A few weeks ago a change was introduced to the Sunday Mass. I didn\'t think much of it at the time but as the weeks went by it became more glaring in its absence. We went from singing to reciting the Gloria. Try recalling the words to one of your favorite songs and you normally sing it or hum the tune, not recite it. While it is not wrong to recite the Gloria would you recite a song or sing it to someone? After all, the Gloria is a hymn, i.e. a song. This weeks bulletin has an article about being hungry to give God thanks and praise. By reciting the Gloria are we not being stingy with our praise?
 

On the lighter side, this may be of interest.

Last night, Monday August 30th, the Hancock Community Education Foundation held their Annual Open House Registration for the up-coming preschool semester. Near the end of the open house I stopped in the say hello and to introduce Smokey, the youngest member of our family, to Directors Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Marin. I do consider Smokey to mentally challenged and even though he scouted out the facility for quite sometime he was not totally attentive to what was going on. I'm sure there must have been a communication misunderstanding as to why we were there. To my surprise I got the following email this morning.

Although this is not an organized institution of learning, my home would gladly accommodate Smokey for short periods of time if and when Smokey\'s guardians feel the time is appropriate.  As you can see, there are other options for that adorable \'child\'.  You stated that Smokey is mentally challenged.  Also, be assured that your youngest \'child\' will be in most capable hands as I have many years experience in Special Education which should prove to be most beneficial to all concerned. Do not concern yourself with tuition, as I work with clients on an individual basis.  Please feel free to contact me anytime you wish regarding this matter.
Diane Schield

Hi Diane, Thank you for your kind offer to care for Smokey if the need should arise. The tuition offer is also is great. He is a good \'child\' even though we feel that he has some quirks that we are working to overcome. He goes to the vet next week for his semi annual check up and we may be referred to a psychologist. With your years of expertise in Special Education, I just may be calling upon you in the near future. Thank you for your concerns.
Paul Bartholomew

Reply to thread 0021

Paul, just be aware that even if Smokey cannot attend the pre-school, there are many things in this world that are better than chocolate!  The pre-school teachers are beginning to realize this fact.

Reply to thread 0021

Oh what a shame that Smokey won\'t be joining pre-school! I  bet\'cha he would have ended up being valedictorian...or at least an  incentive for the children to come to school each day! By the way, I can  see the family resemblance too...must be that tip of the tongue hanging  out! :-)
 

Comment
8/22/2010
Thread number 0020

Dear Friends:  I was a student of the Formation For Ministry Program an ongoing formation of the laity in living out their baptismal call to ministry in the Albany Diocese for the past two years.  With every term of studies there comes a time for the exams or the final grade.  In this case for my final grade (or certificate) I have been asked to discern with family and friends and you my church community to help with my discernment process.

I have asked Father Chris and Father Stephens many times to pray with me and for me, In order to discern where and which ministries I should begin or renew here or perhaps even in another church.

Over the years to this date at St. Paul’s Church I have worked in many different ministries which I love and wholeheartedly cherish all I have learned from them. The friendships I have made and the joy I have felt from knowing I was being attentive to God’s calling.  I pray I have served them well.

Now it’s time to switch gears as I feel perhaps a new calling or a renewed zest and discern where the next phase of God’s calling will lead me.  I might mention the formation for ministry class was a wonderful experience, and a lot of studies.  All of which I thank God I was able to accomplish.  The class met for two years in Albany New York and out of those two years there was never a cancellation and better yet I only encountered inclement weather once, which re- affirms my enrollment in the program was God’s calling.

At this time I would ask if you would be so kind as to pray for me and all my fellow classmates who are at this time going through the same discernment process. Some of my classmates were accepted into the Deaconate program and they will need your prayers as well.   Feel free to send reply’s with thoughts through this blog or email me directly.  Thank you for your prayers in advance and for your kindness towards me always.
Socorro Marin

My dear friend Socorro, you are loved not only by me but by many at St. Paul\'s, and especially Our Lord, Lady and our patron St. Paul.  \"My plans for you are for peace, not disaster, says the Lord.  Oh how it hurts to have a \"friend\" say something to us that causes us pain.  I would ask you to look at your response to this action on the part of another.  I do not need to know what it was or who.  It matters not a bit.

Sometimes others strike out at us because of their own pain.  Sometimes Our Sweet Lord in His infinate mercy is doing a work in us and allows us to be injured in an area that is important to us. These may have become for one reason or another an area of pride because we do them so well. I smile as I write this because what I think I do well another may say Yikes to!!  Also because He loves us so very much he allows us to feel perhaps a rejection or some other feeling that we would rather not feel.  Our emotions are great gifts from God but they can and do get the better of some of us and we take to heart the words of others and react rather than respond with prayer and perhaps even fasting and forgiveness to see \"Why did this hurt so much my Lord?\' 
Perhaps He is drawing you into another and deeper place with Him and allowing you to feel some of the pain and rejection He felt from His family, friends, religious community, etc. when He walked the earth.  \"Making up for what was lacking in His suffering ... St Paul.

I think of Margaret of Costello a little known saint who was born blind and crippled.  In fact she was so deformed that she was rejected by her parents, completely.  As she grew up she realized that she was joining our Lord in his suffering of rejection and thanked Him for it.  Now my first reaction to rejection is sinful.  I get angry and hurt and sometimes strike out.  Shows I\'m not a saint and I have a long way to go.  Also if we get angry we let the enemy in the car and he wants to drive

My beautiful sister, I know I have areas in my life where I am blind and even crippled with sin or self indulgence to be sure. Dear sister in Christ take this pain to Him who understands it better than we know and sit with Him alone perhaps at St. Paul's and listen to Him.  Please do not be tricked into looking at the behavior of who ever hurt you that is a ploy of the evil one.  Look at your response and ask our sweet Mother and Good Lord to give you all you need to grow in whatever way He is asking you to right now. You are a very special woman of many talents do not let this action of another trip you up in any way.

I hope you do not leave St. Paul\'s because it would be like leaving your family.  I tried it once and missed all of you and was told by my spiritual director at the time to return because, \"I had much work to do.\"  Be at peace my sister,  all will be well.  Thanks for taking the time to read this little sermon, you see I preach to me whenever I speak to another this way. I did pray and this is what I was given in prayer for you. We all suffer in one way or another.  Thanks for being so open with yours.
 

Congratulations on successfully completing this ministry  program. I commend you for seeing it through, along with all of the other  parishioners who have completed this program. Your perseverance,  dedication and great love of your faith are evident in completing this  program, and also in all that you do at St. Paul's and for our community. The fact that you wrote to our blog looking for guidance in the final  phase of this program is very humbling of you, yet at the same time I can  see something is troubling you. It is your turn to ask for help and we  hear you. I have a suspicion that I may know why you posed this comment "to discern where and which ministries I should begin or renew here or  perhaps even in another church". I am aware that you have recently been hurt and treated rudely by a  'friend'. We all know that people can be hurtful. Sadly, these disrespectful people can include those that go up to receive and even distribute Holy Communion every week. While this is not the way a Catholic Christian is supposed to behave, it's a fact of life. But to think that the 'grass is greener somewhere else' is to deceive yourself. No matter what religious faith you belong to, no matter where you work or play, you will find bullies. These people are merely showing us that they are in need of Divine help. Let's pray for them. Perhaps this is where you should concentrate in the final step of your Formation for Ministry program. "How to live and love others in the Light of the Lord, unconditionally and without judging". wow what a concept! I once heard it said that we should "let the haters be your motivators." I say you should take this and turn it around for you, for me, for others. And remember, how people treat you is their karma,. how you react is yours
God Bless.

Reply: Thread number 0019

This particular subject hit me very hard personally, and I  will be honest, I am fighting back tears as I am typing. As many of St.  Paul\'s members know, we lost our cousin Kate to an accidental drug  overdose last August at the very young age of 19. I know it was not an  easy decision for her mom and dad to make, but her healthy organs were  donated. My understanding is that her heart was a match to the number one  person on the heart transplant waiting list in the country. I believe that  was truly an act of God both for Kate and the person who received it. It  was a most loving and giving gift given by Kate and her parents. It is not  \"playing God\". No one can do that. As Catholics and human beings in  general, we try to always help those in need, and in our case another  living, breathing person needed a heart desperately and is living on  because of Kate\'s gift.
Tracy Resti
 

Reply: Thread number 0018

No one has the right to deny The Rite of Baptism, not even a  priest. However that being said.  The church must have a well founded hope that  the Baptism will bear fruit. \"Congregation for the doctrine of faith,  Institution of Infant Baptism, (1980).
It has suggested that we should baptize the infants of practicing  Catholics, and deny baptism to infants of non-practicing parents. However the twist is this:  Restore the catechumenate, not for the  infants, but for the parents.  Enroll them, even though baptized but not  practicing adults, into the post-baptismal catechumenate. give them an  opportunity to reclaim their faith, a time of spiritual development and  probation.  After all, the new ritual does say, \"you are the first  teachers\"  If this is so---and this is endlessly repeated in encyclicals  and catechetical documents--then it is fitting that such parents are given  the chance to recapture the integrity of their faith and form that  believing community which shall nourish their baby/child  spiritually.  Upon their decision and proven practice in the community\'s life of faith,  their child will be baptized. There are those churches or Pastor\'s who hesitate but feel it is better  to go ahead and baptize in the hope that some day, \"It might take\".  those are Pastoral or leadership considerations on behalf of their faith  community. Did not Jesus embrace the little ones......
Socorro Marin
 

Comments
6/2/2010
Thread number 0017

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is this weekend:

Jesus said he was the light of the world. No one objected. Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd. No one thought otherwise. Jesus said he was the gate. No one complained. Jesus said he was the living water. No one thought it was a bad idea. But when Jesus told us that the bread and wine were his living Body and Blood and that we must take it – eat and drink it – to eternal life – “all hell” broke lose and people abandoned him. The loss of their discipleship grieved him. They said, “This is too much…” He must have meant it really – different from the other metaphorical claims he made.

The Church uses the term “Transubstantiation” to speak about the change of the substance of the bread and wine into the REAL Body and Blood of Christ – though wearing the outer appearances of bread and wine. Can I get this? Understand this? No. But we believe this unseen thing simply because Jesus has said it; and he is the Truth.

Lots of Christians get a kick out of the term Transubstantiation. They think it smacks of magic. To each his own. But I ask, “What’s to be afraid of – a change of what the thing is?” Do I believe in the miracles of Jesus – especially his Resurrection? If yes, then why can’t the power of God change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – to make good his promise to be with us until the end. Why do we runaway from the most bold claims of religion? In times of great outrage and hyper everything – claim your own boldness and believe deeply in the things Christ reveals! Indeed, if I believe in something so bold as Christ’s REAL PRESENCE in the Eucharist – then I must begin to live with a new boldness: bold justice, bold truth, bold goodness, bold generosity, bold forgiveness. A new bold sense of making my own self-gift. Otherwise, I’m just comforting myself. And comfort isn’t the first movement of Christianity.

Anyone have any other thoughts?
PWB

Maybe the answer is a thesis and I just should have let it  go.
Eugene Foley
 

Reply: Thread Number 0017
Sin can be forgiven outside the confessional if one has  perfect contrition.  Otherwise imperfect contrition is good enough but  only in the confessional.  I saw Fr. John Corapi say that on EWTN.  I  guess the question as to whether one\'s sin\'s are forgiven is, are you willing to take the chance.  I also read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that one of the effects of the Eucharist is that it forgives sins.
Does anyone know the complete answer?
Eugene Foley

It is so hard for those who have not been raised as Catholics to accept the truth about the Eucharist.  What I find interesting is no Christian had any real problem with His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament until the reformation. That is 1500 years of knowing the truth.  In speaking with those who belong to denominations I am struck by the fact that they can so easily discard this truth and hold onto a solo scriptora mentality.  Just because some people were selling indulgences how did that change the truths of the Church Christ established?
I was told a story the other day that surprised me but probably should not have.  A man was speaking to a group of other men in a restaurant in our town and expressed his interest in becoming a Catholic.  He said he wanted his sins forgiven.  He was told to go speak to a priest and receive instruction from the church through the Catechism.  At any rate a protestant heard the conversation and called him over and asked him if he believed what the Bible said.  Oh yes, he answered.  The man asked him if he was sorry for his sins he said, oh yes.  Then the guy made the sign of the cross over him and told him his sins were forgiven.  Yikes!  By whose authority did this man forgive sins?  He gave himself the authority.  Something he cannot do.  Now this poor man thinks all is well for him. 
Only the Catholic Church has the correct interpretation of the Bible, a book by the way the Catholic Church put together, and gave to the world. The Catholic churches interpretation of the words, "Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven them and whose sins you shall retain they are retained" is the only correct interpretation of these words.  And only an ordained priest with the faculty of forgiving sins can do so. We must forgive the hurts that have been caused us and as forgiveness for those we have caused.  Yet we can not forgive the sin that caused the hurt if in fact one has sinned. This is a matter for confession. Only a priest can forgive a sin because he has been empowered by God to do so.
Yes we have the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ and we celebrate this fact this Sunday in a very special way, and I thank God for that and we have all the other Sacraments that help us reach holiness.  What I think we lack is the education to express this adequately. Or is it the courage to say this is the absolute truth and by the way the Truth's name is Jesus.   It is not easy to be staunch in our faith but is it not so very necessary in these troubled times? It is not something we must preach about but at the same time I feel many  are too often silent when perhaps something should be said.  A truth spoken with love can move the hardest heart or so I have been told.   Any thoughts on this?

In his spiritual exercises, St Ignatius Loyola has an  interesting take on this. According to Ignatius: 

The first movement is: Who is  God to me? Who am I to God? IN other words,  I have learned to love only because God Loved me first.  Now can I  acknowledge the goodness of God\'s love for me and all of creation, and  can I reflect on my own life and how I show God love in return?

 The second movement ( based on Jesus life) is: Do I begin to hear the call  of Jesus, My Lord? What brings me life in all its fullness ( discerning  the better choice between two good choices). Not the \"grand gesture\",  but the choice that brings me closer to Jesus within my own state in life  because that is where I want to be.  Where does my heart\'s deepest desire  meet the needs of the world?  Where does my heart\'s desire come together  with God\'s desire for me? 

The third movement is:  Every choice has a downside.  Am I willing to pay  the price of my choice for LIFE, whatever it might be?  for example, those  who marry forego the freedom of a single life.  those who choose  religious life take vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.  Can I in  good conscience, say that I am ready to \"pay for\" the \"pearl of great  price\"?

 The fourth movement is:  The Peace of the Spirit in moving forward with my  decision.  I have done everything I can to discern and to make a choice  that is \"both for my good and the good of the world\".  Now I move  forward with my decision, allowing events to unfold as they will, knowing  that God blesses me regardless of the ultimate outcome of the decision I  have made.  Now through the consolation of the Holy Spirit, I can see God  in all things, and I know in my heart that God uses all things for the  good.  All of Ignatian Spirituality is both/and--for my good and the good of the  world.
 

So if we really believe in the resurrection and God\"s living presence  within us, then comfort (inner peace) is our life.  If we believe that God  is in all creation, then we are to treat creation as good stewards, as if  we really recognize God\'s presence in all things and everyone....  That  is the hard part.  That is where the work of discernment happens.  Our job as Catholics is to recognize God\'s loving presence in all and act in  response to that recognition.
Socorro Marin

 

 Ignation Spirituality is fascinating.   I read a book a few  years ago called, The Soul of Sponsorship"  It told the story of the Irish  Jesuit priest who basically sponsored Bill W and how his interest in the  Catholic Church is where he learned Ignation Spirituality which is what  the twelve steps of AA are based on.  I always wanted to do a 30 day  Ignation retreat but don't have 30 free days to spend doing it.  I picked  up a copy of an at home 30 Day Ignation retreat but still have not had the  time to do one.  At any rate Ignation Spirituality is really great.  Glad  someone else enjoys it. The Examen is really not an easy road to travel on  a daily or nightly bases. The way of prayer and understanding that God is  intimately involved in our lives in as much as we let Him is so very  Catholic, so very traditional within our belief system.  Seeing His  constant action is so beautiful and Spirit led.  Thanks for bringing that  up, Socorro.
 

Why does the Catholic Church portray the cross with Jesus on it and others do not?? 

I had an interesting conversation with a young woman who does not pray much.  I asked her why and her response made me wonder how many other people have this notion.  She said, \"I am not a good or holy person so why would God listen to me.  Only saints can sway God not people who don\'t have their act together.\" 

Well, I said those who asked Jesus for favors when He was on earth did not even have baptism or realize just who it was they were speaking too.  God can and does write straight with the crooked lines of our lives. Trust in his mercy. If our Dear Lord had to wait for any of us to get our lives together no one would pray. I believe it is our humility in knowing how sinful we are and asking anyway that melts His heart.  Just a thought. But I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts on this notion of prayer? 

Prayer is a very powerful tool!  That being said I would want that young lady to know that our awesome God hears all of our prayers.  We may not always get the answers we want, but in due time the answers are revealed to us in a way that we will understand.  You don\'t have to be a holy person, a saint or an individual who has their act together.  If you are sincere of heart God will always be there to listen.  He can change your life, and as long as you hang in there so will He.  So you begin to pray, and I\'ll pray for you as well.
 

Comments
4/27/2010
Thread number 0014

This past Sunday we had a guest speak about his ministry, and he also delivered a homily. It is my understanding that only a priest can deliver the homily, or under special circumstances a deacon, but never a lay person. Love to hear everyone\'s thoughts on this...
Bill Gross

Reply: Thread Number 0014

I really enjoyed Mass and the afternoon session with Al Barbarino. When I got home from Mass and looked around I thought I really should just stay home and do this and that, but I was pulled back to Church and so happy that I went.  I am finding that when I spend time doing \"holy things\" even though sometimes I don\'t feel that I have that time to spare, God provides me time to complete my chores!  Does anyone else find this to be true?
 

Reply: Thread Number 0014

How uplifting!  Al Barbarino\'s reflections on Sunday morning  and again Sunday afternoon were memorable.  Sometimes words put to music can be more moving than words alone.  I especially appreciated his comment  that all singing is beautiful to God\'s ears (I\'m not much of a singer,  but I love to sing, hum, or whistle!)
 

Al Barbarino did not deliver a homily, but rather delivered  a beautiful reflection on his ministry and life\'s work.  His sharing of  how we could live a better Catholic life was inspiring.  The hymns he  sang were beautiful, some new to me, and some I haven\'t heard or sung  since I attended St. Mary\'s Star of the Sea School.  The message he  shared through the spoken word or in song was truly a gift to us all who  attended on Sunday afternoon
Diane Schield
 

Reply: Thread Number 0014

PRAISE THE LORD, IN THE BIBLE JESUS TELLS US ALL TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. NO WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY ONLY A PRIEST CAN PREACH  THE GOSPEL  THAT MAY BE CHURCH'S TEACHINGS, BUT ITS NOT GODS TEACHING
REV E THOMAS
 

Reply: Thread Number 0014

I did not take Al\'s speaking as a \'homily\'. He did mention that Fr. asked him to touch briefly on the Gospel reading and thought his brief reflection of it was fine. I am always impressed with his words, his passion, enthusiasm, and his beautiful gift of song as he reminds us about the Lord God and His place in our lives. I personally was reminded about things I learned as a child that I had taken for granted lately, and I can tell you that all heads and eyes were turned toward Al as he spoke...the entire time. I feel it was good to hear someone else remind us how we as Catholics should be living our daily lives.
CAMM
 

You are absolutely right, one needs to be a Priest, an ordained  Deacon or a lay person with special permission to be able to give a Homily......that being said, I believe we can hear God\'s Word and  Message from even the little ones. Mr. Barbarino shared his life\'s ministry with us as we all should as Catholics. Evangelization means bringing the Good news of Jesus. One of the Goal\'s of Evangelization is to bring about in all Catholics  such enthusiasm for their Faith that they freely share it with others. His reflection did just that, his music an extension of his abundant love for the Catholic Faith and the People of God was heartwarming.
Socorro Marin
 

On the weekend of April 24-25 Al Barbarino joined the community for Masses.  I invited him to give a reflection, this was not a homily.  Only an ordained priest or deacon are allowed to give a homily.  In special circumstances such as the mission appeal or sharing about a ministry will a lay person offer a reflection. Some of our parishes in the diocese have lay leaders, parish life directors or associates.  These lay men and women are given permission by our bishop to offer a reflection on the scriptures of the day. Al shared  in a similar way about his ministry.

Al offered us a sharing about how God has led him to ministry in the prisons and parishes.  He is a lay member of the Franciscan order. Although his is not ordained, we can learn from the way God is at work in  his life.  I hope his presence this weekend provided a spiritual boost for all who could join us at the Masses and the concert on Sunday afternoon.
Fr. Chris Welch
 

Why is it that some people say Mass is boring?  Is the Mass boring?  I am sure everyone reading this definitely has an opinion on this question.  This question seems to plaque parents in particular when trying to get their teenage children to attend Mass with them.

Often the response by many parents is \"I don\'t care if you think it is boring you\'re going to Mass anyway\". This answer is usually more effective with younger children, but hardly ever satisfies a teenager. In many cases with teenagers a parent just decides that it is too much trouble to try to get their teenager to Mass and so they go without them. Parent\'s might hear the music is boring, the priest just goes on and on, the readings don\'t apply to the modern world. If this is the case then it\'s no wonder that it is difficult to get children to Mass.  So where is the problem? and where is the solution?  I challenge you to what you believe the purpose of the Mass is about.

If we are going to Mass thinking we know what the Mass is all about, and we just have to go because we are supposed to, then, to use an old phrase, \"we have missed the boat\". Just like the child who gave up on math because he had mastered addition and subtraction, we have in a real sense given up on Mass. 

The Mass is meant to be a time when we grow in a relationship with God.  Any relationship requires both parties to be active.  A real relationship is not what \"I\" can get but what \"I\"  can give, confident that I will receive.
So, Is the Mass Boring?  and how do we fix it? How do we bring back our children and our fallen away Catholics?  could you Help Us?  Give us your idea
Socorro Marin

What does the Lord\'s Prayer mean to you? What role does prayer play in  your life? Do you have a certain way of praying or special prayers you  use? Do you feel that your prayer makes a difference in other people\'s lives, or in your own life?
REN

We Call the Supreme Being. \"Our Father\" and Creator, being acknowledged as Holy, \" The one above all things\", sustainer of all things, perfectly free and perfectly good\". (Gerald O\' Collins 1995)

When the church prays \"Our Father who Art in Heaven\" she is professing that we are the people of God, already seated \"with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus and \"hidden with Christ in God\", yet at the same time here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling. (Catechism of the Catholic Church). Salvation can only happen if we get to know his kingdom.  Fulfillment is according to God\'s plans. Everything is according to what God intends it to be.  Jesus teaches us to accept what the will of the Father is, just as he submits to His plans.  He completely understands the purpose of his life on earth.

\"Give us this day our daily bread...\" we ask and we shall receive from the Lord\'s basic needs, our sustainer, a life with simple living fully dependent on God, entrusting our lives to Him.  \"Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors\".  We owe the Lord many things that we must ask for forgiveness.  We sin everyday through our thoughts and actions and sins upon the environment that we destroy through the neglect and without consideration and offenses upon other people because of our self centeredness.  We sin a lot that we ought to be forgiving others as well, for Humility like that of Christ that is worthy to emulate.
 
And \"lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil\".  We Pray that we will not go through a tough test.  We encounter polishing of character from God by  circumstances that let those God-giving qualities show.  These circumstances can be rough like letting out the beauty of a diamond.  We want as Christians a way from bad or negative circumstances which are associated to the the evil one.  We want joy and happiness to emanate from within.
Socorro Marin

I\'d like to get a lively discussion going on how we as individuals live our Catholic faith. First, I\'d like to ask, why are you Catholic? Is it because you were raised Catholic, or have you made a conscious decision to be Catholic? Are you a cradle Catholic or a convert? Why do you go to church each week? What keeps you a Catholic?
I have my own answers to these questions, and so do you! Maybe if we all  share our stories, we will be inspired and learn from each other in the  process.
REN

Reply: Thread Number 0011
 I was born into a Catholic family.  I was named after the main character in the Catholic novel \"Kristin Lavransdatter\" by Sigrid Undset that my sister was reading around the time I was born. (in the end the heroine becomes a nun, and caring for the sick, dies of the plague.)  My uncle, who was a Franciscan priest, used to stay with my family at my parents home during the summer, on vacation.  He taught me how to drive.  We used to drive over to Roscoe (highway driving) every afternoon and have ice cream or up to Hinman Mills to get bailing twine.  He said Mass each morning and some Sundays we would have Mass and a family picnic.  It was company, talking, food.  As a little kid it was exciting and fun.  We had meatless meals every Friday (post Vatican two).  Each April we said rosaries for our crops and gardens in the evenings.  As kids we played \"Church\" and Bible story games like \"Flight into Egypt\" (A great game of chase with Roman soldiers armed with sticks).  Each month my church had a Latin Mass.  The words and sounds were beautiful to me. Catholicism is the tradition I am most acquainted with (not withstanding my great ignorance) and therefore most comfortable with.  It gives me a foundation in which to worship God.  In Christ.  A way in which to understand other people and other religions--how religion works--good and bad.
     I travel many circles and I believe that God is everywhere and God is love.  As the hymn says \"I have seen him in the watch fires of 1,000 circling camps...\" and I am proud to call both religious and non-religious people my friends. I have also come to believe with my whole heart in the celebration of the Eucharist. 
Sometimes I feel like I have been through a lot with this church  (in my own small way).  From my mother saying weird, rote, magical prayers for the washing machine to bizarre head games, and of course  my own bad choices and weaknesses.  Once, as a newspaper reporter I attended a trial for a pedophile priest. It was a hard job--covering trails--because, in part, I was so young. But it is in these kinds of things that Jesus finds us.  Even in my most confusing, destructive times I still (mostly) went to church.  Mostly Catholic churches.  Sometimes everyday.  And I sought out unknown priests for confession. My mother died four years ago and I felt at a crossroads. Her death was a catalyst for me and it was overwhelming.  And I knew there was truth in all of this.  And we really do need crash helmets in church like Annie Dillard says.
     Is it useful to call anyone a \"salad bar catholic\"?   To me it\'s just a shallow cliché that disregards people\'s struggle in staying with the church, their feelings, their hurt, their growing edges, their humanness and their uncertainty with the pace and advances and confusion with modern living, today, right now.
     I believe in working for constructive change.  (in my own small way) For generosity, fairness, and union of all people, rich, poor, gay, straight, powerful and leper and everyone in between.  Is it useful to dig in our heels and say that one way is the only way or pretend that problems don\'t exist. I love the rich heritage of the Catholic church.  It\'s care of the poor and marginalized.  Its respect for all--just for being alive.
I just re-read this.  What a muddle.  I\'ll probably regret it later.  But I can only be me.
Kristin Barron

Reply: Thread number 0011
I was raised Catholic, and went to Catholic school through the fifth grade. My parents put me in public school in the sixth grade, mainly due to a dispute my mom had with the very strong willed nun who was the principal of the Catholic school. The school was attached to the local  parish church, and so we also stopped attending Mass as well. We only went to church at Christmas and Easter. This, I believe, is the main reason people leave the church; its usually due to a personal beef with a priest or someone connected to the church. My family didn't\'t actually leave the church, we just became very inactive and isolated from the parish community. This was in the 1970\'s
.
All through my teen years and young adulthood, I did not go to Mass, pray  much, or do much of anything in regards to my faith. God was there,  however. When I was 19 years old, in 1984, my dad died. We arranged a Catholic funeral with our old parish, and became reacquainted with the church, and began attending Mass again. In my innocence, I just went and began receiving Communion like I had never left! It didn't\'t really stick for me, however, and I eventually stopped going to Mass again and married  outside of the church.

It wasn\'t until I moved up here in 1994 that I felt a real desire to start going to church again. It felt like I was beginning a new life, and  going back to church just felt right. But having married a Protestant, I was thinking about joining a Protestant church. Thankfully I went to Mass  here at St. Paul's, and I felt very much at home here. Father David was  here at the time, and eventually I went to him because I was troubled that  I was on the wrong path. He saved me from leaving the church, for sure. He  heard my first confession in about eight or ten years, and encouraged me  to make my Confirmation, which I had never done. The individual time he  gave me, and instruction and encouragement to prepare for Confirmation, changed my life. I was confirmed in 1995, and my wife graciously went through a church annulment so that we could be married in the church.

Thanks to Father David (and the Holy Spirit working through him), I realized that I didn\'t know much about the Catholic faith. 5 years of  Catholic school in the early seventies (made a lot of collages) didn\'t  have much of an effect on me as an adult. I began reading and falling in  love with the church, attending conferences and getting into apologetics. I learned how we are different from Protestants, and how individuals will  tell you anything (usually their opinion) but if you want to know what the  church really teaches, go to the Catechism.

Today, while I surely could do a lot more, I can\'t imagine being anything else but Catholic. The thought of giving up the Eucharist is unthinkable. Where else can you get that? For me, that's what it always comes down to. That's what keeps me Catholic.

I do not blame my parents for my lack of Catholic upbringing. They did the  best they could with what they had, God bless them. I am thankful that they raised me Catholic, and that they turned back and embraced their  faith again as well. Today I make a conscious decision to be Catholic, and I would not want it to be any other way. I am far from perfect, but I  thank God for what I have.
REN
 

Reply: Thread number 0011
Being born to a catholic adopted family there was no question  I was going to be catholic, attend church regularly and try to obey the commandments and even raise my  children in the Catholic Faith. Talk to any Christian who has been  through a valley, a deep life trauma,  and you will hear much the same thing:  \"I don\'t know how I did it, but  somehow I made it through.\"That\'s Faith, and that is what being Catholic means to me. Faith!  The resilience of the human spirit is amazing to me.

 There is no  question that life is difficult and uncertain.  In the blink of an eye, life can come crashing down around us like a rainstorm. Whether these crisis come at a bedside, a roadside, a marriage, a relationship, an office, or a church setting, the results can leave us devastated and even shattered. These are the moments faith is made of. The Bible supports it, and I have seen it time after time in my own life.  The  more we need faith, the more faith we are given.  The more we completely
trust God the deeper that trust grows. Being Catholic has not always being easy. The changes we have made since Vatican II, in my opinion are not necessary the best choices we could have  made.  Being a more traditional Catholic with what some might say old  fashion beliefs, the changes are sometimes hard to follow and even harder to understand. But in spite I keep studying and praying for the the Lord\'s guidance.  I believe the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother
( which I have a special devotion for) is enough to lead me and keep me rooted in faith and in the Catholic Church.

I just recently read the New Testament Gospels ( Matthew, Mark, Luke and  John) again for a class I am attending.  A re-affirmation of my Catholic faith and beliefs and my Love for God, the Catholic Church and his People. I recommended it. You will walk away with new insights. Great reading.  By the way being Catholic is the only way to fly........
Socorro Marin
 

Reply: Thread number 0011
Yes I was raised as a Roman Catholic but was less than enthusiastic as a teenager about the faith.  I had the notion that the scriptures were just an historical group of stories we were supposed to believe in but that there was no real bearing on me and my immediate life such as it was.  I married and had children and attended Mass for their sake as much as for mine.  I prayed hoping that what I had been taught was true but had no evidence that said it was until the renewal Charismatic that is entered my life. 
At first it was weird and I did not like what I saw and heard.  Yet something was pulling me in that direction and eventually I asked for prayers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  Wow my spiritual journey really took off.  I could not get enough prayer time.  The presence of God was very tangible and I fell in love with the Mass. 
I began to study the faith. I enjoyed reading and studying not only the scriptures but the church Fathers, and the documents of Vatican II. All this I found to be fascinating.  So this is our history and where our beliefs come from was my response and I was very grateful to have been chosen by God to be Catholic. With this comes responsibility to grow as an adult in the faith.  I have always liked St. Catherine of Sienna and found her a great ally as well as the Blessed Mother. 
Lately I have found the writings of St. Louis DeMontfort to be incredible in their insight about the Mother of God.   The richness of the Catholic faith is immense and the different types of spirituality available makes me wonder why anyone in their right minds would leave the faith.  What I have discovered is that there are basically three things cause this, the ignorance of the person regarding the truth about Catholicism, the bad example of Catholics and a poor prayer life. 
This weekend I will be privileged to be in Stockbridge, MA. for Divine Mercy Saturday and Sunday.  I am so looking forward to the time away to pray and reflect.  What a great topic.  Thanks for starting this.
 

Comments
4/7/2010
Thread Number 0010

This Sunday, April 11th goes by a couple of names. It is the 8^th day in the Easter Octave. It is also called LOW SUNDAY (by contrast with last Sunday). It is sometimes called THOMAS SUNDAY. And in our own time it is also called MERCY SUNDAY. Believing in Easter, there is no room for guilt. During Holy Week did we listen intently to all the readings and really absorb the real meaning??

Why did Jesus say, \"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?\" I don\'t understand why Jesus would think God had abandon Him. Was it because he was dying? Or am I reading it wrong?

Now that Palm Sunday has come and gone, what are we to do with the palm branches that are left over from last year? Is there a proper procedure for disposal??

Comments
3/22/2010
Thread Number 0007

Beginning with Passion Sunday (also known as Palm Sunday) we begin Holy Week. But isn’t every day a holy day; every week a holy week? Of course, as each is given to us as a gift by which we can come to know and love and serve God. But THIS week is given the name HOLY as it recalls the events in the Life of Jesus which saved us: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.

Want to keep this a truly Holy Week? More silence, not just quiet, but the silence that accompanies less talk, less inner noise, a deeper union with Jesus.

Want to keep this a truly Holy Week? Come to St. Paul's for the three liturgies we call the Easter Triduum. This takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They are very beautiful celebrations of what Jesus has done for love of us.

Want to keep this a truly Holy Week? Do some special fasting, it's never to late . Do without seconds. No candy until Easter. Fast from complaining. Fast from condemning and criticizing people. This will requires real concentration.

Did you make time for Holy Week?

What are your plans for doing something special?

The Lenten experience is fast coming to a close. The Emory United Methodist Church was the host for the community Lenten soup suppers this year and they lived up to their reputation for providing some delicious soups and a social atmosphere. A Lenten reflection was also a part of the suppers this year. This was a change from years past. Next year it will be St. Paul's turn to host the suppers. If you attended the suppers, what was your thoughts and feeling you had about the reflections?
Curious

Reply:  Thread number 0006
I SEE AS I READ, THAT SOUNDS LIKE MANY DO NOT LIKE THE REFLECTIONS  AT THE SOUP SUPPERS AND WANT TO DO  A WAY WITH THEM. WHY WOULD ANY ONE WANT TO DO A WAY WITH GODS HOLY WORD?  MAYBE BECAUSE IT OFFENDS THEM  AND THEY NEED TO REPENT.  REFLECTIONS MAKE FOLKS THINK. MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST DO A WAY WITH THE BIBLE TOO OR ONLY READ THE PARTS THAT DON'T OFFEND US OR MAKE US THINK.    KEEP THE REFLECTIONS  OR DO A WAY WITH THEM!. READ THE BIBLE INSTEAD.
REV. E. THOMAS
 

Reply: Thread number 0006
I enjoy very much the Lenten soup suppers. They offer area residents, no matter what denomination, a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy delicious soup and an opportunity to visit and enjoy the company of neighbors that we have not seen much during the cold winter months. I have noticed that each week the number of attendees that stay till 6 PM has been dwindling. In addition, once the reflection portion is over, those that remain get up and leave. I don\'t recall this happening in years before when we did not have the reflections. I believe that Christians who\'s goal is to have a blessed Lenten season already have other avenues of prayer and preparation. Not to insult anyone, I vote we stop the reflection.
 

Reply: Thread number 0006
I myself was able to attend the soup suppers and noticed two weeks ago that folks were taking note of the time and leaving before the reflections began.  I enjoyed the meal and the visiting with people I would otherwise not see due to my schedule. One way to see if the reflections are having a negative affect is to not do them next year and see what happens to the attendance.  Just a thought.  Or pass out slips and have the people write yes or no for reflections.  This would let those in charge know just how folks feel for the next time.
Cathy H.

Comments
3/18/2010
Thread number 0005

During the Mass the priest uses two main vessels for the Celebration of the Eucharist. What are they called and what is the differences?
PWB

What is with this custom of using smoke at certain times or at a certain type of Mass?
An interested and curious person.

Why do Catholics give the Sign of Peace during Mass?
An interested and curious person.

Reply: Thread number 0003
The Rite of Peace follows the invitation by the Priest, by which the church asks for Peace and Unity for Herself and for the whole human family, and the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the sacrament.  The Peace exchanged is the Lord\'s Peace coming from the sacrifice of the altar.......  Blessed are the Peacemakers
Socorro Marin

Reply: Thread number 0002

I 'm to understand then, that the Holy Water symbolizes the cleansing of our sins, but I don't understand what the sign of the cross has to do with it.
An interested and curious person.

Reply: Thread number 0002

I am not an expert but I believe: The sign of the cross expresses blessings.  It symbolizes God blessing us as we embrace Him with mind and heart and strength. We also recall the blessing of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his outpouring love for us. 
Socorro Marin

Reply:  Thread number 0002

When I bless myself with holy water I think about the Trinity....the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Blessings are always a good thing...you can never get too many...and blessing oneself is no exception. I also always thought of this practice as a sign of reverence when entering a holy place. It\'s a very special catholic tradition. Perhaps try it next time you are at a Catholic church, think about what I said here, and let me know if you feel anything at all. Just curious....CAMM

Reply:  Thread number: 0001

I have added prayer and meditation.  For the 40 days I have been following the \"Purpose Driven Life\" by Rick Warren. a small chapter a day that end with a daily Thought, Bible verse, and question.
>Yesterday (day 16)
>Thought to Ponder:  Life is all about love.
>Verse to Remember: \"The entire law is summed up in a single command:\'Love your neighbor as yourself.\'\" Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

>Question to Consider: Honestly, are my relationships my first priority?

> How can I ensure they are?

>Mike Argiros

Reply: Thread number: 0001

For me the season of Lent always brings a new and refreshing discovery.
This year I hope that through an openness and desire for the Grace afforded us through the Holy Spirit, and nourished by the Eucharist and our rich Catholic tradition, I will find the opportunity to actively commit to a life of gratitude and responsibility.
Goals that I am looking forward to accomplish are.
> More Prayer time.
> Loving Family, Friends and Life!  More!!!
> Making a difference in people\'s lives.
> Staying an active member of a fullfilling Catholic community
> Discovering talents inside...Just waiting to be used....
> Letting go of worries just for today...... and Maybe Tomorrow Too...
> Increasing awareness of God\'s Presence and partnership with Him.
Reading Let Your Life Speak by ( Parker J. Palmer). I pray will help challenge me to turn these Goals into Gifts.  
Delight yourself into the Lord, and He shall give you the Desires of your Heart. Psalm 37;4
Socorro Marin