My Catholic Reflections

Prayer of Adoration

2011-11-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

See, the golden dawn is glowing
While the paly shades are going,
Which have led us far and long,
In a labyrinth of wrong.

May it bring us peace serene;
May it cleanse, as it is clean;
Plain and clear our words be spoke,
And our thoughts without a cloak.

So the day's account shall stand,
Guileless tongue and holy land,
Steadfast eyes and unbeguiled,
Flesh as of a little child.

There is One who from above
Watches how the still hours move
Of our day of service done,
From the dawn to the setting sun.

To the Father, and the Son,
And the Spirit, Three and One,
As of old, and as in heaven,
Now and here be glory given!

~ St. Prudentius
(The arrangement is Cardinal Newman's.)

All Saints Day

2010-11-01T17:12:00.001-04:00

Prayers & Devotions

All Saints
Solemnity
November 1

Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven
Fra Angelico - 1428-30, Tempera on wood - National Gallery, London

"The glorious company of the apostles praise Thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise Thee.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise Thee.
All Thy saints and elect with one voice do acknowledge Thee,
O Blessed Trinity, one God!"
-- Feast of All Saints (November 1), Antiphon at Lauds. from the Te Deum

Prayers Please

2009-12-30T14:54:00.002-05:00

Please pray for my parish priest, Father Jim Sichko and his family today. His mother was admitted to the hospital yesterday and is gravely ill. In addition, his brother had a heart attack last weekend and will be undergoing quad bypass surgery today.

Almighty and merciful Father, by the power of your command, drive away from Marie Sichko all forms of sickness and disease. Restore strength to her body and joy to her spirit, so that in her renewed health, she may bless and serve you, now and forevermore.

I'm Back!

2009-12-30T10:41:00.002-05:00

Wow! Has it really been over a year since I last posted to MCR? Much has happened in that time. I'm dusting off the keyboard, opening my Bible and Catechism and will be back to share with you my reflections and journey with Jesus.

Bishop Gainer Issues Conscience Letter

2008-11-02T18:29:00.003-05:00

Today at Mass, Fr. Jim read from a letter penned by Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. In it, he reminded all of us to form and follow our conscience when going to the polls on Tuesday.

Read it here.

What Is Aplogetics?

2008-10-21T08:27:00.005-04:00

"In the beginning ... God." The first words of the Bible (Gen 1:1) affirm an essential teaching of the Christian faith: Before all else, God is. It's a reality that seems obvious to most Christians, yet many people doubt or deny it.

Challenges are often issued to other articles of the Christian faith as well, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to specifically Catholic beliefs, such as the unique authority of the pope. For this reason, Christians - and Catholic Christians in particular, often find themselves defending their beliefs in conversations with non-believers.

The Greek word for "defense" is apologia. Our English word "apology" is derived from it. In its classical definition, "apology" did not mean an admission of wrong, as the modern English word suggests. Rather, an apology was a defense or justification for a belief. For example, students of philosophy or of the classics are familiar with Plato's Apology: an account of Socrates' defense of his teaching.

In the present context, then, "apologetics" refers to the reasonable defense of the Christian faith. It is one aspect of what our Lord Jesus talked about when he urged us to love God with all our mind (Lk 10:27). Faith is not opposed to reason; in fact, reason, rightly understood, is a support to faith.

The foundations of Christian apologetics were laid by our Lord himself when he presented "many proofs" of his resurrection (Acts 1:3), including his appearance to skeptical, hard-nosed, "doubting" Thomas and the other apostles (Jn 20:24-29). The resulting apostolic proclamation of the gospel included eyewitnesses (legal or scientific) testimony as a central feature (Lk 1:1-4; Acts 2:32).

St. Paul likewise engaged in apologetics, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks of the truth of Christianity. His reasoned style of evangelization is demonstrated in his sermon on the Areopagus, Mars Hill, in philosophy-dominated Athens (Acts 17:22-34) and in his determination to "become all things to all, to save at least some" (1 Cor 9:22). The apostle's approach to sharing and defending his faith should encourage Catholics today to follow his example.

- The NEW Catholic Answer Bible Librosario®

Feast of the Archangels: Raphael, Michael, and Gabriel

2008-09-29T14:10:00.003-04:00

God our Father,
In a wonderful way you guide the work of angels and men. May those who serve you constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

From My Inbox: One Hail Mary and One Our Father Novena

2008-09-25T10:33:00.002-04:00

One Hail Mary and One Our Father Novena

You were chosen to receive this novena. The moment you receive it, say:

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU ..
It shall be well with you this coming year.No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the year 2008/2009, all your agonies will be diverted and victory and property will be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows and pain because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down. I knocked at heaven's door this morning. God asked me... 'My child! What can I do for you?'

And I said,'Father, please protect and bless the person reading this
message... '

This is a Novena from Mother Theresa that started in 1952.

It has never been broken. Within 48 hours send 20 copies (Or as many as you can - God knows if you don't have 20 people to send it to. It's the effort and intent that counts) to family and friends.

This is a powerful Novena. Couldn't hurt. Can only help.

Please do not break it...

Campaign Merchandise - The Curt Jester

2008-09-16T23:10:00.000-04:00

Campaign Merchandise - The Curt Jester

He's at it again. So very funny.

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Obama campaign rolls out new ‘faith merchandise’ « - Blogs from CNN.com

2008-09-16T14:49:00.000-04:00

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Obama campaign rolls out new ‘faith merchandise’ « - Blogs from CNN.com

“Check out the Believers for Barack, Pro-Family Pro-Obama, and Catholics for
Obama buttons, bumper stickers and signs….” says Obama Deputy Director of
Religious Affairs Paul Monteiro in an e-mail obtained by the Beliefnet Web site.

How can someone be "Pro-Family" when he supports the "Culture of Death" on so many points, most notably, abortion?

CatholicVote.com Video

2008-09-11T10:47:00.001-04:00

New Post at PC

2008-08-31T09:18:00.000-04:00

New post over at my other Catholic blog - Principally Catholic.

Grease Monkey

2008-08-19T09:59:00.002-04:00

I am not mechanically inclined. However, with the current state of the economy and a 12 year old Caravan, I have tried to become more so. My son has inherited my mechanical ability.
However, this past weekend, the brake pads on our "clunker" needed to be replaced. My 12 year old son wanted to help. I knew if I did the job by myself, it'd take me 3 hours. With his help, I figured another two.

To my admiration, and with very little supervision, my son jacked the van up and removed the front wheels while I worked on the brake pads. He fetched tools and was attentive. He even jacked it up a third time two hours later when we discovered one of the pads was grinding horribly.

I know we aren't supposed to work on Sundays, but that time I spent with my self-proclaimed "grease monkey" was the best I have had all summer.

God Bless.

cross posted at Catholic Dads

"In the Business of Making Saints"

2008-08-17T08:19:00.008-04:00

I have a new job. Actually, it's the same job but in a different place. To be more specifically vague, I have a new employer, at a different school, with similar respopnsibilities but a different focus.

Last week, school started at the Catholic school where I am the new assistant principal. It has been the best three first days of school since I started teaching. There were a number of reasons why, I think.

The staff was energized and well-prepared to go back to school.We went to Mass on Wednesday (first day of school) and Friday (The Feast of the Assumption)
I have a new focus on why I am an administrator.

Obviously I am there to help "run the school." But let's face it, a good school is run by the teachers and front office staff. I am kicking myself for not starting our in the Catholic school system. I'd have fewer grey hairs if I had.

But I think the real reason I, and the staff and the parents are there (or here on Earth for that matter) is to make these children saints.

In his homily on Friday, Father Joe reminded the children of that fact. God wants us, anyone involved with children, to be "in the business of making saints." How simple and concise. But, how do we do that?

Set The Example

Unless we are trying to become saints ourselves, how can we ask our children to do so?

Do you know your faith?
Have you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and understand it?
Do you break open the Word of God every day?
Do you pray by yourself AND with your family?

If you answered anything but YES to any of the above, you are not trying to become a saint.

Teach Them

Parents are the primary teachers of their children. A solid Catholic education is essential in making a saint. They can receive that from a Catholic school or CCD classes. But in addition, it MUST be taught at home. What should be taught?

The FOUR "R's":

Reading - We all know how important this is! Read with them, especially Scipture.
WRiting - Have them write letters instead of email or instant messaging once in awhile. Patience is a virtue.
ARithmatic - There are different ways of teaching Math, just like there are different ways of learning Math. Understand how your children learn and are being taught.
Religion - What can you teach them about their faith? Educate yourself. Attend Adult Catechesis classes. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Know your faith.

We are all in the business of making saints.

What an AWSOME job.

Cross-posted at Principally Catholic

SPQN - Daily Breakfast

2008-07-30T09:36:00.003-04:00

It is very exciting to be on the Daily Breakfast with Fr. Roderick talking about Evening Among Friends with Dolly! For any visitors to this site, please leave me a comment or check back soon as I will be updating with alot of information!

God Bless!

Happy Birthday America

2008-07-04T11:32:00.002-04:00

Peter and John Running to Jesus' Tomb

2008-06-21T11:30:00.002-04:00

So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.

John 20:3

Emily's First Holy Communion

2008-05-18T11:40:00.007-04:00

On Sunday, May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day - Emily had her First Holy Communion. She was joined by four of her classmates and 20 other children from the parish. When they knelt for the first time in the Mass, Emily didn't remover her foot quick enough and the other six kids in the pews knelt on her big toe. This was something I was completely unaware of until she and our priest, Father Sichko, brought it up at the reception afterwards.

Traditionally, Emily received a Bible from her parents, a rosary from Grandma and Papa, and a cross necklace from Grandma and Grandpa.

Much thanks to Sister Mary Thomas, her 2nd grade teacher, C. Cornette and B. Reister for organizing the event.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. John 6:35

Coming Up

2008-05-18T11:16:00.000-04:00

Hopefully, once we got this moving thing under control and school finally lets out, I'll be able to post some more -

Coming up in....

Parties and Pictures:
Alec's 12th birthday party
Nicholas 12th birthday party
Bob's birtday
St. Mark Derby Day
Emily, Rebecca and Kathy at the Legends Game

Norton's News, Notes 'n' Nonsense:
Updates on the new house
Updates on my job hunt
Kids riding their bikes
Jim and Diane visit
St. Mark Middle School Play

My Catholic Reflections:
Emily's First Holy Communion
Gifts of the Holy Spirit Series
Fruits of the Holy Spirit Series
Favorite Catholic Podcasts and Videocasts

Principal's Pokes and Ponderings:
Family Fun Night II: Aloha Style
Reflection on my tenure at Madison County Alternative and Day Treatment Programs

BINGO and Steak-n-Shake

2008-04-26T10:42:00.008-04:00

What a night a BINGO last night! With only 48 people there, the big pots went down, but the odds went up. Gail didn't join us, but we sat with Larry and Rebecca. Larry won $100 on the first game, "Six Pack". I won $100 on the second game, "T", and split $250 three ways on the "UK" game for $85. I also won $25 on a Pretty Pearl pull-tab. So, we walked in with $60; $15 to the sitter, $20 for the regular game cards (we didn't make it on time for the early birds) which left us with $25 to spend. I bought $4 in food, leaving $21 which I spent on pull-tabs. Kathy kept all but $30 of the winnings, which I also spent on pull-tabs. Kathy spent an additional $20 from the winnings on "Hitter" pull-tabs in a big mix up from which we hoped we were going to benefit. We didn't, but Larry did, winning an additional $75.

So, after all that the bottom line is we walked out with $160 - netting $100. Not bad, and alot of fun!

We all went to Steak-n-Shake (13 of us counting the kids) for munchies and shakes. It took over an hour to get our shakes and by then the food was either eaten, or cold. The poor waitress didn't know which shakes were which and forgot who ordered what. I finally went to the manager and complained after an hour. We got our shakes for free and only paid for our munchies! Nicholas had a second dinner!

We all got to bed too late and too full.

Kids in the Paper for Making Cards for Pope Benedict XVI

2008-04-13T11:13:00.007-04:00

Nicholas and Rebecca were in the April 12th editions of The Richmond Register and Lexington Herald Leader for making birthday cards for Pope Benedict XVI upon his first visit to the USA. I scanned them and present them here (click on them to enlarge them):

From the Front Page of the Register:

From the Back Page of the Register:

From Page B3 of the Leader (Rebecca is the 4th kid on the right):

co published in Norton's News, Notes 'n' Nonsense

St. Mark Students Make Cards for Pope's Visit

2008-04-11T23:15:00.003-04:00

Check this video out from Channel 27:

Making Cards For Pope's Visit

BINGO Night

2008-04-11T22:45:00.004-04:00

Kathy and I have been going to St. Mark's BINGO for last three months. We try and go twice a week (the second and fourth Fridays so the proceeds go to the school and not the KoC), but often only get to go once a month.

It's really a good deal. For $15 all three kids are babysat by one of the school's teachers in the library. Early Bird (five games with six cards per game) is $5 and the main BINGO is $10 for six cards for each of 10 games.

We have been very "blessed" (not lucky, because there is no luck) when we have played. Tonight we won $130 on the Shamrock BINGO pull tabs and two plates of cupcakes as door prizes. Last time we went we won two figurines as door prizes. The time before that, we won $130 on Shamrock and $125 on the "UK" game.

It's really alot of fun and we encourage my mother-in-law, Gail to come. And she does. After a long week with Bob, it's good just to get away and have a little fun with friends and family.

My Trip to Benedictus

2008-04-05T08:25:00.006-04:00

I was on Spring Break last week and took the opportunity to go to Benedictus, a Catholic bookstore in Lexington. It is so calming and peaceful in the store - and rich with Catholic material! How I wish we had a Catholic library where I could spend an entire day! I wonder is there is such a thing?

I picked up a few books at the store:

At Prayer With the Saints

The Catholic Bible Study Handbook

Lives of the Saints II

Bible Day by Day

Daytime Prayer

Minute Meditations for Each Day

Reading Reflection

2008-04-05T08:13:00.003-04:00

Today's reading comes from Acts 6:1-7. In it we find the Twelve asking the Hellenists to, "select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom" to be leaders in spreading the Good News.

As I wrap up my tenure on Pastoral Council, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been in that servant leadership position. What I do know is that my experience on the council has increased my prayer life and hopefully "filled me with the Spirit and wisdom".

Lord, those are those in the parish who are discerning their role in St. Mark's Parish. Continue to send the Holy Spirit to those and others so our new Pastoral Council may serve You and the people of St. Mark faithfully. Through Your Son Jesus Christ we pray.

Catholic Schools Week: St. Mark Awards Day

2008-01-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Emily for winning the "Best Teacher Caricature" in the 2nd grade!

Congratulations to Rebecca (third from right) on being on the "Principal's List" for getting all "A's" on her last report card!

Congratulations to Nicholas (first from right) on being on the Honor Roll for earning all "A's" and "B's" on his last report card!

(Also published in Norton News, Notes, 'n' Nonsense)

Emily's First Reconciliation

2008-01-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Emily for making her First Reconciliation this evening at St. Mark Catholic Church!

Emily, along with her five classmates from St. Mark Catholic School and several CCD students, have been preparing for this special occaision for the last month.

I was amazed at how well she memorized her Act of Contrition! I remember the days back in grade school when memorization was so important. It seems now the thought is, "If you know how to look it up, there is no need to memorize."

Nicholas, Rebecca, and I all went to Confession as well. It was interesting, as we were walking out of church, how determined the kids were to compare their penances, like the length and amount of the penance equaled the severity and number of your sins!

St. Mark Roman Catholic Church in Richmond, KY Unveils New and Improved Interactive Website

2008-01-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Our parish, St. Mark Roman Catholic Church in Richmond, KY has recently unveiled it's new interactive website.

The new site has been under construction for the last six months. Unlike the previous homepage, the new site offers information on the three ministries of St. Mark Church: St. Mark Catholic School, The Newman Center, and the Hispanic Ministry - all branching off from the main church page.

Full of photos, contact information, sound clips from selected homilies and even a video from the pastor (Reverend Jim Sichko - "Father Jim"), the new site reflects the growth and diversity of the parish.

The new site's URL is http://www.saintmarkcatholicchurch.net/. Please stop by and read our bulletin or submit a prayer request.

Marian Prayer: A Prayer to Begin a New Day

2008-01-05T07:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Lord, this day stretches out before me like a quiet ocean, calm and clean and potent with possibility as I sing out the words of Mary, "My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Help me to make the most of the beauty and opportunity within this day. I offer it to You through the following affirmations, confident that if I live what they contain I will have lived the day well.
I believe the Lord loves and remains with me at all times.
I believe the Lord provides for my earthly needs.
I believe the Lord cannot fail in anything He undertakes.
I believe I play a unique, important role in the Lord's plan.
I believe the Lord guides me to know His will.
I believe the Lord gives me all the strength I need in times of difficulty.
I believe good will come from all the situations I meet today.
I love all in and of the world and beyond; nothing can harm me.
I develop my talents, resources, and abilities to their best use.
I turn over to the Lord whatever I cannot changes and set realistic goals to change whatever I can.
I structure my day to include a balance of work, play, rest, and spiritual development.
I strive to live this day humbly, resisting the urge to belittle others or compare myself to them. realizing the presence of God within us all.

- from Marian Prayer Book (emphasis added)

In Remembrance: B. Michael Caudill

2007-12-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

Mike Caudill, my boss and mentor, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2007. You may read the obituaries to find out about his long fight printed in both the Richmond Register and at Kentucky.com.

Mike was the superintendent of Madison County Schools and was the one who hired me in my current position. He was of great support to me both professionally and personally, and I'm sure I'm not the only principal, teacher, custodian, kitchen manager, etc. to say so. He was there for everyone on his staff. But mostly, he was there for the students of Madison County, especially the ones he dubbed, "Mike's Kids", the at-risk poulation needing the most help. The kids I serve in my Alternative Program.

I went to his visitation this evening. There must have been 700 people there, in just the first hour. He meant alot to many people. We were lucky to have known him.

In his visitation card, a small simple prayer is printed from A Gentle Thunder. It goes:

You want to make a difference in your world?
Live a holy life:

Be faithful to your spouse.
Be the one at the office (or school) who refuses to cheat.
Be the neighbor who acts neighborly.
Be the employee who does the work and doesn't complain.
Pay your bills.
Doyour part and enjoy life.
Don't speak one message and live another.
People are watching the way act more than they are listening to what we say.

Rest in peace, Mr. Caudill.

From My Inbox: Twelve Days of Christmas

2007-12-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

I received this as a mass email, so I'm sure if it's accurate or not. Either way, it's kinda neat.

November 23 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-11-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

Christ Instructs Us in Silence
Enter into your heart, as the Prophet Isaiah says. And, if you have faith you will find Christ there. There He speaks to you.
I, the preacher, must raise my voice when I speak to you. But Christ instructs you more effectively in silence.
Sermon 102, 2

Prayer: O God, do not be silent to me, but speak the truth in my heart, for it is only truth You speak. Let me enter into the secret chamber of my heart and sing to You songs of love, which are largely sighs: my attempts to express what cannot be expressed.
Confessions 12, 16

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Father, all of Creation rightly owes you thanks and praise.

Your justice, love and mercy abound.

We thank You this day for all that you have given us:

For the Passion and Death of Your Divine Son, we thank You Father;

Through the Cross, He redeemed the world.

For the Church, we thank You Father;

It is our beacon for salvation.

For the martyrs and saints who give testimony to Your Son, we thank You Father;

Their witness to your Son is our inheritance.

For our loved ones and friends who have died and gone before us, we thank You Father;

Their love abides with us forever.

For loving spouses, we thank You Father;

Together we seek You.

For the gift of children, we thank You Father;

They are Your precious gifts to us and the world.

For the gift of our families, loved ones and good friends, we thank You Father;

Through them we see the reflection of Your Son.

For jobs, our homes and all that we have, we thank You Father;

Give us only that which we need, as we seek Your Kingdom.

We thank You through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

prayer by The Holy Spirit

November 22 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-11-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Pine for the Homeland
Now let us hear, bothers and sisters, let us hear and sing. Let us pine for the city where we are citizens. By pining, we are already there. We have already cast our hope, like an anchor, on that coast.
I sing of somewhere else, not of here; for I sing with my heart, not my flesh. The citizens of Babylon hear the sounds of the flesh; the founder of Jerusalem hears the tune of the heart.
Commentary on Psalm 64, 3

Prayer: Lord, lets us make our home again in You and thus avoid being lost. Long ago we left it - for what is our home but Your Eternity, which does not disappear because we have deserted it!
Confessions 4, 16

November 21 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-11-21T22:09:00.001-05:00

Father and Judge
Really, what profit is there in temporal good health and in the ties of blood if we willingly spurn the eternal inheritance of Christ? And this opinion is not mine.
It comes from the words of the Almighty God Himself: whoever rejects Him in this world as Father will find Him in the next as Judge!.
Letter 52, 4

Prayer: O Lord, our God, let our mouths not speak of vanities. Make us happy in You, for we will not lose You if we have clung to You, nor shall we go lost. Make us happy in You.
Sermon 113, 6

November 20 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-11-20T08:19:00.000-05:00

Captivity and Liberation
We must also know first our captivity, then our liberation: we must know Babylon and Jerusalem. These were two cities recorded in the Bible.
They were founded to symbolize those two "cities" that began in the far past and will continue to the end of time.
Commentary on Psalm 64:1-2

Prayer: Lord, while I move and bear this body, I pray tha i may be pure, generous, just, and prudent. May I be a perfect lover and knower of Your Wisdom. Finally, may I be worthy of Your Dwelling Place and live in Your most blessed Kingdom.
Soliloquies 1, 1

Continued Recovery

2007-11-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all the prayers for Bob and his family. We went to visit him at the nursing home this evening and he seemed much more alert and cognizant than yesterday.

We went to the dining hall for dinner and he ate OK, but about 30 minutes into it, the entertainment arrived. Several people (obviously from an evangelical church) had a guitar, mandolin, banjo and several vocalists. The sang hymns and took requests. Most all was Bluegrass.

Bob cried throughout alot of the songs, which was good for him. Some reminded him of years passed with his parents, and some were just very emotional to hear. All songs were centered on Christ and His suffering and love. I don't really care for Bluegrass hymns, but all in all it was good this evening.

Things are looking up.

Thanks for the prayers.

Continued Prayers....

2007-11-17T20:39:00.000-05:00

Lord, I offer You the following intentions:

For Sue and her continued recuperation.
For Bob and his continued recuperation.
For Kathy and Gail and their continued strength and belief that You will handle things.
For Travis and his struggle with what You want him to do.
For my students and their families and their everyday struggles.
For my staff and their strength and devotion to our students every single day.
For all the soldiers and their families in their time of sacrifice for our country and opportunity to serve and praise You.

For all of these and others You know are in my heart, I pray to You: Hear my Prayers

November 17 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-11-17T07:50:00.000-05:00

Friendship is Godlike
Particularly when I am worn out by the upsets of the world, I cast myself without reservation on the love of those who are especially close to me.
I know I can safely entrust my thoughts and considerations to those who are aflame with Christian loveand have become faithful friends to me. For I am entrusting them not to another human, but to God in Whom they dwell and by Whom they are who they are.
Letter 73, 3

Prayer: Lord, with your help we have one what You commanded. Reward us as You promised.
Sermon 31, 6

Lord Hear Our Prayers

2007-11-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

For SM - a productive and quick recovery from shoulder and arm surgery.
For BR - continued improvement from drug interaction.
For KN and GR - strength to handle everyday situations and decisions.

Catholic Video: Fishers of Men Accident Scene

2007-11-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

This week our diocese had a "pulpit swap". This is when all the priests in the diocese swap with one another and during the homily, include their vocation story. We had Father Mark from the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington.

I found the following video at LoveToBeCatholic.com which was inspired by a vocation story.

Catholic "YouTube"

2007-10-31T13:59:00.000-04:00

Check out this video sharing site with a Catholic theme - LoveToBeCatholic.

The following video illustrates what All Souls Day means:

Getting Back Into It

2007-09-15T09:43:00.001-04:00

Wow. I’ve really neglected my blog, haven’t I?

I upgraded to the new version of Blogger and now my third party editor, w.bloggar, won’t work. Frustrating.

So I have downloaded BlogJet and trying it out for 30 days.

Colbert, Fr. Martin and Mother Teresa

2007-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hilarious commentary I saw last night based on the TIME article "Mother Teresa's Crisis of Faith". A bit irreverent, but funny nonetheless.

In Memory of Maxine B.

2007-09-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

From and email I received today:

Maxine, peacefully passed away through the night. She fought the good fight, but ultimately she let Our Lord lift her up to His arms. There is no doubt in my mind that she is happily with Him now. Thanks for your prayers and I ask that you continue those prayers for Jim and their family.

Eternal rest grant unto Maxine O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon her.
May her soul
And the souls of all the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest in peace.
Amen.

Please Pray For...

2007-07-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

Please pray for my great-aunt, Maxine B. who is suffering with emphysema. She was a teacher and a nurse. A very good person. I have very fond memories of visiting her farm in Indiana on Thanksgiving when I was little.

Hospice has been called in. Family has been visiting regularly. She's is in God's hands now.

(on a separate note) - I plan to post more regularly from now on. Please check back daily if you choose. Much went on in the last six months. Trying to sort everything out.

God Bless -

Darren

On Vacation

2007-06-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

On vacation from May 29 - June 7th. Check out daily logs and pics at Norton, News, Notes 'n' Nonsense.

St. Patrick's Day Video

2007-03-15T16:04:00.000-04:00

With St. Paddy's Day coming up, I thought I'd post a little video from one of the kids' Veggie Tales DVD. It's pretty funny, fairly informative on the basics of St. Patrick's life, and pretty entertaining. Let me know what you think.

Minute Meditation - March 14

2007-03-14T17:20:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"Now is the acceptable time!
Now is the time of salvation!"
(2 Cor 6:2)

Reflection
"You no longer have the time that is past. Nor are you sure of the time that is to come.
Hence, all you have is this present point in time and nothing more."
- St. Catherine of Siena

Prayer
Timeless Lord, teach me to be grateful for every moment of timee tha You allot to me. Grant that I may always make the best use of my time.
- Every Day is a Gift

March 14 - Augustine Day by Day

2007-03-14T16:39:00.001-04:00

Cross and Resurrection
Jesus'cross is an example of painful toil. His resurrection is the reward of painful toil.
In the cross He showed us how we are to bear suffering. In His resurrection He showed us what we are to hope for.
On the Creed 3, 9

Prayer: You come, O Christ, humble in appearance. You were scorned, whipped, crucified, and killed. Yet on the third day You rose again, and on the fortieth day You ascended into heaven, where you sit at the right hand of the Father and where no human being sees you!Commentary on Psalm 53,4

Lenten Season and the Playoffs

2007-03-14T13:01:00.001-04:00

From Young Fogeys, Fr. Jay Toborowsky's blog:

If you're a sports fan, or if you've ever played organized sports on any level, you know that there's the regular season and there's the playoffs. The regular season is when every single team plays the same amount of games. Some teams win a lot, some teams lose more than they win, but everyone plays the whole season. Playoffs are when teams compete for a championship. During the playoffs teams play until they are defeated, and then they stop playing.

Many Catholics, I think, treat Lent more like the playoffs than a regular season. On Ash Wednesday, everyone has visions of glory and make all kinds of Lenten sacrificial intentions (I'm going to give up chocolate, I'm going to pray every day, I'm going to go to Stations of the Cross on Fridays, etc.). But one failure within those intentions (one "bad game", if you will), and we act like our Lent is over and we can resume everything we gave up and discontinue everything we added to our lives. Pass me the Reese's peanut butter eggs and the black jelly beans; Easter has arrived!

Read the rest of it here.

St. Jude Novena - Day 9

2007-03-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

This is the last day of the novena, but if you would continue to pray for BR's recovery.

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to give he and his family strength and his doctors the Lord's guidance.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Jude Novena - Day 8

2007-03-07T18:50:00.001-05:00

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to give he and his family strength and his doctors the Lord's guidance.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Jude Novena - Day 7

2007-03-06T07:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue. See the update here.

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to give he and his family strength and his doctors the Lord's guidance.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

UPDATE: BR's Condition

2007-03-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers and for joining in the St. Jude Novena.

BR made it out of surgery as well as the doctor could have expected. He was lucid and seemed to be doing well last night.

While the doctor still is unsure how much strength will return to his left side, it seemed yesterday he had more than when he went into surgery. He still has some numbness in his left leg, but we are optimistic!

Praise the Lord for his initial recovery! Continue the prayers, please, as we find out in the next few days what the long-term prognosis will be.

St. Jude Novena - Day 6

2007-03-05T07:46:00.000-05:00

BR goes in for surgery today at 12:00 pm.

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to give he and his family strength and his doctors the Lord's guidance.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Jude Novena - Day 5

2007-03-04T14:15:00.001-05:00

St. Jude Novena - Day 4

2007-03-03T14:19:00.001-05:00

St. Jude Noneva - Day 3

2007-03-02T08:33:00.001-05:00

St. Jude Novena - Day 2

2007-03-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

We now know that BR has a brain tumor. They will be operating on Monday.

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to give he and his family strength and his doctors the Lord's guidance.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Jude Novena

2007-02-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

For all that read this blog, I invite you to join me in praying a novena to St. Jude for BR.

BR has just found out that they have found a "mass" on his brain. He goes this afternoon to a neurosurgeon for more information.

Below are instructions from the St. Jude Novena page on praying the novena for those unfamiliar with this type of prayer. I'll be starting the novena today for 9 days.

What is a novena?
A novena is the reciting of powerful prayers and devotions for a special request over nine consecutive days. Traditionally, a novena included praying, fasting, and meditating.

Do I have to be Catholic to make the novena? Do I have to be religious?
No! You only have to be someone having a difficult time coping with one (or more) difficult problems in your life that do not seem resolvable on your own. You're human! It's alright to be overwhelmed sometimes.

How often and for how long should the novena be said?
Traditionally, the novena prayer is said for 9 days. The 9 days signifies the 9 days the early Apostles prayed together during the time between the Ascension of Jesus, and Pentecost, when they experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. However, there is no hard and fast "rule" for praying; it is best if you adopt a series of prayers and a rhythm for saying them that is comfortable for you and allows you to open a dialogue with God.

What prayers should I say? How do I say them?
Your goal when praying is to focus your heart, mind, and body on communicating with St. Jude. Praying is best done alone and in a quiet environment. Start by closing your eyes, then describe your special need, and make a heartfelt request for St. Jude to intercede on your behalf to help it be realized. Your prayer can be as simple as "St. Jude, please help me with (insert your request)", or if you prefer, choose one from the St. Jude Prayers. You should then follow your St. Jude prayer by saying 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, and 3 Gloria prayers. Although not required, many people also find that meditating and/or some type of fasting during the 9 days provide extra comfort and strength when saying the prayers.

What should I expect to happen?
A novena to St. Jude has never been known to fail for those who maintain a strong posture of faith that God is ALWAYS working behind the scenes for us. For some people, by the end of the 9 days, they will see some visible, concrete proof that their request has been granted. For others, they may receive something that is not what they asked for, but turns out to be what they REALLY needed at this point in their lives. And for others, they may experience a newly-found feeling of hope and peace of spirit, that brings with it the sense that they ARE NOT GOING THROUGH THEIR DIFFICULTY ALONE. The beautiful power of the St. Jude novena is that people can have their requests answered in ways or times they may not have expected. The important thing is to believe that you WILL experience a change, and don't despair if you do not receive an instant answer. Often the path to finding true healing of mind, body, or spirit is a process that will only be fully visible and appreciated after an extended period of time. Praying to St. Jude is the first step in that process.

Whatever you do…
DON'T STOP HOPING…
DON'T STOP TRUSTING….
DON'T STOP TRYING…….

St. Jude Novena - Day 1

2007-02-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

St. Jude, please help BR and his famly in this time of uncertainity and stress. I ask that you intercede on BR's behalf to rid him of the mass in his head and all the negative effects associated with his condition.

St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostolate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impossible for God. I ask you to pray for BR now before the Most High so that he too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for him and faithfully place himself in God's loving hands.

Our Father (three times)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary (three times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Gloria (three times)
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Minute Meditations - February 25

2007-02-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

Scripture
"In truth and love, then, we shall have grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father."
(2 John 3)

Reflection
"Our thoughts must be centered on the search for truth and our affections on the fervor of love.
In this way, we will always be practicing divine love."
- St. Bernard

Prayer
All-loving Father, let me ever be open to Your truth and Your love. Enable me to walk all my days in that love and that truth.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

Kids playing in the snow

2007-02-21T15:13:00.000-05:00

Check out my other blog for pictures and a video of the kids playing in the snow on Presidents' Day. This is the most snow we have had in years!

From My Inbox: A Lenten Reflection

2007-02-21T11:29:00.000-05:00

Actually it is from someone else's inbox, but it was sent to me:

A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining; focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism; become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments; think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry; trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement; be full of hope.
Give up bitterness; turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred; return good for evil.
Give up negativism; be positive.
Give up anger; be more patient.
Give up pettiness; become mature.
Give up gloom; enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy; pray for trust.
Give up gossiping; control your tongue.
Give up sin; turn to virtue.
Give up giving up; hang in there!
Unknown

Prayers Please...

2007-02-21T07:49:00.001-05:00

Your prayers please for RR and MD as they both have very important doctor's appointments today.

Prayers, Please

2007-02-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

I ask for your prayers for the family of Justin Hinch, a 17 year old parishioner who passed away as a result of an auto accident last week.

The Second Chance Anniversary

2007-02-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday, January 31, 2007 was the one year anniversary of My Second Chance. One year later my cholesterol is fine, my blood pressure is normal and I've leveled out after losing 20 pounds (still got a few pounds to go).

Some changes I've made:

No trans fat
Total fat in foods less than 12% (try to keep it at 9% or less)
Walked 2 miles a day from January - March (need to pick that back up)
We go to daily Mass as often as we can

That's all for now...

From My Inbox: For Catholics Only

2007-01-08T19:06:00.000-05:00

Received this tongue-in-cheek email today. Really pretty funny. Anything ring true?

This information is for Catholics only. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and code words, the better off they are.
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: a liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO.
KNEELER: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PEW: See Kneeler.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.

December 29 - Augustine Day by Day

2006-12-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

A Great Event
Now the Lord established a civilization into which to be born, just as He created a mother from whom to be born. These events we have all celebrated in song.
This He has done who raises up the poor to place them in the company of princes. This is a great event, a great joy! Commentary on Psalm 86, 7-8

Prayer: Let Christ help you, the Son of the Virgin and the spouse of vigins, physically born of the virginal womb and spiritually joined in virginial marriage! Holy Virginity 2, 2

December 25 - Augustine Day by Day

2006-12-25T12:33:00.000-05:00

It is Christ's Birthday!
Rejoice you who are just. It is the birthday of Him who justifies. Rejoice you who are weak and sick. It is the birthday of Him Who makes people well. Rejoice you who are in captivity. It is the birthday of the Redeemer. rejoice you who are slaves. it is the birthday of the Master.
Rejoice you who are free. It is the birthday of Him Who makes us free. Rejoice all you Christians. It is Christ's birthday. Sermon 184, 2

Prayer: Let us devoutly celebrate this day, For just as the first ones to share our faith adored Christ lying in the manger, let us adore Him reigning in heaven. Sermon 203, 3

2006 St. Mark Christmas Program

2006-12-22T09:08:00.001-05:00

Here's a short video of the kids in last night's school Christmas Program.

Nicholas the Alter Boy

2006-12-20T09:51:00.001-05:00

This morning at the Children's Mass, Nicholas had the ooportunity to be an Alter Boy for the first time. He's been wanting to do this for some time and finally had the opportunity. He did a great job!

Happy Birthday Kathy!

2006-12-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wife, Kathy. Today she celebrates four decades of being alive!

Holy Father, please bless Kathy. Help her to have a great year and grow in Your grace. Thank you for letting us know Kathy. Help us all grow in love and faith. Help us all to praise You and give You glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

December 13th: Lucia's Day

2006-12-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

Today is the feast of St. Lucia, or St. Lucy of Syracuse. It is a national holiday in Sweden, where my wife's paternal family is from, so every year my wife makes these delicious little Lucia buns (click here for a recipe, not my wife's, though...) for family and friends.

I went to the children's Mass this morning and Fr. Jim spoke of St. Lucy in his homily. He also explained that while he normally would wear red on a feast day of a martyr, he was wearing purple because Advent takes precedence over a feast day of a martyr. He went on to explain that when Bishop Gainer celebrated the children's Mass last Friday, he was wearing white because it was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which takes precedence over Advent. Once he explained his vestment colors he tied in very nicely St. Lucia's life and martyrdom with the Gospel for the day.

Here's a prayer to St. Lucia I copied from this site:

Saint Lucy, your beautiful name signifies light. By the light of faith which God bestowed upon you, increase and preserve this light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin.

By your intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God's greater honor and glory and the salvation of all men.

Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

Have a great day!

Minute Meditations - November 12

2006-11-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

Scripture
"Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me."
(Ps 71:9)

Reflection
"Do not wait for old age to offer yourself to God.
Offer Him the flower of your youth, which will be pleasing to Him and which He will accept with the greatest of love."
- St. Catherine of Siena

Prayer
God of all ages, grant that I may give myself to You at every age of my life - youth, adulthood, and old age. Then in my old age continue to take care of me.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

Minute Meditations - November 11

2006-11-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

Scripture
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thes 5:18)

Reflection
"Ingratitude is the enemy of our immortal souls.
Ingratitude empties our souls of merit, scatters their virtues, and deprives them of graces."
- St. Bernard

Prayer
Almighty Father, help me to show gratitude to You for all the good things You have done for me. Let me also be grateful to all those who help me on my earthly pilgrimage to Your heavenly Kingdom.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

From My Inbox: You Are So Blessed

2006-11-08T17:21:00.000-05:00

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the lonliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of the 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this post, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways you may never know.

Kinda puts things into perspective, don't it?

Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: What Jesus Was Called

2006-10-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

He had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

Tags: From My Inbox

Family Rosary Time

2006-10-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

My 8 year-old daughter, Rebecca, came to me last week and asked, "Daddy, why don't we pray the rosary at home?"

I replied, "Would you like to pray the rosary at home as a family?"

She answered, "Yes. We pray the Hail Mary at school every morning and since we all have rosaries I thought we could do it together as a family."

Since we always try to make time to have dinner together as a family every evening, I told her I would work out a way we could all say the rosary after dinner each night. I talked with her about the decades and the mysteries and what the rosary really means. She and I worked out the following plan:

We would say a decade a night, focusing on a mystery per week. For example, the first week of each month we would say the Joyful Mysteries, one mystery per evening, Monday through Friday. The second week we would focus on the Luminous Mysteries, the third would be Sorrowful, the fourth, Glorious.

We decided that each member of the family would lead the prayers each evening: I on Monday, Kathy on Tuesday, Nicholas on Wednesday, Rebecca on Thursday and Emily on Friday.

We started last Thursday and the kids love it. They get a blanket and sit or lay on the floor and get quiet. They say the prayers with such reverence and awe and with the innocence of children. It's inspiring to both my wife and I.

These few minutes of quiet prayer as a family really sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

Why didn't we say the rosary at home before this? It's hard to find time in between homework and practices and games and meetings and all the running around we do. It was exactly what we needed at a time when we think we are in control of things and shut God out - intentionally or not.

So take time each day to pray. Quiet yourself and talk with the Lord. It's amazing how much better everything will be.

Minute Meditations - October 14

2006-10-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work."
(Phil 2:13)

Reflection
"Let us ask God's help before doing anything.
If we acted in this way, we would perform wonders, for it would be God acting always in us."
- St. Peter Julian Eymard

Prayer
Heavenly Father, let me call upon Your help before undertaking to do anything in my life. Grant that I may be so united with You that Your grace may always bring forth good fruit.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

From My Inbox: Happy Fall

2006-10-04T16:38:00.000-04:00

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.
God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

Have a Happy Fall - my favorite time of the year.

Tags: From My Inbox

Kids' School Pictures

2006-10-03T16:54:00.000-04:00

The kids' new school pictures are at Parties and Pictures

Dreams - by Nicholas Norton

2006-09-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

A poem written for 5th grade class as part of a butterfly project:

Dreams
By Nicholas Norton
September 7, 2006

As I sit there watching a butterfly
Flutter by,
I begin to wonder -
"What if I could fly?"
Oh, I know how my heart would sing
If I could take to the wing!

And I thought about all the wonderous things
I could do if I had wings.

But alas!
That dream will fade.

That's not the way I was made.

But wait!
Dreams can come true!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2006-09-25T06:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a great day!.

Holy Father, please bless my mom. Help her to have a great year and grow in Your grace. Thank you for letting us know her. Help us all grow in love and faith. Help us all to praise You and give You glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From My Inbox: Recall Notice

2006-09-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.

For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will
Have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!
GOD

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail".

Tags: From My Inbox

Madonna on NBC

2006-09-19T17:46:00.000-04:00

From the news media and Catholic Fire:

Following the lead of Rosie O'Donnell and ABC, NBC has decided to join in the bashing of Christians by airing a Madonna special in November. A specific date has not been released. In the show, Madonna, wearing a fake crown of thorns, descends on a suspended mirrored, disco ball-type cross. When some Christian leaders complained about the mockery, NBC ignored their concerns.

Making mockery of the crucifixion of Christ has been a trademark of Madonna for many years. In 1989 she had a video for the hit song "Like A Prayer." The video featured burning crosses, statues crying blood and Madonna--representing Jesus--freeing a saint from his sexual repression by seducing him. This is the same Madonna who once said, "Crucifixes are sexy because there's a naked man on them."

Kevin Reilly, an executive at NBC, said Madonna considered the scene mocking the crucifixion of Christ the highlight of her show. "We (NBC) viewed it and didn't see it as being inappropriate." Madonna considers mocking the crucifixion of Jesus the highlight of her show and NBC agrees.

The American Family Association has a petition here if you want to send emails. I have sent one to NBC's Chairman John Wright and the president of our local NBC affiliate, WLEX-TV.

Minute Meditations - September 17

2006-09-17T10:39:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
(Phil 2:12)

Reflection
"You have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation. ...This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart.
If you reach the goal, you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it, you will find misery."
- St. Robert Bellarmine

Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me to do everything for Your honor and glory. Grant me the grace to work out my salvation with anxious concern each day of my life.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

From My Inbox: Dogs

2006-09-13T15:43:00.000-04:00

Here are some quotes related to dogs. There are a few practical hints of wisdom in these. Our loveable mutt, Benji (pictured on the left when he was a pup and much leaner) would appreciate these, if he could read. Enjoy!

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -Will Rogers

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. -Andy Rooney

We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam

Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate. -Sigmund Freud

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -Rita Rudner

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. -Robert Benchley

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber

If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. -Unknown

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein

Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' - Dave Barry

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras

If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.

Tags: From My Inbox

Prayers, Please

2006-09-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

Prayers, please, for the family of Larry Jones, who drowned this past weekend. He was a classmate of mine at St. Mark Elementary and his family are members of our parish.

Incline Your ear, O Lord, unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray You to show Your mercy upon the soul of Your servant Larry Jones, whom You have commanded to pass out of this world, that you would place him in the region of peace and light, and bid him be partaker with Your Saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Minute Meditations - September 1

2006-09-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers."
(Acts 2:42)

Reflection
"When the Church prays in her Liturgy it is Christ Who prays.
For the Church prays in Christ,
and Christ prays in the Church:
the Body prays in the Head, and the Head in the Body."
- St. Augustine

Prayer
Glorious Lord, help me to pray the Liturgy in union with Christ for Your glory. At every Eucharist, let me consciously adore and thank You, make reparation to You, and present my petitions before You.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

From My Inbox: $20

2006-08-30T09:15:00.000-04:00

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special- Don't EVER forget it."

If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring.

Count your blessings, not your problems.

And remember: Amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Tags: From My Inbox

Soccer Lessons

2006-08-29T22:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't been posting lately because the beginning of the school year has hit us like brick. With Kathy working as the cafeteria manager at the kiddos' school, and with me being at the beginning of the school year, we haven't had much time for anything but eating and sleeping (and not much time for those, either).

I have mentioned in past postings that Nicholas is playing soccer for his school's middle school this year, even though he is in 5th grade. Practice and games have taken up every other day and the weekends lately. However, this evening's game made me the most proud.

Keeping in mind that Nicholas is in the 5th grade and he's playing for a middle school team, he doesn't get much playing time. He averages 5 minutes at the end of each half if he is lucky. He doesn't seem to mind, and we have encouraged a "team player" mentality when it comes to sports. God bless him if he has inherited his dad's athletic ability.

Tonight's game was his crowning moment so far this season. And he didn't even play. There was anotherplayer who locked his uniform in the school today and was unable to play. Recognizing that this other player was an intergral part of the team, Nicholas offered his jersey and cleats to this other player so he could play. The coaches didn't ask him, the players didn't ask him. I truly believe that he knew that sacrificing himself would benefit the team. I actually was angry when I saw the other player with his jersey, until I found out it was a selfless act initiated by Nicholas himself.

Whay do we have our kids play sports? To learn teamwork? To learn sportsmanship? To learn empathy? Nicholas seems to have learned all that already. He didn't score a goal. He didn't block a goal. He didn't even play - but according to his coach, he was the hero of the game.

Minute Meditations - August 26

2006-08-26T09:31:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"Giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father."
(Eph 5:20)

Reflection
"We must never fail to thank our Lord after we have received some sign of goodness, some benefit, from Him.
For God loves grateful hearts and heaps blessings on them."
- St. Mary Euphrasia

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the graces and blessings You have bestowed on me from my birth. Help me to show my gratitude by using all Your gifts for Your glory and the betterment of human beings.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

Minute Meditations - August 22

2006-08-22T07:33:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"My fruit is better than gold, yes, than pure gold, and my revenue than choice silver."
(Prov 8:19)

Reflection
"Mary is the stem of the beautiful flower on which the Holy Spirit rests with the fullness of His gifts. Hence, those who want to obtain the seven gifts of the Spirit must seek the flower of the Holy Spirit on the stem [Mary].
We go to Jesus through Mary, and through Jesus we find the Grace of the Holy Spirit."
- St. Bonaventure

Prayer
Heavenly Father, You made Mary the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Help me through Mary and Jesus to reach the Spirit and obtain His surpassing gifts.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

Busy Busy

2006-08-18T16:11:00.000-04:00

With the start of school (both mine and my kiddos) last Wednesday, it's been hard to find time to blog. In addition, Nicholas is playing for his school's soccer team this year, so we have games and practices to fit in our schedule as well.

A few prayer intentions, though:

For G.N. and family in his recovery from by-pass surgery....

For all administrators, teachers, students and parents this new school year....

For M.C. and his struggle with finding a bone marrow donor....

For the turmoil in the Middle East....

For M.P. and family in his continual struggle with serious health probems...

For A.N. in her struggle with back pain/spasms...

For M.W. and her boys for a safe and fun-filled weekend...

For all my family and friends...

...Let us pray to the Lord.

From My Inbox: Mother Teresa-In Her Own Words

2006-08-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

Click here for a nice PowerPoint slideshow.

Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: Serious Times...People of All Faiths

2006-08-16T16:50:00.000-04:00

During these serious times people of all faiths should remember these four religious truths:

1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters or liquor stores.

My Comments:
Laugh, it's funny! I'll be posting more "serious" reflectoins in the next couple of days.

Tags: From My Inbox

Minute Meditations - August 12

2006-08-12T12:01:00.000-04:00

Scripture
"A gracious woman wins esteem...A kindly man benefits himself."
(Proverbs 11:16-17)

Reflection
"Do not chase after all kinds of knowledge, enlightenment, and understanding in the hope of gaining the hearts of others.
You will gain those hearts more surely by showing openness and graciousness to them."
- St. John Chrysostom

Prayer
Gracious Lord, help me to show openness and graciousness to others. In this way, let me win over their hearts on earth and gain their souls for eternity.
- Every Day is a Gift

Tags: Minute Meditations

An Evening Among Friends 3 - Howie Mandel

2006-08-09T14:31:00.000-04:00

click poster to enlarge

RICHMOND, KY - On Saturday evening, August 5, 2006, Father James Sichko announced to new parishioners and members of the 101 Club the "mystery guest" for next year's Evening Among Friends 3 - Deal or No Deal's host Howie Mandel!

Slated for a one show appearance on Saturday, May 19, 2007 for only 500 guests, Howie promises to give away up to $10,000 to one lucky audience member!

As with previous "An Evening Among Friends", next year's event's proceeds will benefit the Madison County Special Olympics and help reduce St. Mark's debt.

The first "An Evening Among Friends" in 2005 was hosted by Regis Philbin and benefited our local YMCA and Kids Connection.
The second "An Evening Among Friends" this year was hosted by Bill Cosby and benefited our local Habitat for Humanity and the Ennis Cosby Education Foundation.

See my related posts on previous "An Evening Among Friends" events:

For a Good Cos

News Briefs

An Evening Among Friends II - Cosby

For more information on purchasing tickets for next year's performance, you can call St. Mark Church at (859) 623-2989.