Glimpse of Peace

Straight Talk on Sunday {Cardinal Arinze}

2013-03-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Eagle Project Potential

2013-03-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

Poised to launch an Eagle Project, Joseph visited a local 'non profit' recently and met with the volunteer coordinator. At the start of their meeting, she said, "Your timing is divine!" It's always nice to hear words like those at the beginning of a such a weighty undertaking.

Joseph's original connection with this local organization came as a result of a Boy Scout requirement for the Eagle required Citizenship in the Community merit badge. He attended a six hour volunteer training course and worked a shift or two during an open house event. A few other attempts were made to volunteer on a somewhat regular basis with the farm chores, but he never really fell into a routine.

In an effort to be of service to a non-profit and lead a project toward earning his Eagle Rank, Joseph inquired about any possible project needs on the rural site. It just so happens that a renovation of the teaching area and tack storage room are not only needed but also funded (!). This potential Eagle Project is similar in many ways to the pigeon loft Joseph helped build under Grandpa Cliff's direction last year. And unlike Zachary's Eagle Project, it does not {reportedly} require any building permits.

Looming on the horizon are a series of hoops for Joseph to jump through both at the farm and with the district Scouting powers-that-be for the final approval granting prior to any hammer swinging. But the initial investigative steps have been taken, and the foundations of his Eagle Project are starting to take form.

Confession Explained

2013-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

For any who may need a little refresher (or who have always wondered) on why we confess our sins to a priest, this little 6 minute video from the Diocese of Richmond is my gift to you on this Second Sunday of Lent.

Remember to keep today (and every Sunday) holy and visit our Lord at His place!

Young Priest Climbs Tall Ladder {and 6 other stories}

2013-02-15T18:34:00.001-08:00

Joseph competes in the individual medley relay at the district finals meet

In an all out effort, Joseph nearly earned himself a spot on the state swim team at the culmination of his first year competing in the varsity sport. About one second distanced him from the opportunity to join his teammates at the state meet this weekend and defend his team's (four-year-running) state championship title in Washington AA swim and dive. As a small consolation, Joseph and Tim will travel to the state meet and volunteer as timers for the finals, so Joseph will be on site to witness the excitement. Though he would much rather be in the pool than on the deck, his final swims at the district meet were personal bests with a 1.11 breast 2.24 IM, and his team won the district title (again).

Peter sports his new Star Rank patch

Peter earned his Star Rank this week, after successfully completing all the requirements, which include a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review. His next goal: Life Rank. Peter's new leadership position, Troop Guide, will give him an opportunity to mentor the incoming Boy Scouts this spring and summer. We lift up our prayers for the national leaders of the Boy Scouts of America, at this time when the organization faces a serious well-funded and skillfully launched attack as outside forces attempt to force their Pagan agenda upon it.

A photo texted home by Zachary from his retreat

Zachary's second semester at Notre Dame well under way, he fled campus last weekend with a bus full of dorm-mates and a few clerics for a short retreat on the shores of a frozen Michigan lake. Talks, confession, Mass, and hours to explore the snowy wilderness gave this Knott Hall retreat its appeal. We received several messages with photos (a dream come true!) and brief texts relating the successful tracking of various wild animals to their dens and moon lit explorations of the countryside. Other funny text messages from Zac this week include:

"I've spent probably over an hour explaining to people that I'm not afraid of bears."
In response to my apology for 'dropping the news so suddenly' that an elderly parishioner died: "Is there a less sudden method? She half died... three quarters...okay she died. Thanks for the update."
In response to my texted request to 'take pictures' after the elated students and fans stormed the floor following the recently televised 4OT win by the Notre Dame basketball team: "Of my TV? I didn't manage to get a ticket." I thought he was watching from the stands, not from his room.
"Speechless" first thing in the morning on February 11th, alerting us to Pope Benedict's abdication.
"I suddenly have realized why eating fish can be a penance."

Raw expansion opportunity

Tim acquired a new location our next pawn shop, this one in a neighboring town about thirty minutes south. He will soon be outfitting, staffing and operating our fourth business, and the commute may require him to upgrade from the 1995 Toyota 4Runner he's driven the past decade and a half. His staff recently expressed regret at the new vehicle possibility, since the roaring engine gives away his impending arrival by about two blocks, giving them plenty of time to get back to work and look busy before he bursts through the door. No imminent plans for a stealth-mobile, but there's only so many miles his 4Runner can handle before it's mechanisms give up (car talk).

Father Josh on high before Sister first vows

The most unexpected sight at St. Joseph's Passionist Monastery in Kentucky had to be the young priest perched atop a 15 foot ladder just inside the chapel entrance. Father Josh was pre-positioning a birds eye view camera soon-to-be stealthily operated during the Mass of Religious Profession for my friend, Sister Cecilia Maria. I met Father Josh in the receiving line in the nuns' parlor after Mass, and learned that he operates Lolek Productions, and is a missionary in evangelizing our culture and sharing the Gospel through the media. His team's efforts yielded a high quality vocation promotion video for the Passionist Nuns. Check it out!

Peter, Father Joseph, and Joseph at Benediction

Our Lenten prayers are joined with the worldwide Church for Pope Benedict XVI in these final weeks of his pontificate, and for his successor.

'Luke' looks up to Peter in goal

Our delightful former foster twins routinely beg to come and visit us, according to their mom. We schedule visits as often as we can, and love hearing their new words and funny expressions. She still begs for food, he's still ambivalent towards meals; he loves to zoom around the house on the plasma car and she prefers to be next to someone. They are in the potty training process, so they come with pull ups rather than diapers these days. Two two and a halfs guarantee entertaining visits, but the fact that these two ask to go to Church whenever we're riding in the car together gives me something even greater to smile about.

Click over to Jen's place where nearly 200 other bloggers have shared their 7 Quick Takes!

I Love Pope Benedict XVI {St. Valentine's Day Musing}

2013-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Our family's view of Pope Benedict XVI on March 30, 2011, at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican

One of the most memorable moments of our family pilgrimage to Italy in 2011 happened in sunny St. Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI wheeled past us following his inspirational, thought provoking weekly audience. We were within a few feet of our Papa as he rolled along toward the sea of faithful visitors crowded in the piazza below, our seats being on an upper platform very close to the chair from which of our Holy Father preached. If we had been holding a baby, we could easily have secured a Papal kiss!

The thrill of making eye contact with Pope Benedict surpassed any expected excitement or anticipated joy, and I reacted by screaming, "I love you Pope Benedict!" and throwing him several kisses in rapid succession. I almost certainly caught a glimpse of a papal smirk at my antics. Would that be too hard to imagine given the fact that I came unglued like a heart-struck teenager suddenly within reach of her pop star hero?

More far reaching than any pop superstar, Pope Benedict XVI has led our Church and taught us well during his pontificate and throughout his lifetime. Now he is leading us, or perhaps allowing us to be led in a new direction, as he abdicates his position and retires to monastic life in a few short weeks.

This is our family's second pastor in less than a year to make this same sudden and surprise announcement, seemingly out of the blue. Yet with holy priests like Pope Benedict and our former pastor Father Qui Thac (now knows as Father Marion in his Benedictine habit), what seems like sudden or shocking news to our eyes and ears is actually the manifestation of light given to them as fruits of a profoundly devout prayer life and an intimately personal relationship with our Lord. In Pope Benedict we are given another fine role model to follow and imitate, teaching us by his example the virtue in letting go of everything and anything when God calls us to abandon ourselves to a closer union with Him.

Pope Bendict's message at our papal audience in 2011 focused on the life St. Alphonsus Ligouri, however the very words he used to describe St. Ligouri could aptly be repeated to sing the praises of our soon-to-be-retired Pope Benedict XVI. I share the quote Father Z style; my comments in red:

St Alphonsus Maria Liguori {Pope Benedict XVI} is an example of a zealous Pastor who conquered souls {including mine} by preaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments combined with behaviour impressed with gentle and merciful goodness that was born from his intense relationship with God, who is infinite Goodness. He had a realistically optimistic vision of the resources of good that the Lord gives to every person and gave importance to the affections and sentiments of the heart, {even love-struck ladies at papal audiences} as well as to the mind, to be able to love God and neighbour.

~ BENEDICT XVI, GENERAL AUDIENCE

St. Peter's Square, Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Ash Wednesday

2013-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

A frozen lake in Michigan; Zachary sent this image home from his retreat with Notre Dame's Knott Hall.

Catholics line up for ash application today, aware of our need to humble ourselves, repent and return to the Lord. Some of us return to the Church on Ash Wednesday after lengthy absences and waywardness, and many who don't faithfully attend Mass on Sundays do come to Church on Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation (unlike each and every Sunday), however many Catholics feel called to attend Mass today and receive ashes as an outward sign of a new beginning of inner conversion. Today is a good day to go to confession. If for some reason you don't go to confession today, make a sincere confession in your heart, asking God's forgiveness for your sins against His love, and please confess your sins to a priest very soon.

Our Holy Church gives us a short list of Precepts. These 'non-negotiables' guide our external behavior as faithful Catholics; our obligation to follow the Ten Commandments and all teachings of Christ assumed. On Ash Wednesday one of these external precepts, or rules, is in effect ~ the requirement to fast and abstain. Only one other day ~ Good Friday ~ carries this strict requirement to fast and abstain.

Somehow the teaching of these rules, or precepts, fell through the cracks for many of us post Vatican II Catholics. This partially explains why so many Catholics today do not faithfully attend Sunday Mass, and when they do return, approach Holy Communion without any thought as to their spiritual readiness to receive our Lord. Just like me, these Catholics either were never properly taught, or they do not really understand the gravity of receiving Holy Communion in a state of mortal (deadly) sin. These teachings on preparing for Holy Communion come directly from Sacred Scripture:

"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:27–28)

Catholics in a state of mortal (deadly) sin should (are obliged to) attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. However, receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion while knowingly in this state is a grave offense. Christian writings from as far back as A.D. 70 make these teachings abundantly clear. Catholics raised without a proper understanding of Church teachings are now raising their children and the cycle of un-knowing continues; or they fall away completely, unaware of the treasure they have abandoned. Some of us have had the incredible fortune of being taught the faith by our children, and/or by zealous orthodox priests and evangelists, whose hunger for truth and desire to follow and share it have sparked our appetite for the fullness of faith.

Precepts of the Church:

I. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.

II. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting.

III. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.

IV. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once a year during Easter Season.

V. To contribute to the support of the Church.

A wise and holy priest once told me that my concern for the souls of my loved ones who no longer attend Mass or confess their sins, would be better directed toward fervent prayers for the healing of their inner dispositions (an increase in faith and a greater Love for God) than simply focused on a change in their outward behavior. I myself am proof positive that prayers for the conversion of souls are answered!

Pray without ceasing...

Holy Hospitality {Passionist Monastery}

2013-02-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sister Cecilia Maria and me on the day of her first vows as a Passionist Nun

Following the Mass of Religious Profession of Sister Cecilia Maria, the guests of the monastery were treated to a reception and cloister parlor receiving line. The holy, habited Passionist Nuns stood on one side of a simple wooden half-wall and we, their guests, passed through the parlor in a receiving line fashion, stopping to meet and visit with them before they returned to their cloister.

My turn to greet Sister Cecilia finally arrived, after perhaps an hour, and she gave me a hug and thanked me for attending her profession of vows. After a short visit, I moved along the half-wall and met the other sisters, each reflecting the love of Christ like beacons. Many knew (of) me, due to my frequent e-prayer requests, and inquired about my family. I felt deeply welcomed and wholly loved by each and every sister.

A beautiful buffet waited in the gathering space of the guest house, graciously hosted by the Passionist Oblates (lay Passionists), each wearing the Passionist insignia on a chain. At the buffet, I made the acquaintance of Sister Cecilia Maria's college roommate, Noreen and her husband, Joel, both attorneys. We were joined by the homilist, Father Rodger Hunter Hall, and Sister's sister, Whitney, and a lively discussion about Settlers of Catan ensued.

Having received advanced permission from Mother Superior to ‘hop the fence’ (exit the enclosure) following the formal receiving line, Sister joined her family and a few remaining friends in the parlor’s sitting area where we visited for about an hour until the bell rang for evening prayer at 6PM.

Sister Cecilia describes the fitting of her Passionist ring, a visible sign of her marriage to Christ as Dr. May looks on.

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in the chapel with the sisters was sublime. Her family and friends joined as we prayed the psalms and sang the hymns, being assisted by Father Hunter Hall who helped them find the right pages in the chapel breviaries.

After evening prayers, extra chairs were moved into the small dining area in the guest house, and so the four friends without lodging at the monastery were invited to stay for dinner. At one dinner table with Sister's grandma sat Noreen, Joel, and Sister’s professor, Dr. Jim May, the former dean of her Alma mater, St. Olaf Lutheran College. At the other table, I joined Father Hunter Hall and Sister Cecilia's parents and sister.

A pair of joyful Passionist Nuns delivered our evening meal, served buffet style. Entering and exiting through the Dutch doors marking the cloister, the sisters left us to our noisy fellowship and joined their sisters for a meal taken in silence.

Father Hunter Hall, a Passionist Oblate himself, offered exceptional hospitality and took special care to see that we had table settings and felt welcome as last minute additions to the guest list for dinner.

Over dinner, Father Hunter Hall, an employee of the US Government, shared a bit about his work as the intake expert for Catholic documents at the US Library of Congress in Washington DC. A convert to the Catholic faith, and a descendent of Scottish nobility, he was raised in Texas, entered seminary and was ordained in an Italian diocese, and wrote his dissertation on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Very recently I had been reminded of an ominous prophecy given to St. Seton, and here I found myself at dinner with a St. Seton expert! I inquired about the 'black box' prophecy, and Father related the prophetic vision of Saint Seton:

the devil would enter American homes and families through a black box

This vision, a private revelation which we are free to believe or to doubt, baffled her contemporaries in the early 1800’s. Imagine the sounds of it at that time, how absurd it would seem. The implications are fairly clear today, in our modern age when various types of black boxes fill our homes, hands, pockets, and vehicles, clamoring for our constant attention and offering morally poisonous content in ever greater volume.

Although we could have lingered much longer at table, special permission had been granted for Sister Cecilia to re-join us for another parlor visit after dinner, so we wrapped up our conversations, relocated to the parlor, and rang the bell to indicate our readiness.

Sister’s undergraduate professor, Dr. May, a well-traveled and highly educated man, happened to also be a great story teller. He related experiences from his monastery stays in Greece and in so doing, sparked a lively conversation with Sister’s mother, Jane, about the fantastic beans offered there, which one loved and the other despised. Joel

asked Sister several insightful questions about the Mass and her daily routine as a nun which she answered like an expert apologist with the tenderness of a mother and the humility of a child.

An admirable hand crafted wooden display case, built by Sister’s father, Tim, was passed around the room. A crucifix adorned with the objects of Christ’s Passion (which someone had gifted to the sisters) had been beautifully mounted, housed in a glass-front case branded by a small custom-made stamp bearing the Passionist badge.

A bell summoned us to return once again to the chapel for night prayer. After prayers, at the final blessing, Father Hunter Hall crossed into the enclosure at Mother Superior’s unspoken gesture of invitation, and sprinkled each nun with holy water as they approached and bowed for the blessing. I am guessing that on ordinary nights, this blessing would be bestowed upon the sisters by Mother herself.

Following the holy water blessing, I overheard someone in the pews quietly remark, “I have no idea what just happened!” How this memorable day of first vows ~following Sister's conversion into the Catholic Church and discerning a call to the cloistered life of a Passionist Nun~ would be viewed by someone outside the Catholic faith is a mystery to me. But the fact that Sister's family and friends entered wholeheartedly into the monastic experience despite their different beliefs shows both the depths of their love for her and a great willingness to set aside any prejudices for the sake of supporting her vocation.

Two by two, the nuns processed by candlelight toward their cells in silence, my final glimpse of the holy, cloistered, consecrated women. As I drove away from the monastery heading back to my hotel, I stopped to photograph the chapel, lit and reflecting upon the pond under the starry sky.

Bright lights in the darkness...

Profession of Passionist Vows {Sister Cecilia Maria}

2013-02-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

Sister Cecilia Maria wears the white veil of a novice in the chapel cloister at St. Joseph Passionist Monastery, KY

Thirteen hours of travel (4 driving; half in a rental car from Tennessee to Kentucky) brought me my hotel in Owensboro at about midnight. Twelve hours later I was on my way to St. Joseph Monastery, arriving early for the 1:30 Mass of Religious Profession for my friend Sister Cecilia Maria.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, including an exceptional homily by Father Rodger Hunter Hall, the Rite of Religious Profession began as Bishop Medley called Sister Cecilia’s name. She stepped forward for the examination, “In your desire to follow Christ Crucified more perfectly, are you resolved to cherish in your heart a loving and grateful remembrance of the mystery of the Passion, and to express it in your life, observing consecrated chastity for the sake of the kingdom, embracing voluntary poverty, offering to God the gift of your obedience, and observing enclosure?”

To this examination, Sister Cecilia replied, “I am so resolved.”

Sister Cecilia Maria responds to the examination by Bishop Medley as the Rite of Religious Profession begins.

Bishop Medley led the congregation in solemn prayers for God’s grace for Sister Cecilia Maria, after which she made her profession of vows. Sister spoke her vows with great conviction, kneeling before her Superior, Mother Catherine Marie, seated at the foot of the altar. As Prioress of the Passionist Nuns at St. Joseph Monastery, Mother appeared jubilant and deeply peaceful, tenderly speaking her acceptance of Sister Cecilia’s vows with such love.

Mother Catherine Marie receives Sister Cecilia Maria's profession of vows.

Sister Cecilia Maria receives her new black veil from Mother Catherine Marie.

Newly professed as a Passionist Nun, Sister Cecilia Maria received a black veil and Passionist ring, signifying her marriage to Christ Crucified. The Passionist sign was placed on her habit over her heart as a constant reminder of her Divine Spouse and the sorrows of His holy Mother. A crown of thorns set upon her head and a simple cross positioned on her back, Bishop Medley bid her to be faithful to her vows and to follow Christ in humility, obedience and self-denial. Together with her sisters, she sang “Veni, Sponsa Christi” (Come Spouse of Christ), a love song.

The Lord of lords holds your life in His embrace. The King of kings fills your soul with His own grace…

Sister's new black veil proclaims that she belongs entirely to Christ.

Sister appeared in that moment as a living icon on fire with divine love.

Through tears of joy I photographed these moments as best I could without moving from my pew or causing too much distraction.

Wearing a crown of thorns as a reminder to follow Christ in humility, obedience and self-denial, Sister prepares to receive Holy Communion at her Mass of Religious Profession on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.

The cloistered sisters’ heavenly liturgy and simple, holy music, with sung Latin responses (Sister Cecilia’s preference), created a slightly surreal ambiance at Mass. A baptismal ‘river’ runs the entire length of the center isle of the monastery chapel ~ holy water breaking the ground to mark the nuns' enclosure. At the presentation of the gifts, the sisters processed on one side of the holy river and Sister Cecilia’s mom and grandma processed on the opposite side of the isle. Sister Cecilia crossed out of the enclosure within the sanctuary at the sign of peace, at which time her parents, grandmother, and close friends approached her for an embrace.

Bishop Medley incenses the gifts and the altar, at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer.

Holy water flows through the center isle of the monastery chapel.

Gustav Holst’s “O God Beyond All Praising,” the recessional march and closing hymn, played expertly by Sister Cecilia Maria's younger sister, Whitney, on violin, happened to be the same song to which their parents had recessed on their wedding day. How fitting that their daughter’s wedding song would voice theirs:

And whether our tomorrows be filled with good or ill, we’ll triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless you still; to marvel at your beauty and glory in your ways, and make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise.

St. Joseph Monastery {Kentucky Day 1}

2013-02-02T09:10:00.001-08:00

Sister Cecilia Maria sews her new veil in preparation for her first vows as a Passionist Nun {photo from Nuns' Blog}

It's not every day one of you friends enters religious life...but today is one of those days!
Sister Cecilia Maria will take her first vows today as a Passionist Nun, and by the Grace of God, I am able to attend the Holy Mass at St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville, Kentucky. It's in a few hours, and I can't wait! I packed my camera, but may or may not be able to photograph during the actual Mass. Time will tell.

A grueling day of travel yesterday, made possible with points accumulated on a well used VISA card, a gift of Marriott points from my well-traveled (and very generous) in-laws, and by my husband taking time off work to shuttle the boys to serve First Friday Mass and on other activities, brought me safely to my destination. A well written and mind-blowing book, The Harbinger, by Jonathan Cahn, kept me occupied and gave great food for thought...

Dinner with a highly recommended book ~ a must read!

Travel essentials, packed per high security requirements

Hotel lobby ~ with full groundhog coverage

to be continued...

Keep Marching {40 years = 55 million dead}

2013-01-31T16:40:00.002-08:00

...and so does the mainstream media, in lies of omission and lies of commission

2013 marks 40 years of the legal killing of the unborn in our country. Although the media fails to report the March for Life in our state capitol or our national capitol, it's real! Members of our family were present at both marches (again) this year to witness for life.

Washington State March for Life, January 22, 2013, Olympia, WA

Departing Bellingham at 6AM and embarking on a 3+ hour drive, we arrived at the Mass for Life, held in the gym at St. Martin's University in Lacey. Celebrated by Archbishop Sartain, concelebrated by dozens of priests, the Mass was offered for the unborn. Our prayers for the healing of our culture, for the conversion of pro abortion politicians, and for healing for each person hurt by abortion were lifted up in the Mass.

We cannot accept the killing of the unborn.
We will not accept the killing of the elderly.

Andrew St. Hilaire, co founder of the Anti-Choice Project

The ongoing sacrifice of abortion, claiming the lives of 3,500 children each DAY in the US must be stopped. One day's March for Life each year wasn't designed to be the only coordinated pro-life effort, but at this giant rally we alert our legislators with our numbers and join in prayer for the conversion of our killing country.

March for Life in Washington, DC, led by students from the University of Notre Dame, one of whom was our son, Zachary {photo from LifeSiteNews.com}

Our commitment to protecting life from conception to natural death includes ongoing prayers and acts of penance offered for the end to abortion and for conversion and repentance for all involved in this holocaust.

Prayer warrior and former pastor, Father Marion, in his Benedictine habit after the Mass for Life at St. Martin's University, visited briefly with a few of us before heading back to his cell at the monastery.

Photo sent by Zachary of the inside of St. Agnes Church, Washington, DC, where Father Jenkins celebrated a Mass for Life for the 600+ Notre Dame students who traveled to DC for the March for Life

Champions for Life, these McEntee sisters and their families and others faithfully carry on the Washington March for Life started by their parents Dick and Kathy McEntee (+).

Thanks for the gift of life, Mom! Thanks for Marching for Life!

Heavenly Birthday

2013-01-28T12:52:00.001-08:00

My nephew Weston crowns me with the traditional {outlandish} hat at my birthday party January 5th.

Born on the fifth day of January, I was reborn through the waters of baptism on January 28, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in San Francisco, California, on the feast of St. Peter Nolasco, and the secondary feast of St. Agnes. While the annual family celebrations surrounding my birthday are always festive and fun, the spiritual meaning of this day, my baptism day, have become more important to me with each passing year.

By God's divine providence, my future spouse, Timothy, was also baptized on January 28, 1968, thousands of miles away at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Seattle, Washington ~ the same place our firstborn son, Zachary, would be baptized on January 28 (1995). We specifically chose this date for Zachary's baptism for sentimental reasons, ignorant of the Church's teaching encouraging parents to seek baptism for their children within the first few weeks of birth.

The new Church Calendar, introduced around 1970 following the Second Vatican Council, moved the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas from March 9 to January 28, so our baptism anniversary now shares the feast of a truly amazing, holy, and brilliant theologian from the thirteenth century. We place ourselves under the patronage of St. Thomas Aquinas, and ask his intercession, remembering fondly our (brief) visit to the place of his elementary education, the Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino, Italy.

I received quite the heaven-sent birthday gift on the occasion of my 45th birthday a few weeks ago, a Douay-Rheims Bible originally given to my father-in-law, Cliff, by his parents on the occasion of his 35th birthday in 1976. The inscription in Grandpa Tony's handwriting, laments the fact that "In this modern age it has been perfectly possible for a person to have the best Catholic religious training without ever reading a single page of the Bible... (but) it is good to retain and read Sacred Scripture."

Interestingly, this heirloom family Bible was not actually the gift Cliff and Billie originally planned to give me. In fact their gift giving plans changed quite suddenly when Cliff found this Bible perched on top of the box where the intended birthday gift was stored inside their safe. "Cliff was pale when he came upstairs holding the Bible," said Billie, "he said THIS is what we are giving Bridget for her birthday." Unable to explain how the Bible, safely stored and nearly forgotten, appeared on top of an often accessed box in the safe, Cliff took it as a sign that this Bible should be mine.

Cliff explains finding the heirloom Bible in the safe.

Upon opening the package and discovering the Douay-Rheims Bible, I was overjoyed and slightly incredulous ~ before hearing Cliff tell of how it came to be my gift. Unknown to everyone, the Douay-Rheims Bible has been perched on my (top secret) wish list for a few years. Ever since Zachary taught me about this translation of the Bible a few years ago, I have nursed a silent hope that someday I would own a copy. By God's grace, that day came on the occasion of my 45th birthday, and for this gift I shall be eternally grateful to Cliff and Billie, to Cliff's parents Tony and Toni, and to divine providence for placing this Bible in my possession.

Grateful for the precious gift of family gathering, with Bethany, Billie, Grandma O'D, Mom, (me) and Violet

Joseph, Zachary and Peter with Great Grandma and Grandma, visiting to celebrate my birthday; a few days before Zachary's return to the University of Notre Dame for the start of his second semester.

My gift from the boys and Tim: the promise of 100 family Rosaries, cleverly wrapped in a puzzle of parts.

In all the excitement of my birthday celebrations, we had neglected to check the mail. The following day, I received a handmade card from a cherished priest, shedding even more grace upon what had been a very memorable and phenomenal birthday. "I'll be praying and offering Mass for you and your intentions on your birthday...as well as a rosary for you....Happy Birthday." The icing on my heavenly birthday cake, this tremendous gift gave me yet another reason to praise God for His abundant mercy and endless love.

The Art of Giving

2013-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

During a top secret carving session, Peter snaps a self-portrait at my request.

Peter inherited an artistic gene from his paternal grandfather and his maternal grandmother, both exceptionally artistic and creative. Peter's passion for art, manifest in his first attempts at drawing as a toddler, continues to this day in his carving, painting and creating. As the recipient of one of Peter's recent masterpieces, I am in awe of his determination, motivation and creativity.

The artist at work

I knew Peter was up to something, and that his project was somehow connected to an image of our Blessed Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus. I sensed that carving may be involved, by the noises emitting from his room when the "do not enter" sign was posted. The bandaged finger was another clue pointing toward whittling in progress.

My hand-made gift from Peter

My handmade gift, given first thing on Christmas morning, holds a very special place in my heart. Knowing that Peter created this lovely Madonna and Child statue from a block of wood, working for many hours to design, whittle, sand and paint it in time for Christmas, brings me great joy. Peter asked that I have it blessed by a priest ~the final touch~ making it a truly holy, treasured gift from my son the Christian artist.

P.S. to those who may not understand Catholic teaching:
I assure you I do not worship this statue of our Blessed Mother holding Christ. Rather, I look upon this and other holy images for inspiration ~ just as we look fondly upon photos of our loved ones or cherish shared memories brought to mind by prints or keepsakes.

Extraordinary Jaunts {Sundays in Seattle}

2013-01-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Joseph, Peter and Peter enjoy baked goodies.

In this Year of Faith, our family set a goal of participating in and growing more familiar with the 'Extraordinary Form' (Latin) Mass. This form of the Mass is not offered in our city, or county, or neighboring counties, but it is offered at North American Martyrs in Seattle, about a 90 mile drive from home. FSSP priests pastor this technically 'homeless' parish, which worships at St. Alphonsus Church and at Holyrood Cemetery Chapel in Shoreline. This ancient ~extraordinary~ form of our Holy Mass almost disappeared in my lifetime after rapid changes implemented following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960's. I don't remember the 'old' Mass, nor was I taught about it in my Catholic upbringing; but I always fostered a special attraction to the enlarged, framed black and white photograph of my parents' Nuptial Mass, said in the 'old' form at Holy Rosary in West Seattle.

The 'Ordinary Form' (Novus Ordo) Mass which we know, love and attend daily at Sacred Heart follows basically the same 'order of events' but with significant differences, not the least of which is the language in which the Mass is said and the manner in which we receive our Lord in Holy Communion. Following along in the little red booklets offered at the entrance, or fumbling along with the 1962 (heirloom) Missals we have inherited, we can mostly keep up with the Mass and prayerfully worship. The solemnity with which the Latin Mass is celebrated, the profound reverence and the decorum of the congregation are awe inspiring to say the least. The preaching is certainly not for the faint of heart!

Our special Sunday journeys to Seattle punctuate our ordinary calendar and offer us extraordinary ways to keep holy the Lord's Day.

Peter holds his God-brother Samuel

Meeting in the middle, each family driving about an hour, we celebrated a recent Sunday in Seattle with our dear friends from Tacoma. Aileen's family honored her wish to attend Latin Mass and we combined the main event with a tasty side-trip to a bakery a few blocks from the hospital in Ballard where Joseph was born almost 15 years ago. 'Ballard Blue,' the first house Tim and I owned happens to be just a few blocks from the Church, so we are familiar with the surrounds, though the area has certainly been further developed and more densely populated since we moved to Bellingham in 1998.

Bridget, Samuel and Aileen, together on Sunday morn

King Tut's exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, another Sunday side-trip during Zachary's Christmas break, offered a glimpse of history for about the price of a sarcophagus. Being linguistically inclined, Zachary especially enjoyed the inscriptions on the various artifacts. King Tut's name (or one of his names) included a sign meaning 'manifestation', which when being viewed by those of us celebrating the Epiphany (which means Manifestation) held special significance. King Tut, you may have been a king, but you were not God.

Brothers in Seattle

Spending time at Great Grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon included being catered to and well loved. Grandma and I feigned interest in the Seahawks game, while the guys intently cheered for the home team, which on that day reigned victorious. The views from her windows overlooking the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beyond are phenomenal, but sitting in the company of my 95 year old Grandma would be a pleasure in any environment.

Guests of Great Grandma for the Seahawks playoff game; watching her double-decker TV

Peter cheering for the Seahawks in his Sunday best

Birthday Boy {Peter Turns 13}

2013-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the broom, Mom...

Why is this birthday boy repairing a broom before breakfast on his 13th birthday?

Because he broke it jousting his older brother on their elevated back-deck ice rink after dark last night. Go figure!

Diving In {Home Schooled Varsity Swimmer #2: Joseph}

2013-01-05T12:30:00.001-08:00

Joseph launches into the 4x100 relay at a dual meet at home.

Participating in varsity athletics with our local high school teams is a right of passage in our Catholic home school. This year Joseph, a freshman, joined the swim and dive team which was captained by his older brother last year and state champions four years ~~running~~ swimming. The coach, in his 30-something-th year of coaching at Sehome High School, is a fantastic leader and runs a tight ship. From the very first varsity team meeting, Joseph noticed the difference in Coach Don's 'all for one/team' focus from the 'all for me' bent of the local club swim to which he's belonged for several years as part of our home school's daily PE requirement.

Tim and another volunteer stop the clock at the conclusion of Joseph's 500 free.

As big fans of our kids' public school sports teams, whether on the sidelines or in the stands, or in this case, as timers on deck, the natural flow of casual conversations with other parents sometimes shifts dramatically when the fact that our athlete attends school at home slips out. Recently Tim found himself defending our decision to home school to his co-timer during a home swim meet. The baffled mother, a long-time school district employee, expressed serious concerns for our son's well being as a home school student, sharing a few worst-case scenarios from her professional point of view. She inquired with the usual (and usually well-meaning) line of questioning we face often as the primary educators of our kids:

"What about his socialization?"

"What about his hopes for college admissions?"

"How do you make sure he's keeping up with his grade?"

Flying into action

Answering these types of questions about home schooling in the past often involved a complicated series of answers, sometimes including statistics and some personal philosophical justifications. This time, however, Tim simply answered, "We home schooled Joseph's older brother from first grade and he was admitted to Notre Dame with an academic scholarship."

That simple statement pretty much summed up everything Tim had to say in that moment with regard to all the "what if's" being launched at him with friendly fire. Point taken.

Joseph holds his own in the varsity races.

Ultimately, Zachary's academic success thus-far reflects his keen mind and his strong desire to further his education and to achieve certain goals for his intellectual, personal and spiritual growth. Anyone who knows Zachary knows that he (like his dad) has been blessed with above average intelligence. However, his academic path to the University of Notre Dame was paved right here at home, and we trust that Joseph's (and Peter's) preparation for higher education (and life in general) will also be best -custom made- in our humble little Catholic school at home.

Capturing Christmas {2012}

2012-12-27T21:31:00.002-08:00

The Mass of Christ. Christmas.

O Holy Night!

Spending time with our extended families and friends before Christmas ~ the appetizer.

Spending time with our extended families and friends after Christmas ~ the dessert.

The main course ~ assisting and worshiping at midnight Mass and Christmas morning Mass (with a few hours of sleep in between) offers pure satisfaction to our hungry hearts.

Weston, Peter, Violet, Joseph, Sawyer and Zachary: a complete set of cousins on Tim's side

Nearly the complete set of cousins; plus a few spouses and our little (and grown) ones on Bridget's side

The heart-breaker: digesting the reality that so many baptized Christians will not choose to worship God in His Church on this holy day, nor faithfully on Sundays, nor on any day. With lives so full and so blessed, they lack the desire ~ or the will ~ to physically and habitually return to God's house to give Him praise, thanks and glory. The call God Himself placed upon their hearts has been somehow muted or crowded out in the noisiness and business of life. Yet He waits patiently for each one of us to return to Him. Our Returning King offers His endless mercy as a perpetual Christmas gift, free of charge to anyone who simply, humbly asks.

Rocky at Christmas

Our New Arrival {Zac Returns from Notre Dame}

2012-12-21T10:28:00.001-08:00

Joseph, Zachary and Peter together after daily Mass at Sacred Heart

His first semester at Notre Dame behind him, Zachary returned to the fold for a month's Christmas break. Luggage in tow, fully bearded and dressed to the nines, Zachary arrived in fine form and our family of five was once again whole.

With Zachary's return comes the reunion of his old gang of solid friends; guys who have obviously missed Zachary and anticipated his return. He's a wanted man, and does a fine job balancing his family time and 'bro' time. The shortage of hours of sleep notwithstanding, Zachary's adjustment to life at home seems fairly seamless.

One semester of intense German in his wake, with another on the horizon inspired Zachary to read the Gospel of John in German over the break. Following along in English, I listened as he read the first chapter aloud. I'm no German scholar, but he sounded proficient and certainly confident in his pronunciation.

In these final days of Advent, our family and individual preparations for the celebration of Christ's birth draw us closer to one another, and closer to Him. The excitement of having our first-born son return from college, as awesome as it is, pales in comparison to our hope-filled anticipation of the coming of our Savior ~ as at the remembrance of His Holy birth on Christmas we await our Returning King who promised to come again to judge the living and the dead. Are you ready?

Perilous Preparations {Advent Lights}

2012-12-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Joseph makes a mad dash to get to geometry class, with Peter on high.

Sparing no efforts and wasting no time, Joseph and Peter cooperatively executed a well schemed decorating project which effectively illuminated our exterior surroundings. Following in the footsteps of their Grandpa Cliff, famous for fantastic lighting displays, the boys spared no expense, spending their own money to acquire new strands of lights for the festive design they envisioned.

A written plan, complete with diagrams and check lists kept Peter and Joseph focused and coordinated their efforts to meet a common goal: become the brightest house on the block.

Alpine Christmas (a planning list)
1. Get more lights soon (extra bulbs)
2. Acquire evergreen branches
3. Place lights with branches
4. Eat dessert
5. Pray to Baby Jesus

Decorating into the night, Peter perches near his handiwork.

Not without great danger was this enterprise accomplished. The farthest reaches of our roof top stand about thirty feet above the ground and come to a small point on diagonal angles. Although Joseph knew this section of the job was beyond his comfort level, Peter volunteered willingly. Disappointed that Dad wouldn't let them attempt reaching this corner in the dark, they begrudgingly agreed to postpone completion. This most perilous corner had to be accessed twice, as the first attempt to secure the lights failed at first wind. Admittedly quivering, yet bravely determined to complete the project, Peter scaled the heights a second time to attach the wayward strand.

Joseph and Peter strike a post-decorating celebratory pose.

The great reward for their decorating efforts came in the form of Grandpa Cliff's compliments, complete with an honest expression of his amazement, "I can't believe you put lights up to that corner!"
Mission accomplished.

10 Year Anniversary {Family Business}

2012-11-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

2004: family business about two years old

Ten years ago today, our home grown pawn shop made its first loan. I'm told that the odds of a small business surviving ten years are 1 in 25 (a 4% success rate), making today's decade mark a milestone worth celebrating. With Tim running the show, this enterprise was bound to succeed. Born and raised with creative entrepreneurial tendencies, gifted with a phenomenal intellect, and graced with a strong faith and high ethics, my husband's business prowess and tenacity are noteworthy.

Several serious financial challenges and ridiculous bureaucratic set-backs have make the ride a bit bumpy at times. Problems with permits, the odd delinquent employee and random acts of bullying by the powers that be have lined our 'yellow brick road' in the pawn business with a few stumbling blocks. Expanding from one shop to three in ten years, the growth factor sheds light on Tim's visionary tendencies and resolve to succeed. Outstanding managers and dedicated employees with a keen sense for sniffing out rats and weeding out trouble have saved the day on more than one occasion.

Keeping life interesting, our shop(s) have the intermittent good fortune of helping to solve crimes like the recent Golden Flute incident involving a car prowl on Church property while we were at daily Mass. Undeniably unpredictable, our pawn business(es) rolls along; the ever expanding to-do list and daily grind sometimes taking a visible toll on my most ambitious entrepreneur. Nice work, Tim!

2009: Zachary assists at our family business relocation project

2009: New location meets Joseph's approval

Uncommon Friendliness {Toddler Love}

2012-11-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Peter with the twins at Benediction before Mass

The twins skittered around in the gathering space today before Mass, as we whispered reminders of a few simple rules Church etiquette. Following last week's double altar dash, general noisiness and mayhem, we've coached and trained in preparation for today's return to Mass.

"No running in Church. Quiet voices in Church." Like little parrots, they echoed the directions ~ visibly excited to attend daily Mass with us.

Their heads turned in unison toward the front doors of the Church each time another worshiper entered. A select few merited big smiles and waves, and others got nothing but the tandem sideways glances. One woman, whose son died suddenly a few months ago, received much more...

When she entered the Church, Leia ran toward her saying, "Hi!" and looked like she was about to give her a hug, but changed her mind and sheepishly retreated with a shy grin. Luke jumped off of Peter's lap and ran straight for the woman, saying, "I want a hug!" In a move that was both bold and totally out of character ~ he gave pure two-year-old love to the grieving mother. Luke hugged her and let her carry him to a nearby chair where he sat contentedly on her lap for several minutes.

Shortly thereafter, I related the tender moment in amazement to the sacristan. She smiled as she shared that the intention for today's Mass would be for the repose of the soul of the woman's deceased son. Timing is everything, and God's timing is perfect!

Coming and Going {Grace Abounds}

2012-11-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In our quest for daily Mass on Mondays, we have accidentally attended many funerals at the other Catholic Church in our home town. Today we happened upon the exceptional occasion of a 'double funeral' for a husband and wife (Nina and John), married 72 years. Although baptized as infants in different countries, they both received the rest of their sacraments (Eucharist, confession, confirmation and marriage) and lived as members of the Church of the Assumption. Dying within days of each other allowed this couple's loved ones the unique opportunity to pray for the repose of their two souls together at this one Mass.

Leaving Mass and re-entering the world-in-progress is sometimes like leaping from a hot tub into a glacier fed lake. Today was one of those days...

As I exited the Church after quiet prayer following the funeral(s), I caught a glimpse of a pair of high school age boys walking toward me in the opposite direction on the sidewalk. As our paths crossed, one dropped the conversation-in-progress to chant loudly the lyrics to Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast."

Perhaps the sudden rock-n-roll monologue was for my benefit, or perhaps something inside of him randomly rebelled at the very instant he passed the Holy Church where Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. I prayed for the young men, and praised God for His merciful, endless, and inexhaustible love.

There but for the grace of God, go I.

Fostering Peace {Eternal Joys of Foster Parenting}

2012-11-24T07:22:00.001-08:00

Acolyte Joseph with Father Joseph; Benediction at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Our recent experience as a foster family reads like a fairy tale in some chapters, and a little like a horror story in others. The challenges we faced with the maze of daily logistics as a family of nine were sometimes crazy-making. Parenting seven kids (aged one through nineteen), with several needing delicate handling due to traumatic pasts, required plenty of prayers and lots of help from friends here and above.

Our relationship with the twins (nicknamed Luke and Leia here to protect their privacy) continues to blossom and grow; their mom considers us family, and regularly brings the kids to our house for visits. They are chattery two-year-olds now, their spunky personalities emerging with every new word and expression.

Recently, Luke found me working in the kitchen and began asking, "Gate...gate...open...hep you!"
I asked him, "Why do you want me to open the gate?"
"Church... Go Church!" Luke emphatically replied.
I promised Luke that we would be going to Church soon, but "not right now, in a little while."

About one minute later, his little while had passed and he began begging, "Church... Church... Go Church!"

Not every two year old begs to be taken to Mass, but for Luke and Leia, going to Mass with us has become a favorite activity, something they eagerly anticipate. Seeing Jesus, dipping their little hands in holy water, smiling at familiar friendly faces, holding (wearing) rosaries, and singing are highlights of their visits to Sacred Heart. Some of Luke's first words were "Holy!" and "Alleluia!" (Sounded more like howey and layooya.)

Luke helps Peter with Thanksgiving meal preparations.

Peter teaches Luke and Leia the fine art of mixing pumpkin pie filling.

Joseph colors with Leia

Upon arriving at Church with the twins, the sacristan approached (my only helper) Joseph, and asked if he would please serve Mass as the normal servers that day were not available. He agreed, after I assured him that I could handle the twins by myself during Mass. Little did I know what sort of aerobic activity awaited me. The little ones were in fine form: chanting (a little behind the congregation); calling out, "JOE!" whenever his motions in the sanctuary caught their attention; pew stomping and circling; and even a run for the altar ~ at which point a friend darted out from her pew to scoop up Leia in the nick of time. I caught up with Luke from behind, a few steps behind his bolting sister, and every bit as determined to join his big (foster) brother, Joseph and Father Joseph in the sanctuary.

Although I didn't leave daily Mass with the peaceful sensation of having been rejuvenated and refreshed by the Lord (and certainly without my usual opportunity for silent prayer time) I left completely satisfied and extremely grateful for the love of God in allowing me to serve His little ones and bring them closer to Him.

Another Day {To Pray}

2012-11-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

Owen wears a cap to cover some 34 probes attached to his head to read his brain waves during a seizure study at hospital.

Owen's brain scans revealed a disturbing pattern of near-constant seizures at night and several episodes during daytime. While these revelations give light to the hidden mysteries of Owen's brain, they bring grief to his parents' hearts, as preventative treatment for this wide range of seizures does not exist.

Baby sister Brenna keeps Owen company during another long stay at hospital.

Apollo's recovery from his second heart surgery is ongoing and painful. Today his mom wrote from Houston:

Three hours of sleep last night for me and Apollo due to more vomiting. I am *beyond* tired and he is hysterical. Not an auspicious start to day 9 in the hospital :(

A detailed description of the trials facing Apollo today are here.

Please continue to hold Owen and Apollo and their families in your prayers.

Election Results {Joseph Victorious}

2012-11-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

In a very close race for senior patrol leader, Joseph emerged victorious after the Boy Scout troop's election last week. Joseph will serve as the assistant senior patrol leader for the next six months, and begin his term as SPL in May 2013.

Running against three other Scouts (worthy opponents all), and on his third attempt at being elected to this top position in the troop, Joseph carefully wrote and rehearsed his election speech and made sure all his merit badges were sewn onto this sash. The question and answer session following the speeches gave Joseph an opportunity to practice impromptu speaking and crowd pleasing.

A series of junior leader trainings, or JLT (with sessions led and taught by the Scouts) and a planning meeting will kick off the new leadership terms this week, and a new round of boy leadership will begin again. I must admit, I am pleased with the election results. Hopefully this is a sign of good things and sound leadership to come...

Hoping for Miracles {Healing for Owen}

2012-10-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Owen

To know him is to adore him, our little three year old friend Owen...

Please pray for Owen, whose life threatening seizures are not being controlled with any combination (or dosage) of medication. In order for Owen to be admitted for further testing and in depth brain studies, he has to be fever free for two weeks.

Please pray for Owen's parents, Rod & Kara, who have experienced many challenges and bitter frustrations in trying to advocate for Owen. They are truly champions for life.

Owen, age 3

We lift up our prayers to God for Owen's healing through dear St. Pio of Pietrelcina:

Dear God, You generously blessed Your servant,
   St. Pio of Pietrelcina, with the gifts of the Spirit.
   You marked his body with the five wounds
   of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness
   to the saving Passion and Death of Your Son.
   Endowed with the gift of discernment,
   St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional
   for the salvation of souls.
   With reverence and intense devotion
   in the celebration of Mass,
   he invited countless men and women
   to a greater union with Jesus Christ
   in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina,
   I confidently beseech You to grant me
   the grace of a miracle of healing for Owen.

Amen.

Chuck holds Apollo as he has a tube feeding during a summer party at Owen's house.

Apollo and Owen, two amazing little boys with totally devoted parents who need our prayers.