Humble Servant

I am writing this on the eve of our Papal Pilgrimage.  I could not be more proud to travel with fellow parishioners as we represent every member of Saint William Parish when we leave for Philadelphia Saturday Morning.  Know that we hold each of you in our prayer.  Cathy, one of my fellow pilgrims

had the idea to take something with us which would represent the parish so that when (NOT IF) the Pope passes by us that his blessing would be extended to every parishioner. We will each carry this sign with us as we represent the good people of Saint William.

I feel that Pope Francis embodies the Gospel message with the way he lives his life.  I know that I will feel the peace of Christ with his presence.  The more I think about being in the presence of Pope Francis, the more I wonder what it must have been like living in the time when Jesus walked the earth thousands of years ago.  I feel like I will be the hemorrhaging woman who reaches out just to touch his cloak.  I wonder what the excitement would have been like as people left their homes to head to the Mount to hear what this holy man, son of Joseph and Mary, had to say.  I wonder if they left their homes empty handed or carried with them provisions for a day or two.

I told myself to pack light, but as I look at my belongings I know I should be leaving a few things behind.  I don’t need to feed everyone, just bring what I need for me.  I find that this concept is not very easy!  I want to be able to have enough to share.  As I was shopping, I could not help but think of the feeding of the thousands.  I am convinced that the Gospel reflects not only the miracle Jesus performed, but also the very heart of human nature ~ to share and take care of our fellow man.  When each of us on our pilgrimage share what we bring along for the next few days, I can’t wait to see how many baskets are left over!

Know that as I step onto the parade route that I have you in mind.  Know that when I raise my voice in song at the Papal Mass that I hold you in my prayers.  May God bring you whatever you need and may you feel his awesome presence in your life.

Shalom,

Tina

Loving the Liturgy

Gosh, I am having a tough time keeping up with my blog right now.  Father Balash talked about offering forgiveness to others even when they frustrate you.  Well, I frustrate myself so much and find it very difficult to tell myself it is ok and to forgive myself for my many human weaknesses. 

For those of you who know me, you probably know by now how much I LOVE THE LITURGY!  I love the sites, the sounds, the smells that accompany a Catholic Liturgy.  I have been blessed this week to celebrate beautiful liturgy with my Parish family, my Catholic School family an

d today with nearly 1,000 Catholic School students at St. Columba with Bishop Murry.

Have you ever closed your eyes during liturgy and just listened to the sound of everyone singing, or everyone praying the Lord’s Prayer?  I especially love the sound of silence after communion.  To me there is something quite profound about the sound of silence for it is then that I hear God whisper to me.

It was amazing to me today to hear the sound of the faithful singing the Eucharistic Acclamations.  Their voices rose up through the rafters and I truly felt that we were singing with the choirs of Angels as we acclaimed, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.  I felt as if it were a wave splashing up over into the choir loft.  It was truly amazing.

We are called to full, active participation in the liturgy, and when we answer this call, oh what a difference it makes.  When we fully participate, body, mind and soul, our joy spills over to our neighbor and they in turn spread their joy to others.  I pray that you can be this fountain of joy for others.

On Sunday we heard that

                                    “Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” 
                                                Demonstrate your faith to me without works,

                                                and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.”

                                                                                                                                                                James 2:18

I pray that the Words of God inspire you to a full and active participation not only in words, but in deeds as well so that when you go forth you glorify the Gospel with your life.

Shalom,

Tina

Catholic Family

Hello again!  I am glad to be back after a very busy week of activities at both the Parish and Kennedy.

I was so proud to see so many parishioners and friends from the Warren area parishes attend the Michael James Mette Concert on August 30.  I was blessed to spend much of the day with this beautiful Catholic family.  I am a person who notices details and I want to share with you some of the things that I noticed about this family that to me exemplifies what it means to be a Catholic family.

Celebrating the Holy Mass:  Flanked by their parents, the six Mette children honored the Sabbath by being full, active participants of the liturgy.  Along with their parents, they prayed, sang, listened, responded and honored God with their reverent posture.  It was beautiful to see every single one of them (well, with the exception of the baby) fully participate in liturgy.  It made me hunger to see this in every Catholic family.  Imagine how much more joyful our worship time together would be if EVERY person had the courage to be active, full participants in the liturgy!

Christian Parenting:  Michael and Michelle have a very patient and loving parenting manner.  I wish I possessed those skills when my Josh and Katie were little.  I feel like I became a better parent as more children came along and looking back I realize that the difference was not that I somehow got smarter . . .no . . . the difference was that I started going back to religious education!  I can say without a doubt that attending adult faith formation sessions brought me to a closer relationship with Christ which made me a happier person which in turn made me a better parent!  I can see this in Michael and Michelle!  They have such love and respect for each child and in turn their children have great respect for them.  They work as a family unit.  Over the years, this is something for which I long.  Brian and I have lived a life of divide and conquer; each of us doing our own thing and splitting up to make sure the children all got to where they needed to be.  Even in celebrating Liturgy . . . we very rarely have the joy of sitting together.  Parents with children still at home . . .the best piece of advice that I can offer you is to work as a family.  A family that plays together and prays together, stays together!  Please pray for my family!

Celebrating Meals:  The Mette children were so joyous no matter what the meal.  I was so worried that I did not prepare a hot meal for lunch (planned picnic food but alas, it rained) but when the children saw the lunch buffet, they were so appreciative.  No one was permitted to eat until all were in their seat so they could pray as a family.  They each ate everything on their plate and they cleaned up after themselves.  They asked permission before taking sweets!  THEY HAD CONVERSATION during meal!  It was so beautiful to witness.  My friends, no matter how difficult, reclaim your family meal time around your dining room table.  Put electronics aside, shut off the tv and talk with each other.  Help each other do the dishes afterward, pray together!

The Concert:  I have not been to a rock concert in years and I have never had the privilege of attending a Christian concert.  I forgot how loud it would be.  The lights and video to me was amazing and as a guitarist, I was all about watching Michael play his different guitars!  The music and video was so inspirational.  I loved the video about creation . . . it was very thought provoking for me.  Oh, and when the children came to join Michael “on stage” . . . they are each so talented and joyous.  Then Michael and Michelle stood next to each other as Michelle gave a moving witness of their struggles to hold on to each other in difficult times.  For those struggling with marriage, may God be with you.  May you feel the strength of the spirit through your difficult times.

Be a strong Catholic family and produce strong Catholic youth so that they may grow to become a strong Catholic family and the circle of life honoring God and neighbor may continue to thrive.

Shalom,

Tina