Palm Braiding

What to do with the palms we will receive on Palm Sunday? Why not join the tradition of Palm Braiding? The braided palms are often placed behind crucifixes, icons and holy pictures throughout the home.

This website gives directions on various types of palm braiding.

Of course, we could get ambitious and make a bouquet of palms for Our Lord! This one was made by Cathy T. over on the Delphi NFP board.

Palm Braiding

What to do with the palms we will receive on Palm Sunday? Why not join the tradition of Palm Braiding? The braided palms are often placed behind crucifixes, icons and holy pictures throughout the home.

This website gives directions on various types of palm braiding.

Of course, we could get ambitious and make a bouquet of palms for Our Lord! This one was made by Cathy T. over on the Delphi NFP board.

Palm Sunday

Psalm for Palm Sunday--Psalm 22

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

1) All who see me
deride me
they curl their lips
they wag their heads
"He trusted in the Lord.
Let Him save Him,
let Him release Him,
If this is his friend.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

2) Many dogs have surrounded me
the wicked, they oppress me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
They lay me in the dust of death--
I can count all my bones.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

3) They divide my garments among them.
For my vesture they cast lots.
But You, Oh Lord be near me
--be not far from me--
Hasten to help me.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

4) I will sing your name to my brethren
in the assembly I will praise you.
Praise the Lord, you who fear Him
--all you descendants of Jacob
give Him glory

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday's Mass is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. It begins with the joyous processing with palm branches. Often, the congregation includes people who have not come to church the rest of the year. The mood is festive. The children are excited to get their own palms.

The mood quickly changes, though, at the first reading and Psalm as we enter into Holy Week and commemorate Christ's death.

Palm Sunday

Psalm for Palm Sunday--Psalm 22

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

1) All who see me
deride me
they curl their lips
they wag their heads
"He trusted in the Lord.
Let Him save Him,
let Him release Him,
If this is his friend.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

2) Many dogs have surrounded me
the wicked, they oppress me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
They lay me in the dust of death--
I can count all my bones.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

3) They divide my garments among them.
For my vesture they cast lots.
But You, Oh Lord be near me
--be not far from me--
Hasten to help me.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

4) I will sing your name to my brethren
in the assembly I will praise you.
Praise the Lord, you who fear Him
--all you descendants of Jacob
give Him glory

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday's Mass is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. It begins with the joyous processing with palm branches. Often, the congregation includes people who have not come to church the rest of the year. The mood is festive. The children are excited to get their own palms.

The mood quickly changes, though, at the first reading and Psalm as we enter into Holy Week and commemorate Christ's death.

Wise words from Fr. Stephanos

There has been a collective cry of pain in the Catholic blogosphere lately over the sorry state of the liturgy in most American parishes. Father Stephanos and Amy Welborn have both contributed mightily to the ongoing discussion.

I wanted to highlight Father Stephanos' breathtaking point of view, though. He points out that at the end of His life, Jesus had precious few people who were there trying to comfort and mourn for Him--the Blessed Mother and a few other women, and John the Apostle. They were below the cross, gazing up at Jesus.

What was going on around them? Chaos. Disrespect. Horror. Yet they stayed. They prayed. They persevered.

The next time we are distracted or discouraged at Mass, let's think of those few who kept vigil with Jesus no matter the distractions.

Let us remember what is really going on at Mass.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.
~Matthew 28:13

Is it so surprising, really, that the Church--the people in the Church, rather--are so flawed and sinful? Perhaps the surprise is that the Church has survived in spite of us all.

That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
~Matthew 16:18

Wise words from Fr. Stephanos

There has been a collective cry of pain in the Catholic blogosphere lately over the sorry state of the liturgy in most American parishes. Father Stephanos and Amy Welborn have both contributed mightily to the ongoing discussion.

I wanted to highlight Father Stephanos' breathtaking point of view, though. He points out that at the end of His life, Jesus had precious few people who were there trying to comfort and mourn for Him--the Blessed Mother and a few other women, and John the Apostle. They were below the cross, gazing up at Jesus.

What was going on around them? Chaos. Disrespect. Horror. Yet they stayed. They prayed. They persevered.

The next time we are distracted or discouraged at Mass, let's think of those few who kept vigil with Jesus no matter the distractions.

Let us remember what is really going on at Mass.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.
~Matthew 28:13

Is it so surprising, really, that the Church--the people in the Church, rather--are so flawed and sinful? Perhaps the surprise is that the Church has survived in spite of us all.

That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
~Matthew 16:18

I can only Imagine

I can only Imagine

on a dark road
i hear the new spring frogs
and think of you

Women, stress and bonding

A UCLA study has apparently proven that women have a different reaction to stress than men. The now familiar "fight or flight" response to stress does not tell the entire story where women are concerned.

Women, it seems, have a "tend and befriend" response to stress. Oxytocin, the hormone released when women breastfeed, is also released during times of stress, and overrides the "fight or flight" response to encourage women to care for their children and bond with other women. Testosterone, which is increased during times of stress in men, heightens the "fight or flight" response.

Two women scientists from the UCLA lab realized that this was true, even among their own co-workers.

When the women who worked in the lab were stressed, they came in, cleaned the lab, had coffee, and bonded, says Dr. Klein. When the men were stressed, they holed up somewhere on their own.

This need for bonding in response to stress translates into a life-or-death need for women friends. The study showed that the more friends a woman had, the healthier she was over the long term--even after such stressful events as the death of a spouse.

Hat tip to MK.

Women, stress and bonding

A UCLA study has apparently proven that women have a different reaction to stress than men. The now familiar "fight or flight" response to stress does not tell the entire story where women are concerned.

Women, it seems, have a "tend and befriend" response to stress. Oxytocin, the hormone released when women breastfeed, is also released during times of stress, and overrides the "fight or flight" response to encourage women to care for their children and bond with other women. Testosterone, which is increased during times of stress in men, heightens the "fight or flight" response.

Two women scientists from the UCLA lab realized that this was true, even among their own co-workers.

When the women who worked in the lab were stressed, they came in, cleaned the lab, had coffee, and bonded, says Dr. Klein. When the men were stressed, they holed up somewhere on their own.

This need for bonding in response to stress translates into a life-or-death need for women friends. The study showed that the more friends a woman had, the healthier she was over the long term--even after such stressful events as the death of a spouse.

Hat tip to MK.

Reverence, virtues and judgmentalism

I've been thinking and reading about reverence since posting this morning. There is a danger when we human beings resolve to be more reverent. There is a danger of falling into judgmentalism. It is so easy to judge another for talking in church, for being late to Mass, for dressing casually.

I think the approach that follows the way we are called to by Christ, is one of complete non-judgmentalism of others, while striving for perfection in ourselves. After all, we cannot control the behavior or practices of others; we can only control
our own.

There is so much in Catholic tradition that is no longer practiced, or no longer required, that we as individuals can choose to do for our own growth in holiness. But we must be careful not to judge where others are in their journey to holiness. Not judging, thinking the best of others, and praying for others is yet another way
that each of us has to come closer to God.

When we find ourselves mourning the loss of reverence, or of charity, or of any virtue, we can take that as a sign to focus on that virtue in ourselves with increased effort and to pray with greater fervor for others.

Why are we so ready to judge our neighbor? Why are we so concerned about the burden of others? We have plenty to be concerned about, each one has his own debt, and his own sins. It is for God alone to judge, to justify or to condemn.

~Saint Dorothea of Gaza (5th Century

Reverence, virtues and judgmentalism

I've been thinking and reading about reverence since posting this morning. There is a danger when we human beings resolve to be more reverent. There is a danger of falling into judgmentalism. It is so easy to judge another for talking in church, for being late to Mass, for dressing casually.

I think the approach that follows the way we are called to by Christ, is one of complete non-judgmentalism of others, while striving for perfection in ourselves. After all, we cannot control the behavior or practices of others; we can only control
our own.

There is so much in Catholic tradition that is no longer practiced, or no longer required, that we as individuals can choose to do for our own growth in holiness. But we must be careful not to judge where others are in their journey to holiness. Not judging, thinking the best of others, and praying for others is yet another way
that each of us has to come closer to God.

When we find ourselves mourning the loss of reverence, or of charity, or of any virtue, we can take that as a sign to focus on that virtue in ourselves with increased effort and to pray with greater fervor for others.

Why are we so ready to judge our neighbor? Why are we so concerned about the burden of others? We have plenty to be concerned about, each one has his own debt, and his own sins. It is for God alone to judge, to justify or to condemn.

~Saint Dorothea of Gaza (5th Century

What do we take for granted?

Do we take for granted the things that are common in our lives? Do we notice the trees, as they go through their seasonal changes, or are they just part of the visual "noise" that is our life?

Do we act as though the Lord is present in our Churches or do we treat His dwelling place on earth as if it were our own living room, or a movie theater?

Do we bless ourselves with holy water when we enter a Church? Do we genuflect slowly and reverently, or halfheartedly and quickly? Do we genuflect at all? Do we dress for meeting the Lord in Holy Communion as well as we dress for a job interview? If we (as women) were to follow the tradition of dressing accordingly, including covering our heads when meeting the Pope, would we dare not to do so when meeting our God?

What do we take for granted?

Do we take for granted the things that are common in our lives? Do we notice the trees, as they go through their seasonal changes, or are they just part of the visual "noise" that is our life?

Do we act as though the Lord is present in our Churches or do we treat His dwelling place on earth as if it were our own living room, or a movie theater?

Do we bless ourselves with holy water when we enter a Church? Do we genuflect slowly and reverently, or halfheartedly and quickly? Do we genuflect at all? Do we dress for meeting the Lord in Holy Communion as well as we dress for a job interview? If we (as women) were to follow the tradition of dressing accordingly, including covering our heads when meeting the Pope, would we dare not to do so when meeting our God?

Taste and See that the Lord is Good

Worlds swarm around You,
like bees around a cherry tree in blossom.

From the effusion of Your fullness
swarms are nourished,
O inexhaustible Sweetness.

All overeat,
and all go away hungry.

Of all the swarms
the human swarm
leaves the most hungry.

Not because You did not have
food for men,
O Master,

but because
they fail to recognize
their nourishment,
and so they
contend with caterpillars
for the same foliage.

~From Prayers by the Lake
Saint Nicolai of Okrid

Taste and See that the Lord is Good

Worlds swarm around You,
like bees around a cherry tree in blossom.

From the effusion of Your fullness
swarms are nourished,
O inexhaustible Sweetness.

All overeat,
and all go away hungry.

Of all the swarms
the human swarm
leaves the most hungry.

Not because You did not have
food for men,
O Master,

but because
they fail to recognize
their nourishment,
and so they
contend with caterpillars
for the same foliage.

~From Prayers by the Lake
Saint Nicolai of Okrid

together
slowly crossing the road
two geese

Where are the statues?

Do you remember when statues were covered with purple cloth in Catholic Churches during Lent? In some Catholic Churches this is still done during the last week of Lent into Holy Week.

AutumnRose has a concise but thorough explanation for this on her blog. She says that

the statues in the Church were covered over, and their consolation taken away in preparation for the journey to the Cross.

Wow. What a beautiful explanation of the spiritual value of statues and icons in our world. They are a consolation--a reminder that God is with us, and that one day, we will be with Him.

Where are the statues?

Do you remember when statues were covered with purple cloth in Catholic Churches during Lent? In some Catholic Churches this is still done during the last week of Lent into Holy Week.

AutumnRose has a concise but thorough explanation for this on her blog. She says that

the statues in the Church were covered over, and their consolation taken away in preparation for the journey to the Cross.

Wow. What a beautiful explanation of the spiritual value of statues and icons in our world. They are a consolation--a reminder that God is with us, and that one day, we will be with Him.

A few blog notes

I don't know why some of the comments sections are not showing up. It's not something I'm doing.

Thanks to this graphics site and this blogger tips site, ds and I have figured out how to add a new background graphic to the blog header.

Now, if only I could figure out how to change the entire background!

But, one step at a time.

Edited to add: Thanks to Let's Talk for the tip on finding out how to add a background!

A few blog notes

I don't know why some of the comments sections are not showing up. It's not something I'm doing.

Thanks to this graphics site and this blogger tips site, ds and I have figured out how to add a new background graphic to the blog header.

Now, if only I could figure out how to change the entire background!

But, one step at a time.

Edited to add: Thanks to Let's Talk for the tip on finding out how to add a background!

The Angelus

The Angelus is a prayer traditionally said three times a day: morning, noon and evening in memorial of the incarnation of Christ in Mary's womb--a feast which we will celebrate on Monday, March 26th this year.

In the years before watches, churches would ring their bells to remind the faithful to stop and pray.

By the way, in spite of my Catholic upbringing and art history classes, for many years, I never knew that the famous painting above was in fact a Catholic subject. Entitled, The Angelus, by Jean Francois Millet it depicts French peasants stopping their work at the sound of the bell to pray the Angelus.

The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

The Angelus

The Angelus is a prayer traditionally said three times a day: morning, noon and evening in memorial of the incarnation of Christ in Mary's womb--a feast which we will celebrate on Monday, March 26th this year.

In the years before watches, churches would ring their bells to remind the faithful to stop and pray.

By the way, in spite of my Catholic upbringing and art history classes, for many years, I never knew that the famous painting above was in fact a Catholic subject. Entitled, The Angelus, by Jean Francois Millet it depicts French peasants stopping their work at the sound of the bell to pray the Angelus.

The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

March 26--The Annunciation

Hat tip to Tom Fitzpatrick for the heads up about the change of date. This year, The Annunciation is celebrated on Monday since March 25 falls on a Sunday.

March 26--The Annunciation

Hat tip to Tom Fitzpatrick for the heads up about the change of date. This year, The Annunciation is celebrated on Monday since March 25 falls on a Sunday.

If I have been the victim of evil,

then my true and full healing

is when I become the opposite.

The opposite of a victim of evil

is a perpetrator of good.

~Father Stephanos, O.S.B

If I have been the victim of evil,

then my true and full healing

is when I become the opposite.

The opposite of a victim of evil

is a perpetrator of good.

~Father Stephanos, O.S.B

Go, Lithuania!

Catholic News Agency reports that the Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission has fined MTV 3000 litas ($1435) for airing an anti-Catholic program, "Popetown". The Inspector for Journalistic Ethics in Lithuania, Romas Gudaitis, had said previously that the show should be banned because it incites religious discrimination.

Well, apparently, journalists in Lithuania still *have* ethics. Here in the U.S., inciting religious discrimination is perfectly ok, especially if its against Christians.

Bravo to Lithuania!

Go, Lithuania!

Catholic News Agency reports that the Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission has fined MTV 3000 litas ($1435) for airing an anti-Catholic program, "Popetown". The Inspector for Journalistic Ethics in Lithuania, Romas Gudaitis, had said previously that the show should be banned because it incites religious discrimination.

Well, apparently, journalists in Lithuania still *have* ethics. Here in the U.S., inciting religious discrimination is perfectly ok, especially if its against Christians.

Bravo to Lithuania!

Huge snowfall
brings sparkling diamonds
new streams

Some good news

Apparently, some caffeine is good for you. One less thing to feel too guilty about! This article on Yahoo says the following about caffeine:

...there's now evidence that it defends against diabetes, Parkinson's, asthma symptoms, post-workout soreness, and even hunger pangs. Cool.

The gurus out there suggest limiting your intake to about 2.5 cups of coffee per day. I suggest tea--its better for you than soft drinks and coffee.

Hat tip to MK, who is sitting in her basement bed room trying to heal a broken arm.

Some good news

Apparently, some caffeine is good for you. One less thing to feel too guilty about! This article on Yahoo says the following about caffeine:

...there's now evidence that it defends against diabetes, Parkinson's, asthma symptoms, post-workout soreness, and even hunger pangs. Cool.

The gurus out there suggest limiting your intake to about 2.5 cups of coffee per day. I suggest tea--its better for you than soft drinks and coffee.

Hat tip to MK, who is sitting in her basement bed room trying to heal a broken arm.

What a difference an hour makes

I am apparently incapable of adjusting to one tiny little hour in the recent "spring ahead" time change. I can't see to convince myself to get to bed early enough and have ended up staying up way past my normal bed time. The resulting fatigue necessitates massive amounts of caffeine, which only starts the cycle over again.

What a difference an hour makes

I am apparently incapable of adjusting to one tiny little hour in the recent "spring ahead" time change. I can't see to convince myself to get to bed early enough and have ended up staying up way past my normal bed time. The resulting fatigue necessitates massive amounts of caffeine, which only starts the cycle over again.

awkwardly
skating around, falling in,
I remove the skates

round and round
circumnavigating the
unknown darkness

Saint Joseph

Yesterday was the feast of Saint Joseph. The only hymn in our hymnal dedicated to Saint Joseph is called Saint Joseph was a Just Man or as my dh calls it, Saint Joseph was just a man!

Saint Joseph was, in essence, the adoptive father of Our Lord.

Let us pray especially for those who are adopted, those seeking to adopt, and for troubled pregnant mothers everywhere that they may give the gift of a child to another.

Saint Joseph

Yesterday was the feast of Saint Joseph. The only hymn in our hymnal dedicated to Saint Joseph is called Saint Joseph was a Just Man or as my dh calls it, Saint Joseph was just a man!

Saint Joseph was, in essence, the adoptive father of Our Lord.

Let us pray especially for those who are adopted, those seeking to adopt, and for troubled pregnant mothers everywhere that they may give the gift of a child to another.

Visual DNA Meme

Hat tip to the Southern Conservative.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Visual DNA Meme

Hat tip to the Southern Conservative.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Canticle of Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all.

Canticle of Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all.

The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross are a traditional Catholic devotion, commemorating Jesus journey to His death on Calvary and are especially appropriate to pray during Lent.

The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross are a traditional Catholic devotion, commemorating Jesus journey to His death on Calvary and are especially appropriate to pray during Lent.

4th Sunday in Lent

4th Sunday in Lent

small and helpless
in the palm of His Hand
I rest in God

small and brown
in God's ecosystem
tiny bird

Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was the first missionary to Ireland. He was born in Scotland in 387. At 16, he was sold into slavery in Ireland, where he prayed continually to God and found strength. While there, he learned to love the Irish people and learned about the Druid religion. The Lord was preparing him, through his captivity, for his future mission.

Told in a dream to escape, he returned to his homeland, but continually felt the pull to go back to Ireland to evangelize the pagan population. While in Ireland, Saint Patrick performed many miracles and used the now-famous shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

The influence of Saint Patrick on civilization cannot be underestimated. His introduction of Christianity to Ireland paved the way for future groups of monks to painstakingly hand copy manuscripts, both pagan and Christian, which became the record of western civilization that was preserved after the fall of Rome.

I think we need Saint Patrick today more than ever. There are countries and peoples who have long been Christian who are no more. We need Saint Patrick's intercession to re-evangelize the western world.

Saint Patrick, pray for us!

Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was the first missionary to Ireland. He was born in Scotland in 387. At 16, he was sold into slavery in Ireland, where he prayed continually to God and found strength. While there, he learned to love the Irish people and learned about the Druid religion. The Lord was preparing him, through his captivity, for his future mission.

Told in a dream to escape, he returned to his homeland, but continually felt the pull to go back to Ireland to evangelize the pagan population. While in Ireland, Saint Patrick performed many miracles and used the now-famous shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

The influence of Saint Patrick on civilization cannot be underestimated. His introduction of Christianity to Ireland paved the way for future groups of monks to painstakingly hand copy manuscripts, both pagan and Christian, which became the record of western civilization that was preserved after the fall of Rome.

I think we need Saint Patrick today more than ever. There are countries and peoples who have long been Christian who are no more. We need Saint Patrick's intercession to re-evangelize the western world.

Saint Patrick, pray for us!

outside together
reluctant shoveling
mom and son bonding

Corned beef anyone?

Who is having corned beef tomorrow? How will you cook it?

I realize that corned beef and cabbage is not an authentic Irish dish. Oh well. My theory is that all the silliness around St. Patrick's Day here in the States helps Irish Americans celebrate their heritage. (In the interest of full disclosure, I'd be just as happy if that heritage did not include copious amounts of alcohol consumption.)

I will put my corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot. Gotta love the crock pot! I might try out a recipe (or variation thereof) that I found on About.com that includes cider and brown sugar. Mmmmm!

Corned beef anyone?

Who is having corned beef tomorrow? How will you cook it?

I realize that corned beef and cabbage is not an authentic Irish dish. Oh well. My theory is that all the silliness around St. Patrick's Day here in the States helps Irish Americans celebrate their heritage. (In the interest of full disclosure, I'd be just as happy if that heritage did not include copious amounts of alcohol consumption.)

I will put my corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot. Gotta love the crock pot! I might try out a recipe (or variation thereof) that I found on About.com that includes cider and brown sugar. Mmmmm!

It's snowing!

It's snowing again. Oddly enough, my first reaction was, "how beautiful"!

It's snowing!

It's snowing again. Oddly enough, my first reaction was, "how beautiful"!

The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March, made famous to us moderns by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar. The Ides of March is the day when Caesar's was assassinated in 44BC.

Caesar: Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music
Cry "Caesar!" Speak. Caesar is turn'd to hear.

Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.

Historically, it is the date by which debts were usually settled (including, apparently, Caesar's).

Perhaps it was the ancient version of our present-day ides of April.

The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March, made famous to us moderns by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar. The Ides of March is the day when Caesar's was assassinated in 44BC.

Caesar: Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music
Cry "Caesar!" Speak. Caesar is turn'd to hear.

Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.

Historically, it is the date by which debts were usually settled (including, apparently, Caesar's).

Perhaps it was the ancient version of our present-day ides of April.

creeping darkness
biting wind--
the ides of March

New Blogs

I've added 3 new Catholic blogs. Et-tu, Jen? is a diary of a former atheist converted to Catholicism and a good read.

I found a blog by the Catholic Illustrators Guild called Smallpax Sketch Blog via Amy Welborn and it's a treasure! It's refreshing to know that there are Catholic artists out there that are, well, artists...and...Catholic! Stop by and you'll see what I mean. On the lighter, but no less talented side, the blog author even does quite good art on a Magna Doodle!

Pontifications by Father Alvin Kimel is excellent! A convert from Anglicanism, Father Kimel considered Orthodoxy before coming to the conclusion that he couldn't ignore the theological and cultural legitimacy of Catholicism.

Check them all out!

New Blogs

I've added 3 new Catholic blogs. Et-tu, Jen? is a diary of a former atheist converted to Catholicism and a good read.

I found a blog by the Catholic Illustrators Guild called Smallpax Sketch Blog via Amy Welborn and it's a treasure! It's refreshing to know that there are Catholic artists out there that are, well, artists...and...Catholic! Stop by and you'll see what I mean. On the lighter, but no less talented side, the blog author even does quite good art on a Magna Doodle!

Pontifications by Father Alvin Kimel is excellent! A convert from Anglicanism, Father Kimel considered Orthodoxy before coming to the conclusion that he couldn't ignore the theological and cultural legitimacy of Catholicism.

Check them all out!

Neato, Man!

This "heated debate between Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie" is from Neatorama.

Neato, Man!

This "heated debate between Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie" is from Neatorama.

Prayer of Forgiveness

Give peace to those who have destroyed our peace;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Grant love to those who have refused to love;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Protect from injury those who have done us injury;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Grant success to those who have competed with us to our loss;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Give prosperity to those who have taken what was ours;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

~From Prayer for the Morning
Magnificat Magazine

Prayer of Forgiveness

Give peace to those who have destroyed our peace;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Grant love to those who have refused to love;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Protect from injury those who have done us injury;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Grant success to those who have competed with us to our loss;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

Give prosperity to those who have taken what was ours;
--we pray:

Lord, have mercy.

~From Prayer for the Morning
Magnificat Magazine

Save the Liturgy, Save the World

Just wanted to point out something that has been going on for a bit over at The Cafeteria is Closed. Gerald has designed and is marketing "Save the Liturgy, Save the World" merchandise. Good stuff. Good cause. Check it out.

Save the Liturgy, Save the World

Just wanted to point out something that has been going on for a bit over at The Cafeteria is Closed. Gerald has designed and is marketing "Save the Liturgy, Save the World" merchandise. Good stuff. Good cause. Check it out.

Third Sunday in Lent

Third Sunday in Lent

Turn those clocks forward

In the U.S., don't forget to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour before bed tonight.

In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candlelight.
In summer, quite the other way--
I have to go to bed by day.
~Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

A Child's Garden of Verses

Turn those clocks forward

In the U.S., don't forget to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour before bed tonight.

In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candlelight.
In summer, quite the other way--
I have to go to bed by day.
~Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

A Child's Garden of Verses

Another bat

Today, I was at Mass in Emmitsburg and I thought I saw a little bird flying around. I thought, "How cute", until I realized it was a bat. I don't know what ever happened to it. I'm simultaneously glad and sorry I didn't see it again.

Another bat

Today, I was at Mass in Emmitsburg and I thought I saw a little bird flying around. I thought, "How cute", until I realized it was a bat. I don't know what ever happened to it. I'm simultaneously glad and sorry I didn't see it again.

RIP John Inman

John Inman, British actor of "Are You Being Served" fame, dies at the age of 71.

May he rest in peace

RIP John Inman

John Inman, British actor of "Are You Being Served" fame, dies at the age of 71.

May he rest in peace

snow storm--

willows, pines and oaks transformed

in bright sunlight

soft fur
underneath a
gentle paw

Link clean up

I've finally gotten around to arranging my links. They are now in categories: Catholic (western), Byzantine and Orthodox Catholic, Poetry and Tea. All the Byzantine links are new for this blog.

Ancient Faith Radio is a free internet Orthodox radio ministry--absolutely beautiful music and reflections.

Byzantine Ramblings and Musings from a Twilight World are both Byzantine priest's blogs.

Crazy Acres is a blog by a Byzantine homeschooling mom and iconographer.

Our last Byzantine blog (so far!) is Square Zero, written by Eric Scheidler, a Byzantine, cyclist, web designer and father of 7.

The rest are basic Byzantine info pages of various types.

May God use them for His glory and our edification.

Link clean up

I've finally gotten around to arranging my links. They are now in categories: Catholic (western), Byzantine and Orthodox Catholic, Poetry and Tea. All the Byzantine links are new for this blog.

Ancient Faith Radio is a free internet Orthodox radio ministry--absolutely beautiful music and reflections.

Byzantine Ramblings and Musings from a Twilight World are both Byzantine priest's blogs.

Crazy Acres is a blog by a Byzantine homeschooling mom and iconographer.

Our last Byzantine blog (so far!) is Square Zero, written by Eric Scheidler, a Byzantine, cyclist, web designer and father of 7.

The rest are basic Byzantine info pages of various types.

May God use them for His glory and our edification.

voices
float over the mountain--
sing unknown songs

Everyone Knows it's Windy

Ok. I had to post about the weather today just so I could use that title! :)

Its cold and windy outside. I should have listened to my mother and brought a hat.

Everyone Knows it's Windy

Ok. I had to post about the weather today just so I could use that title! :)

Its cold and windy outside. I should have listened to my mother and brought a hat.

Site Translation

I finally got around to adding a translation function for this website. Its over on the sidebar under Mental Health News.

Enjoy!

Site Translation

I finally got around to adding a translation function for this website. Its over on the sidebar under Mental Health News.

Enjoy!

What color orange are you?

You Are Cameo

You are understanding and very empathetic. You don't tend to have acquaintances. Everyone is your friend. And all of your friends tend to be friends. You have a knack for bringing very different people together.

What Color Orange Are You?

What color orange are you?

You Are Cameo

You are understanding and very empathetic. You don't tend to have acquaintances. Everyone is your friend. And all of your friends tend to be friends. You have a knack for bringing very different people together.

What Color Orange Are You?

Birth year Meme

Southern Conservative has a cool meme on his blog. Basically you go to YouTube and type in the year you were born. For me, that's 1961.

JFK's Inaguration in January


This is an interesting clip of a French rock group, Les Chaussettes Noires singing Le Twist.




And, finally, an old RCA commercial for the "new" remote control TV.

Birth year Meme

Southern Conservative has a cool meme on his blog. Basically you go to YouTube and type in the year you were born. For me, that's 1961.

JFK's Inaguration in January


This is an interesting clip of a French rock group, Les Chaussettes Noires singing Le Twist.




And, finally, an old RCA commercial for the "new" remote control TV.

Dark Night of the Soul

Marie over at Spirituality and Mysticism has posted a insightful meditation on the need to go through dark times--times that take away our comfort and security--in order to mature.

I think this is one of the ideas behind Lent that so many don't see. "Giving something up" is not some sort of futile exercise in suffering for its own sake, but it is to help us begin to let go of our comforts and lean on God.

The modern tendency to chase away all distress at any cost, is a false spirituality--one of the so-called "angels of light" which are really demons in disguise set to give us the false security of comfort in this life, inhibit our spiritual and personal growth, and prevent us from becoming holy enough to enjoy the Presence of the Perfect God in the next life.

If we are always spared from all discomfort, we will never make the necessary changes to advance spiritually and personally; we will remain an infant, demanding that our needs be met at the cost of our own, and others' spiritual growth.

This idea of the necessity of suffering, although unpopular in many circles today, is an ancient one. Mystics in many religions have recognized the necessity of suffering to change and growth.

Ancient myths talk about the need sometimes to "descend into the underworld", to live in darkness for a while, to sit in ashes so as to move to a deeper place inside of life; the mystics talk about "dark nights of the soul" as being necessary to bring about maturity; Ignatius of Loyola teaches that there is a place for both "consolation" and "desolation" in our lives; the philosopher, Karl Jaspers, suggests that the journey to full maturity demands that we sometimes journey in "the norm of night" and not just in "the norm of day"; the Jewish scriptures assure us that certain deep things can only happen to the soul when it is helpless and exposed in "the desert" or "the wilderness" and that sometimes, like Jonah, we need to be carried to some place where we'd rather not go "in the dark belly of the whale"; and, perhaps most challenging of all, we see that Jesus was only brought to full compassion through "sweating blood in Gethsemane" and then dying a humiliating death on the cross.

The entire original is worth reading, especially during Lent.

Christianity is one of the ancient religions which recognizes the reality and necessity of suffering in an imperfect world.

All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

~Romans 8:28

Dark Night of the Soul

Marie over at Spirituality and Mysticism has posted a insightful meditation on the need to go through dark times--times that take away our comfort and security--in order to mature.

I think this is one of the ideas behind Lent that so many don't see. "Giving something up" is not some sort of futile exercise in suffering for its own sake, but it is to help us begin to let go of our comforts and lean on God.

The modern tendency to chase away all distress at any cost, is a false spirituality--one of the so-called "angels of light" which are really demons in disguise set to give us the false security of comfort in this life, inhibit our spiritual and personal growth, and prevent us from becoming holy enough to enjoy the Presence of the Perfect God in the next life.

If we are always spared from all discomfort, we will never make the necessary changes to advance spiritually and personally; we will remain an infant, demanding that our needs be met at the cost of our own, and others' spiritual growth.

This idea of the necessity of suffering, although unpopular in many circles today, is an ancient one. Mystics in many religions have recognized the necessity of suffering to change and growth.

Ancient myths talk about the need sometimes to "descend into the underworld", to live in darkness for a while, to sit in ashes so as to move to a deeper place inside of life; the mystics talk about "dark nights of the soul" as being necessary to bring about maturity; Ignatius of Loyola teaches that there is a place for both "consolation" and "desolation" in our lives; the philosopher, Karl Jaspers, suggests that the journey to full maturity demands that we sometimes journey in "the norm of night" and not just in "the norm of day"; the Jewish scriptures assure us that certain deep things can only happen to the soul when it is helpless and exposed in "the desert" or "the wilderness" and that sometimes, like Jonah, we need to be carried to some place where we'd rather not go "in the dark belly of the whale"; and, perhaps most challenging of all, we see that Jesus was only brought to full compassion through "sweating blood in Gethsemane" and then dying a humiliating death on the cross.

The entire original is worth reading, especially during Lent.

Christianity is one of the ancient religions which recognizes the reality and necessity of suffering in an imperfect world.

All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

~Romans 8:28

Second Sunday in Lent

Although the first slide here says "1st Sunday in Lent", the title of the YouTube is "Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent."

Second Sunday in Lent

Although the first slide here says "1st Sunday in Lent", the title of the YouTube is "Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent."

The Tax Man

DS (full time college student) was horrified the other day to get a TAX bill in the mail. I told him it was the "privilege to work in Pennsylvania" tax. No kidding. He was NOT impressed.

The Tax Man

DS (full time college student) was horrified the other day to get a TAX bill in the mail. I told him it was the "privilege to work in Pennsylvania" tax. No kidding. He was NOT impressed.

Can I live?

And I don't even like rap...this is beautiful. Hat tip to Mulier Fortis.

Can I live?

And I don't even like rap...this is beautiful. Hat tip to Mulier Fortis.

Fighting for Freedom of Religion

Father Henry Heffernan has been reinstated as a Catholic chaplain for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after being removed for refusing to accept the NIH's call for a "generic chaplaincy", in which chaplains of various faith backgrounds would hold services for different denominations.

Heffernan was subject to openly anti-Catholic jokes after the priest insisted that only Catholic clergy can administer Catholic sacraments. NIH supervisors bragged about their determination to oust the priest. I am saddened by this.

In an atmosphere often thought of as fairly "conservative", it seems that the U.S. military is bowing to pressure to make religion among its members rather white washed and uniform. A person's religious beliefs and his or her right to practice them are a right guaranteed in this country under the first amendment to the Constitution. This right is fought for valiantly by our uniformed men and women all over the world.

It is a shame and scandal of the greatest proportions that the United States military would consider getting rid of a chaplain merely for following his religion.

Edited to add: Father Joe Jenkins has more detail on this story and sadly, others like it, on his blog. Go check it out!

Fighting for Freedom of Religion

Father Henry Heffernan has been reinstated as a Catholic chaplain for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after being removed for refusing to accept the NIH's call for a "generic chaplaincy", in which chaplains of various faith backgrounds would hold services for different denominations.

Heffernan was subject to openly anti-Catholic jokes after the priest insisted that only Catholic clergy can administer Catholic sacraments. NIH supervisors bragged about their determination to oust the priest. I am saddened by this.

In an atmosphere often thought of as fairly "conservative", it seems that the U.S. military is bowing to pressure to make religion among its members rather white washed and uniform. A person's religious beliefs and his or her right to practice them are a right guaranteed in this country under the first amendment to the Constitution. This right is fought for valiantly by our uniformed men and women all over the world.

It is a shame and scandal of the greatest proportions that the United States military would consider getting rid of a chaplain merely for following his religion.

Edited to add: Father Joe Jenkins has more detail on this story and sadly, others like it, on his blog. Go check it out!

In the hands of God

St. Therese of Lisieux was called Sister Therese of the Child Jesus in her religious life. She had a great devotion to the Child Jesus and often thought of herself as His plaything.

The image of being a bit of silly putty or play dough in the hands of God has recently come across my inner radar screen. I think, especially by this age, I am rather used to being in the inner "form" that I currently am. I am, as they say, stuck in my ways.

Recently I have begun to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. I think that God is purposely stretching me beyond my normal comfort level in order to enlarge my soul to include virtues and character traits that I would not otherwise have, nor even imagine I could possess.

All is in the hands of God. I put myself at the foot of His cross.

In the hands of God

St. Therese of Lisieux was called Sister Therese of the Child Jesus in her religious life. She had a great devotion to the Child Jesus and often thought of herself as His plaything.

The image of being a bit of silly putty or play dough in the hands of God has recently come across my inner radar screen. I think, especially by this age, I am rather used to being in the inner "form" that I currently am. I am, as they say, stuck in my ways.

Recently I have begun to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. I think that God is purposely stretching me beyond my normal comfort level in order to enlarge my soul to include virtues and character traits that I would not otherwise have, nor even imagine I could possess.

All is in the hands of God. I put myself at the foot of His cross.