Rays of Sunshine

2012-01-29T07:06:00.000-05:00

You are the king who knows

the secrets of our hearts,

fill them with the light of truth.

Epiphany of Our Lord

2012-01-07T11:02:00.002-05:00

The Magi saw his star and rejoiced

to lay their treasures at his feet.

2012-01-03T06:39:00.000-05:00

Let us dance with delight in the Lord and let our hearts be filled with rejoicing, for eternal salvation has appeared on the earth, alleluia.

2012-01-02T06:42:00.000-05:00

To enlighten the world, Father, you sent to us your Word as the sun of truth and justice shining upon mankind.

Illumine our eyes that we may discern your glory in the many works of your hand.

January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

2012-01-01T11:53:00.000-05:00

Mary the dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the gate, Christ the Heavenly Way!
Mary the root, Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the grace, Christ the Sacred Wine!
Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread;
Mary the stem, Christ the Rose blood-red!
Mary the font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the cup, Christ the Saving Blood!
Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord;
Mary the shrine, Christ the God adored!
Mary the beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!
Mary the mother, Christ the mother’s Son
By all things blest while endless ages run.

Amen.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:49:00.000-05:00

Lord, I welcome you into my life with the joyful and hopeful abandon with which Mary and Joseph welcome you into theirs.

2011-08-18T06:34:00.000-04:00

God our Father, may we love you in all things and above all things and reach the joy you have prepared for us beyond all our imaging.

The Assumption of Mary

2011-08-15T06:14:00.002-04:00

Hail Mary, full of grace.

2011-04-24T08:22:00.000-04:00

2011-04-23T09:32:00.000-04:00

He came to pay a debt

he did not owe.

For us, who had a debt

we could not pay.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T07:28:00.000-04:00

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Today

2011-04-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

Eternal Father,

help me to choose my words lovingly

in the presence of my friends,

carefully in the presence of my enemies,

and freely in the presence of your Son.

Beginning Lent

2011-03-09T07:25:00.002-05:00

Thou art dust and unto dust

thou shalt return.

I wish you a good lent and I beg you your good prayers.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:33:00.000-05:00

Today is also the Feast Day of St. Valentine, a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses.

Blessings to you on this Valentine's Day.

May you love and know that you are loved.

Another Day

2011-02-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

You bring us joy by

the light of another day.

Let the morning star rise in our hearts.

January 22nd - A Special Day of Prayer and Pennance

2011-01-22T07:35:00.000-05:00

Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,

And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,

Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death

by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.

Today I commit myself

Never to be silent,

Never to be passive,

Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,

And never to stop defending life

Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,

And our nation once again becomes

A nation with liberty and justice

Not just for some, but for all,

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

The Solemnity of Mary, The Mother of God - January 1st

2011-01-01T08:06:00.001-05:00

Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
Gate of heaven, star of the sea,

Assist your people who have fallen
yet strive to rise again,

To the wonderment of nature
you bore your Creator,

yet remained a virgin
after as before,

You who received
Gabriel's joyful greeting,

have pity on us, poor sinners.

-Ancient Liturgy of the Hours Prayer

Christmas Love, Joy and

2010-12-26T00:23:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve - Joyfully Waiting

2010-12-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

Let us then joyfully celebrate

the coming of our salvation

and redemption.

Let us celebrate the festive day

on which he who is the great

and eternal day

came from the great and

endless day of eternity

into our own short day of time.

Peace

2010-12-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Even during times of war, there's also time of peace, peace that comes from believing in God and knowing He is always with us. Peace that comes from trusting in the One whose birthday we will celebrate on December 25th. Peace which is always in our souls waiting to blossom forth and fill the world with a fragrance and surety that all is well ... God is in Heaven and He truly sends peace to all who believe in him. -Fr. J.J.V

3rd Week of Advent

2010-12-13T06:20:00.000-05:00

Anticipation

Expectation

Rejoice Always in the Lord

2nd Sunday in Advent

2010-12-05T21:43:00.001-05:00

The light of Christ
illuminates our life.

Just for today ...

2010-12-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

Today let the promise

of God's kingdom

fill you with hope.

And let that promise

send you out into the world

to make a difference.

Take Time

2010-12-03T10:55:00.002-05:00

Escape from your everyday business
for a short while,

hide for a moment
from your restless thoughts.

Break off from your cares and troubles

and be less concerned about

your tasks and labors.

Make a little time for God

and rest a while in him.
-Saint Anselm, bishop

The Advent Season - Mary's Season

2010-11-29T08:09:00.002-05:00

This is really Mary's season, that time when she carried God within her womb. The Advent Season is a time to turn to our Blessed Mother and invoke her prayers for all of our needs. No one is closer to God then Mary, no one has a greater ability to intercede for us then Mary.

Hail Mary, full of Grace.

Advent

2010-11-28T08:02:00.001-05:00

A season of grace and anticipation.

The journey begins that will
bring us closer to Jesus.

Teach me, Lord, to make
the most of this season of grace.

2010-11-25T07:27:00.002-05:00

Thy Will

2010-11-24T07:53:00.001-05:00

Lord, increase our eagerness

to do your will and help us

to know the saving power

of your love.

2010-11-17T08:16:00.001-05:00

Give us your eternal wisdom

to be with us today and to guide us.

2010-11-08T07:11:00.002-05:00

God, our creator,

you gave us the earth to cultivate

and the sun to serve our needs.

Help us to spend this day for your glory

and our neighbor's good.

All Souls Day

2010-11-02T07:31:00.001-04:00

Eternal rest grant to 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. -

All Saints Day

2010-11-01T07:58:00.001-04:00

The Saints will shine like the sun

in the kingdom of their Father,

alleluia.

Seeing the Gifts of Our Father

2010-10-27T07:40:00.007-04:00

Let us fix our gaze on the Father and Creator of the whole world, and let us hold on to his peace and blessings, his splendid and surpassing gifts. Let us contemplate him in our thoughts and with our mnd's eye reflect upon the peaceful and restrained unfolding of his plan; let us consider the care with which he provides for the whole creation.

-Saint Clement, pope

Feast of St. Francis

2010-10-04T08:01:00.002-04:00

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled

as to console; to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Feast of St. Therese, Little Flower

2010-10-01T11:40:00.006-04:00

O glorious Saint Therese,

whom Almighty God has raised up to aid

and counsel mankind, I implore your

Miraculous Intercession. So powerful are you

in obtaining every need of body and soul our

Holy Mother Church proclaims you a

"Prodigy of Miracles...the Greatest Saint

of Modern Times."

Now I fervently beseech you

to answer my petition

(mention specifics here) and to carry out

your promises of spending Heaven

doing good upon the earth...

of letting fall from Heaven

a Shower of Roses.

Henceforth, dear Little Flower,

I will fulfill your plea

"to be made known everywhere"

and I will never cease

to lead others to Jesus through you.

Amen.

September 29th - Feast of The Arch Angels

2010-09-28T20:44:00.004-04:00

St. Michael

St. Gabriel

St. Raphael

In the house of God there is never-ending festival; the angel choir makes eternal holiday; the presence of God's face gives joy that never fails. -St. Augustine

Service to others ...

2010-09-27T22:05:00.003-04:00

Each one of you have received a special grace,

so like good stewards responsible for

all these different graces of God,

put yourselves at the service of others.

1 Peter 4:10

Ask and You Shall Receive

2010-09-17T12:14:00.008-04:00

... Prayer ...

We do not pray to change divine decree,

but only to obtain what God has decided

will be obtained through prayer.

In other words, as St. Gregory says,

"by asking, men deserve to receive what

the all-powerful God has decreed

from all eternity to give them."

St. Thomas Aquinas

September 14th

2010-09-14T07:20:00.002-04:00

To you.

Triumph of The Cross - September 14th

2010-09-14T07:17:00.004-04:00

We worship your cross, O Lord,

and we praise and glorify

your holy resurrection,

for the wood of the cross

has brought joy to the world.

2010-09-12T19:38:00.002-04:00

Keep burning continually

the sweet smelling incense of prayer.

Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mother

2010-09-08T07:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mother

Where

2010-09-07T17:52:00.002-04:00

God writes the gospel

not in the bible alone,

but on the trees

and flowers

and clouds

and stars.

Martin Luther

German Protestant

reformer and scholor

16th centruy

Joy

2010-09-01T15:16:00.004-04:00

Joy does not depend on sunny circumstances,

good news, or happy endings.

It comes from knowing that whatever happens,

God loves me; that whatever happens,

He is preparing a better place for those who love Him.

Memorial of St. Gregory the Great

2010-08-29T09:41:00.007-04:00

Lord God, you have given us

the great day of rejoicing:

Jesus Christ, the stone rejected by the builders,

has become the cornerstone

of the Church, our spiritual home.

Shed upon your Church the rays of your glory,

that it may be seen as the gate of salvation

open to all nations.

Let cries of joy and exultation ring out from its tents,

to celebrate the wonder of Christ's resurrection.

Thank You

2010-08-25T20:42:00.005-04:00

You are the Good Shepheerd

who has given

life and light

today.

Help us to see and

be grateful for these gifts.

August 15th

2010-08-14T20:54:00.001-04:00

The Feast of The Assumption

Mary

Queen of Heaven

What you are called to do.

2010-08-12T21:52:00.003-04:00

All of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving

toward one another, kindly disposed, and humble.

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult.

Return a blessing instead.

This you have been called to do,

that you may receive a blessing as your inheritance.

1 Peter 3:-9

2010-08-04T15:21:00.006-04:00

In God alone be at rest, my soul;

for my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock, my stronghold,

my fortress: I stand firm.

In God is my safety and glory,
the rock of my strength.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.

2010-07-25T07:11:00.001-04:00

God is taking care.

Always.

I hold onto this, tightly.

2010-07-13T06:29:00.002-04:00

You shall love the Lord, your God,

with all your heart,

with all your being,

with all your strength,

and with all your mind,

and your neighbor as yourself."

Happy July 4th - Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-04T08:08:00.005-04:00

When I think about the sacrifices our earliest patriots made for a dream--a new nation conceived in liberty--I am moved more than I can say. We owe them so much.Once the colonies declared their independence on what would become our great national holiday, the sacrifices only intensified. But the legacy of 1776 is one we celebrate today and every July 4th. The freedoms we gained--especially our freedom to assemble and worship--are sacred and envied by many. We worship freely and encourage others to join us without a second thought. A blessing indeed.

So as we begin our July 4th celebrations, I pray that you will find a way to honor the spirit of freedom... by attending Mass, by laying a wreath of remembrance in your city or town... whatever moves you as a patriot and citizen. I will certainly pray for our nation, in thanksgiving for our Founding Fathers and Mothers, and all those who have contributed in their own way with total devotion. I will pray, too, for my fellow Fathers and Brothers in mission. They make sacrifices each day and know how important dreams are for those who struggle against poverty and injustice.

Happy July 4th. Let freedom ring!

Father Edward Dougherty, M.M.

Maryknoll

True Light

2010-06-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

Christ is the sun that never sets,

the true light that shines on every man.

2010-06-27T10:58:00.005-04:00

Father, Creator of unfailing light,

give that same light to those who call to you.

May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim

your goodness; our work give you honor,

and our voices celebrate you for ever.

For This Morning

2010-06-23T09:33:00.003-04:00

For this morning and its light.

For rest and shelter of the night.

For health and food, for love and friends,

For every gift His goodness sends.

We thank Thee, gracious Lord.

Amen.

Your Glory

2010-06-14T14:55:00.002-04:00

To enlighten the world, Father,

you sent to us your Word

as the sun of truth and justice

shining upon mankind.

Illumine our eyes that we may discern

your glory in the many works of your hand.

Lord, to whom shall we go?

2010-05-28T18:33:00.004-04:00

You have the words of eternal life.
Your word is a lantern which guides

my steps, a light for the pathway

before me.

Pentecost

2010-05-22T23:02:00.002-04:00

Come Holy Spirt

and renew

the face of the earth.

If you say that often enough

If you say that loud enough

If you say that sincerely enough

It will happen.

The Ascension

2010-05-13T06:47:00.002-04:00

Grant, we beseech Thee,

almighty God,

that we who believe

Thine only-begotten Son

our Redeemer,

to have ascended

this day into heaven,

may ourselves dwell

in spirit amid heavenly things.

God With You

2010-05-01T07:36:00.003-04:00

Do not care much who is with you

and who is against you;

but make it your greatest care

that God is with you in

everything you do.

The Imitation of Christ

on Humility and Peace

Alleluia

2010-04-04T08:29:00.002-04:00

He is risen!

Easter Blessings

Holy Saturday

2010-04-03T09:55:00.007-04:00

They buried the Lord and sealed the tomb. They stationed soldiers to guard it.

There is great silence

on earth today,

a great silence and stillness.

Walk with Jesus to Calvary

2010-04-02T07:10:00.007-04:00

are you there?

Holy Thursday

2010-04-01T06:56:00.005-04:00

With Jesus,

walk to the upper room.

Now begins

2010-03-27T20:28:00.010-04:00

the holiest week of the year

With Jesus walk to the upper room
With Jesus walk to Calvary
With Jesus walk to heaven.

Blessings to you this week as you

recall the love and mercy of God.

Feast of St. Joseph

2010-03-19T12:11:00.011-04:00

Patron Saint of Fathers
Pope Benedict XVI on St. Joseph, The Just Man “I would like today to turn my attention to the figure of St Joseph. In today’s gospel pages, St Luke presents the Virgin Mary as “engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David” (Lk 1:27). However it is the evangelist Matthew who gives the greatest prominence to the putative father of Jesus, pointing out that, through him, the Child was legally inserted in David’s line and thus he realized the Scriptures, in which the Messiah was prophesied as the “son of David”.

“But Joseph’s role certainly cannot be reduced to this aspect. He is the model of the “just” man (Mt 1:19), who in perfect sympathy with his spouse, welcomes the Son of God made man and guards over his human growth. For this reason, the days leading up to Christmas are as good a time as ever to establish a sort of spiritual conversation with St Joseph, because he helps us to live to the full this great mystery of faith.

“The beloved Pope John Paul II, who was very devoted to St Joseph, left us an awesome meditation dedicated to him in the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos, “Guardian of the Redeemer”. Among the many aspects it highlights, particular emphasis is placed on the silence of St Joseph. His is a silence permeated by contemplation of the mystery of God, in an attitude of total availability to his divine wishes. In other words, the silence of St Joseph was not the sign of an inner void, but on the contrary, of the fullness of faith he carried in his heart, and which guided each and every one of his thoughts and actions.

A silence thanks to which Joseph, in unison with Mary, could be the guardian of the Word of God, known through the Sacred Scriptures, coming face to face with it continuously in the events of the life of Jesus; a silence interwoven with constant prayer, prayer of the blessing of the Lord, of adoration of his holy will and of unreserved trust in his providence. It is no exaggeration to say that it was from his ‘father’ Joseph that Jesus acquired – on the human level – that robust interiority which presupposes authentic justice, the “superior justice” which He would one day teach to his disciples (cfr Mt 5:20).

Let us allow ourselves to be “infected” by the silence of St Joseph! We have much need of it in a world which is often too noisy, which does not encourage reflection and listening to the voice of God.”

My Prayer Today

2010-03-19T11:43:00.010-04:00

Father, our source of life,

you know my weakness.

May I reach out with joy

to grasp your hand

and walk more readily

in your ways.

Teach me to be loving not only in great

and exceptional moments, but above

all in the ordinary events of daily life

where I more often then not

fail miserably.

This I pray, amen.

2010-03-16T15:27:00.004-04:00

The Prayer of

St. Patrick

I arise today through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock.
I arise todayThrough God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today

Against wounding Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me,Christ in me, Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise todayThrough the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation

2010-03-12T11:23:00.003-05:00

May all my actions spring from love.

A Spiritual Wellness Program

2010-02-20T12:27:00.004-05:00

A daily regimen of prayer and Scripture reading to give us the energy we need to stay focused on the Lord. Including exercise of our wills to let in all that is good and reject that which is bad. A steady diet of the body and blood of Christ to keep us filled with Jesus' life and connected with our brothers and sisters.

Pray: Lord Jesus,

you are the physician of my soul.

Renew me in your love so that

I may live life to the fullest.

entire text taken from five minutes with the Word, Lent 2010

Prayer

2010-02-19T11:41:00.008-05:00

Prayer is the light of the spirit, true knowledge of God. Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassordor. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. Prayer, not words.

Pray from the heart, not confined to fixed times or periods but continuous throughout the day and night. Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God, not only when it is engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, giving generously in the service of others, our spirit should long for God and call him to mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God's love.

Paint your house with the colors of modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls and stones of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way you will make it a perfect dwelling place for the Lord.

taken from a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

2010-02-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

February 18th

2010-02-17T20:56:00.004-05:00

February 18, 1921, your birth date. Look at you here, just 17 years old. The picture is dated 1938, I wasn't even a thought at that time. Growing up I had never seen this picture, I found it a few months after your passing. Its one of my favorites, actually I guess it is my favorite. My boys, your grandsons, are now older then you were here in this picture, a lot older.

You were the light of my life, you still are.

My prayers and love are always with you.

Another journey about to begin.

2010-02-16T17:03:00.005-05:00

Dear Lord,

As I make my Lenton journey with You,

send me Your Spirit, help me to give of myself,

help me to turn away from sin,

and help me to fast and pray,

so that I may know You and serve you better.

Let me be renewed through my journey

to share Your grace with the world.

Amen

Talk about love

2010-02-14T12:14:00.004-05:00

there is no greater love.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place all my trust in you.

Love

2010-02-13T07:42:00.004-05:00

Love is patient,

love is kind.

It is not jealous,

it is not pompous,

It is not inflated,

it is not rude,

it does not seek its own interests,

it is not quick-tempered,

it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing

but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never fails.

{Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8}

Grace me with these gifts,

for this I pray.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

2010-02-11T06:20:00.009-05:00

Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy; Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven; Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world; Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit; Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God; Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary; Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God; Pray for us.
Mother of Christ; Pray for us.
Mother of our Savior; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, help of Christians; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, source of love; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the poor; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the handicapped;; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of orphans; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all children; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all nations; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the Church; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, friend of the lonely; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of those who mourn; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, shelter of the homeless; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, guide of travelers; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, strength of the weak; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, refuge of sinners; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of the suffering; ; Pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, help of the dying; Pray for us.
Queen of heaven; ; Pray for us.
Queen of peace; Pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us.
Let us pray:
Grant us, your servants, we pray you, Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body. By the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrows, and enjoy everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Little boy

2010-02-09T07:05:00.005-05:00

Its your birthday ... both here and heaven. Twenty seven years ago and sometimes it still seems like now. You'll always be a part of me. Remember us to Jesus.

With love, mom

God first

2010-02-07T08:19:00.005-05:00

Set our hearts on things of heaven.

Not too long ago I read a post which said Place God First. Think about it ... three words, so profound. Everything else will fall in place.

Our hearts are yours ...

2010-02-06T07:15:00.004-05:00

You are the king

who knows the secrets of our hearts,

fill them with light.

2010-01-21T09:24:00.003-05:00

Lord, true light and source of all light, listen to our morning prayer. Turn our throughts to what is holy and may we ever live in the light of your love.

May we see all and all things in a positive light filled with your being.

Jesus, the true light

2010-01-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

He gives light to all people.

Praying

2010-01-15T14:55:00.003-05:00

for the people of Haiti.

Feast of The Epiphany

2010-01-06T07:58:00.002-05:00

We have seen his star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2010-01-03T07:10:00.001-05:00

Epiphany

2010-01-02T20:46:00.006-05:00

The star burned like a flame, pointing the way to God, the King of Kings; the wise men saw the sign and brought their gifts in homage to their great King.
The Lord gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals what is deep and hidden; all light has its source in Him.

January 1st, Mary, Mother of God

2009-12-31T21:05:00.006-05:00

Joy to you, O Virgin Mary,
Mother of the Lord!

Father,
source of light in every age,
the virgin conceived and bore your Son
who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.
May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love,
be your people's joy through all ages.
May her response, born of a humble heart,
draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

A Christmas Prayer

2009-12-25T07:36:00.006-05:00

Almighty God and

Father of Light,

a child is born for us,

and a son is given to us.

Your Eternal Word

leaped down from heaven

in the silent watches of the night,

and now your Church

is filled with wonder

at the nearness of her God.

Open our hearts to receive His life

and increase our vision

with the rising of dawn,

that our lives may be filled

with His glory and His peace

forever and ever.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T11:16:00.003-05:00

Today you will know the Lord is coming, and in the morning you will see his glory.

Christmas

2009-12-22T06:58:00.001-05:00

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you . . . yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.
{Bl Mother Teresa}

2009-12-18T20:20:00.000-05:00

The Lord is close at hand; come, let us worship him.

2009-12-17T20:30:00.003-05:00

A most beautiful Christmas card

2009-12-14T14:18:00.001-05:00

This is the latest Christmas card we have received, I just had to post. It is so very beautiful.

Feast of The Immaculate Conception

2009-12-08T08:11:00.003-05:00

Come, let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary; let us worship her Son, Christ the Lord.

Remember who you are ...

2009-12-07T12:44:00.002-05:00

a son or daughter of God.

This Christmas

2009-12-05T10:54:00.008-05:00

Let's Give a Little Jesus,
a thoughtful word or deed,
An act of generosity for someone who's in need.
Let's Give a Little Jesus to eveyone we meet -
The salesclerk or the server, the person on the street.
Let's Give a Little Jesus, that's what really counts -
Not what's spent or bought, for whom, in what amounts.
Let's Give a Little Jesus to everyone, large or small ...
For Jesus, the Messiah, is the Greatest Gift of All! Lisa O. Engelhardt

In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, "It is more blessed to give then to receive." -Acts 20:35

A Christmas Card we recevied a few days ago held these verses. It was from a wonderful couple who truly live what these say. They are a joy to know.

Advent begins

2009-11-29T10:24:00.002-05:00

For these coming "weeks of purple" look to find Christ in all people, in all situations. Christ is calling us, announcing His coming, telling us to be ready for the most glorious time of our lives.

The Lord who we are waiting for is already present in the people we are waiting with.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

This day ... Christ the King

2009-11-22T07:52:00.005-05:00

Angels, saints, and nations sing:
"Praised be Jesus Christ, our King;
Lord of earth and sky and sea,
King of love on Calvary."

Christ, thou King of truth and might,
Be to us eternal light,
Till in peace each nation rings
With they praises, King of kings.

Dad ...

2009-11-14T07:08:00.002-05:00

February 18, 1921 - November 14, 2000

I think of you and I smile ... I remember ... growing up you were the light of my life, you still are.
I was speaking with someone the other day and they mentioned you. They said you were such a nice man, yes you were, you always will be. In my world the word nice is exceptional, plain and simply put but powerful. There aren't many people who are nice ... I had one for my father. My life has been blessed.

I will be at adoration today from 4:00 to 5:00. I picked today, November 14th because it was your day. I only just realized at this moment the timing ... you passed at 4:15pm. I'll be there then, prayers with you.
God bless you.

I love you.