Today, I'm thankful for.....

Our priests.  Funny story from today -- a couple of our girls stayed at my brother's house last night (in McCartyville).  It had been a while since we had gone to church there, and Fr. John asked me a couple of weeks ago when we were coming back.  So, we thought today should be the day! 

Even with the time change and a few less people to get out the door, we were still cutting the timing close.  But, I had my heart set on going to mass at McCartyville, so off we went.

We walked in (during the first song, of course), and my heart sank.  Where, oh where, was Fr. John?  I looked on the altar and there was Fr. Kyle Schnippel, a priest, originally from Botkins, but whom is now the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese.  I know Kyle, and generally love Kyle's masses, but was so looking forward to Fr. John's mass, my heart sank. 

And then it began.  The readings, the gospel, all proclaimed by readers and McCartyville's excellent deacon. 

Fr. Kyle took the podium for the homily.  And my heart changed -- he is always an excellent homilist, but today's was extraordinarily good.  I love a homily that makes me think -- even after mass -- and his did just that today. 

I'm still sorry we missed Fr. John this morning (and even more so when I figured out why -- he left for a tour of the Holy Land today -- with my brother and others....I had my weeks mixed up and didn't realize they were leaving this morning!) -- but God is always good.  Fr. Kyle had just what I needed today.

I always say that's what I love about the Catholic faith -- it doesn't matter where or when you go to mass -- it's basically the same (at least the same format) wherever you go.  And sometimes, just sometimes, the unexpected turns out to be a wonderful thing.  As it was this morning.

Thanks to Fr. Kyle, and all of our priests and bishops who provide liturgy, among other things, to help us celebrate the life of our Lord -- and give us the fuel to help us bring His word to the world!

Vocations.....awareness......Serra

I just got home from a speaking engagement.  Well, I spoke.  To a few people.  In an office.  In a church.

So, maybe it wasn't a speaking engagement in front of hundreds of people, but it was in front of 5 people.  :)  Nevertheless, it was an important thing we were discussing.

You see, for the past two years (on and off for me), there is a group that has been meeting with the dream of forming a Serra Club, a group that meets, prays, and generally finds ways to support those who are considering a vocation, or who are already in formation.  We are finally to the point of having enough members that we can have our own Club!  With that, we have officers and offices.  Yours truly, along with Beth Dammeyer (who is a peach and a half), are the membership chairs.  I would have to admit that Beth is the brains behind the operation.  I am the mouth.  (Go figure!)

We were invited to speak tonight to the Vocations Committee at St. Michael's and St. Peter & Paul Churches in Fort Loramie and Newport, respectively.  I thought this was probably a great group to start with, since they were so small!  We had a great discussion about raising awareness of vocations in our parishes.

I've always been drawn to vocations awareness.  Perhaps it's because of my upbringing -- I have an uncle that is a priest, an aunt who is a nun, and a cousin that is a priest.  I've ALWAYS been around religious.  And their job is vital to our church, both on the local level and on the Church level!  I have been reflecting on our substitute priests we have come in to our church when our priest is not able to say mass -- they usually come from St. Charles, and are usually in the vicinity of 80-90 years old!  And what an inconvenience when one of them can't come, or forgets, and all we can have is a communion service?

At the rate we have young men entering the seminary, we will have bigger problems in the years to come if we don't increase vocations.  The beautiful part of what I'm seeing now, is the products that the seminary is turning out -- wonderful, caring priests who are awesome at their jobs!  Now, we need more of them!

I'm convinced that vocations, like anything else in the church, can be increased by asking.  Some will come forward on their own, but others need to be asked.  Or encouraged.  I try to encourage all the time.  I have a few people in my mind right now that I think could be hearing the call, but may need a gentle nudge.  Is it you?  Maybe :)

So, pray for our Serra Club, that it may move forward and do great things.  Also, pray for vocations as a whole -- that we will be blessed with many young men and women who want to give their lives to God. 

And if it happens to be one of my children -- I will be so blessed!