was battling throat cancer. He wasn't one of those people you meet and  ask how they are doing, only to regret that you even asked them the question. Uncle Chet was great, there was nothing but Blue Skies in his life!

Lastly, I ended with a song that speaks well to many people. The Nat King Cole classic,
Unforgettable! When you love someone, and truly love them, they will always be Unforgettable to you!

Rest in Peace Uncle Chet!

Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,

Mitch 

Feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus

 

 

Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Memorial

“Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”[1]

Back to school!

School officially begins today as we are back on line for the first of our final three courses!


 



The course is Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life!