"He was so impelled by a burning desire to make Jesus known and loved, in fact, that he threw all his talents and energies into helping others develop a personal relationship with God by embracing Jesus Christ in their lives."
Word Among Us. "St. Francis of Sales"
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
woo hoo!
I just sent in the check and called DeSales University... so I am almost ready to start the summer online course"The Eucharist" on May 21st!! Woo Hoo! and to make things even better the Professor that's going to give the class is Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS, S.T.D., Professor of Theology and Director of the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales University. Nice!
I am excited. Not only because of the knowledge but also because of the opportunity of meeting people who know about and love St. Francis of Sales. Also because it's been a year since I am out of college and I miss using my brain to acquire knowledge.
Plus I am in a "Show me Thy Will" moment in life, and it was pretty clear that He wanted me to do this, so I am excited to see what will come out of it. Right now I am not fully...mmm.."satisfied" with what I am doing but then again, like Father Francis says, I should just be what I am and be that perfectly. Right now I am a Catholic, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a receptionist. I should be doing that perfectly, and that's plenty challenging... we'll see what You want after that.
I am excited. Not only because of the knowledge but also because of the opportunity of meeting people who know about and love St. Francis of Sales. Also because it's been a year since I am out of college and I miss using my brain to acquire knowledge.
Plus I am in a "Show me Thy Will" moment in life, and it was pretty clear that He wanted me to do this, so I am excited to see what will come out of it. Right now I am not fully...mmm.."satisfied" with what I am doing but then again, like Father Francis says, I should just be what I am and be that perfectly. Right now I am a Catholic, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a receptionist. I should be doing that perfectly, and that's plenty challenging... we'll see what You want after that.
ha!
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears several confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.
The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?"
The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"
-----------
A bunch of priests from a variety of orders had a retreat together in their Archdiocese to pray for an increase in vocations. One night, while they're praying the evening office, the light goes off in their little chapel.
The Benedictines, having memorized the office long ago, continue chanting as though nothing has happened.
The Jesuits immediately begin arguing about whether this dispenses them from their obligation for the day.
The Dominicans return to a discussion they'd begun earlier in the day about the symbolism of darkness throughout Scripture.
The Franciscans begin composing a hymn thanking God for His great darkness.
The Carmelites go deeply into silent contemplation.
The diocesan priest excuses himself, walks down to the janitor's closet, comes back in, and changes the light bulb.
The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?"
The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"
-----------
A bunch of priests from a variety of orders had a retreat together in their Archdiocese to pray for an increase in vocations. One night, while they're praying the evening office, the light goes off in their little chapel.
The Benedictines, having memorized the office long ago, continue chanting as though nothing has happened.
The Jesuits immediately begin arguing about whether this dispenses them from their obligation for the day.
The Dominicans return to a discussion they'd begun earlier in the day about the symbolism of darkness throughout Scripture.
The Franciscans begin composing a hymn thanking God for His great darkness.
The Carmelites go deeply into silent contemplation.
The diocesan priest excuses himself, walks down to the janitor's closet, comes back in, and changes the light bulb.
Monday, May 14, 2007
gentleness to self
Thank you to a very generous reader who offered to pay for the course I want to take. He asked to be anonymous. I decline his offer thankfully, I can cover the expense ok and I am not in as much need as many other worthy causes around this world. Thank you so much though!
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One thing I love about Father DeSales, when someone would get "entangled" in their own fears, scruples and confusions he would tell them to be faithful but to not force it. He always tought anxiety and fear some of the most hurtfull things spiritually.
"Avoid anxiety and worries, for nothing so impedes our progress toward perfection. Place your heart in our Lord's wounds gently, and not by force; have the utmost confidence that in His mercy and kindness He will not forsake you' yet; for all that, do not relax your hold on His holy cross." Letter to Jane de Chantal on May,1604
sigh...
prayers would be appreciated as I place myself gently in His wounds...
--------
One thing I love about Father DeSales, when someone would get "entangled" in their own fears, scruples and confusions he would tell them to be faithful but to not force it. He always tought anxiety and fear some of the most hurtfull things spiritually.
"Avoid anxiety and worries, for nothing so impedes our progress toward perfection. Place your heart in our Lord's wounds gently, and not by force; have the utmost confidence that in His mercy and kindness He will not forsake you' yet; for all that, do not relax your hold on His holy cross." Letter to Jane de Chantal on May,1604
sigh...
prayers would be appreciated as I place myself gently in His wounds...
Friday, May 11, 2007
Yay! they are orthodox!
It seems that DeSales university is orthodox! who hoo!! After some little research I found out that they REQUIRE and are PUBLIC about all their Theology professors having the Mandatum... to know that the only U.S. University that is endowed with the Salesian Spirit is orthodox makes me REALLY happy, I bet Father De Sales is proud :) So now I just need to get enough money to enroll in the online course I told you about. Its only $75 but those are $75 that are hard to get! I will let you know how it goes.
------------
And I got Commissioned yesterday. Wow.
In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must strive to grow in holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. Remember that, though many, we are one body because we share the one bread and one cup.
As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion be, therefore, especially observant of the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. For when he said to them: “This is my commandment, that you should love one another as I have loved you.” Rite of Commissioning.
I know the grace that I need will be provided... if this is just for a lowly EMHC... what would it be for a priest?! man! there is nothing more beautiful in this world than a holy priest! I believe part of the call of a EMHC is to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood, so one day EMHCs are not needed. But as long as we are needed we should never allow it to become trivial, and we should fulfill our call:
Are you resolved to administer the body and blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church? R/. I am.
Are you resolved to administer the Holy Eucharist with utmost care and reverence? R/. I am.
........
Another thought, had a conversation with a friend the other day. I told him about the Three Great Graces I have received in my life.
1) A craving for God since my earliest youth even though I did not receive a good religious education and even though my family was not religious at all. After school I would (instead of going straight home as I was told to) go to the Cathedral in my Mexican hometown and just sit there.
2) A call to attend Daily Mass. In my junior year in high school a nun friend thought I should be going to mass everyday and told me so. I kindoff refused saying that the only mass I could make was at 7:30 a.m. and I didn't have a car. So she said she would pick me up EVERY DAY from my house at 7. Notice that we didn't live in the same town, which means she had to wake up at around 5, go pick me up, go to mass and drop me off at school. A year later she got transferred but I kept going to daily Mass.
3) My Father De Sales... need I say more?
I don't receive this graces worthily many times and I struggle a lot but I rejoice when I remember these Three Great Graces. They are proof that God loves me, is involved in my life and wants me to be saved.
------------
And I got Commissioned yesterday. Wow.
In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must strive to grow in holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. Remember that, though many, we are one body because we share the one bread and one cup.
As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion be, therefore, especially observant of the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. For when he said to them: “This is my commandment, that you should love one another as I have loved you.” Rite of Commissioning.
I know the grace that I need will be provided... if this is just for a lowly EMHC... what would it be for a priest?! man! there is nothing more beautiful in this world than a holy priest! I believe part of the call of a EMHC is to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood, so one day EMHCs are not needed. But as long as we are needed we should never allow it to become trivial, and we should fulfill our call:
Are you resolved to administer the body and blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church? R/. I am.
Are you resolved to administer the Holy Eucharist with utmost care and reverence? R/. I am.
........
Another thought, had a conversation with a friend the other day. I told him about the Three Great Graces I have received in my life.
1) A craving for God since my earliest youth even though I did not receive a good religious education and even though my family was not religious at all. After school I would (instead of going straight home as I was told to) go to the Cathedral in my Mexican hometown and just sit there.
2) A call to attend Daily Mass. In my junior year in high school a nun friend thought I should be going to mass everyday and told me so. I kindoff refused saying that the only mass I could make was at 7:30 a.m. and I didn't have a car. So she said she would pick me up EVERY DAY from my house at 7. Notice that we didn't live in the same town, which means she had to wake up at around 5, go pick me up, go to mass and drop me off at school. A year later she got transferred but I kept going to daily Mass.
3) My Father De Sales... need I say more?
I don't receive this graces worthily many times and I struggle a lot but I rejoice when I remember these Three Great Graces. They are proof that God loves me, is involved in my life and wants me to be saved.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Commissioning
Today I am receiving the Rite of Commissioning as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion I am in awe of how God called me to do this, but still I am a little queasy because of what an EMHC is supposed to be:
"The person who has been appointed to be an extraordinary minister of the Holy
Eucharist is necessarily to be duly instructed and should distinguish himself by
his Christian life, faith and morals. Let him strive to be worthy of this great office; let him cultivate devotion to the Holy Eucharist and show himself as an example to the other faithful by his piety and reverence for this most holy Sacrament of the altar. Let no one be chosen whose selection may cause scandal among the faithful." Immensae Caritatis, 1973
I am quite far from that. I do believe EVERYTHING Mother Church teaches (no cafeteria catholic here) and strive to Love Him who loved me first and to love His people. But I know people way more qualified. I am prideful, self righteous, impatient, ignorant, selfish and struggle a lot... but I guess it comes down to the fact that no one is Worthy. But He called. And joyfully I obey. Saint Tarcisius patron saint of Extraordinary Ministers, pray for us!
Now, I know that many people don't like EMHCs because of all the liturgical abuses that go on in some places, but in the hospital I work at there is one catholic chaplain who is also a Parish Priest and there is a LIST of people waiting to receive Holy Communion. There is a valid need for EMHCs here... I know it would be great if we could have religious doing it, but we don't have them available. I will try to get out of it as much as possible, put if the chaplain asks me to help I'll better be prepared. That is why I requested to be Commissioned and trained, and that is why I am signing up for an online Salesian course on the Eucharist at the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales University. (does anyone know about them? are they orthodox? they seems so, but if you know something please let me know before I pay for the course!)
Oh my Beautiful Lord, give me the grace to be faithful to you. Cleanse my heart of any imperfection in my intention of serving you as an Extraordinary Minister. If there is any pride, selfishness or self-righteousness, vanish it Oh Lord. May my only reason of action be the Love of You and wanting to console You and your people by bringing You to them. Amen. Mother Mary, pray for us.
"The person who has been appointed to be an extraordinary minister of the Holy
Eucharist is necessarily to be duly instructed and should distinguish himself by
his Christian life, faith and morals. Let him strive to be worthy of this great office; let him cultivate devotion to the Holy Eucharist and show himself as an example to the other faithful by his piety and reverence for this most holy Sacrament of the altar. Let no one be chosen whose selection may cause scandal among the faithful." Immensae Caritatis, 1973
I am quite far from that. I do believe EVERYTHING Mother Church teaches (no cafeteria catholic here) and strive to Love Him who loved me first and to love His people. But I know people way more qualified. I am prideful, self righteous, impatient, ignorant, selfish and struggle a lot... but I guess it comes down to the fact that no one is Worthy. But He called. And joyfully I obey. Saint Tarcisius patron saint of Extraordinary Ministers, pray for us!
Now, I know that many people don't like EMHCs because of all the liturgical abuses that go on in some places, but in the hospital I work at there is one catholic chaplain who is also a Parish Priest and there is a LIST of people waiting to receive Holy Communion. There is a valid need for EMHCs here... I know it would be great if we could have religious doing it, but we don't have them available. I will try to get out of it as much as possible, put if the chaplain asks me to help I'll better be prepared. That is why I requested to be Commissioned and trained, and that is why I am signing up for an online Salesian course on the Eucharist at the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales University. (does anyone know about them? are they orthodox? they seems so, but if you know something please let me know before I pay for the course!)
Oh my Beautiful Lord, give me the grace to be faithful to you. Cleanse my heart of any imperfection in my intention of serving you as an Extraordinary Minister. If there is any pride, selfishness or self-righteousness, vanish it Oh Lord. May my only reason of action be the Love of You and wanting to console You and your people by bringing You to them. Amen. Mother Mary, pray for us.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
I am a...
I like the definition. Quite accurate though I don't know what they mean by a ''narrow view of orthodoxy." Plus I don't think post V2 years were of ''collapse of the Catholic faith." Though I wouldn't know since I wasn't around preV2, but the Church I've known and loved all my life has been vibrant, alive and orthodox. But maybe that's cuz I am from a third world country. Did I receive a horrible catecheses? (sp?)Yeah, but I don't think preV2 was much better. My parents and grandparents had a tremendous ignorance also but with V2 I have had the chance to correct that through amazing new movements and initiatives very much within the real spirit of V2
You scored as New Catholic. The years following the Second Vatican Council was a time of collapse of the Catholic faith and its traditions. But you are a young person who has rediscovered this lost faith, probably due to the evangelization of Pope John Paul II. You are enthusiastic, refreshing, and somewhat traditional, and you may be considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. You reject relativism and the decline in society that you see among your peers. You are seen as being good for the Church.
A possible problem is that you may have a too narrow a view of orthodoxy, and anyway, you are still a youth and not yet mature in your faith.
A possible problem is that you may have a too narrow a view of orthodoxy, and anyway, you are still a youth and not yet mature in your faith.
What is your style of American Catholicism? created with QuizFarm.com |
Random Thought: For a while it seemed that my subconscious wasn't aware of the results of this last conclave, until a couple of weeks ago when I had my first B16 dream. We were both sitting in a very comfortable couch in some fancy house (I think I thought it was his) he was reading a book. We did not talk. We were just chilling. B16 and me.
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