Friday, 16 February 2018

Sitting Alone In A Dark Church Thursday After Ash Wednesday 2018

Sitting Alone In A Dark Church
Thursday After Ash Wednesday 2018

 Sitting alone in a dark church. Tonight, I was reminded of a time many years ago, more than half my lifetime ago, I lived in a rectory for a few months. And yes, that is a long story, maybe a story for another time. And I had had keys to the church. I would often go over last at night, or early morning and just spend time in the dark church and pray. Or sit quietly in the presence of the blessed sacrament. 

 Tonight, after mass, and after the parish council meeting I went back out through the church. I sat for a few minutes and prayed. I prayed for my wife, and my children. I prayed for a number of extended family members. I prayed for some friends, and coworkers. And I prayed to be able to forgive old wounds. This ties to the reason I lived in that rectory so many years ago. It was a very fearful time in my life. I was living somewhat in hiding and off the grid. But I also lived in the church. I severed mass every day. I spent time with a few seminary students. I served many funeral masses. I had a prie dieu kneeler in my room, and between time praying in my room or the church it felt like my days were filled with prayer.

 And tonight, I was thankful for a few minutes in prayer before mass, and my moments alone in the church after the meeting. I brought back memories of a very hard time, but what was also a very good time. 


Related Posts:

The Colors of the Church Year
The Privilege of Altar Serving
Serving God, Altar Serving and Learning to Listen
Saturday 18th Week or Ordinary Time
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2017
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2017
34th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2017 Christ the King – Solemnity
Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, 15 February 2018

Divine Mercy in My Pocket - Marianne Lorraine Trouvé

Divine Mercy in My Pocket
Marianne Lorraine Trouvé
Mary Joseph Peterson (Illustrator),
Laura Rosemarie McGowan (Assistant Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819819130


This is a wonderful little booklet. It does an excellent job of explaining Divine Mercy to children. But it can really be used by anyone. My son was fascinated by this booklet from the moment we opened the package. He has an audio version of the divine mercy chaplet that he prays way most days. He loved the explanations in this book both of why and how to pray it but also of the works of mercy.

The sections in this booklet are:
What Is Divine Mercy?
Who Is Saint Faustina?
How Do I Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
What Do the Three Prayers Mean?
What Is Divine Mercy Sunday?
How Can I Share Mercy with Others?
Corporal Works of Mercy
  1. Feed the Hungry
  2. Give Drink to the Thirsty
  3. Clothe the Naked
  4. Shelter the Homeless
  5. Visit the Sick
  6. Visit the Imprisoned
  7. Bury the Dead
Spiritual Works of Mercy
  1. Instruct the Ignorant
  2. Counsel the Doubtful
  3. Correct Sinners
  4. Bear Wrongs Patiently
  5. Forgive Offenses Willingly
  6. Comfort the Afflicted
  7. Pray for the Living And the Dead
Each of the works of mercy has a nearly full-page piece of artwork. And below it an example a child can follow to live that work of mercy. the illustrations and the samples are wonderful. This is an awesome little booklet. My children love it and I enjoyed reading it with them.


A wonderful little booklet that we recommend!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:

Books by Marianne Lorraine Trouvé:
Mary: Help in Hard Times
A Scriptural Rosary
Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer Book
Angels: Help from on High
Novena St Thomas Aquinas: Patron of Students and Catholic Schools
Divine Mercy in My Pocket
Purgatory Purifying Power
My Favorite Prayers & Novena
Praying Mysteries of Light
Praying the Rosary for Priests
Our Lady Undoer of Knots: Novena and Prayers
The Rosary with Pope Francis
Consecrated Life: John Paul II
Saint Thomas Aquinas: Saints By Our Side

Encounter the Saints Series:
Saint Catherine Labouré: And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi: A Light for the World
Saint Thomas Aquinas: Missionary of Truth

Books contributed to:
The Catholic Answer Book of Mary
Honoring Mary with the Holy Father
Pope Francis in the U.S.: Words of Mercy and Hope
…

Books Edited by Marianne Lorraine Trouvé:
Mary Leads Us to Jesus
Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church: Documents on the Blessed Virgin Mary

Ordinary Grace Daily Reflections:
Ordinary Grace, Weeks 1-17
Ordinary Grace, Weeks 18-34
Easter Grace

Translated by:
Adventures of Saint Paul


Labels: , , , ,

Posted by at 1 comment:

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Ash Wednesday 2018 A Reflection

Ash Wednesday 2018 A Reflection

Lent begins today. Last week I wrote a post 'Some Suggested Reading Options for Lent 2018' I appreciate the goals and focus of Lent. I find it an annual time of spiritual renewal. Both from what I am more intentional about and also what I am intentional about limiting or eliminating from my life. 

First Reading Joel 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm 51:1-4,10-12,15 Response 1a,4a
Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

The first reading today begins with these words:

 "Even now, says the Lord
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts, and not your clothing."

 And that is the call to each of us each year at lent. This prophetic call for repentance echos down through the ages. It is a universal call and it is a timeless call. The response for the responsorial psalm today is:

 "Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned."

 and it is true all have sinned and fall short. But many in this day and age do not admit their sin. In fact many try to erase even the concept of sin from our society today. We need to admit our sin, and turn to God. It is the only healthy way to move forward. In the second reading we have Paul say to us:

 "For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin,
so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God.
.
.
.
See, now is the acceptable time;
see, now is the day of salvation!"

 Today's gospel reading provides strong guidance to our Lenten practices. It is said that Saint Augustine declares that this passage is the perfect standard for the Christian life. But combining Jesus's words with those of Joel in the first reading and guide us to turn to God with all of our heart! In the gospel Jesus exclaims:

 "But when you fast,
put oil on your head and wash your face,
so that your fasting may be seen not by others
but by your Father who is in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

 So no matter what you decide to do this Lent, I encourage you to do it for God. Do it for your personal sanctification. Do it to learn to Love God more and through that growth to love and server others!  

 Blessings on you this Lent and I pray that you draw nearer to God.



Related Posts:

The Colors of the Church Year
The Privilege of Altar Serving
Serving God, Altar Serving and Learning to Listen
Saturday 18th Week or Ordinary Time
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2017
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2017
34th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2017 Christ the King – Solemnity
Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Super Girls and Halos - Maria Morera Johnson - My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue

Super Girls and Halos:
My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue
Maria Morera Johnson
Ave Maria Press
ISBN 9781594717550
eISBN 9781594717567
ASIN B072F9PN5N

As a father of daughters this book immediately caught my attention. And even though the reading level is above where they are currently at. I cannot wait to read it again with them when they are a little older. And yet there was a lot I could take from this book and apply to my life. Lessons I can live by, in how I treat my wife and daughters. How I interact with women at work. And How fiction can be icons for mirroring the saints, virtues and for right living.

This book ties together Maria's own story and journey with heroines and with saints. The heroines are drawn from the Marvel universe, DC, and many other movies and books. In part this is a who's who of contemporary fiction, Black Widow, Rey, Katniss, Wonder Woman, and more. And uses them as a means of unpacking the cardinal virtues. But each of these characters from fiction is also paired with a Catholic Saint.

The sections in this book are:
Introduction: 
Heroines, Heroic Virtue, and the Quest for Good
Part I: Seeking Justice
1. Crusaders of Justice and Learning: Wonder Woman and St. Katharine Drexel
2. Beacons of Strength and Light: Rey and St. Clare of Assisi
Part II: Seeking Prudence
3. Imparters of Mercy and Service: Black Widow and St. Mary Magdalene
4. Paragons of Wisdom and Truth: Scully and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Part III: Seeking Fortitude
5. Guardians of Dignity and Culture: Storm and St. Cunegunde
6. Defenders of Fairness and Honor: Granger and St. Marguerite d'Youville
Part IV: Seeking Temperance
7. Champions of Caring and Compassion: Katniss Everdeen and St. Mary MacKillop
8. Explorers of Peace and Faith: Lt. Nyota Uhura and St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Conclusion:
The Quest for Good Leads to God: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe

This book is great as a standalone read. But it would be even better in a group study. This book is full of a vibrant faith. It is practical. It is a modern wisdom book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it two thumbs up.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Maria Morera Johnson:
My Badass Book of Saints: Courageous Women Who Showed Me How to Live
Super Girls and Halos: My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue
Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 12 February 2018

More Tales of Irish Saints - Alice Curtayne

More Tales of Irish Saints
Alice Curtayne
Brigid Rynne (Illustrator)
The Talbot Press Limited
Eighty-Nine Talbot Street Dublin
First Edition 1957
ISBN 0861670183


I discovered the writings of Alice Curtayne just a few weeks ago. I came across a new reprint edition of Twenty Tales of Irish Saints, and it was a wonderful read. Before I had even finished reading it I started trying to track down other works by Curtayne. I can only find 2 eBooks in print in North America, and a few others available in reprint in the UK. I have even had a very hard time finding used copies of her works for a reasonable price so read this one through an interlibrary loan and currently have them looking for Irish Saints for Boys and Girls, to read next. And I truly wish that many of her other titles would be republished in eBook editions. From what I have been able to determine many of her books were published by The Talbot Press Limited, which closed its doors in November of 2002 after publishing books for 85 years.

 My children and I have loved the two books by Curtayne that we have read. This particular book was dedicated to the Gannon children of Boston and the Burke grandchildren of Chicago. It was dedicated to 23 children with a writer's love. And having seen my children's reactions to the stories 61 years after it was first in print; I believe those children would have loved this book also. This book contains 21 short tales about various Irish saints. Some saints appear more than once. 

 The chapters in the book are:
Patrick's Rushes
The Robber Who Became a Bishop
Carthage and the Druid
Ciaran's Blackberries
Berach and the Bear
Brendan and the Whale
Why Brendan Hated Music
Columcille and the Flounders
Faelain's Three Wishes
Brigid and the Minstrels
Moling and the Wild Dogs
Moling's Pet Fox
Gall's Disobedience
The Priest and the Bees
Aengus and the Schoolboy
Eugene and the Pirates
Colman and the Swans
Loman, the Saint Who Would Not Lend Books
Macanisius and the Child
Molua and the Scholars
Finbarr's Hazelnuts

 There is also a smattering of ink sketches by Brigid Rynne. I have been unable to find out much about the illustrator but the kids and I loved the illustrations. Every story has at least 1 illustration. The copy of this book I could get my hands on did not have a dust jacket, and there is no information about the illustrator in the book. In fact there is no introduction, do about the author, just a brief dedication and immediately into the stories.

 And what wonderfully fun stories they are. This book reminded me a lot of Andrew M. Seddon's Saints Alive Volume II - Celtic Paths, but written for a younger audience. I read this book with my children ages 11, 10, and 7. My oldest could read it without difficulty. My middle child needed some help with words, especially names. And my youngest loved listening to the stories, no matter who was reading them to her. 
This is a wonderful book and if I can find a reasonably priced good condition copy I will add it to the family library immediately!

 Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books and Booklets by Alice Curtayne:
A Recall to Dante
Francis Ledwidge: A Life of the Poet
Lough Derg: St. Patrick's Purgatory
Patrick Sarsfield
Saint Anthony of Padua
St. Bernard Doctor of The Church 1933

Books Edited by Alice Curtayne:
The Complete works of Francis Ledwidge
...

Books Translated by Alice Curtayne:
Labours in the Vineyard by Giovanni Papin
...

Books Contributed to by Alice Curtayne:
...





Labels: , , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, 11 February 2018

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2018

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2018 

Lent begins in a few days. I wrote a post this week about 'Some Suggested Reading Options for Lent 2018' This is the last few days of ordinary time before that season begins. Even as we are spending time thinking ahead to Lent, we need to live each day to the full.

First Reading Leviticus 13:1,2,45,46
Responsorial Psalm 32: 1,2,5,11 Response 7
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
Gospel Mark 1:40-45

In today's gospel the man cured of leprosy was told to tell no one and go make the offering for having been healed. And yet he went and proclaimed to all who would listen. So many listened that Jesus had to move his ministry to the country side. I wonder if the same thing would happen today. If we as Christians, as Catholics would proclaim all that God has done for us, day by day, week by week. The small victories and little things and the big miracles. Would so many people flock to the church that we would need to add more services, or build more churches? Would I witness bear fruit? Or would the people who know us at work, in our communities look at us and compare the witness of our words with how we live, work, and play?


As an aside I have been helping to teach a class of new altar servers. We meet for a few hours each Saturday afternoon this month. Today we did a full walk through of mass. It is a very different perspective in a dark church, and facing out, at empty pews. It is a privileged and a blessing to help train altar servers and to serve myself when needed.  









I leave you with this thought and it has been on my mind often this week, our life is a witness, but what is it a witness to? Do people see Christ living in us? The Holy Spirit working through us? The love of God in our deeds, actions and words? I know that when I reflect upon those questions I have a long way to go. But I struggle and strive each day to be a better follower of Jesus. 

Related Posts:

Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 10 February 2018

Some Suggested Reading Options for Lent 2018

2018 Some Suggested Reading Options for Lent

I have used all of these books at least once in the past. Some I use annually. Links on the titles go to full reviews of the books if I have written them.



In Conversation With God Volume #2 Lent and Eastertide
Francis Fernandez
ISBN 0906138205
Scepter Press
ISBN 0906138191
In Conversation with God Volume 2 Part 1 Lent and Holy Week
ASIN B006GHNB66
In Conversation with God Volume 2 Part 2 Eastertide
ASIN B006IGQL0I

This volume spans the time from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. Therefore this book will lead you through Lent, Easter and the 5 weeks of Easter leading up to Pentecost. If you cannot afford the whole set, start with this volume and the Advent and Christmastide volume, then add the others over time. It is usually cheaper to buy the boxed set but sometimes that amount of money is not available up front. You can read my full review of this book here. And these are now available in ebooks. The eBook edition is split into 2 volumes.


Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter 
ISBN 9780764826870
ASIN B01N4QF53K

I have read Amy's Reconciled to God Daily Lenten Devotions, and her contributions in other devotionls. I am looking forward to reading this new offering from her. The Description of this volume is "This Lent and Easter season, author Amy Welborn shares her own struggles and triumphs of trying to live Lent and Easter spirituality year-round. She shares how small moments of frustration can turn into small lessons of grace. We carry our own crosses alongside Jesus this season. But as we drop worldly concerns to pick up our cross, we may realize our burden has actually been lightened."



This series comprises 26 Books, 26 Topics, and 20 Questions on different aspects of Catholicism or Catholic answers to other religions. I recently read a challenge to read all 26 books in this series over lent. I was originally planning on reading them over a year, but after reading this volume I am up for the challenge. To read them all over lent would be about 25 pages of reading a day. Here is the list of books in this series.


Best Lent Ever - Matthew Kelly
The Dynamic Catholic Institute

This is a series of daily messages and videos delivered directly into your mailbox. Last year I did the lent and advent series and really got a lot out of them so I am looking forward to the lent messages again this year.

Rediscover Lent
Matthew Kelly
St. Anthony Messenger Press
ISBN 9781616362379
eISBN 9781616364236

I have yet to read anything my Matthew Kelly that did not help grow my faith. I love the daily email from The Dynamic Catholic Institute, and I really look forward to reading this book over lent. I know that this book is a series of excerpts from Rediscover Catholicism, but I have yet to read that book. This should be an awesome tool this year.


Welcome Risen Jesus
Sarah A. Reinhard
Liguori Publications
ISBN 9780764820748

Last year I read the book Sarah edited, Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary and absolutely loved it. And this past advent we read Welcome Baby Jesus with the kids and it was amazing. I am really looking forward to her insights on lent and the reflections and action points for the kids.




Lenten Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen
Fulton J. Sheen
Liguori Publications
ISBN 9780764816840

Last year I finished listening to Life Changers by Greg Willits, in it he focuses on knowing the faith, living the faith and sharing the faith. A few different times he recommends reading something by Fulton J. Sheen, so I picked up this devotion for Lent. Now to be honest I was a little disappointed, at first, it is only a short quote and a related bible verse. But after reading a few, even though it will be the shortest daily resource I expect some real gem's from this book.

 If you have some must have recommendations for Lenten readings please add them in the comments.


Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!





Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)