The search for the perfect cup of tea

I've been OCD-ing on tea and tea info these days. I am desperate to find the perfect tasting, easy to find, and fairly inexpensive tea. [Let's add "bagged" (*gasp*) to the list while we are at it!]

Is this impossible? I like to think that I'm not a picky person, but lately, I'm really NOT liking the Lipton decaf that I buy for my mom. Yuk. It's just not cutting it.

I have a fairly large amount of various kinds of tea and tisanes here at home. My current favorite is decaf Earl Grey. I am trying to stay away from large amounts of caffeine but currently craving black tea.

I am also feeling a bit guilty about the amount of artificial sugar I seem to feel is necessary to making any tea taste palatable.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for me as far as an "everyday" decaf black tea?

The search for the perfect cup of tea

I've been OCD-ing on tea and tea info these days. I am desperate to find the perfect tasting, easy to find, and fairly inexpensive tea. [Let's add "bagged" (*gasp*) to the list while we are at it!]

Is this impossible? I like to think that I'm not a picky person, but lately, I'm really NOT liking the Lipton decaf that I buy for my mom. Yuk. It's just not cutting it.

I have a fairly large amount of various kinds of tea and tisanes here at home. My current favorite is decaf Earl Grey. I am trying to stay away from large amounts of caffeine but currently craving black tea.

I am also feeling a bit guilty about the amount of artificial sugar I seem to feel is necessary to making any tea taste palatable.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for me as far as an "everyday" decaf black tea?

What do you mean, you don't like them?!

I find myself a bit surprised, these days, at my mom's refusal to eat certain veggies. After all, these are the very veggies that she made us eat all those

years ago! ;)

It makes me smile when my mom leaves the lima beans and brussel sprouts!!

[I realize at this stage, the sweet type stuff is all they want, but it makes me laugh remembering how she insisted that I "eat my greens"!]

What do you mean, you don't like them?!

I find myself a bit surprised, these days, at my mom's refusal to eat certain veggies. After all, these are the very veggies that she made us eat all those

years ago! ;)

It makes me smile when my mom leaves the lima beans and brussel sprouts!!

[I realize at this stage, the sweet type stuff is all they want, but it makes me laugh remembering how she insisted that I "eat my greens"!]

Divine Mercy--a message for our time

Today, much of the culture, much of art and music and film is meant to shock us out of our complacency. If there is no shock value, it is often not even considered art anymore. The very fact that we need our culture to be so extreme for us to even notice, says a lot about our level of apathy.

Man's fallen nature is all around us now, to the point where we see it as completely normal. Our culture, for example, has now normalized ideas that were brought to the fore by Nazi Eugenicists. Some people who are less than perfect, or were not "planned" are seen as completely expendable. It is now almost a duty in some circles, to do away with them. Society is now responsible for deciding who gets to live and who needs to die.

These "values" were horrifying 60 years ago and now are fought for every day across the country. Things, ideas and practices that would have been completely unthinkable a generation ago, are now commonplace. Momentary, physical pleasure is what is celebrated and assumed in television and theater. Commitment to anything or anyone--job, church or lover, is passe and seen as just not practical or possible.

What we've done, is given up hope. We don't think there *is* any hope for redemption. We don't see how it's possible anymore. We think we've gone too far to turn back.

The message of Divine Mercy is one of Hope. It is NEVER too late. As long as there is life and breath, there is hope of salvation and freedom from the endless game of narcissistic self-fulfillment.

The message of Divine Mercy is the message of Jesus. He is calling and He will keep calling us each by name.

Divine Mercy--a message for our time

Today, much of the culture, much of art and music and film is meant to shock us out of our complacency. If there is no shock value, it is often not even considered art anymore. The very fact that we need our culture to be so extreme for us to even notice, says a lot about our level of apathy.

Man's fallen nature is all around us now, to the point where we see it as completely normal. Our culture, for example, has now normalized ideas that were brought to the fore by Nazi Eugenicists. Some people who are less than perfect, or were not "planned" are seen as completely expendable. It is now almost a duty in some circles, to do away with them. Society is now responsible for deciding who gets to live and who needs to die.

These "values" were horrifying 60 years ago and now are fought for every day across the country. Things, ideas and practices that would have been completely unthinkable a generation ago, are now commonplace. Momentary, physical pleasure is what is celebrated and assumed in television and theater. Commitment to anything or anyone--job, church or lover, is passe and seen as just not practical or possible.

What we've done, is given up hope. We don't think there *is* any hope for redemption. We don't see how it's possible anymore. We think we've gone too far to turn back.

The message of Divine Mercy is one of Hope. It is NEVER too late. As long as there is life and breath, there is hope of salvation and freedom from the endless game of narcissistic self-fulfillment.

The message of Divine Mercy is the message of Jesus. He is calling and He will keep calling us each by name.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 9

Ninth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 9

Ninth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 8

Eighth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 8

Eighth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

The Challenge of the Cross

Father Dwight Longnecker has a great post about the horizontal and the vertical. There are those so-called "Post Vatican II" Catholics (or as Fr. calls them, "Progressive" Catholics) who are forever focusing on the horizontal; it's all about brotherhood and social justice, tolerance and holding hands.

On the other hand, we have the "Traditional" ("Conservative") Catholics who tend to focus on the vertical--us and God--the minutia of worshiping a Being who is so far above ourselves becomes so all-encompassing, that our focus on showing Christ's love to each other can be lost.

Father Longnecker points out that together, the horizontal and the vertical form a cross--the real focus of Christianity. We can and should learn from each other.

This is why we have the Church. We can go off all we want and start or form our own religions and denominations that focus on the vertical or the horizontal to the exclusion of the other until we are nice and comfy in our pews...or lack of pews! But, Christ called us to the Cross, which involves both vertical and horizontal, in the Church, which is, for most of us, not completely in our comfort zone. That is the point. We are to be challenged by the Cross to holiness.

The Challenge of the Cross

Father Dwight Longnecker has a great post about the horizontal and the vertical. There are those so-called "Post Vatican II" Catholics (or as Fr. calls them, "Progressive" Catholics) who are forever focusing on the horizontal; it's all about brotherhood and social justice, tolerance and holding hands.

On the other hand, we have the "Traditional" ("Conservative") Catholics who tend to focus on the vertical--us and God--the minutia of worshiping a Being who is so far above ourselves becomes so all-encompassing, that our focus on showing Christ's love to each other can be lost.

Father Longnecker points out that together, the horizontal and the vertical form a cross--the real focus of Christianity. We can and should learn from each other.

This is why we have the Church. We can go off all we want and start or form our own religions and denominations that focus on the vertical or the horizontal to the exclusion of the other until we are nice and comfy in our pews...or lack of pews! But, Christ called us to the Cross, which involves both vertical and horizontal, in the Church, which is, for most of us, not completely in our comfort zone. That is the point. We are to be challenged by the Cross to holiness.

Postcard History

This site has historic penny postcards of various places in the U.S. Here is one of row houses in Baltimore, complete with marble steps.

Notice the newness. Notice the lack of cars.

Postcard History

This site has historic penny postcards of various places in the U.S. Here is one of row houses in Baltimore, complete with marble steps.

Notice the newness. Notice the lack of cars.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 7

Day Seven

Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 7

Day Seven

Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Today's birthdays

Today, Leonard Nimoy, aka Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek, turns 77 and Vicki Lawrence, of the Carol Burnett show, turns 59.

Here's her 1973 number one hit (her only hit) "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." Still the definitive version, IMO.

As for Nimoy, the YouTube didn't allow embedding of this video, but it is worth clicking and watching. Nimoy explains here: Judaism in Star Trek. Fascinating.

Today's birthdays

Today, Leonard Nimoy, aka Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek, turns 77 and Vicki Lawrence, of the Carol Burnett show, turns 59.

Here's her 1973 number one hit (her only hit) "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." Still the definitive version, IMO.

As for Nimoy, the YouTube didn't allow embedding of this video, but it is worth clicking and watching. Nimoy explains here: Judaism in Star Trek. Fascinating.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 6

Sixth Day

Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 6

Sixth Day

Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 5

Day Five

"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day 5

Day Five

"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Four--Divine Mercy Novena

Day Four

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Four--Divine Mercy Novena

Day Four

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Respect

I am grateful beyond measure on this Easter Day, for people in my life who respect my beliefs and my right to have them. I think the world will never, ever be at peace unless and until we not only respect other's beliefs, but fight for their right to practice them, if need be. It is the only true "American way".

Respect

I am grateful beyond measure on this Easter Day, for people in my life who respect my beliefs and my right to have them. I think the world will never, ever be at peace unless and until we not only respect other's beliefs, but fight for their right to practice them, if need be. It is the only true "American way".

Divine Mercy Novena--Day Three

Day Three

"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages.

~Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena--Day Three

Day Three

"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages.

~Amen.

Alleluia! The Lord is Risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Alleluia! The Lord is Risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Rejoice!

The Exultet is sung at the Easter Vigil Mass, announcing the coming of the salvation of the world.

Exultet

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

My dearest friends,
standing with me in this holy light,
join me in asking God for mercy,
that he may give his unworthy minister
grace to sing his Easter praises.

Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Deacon: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Deacon: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly right
that with full hearts and minds and voices
we should praise the unseen God, the all-powerful Father,
and his only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
For Christ has ransomed us with his blood,
and paid for us the price of Adam's sin to our eternal Father!

This is our passover feast,
when Christ, the true Lamb, is slain,
whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers.

This is the night
when first you saved our fathers:
you freed the people of Israel from their slavery
and led them dry-shod through the sea.

This is the night
when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin!

This is the night
when Christians everywhere,
washed clean of sin and freed from all defilement,
are restored to grace and grow together in holiness.

This is the night
when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death
and rose triumphant from the grave.

What good would life have been to us,
had Christ not come as our Redeemer?
Father, how wonderful your care for us!
How boundless your merciful love!
To ransom a slave you gave away your Son.

O happy fault,
O necessary sin of Adam,
which gained for us so great a Redeemer!

Most blessed of all nights, chosen by God to see Christ rising from the dead!

Of this night scripture says:
"The night will be as clear as day:
it will become my light, my joy."

The power of this holy night dispels all evil
washes guilt away, restores lost innocence,
brings mourners joy;
it casts out hatred, brings us peace,
and humbles earthly pride.

Night truly blessed when heaven is wedded to earth
and man is reconciled with God!

Rejoice!

The Exultet is sung at the Easter Vigil Mass, announcing the coming of the salvation of the world.

Exultet

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

My dearest friends,
standing with me in this holy light,
join me in asking God for mercy,
that he may give his unworthy minister
grace to sing his Easter praises.

Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Deacon: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Deacon: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly right
that with full hearts and minds and voices
we should praise the unseen God, the all-powerful Father,
and his only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
For Christ has ransomed us with his blood,
and paid for us the price of Adam's sin to our eternal Father!

This is our passover feast,
when Christ, the true Lamb, is slain,
whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers.

This is the night
when first you saved our fathers:
you freed the people of Israel from their slavery
and led them dry-shod through the sea.

This is the night
when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin!

This is the night
when Christians everywhere,
washed clean of sin and freed from all defilement,
are restored to grace and grow together in holiness.

This is the night
when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death
and rose triumphant from the grave.

What good would life have been to us,
had Christ not come as our Redeemer?
Father, how wonderful your care for us!
How boundless your merciful love!
To ransom a slave you gave away your Son.

O happy fault,
O necessary sin of Adam,
which gained for us so great a Redeemer!

Most blessed of all nights, chosen by God to see Christ rising from the dead!

Of this night scripture says:
"The night will be as clear as day:
it will become my light, my joy."

The power of this holy night dispels all evil
washes guilt away, restores lost innocence,
brings mourners joy;
it casts out hatred, brings us peace,
and humbles earthly pride.

Night truly blessed when heaven is wedded to earth
and man is reconciled with God!

He descended to the dead

On Holy Saturday, Christ preached the Good news of His coming to the righteous who had died since the creation of man, thereby taking them to see the Eternal Beatific Vision.

He descended to the dead

On Holy Saturday, Christ preached the Good news of His coming to the righteous who had died since the creation of man, thereby taking them to see the Eternal Beatific Vision.

Day two of Divine Mercy Novena

Day Two

"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Day two of Divine Mercy Novena

Day Two

"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Good Friday Novena--Divine Mercy

Today begins the Divine Mercy Novena that Jesus gave to Saint Faustina. He requested that, beginning on Good Friday, we pray for the souls of specific groups each day for 9 days.

Day One

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Good Friday Novena--Divine Mercy

Today begins the Divine Mercy Novena that Jesus gave to Saint Faustina. He requested that, beginning on Good Friday, we pray for the souls of specific groups each day for 9 days.

Day One

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Good Friday Stations of the Cross

Good Friday Stations of the Cross

Christianity is Love

During The Last Supper, Jesus shows His disciples that Christianity is "all about love." What is "love"?

Love.....is......service. Period.

In today's Gospel, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and asks them,

“Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Love is not a warm and fuzzy feeling. Love is not a series of ecstatic highs. Love is not an eternal roller coaster. Love is getting your hands dirty, so to speak. Love is inconveniencing yourself, sacrificing yourself, dying to yourself, over and over and over, for the other.

Love is not about "me". Love is about "them."

God is love.

God created the world. God created all the plants, all the animals, and last, God created humanity. If God created everything, what or who existed before creation? God.

Was God alone?

No. God is LOVE. The Christian God is Trinity. Love can NOT exist alone. Our God is so unified, He is One. But our God is Triune. The very reason that our God exists as three persons, is because He is Love.

God voluntarily came to earth to show us what love is. Love is becoming a servant to your fellow men. Even those who betray you. Even those who deny you.

Even them.

Christianity is Love

During The Last Supper, Jesus shows His disciples that Christianity is "all about love." What is "love"?

Love.....is......service. Period.

In today's Gospel, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and asks them,

“Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Love is not a warm and fuzzy feeling. Love is not a series of ecstatic highs. Love is not an eternal roller coaster. Love is getting your hands dirty, so to speak. Love is inconveniencing yourself, sacrificing yourself, dying to yourself, over and over and over, for the other.

Love is not about "me". Love is about "them."

God is love.

God created the world. God created all the plants, all the animals, and last, God created humanity. If God created everything, what or who existed before creation? God.

Was God alone?

No. God is LOVE. The Christian God is Trinity. Love can NOT exist alone. Our God is so unified, He is One. But our God is Triune. The very reason that our God exists as three persons, is because He is Love.

God voluntarily came to earth to show us what love is. Love is becoming a servant to your fellow men. Even those who betray you. Even those who deny you.

Even them.

Holy Thursday

Tantum Ergo is sung at the close of the Holy Thursday Liturgy, as the Holy Eucharist is processed out of the church to its place of repose until Easter, symbolizing Christ's body laying in the tomb.

Holy Thursday

Tantum Ergo is sung at the close of the Holy Thursday Liturgy, as the Holy Eucharist is processed out of the church to its place of repose until Easter, symbolizing Christ's body laying in the tomb.

Green Martyrdom

As the era of overt Christian persecution ended in the early days of the Church, the question arose among Christians as to how one could give everything (including one's life) for Jesus. When killing Christians was no longer a common past time, people needed to know how to radically live out their faith as the early Christian Martyrs did. Taking their cue from Christ, they wanted to follow Jesus' command in Matthew 19:21:

Jesus said to (the rich young man), "If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!"

They wanted to follow Jesus' own example and go out into the desert to fast and pray. Unable to duplicate the arid conditions of the Desert Fathers in the Middle East the ever creative Irish came up with the idea of "green martyrdom".

Three types of martyrdom
Red martyrdom is the most obvious and involves literally giving up one's life for Christ. (Note that in Christianity, this does NOT involve killing one's self, but being killed by others for one's faith.) White martyrdom is giving up one's home for Christian evangelization. This is what St. Patrick did. Patrick was originally from Britain and was sold as a slave to Ireland. After returning to Britain, Patrick went back to Ireland to help evangelize the island.

Green martyrdom is "the daily struggle for goodness and purity, the shedding of bad habits and routines that separate us from God. We must wrestle daily with our baser nature." (~Christopher Bygonaise)

It is indeed a type of martyrdom to continually strive to live a life that Christ would have us live; to avoid sins, both heinous and common, and to go to Jesus, ask for His grace and beg for His forgiveness. If society was ever truly "Christian", it is not Christian now. As many people are discovering, sin is firmly planted, even within church communities.

It is part of our fallen human nature to blame others. It is so easy as to be almost unconscious in most of us. But, we need look no further than our own souls to see what is ailing society. Following Christ takes the true freedom of death to self. We cannot do it alone. We must unite ourselves to Christ.

God bless Saint Patrick! Saint Patrick, pray for us!

Green Martyrdom

As the era of overt Christian persecution ended in the early days of the Church, the question arose among Christians as to how one could give everything (including one's life) for Jesus. When killing Christians was no longer a common past time, people needed to know how to radically live out their faith as the early Christian Martyrs did. Taking their cue from Christ, they wanted to follow Jesus' command in Matthew 19:21:

Jesus said to (the rich young man), "If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!"

They wanted to follow Jesus' own example and go out into the desert to fast and pray. Unable to duplicate the arid conditions of the Desert Fathers in the Middle East the ever creative Irish came up with the idea of "green martyrdom".

Three types of martyrdom
Red martyrdom is the most obvious and involves literally giving up one's life for Christ. (Note that in Christianity, this does NOT involve killing one's self, but being killed by others for one's faith.) White martyrdom is giving up one's home for Christian evangelization. This is what St. Patrick did. Patrick was originally from Britain and was sold as a slave to Ireland. After returning to Britain, Patrick went back to Ireland to help evangelize the island.

Green martyrdom is "the daily struggle for goodness and purity, the shedding of bad habits and routines that separate us from God. We must wrestle daily with our baser nature." (~Christopher Bygonaise)

It is indeed a type of martyrdom to continually strive to live a life that Christ would have us live; to avoid sins, both heinous and common, and to go to Jesus, ask for His grace and beg for His forgiveness. If society was ever truly "Christian", it is not Christian now. As many people are discovering, sin is firmly planted, even within church communities.

It is part of our fallen human nature to blame others. It is so easy as to be almost unconscious in most of us. But, we need look no further than our own souls to see what is ailing society. Following Christ takes the true freedom of death to self. We cannot do it alone. We must unite ourselves to Christ.

God bless Saint Patrick! Saint Patrick, pray for us!

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. In the festive beginning of Mass, we remember Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem, where he was hailed as Messiah and adored with palm branches. By the close of Mass, the mood is somber as we move into Holy Week and prepare for Christ's death and Resurrection.

Let us be especially attentive this week, to fasting from earthly joys, in preparation for the coming of Christ. Let is offer up our meager suffering in union with Christ's, for our brothers and sisters who journey on this earth with us.

When you get your palms home, look at this Italian heritage site, which has some directions for weaving palms. It is traditional to weave them and place them behind holy pictures and crucifixes around your home.

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. In the festive beginning of Mass, we remember Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem, where he was hailed as Messiah and adored with palm branches. By the close of Mass, the mood is somber as we move into Holy Week and prepare for Christ's death and Resurrection.

Let us be especially attentive this week, to fasting from earthly joys, in preparation for the coming of Christ. Let is offer up our meager suffering in union with Christ's, for our brothers and sisters who journey on this earth with us.

When you get your palms home, look at this Italian heritage site, which has some directions for weaving palms. It is traditional to weave them and place them behind holy pictures and crucifixes around your home.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

In spite of the St. Patrick's Day confusion this year, I am making my corned beef and cabbage today. No green beer, though.

My dad used to make his corned beef and cabbage in the pressure cooker. I make mine in the crock pot with potatoes. The recipe suggests pouring the liquid from the beef over the cabbage at the last minute to steam it separately. Another suggests putting the cabbage wedges in with the beef for the last 10 minutes of cooking. I haven't decided which I'm going to do yet.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

In spite of the St. Patrick's Day confusion this year, I am making my corned beef and cabbage today. No green beer, though.

My dad used to make his corned beef and cabbage in the pressure cooker. I make mine in the crock pot with potatoes. The recipe suggests pouring the liquid from the beef over the cabbage at the last minute to steam it separately. Another suggests putting the cabbage wedges in with the beef for the last 10 minutes of cooking. I haven't decided which I'm going to do yet.

Batman!!!

Forty years ago today, the final Batman TV show aired. This, friends, is the real Batman. The theme song is the real Batman theme song. Reminds me of my dad. We used to make him read the "Bam!" and "Pow" etc. out loud when we watched it! :D

Grooooovy, man!!

Batman!!!

Forty years ago today, the final Batman TV show aired. This, friends, is the real Batman. The theme song is the real Batman theme song. Reminds me of my dad. We used to make him read the "Bam!" and "Pow" etc. out loud when we watched it! :D

Grooooovy, man!!

Rest in Peace, Archbishop Rahho

The body of Chaldean Catholic archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho has been found in Iraq. He was kidnapped coming out of Mass on February 29. Please keep him and all his countrymen in your prayers.



This YouTube video is a slide show of the funeral of another Chaldean Catholic martyr, Father Ragheed Ganni, who was killed on June 3, 2007 after he said Mass. The hymn you are hearing was one written by Fr. Ganni. Translated into English, it says,

We honor you with hymns O Mother of God, you are the pride of the whole earth, because the Word of God whom the Father sent, chose to take His human body from you. The generations call you blessed, all nations and people's honor you and ask for mercy by your prayers. You are a generous earth in which plants of joy always grow.

Rest in Peace, Archbishop Rahho

The body of Chaldean Catholic archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho has been found in Iraq. He was kidnapped coming out of Mass on February 29. Please keep him and all his countrymen in your prayers.



This YouTube video is a slide show of the funeral of another Chaldean Catholic martyr, Father Ragheed Ganni, who was killed on June 3, 2007 after he said Mass. The hymn you are hearing was one written by Fr. Ganni. Translated into English, it says,

We honor you with hymns O Mother of God, you are the pride of the whole earth, because the Word of God whom the Father sent, chose to take His human body from you. The generations call you blessed, all nations and people's honor you and ask for mercy by your prayers. You are a generous earth in which plants of joy always grow.

Eerie coincidence

Ok, this is creepy. Yesterday, March 10, was my mom and aunt's birthday, right?

Apparently, March 10 is also the anniversary of the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell.

The career my aunt was in from 1945-1980?

Bell Telephone operator.