Are Catholics still Catholic????

I rarely, if ever, read the pages of USA Today.  I used to all the time, but have ceased.  I really only went to their site tonight because I was sent there by another link.

While I was there, I ran across this article, which was on the front page at the time.  I hope I am not opening too big of a can of worms by posting this, but I was a little alarmed at the numbers I saw.  Here's the link to the article, so you can read it:  Are Catholics Losing Their Identity?

I guess one of the most surprising things I read was this:  "And 40% say you can be a good Catholic without believing that in Mass, the bread and wine really become the body and blood of Christ — a core doctrine of Catholicism."

Now, I don't see in there how they chose their selection of people that they polled, which, as anyone knows, impacts the answers.  I would assume that if you interviewed people from our little town, we would get higher percentages than, say, New York City (although I guess I can't be sure!).

Have we really stopped believing in the basic tenets of our faith???  I have to wonder if it's a stopped, or never knew.  I have said that many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are kind of a lost generation of our faith -- our religious education classes were not always enlightening, to say the least.  And my wonder always goes to how those folks who got "lost" between the Baltimore Catechism and the Second Vatican Council are teaching their children.  I have to admit that for all my parents taught me about my faith, I still taught myself a whole lot in my 30s and my 40s.  I guess sometimes that's where I see this blog, as sort of a crutch, so those who feel they didn't learn the teachings can latch on through what we're doing in class now.

I still see abuse cases as excuses for not attending church.  First and foremost, I am not dismissing this issue because I know that it happened -- and know a few people that it happened to.  However, the church has moved forward -- there were not enough checks and balances in place (even though, in my opinion, there shouldn't need to be with priests and the like, but that's a topic for another day).  The priests that I have seen of late have been awesome witnesses to the faith!  They inspire me to be a better person. 

I'm curious about what you think about all of this.  Do you think that we can have our faith without believing in the consecration?  Are there other parts of our faith/church that have changed to discourage people from attending, or is an excuse?  Or a "habit" that people have fallen out of?

I read an interesting article in the Catholic Telegraph this week (although I"m thinking it may be an older edition) -- someone was upset with the way that their family was treated at a funeral and said they would never come back to church again.  They would still believe in the Catholic faith, but wouldn't be attending mass.  The answer they received?  I'm sorry for the way you were treated (because it really was wrong) -- but I'm also sorry that you are going to deny yourself of the body and blood of Jesus.  Because truly, that's what she was doing.

I realize that this could be an explosive discussion, but I really am curious of people's thoughts.  I want your discussion.  Just please know that I do have editorial rights on comments -- viewpoints are fine, but I will not stand for bashing of the faith.  Just my little warning in my little corner of the world!

(If you have any specific questions about the Eucharist, I found this informative page from EWTN:  The Eucharist).

1 Corinthians 11:24

Do this in remembrance of me

Heaven Is For Real

Just back from tonight's CCD class, and really wanted to share.  We're starting a new stretch of classes (hard to believe this one will take us through Thanksgiving already!).  So, if you're keeping track, we're done with the YouCat and are moving on to the book, "Heaven Is For Real".  Have you read this book?

If you have, I'll try to post some of our discussions on here and perhaps we can have a mini book club online!  If you haven't read it, see if you can find it (at the library or a bookstore or even online at Amazon.com!) and read it.  I promise you you will not be disappointed!!! 

Basically, it is the story of a 4  year old who gets very sick and is mis-diagnosed.....and while waiting for answers, his parents sense they are losing him.  When they finally find the doctor that can help them, Colton (the 4-year-old) has to have surgery to repair a ruptured appendix.  A few months after he is released from the hospital, he starts revealing details about his time in heaven with Jesus -- and has details that he could not have known otherwise!

It is a wonderful book.  We will start discussing it on November 2, so if you want to read along, try to have it read by then.  It probably will not take much longer than 2-3 hours to read.  It's a great read!  :)

I hope you have a wonderful week!  I hear it's to warm up a bit, which I actually will take right around now! 

Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

(Sorry, I forgot to upload this on Wednesday -- I thought I had.  Thought I would still put it up today!  :)

F.A.M.I.L.Y.

My cousins and I have had a rather rough year.  Starting with the death of my dad in January, we have lost one more aunt and another uncle since January of this year.  We've been reminded of the fact that our time here on earth is limited over and over.  One of my cousins, Joan, had the brainstorm that we should capitalize on our time here on earth together and have a girls weekend away.  We had just that this past weekend.  It made me think of this acronym:

Forget.
About.
Me.
I.
Love.
You.

A familiar acronym, but stiil a beautiful one.  One I saw live and in action this weekend.

It was our first (now annual, I guess!) Cacklin' Cuzins Getaway in Hocking Hills.  The storybook version would read something like this:

The female cousins gathered on the second Saturday of October to spend quality time together and share family stories around a cozy campfire.

OUR version is a little different.  hee hee!

Since we couldn't get in our cabin until 3 pm, but couldn't wait to get together, we started our journey around 9 am to begin to pick people up for our long drive.  We met other cousins at a Red Robin restaurant in Columbus to celebrate Sharon's birthday (that's in June!  LOL), have lunch with Aunt Delores, and continue on to meet up with the others in Hocking Hills.

We arrived at the cabin around 3 pm.  There were 10 of us in our group, and by then the other 4 were already there.  Two of our cousins were unable to attend, and were sorely missed!  We did share a few laughs in their honor!  :)

We spent most of the weekend reliving family memories, sharing food (lots and lots and lots of good food!), hiking a little, and most of the group (sans me and two others) even ziplined!  We hot-tubbed, sat by the campfire and sang songs and told more stories, laughed a lot, and even cried a little!  We were even treated to a visit by the queen and even her princess!

(Ideally, photos would be inserted here, but that's not working, so use your imagination!)

We DO have male cousins -- 22 of them to be exact -- but they weren't invited.  We decided that boys would be too much work!  :)

One of those male cousins is a priest.  So, Sunday, when our time at the cabin was over, we travelled about 1/2 hour to Lancaster to go to his "new" church (he's been there since July).  He knew we were coming (we felt it only fair to give him warning!).  It was kind of funny to walk in with a group of 14 women and all sit in one pew.  I could tell people were looking at us -- trying to figure out who/what we were.  You have to admit that it isn't often that you see that many women, all of similar ages, without a good reason why they were together!

Mass began, and we weren't sure that Craig even noticed us.  Until.......he began his homily.  He began by asking the congregation to remember a couple of months ago when he came and he decided to bypass a biography for a simple homily on the Sunday Gospel.  "Until today," he said.  "I have 14 female cousins in the congregation, including 2 of my sisters.  If you see them after church, don't believe a word they say!"  LOL  He then asked us to stand, at which time they gave us a round of applause.  I couldn't figure out if that was because we were his cousins, because we were all together, ,or if it was because they felt sorry for us!

Following mass, Craig gave us a tour of his BEAUTIFUL rectory, which ended in the dining room and kitchen, where he had a lovely lunch laid out for us.  (Hey, maybe the boys COULD fend for themselves and be an asset on a trip???  :)  We finished out the weekend with a few photos on the steps of the rectory.  After a few hugs, we went our seperate ways.

And it was over.  Just that fast.  A weekend we had planned, and looked forward to, for a long time.  But it's ok.  We planned another one for next year.  We decided this should be an annual event.  We hope the other two can make it next year!

I have to say that in reliving the weekend, the thing I am most thankful for is the gifts that our parents have given us.  Most importantly, they taught us the importance of family.  We are there for each other, whenever we need each other.  We may not know each other intimately, but that's ok.  We all know where we came from, and greatly value the gift of each other.

Saints Josephine and William, pray for us! 

Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time... It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other. - Leo Buscaglia

Serra Club

A late night.  Again!  But this one was worth it!  :)

I just returned from dinner and an installation ceremony for the world's newest Serra Club.  (no, I did NOT say Sierra Club -- something entirely different!). 

The deaneries of St. Marys and Sidney in the Cincinnati Archdiocese have formed the newest Serra Club.  I first heard about this in August of 2009, when the beginning meetings started taking place.  I missed the initial meeting, then didn't get on the e-mail invitation list for a while, but started going to meetings towards the end of 2009.  I wasn't quite sure of all of this at the beginning, but have come to know more about the organization and enjoy it very much.  I've met people from all over the place, and even rekindled some friendships!

Serra Clubs are named after Blessed Junipero Serra, who was s Franciscan missionary. Blessed Junipero Serra is well known as the 18th century founder of a string of California missions. Like Father Serra, the Serrans of today put faith into action. Whether through meetings, vocational programs, or personal involvement in school, parish and diocesan activities, Serrans accept the challenge of fostering vocations and encouraging spiritual growth.

It's been an interesting road.  We had to get a specific number of people to join (I think it was 25) in order for form our own group.  Finally, in August of this year, we made the number.  How exciting!

Tonight was full of fun.  We started at the Maria Stein Relic Chapel with mass celebrated by Bishop Binzer.  A small, intimate mass, but a beautiful mass.  Several of the servers have indicated an interest in a vocation, so that was a great addition, too!

The gospel was a beautiful reflection of what we have been sent to do as Serrans.  (I really wish I had had a notebook with me -- I had all kinds of thoughts swirling around in my head during mass!)  At any rate, here is the text from the Gospel:


Luke 10:1-8
[1] After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. [2] He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. [3] Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. [4] Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
[5] "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' [6] If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. [7] Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. [8] When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you."

Bishop Binzer reflected on a couple of things relative to this reading.  One is, why does God ask us to go two by two?  Wouldn't it be faster and more efficient to go one by one?  But his thought was that God knows we work better in pairs and could do the work of the Lord better in that manner (pretty sure those aren't his exact words, but I'm tired and that's what I can think of right now!).  Secondly, he spoke of the harvest.  Aren't we all out for the harvest?  We want a good harvest, and fruitful, and productive, so not as to waste our time!

I went a little further in my head.  To get a fruitful harvest, we must first plant the seed.  And then fertilize it, and water it, in order to help it grow.  Right?  What if we think of that in terms of vocations?  We have to plant the seed!  We have to!  If we don't talk about vocations, and encourage people to consider living a vocation, how can we expect anyone to consider it?

Then, we must fertilize and water it.  We have to keep at it.  Talk about them.  Expose our young people (and others) to those that have answered the call.  As Bishop Binzer said tonight, he had a Serran come in and talk to his class about vocations.  He graduated in a class of 256.  He is the only one who was ordained a priest.  Others are involved in their faith -- one is a permanent deacon, one is a principal for a catholic high school.  Did that Serran waste their time?  Absolutely not!  We gained a wonderful priest out of the deal!  And now a Bishop!  How awesome is that?

After mass, we had dinner (which was fabulous!) and then the official ceremony to deem us a Serra Club.  Lots of regional Serra officers were there to share their thoughts and give us tips and pointers.

Bishop Binzer had the keynote speech tonight.  He told us his "story" of discernment (which came after a stint as a CPA), about his childhood as one of seven children, and lots of fun little peeks into his life.  I love to hear stories like that.  We don't get the opportunity to "meet" our bishops often enough, so being given this little glimpse was wonderful!

I had a little chat with him afterwards, and enjoyed speaking with him.  He was interested in where I lived, where I grew up, my maiden name, etc.  He is such a nice man.  I can tell he will do great things for our diocese!

I can't forget to mention that I am a membership person for the Serra Club.  Membership is definitely NOT by invitation only.  If you think that just maybe you have an hour or two to donate each month, maybe you should think about joining!  Give me a call and we can discuss it!  If you would like to read about Serra, click here:  Serra Club Info.  If you are not from our deanery, you can consult the website and it will direct you to the closest club to you!

Lest I not do my job, if you are or have considered a vocation, pray about it!  If you're ready to talk to someone about it, there are many options.  Your parish priest.  The Vocations Director of your diocese (in our diocese that would be Fr. Kyle Schnippel).  Me!  (I will help you as I can!)  Your parents.  Many people can help point you in the right direction. 

Finally, on a totally unrelated note, I have been driving this week, noting the harvest going on all around us.  I kept thinking how much I appreciated living in an area where I can see the harvest.  The readings tonight really made me miss my dad, who is missing his first eartly harvest this year (although enjoying the finest harvest there is!).  So, in honor of my dad, here's a song for you to listen to tonight.  It played at his funeral, and I was surprised at the number of people (including my own parish priest) who mentioned they had never heard it.  It's a beautiful song and really exemplifies my dad, in more ways that I can count.  Enjoy!

Come With Me Into the Fields song -- just a taste.  I can't find the song in it's entirety! 

I'm off on an adventure this weekend, so I will catch you sometime after that!  Have a great weekend, everyone!

YouCat Class tonight

I wish I could teach this class forever.....but, alas, we only have 4-week blocks in which to teach a class.  I love the YouCat, and, I LOVED my class this time.  Let me clarify that by saying I don't ever mind my classes, but sometimes the personalities in a class just fit and blend very well with each other.  That's what we had this time.

Tonight's discussion started with defining, "What is sin?"  I had the kids come up with their own definitions before we went for the "official" wording.  I told Tarynn I was going to credit her for her answer because I loved it so, so here goes:  "Sin is being put the the naughty corner in heaven."  LOLOL!!!  Cute, funny, and actually, pretty accurate.  We did have a brief discussion about quantifying that a bit -- IF you make it to heaven after you sin!  :)

We went through the book and did some discussions about curfews and parents, and even a little talking about a dead deer that could have gotten in your way on your way home from your friend's house, which might have made you late for your curfew (but, in our discussion, the deer never existed in the first place!).  We talked a lot about why parents give their kids curfews that goes further than trying to make their lives difficult -- we actually love our kids and would like to have them off the roads before the bars close and potentially drunk drivers are on the road.  A few lightbulbs went off when they heard that!

I loved our talk tonight -- I love to be able to put the parent/child relationship in perspective from the parent's point of view (especially when my children are present!).  :)

We finished the class with a handout and a challenge to them.  The handout was this:

Once you have come to know God, you must put him
in the first place in your life. And with that a new life
... begins. You should be able to recognize Christians by
the fact that they love even their enemies.

I then challenged them to live life as God would like them to.  I took some words from Jamie's talk the other night -- about living life as God wants us to and questioning our every move with asking ourselves, "Would this be pleasing to God?"  They are going to try it for at least one day this week.  Maybe you can, too!  Start with Jamie's morning offering each day and make a conscious effort to ask yourself throughout the day, "Would this (whatever you are doing or about to do) be pleasing to God?"  I hope it makes your day better!

This was, sadly, our last time together.  Next week starts a new session, when I am teaching a class with two others about the book, "Heaven is for Real".  Have you read it?  I've never done a class quite like this before, so am going to be looking to the Holy Spirit for a little inspiration!!!!  If you'd like to enter into a discussion, I'm sure I'll be mentioning it on here and we can have a discussion about it!

Have a good day!

Why go to church????

Read this on a friend's Facebook wall just now, so thought I would share.  How true is this?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday... "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 203,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." 

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: 

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

And, isn't it funny that many times God knows just the nourishment we need and it arrives via the homily?  Love this!

Ah, I love me a good night!!!

I love a good night.  Especially a "me" night!!!  I just had the wonderful opportunity to go to dinner and listen to a wonderful talk with my very good friend, Melissa.

First and foremost, let me repeat -- I got to spend the evening with my friend, Melissa!  :)  She is such a blessing in my life -- and no matter how far apart we live, or how long between times that we see each other -- it's as if we saw each other yesterday!

We went to the New Bremen Coffee Shoppe for an "inspirational evening".  And boy, was it inspiring!  We started with a lovely dinner, with, of course, yummy coffee!!  Any dinner that I didn't have to make or clean up after is a good dinner, but this one was exceptional!  I think Carla Topp was the chef.  It was awesome!

I've been looking forward to tonight for quite some time.  The speaker for this evening was Jamie Schmiesing.  For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing who she is -- Jamie is a wife and mother.  Mother of 11.  Ages 11 and under.  With three sets of twins.  Impressed yet?  I am.  On top of all of that, she is beautiful on the inside and out, and a wonderful speaker to boot!  She spoke of everything that we juggle each and every day -- and those days that I think that I juggle a lot -- she has my juggling x2!!!  :) 

We laughed, and we cried (I had a constant stream of tears, so I got confused if I was laughing or crying!).  She spoke of laundry and dishes and many other ordinary things that we do each and every day.  However, Jamie always seems to find the extraordinary in the ordinary! 

Out of all the things that she spoke of, I was touched the most about her words about prayer.  As many of us do, she struggles with daily prayer.  Remembering to do it!  We can get the ordinary stuff done -- the mealtimes, and the bedtimes, but what can we do to make our days even better?

She mentioned that she has a morning offering printed off and puts it out in the evenings when she gets the cereal out for breakfast, and hopes they remember to pray it in the morning.  She says that the days they pray it, she can tell their days go better because they are offering up each movement for the glory of God!

I've looked for the exact prayer she prayed, and can't find it -- maybe she'll share and I will share with you.  In the meantime, she writes a pretty mean blog herself -- if you'd like to follow the antics of her family you can here:  http://www.jamiesperfect10.blogspot.com/ .......she's pretty awesome!!!

{Jamie provided it below, in the comments, but I'm going to insert it here:

"Oh my God,
I offer you this day,
All I do and think and say,
In union with what was done,
On Earth by Jesus Christ, your son. Amen." }

If you'd like to see her (and maybe someone else you know :) -- she is the keynote speaker at a women's retreat at the Spiritual Center on November 4-5.  I hear someone else is speaking later in the evening on creating easy meals to help get your family back around the table.  ;)

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Two things to share

Whew!  What a weekend!!!  I need a vacation to recover!  LOL 

Football games, band contests, and this weekend threw in a cooking contest and a trip to Dayton to deliver Sarah back home to her dorm made for a busy weekend at the Kaiser house!  But, I loved it.  Every minute of it!  As I told someone the other day, every time I think life is too busy, I realize that I only have this time for a small length of time -- so I'm going to appreciate it!

I made a couple of interesting observations this weekend.  The first is how much I love where I live!  I love this country.  I love the fact that when we are at football games, or band contests, or (last weekend) parades -- when the National Anthem comes on -- people stop and honor our flag.  They remove their hats, put their hands over their hearts, and the crowd becomes silent.  What a beautiful sight and sound.  I love it!

The second thing, which became very apparent this weekend, was the beauty of the changing trees.  As we were driving, yesterday a bit, and today a little longer to Dayton -- I was just in awe.  What a beautiful time of the year!  I truly think this is my favorite time -- I love the temperatures (even when it's a LITTLE cold :) -- and love the beauty of it all.  I'm hoping it's still this pretty next weekend for our little trip down south (more about that later!). 

It reminded me of a little thing I read the other day -- a mother and son were talking, looking at the changing leaves and enjoying the weather.  The mom said to the son, "Imagine if God gives us this much beauty here on earth, how wonderful it must be in heaven!"

Thank you, God, for all that you give us!

Becky part 2

I spent a fair amount of time driving today, and, for some reason, my post yesterday was rattling around in my head.  I feel like I want to expand it a bit.  So, for the first time ever, I'm doing a part 2 to a blog post.

I don't think I gave Becky enough credit yesterday.  Honestly, although I guess I knew it was coming, the news of her passing still shocked me a bit. 

I think Facebook is a good thing -- heck, probably a great thing.  It certainly allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, sometimes even when others may not want us to.  But, in Becky's case (and the case of her family and friends) -- I think Facebook is a GREAT thing. 

Last night I spent a fair amount of time reading through the posts on Becky's wall, with people leaving their "good bye" messages to her.  What an awesome tribute to her!  What beautiful things people had to say about her! 

What struck me most, was the varying age levels of those posting.  I didn't just read posts from people her (my) age, although there were many.  I read posts from people younger than her -- in fact, many times much younger than her.  And they were posting about what an incredible impact she had on their lives.  True, Becky worked at school, and that put her in contact with many more high school kids than the normal person, but these kids were addressing her as their friend -- much more than I ever would have our high school secretary!   She was such a positive role model to everyone she encountered.

By our world's standards, Becky never did anything "great" -- she never won a Nobel prize for peace, she was never a political pundit, she didn't ever invent anything as awesome as the iPod.  But by many people, Becky surpassed what any of those folks did, or ever will do -- especially with their personal lives.  She touched people -- personally.  Her smile, her dimples, her laugh.....it will remain in our hearts.  She's left an indelible mark that will never be erased. 

She's gone to be with the Lord now.  She's out of our grasp.  But, as we said our good byes, there were others on the other side, waiting for her, exclaiming, "Here she comes!"

We didn't want to say our good byes this quickly, Becky, but we must.  Keep 'em smiling up there!

In Honor and Memory of Becky Grillot

Have you ever had someone come into your life that was just a blessing all the way around?  Someone, who, no matter what they were going through, always had a smile on their face?  Someone who would never complain, and, even when things were not great for them, would still work to find out how YOU were?

Well, the world, and more specifically, Botkins, Ohio, lost one of those people last night.  Becky succombed to the cancer that was taking over her body.  It's one of those times when I realize that our lives are really in God's hands.  Nothing we could say, or do, could make Becky better or prolong her life.  God had a plan, and he enacted it.

For whatever reason, I have been replaying in my mind today the last time I saw Becky.  It was at the Botkins Carousel Queen Pageant in June.  She had just receved the great news that her breast cancer was in remission, and she was free from cancer!  I went to speak with her, and gave her a big hug, congratulating her and wishing her the best.  I never in my life dreamt that would be the last time I would see her.

Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her brain.  The dreaded cancer had spread.  I can't imagine as a wife and mother, receiving that diagnosis and trying to figure out how to deal with everything.  Yet, as always, she did it with grace and style.

Today, my prayers go to her husband, Andy, and their three beautiful girls, Jodi, Amy, and Vicki.  I hope you will join with me in prayer as they deal with their loss. 

In the meantime, here is a song that makes me think of Becky every time I hear it.  She was such a blessing to many, and her legacy will live on forever.

"Blessings" by Laura Story



Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Rest in peace, Becky.  Your work is done.

The YouCat and the Beatitudes.....

I've been given a real gift.  I've been the given the ability to spend an hour each week with the future of our church, hoping that during our time together we will all grow a little in our love for the Lord, and pave our road to heaven just a little bit further.

Each year, it's a toss up what classes I take.  I have always told Robin that I will take whatever she wants to give me, thinking that that would be the Lord's plan.  This year, I had a class I really wanted to teach, so I requested it.  We've been discussing the YouCat -- the Youth version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

If you have ever tried to "read" the Catechism, you will tell me that it is very boring and not really a "readable" book.  It's more of a reference manual.  Something to refer to when you don't know, or understand, something to do with our church.  It is a great resource, really.

If you know me at all, you know that I have always loved Pope John Paul II.  What he did for the youth of our faith is amazing.  He singled them out and realized that they are the future of our church, and that we need to celebrate them.  In that vein, he also realized that in order to do that, we need to update our resources so that they are interesting and usuable to them as well.  I've written about the Catholic Youth Bible before -- I love it and think everyone should own one -- a youth or not. 

Well, before he died he commissioned a similar product for the Catechism.  It's unclear to me who named it, but the YouCat is the Youth Version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  It's READABLE :) -- and is well thought out.  There are references in the book back to the Catechism, so that the reader can consult the Catechism if they don't understand.

Tonight we discussed the different seasons of the church year.  They were able to look them up, see when they fall, and figure out what the colors of the seasons are.  It was truly a great discussion!!! 

Following that, we talked about the Beatitudes and tried to dissect them.  What does each one mean, and how did Jesus want us to interpret them? 

We discussed the fact that "You get what you give".......so we put it in mass perspective.  I challenged the kids to find one part of mass this weekend that they don't generally pay attention to and give it special attention, and see what happens.  (My example was to pay attention to when Father consumes the Eucharist just prior to Communion.)  I guarantee they will appreciate mass just a little bit more.  Try it for yourself!  I bet it will work for you, too!

Have a blessed week.  I hope you look up the Beatitudes and find one that fits you today.  Dissect it and enjoy it!  :)

May HIS will be done....

We went to mass this evening, as it was being offered up tonight for my parents.  I have to admit, I'm not really sure why we don't go to weekday masses more often, other than they aren't on our "schedule".  It only takes 1/2 hour of time and means so much each and every time. 

Before mass started, Will was quizzing Emily about the different things in church (a plus to sitting in the chapel, so things look a little differently).  My favorite question of his -- is that the "breadholder"???  :)  He meant the tabernacle, but now knows that name, too!  :)

I ended up distributing communion at the last minute -- and once again, was so blessed to do so.  As I was distributing to my family, I thought of how wonderful it was that I was able to physically nourish them before we left, and then to be able to give them a spiritual drink was such a wonderful bonus! 

One of the things Father said tonight in his homily was that sometimes we hear over and over what God wants us to and no matter how much we try to ignore it, He eventually (even years later) gets his point across.  So true -- some things I have to hear over and over and over again before it clicks with me that it is His will that I'm hearing!  :)

So, today my wish for you is that you are listening for God's will, and for His purpose in your life.  And even more so, my hope for you is that you have the courage to listen and do what He is asking of you.  Sometimes, that is the hardest part.  After all, it's not always the popular thing to do!

Blessings for a good week!