For all my Catholic and non-Catholic friends, please take a moment to read the Pope's letter.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Assumption of Mary-- A family field trip
This year I took my kids to mass with me on August 15th for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
Can I tell you that it was the most peaceful mass service I have ever been with my children. Don't be confused. My kiddos are great in mass, they do not act up. But, there was so much peace this time. The kids participated with enthusiasm and actually paid attention and read along in the missal. It was just a good experience.
When we left, they actually told me that they enjoyed mass. They talked about what they learned. They asked to refill their holy water bottles. They talked about their night prayers. I got hugs. It was such a nice experience. And then, I thought to myself (and I am now sharing with you), "My kids are Catholic. They really are. wow. I hope I can teach them to love being Catholic."
I wonder what it was like raising someone like Jesus. I feel pressure to raise great kids. But, I assume Mary felt more pressure than I. I am imagine her motherhood was much more intense than mine. But, then again, maybe not. Her charge from God was Jesus. My charge from God is my three children...deep thoughts.
Anyhow, I thought it was especially nice that, afterwards we went to the bookstore, they all chose monster themed books. And they all wanted to talk about scary things and stuff they found spooky. Ha! I haven't decided if it is a good or a bad thing. Maybe they just felt brave after mass.♥
Do you like my butterfly photos? I took these on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Creation is something magnificent.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
God talks to me...
I teach the Summer CCE session for 8th graders at my local parish. And this mission has been rewarding but, also very challenging. I realize everyday just how much patience I actually have. I have been asked some very deep and hard questions. I have even had a few special moments when the youth surprise me with what they know about their faith and what they don't know. I have had some humbling experiences with these students and I am hoping by the end of the session some empowering moments as well.
This late at night, I am weary. I feel like this is so much harder than it really should be. These kids don't want to be talked to. They want to talk to someone. And I am never quite sure I am the right one to talk to. I worry that maybe I have bitten off too much to chew. I am coming to the end of the session soon. But, I still pray at night that I am a good catechist and that I will put my worries aside and trust that God called me to share his word with these young people.
I want to share the story of how this all came about. When I registered my children for the summer session, I had absolutely NO intention of teaching. I planned to have quiet dinners with my husband and catch up on us, while someone else taught my kids of course. I had planned walks in the neighborhood by ourselves (we haven't ever done this). I wanted to meet my husband at the local state park for a bike ride or stroll on the banks of the creek. I wanted time to reconnect with my husband. This time was going to be me, for "us".
As I get to the registration office, the director very quickly informs me that my son's 3rd grad class is full and that he would have to go to the fall session or home study. Unless, of course, I taught, then he could open another class. But, he needed a teacher to do it. I told him I would consider it and sat in line for the fall session for 30 minutes. Impatiently, I got up returned to the director and volunteered to teach so that all three of my little Catholics could be in Summer CCE together.
So, that was it. I had committed to something that I had not intended to do. I decided in 30 minutes to give up my nights with my husband to teach because it would get things out of the way and they would all be effectively catechized. Still, selfishly, thinking of only myself. I left, drove for about 5 minutes, and realized. My son's 3rd grade class was a mistake. My son is a 4th grader and that class was one that was still open.
I pulled over turned my car around and headed back to church. He needed to be in the correct class for the session. As I waited at the traffic light, the sun peaked out of the clouds turning them pink. The sun made my skin reflect gold and my eyes filled with tears and I knew. I said out loud,"I know that was you Father. I know I am supposed to work for you and I know why I made that simple mistake. I know those children need me right now, not later."
The light turned green and I drove towards church with an incredible sense of support and comfort. I was weightless. I felt as though he was carrying me. I was even granted a green light at every intersection and prime parking spot too. (winks).
And that is the inspiration for this entry. How God works in my life is clearer to me as I get older or as I get better at listening and following him. God trusts me with these young beautiful souls, and I need to trust his wisdom. I need to share everything I can with them so that they will feel confident to share their faith too. But, boy does it wear me out and make me wonder if I have done a good job.
Peace.
This late at night, I am weary. I feel like this is so much harder than it really should be. These kids don't want to be talked to. They want to talk to someone. And I am never quite sure I am the right one to talk to. I worry that maybe I have bitten off too much to chew. I am coming to the end of the session soon. But, I still pray at night that I am a good catechist and that I will put my worries aside and trust that God called me to share his word with these young people.
I want to share the story of how this all came about. When I registered my children for the summer session, I had absolutely NO intention of teaching. I planned to have quiet dinners with my husband and catch up on us, while someone else taught my kids of course. I had planned walks in the neighborhood by ourselves (we haven't ever done this). I wanted to meet my husband at the local state park for a bike ride or stroll on the banks of the creek. I wanted time to reconnect with my husband. This time was going to be me, for "us".
As I get to the registration office, the director very quickly informs me that my son's 3rd grad class is full and that he would have to go to the fall session or home study. Unless, of course, I taught, then he could open another class. But, he needed a teacher to do it. I told him I would consider it and sat in line for the fall session for 30 minutes. Impatiently, I got up returned to the director and volunteered to teach so that all three of my little Catholics could be in Summer CCE together.
So, that was it. I had committed to something that I had not intended to do. I decided in 30 minutes to give up my nights with my husband to teach because it would get things out of the way and they would all be effectively catechized. Still, selfishly, thinking of only myself. I left, drove for about 5 minutes, and realized. My son's 3rd grade class was a mistake. My son is a 4th grader and that class was one that was still open.
I pulled over turned my car around and headed back to church. He needed to be in the correct class for the session. As I waited at the traffic light, the sun peaked out of the clouds turning them pink. The sun made my skin reflect gold and my eyes filled with tears and I knew. I said out loud,"I know that was you Father. I know I am supposed to work for you and I know why I made that simple mistake. I know those children need me right now, not later."
The light turned green and I drove towards church with an incredible sense of support and comfort. I was weightless. I felt as though he was carrying me. I was even granted a green light at every intersection and prime parking spot too. (winks).
And that is the inspiration for this entry. How God works in my life is clearer to me as I get older or as I get better at listening and following him. God trusts me with these young beautiful souls, and I need to trust his wisdom. I need to share everything I can with them so that they will feel confident to share their faith too. But, boy does it wear me out and make me wonder if I have done a good job.
Peace.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
The pitfalls of being able to read.
I spent some time thinking about what I read and how it affects me. I know that reading new information is a good thing and that it helps us to grow. But, there are times that I read something that lights my fire and it makes me mad. It changes me. Shortly, afterward, I go looking to find more information to support whatever subject/opinion I was reading.
Later, I realize that what made me angry is usually the writer's tone and all his biases and perceptions; it is rarely because this person has any more authority on subject matter than I do. You see, writer's are good at this. They can paint a pretty picture or an ugly picture around actual facts and sell it to you.
So, I have a choice, do I keep reading these things because of their unique perspective? Maybe I should adopt their perspective as my own? Do I avoid this writer because they add too much personal baggage to things? Does this writer or their works increase my ability to live and love or does it do the opposite and just make me angry and hateful towards other people? What is the purpose of the writing? Is it actual fact or fiction?
I decided on many occasions, to avoid writers that don't work to build bridges between people. I don't read those who don't spread joy. Not because I am a coward but, because there is no reason to take in more negativity than I (or by proxy, my loved ones) can handle personally. I don't want to become someone else's ideas and beliefs. And if there is risk of my absorbing anything, I want it to be something beautiful.
When reading blogs (essays and articles) remember that there is often times little fact and lots more opinion. Just like this last entry.
Peace be with you.
Later, I realize that what made me angry is usually the writer's tone and all his biases and perceptions; it is rarely because this person has any more authority on subject matter than I do. You see, writer's are good at this. They can paint a pretty picture or an ugly picture around actual facts and sell it to you.
So, I have a choice, do I keep reading these things because of their unique perspective? Maybe I should adopt their perspective as my own? Do I avoid this writer because they add too much personal baggage to things? Does this writer or their works increase my ability to live and love or does it do the opposite and just make me angry and hateful towards other people? What is the purpose of the writing? Is it actual fact or fiction?
I decided on many occasions, to avoid writers that don't work to build bridges between people. I don't read those who don't spread joy. Not because I am a coward but, because there is no reason to take in more negativity than I (or by proxy, my loved ones) can handle personally. I don't want to become someone else's ideas and beliefs. And if there is risk of my absorbing anything, I want it to be something beautiful.
When reading blogs (essays and articles) remember that there is often times little fact and lots more opinion. Just like this last entry.
Peace be with you.
Monday, June 24, 2013
The Fest of St. John the Baptist
Today is the Feast of St. John the Baptist and midsummer. There is so much information on the history of this but, I won't go to much into it because you have Google and you can look the date up for yourself, if you want. Besides, I will put links at the bottom of this short entry.
Catholics do have a tradition of burning a bonfire and eating scrumptious food. Yes, just like many other religious groups (Pagans, Romans, Mayans, Egyptians, etc.). But, that is okay, nobody owns the day. If it is cool, everybody wants to stake claim. Us Catholics, we like to party, so you can party along with us too.
Typically, on June 24th, I pull out all the Christmas Tamales from last year, defrost and eat them up. It is my own tradition. Sometimes, I light a candle and pray rosary on this day too. I also happen to call today Half Christmas. I know that is weird but, it has always been Half Christmas in my head.
On June 25th is traditional also to cut your hair if you want to have it grow long. This may just be a Latina thing (maybe not Catholic at all). The Farmer's Almanac says this too. Maybe just coincidence but, still neat way to keep up with time and such.
Here are some thorough articles on Catholic customs:
http://www.fisheaters.com/customstimeafterpentecost3.html
https://www.stmaryscity.org/history/Time.html
And some nice poetry if you are still hungry:
http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/a-pair-of-sonnets-for-st-john-and-st-johns-eve/
Happy St. John's Eve! Happy Midsummer!
Catholics do have a tradition of burning a bonfire and eating scrumptious food. Yes, just like many other religious groups (Pagans, Romans, Mayans, Egyptians, etc.). But, that is okay, nobody owns the day. If it is cool, everybody wants to stake claim. Us Catholics, we like to party, so you can party along with us too.
Typically, on June 24th, I pull out all the Christmas Tamales from last year, defrost and eat them up. It is my own tradition. Sometimes, I light a candle and pray rosary on this day too. I also happen to call today Half Christmas. I know that is weird but, it has always been Half Christmas in my head.
On June 25th is traditional also to cut your hair if you want to have it grow long. This may just be a Latina thing (maybe not Catholic at all). The Farmer's Almanac says this too. Maybe just coincidence but, still neat way to keep up with time and such.
Here are some thorough articles on Catholic customs:
http://www.fisheaters.com/customstimeafterpentecost3.html
https://www.stmaryscity.org/history/Time.html
And some nice poetry if you are still hungry:
http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/a-pair-of-sonnets-for-st-john-and-st-johns-eve/
Happy St. John's Eve! Happy Midsummer!
Monday, June 17, 2013
I was falling...
And at that very moment, I realized nothing can end me. God is with me and will be for eternity. No matter which philosophy of time, the trinity passes through all that and remains with me. I am whole.
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