I am all Thine!

Fr. Corapi's Conversion Story - Condensed Version

2009-04-13T22:02:00.001-05:00

This is my priest! He is so filled with the truth! He tells it like it is!
God's name is Mercy!

Our Joy!

2009-04-13T11:56:00.002-05:00

"Christ is Risen!" "Truly, He is risen!"

Our Hope!

2009-04-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said (Matthew 28:5-6b, RSV).

3 minute retreat

2009-04-10T23:39:00.001-05:00

We begin to enter...

2009-04-08T22:13:00.001-05:00

Psalm 21:23-32

I will proclaim your name to my brethren: in the midst of the assembly I will praise you; "You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not spurned nor disdained the wretched man in his misery Nor did he turn his face away from him, but when he cried out to him, he heard him." So by your gift will I utter praise in the vast assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him. The lowly shall eat their fill; they who seek the Lord shall praise him: "May your hearts be ever merry!" All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; All the families of the nations shall bow down before him. For dominion is the Lord's and he rules the nations. To him alone shall bow down all who sleep in the earth; Before him shall bend all who go down into the dust. And to him my soul shall live; my descendants shall serve him. Let the coming generation be told of the Lord that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice he has shown.

Holy Week Evening Prayer

2009-04-05T21:39:00.002-05:00

Mother or Child: From the words of Pope Pius XII on the Sacred Liturgy, Dearly beloved, in Holy Week, when the most bitter sufferings of Jesus Christ are put before us by the liturgy, the Church invites us to come to Calvary and follow in the blood stained footsteps of the divine Redeemer, to carry the Cross willingly with him, to reproduce in our hearts his spirit of expiation and atonement, and to die together with him.
Father: we ought to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
Family: in whom is our salation, life and resurrection.
Father:Let us pray, All powerful, eternal God, you have chosen to give mankind a model of humility: our Savior took on our flesh, and subjected himself to the Cross. Grant us the grace to preserve faithfully the lessons he has given us in his Passion and to have a share in his resurrection. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ , your Son.
Fammily: Amen. Favor this dwelling, Lord , with your presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels-let them live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus, Christ, your Son.

Father: Let us bless the Lord
Family: Thanks be to God.
Father: May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.
Family: Amen
Prayer source: Holy Lent by Eileen O'Callaghan, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN 1975

Did Hillary just land on this planet, or what?!

2009-03-31T22:27:00.003-05:00

Hillary Clinton leaves flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, asks 'Who painted it?'

Mexico City, Mexico, March 27 (CNA).-During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers "on behalf of the American people," after asking who painted the famous image.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted by Mary on the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego in 1531. The image has numerous unexplainable phenomena, such as the appearance on Mary's eyes of those present in the room when the tilma was opened and the image's lack of decay.

Mrs. Clinton was received on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. by the rector of the Basilica, Msgr. Diego Monroy.

Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.

After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked "who painted it?" to which Msgr. Monroy responded "God!"

Clinton then told Msgr. Monroy that she had previously visited the old Basilica in 1979, when the new one was still under construction.

After placing a bouquet of white flowers by the image, Mrs. Clinton went to the quemador –the open air area at the Basilica where the faithful light candles- and lit a green candle.

Leaving the basilica half an hour later, Mrs. Clinton told some of the Mexicans gathered outside to greet her, "you have a marvelous virgin!"

This evening Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to receive the highest award given by Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- the Margaret Sanger Award, named for the organization's founder, a noted eugenicist. The award will be presented at a gala event in Houston, Texas.

All the Notre Dame Upset...Watch the back door!

2009-03-26T08:31:00.003-05:00

March 25, 2009
Pushing Plan B
In all the recent Notre Dame controversy, one government action that shouldn’t slip under the radar is a federal judge’s order this week that the FDA reconsider its age limits on the morning-after “Plan B” abortifacient.

Everyone Against Abortion, Please Raise Your Hand

2009-03-19T20:29:00.001-05:00

How sad.

Feast of St. Joseph and 26th Wedding Anniversary

2009-03-19T08:03:00.003-05:00

Today is the Feast of St. Joseph and our 26th wedding anniversary! We have so much to be grateful and thankful for to St. Joseph. We have 6 beautiful children and we have taught the faith to them. some of them are now adults and out on their own. We have 2 children left at home. My husband has always reminded me of St. Joseph. St. Joseph had so much responsibilty on his shoulders. Knowing he was to be the protector, provider and foster father of the Son of God, the husband of the Mother of God and what an example he had to be to so many people. He had to show such great faith to all. He is an excellent role model for family life, spouses and fatherhood. Please remember to pray to St. Joseph for all your family needs. That's how we have done it for a quarter of a century! St. Joseph, pray for us.

A short prayer contemplating the role of St. Joseph

2009-03-19T08:02:00.001-05:00

Cardinal George - Keep Conscience Protections for Health Care Workers

2009-03-18T20:57:00.001-05:00

Get your paper, pens and prayers ready! We have to try and stop Obama and the HHS! Please find out who to write and get your plea to them...NOW! St. Michael defend us in battle! Padre Pio, pray for us! All you Holy Angels and Archangels pray for us!

St. Patrick

2009-03-16T20:39:00.003-05:00

Hail, Glorious Saint Patrick, dear saint of our isle
On us, thy poor children, bestow a sweet smile
And now thou art high in the mansions above
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

(Father F. W. Faber)

I arise today
through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity,
through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

Eucharistic Adoration with two Popes

2009-03-15T09:38:00.001-05:00

53. If we wish to rediscover in all its richness the profound relationship between the Church and the Eucharist, we cannot neglect Mary, Mother and model of the Church. In my Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, I pointed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as our teacher in contemplating Christ's face, and among the mysteries of light I included the institution of the Eucharist.102 Mary can guide us toward this most holy sacrament, because she herself has a profound relationship with it.

At first glance, the Gospel is silent on this subject. The account of the institution of the Eucharist on the night of Holy Thursday makes no mention of Mary. Yet we know that she was present among the Apostles who prayed "with one accord" (cf. Acts 1:14) in the first community which gathered after the Ascension in expectation of Pentecost. Certainly Mary must have been present at the Eucharistic celebrations of the first generation of Christians, who were devoted to "the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42).

But in addition to her sharing in the Eucharistic banquet, an indirect picture of Mary's relationship with the Eucharist can be had, beginning with her interior disposition. Mary is a "woman of the Eucharist" in her whole life. The Church, which looks to Mary as a model, is also called to imitate her in her relationship with this most holy mystery.

ENCYCLICAL LETTER, ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA, John Paul II, April, 17, 2003

Lenten Reflection 4: Lord, Give Me This Water. . .

2009-03-14T22:44:00.001-05:00

United We Stand In Our Faith!

2009-03-11T19:44:00.007-05:00

What kind of government would even think of stripping the clergy of their administative duties? What threat does the Catholic clergy pose to the government? Why on earth would the government even consider wasting tax dollars on such an evil attack against a person's right to practice their faith? Who would do such a thing? It is an out right attack by satan! We need to be united in our faith...If it happens in Connecticut, what makes us think that it couldn't happen in our own state? Dear God, help us be truly united as Catholic Christians! Why can our Catholic doctors have their consciences violated and raped, but the actual murders and promoters of abortions get elevated in our govenment?
Our Lady of America, The Immaculate Conception, Jesus The King, Pray for us and have Mercy on us!
Connecticut’s Raised Bill No. 1098 – an unbelievable and disturbing piece of legislation that would take away bishops’ and pastors’ civil authority to govern their flocks.
Denver’s Archbishop Chaput reminded his archdiocese what happens with this particular bill could set a precedent for similar bills in other states – the entire country is already seeing the consequences of President Obama’s executive order yesterday to allow federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Our dear priests', bishhops' and fellow Catholics, in the words of JPII, "Be Not Afraid!"

WE MUST BE UNITED! GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Lenten Meditation

2009-03-10T07:13:00.004-05:00

St. Catherine of Siena

Merit consists in the virtue of love alone, flavored with the light of true discretion, without which the soul is worth nothing.

Love. That is all. That is the Cross. If we do anything without love, does it have any true merit or meaning? Look at the crucifix...is not that love? Will our soul develope if it is depraved of love? Your soul should cry out for the Love of Christ. That which God infused in us at conception should truly thirst, seek and find the spring in which we can drink for all eternity.
I am all Thine!

Lenten Reflection 3: Tabor and Golgotha

2009-03-07T11:46:00.001-06:00

Beautiful explaination when we are in our darkness.

Jesus, my Lord

2009-03-01T19:26:00.005-06:00

As we are gearing up for our First full week of Lent, let me share with you what we experienced today. My dear friend Lois told me that the doctors found a third tumor in her brain. She has stage four brain cancer. She begins her chemo and radiation treatment Thursday. We gave her family our statue of Our Lady. Daniel helped carry the statue to their car. We also took our neighbor, Dorothy, out for coffee. She had knee surgery and has been homebound. My husband went to our cathedral church to present our nephew, Keith, to the bishop in the Rite of Election. Keith is coming into the Church this Easter. My brother in law who has been away from the Church was discussing with us the possibilty of coming back home!!! Jesus is stirring hearts.
Lent is our trial. Easter is our hope! May we all meet Jesus during this Lenten season and unite with Him at the cross on Good Friday, to rejoice with Him at Easter.
I am all Thine!

St. Therese, my morning meditation

2009-03-01T08:00:00.003-06:00

I realize this is lengthy, but this is an awesome poem written by one of my favorite saints. I love the big three Therese's, Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. What spiritual powerhouses. I was looking something to read this morning before Mass and I came across this. It is so beautiful. The bolded section is what my meditation will be for the day. When I hear and read what is going on in the country I get so overwhelmed. I need to focus on the Lord. I need to just leave everything in His heart. I am all Thine!...Thus the name of my blog.

ABANDONMENT
"Abandonment is the delicious fruit of love."

St. Augustine

I saw upon this earth

A marvelous tree arise;

Its vigorous root had birth,

O wonder! in the skies.

Never, beneath its shade,

Can aught disturb or wound;

There tempests are allayed,

There perfect rest is found

And love men call this tree,

From heaven's high portals sent;

Its fruit, how fair to see!

Is named abandonment.

What banquet here doth greet

Each reverent, hungry guest!

How, by its odors sweet,

The spirit is refreshed!

If we its fruit but touch,

Joy seems on us to pour.

Oh, taste, for never such

A feast was yours before.

In this tumultuous world

It brings us perfect peace;

Though storms be round us hurled,

Its quiet shall not cease.

Abandonment gives rest

In Thee, O Jesus Christ!Here is the food most blest

That has Thy saints sufficed.

Spouse of my soul, draw nigher!

I give my all to Thee.

What more can I desire

Than Thy sweet Face to see?

Naught can I do but smile,

Safe folded to Thy breast.

They who have known no guile

Find there most perfect rest.

As looks the floweret small

Up to the glorious sun,

So I, though least of all,

Seek my Beloved One.

King Whom I love the most!

The star I always see

Is Thy White Sacred Host,

Little and low like me;

And its celestial power,

Down from Thy altar sent,

Wakes in my heart that flower,

Perfect abandonment.

All creatures here below,

At times, they weary me;

And willingly I go,

With God alone to be.

And if, sometimes, dear Lord,

Of me Thou weariest,

I wait upon Thy word;

Thy holy will is best.

Smiling, I wait in peace,

Till Thou return to me;

And never shall they cease,

My songs of love for Thee.

All pain I now despise,

Naught can disquiet me;

Swifter than eagle flies,

My spirit flies to Thee.

Beyond the gloomy cloud,

Ever the skies are fair,

And angels sing aloud,

And God is reigning there.

And yet without a tear

I wait that bliss above,

Who in the Host have here

The perfect fruit of love.

May, 1897

Scranton's Bishop Instructs Ministers: No Communion for Public Sinners

2009-02-28T18:45:00.001-06:00

27-February-2009 -- Catholic World News Brief

Scranton's Bishop Instructs Ministers: No Communion for Public Sinners
Feb. 27, 2009 (CWNews.com) - Bishop Joseph Martino-- who has emerged during the past year as the American bishop most determined to call pro-abortion politicians to account-- has now issued an order that in his Scranton, Pennsylvania diocese, "Those whose unworthiness to receive Holy Communion is known publicly to the Church must be refused Holy Communion in order to prevent sacrilege and to prevent the Catholic in question from committing further grave sin through unworthy reception."

Bishop Martino's directive was conveyed by the diocesan chancellor, James Earley, in an official notice dated February 26. The crucial concluding portion of notice reads:

Therefore, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, Bishop of Scranton, reminds all ministers of Holy Communion, ordinary and extraordinary, that:

1. To administer the Sacred Body and Blood of the Lord is a serious duty which they have received from the Church, and no one having accepted this responsibility has the right to ignore the Church’s law in this regard;

2. Those whose unworthiness to receive Holy Communion is known publicly to the Church must be refused Holy Communion in order to prevent sacrilege and to prevent the Catholic in question from committing further grave sin through unworthy reception.

The official notice does not mention any individual by name. However it is impossible to overlook the fact that on the same day, February 26, the Scranton diocese also posted an open letter from Bishop Martino of Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey, in which the bishop-- for the second time-- reminded the Catholic lawmaker of his moral obligation "to oppose abortion and other clear evils."

Earlier in the month, in a first rebuke to Senator Casey, Bishop Martino had warned that the senator's vote against an extension of the Mexico City policy-- which prohibited US taxpayer funding of abortion advocacy abroad-- was a violation of the legislator's moral obligation. “Your failure to reverse this vote will regrettably mean that you persist formally in cooperating with the evil brought about by this hideous and unnecessary policy,” the bishop wrote.

The February 26 notice from the Scranton diocese notes that the #915 of the Code of Canon Law instructs Eucharistic ministers not to administer the Blessed Sacrament to Catholics "who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin." [emphasis added] The official notice goes on to quote then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in his 2004 message to the bishops of the United States:

Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person’s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.

Thus Bishop Martino has clearly drawn the connection between public support for legal abortion and obstinate perserverance in grave sin, pointing toward the inevitable conclusion that a lawmaker who supports abortion must be barred from receiving the Eucharist.

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: A little blip on the Maciel scandal story

2009-02-28T18:31:00.000-06:00

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: A little blip on the Maciel scandal story

2009-02-26T18:29:00.003-06:00

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life.

In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them. In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.

O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much. Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy.

(By J. J. Cardinal Carberry)

Sometimes you need quiet

2009-02-26T15:07:00.003-06:00

This is only the second day of lent and I went to my quiet place today. I stayed home from work and really did some serious praying and soul searching. I find when I am able to clear my mind and heart of trouble spots, I become a better wife, mother, friend and co worker. I did somethings that were theraputic for me...pray, pray and more prayer. I also gave the life of my soul some long needed undisturbed sleep.
Today was very quiet. Away from phones, people and external distractions. I feel I can now try again to carry my cross along the side of Christ. Ash Wednesday was truly a trying day. I think it was the anticipation of beginning lent and knowing what I wanted to do, but I should have known, the Lord has his own pathway cleared for me and I just need to remember, He is always in charge. So my direction has changed from what I originally thought I would do to what HE wants me to do! How many times do I need to be reminded?

Create a clean heart in me, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me.” (Ps. 51:10) When temptations assail us, let us boldly cry out like Jesus, “Get away from me, Satan!” (Mt. 4:10). Let us set forth from the garden of Eden to another garden, the garden in Gethsemane -- from disobedience to obedience – and let us pray together with Jesus, “Not what I will, Father, but what you will.” (Mk. 14:36)

Lenten Reflection 2: The Ways of the Desert

2009-02-24T20:03:00.002-06:00

Well, we are gearing up for another Lenten season in our home. I will post these reflections on this blog because I find them to be very inspirational. We are having our last round of "Fat" Tuesday! I ate some Hagendaaz "coffee" ice cream! Yummy!

As we all get ready to go into our "desert", let us not loose our sight on Who did it for us and why! Let us embrace our crosses that we have chosen to endure ourselves for the love of our King, Who will reward us with the gift heavenly grace
and take us to our eternal home, that of Heaven with all the angels and saints.

Lenten Reflection 1: It Took Forty Days

2009-02-22T20:04:00.001-06:00

Saturday at home

2009-02-21T10:10:00.006-06:00

One never knows what one will find after a good nights sleep. I wake up and I had the sense that someone was staring at me...oh yeah, it was my dog, Minne. Her chin was on my blanket and she was staring at me...I get out of bed and I look out the window...another snow storm heading our way! Which I totally love. I love snowy Saturdays at home. It is very nastalgic for me. I think back to my childhood and how I loved snowy days...snotty nose from playing outdoors, cold feet from leaky boots, cold buns from making snowangels and coming indoors and begging for hot chocolate! What great memories!
This is the day my youngest daughter, Bridget has the " Daddy Daughter Dance". We have purchased a new dress, will curl her hair and she will dine and dance with her daddy! I just hope the dance doesn't get cancelled due to the snow!
This is also the day to go and get my hair cut! I love this day! I always feel so invigorated after this!! I am not sure why, it just feels so good.
My church is also having our big Perpetual Adoration kickoff. We have 4 of our days already underway. I pray that the Lord touches the hearts of those who have an interest in praying to and adoring the Lord!
Come, oh Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your spirit and they shall be created and Thou shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit disinstruct the hearts of faithful the they may be tuly wise and every rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I also am grateful that our other daughter, Joanna, is coming home for the day. She wants to see her little sister and dad leave for the dance. I haven't seen Joannna since Christmas. I can't wait to see her! A mother's heart always longs to see her children, no matter how old they get...she is only 18.
I just love being home. I am taking my family's Pilgrim Virgin Statue out to my friend, Lois' home, so she and her family have a constant reminder that God is with them along each step of their way, through their suffering. God is Good! This family is GREAT!
I also have a brand new St. Bernadette statue that is going in my home...I am sooo excited! Bernadette, just happens to be my oldest daughter's Confirmation name.
Also, I have been inspired to cook a "Tuscany Bean Soup" made in the oven today. It has a great savory flavor and it will leave an awesome aromatic order in the house! Oh how I can't wait to eat this!
After Andrew and Bridget left for the dance, I drove over to my friends house to check in on her...she had knee surgery. I brought her cheese and crackers, rice chips and 2 bottles of wine. We made sure they fresh and tastey. They were gone in about 2 hours. Her son made us steaks on the grill and boy were they good! After the dance my husband came and picked me up! Now I am at home watching Fr.Corapi. What an inspiration to my Catholic Faith! This is one way to wind down and love the God that created us!

Pope Stands up to Pelosi on Abortion

2009-02-19T20:53:00.001-06:00

Epiphany Of Faith: Fr. John Corapi

2009-02-19T10:27:00.000-06:00

Epiphany Of Faith: Fr. John Corapi

That Red Envelope Project :: Commentary :: ProLifeBlogs

2009-02-18T21:09:00.001-06:00

That Red Envelope Project :: Commentary :: ProLifeBlogs

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FREEDOM EDEN: Nancy Pelosi and Pope Benedict, February 18, 2009 Meeting

2009-02-18T20:35:00.000-06:00

FREEDOM EDEN: Nancy Pelosi and Pope Benedict, February 18, 2009 Meeting

Calvin Giles...

2009-02-18T19:50:00.006-06:00

This is the newest addition to our family. This is great nephew, Calvin Giles,born on a very special feast day...February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. I get to thank God for another beautiful gift. I am so grateful my niece and nephew (in law)believe in life, the miracle of and in God who is the Creator of wonderful this gift.
I pray daily for all of the "lucky" survivors of this modern day Holocaust. I pray for females, that we see the value of giving an unborn child the gift of life, even if we don't want the baby, we put ourselves aside, and give this person a chance out side of our pain...there is no reason one can't give up for 9 months to give life to the innocent. God will be sure to bless the mother for her sacrifice! There are so many people whose arms ache to hold a new born babe. I pray for the families who weren't expecting to have another baby, but welcome that child as the gift it is. I pray for the females who have decided life isn't worth the guilt, they have their babies and keep it or if they decide they can't, they give it up for adoption. They are the truest hero's of our time. I pray someday that our nation will pull together and realize that we will never be with out war until we stop murdering our voiceless and helpless in our society.
Thank God for the blessings of little children!
"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Sacred Heart Adoration Chapel opens another day!

2009-02-17T18:23:00.004-06:00

I am so excited that our chapel is opening for another day...Wednesday! Now we have (12am) Wednesday -Saturday 5:45pm!
We were waiting for the hours between 1am-3am to be filled, when the prompting of the Holy Spirit inspired two adorers to call our chairperson. These persons did not know each other, they just felt called to adored during these specific hours....which were the 1am-3am times! I am convinced that Jesus knows exactly who He wants in the chapel and at what times!
We are inching our way closer and closer to Perpetual Adoration! Praised be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!
Now, we need to pray for the adorers to come forward for Tuesday to open!

You have not chosen me.
I have chosen you.
Go and bear fruit that will last.
(John 15:16)

Catholic Fire: Pope Urges Faithful to go to Confession

2009-02-15T21:05:00.000-06:00

Catholic Fire: Pope Urges Faithful to go to Confession

Happy St. Valentine Day!

2009-02-14T10:55:00.003-06:00

Today, my family is going to witness a young couple convalidate their marriage! What a wonderful witness to St.Valentine, the Church and Gods love!

I am sending out a message of God's love to all who read this and those who have no idea the infinite love of God...(I can not fathom it either!)
Prayer to St. Valentine Patron of Sweethearts, Young People, Love & Happy Marriages

Dear Saint and glorious Martyr, who are so popular with lovers, be kind to those whom we love and to us. Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and God in each other. Amen

Dragonboat racing and sunshine!

2009-02-09T19:17:00.003-06:00

My brother in law Mark just called me...I am so excited! The RVK's will be playing at the Harbor Fest this Father's Day weekend! A time for dragonboat racing...yes I really do that! It is awesome and it is a great week end we spend together in the sunshine of our lives!! Can't wait til spring to train!Can't wait to hear the Fam jam on stage!

RVK (Rhyme Ville Kings) Hit the stage!

2009-02-07T21:36:00.003-06:00

In the town I am from one has to seek out local entertainment. This evening it just happened to be my brother in law,Mark, nephew Caleb, Hector and Filipe. They make up the group Rhyme Ville Kings...There was a benefit concert at the local highschool for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Area entertainment graced the stage to display their musical talents. We began our evening with Mass, dinner at the local mexican restaurant, Su Casa and then entertainment to benefit the rehabilitation hospital. I am going to post a RVK video because these men are quite impressive. It was a night that us locals come together and appreciate the talents that God has besotwed on these folks.

Novena Prayer for Lois Greiffendorf

2009-02-07T20:41:00.001-06:00

Subject: Novena Prayer

Novena Prayer:
God our Father, we ask you to send your blessing and your healing upon Mrs. Greiffendorf. Grant her your peace, strength, and consolation. Give hope to her family and wisdom to her doctors. We ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, and entrust her health to their prayers. May Thy holy will be done in all things. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please say this prayer each day of the novena. God Bless!

Lois Greiffendorf, http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=65618055659

2009-02-07T11:48:00.004-06:00

Below is a Facebook link in which you can join the many good people who are beginning a Novena tomorrow, Sunday, for Lois. To just mention that this was started by one of her many Hackett students!! Long Live The Truth...Long Live the Catholic Church!

All ye holy saints, pray for her!
Sunday marks one week since Mrs. Greiffendorf first had signs of a tumor. This event is a novena (nine days) of prayer to Mary and all the saints for their intercession to pray for Mrs. Greiffendorf’s health. Please invite as many people as you can. Also, please invite people who are not on Facebook to join our prayer effort. God bless, and thank you all so much - it means a great deal to the Greiffendorfs.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=65618055659

Thoughts of my day...I really had to have these today

2009-02-04T20:51:00.004-06:00

There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.
Saint Theresa of Jesus

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa

An unstable pilot steers a leaking ship, and the blind is leading the blind straight to the pit. The ruler is like the ruled.
Saint Jerome, Letter

WOW!

2009-02-01T08:27:00.005-06:00

There was a awesome priest by the name of Fr. Scott Hayne S.J.C., on EWTN this morning. I was watching the Mass and he is this big booming guy, with this huge deep voice and a very good homily. I want to contact EWTN for a copy of his Mass. The homily was on the Gospel reading from Mk 1:21-28 where Jesus speaks with a commanding
voice to cast out the unclean spirit...he (the unclean spirit) leaves convulsing.
Fr. Haynes' homily was very clear about the exsistance of angels. It was so informative I had the family listen to it. If you are interested in Fr.Hayne he actively composes liturgical music for the choirs of St. John Cantius. Ordained in 2007 for the Archdiocese of Chicago as a member of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, Fr. Haynes serves as Associate Pastor of St. John Cantius Church. He is so dead on with our political leaders, youth, weekend only Catholics and the Sacraments! God does have is holy priests evangelizing...thank your priests for their vocations!

One of my daughters

2009-01-31T12:50:00.003-06:00

This is Joanna. Here is a picture of the two of us during one of her final dance recitals before she graduated.

The latest Hoffman male to graduate...drum roll please!

2009-01-31T12:20:00.002-06:00

Here is our latest Graduate! Our son, John! I hear from my husband, John is going back for more school! Hey John, please call or come home and let me know! Love you!
I am all Thine!

The Bar Ceremony

2009-01-31T12:08:00.004-06:00

I couldn't be prouder of these two! My son, Andrew and his girlfriend, Meghan. Taken at the Bar Ceremony...(not a drinking bar ceremony)a law ceremony. These two people make us very proud! They have worked hard for their accomplishments.

Theresa's update on the heat wave she is experiencing

2009-01-31T11:51:00.002-06:00

Appartently there is a heatwave that is hitting the state my daughter and son in law live in. It is 41 degrees and she is waiting in a carwash line! She needs to take care of the "Pearl"...her new car. She is so funny.

More thoughts

2009-01-28T20:29:00.001-06:00

I think besides the March, this photo of these brave women hit to the heart of the deception of the horrors of abortion...These women have found forgiveness...have made peace and have the heroic courage to stand in the lobby of the hotel and to walk in the March and be TRUTHFUL about their struggles AFTER their abortions!
God bless you.
I am all Thine!

My Pilgrims

2009-01-28T19:42:00.007-06:00

These are the people I spent 4 nights and 3 days with. I really didn't know anyone all that well (actually I only knew 2 of the 45 people). This really was a prilgrimage in the truest sense for me. I traveled with them at first as a stranger, not from their Parish or even their area, but they immediately treated me as family. I knew I had to go on this trip. I knew whoever I was traveling with would have the same heart and intention (the unborn and the unjust law of Roe v Wade)I had. I have a very strong spiritual bond now with these wonderful pilgrims...I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to meet,eat, pray and travel them!
I am all Thine!

Go out and tell the "Good News"

2009-01-25T19:53:00.004-06:00

These are a couple of our disiples who were not afraid to tell the "good news."
Cindy and Gigi

"Go out into the world and tell the good news."~ Mark 16:15

A TRUE HERO

2009-01-25T19:42:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I met this priest! I pray for him daily. This holy and saintly priest is truly a hero of our times. I was trembling when he was talking to me. I am so grateful to God that I was able to meet him. This made traveling all night on a bus not sleeping worth it. Thanks for telling me he was in the lobby Fr.Dan!
I am all Thine!

The March

2009-01-25T19:36:00.003-06:00

These are my new found Best Friends! They all have helped me grow spiritually someway or another during our pilgrimage to the March for Life and to our Mass experience at the Basillica of the Immaculate Conception.

2009-01-24T20:03:00.000-06:00

Are we really a minority? Too much to ponder today...I just have to pray about this.

I'm back!

2009-01-24T19:40:00.000-06:00

FYI I am back from DC and ready to set up some photos and to tell you all about my experience...but, I am exhausted and will have photos posted and write to you all tomorrow! However, I did gain my Plenary Indulgence!! God is Good.

I am all Thine!

Fr. Bill stop praying!

2009-01-17T20:03:00.000-06:00

This is a message to a dear friend of mine...His prayers are REALLY powerful. I asked him to pray for a snow day on Wednesday afternoon and by golly...we had a snow day...on Thursday AND Friday! It hasn't quit snowing since I asked him...now I am asking you to stop praying (only for the snow to let up)! Keep on praying for everything else. But, "prayer" petitioners beware! His prayers do work! I need to get my children back to school and I need to get back to work! Thanks so much Fr. Bill!

I am all Thine!
Julie

Just a picture of warmer weather

2009-01-17T08:20:00.000-06:00

MORE SNOW!!

2009-01-17T07:33:00.000-06:00

Oh my, it will not quit snowing! It is beautiful but I have to tell you I am feeling overwhelmed with all of the snow. Yesterday I was dropping my son off at his friends house and I got stuck in their driveway! I am supposed to take Bridget to a swimming birthday party! Yikes! I can't even imagine going swimming even if it is indoors. BRRR! I am going to post some pictures so we can compare who has the most snow.
Stay posted.
I am all Thine!
Julie

Getting ready for overnights,birthday parties and DC

2009-01-16T09:24:00.000-06:00

Since there isn't any school again today, the troops have lined up their activities...Daniel is going overnight to his best friends house from his former school and Bridget is going to a birthday party tomorrow which involves swimming. We are trying to go through her bathingsuits from last year!!! Oh my, she has grown...a lot! Hopefully, we will find one that fits, otherwise it's off to the mall before the party tomorrow (I don't want to tell her they are calling for 5 more inches of snow tomorrow)!

I am grateful that I have a four day weekend. This will allow me to cook and freeze food for my upcoming adventure to DC for the March for Life and to visit one of my kids! I can pack and get things in order before then.

I am all Thine!
Julie

No school again...no work again

2009-01-16T08:43:00.000-06:00

I guess I had better get creative with the kids tomorrow...I wish it weren't sooo cold! I would have Daniel take the snowmobile out to cruise around on the property. Maybe the weather will clear tomorrow and they can go sledding...especially if the cousins have the day off from school too. I guess it will be another pot of something warm and spicey.

I am all Thine!
Julie

2009-01-16T08:37:00.000-06:00

January 15, 2009
Today was a snow day for all at home(except poor Dad who had to travel today). I mean a literal "snow" day. I believe the total of snow over night was at least 10 inches! The kids played and lounged around. I did a very unusual thing...I cleaned the house! I made homemade Beef Stew and I exercised! I a m wiped out.
The whole idea of a blog started when I was alone one winter evening. As some of you may know, I have adult children who all live out of town or out of state. I don't get to see them very often as that's how it works as they leave the "nest". I actually thought this would be a good way of letting my family, friends and extended family know what's going on with us.... who's doing what, marrying who, going to school where, working where...I think you get the picture.So this is my first attempt...(well actually my second attempt) to do this and do it correctly the second time.
Please follow as I will keep everyone up to date of the happenings here on God's green earth.
Stay posted. Julie