tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25249005103918650912024-03-19T05:23:13.169-07:00Cap CorpsJoe Moresheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367463927698086196noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-64515652282708372402016-06-07T09:20:00.000-07:002016-06-07T09:20:09.626-07:00Embarking on your Faith Journey<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Have
any of you ever read a really great book or watched a really great movie or
heard a really great story? Now, what did that book, movie or story have that
was <i>so great about it?</i> Maybe it had
to do with some mythical place, or an incredibly interesting main character.
Perhaps you were able to identify with it in some way. Something about that
story drew you in. And I can tell you, that each of these stories has something
very simple in common. They all have some sort of journey that you as the
reader, watcher, or listener follow. It may be a journey to a long time ago in
a galaxy far, far, away, to Hogwarts, Middle Earth, Narnia, Metropolis or
Gotham. It might be a journey of self-discovery, or one where the main
character saves the world. We are drawn into this story. We are drawn into the
mystery.</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">I
have this map up here. It belongs to my Dad, and it had a prominent place in my
home for most of my life. It’s a hand drawn map of Middle Earth, the world that
J.R.R. Tolkien created for his famous trilogy, <i>The Lord of the Rings.</i> I grew up staring at it, memorizing the
landmarks and physical obstacles along the way from the Shire to Mount Doom in
Mordor. This is one of the stories that I was enamored with as a child. I loved
the idea of the adventures that took place in Middle Earth. I wanted to meet
characters like Bilbo and Gandalf, and I wanted to be a strong heroin just like
Arwen.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now, what if I told you that our faith
can be just like one of these journeys.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Just like the ones
that we see in our favorite books, movies, or stories. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b><i>You might be thinking
I’m a little crazy at this point.</i> But, one of my favorite saints, St. John Paul II is quoted in saying,
“Life with Christ is a Wonderful Adventure”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">There
is a moment in every story where the main character is posed with a question.
Usually that question is whether or not to take on an adventure. Whether
they’re off to destroy a ring, find a horcrux, or save the city from eternal
doom, there is a moment when the main character consciously <i>makes the choice to do the right thing</i>.
And often enough, we learn that the main character was <i>destined</i> to take part in that journey. <i>So are we.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">This
painting is one of my favorites. It’s called “The Calling of St. Matthew” and
it was painted by a guy named Caravaggio in 1600. Here we can see a ray of
light making its way to Matthew, while Christ is pointing at him. The story of
this painting actually comes from a story in the Gospel. The Gospel of Matthew
tells us:<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><i><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48009009">“</a></span></i><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; padding: 0in;">As Jesus passed on from
there,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">he saw a man named Matthew</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">-<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow
me.” And he got up and followed him.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48009010"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> While he was at table in his house,</span></a>
many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48009011"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your
teacher</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>eat with tax
collectors and sinners?”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48009012"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> He heard this and said, “Those
who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.</span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48009013"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> Go and learn the meaning of the words,</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I did not come to call the righteous
but sinners.” - Matthew 9:9-13<o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We all have this moment.</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">
There is a moment where we are asked to join Christ on a journey. We are asked
to accompany him on an <i>adventure </i>that
we were made for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">My faith journey started out like many others. It was quiet. I
grew up on Long Island, went to public school, lived with my Grandma, Mom &
Dad, big sister Julie, and went to Mass on Sundays. I played with neighbors as
a kid, and loved to draw and write stories. For me, this moment of encounter didn’t
happen as a child, at my baptism, first communion, or confirmation, but rather,
it happened on a retreat, kind of like the one you’re on right now. I had had a
couple of really rough years in high school. I was anxious, depressed, I had
lost friends, and a boyfriend who I was too dependent on, and my Dad had moved
out and my parents divorced. I was a senior in High School. I wasn’t living a
life for Christ, even though I had gone to Church, to youth group, and
volunteered my time to the poor and to the younger children at my parish. I was
living day to day, trying to fake a smile, and act as though everything was
okay. I knew that I wasn’t though. I knew that I was loved, but couldn’t grasp
what that meant, or how it could affect my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> And so I went on this retreat. I
didn’t particularly like going to youth group anymore, but out of habit, I went
on the Spring Retreat. Ironically, or not so ironically, the theme of the
retreat was “I will Follow” and we had to sing this <i>awful</i> song and do silly hand movements to it. However, I knew that
being a scutch and remaining closed off was not going to be fun for anyone. So,
I tried to be open and listen to all of the presentations and participate in
the prayer services. Friday night we handed whatever was burdening us over to
God by tossing a rock into the Long Island Sound. We were asked to quiet
ourselves, and to think of what was burdening us. There were thousands of
pebbles on the beach. We each picked up two rocks. One represented our burdens,
and one represented a promise. We each threw our burden into the Sound, and
held on tight to our promise. I began to open up then. But the true turning
point for me was on Saturday night. I sat in adoration of the Eucharist, which
is when the Eucharist is exposed in a gold stand called a monstrance for a
prolonged period of time. <i>I desired
mercy; just like St. Matthew</i>. I had experienced God’s loving grace in the
sacrament of confession. And as I sat, for the first time feeling peace in
front of the Eucharist, I cried, and felt a whisper in my heart to <i>come, and follow Him</i>. I felt an overwhelming sense in my heart that
I was loved. <i>Truly Loved</i>. In that
moment, just like St. Matthew, I got up, and followed Him. <i>I was drawn into the mystery</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b>I found Joy on that retreat. For the first time in a long time, I
found joy in doing simple everyday things. I even found Joy in getting stuck in
the mud of a small Long Island Harbor, after running after my friends onto what
looked like solid ground. In case you were wondering, I did ruin my flip flops
that day. I had no idea what this journey would entail or what my destination
would be. To be completely honest with you, I still don’t know what the
destination is. I can tell you, that since I decided to get up and follow Him,
my life has truly been an adventure. I’ve gone places, done things, and
encountered people that I wouldn’t have even thought possible in High School. But,
I had to take that first step and climb that very high mountain. I had to leave
my comfortable life behind, and like Frodo and Sam in the Lord of the Rings, I
left the Shire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I started to take my volunteer work
seriously. I was a volunteer with the Middle School Youth Group at my Parish.<b> </b>I played silly games along
the way with middle schoolers and enjoyed it. I even let a 12 year old do my
hair with shaving cream for the “Edge Kids Take Over”. It took a few showers to
get it all out. I went on trips to places I had only dreamed about before. I walked
the streets of Dublin and Paris with my Mom and sister. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I took in the beauty of one of the world’s oldest book
of Gospels, The Book of Kells, in Dublin, and I stood in awe of Notre Dame
Cathedral in Paris. I went on pilgrimage to Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day
2011. I walked along the same cobblestone streets as St. Teresa and St. John of
the Cross. I sat in the same churches as a Doctor of the Church. As a group, we
went to Mass with various English-Speaking Cardinals, and eventually with Pope
Benedict XVI. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b>We stood
and humbly waited in the rain, which was described as a hurricane over the
announcer. There was obviously a mistranslation there. And we waited for the
Pope to arrive. We met young Catholics from all over the world: Colombia,
France, Iraq, Australia, Nigeria, and Malaysia. I found I had a friend in
Jesus’s mother after I realized that each church I went into had the image that
my Parish is named after, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This <i>still </i>happens by the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> In college, I continued to follow
Him along a path that I couldn’t quite see, and had some incredible
experiences. I trudged through Washington DC in 10 degree weather as a witness
to the beauty that Human Life is at the March for Life. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b>I studied in Galway, Ireland, after working up the
courage to follow the desires of my heart and change my major from something
that would secure me a job after graduation, to something that I truly loved:
English Literature and Irish Studies. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b>I sat in the middle of a country road in a town where there were more
sheep than people, and appreciated the beauty of creation with a sunrise at 4am
with some of my wonderful classmates. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b> </b>I took a bus and visited relatives that I had never met and shared in
faith and tea and ice cream with them. We drove all over my Grandfathers
hometown. I felt a little silly standing
with that tomb stone in the rain, but I knew that these were the family members
that gave me my Catholic faith, this was the church where my grandparents and
great grandparents worshipped <i>a</i> <i>God who is Love</i>, and so I complied and
smiled as a cousin I barely knew took my picture. <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I walked across the Peace Bridge in a city where
violence was the norm for so long. I shared in the hurt that my cousins felt
from the past, but also listened to their hope for their city and for their home.
I <i>quite literally </i>crossed the River
Foyle with them and was present as they shared their story and their heart with
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I traveled in a minivan, and my campus minister was pulled
over by cop in West Virginia for going 83 mph, to a place that I had never
been. There were mountains there. I served the poor of Appalachia in Beauty, KY
with some of the most kind-hearted, loving people I know. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6PfERIityhbl6lXrQdnQqVKIgRhTKsivJ47pmaRndxNsWoxXwtb-mFPCg4-Wh-7cWcebsHRxFNQGqOGEyMzE7XeoTAb-o6glVk6ERaknOyFDuJ6sVdsNoYCtSXQQyQ8FBgVF5rMveFCR/s1600/Picture14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6PfERIityhbl6lXrQdnQqVKIgRhTKsivJ47pmaRndxNsWoxXwtb-mFPCg4-Wh-7cWcebsHRxFNQGqOGEyMzE7XeoTAb-o6glVk6ERaknOyFDuJ6sVdsNoYCtSXQQyQ8FBgVF5rMveFCR/s320/Picture14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The Lord helped me break out of my comfort zone by
working with power tools and to truly be present with the people of Beauty. I
was reminded by a cook that I met from Georgia, just how beautiful my soul was,
and how she could see it in my eyes. I spoke of my love for Mother Teresa and
the Catholic Faith with a nurse from the next town after she confided in me
just how beautiful she found the Catholic Church, even though she was a Baptist.
</span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">She met me with love, not judgment, just
as Jesus had.</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> I built a deck and a ramp that week along with
8 of my classmates and mentors. That is something I would have never thought I
could do, much less that I would want to. My Dad still doesn’t </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">quite</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> believe it. Even in the mud that week, I found Joy.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">More recently, Jesus asked me to climb an even higher
mountain. He asked me to serve in a way that I had never thought before. He
asked me to move away from home to a place called Garrison, and to run retreats
where students could encounter Him. I laughed, but after much prayer and a leap
of faith, I went. And I could not be happier. Those words that JPII spoke are
true, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Will you get up and follow
him?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><i>This presentation was given to the Sophomores from various Catholic High Schools in our area through CYFM's Sophomore Retreat: The Faith Journey. This presentation was given by Mary. </i></span></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-31452602307100463132016-04-12T09:07:00.000-07:002016-04-12T09:07:08.042-07:00Acts 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlKeyqVg8PqQu5GLzrfIpZg8zxGM5Tbimpen3eO1sVzMGZKQ6tWVS2lUNs40lD2RHJLlqfN-PEzJ_1FsDTKHwDGEt_yBs349ssdonZLS_MPzI4_nHxs8stRHjxxr3iwp1_GOIE8v6J6S/s1600/Acts+of+the+Apostles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlKeyqVg8PqQu5GLzrfIpZg8zxGM5Tbimpen3eO1sVzMGZKQ6tWVS2lUNs40lD2RHJLlqfN-PEzJ_1FsDTKHwDGEt_yBs349ssdonZLS_MPzI4_nHxs8stRHjxxr3iwp1_GOIE8v6J6S/s400/Acts+of+the+Apostles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This past Sunday we heard from Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5. Actually, the Easter season is when we hear from Acts of the Apostles each week. Acts of the Apostles is the account of the Apostles and their mission after the resurrection of Christ. In this book we hear the accounts of the martyrs, we hear Saul persecuting Christians, and we hear about the lives of the earliest Christians. </div>
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It's a book that many people read as they start, say, a year of service. I can remember at the beginning of the year, Sam saying that her favorite chapter of Acts of the Apostles was chapter 29. I can remember sitting there and not thinking anything of it until one of the teens tried to find Acts 29 in the Bible. And guess what... it wasn't there. It literally doesn't exist. Acts of the Apostles ends at chapter 28. My mind was blown, because in that moment I realized that Acts 29 is the life of the modern day Christian, ie you and me. </div>
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This little insight from Sam gave me a new appreciation for the Acts of the Apostles and for what we are doing this year. We are trying to live out this faith. So in turn, our chapter is still being written. We are Acts 29. </div>
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In the lines following this weekends first reading, we learn that although the Apostles have been persecuted for preaching the Gospel, they continue to teach and proclaim the Gospel message that Jesus Christ is Lord. </div>
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How can you and I live out this principle this week? To preach the Gospel always, with our words, with our actions, with our lives, even when it becomes difficult. </div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-37787156558526392872016-04-05T08:34:00.000-07:002016-04-05T08:34:01.201-07:00Divine Mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAtPhqR4VBGVn2ImIIOF3SOiG1n60jnyEL4DFekAdKIqKb87FLN9tPSAU5724Tg5utymyfDwofg9XtDP-Ts_Pq8qJRLgsXpTnefO9nTtBn8vzaNGkTRAS01cPjrM1TEY5bJxzvGijmKpB/s1600/Divine+Mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAtPhqR4VBGVn2ImIIOF3SOiG1n60jnyEL4DFekAdKIqKb87FLN9tPSAU5724Tg5utymyfDwofg9XtDP-Ts_Pq8qJRLgsXpTnefO9nTtBn8vzaNGkTRAS01cPjrM1TEY5bJxzvGijmKpB/s400/Divine+Mercy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This past Sunday, was the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040316.cfm" target="_blank">Second Sunday of Easter</a>, more commonly known as Divine Mercy Sunday. The Church calls us to reflect on God's unfailing Mercy, his Divine Mercy. You may be familiar with this image:</div>
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Growing up, this image was in one of the side chapels at my parish. I never knew what it was or what it meant until I was a senior in High School and was introduced to the <a href="http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/praythechaplet.php" target="_blank">Divine Mercy chaplet</a> and St. Faustina. This image was revealed to St. Faustina, a humble nun in the Convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland. The message of mercy is simple, the Divine Mercy <a href="http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/" target="_blank">website</a> states:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">The message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us – all of us. And, he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> </span> </span></blockquote>
What an incredible message? It's so simple, yet so profound, and looking back I can see why God chose to reveal it to the world. It's because our world so desperately needs it. <br /><br />
Pope Francis also recognizes this need, as he declared this year the <a href="http://yearofmercy.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA6bq2BRC6ppf0_83Z1YIBEiQAgPYNvYNNa3fzE6uq6G4EM6gI-fGe62c23ZVbhaBUun2JvzoaAt_X8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Jubilee Year of Mercy</a>. Anyone who has been to CYFM this year has been exposed to it in some way, as we have incorporated it into our programming. And what we have realized is how vital this message is to the Church and to our Ministry.<br />
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And so, this week, let us revel in God's love and his Divine Mercy. Let us always be reminded that he wants us to share in His joy this Easter season.<br />
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Jesus, I trust in you.<br />
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with love and gratitude,<br />
MaryMary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-31573274269268485202016-03-29T07:52:00.000-07:002016-03-29T07:52:07.385-07:00The Easter Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5zWo7X1vRw0oOA5lKL0QyUWwVsPrUkFlla1flqColbiqdkzpgQsecPaiToVgETa9_mzlFDW1dRE3WhJRUcSFsNZqGLUoXkFvfLQt968w86nTXOf6PbzOg5vwd3CSGSGyrRc6vS6PaZqE/s1600/Easter+People.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5zWo7X1vRw0oOA5lKL0QyUWwVsPrUkFlla1flqColbiqdkzpgQsecPaiToVgETa9_mzlFDW1dRE3WhJRUcSFsNZqGLUoXkFvfLQt968w86nTXOf6PbzOg5vwd3CSGSGyrRc6vS6PaZqE/s400/Easter+People.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past Sunday, the Church celebrated Easter! The Church is now in the season of Easter, and we are allowed to say the "A" word again! For the past forty days, we entered into the desert with Jesus. We have died with him on Good Friday, and rose with him on Easter Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How was your Lent? Was it fruitful? Did you take any of the <a href="http://capcorpsvolunteer.blogspot.com/2016/02/ash-wednesday-and-lent.html" target="_blank">suggestions</a> that we put out on Ash Wednesday? How did you grow with the Lord? What are some of the things that you did during Lent that you would like to carry over into regular life? Maybe you set up a new prayer routine, or started volunteering in a new way. Lent is supposed to help us to become better Christians so that we can rise with Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Easter is the reason why we as Christians strive to live the way that we do. Check out the Resurrection accounts in each of the Gospels. Take some time and pray with these beautiful readings from scripture:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/20" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">John</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/16" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/24" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luke</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Personally, my favorite account is from Luke. It's commonly referred to as "The Road to Emmaus," where two Disciples encounter the Risen Christ along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In this Gospel passage we hear about the two apostles who
are walking away from Jerusalem to a place called Emmaus, about seven miles
away. Mind you, this is right after the crucifixion. They don't know that Jesus has risen. <i>The
disciples are distraught, full of doubt and anger, and still Jesus comes into
their midst.</i> And the part of this Gospel that gets to me is that those two
disciples have no idea that Jesus is the one who is walking with them. There
have been so many times in my life where I have been distraught and did not
feel Jesus with me. The Disciples go on this whole journey with a stranger who
is bringing them comfort and friendship. <i>It
is only when he breaks bread that their eyes are opened, and they realize that
it is Christ who has been with them all along. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And what do they do when they realize they have encountered the risen Christ? They run back to Jerusalem to tell the others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="50024033" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them </a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="50024034" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”<b> </b></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="50024035" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread."</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The two Disciples were so filled with Joy when they returned to Jerusalem! That is how we as Christians today should be. We should be filled with Joy because <i>we are the Easter people</i>, as John Paul tells us. We have encountered the risen Christ and we are called to go back to Jerusalem, to spread this message of love with our lives. </span><br /><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">with love and gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mary</span></div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-90105986961420282862016-03-15T10:52:00.000-07:002016-03-15T10:52:14.891-07:00Pizza and Praise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRo4p0UTdRzWA83-caXzCvUzQpSzr2o-G_I8Ma3gycVai35QwoZKV_MrB5g5J-etBJv8iR5dqYLL03mWXgVRXc6Dw9g1nBFsemVgVwvYsBXAkd_zQMmOuDVZ6Vtk7LCyuTQOLuVjGxMIl/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRo4p0UTdRzWA83-caXzCvUzQpSzr2o-G_I8Ma3gycVai35QwoZKV_MrB5g5J-etBJv8iR5dqYLL03mWXgVRXc6Dw9g1nBFsemVgVwvYsBXAkd_zQMmOuDVZ6Vtk7LCyuTQOLuVjGxMIl/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5I-Y84MWkeAJXRo2EnltxxACcbr4X7KfNpW_p_WiGhjNljUrF4V3MJ-QCCnOXAeqsRDLrBuT-jvSu6wHVeFaQvcLh2cA9o0bM7hkcsGan7Iuiy0wJ8ftSlAHF29AsNh7rOS_Sv3991_F/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5I-Y84MWkeAJXRo2EnltxxACcbr4X7KfNpW_p_WiGhjNljUrF4V3MJ-QCCnOXAeqsRDLrBuT-jvSu6wHVeFaQvcLh2cA9o0bM7hkcsGan7Iuiy0wJ8ftSlAHF29AsNh7rOS_Sv3991_F/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Friday, some members of the CYFM community celebrated National Catholic Sisters Week with the <a href="http://sistersofthepresentation.org/" target="_blank">The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of Women who "<span style="background-color: white;">carry out our mission of love and service through our many ministries with God’s people, especially poor women and children." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Sisters have a very interesting story that many don't know about:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary were founded in Ireland in 1775 by Nano Nagle. She felt she was called by God to bring the light of faith to the poor children of Cork. The Penal Laws of the time forbade any form of Catholic instruction in Ireland, but Nano Nagle was willing to risk imprisonment and disgrace for the sake of the Gospel. Visiting the sick and homebound by night along Cork’s cobbled streets, she became known as the “Lady With the Lantern”. In time she gathered other women to form a new society of women religious dedicated to the service of the poor. Nano Nagle’s small band of women, originally named the Society of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, later became known as the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, Sr. Mary and Sr. Mary Catherine are members of this community. So when CYFM was asked to partner in an event, we jumped at the opportunity! The event included Praise, Worship, and Adoration as well as Pizza and fellowship with the Sisters.</span></div>
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Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-50890727831533841632016-03-08T07:00:00.000-08:002016-03-08T07:00:16.790-08:00It's Who I Am<div class="mceTemp" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; background: rgb(243, 246, 248); color: #4f748e; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0px; padding: 16px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.atonementfriars.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA1dWyBRDqiJye6LjkhfIBEiQAw06ITm_OoITEzz4rk4Kf6tdhUXewcKF0AaRSsikGfUL2Ng8aAk-j8P8HAQ" href="http://www.atonementfriars.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA1dWyBRDqiJye6LjkhfIBEiQAw06ITm_OoITEzz4rk4Kf6tdhUXewcKF0AaRSsikGfUL2Ng8aAk-j8P8HAQ" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Franciscan Friars</a> of the Atonement, Graymoor, at dusk.</dd></dl>
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<span class="s1">Lately, I've been reflecting on that song by Chris Tomlin, <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">"Good, good Father"</a>. It's a fairly popular song among Catholic and Christian circles right now. I first heard it at Catholic Underground in September, and it has been stalking me ever since. Since I'm doing a year of service, I see a spiritual director about once a month. And as we were talking about my past, and my struggle with a consistent prayer life, my love of this song came up. He asked me to reflect on this song and why it resonates with me.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">As I've reflected, and listened, and prayed, I've realized something. And to be completely honest with you, I think it's because I have a hard time truly believing the lyrics. But I'm a sucker for repetitive prayer, this is something else I have learned about myself from SD. It makes me actually think about what I'm praying (taize or praise and worship), or think about what I'm meditating on (the rosary). This song is very repetitive and that's a big part of why I find myself wanting to sing it over and over again.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The chorus reads:</span></div>
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<span class="s1">You're a good, good father, it's who you are, it's who you are. And I am loved by you, it's who I am, it's who I am. God, you are perfect in all of your ways. Because you're a good, good father.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Now you may be asking yourself, but Mary these are basic Christian principles. You know, God so loved us (John 3:16). Why is this hard for you to believe?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Well, dear reader. Think about how radical this Love is!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I had a wonderful </span><span class="s1">experience at <a data-mce-href="http://www.capuchin.org/CapuchinYouthAndFamilyMinistry/Retreats/DaybyDayAgape" href="http://www.capuchin.org/CapuchinYouthAndFamilyMinistry/Retreats/DaybyDayAgape" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">DDA</a>, or Day by Day Agape, (a student led encounter retreat that CYFM runs). One of the things that I realized about my relationship with God is that I am often reluctant to accept God's love and the love of others. Often enough. I'd rather remain closed off. I would rather be completely independent.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">And I am loved by you. It's who I am, it's who i am. You're a good good father.</span></div>
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But we are <em>so</em> loved by Him.</div>
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Often enough, I am reminded of how the <em>world</em> sees Love. And I begin to <em>believe</em> it. That I can't be loved. That no one can truly love me that much. That love is based on merit. That it can't be unconditional because we live in a broken world.</div>
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but He <em>is </em>Love, and this has become my prayer.</div>
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I recently finished reading <em><a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattoos-Heart-Power-Boundless-Compassion/dp/1439153159" href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattoos-Heart-Power-Boundless-Compassion/dp/1439153159" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Tattoos on the Heart</a></em> by Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ. In the last chapter he reflects on that song "O' Holy Night". Everyone has heard it. It's a Christmas classic. Fr. Greg reflects on this phrase:</div>
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Long lay the world in sin and error pining<br />'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth</div>
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Fr. Greg talks a lot about how once the homies (the gang members he works with) realize their worth, they turn their lives around. Now, I won't spoil the book for you, because you need to go out and read it because it's incredible, but this part resonated with me. Just like the Chris Tomlin song.</div>
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He is love. He loves us with a perfect love. Even if it's hard to comprehend in such a broken world. He appears and the soul feels its worth.</div>
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As we move to the end of the liturgical year, it is darker, and we become more aware of the new beginning that will be here this upcoming Sunday. Advent begins. It's easy to commit to something for 30 days. So, will you commit to deepening your faith? I am. It's kind of like homework because my SD will expect to talk about it in December when we meet. But, it's good homework. And I'll be sure to try because I'm being held accountable.</div>
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I've already started in a way. I've reflected on this song. I've read a wonderful spiritual book. And I've been <em>trying </em>to read the gospel of the day and do an examen with <a data-mce-href="http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/18051/jesuit-prayer-app" href="http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/18051/jesuit-prayer-app" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">The Jesuit Prayer App</a>, which I love. (It reminds me to pray twice a day!) It's funny how God works because each day, the examen opens with this prayer:</div>
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God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.</div>
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And I am loved by you, it's who I am, it's who I am.</div>
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<br /></div>
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with love and gratitude,</div>
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Mary</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>*this post originally appeared on the blog <a href="https://alovelylittleflower.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">a lovely little flower</a> on November 25, 2015*</i></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-37029101387900448792016-03-03T11:33:00.000-08:002016-03-03T11:33:05.591-08:00A Reflection on College COP<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b>“I don’t know what your destiny
will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy
are those who have sought and found how to serve.” </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>-Albert
Schweitzer</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I used
the quote above to begin my talk on this past College Capuchin Outreach Program
(College COP) in January. I used it because it rings true for me, some of the
best and happiest moments of my life were spent serving others. I learned what
true joy was through service, and through that new-found understanding of joy I
was able to learn more about God and deepen my relationship with Jesus, the
ideal model for servant leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I was
fortunate enough to be able to attend College COP last year as a participant,
which was a really awesome experience itself, so leading as a CCV this year was
like coming full circle. Last year my service site was St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen
and Newburgh Ministries. I really loved working with both organizations; I got
to meet some genuine and inspiring people who are really passionate about their
work and service. I was also privileged to have a fantastic team to serve with
throughout the week which shared many great conversations and countless laughs.
(Shout out to Kelley, Kim, and Shawna!) Through theological reflection in the
evenings I got to unpack the day’s experiences; both my own and others’ through
the lens of faith. I was able to recognize God in the people I encountered
throughout the week, from the people I served, to the people I served with, and
everyone on the retreat. Through attending CCOP I was able to grow in both my
understanding of service and in my faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I expected
this year’s College COP to be pretty similar to last year’s with the obvious
exception that this time I would have the added responsibilities of helping run
the retreat and lead a service group. However, this year I was challenged in
ways that I never expected to be challenged. And in that sense I was also
forced to grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My
service site this year was Habitat for Humanity/ manual labor, which originally
I was less than thrilled about. I must admit I didn’t want to do Habitat for a
very selfish reason… I didn’t want to be out in the cold all week. But what is
that saying about God laughing at your plans…? Also I know that often times I
struggle finding God in the day during manual labor. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the
repetition and monotony of the mostly physical work that I find myself not
being present to God throughout the day. Anyway for the first two days of CCOP
we worked at the Red House, the place where my community and I live together,
our home. It was a definitely humbling experience! It was humbling because I
was leading a group of college students who were going to be serving me (&
my community and CYFM of course), and also because I was there to work and serve
with them. Working in the Red House made me appreciate the work I was doing
more and also appreciate our house more, even with all its cracks, drafty
windows, that sticky and stained floor in the kitchen, and all its imperfections.
It is a good house, full of friendship, laughter, and memories. My last day
working at the Red House, I looked back to see a warm streak of sunlight coming
in from the window illuminating the floor and freshly painted green walls in
the chapel. I stood in the doorway and relished in the simple beauty of that
moment, and I thought about all of the prayers that have been said in that
chapel over the years. Prayers of our community and of past CCV’s. I thought
about the all the prayers said in the mornings before work, at evening prayer
before bed, and late into the night by restless souls. Prayers for all the
teens and retreatants that have been ministered to throughout the years,
prayers for discernment, for joy, courage, hope, and peace. All those prayers were sure to fill up that
little chapel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHlT7dml7g-6zu2w79hrUaepZGQa6hDVEHo-6WDZ4RJyFbc-Ge2FMPxqETTQFBTin-C-i_SzqW65szp-0YnY_5MObCdRjYzh5wTEeEERro6UXZt6HIb9WPCZ7472iGBgxZhnX6FDB5-5j/s1600/amanda+in+redhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHlT7dml7g-6zu2w79hrUaepZGQa6hDVEHo-6WDZ4RJyFbc-Ge2FMPxqETTQFBTin-C-i_SzqW65szp-0YnY_5MObCdRjYzh5wTEeEERro6UXZt6HIb9WPCZ7472iGBgxZhnX6FDB5-5j/s400/amanda+in+redhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Then
the next two days were spent working with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in
Newburgh. That was also a challenging a humbling experience. I had worked with
Habitat many time before, so I thought I knew what to expect. We arrived at the
address we were given and found a house that was in complete disrepair. It was
covered in filth. I felt dirty just standing there. At first I didn’t know what
to think, I couldn’t even move, I was in shock by what I saw in front of my
eyes. My next thoughts were of wanting to get out and run away from that place,
but still I stayed, and as a group we slowly made countless trips in and out of
the house clearing out dirt, trash, soiled clothes and furniture, broken
drywall, and much more. As we kept working my thoughts turned to ones of
questioning where God was in this situation. Where was God for the children who
apparently lived in this house? Where was God among all the debris, mold, and
stench? That answer didn’t come to me right away. When someone asked me in Theological
Reflection where God was in all of that, I mumbled about God being in the hope
that now Habitat is going to rehab the house for another well deserving family.
Which is true, but what I realized later after much reflection with people much
wiser and spiritually adept than I, that God was there. God was there in the
people I was working with all week long, my service group and the Habitat
workers, in their willingness to see hope and envision a better house and
better life for another family. God was there in the midst of the filth,
brokenness, and desolation that was that house, and even in the people who
allowed that house to sink into such disrepair because God never abandons us.
Even in our brokenness, even in our sin, and even in our shame, God never
leaves us. He loves us through it all, and he forgives us. He wipes away all
the filth and crud from our souls and washes them clean in the sacrament of
Reconciliation. So God was in that house in Newburgh in the same way he was
there in that small chapel in the Red House with the light streaming through the
window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oDlbJoUgLeyvLFh-qFjcgYOvzWgriWm5Iyeeq9ZLr-WRbiBHcmQwzK976qYOvvyubQamLqsvVZPcJQpSA6_vIC5H9fSnYsvtgCF_o2ZNAJA3K-DQK_9YfaJnEYtt5XL_xcYxlNvNVuqY/s1600/habitat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oDlbJoUgLeyvLFh-qFjcgYOvzWgriWm5Iyeeq9ZLr-WRbiBHcmQwzK976qYOvvyubQamLqsvVZPcJQpSA6_vIC5H9fSnYsvtgCF_o2ZNAJA3K-DQK_9YfaJnEYtt5XL_xcYxlNvNVuqY/s400/habitat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So yes,
College COP was just as great an experience for me this year as it was last
year. This year I was put out of my comfort zone. This year I was challenged.
This year I had to seek out where God was in my service, more so than last
year. And I found <i>Him.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>This post was written by Amanda Bielat. </i></span></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-47939662727026200302016-02-25T07:40:00.001-08:002016-02-25T07:40:50.394-08:00Esopus<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<img alt="thumb_IMG_2983_1024" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1416" data-mce-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2983_1024.jpg?w=680" data-wpmedia-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2983_1024.jpg" height="1024" src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2983_1024.jpg?w=680" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></div>
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Last week the Cap Corps Volunteer community went on retreat to the <a data-mce-href="http://www.maristbrotherscenter.org/" href="http://www.maristbrotherscenter.org/" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Marist Brothers Center </a>in Esopus, New York. A friar from the Province, Fr. Sam, gave the retreat to the five young adults.</div>
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The theme of this retreat was belonging. We explored contemplative prayer, poetry, and beauty. Our retreat began Tuesday evening and ended Friday afternoon. Each morning and night we had a "silent sit" or intentional quiet time. Our breakfasts and lunches were also had in silence. Each afternoon we had a couple of hours of free time, where we were allowed to relax, pray, or encounter Christ in reconciliation. One of the most enjoyable parts of the retreat was our interaction with the full time volunteers at Esopus. During each of our meal times we were greeted with the same hospitality that we try to show our guests at CYFM. It was so nice to be on the receiving end of that grace though. The Marist volunteers have a blog too, you can check it out <a data-mce-href="http://maristvolunteercommunity.blogspot.com/" href="http://maristvolunteercommunity.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">here</a>.We had conversation at dinner, and some community time in the evening. We played games, had dessert, and tended to the fire in the living room.</div>
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Our introduction to contemplative prayer was through <a data-mce-href="http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/fr-thomas-keating" href="http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/fr-thomas-keating" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Thomas Keating</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.centeringprayer.com/" href="http://www.centeringprayer.com/" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Centering Prayer</a>. I found this practice particularly difficult. Although I am content with quiet, I often let my mind race and wander through parts of my day, my prayer life, and through past experiences. I usually end up taking one thing and thinking through it thoroughly, and not actually praying. This wasn't really what we were supposed to be doing. And for some reason, I couldn't actually focus on the point of centering prayer. Instead I thought about next year, and many other things.</div>
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To be honest, I probably should have taken the opportunity for "spiritual companionship" during free time. Rather, I took a shower, a brief nap, read for a bit, and took a walk down to the river.</div>
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<img alt="thumb_IMG_2975_1024" class=" size-full wp-image-1423 aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2975_1024.jpg?w=680" data-wpmedia-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2975_1024.jpg" height="1024" src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2975_1024.jpg?w=680" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></div>
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As I approached the Hudson River, I couldn't get over the shards of ice that were floating along with the current, and getting left behind on the shore. It was kind of gloomy out. I say kind of because it was gray, but it was rather warm out, which made it bearable to walk around outside.</div>
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<img alt="thumb_IMG_2982_1024" class=" size-full wp-image-1417 aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2982_1024.jpg?w=680" data-wpmedia-src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2982_1024.jpg" height="1024" src="https://alovelylittleflower.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/thumb_img_2982_1024.jpg?w=680" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></div>
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I couldn't get over how the ice resembled glass in appearance, but also in sound. The different pieces of ice clanked against each other, moving down the river, taking turns riding along with one another. It really was spectacular. On the way to dinner that night Fr. Sam and I spoke about how cool this was, but also serene and somewhat eerie. I think that this experience put me in a better place to reflect on beauty in the context of belonging.</div>
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We read poetry from <a data-mce-href="http://maryoliver.beacon.org/" href="http://maryoliver.beacon.org/" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Mary Oliver</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gerard-manley-hopkins" href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gerard-manley-hopkins" style="color: #00aadc;" target="_blank">Gerard Manley Hopkins</a>, as well as others. I had never studied any of the poets that we read, but I was especially captivated by Hopkins use of language in <em>As Kingfishers Catch Fire.</em></div>
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I say móre: the just man justices;</div>
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Keeps grace: thát keeps all his goings graces;</div>
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Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is —</div>
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Isn't it beautiful?! I never had the chance to study Hopkins, so I may be looking into some of his collected works in the near future... or when I have a chance to read (probably next year).</div>
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I think that the combination of contemplation, poetry, beauty, and a sprinkle of <em>Laudato Si </em>was beneficial for these Cap Corps. We spend so much time reflecting as a group throughout our normal (as normal as it can be) schedule. The quiet, although difficult for some, was nice. It was nice to spend that time with the Lord, in a more structured and relaxed way.</div>
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With love and gratitude,<br />Mary</div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-28362012590126311762016-02-09T08:29:00.001-08:002016-02-09T08:29:05.593-08:00Ash Wednesday and Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's that time of year again! This Wednesday, Christians all over the world are reminded of their sinfulness and of their dependence on the Grace of God. The video above explains Lent and Ash Wednesday in two minutes... only two minutes! Take a couple of minutes, watch, and learn. Often enough, we as Catholics feel that we need to do some extraordinary acts during Lent to show that we are indeed, devout Catholics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't let your pride get in the way of letting yourself grow spiritually. The Church calls us to pray, fast, and to give alms. What is one thing that you can do to make your relationship with God better this Lent? What is one thing that is keeping you from God? Maybe its netflix, instagram, or checking your phone too much. Fast from it. How can you give of yourself? Whether it's monetarily, or a giving of your gifts to someone else. Think about it. What would you like to do to share yourself with the world during these 40 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fr. Mike Schmitz has some great advice for what we can do for Lent in this video:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Still not sure what you should do? Check out these resources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://lifeteen.com/blog/102-things-really-give-lent/" target="_blank">102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent- Lifeteen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://lifeteen.com/blog/how-lent-can-save-your-life/" target="_blank">The Lenten Sacrifice: How It Can Save Your Life- Lifeteen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.piercedhands.com/100-things-to-do-for-lent/#footnote_10_2098" target="_blank">100 Things to do for Lent- Held By His Pierced Hands</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/catholic-information-on-lenten-fast-and-abstinence.cfm" target="_blank">Fast & Abstinence- USCCB</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://simpleandsweetcreations.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-should-i-give-up-for-lent.html" target="_blank">37 Things To Give Up For Lent- Simple & Sweet</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.lentreflections.com/" target="_blank">Daily Lent Reflections- Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire Ministries</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/" target="_blank">Best Lent Ever- Dynamic Catholic</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Become a Missionary of Mercy this Lent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you know, Pope Francis declared this year a year of Mercy. The Capuchin Franciscans have been made special Missionaries of Mercy for this Jubilee Year. The Mass was Monday. Each Province sent a Friar to be present. Check out the pictures <a href="http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2016/2/9/fraticappuccini.html" target="_blank">here!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Want more information on how to be a Missionary of Mercy? Check out these links:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://wwwmigrate.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/" target="_blank">Jubilee Year Of Mercy- USCCB</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://yearofmercy.org/?gclid=CjwKEAiAuea1BRCbn-2n7PbLgEMSJAABQvTTuBzTUObYwEbBpSV19HrxHGvvxCRy1F0Zns_JyGppHxoCwE3w_wcB#firstPage" target="_blank">Year of Mercy Website</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco_bolla_20150411_misericordiae-vultus.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Misericordiae Vultus BULL OF INDICTION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make this your best Lent yet. Prepare your heart for Easter, for the risen Christ by dying to self with Him for 40 days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With Love and Gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your CYFM Family</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-19743417654545070142016-02-08T20:29:00.003-08:002016-02-08T20:29:40.798-08:00Restless<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So
I wasn’t really exposed to Christian music, praise and worship music, or
whatever you want to call it until last year, but it has definitely been an
interesting time. See, I grew up listening to a lot of Rap and Hip-Hop music my
whole life. So you could say that I have done a total reversal of music
interests. I went from listening to Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Kanye West on a daily
basis; to listening to Matt Maher, David Crowder Band, and Hillsong United almost
all the time. I didn’t go through this whole grand transformation of who I am,
I just found listening to “Jesus Music” a lot more enjoyable than I used to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So
a song that kind of sparked that music change was the song “Restless” by Audrey
Assad. I was first introduced to this song by my friend, Ana, on her “Happy”
playlist. It is a popular song in the Catholic and Christian circles. So this
song has done a lot for me recently. It was a song that I listened to in times
of sadness, frustration, and joy. It was the song that really helped me
strengthen my prayer life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
chorus of the song goes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And I'm restless, I'm restless 'Til
I rest in You, 'til I rest in You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
restless, I'm restless 'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You. Oh God, I wanna
rest in You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
prayer life has been pretty scattered in the past few months. You would think
doing a volunteer year where you do a lot of prayer I would have it down to an
art by now, but no, I haven’t. My mind has been restless. My heart has been
restless. In result my prayer life has been restless as well. All of this has
been frustrating me, but I guess that’s what happens when you are trying to
figure out your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
was having a conversation with one of my friends one night and they say “But
Paul, you seem like you have everything figured out in your life!” I respond to
them saying, “ha. Haha.hahaha. lol.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Recently
I have been in this restless state of mind. See, I want to become a Campus
Minister at Providence College one day. That is my goal in life and that is
what I am striving to do. I am restless because of the uncertainty in the way I
am going to get there. I am in the waiting stage of my grad school application
process. Waiting to hear if it is a yes or a no. Waiting to hear if it is a
maybe later. It is a state of unknown. I don’t like this stage at all, and me
being me, I am naturally an impatient person and want to know right this
instant what my future will or will not entail. I am restless because I want
this to happen so badly. I want to go to Grad School, learn all that I can, and
then finally become a great Campus Minister for someone. But maybe that this
isn’t what God wants of me. Maybe there is something else God wants me to do.
Maybe God wants me to go back to wanting to become a teacher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
am restless because I want happiness, and a lot of things make me happy. All of
the possibilities make me so happy and I want to do all of them. Teaching,
ministry, all of it brings me joy. You can see the happiness in my face when I
do/ talk about something I love. It radiates from me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
bridge of the song goes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still my heart, hold me close. Let me
hear, a still small voice. Let it grow, let it rise. Into a shout, into a cry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
just want to know. I just want to be pushed in a certain direction so I can
just focus. I want to hear something. To just have a little guidance. So I can
let it grow, let it rise, into a shout, into a cry. But that is not up to me. I
will continue to be restless, until I can have that rest in Him. I guess I am
just going to be restless for a while, but sometimes restlessness is a good
thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">- Paul</span></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-55614966799737893352016-01-28T10:28:00.000-08:002016-01-28T10:28:26.984-08:00The Impala<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">RIP
Impala<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It is with heavy hearts that we inform
the CYFM community that Genevieve the Impala made her final drive in early
December when her transmission refused to cooperate for the last time. This
Grey 2002 Chevy Impala, affectionately known as Genevieve, Impy, Mr. Impala,
the OC, and probably a host of other, less affectionate names, faithfully served
several years of Cap Corps Volunteers as their semi-reliable mode of
transportation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Life with Genevieve was always
an adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides conducting the CCVs’
daily commute along the stunningly scenic Route 9D as they admired God’s
creation, drank coffee, and jammed out to Matt Maher, the Impala also travelled
great distances to Boston, Middletown, CT, the far reaches of western upstate
New York, and Long Island. To gain greater insight into the personality of life
with this legendary car, past Cap Corps Volunteers have shared their memories
of the Impala with us:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Lindsay recalls taking Mr.
Impala to Long Island when a tsunami broke out and the speedometer stopped
working. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Lauretta looks back fondly on
the times when the “gas gauge was straight up NOT working and it was basically
Russian roulette” and how the Impala “always smelled of dead animals and fast
food.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yes, the Impala’s generosity was
limitless. At one point it apparently served as a mobile home for small animals.
Courtney remembers discovering that it was a mouse’s nest that was causing
flooding inside the car and frost build-up on the interiors of the windows! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Katie Rotterman enthusiastically
remarks that the Impala housed one of the best CD collections known to CYFM.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Impala has even made a cameo
in a prayer service sketch called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stranger’s Bargain.</i> In the nearly deserted parking lot of a movie theater,
the Impala’s engine “sputters, coughs, and then dies altogether,” leaving the
main character vulnerable to an encounter with the devil. The history records
are unclear as to which CCV wrote this script and how much of it is based on
their personal experience…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
One of the most thrilling tales
involving the Impala has been recounted in many iterations by the 2014-15
CCVs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were stopped in traffic on
the highway on their way to Interlaken, NY, when they realized the CD
collection was in the trunk. Katie Cavazzini bravely volunteered to retrieve
the CDs, only to find out that the trunk doesn’t open when the car is in drive.
Katie experienced a deep sense of panic as she thought her community was going
to drive away without her and leave her stranded on the highway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though
our time with the Impala was short, this year’s group of CCVs can agree that
Genevieve has left an indelible impression on our memories. We have seen her
temperamental side since the time she shut off for no reason mid-drive only a
week after our arrival. And in her final week, Paul, Amanda, and Val struggled
to drive her the 0.6 miles to the Mobil on Main Street, creating a traffic jam
and angering all the people behind us as she stubbornly shut off and had to be
restarted every few feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The miraculous safety of all the
Impala’s passengers can be attributed to the Sacred Heart medal kept in the
compartment on the dashboard. Jesus, we trust in you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Finally, we leave you with a few
poems written for the Impala, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in memoriam,
</i>by our very own Hollis:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fit six CCVs<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Left Katie on the highway<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Transformed into boat<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Check engine light on<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Speedometer is broken<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let's go to Thrift King<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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If you wish to make a donation to
CYFM in the Impala’s memory, please feel free to call Judi. We are currently
accepting offers for a new community vehicle for the CCV’s. Thank you! <o:p></o:p></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-53354804196887885182016-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:002016-01-25T12:01:09.922-08:00"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bl. Teresa of Calcutta</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7TjMylSdZ5T-Mi0DfinWURJKSH9OmQzlJt5bzWBl4Ox2zA_LBAVhH2sw6PEV-eHfrL12AgXfyGHSEAXUetRPpqLxxRAQJMUrhRPOVsYG9dcqjSV_bdLBytAmHUiO7UXxP3QUUnkucM2f/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7TjMylSdZ5T-Mi0DfinWURJKSH9OmQzlJt5bzWBl4Ox2zA_LBAVhH2sw6PEV-eHfrL12AgXfyGHSEAXUetRPpqLxxRAQJMUrhRPOVsYG9dcqjSV_bdLBytAmHUiO7UXxP3QUUnkucM2f/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I'm sure some of you know, the Cap Corps year of service is jam packed with retreats and ministry. Not only does CYFM provide retreats for encounter, and a deepening of faith, but we also provide retreats for confirmation programs and Catholic high schools.The Cap Corps Volunteers along with the Friars give close to 100 retreats each year to complete strangers. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQRQge5tUYd7CikIiBbEObQDXp6BzFIrs0NPkIUuNremZ79XlPtqyUYhQYXq5M-Iyj1Je9dSLxRjUaOfzyESxKSkd7ja5HELLK2b-6fQnItG-QNaFT6opD1KtIVU4tPyZwibQNdWfdh15/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQRQge5tUYd7CikIiBbEObQDXp6BzFIrs0NPkIUuNremZ79XlPtqyUYhQYXq5M-Iyj1Je9dSLxRjUaOfzyESxKSkd7ja5HELLK2b-6fQnItG-QNaFT6opD1KtIVU4tPyZwibQNdWfdh15/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the beginning of the year, the CCVs took the <a href="http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/" target="_blank">Myers Briggs</a> test so that we may better know how to care for ourselves. And to our surprise, 4/5 of us are introverts. Meaning that we get our energy from alone time, rather than being around other people. Now, this doesn't mean that we are all shy people, or that we don't like to interact with other people, but it does mean that sometimes we need to just be by ourselves for five minutes or ten or two hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, each of us came into this year of service with the same goal: to serve the youth of the Catholic Church through youth ministry and retreats. However, like anything in life, we were unsure of what this would actually mean. And for this CCV, it has meant learning a lot about myself, my relationship with God, and learning how to care for myself. My personality type, according to the Myers Briggs, is an INFJ. Basically, I get my energy from inside (alone time), I am intuitive, I'm a feeler, and I am judging (I prefer closure and having things planned out). Seeing how these things actually play out in my life, has helped me to better interact with my community, and also how to care for myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost every day, I meet new people. And at the same time, I am expected to share my faith story, my witness of faith, with these strangers. I am expected to welcome them with true, authentic Christian love. These are some of the ways that a Cap Corps Volunteer serves God through serving others. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsZ-OCIcIdVS6czVEbI17Nou6M9FpEQqERwZGw73WQllQEZPbGNEL4bRPe0pNhSADSgaRF5-b03p-FR7o8hJxa6imm4APW5FBhXSC4lfxwTXShbpJh8caP52dxiVXrb7hkSvFIVDnchZv/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsZ-OCIcIdVS6czVEbI17Nou6M9FpEQqERwZGw73WQllQEZPbGNEL4bRPe0pNhSADSgaRF5-b03p-FR7o8hJxa6imm4APW5FBhXSC4lfxwTXShbpJh8caP52dxiVXrb7hkSvFIVDnchZv/s400/IMG_0581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, when we have multiple day retreats, I become physically drained rather easily, and begin to forget why I am here. I often allow myself to become discouraged. Luckily for me, I have people in my life who remind me of why I am here in the Hudson Valley, and what a blessing it is for me to be here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things that drew me and my heart to doing a year of service, was the opportunity to encounter Christ through each person I meet, and to help them encounter Christ through my loving actions. I had some incredible experiences on Mission trips in college, and <a href="http://hofstracatholic.weebly.com/missionary-blog/mission-trip-to-kentucky-spring-2015" target="_blank">those experiences</a> helped me to see what a gift it is to love another person, even if that is the only encounter you'll have with that person. When I become discouraged, I often think about how I am never going to encounter this tenth grader again, so if I decide to stay inside of my comfort zone and not talk to him or her, that's okay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been reminded that the majority of the ministry that we do is with complete strangers. It's great when we have a group that we know; whether it's at a parish that we work at, or a weekend retreat at CYFM with "the regulars". However, that is not the norm. On a day to day basis, we are called to be loving and welcoming to people that we will probably never see again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been reminded of what a blessing that is. That although we may only see these students for six hours on a Tuesday, we still have the opportunity to be Christ to that person. And we should take advantage of that, to get over the awkwardness and talk to that tenth grader who doesn't want to be at CYFM for the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fr. Fred is constantly reminding us that a Christian is someone <br />in whom and through whom Christ lives. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's something that we as Cap Corps Volunteers, and more importantly as Catholics, are called to live each and every day. And although it is difficult. And although it is tiring. We may be the only authentic example of true Christian love that that student may ever encounter. You never know how God is planning to use you today. Even if it is in small, simple, loving ways. We are called to love each and every person we encounter as if they are Jesus himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I want to live that this year. Even if it means that I need to hide in the DDA closet for exactly three minutes during a retreat, so that I can better be present to my small group. Or if I need to spend some alone time in my bedroom at the end of the day, so that I can better be present to my community. These are things that I am slowly learning are okay to do. Because God made me the way I am for a reason. And as I learn more and more about myself and how to care for myself, I can see that my rest is just as important as my talk for that confirmation retreat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Intense love does not measure, it just gives."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bl. Teresa of Calcutta</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love and Gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary</span></div>
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Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-77426886105134175502016-01-13T07:54:00.000-08:002016-01-13T07:54:01.952-08:00Advent Praise and Worship Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some of you may remember that back in December, CYFM held a Praise and Worship event. Amanda's friends from Scranton have a worship band called Countless Wonders<i>. </i>They helped to lead members of the CYFM community in worship of our Lord as we prepared for the Christmas season. </div>
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Overall it was a lovely night. The band arrived around 5 pm and the CCVs hosted them to dinner. As the band set up, and warmed up, members of the greater CYFM community started to arrive. Everyone found a place in the chapel and Countless Wonders sang "O Come Let Us Adore Him" and "Lord I Need You". Soon after, Fr. Fred exposed the Blessed Sacrament, and we adored Him. </div>
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Countless Wonders had a mix of songs that most people knew and songs that only a few knew. It made for a very prayerful atmosphere, with time for silence and time for praise. It was truly a great way to prepare for the Christmas Season at the end of Advent. </div>
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You can find Countless Wonders on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/countlesswonders/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkii23wmE54utyd9r5fvKIQ" target="_blank">Youtube</a></div>
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Also, if you're in the Hudson Valley, they will be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholicundergroundnorth/" target="_blank">Catholic Underground North</a> this </div>
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Saturday, January 16, 2016</div>
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<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-81999692988561415692015-12-29T08:00:00.000-08:002015-12-29T08:00:01.436-08:00Merry Christmas! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Children long for it, and so do we as adults. The midnight mass on Christmas is
one of my favorites. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear “The people who
walked in darkness</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="background: white;">have seen a great light;</span></span> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">upon
those who dwelt in the land of gloom</span> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">a light has shone.</span>” (Isaiah 9:1). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christ our hope, our
love, and our salvation has come in the most humble way. He has come as an “infant
wrapped in swaddling clothes” (Luke 2: 7) so that he may know us and so that we
may know him in a more intimate way. God became Human for you. During this Christmas season, may we continue to reflect and be grateful for the beautiful gift
that the nativity is. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-7432055113858426872015-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:002015-12-15T08:00:01.944-08:00Our Lady of Guadalupe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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December 12th is an important day for many people in many different cultures. <br />It is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.</div>
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In 1531, Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. He was told to build a shrine at that place. However, the Bishop was skeptical. So Juan Diego returned to the place where Our Lady originally appeared. She promised Juan that she would give him a sign to give to the Bishop. </div>
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The following morning, Juan was told to gather roses that would grow in that area. Although there were only cacti in that area, he obeyed, and the roses were there in the morning. Juan Diego gathered the roses in his tilma, and brought them to the Bishop. He opened the tilma, let the roses fall to the floor, and left there was an image of Our Lady. </div>
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This was an opportunity for evangelization and a time of conversion for many. Being that this feast occurs during Advent, Catholics have the opportunity to reflect on <i>Emmanuel, God With Us</i>. This was a primary cause for conversion after this miracle took place. Our God is a God who is with us, not against us. He is loving, and came into our world in the most humble way, as an infant to be cared for by his mother, Mary. </div>
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This feast is a reminder of the humble beginnings of our Lord, and the faith that we are called to have. Juan Diego had the faith as well as the courage to tell the Bishop about his encounter. We are called to have that same faith and the courage to live out our faith. </div>
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Happy Advent, Friends.</div>
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- Mary</div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-48580896371596819792015-12-01T05:30:00.000-08:002015-12-01T05:30:00.141-08:00A Round Up of Father Fred Fridays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Did you somehow miss out on Father Fred Fridays
these past couple weeks? Well, don’t be sad! We've gathered the posts and here
they are! Hope you're enjoying it as much as the CCVs are!</span></b></div>
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Week 8: October 23, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Fr. Fred what do you want to be for Halloween?"<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Week 9: October 30, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Look who came into the office today!! Snoopy came to visit Fr.
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Happy Fr. Fred Friday everyone and have a safe Halloween!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Week 10: October 13, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Happy
50-Year anniversary of being a priest, Fr. Fred! Thank you for everything<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">#FrFredFridays</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Yes, I know we have been slacking on the Fr. Fred Friday’s
(This is Paul so blame me!) so here is an extra! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Look at that hair!!
#FlashbackFriday <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-55700390124911511432015-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:002015-11-24T08:30:00.847-08:00Thankfulness<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A
few weeks ago I read a <a href="https://guyanaadventures.wordpress.com/2015/10/27/roller-coaster/" target="_blank">blog post</a> written by a friend from college who is also
committing a year of her life to service. Colleen is currently working as a
nurse and serving the people of Guyana. In her blog post she talks about the
challenges of encountering all the pain, suffering, and poverty around her. But
she doesn’t stop there; she also calls to mind all the good things: the
happiness, seeing God in the people she meets, the laughter, love, and joy. I
think being able to find joy in the pain and suffering is so beautiful.
Colleen’s words have kept coming to mind quite a bit in the past few weeks.
They have served to remind me that I should be thankful to have the
opportunities that I have, and to be where I am. With Thanksgiving approaching
I am reminded to give thanks to God for these many blessings, many of which I
must admit I take for granted most days of the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxCJQjlfXCyAdlwJyGpO4pR8qnfwou_bl5mAXnmuKHCJPJjixtiB4QOVcCOzs29b2QRw8JCqekbwsI-AOTHFKXTBsK64C0Pvp3_DzbUmrlOU1wU0euxF345f8FbD6pZlDSyMsnqHeDj5/s1600/2015-2016+Group+Photo+Interlaken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxCJQjlfXCyAdlwJyGpO4pR8qnfwou_bl5mAXnmuKHCJPJjixtiB4QOVcCOzs29b2QRw8JCqekbwsI-AOTHFKXTBsK64C0Pvp3_DzbUmrlOU1wU0euxF345f8FbD6pZlDSyMsnqHeDj5/s400/2015-2016+Group+Photo+Interlaken.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “We
pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and
yet really not small) gifts.” There have been many times in the past month or
so when I have forgotten this sentiment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many
mornings I wake up to the sound of my alarm and grimace at the time and thought
of waking up to go to Mass. As much as I am horribly embarrassed to admit that,
I am telling you this because it illustrates my point. I am so incredibly
blessed to have the opportunity to have a church practically right outside my
door and to attend Mass every day. This amazing and beautiful gift that Jesus
gives us Himself in the Eucharist; this seemingly ordinary but really
extraordinary and “really not small gift,” I take for granted by not wanting to
wake up early enough to receive Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have been stressing a lot lately about
taking the GRE’s and the idea of applying to grad school. But thinking back to
Colleen’s post, I realize how thankful I should be that I <i>get to</i> worry about taking GRE’s and applying to grad school. I am
privileged that those are my biggest worries at the moment. I don’t have to
worry about most things people in the developing world have to worry about.
Now, I don’t say this to bring anyone down or to make anyone feel guilty, that
is not my intention. I just needed to remind myself that those stresses too,
are a gift. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My community is also something I am tempted
to think of as ordinary and small, but really is a wonderful and amazing gift.
There have been times after long stressful days, when I want to be alone, or
times when I have focused on ways my community members annoy or frustrate me.
In those times I forget what a gift they are in my life; I forget to be
thankful for their presence, love, support, encouragement, and the fact that we
get to journey together this year. I am thankful for all of our dinners
together, all our conversations about everything and nothing, all the laughter
and silliness like <i>someone </i>stealing
other people’s seats, Gilbert the turkey hat, making bear noises, and the
countless jokes and fun times. I am thankful for all the evenings we’ve spent watching
Gilmore Girls, all the trips to Panera or to some other food place when we were
too tired and too lazy to cook for ourselves, and all the nights we sat on the
floor in our hallway and shared stories. I am also thankful for the moments when
we’ve shared our faith together, and all the times prayed together before bed
in the chapel. These are the moments I am thankful for; these seemingly
ordinary, small moments which Bonhoeffer believes are not so small and ordinary
at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Amanda </span></div>
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Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-92013286384146618662015-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:002015-11-17T08:00:06.577-08:00The Family and Service Retreat: A Reflection<div class="MsoNormal">
It was Friday and for some reason I struggled to remember
all week that we had retreat this coming weekend. Luckily I had my community to
remind me that I should pack for the weekend. For whatever reason, the Family
Service Retreat came by surprise even though it had been on my calendar all
year long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday night, families
started arriving as we put together the final pieces of the retreat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family service retreat was like no other retreat we have
had so far. Not only did we get the joy of hanging out with our CYFMers but we
got to enjoy their family too! Teens came, bringing their siblings and parents.
We all had one mission, to serve families in need as a CYFM family and with our
own families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We woke up early Saturday
morning to begin making bunk beds for local families who are in difficult
situations and struggling to provide for their children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Preparing for the retreat, I reflected on the family
profiles of the families we were serving. I created points of reflection to
help retreatants feel more connected to the people they were serving. As I
created these profiles I prayed for the families and when it came time to make
the bunk beds on Saturday, I felt that I was doing more than just staining
pieces of wood, but something much greater. I knew that these pieces of wood
were going to become a part of a bed for someone in need. Throughout the
weekend, each family spiritually adopted a family in need and we all prayed for
them as we worked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My favorite part of the retreat was serving with the families
who were on retreat with us. The family dynamics were something to enjoy.
Families seem to be freer to be silly around each other and they tend to make
others laugh by making fun of each other in a loving way. By the end of the
weekend, it was hard to tell who belonged to what family, we all felt like one
big family! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being far away from my family, I really enjoyed feeling part
of a family. Families have a special kind of love and great a unique
atmosphere. This weekend I really felt like I was with family and felt even
more at home here at CYFM. It was so beautiful to see families being together,
serving together, eating together, and praying together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pope Francis has been reminding us the importance of
families. He has been emphasizing the Family as the miniature church and
reminding us that God came to us in a family. Jesus was born into a family and
through this he sanctifies our everyday life. We are all called to be saints,
and it is in the family where this call to sainthood is nurtured. At the family
service retreat I really saw our church alive through all the families that
came to be part of the beautiful weekend! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until next time<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Sam<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-44405411728500789172015-11-10T08:12:00.000-08:002015-11-10T08:12:00.287-08:00Love is Our Mission: That time the Pope was in the U.S. (Part Two)As we ended our time at Catholic Underground, we stopped downstairs to use the bathroom and to say hi to some people. We ended up running into a bunch of people from CYFM, the archdiocese, and some people from my home diocese, Rockville Centre. As I waited online for the bathroom, my fellow CCVs were able to acquire tickets to the Papal event in Central Park the next day. The CFRs were giving out their extra tickets to the attendees, and we were able to get the three we needed to go as a group. Our tickets were in the yellow section, and we had to be in Central Park by 3pm the next day.<br />
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We went into CYFM in the morning to finish preparing for our upcoming retreats, and were able to leave at lunch time to take the train from Garrison to Grand Central. We ate our lunch on the train, and napped, and then set out for central park. We walked from Grand Central so that we could see all of the sites of the city. We also weren't sure how crowded the city would be, and didn't want to squeeze onto an already packed subway car. It all worked for the best though. After an hour or so, we made our way through security and made our way into the park. We secured a spot next to two strollers (to avoid the congested crowd) and took a selfie.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So many people!</span></div>
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Two hours later, the crowds stood and (patiently?) waited for Papa. Now, these full time Catholic volunteers were very excited. As we got closer to 5pm, 4/5 of us couldn't see because of all the people, but lucky for us, Paul could still see and secured a video for our archives. </div>
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He may not have been looking our way, but it was still incredible to be there. </div>
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Knowing how much the world loves this man, makes me realize how he is leading us as a shepherd. He truly shows us what it is to love like Christ. Below are a couple of pictures of the Pope's visit to NYC and Philadelphia. In NYC he visited a catholic elementary school in Harlem where he met with students and faculty. In Philadelphia, one of his many stops was to a Philadelphia Prison.</div>
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Taken from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FrJamesMartin/photos/a.10151317775636496.1073741825.46899546495/10153047218656496/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Fr. James Martin, SJ's Facebook</a>:<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Quote of the Day: Little girl at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in Harlem to Pope Francis working a computer screen: "You have to double click it!"</span></span></div>
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Taken from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarkHart99/photos/a.120671064617179.19595.118781618139457/1199890833361858/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Mark Hart's Facebook</a>:</div>
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My absolute favorite pic from <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/popeinus" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#PopeinUS</a> - taken when he visited inmates in a Philly prison. <br />(Matt 25:39-40)<br />Our God is a God of hope and unyielding mercy...</span></span></span></div>
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that the majority of the Catholic (and non-catholic) world was excited for the Pope to be in the United States. But for these Cap Corps Volunteers, it was a reminder of why we each chose to do a year of service. Pope Francis taught us to serve in Humility and Love, and to love each person as Christ loves them. <i>Love truly is our Mission.</i></span></span></span></div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-73478505608531928062015-11-03T07:30:00.000-08:002015-11-03T07:30:01.153-08:00That time the Pope was in the U.S. (Part One)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As full time volunteers, the CCVs didn't expect to partake in any of the events happening in NYC because of Pope Francis's visit to the United States and Cuba. However, that's not the way it worked out. As a community, we joked that Jesus must have <i>really</i> wanted us to go see the Pope (but more on that next week). The night that the Pope arrived in New York, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal decided to hold a special Catholic Underground with Matt Maher. </div>
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<a href="http://catholicunderground.net/home.html" target="_blank">Catholic Underground</a> is an event held in NYC every first weekend of the month by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). It is an evening of praise which starts with evening prayer and continues with adoration and praise and worship music. While these wonderful things are taking place, the faithful are invited to take part in the sacrament of reconciliation. Following benediction, confessions continue, and there is usually some sort of entertainment in the "underground" part of the church. The night ends with night prayer. It's all in all a really great night. In high school and college I (Mary) would go to CU with a group of friends almost every month. CU was one thing that I really wanted to share with my community here at CYFM. </div>
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About a week before the Pope arrived, we still didn't have tickets to any of the special events in the city. However, while the lady CCVs went on an evening walk, Paul was able to get the five CCVs tickets to this event! It was totally last minute, and unexpected, but totally amazing and cool. </div>
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A few days later was the big event. We were able to leave work early to get to the city for 3 pm. Our tickets said to arrive that early because they were expecting many people. We parked across the street from the Parish hosting CU, received our wrist bands, ate an early dinner, and waited on line for 2 hours.</div>
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We took our seats and entered into adoration. Confessions were going on at the same time, and many of us took advantage of that. After being CCVs for a month, most of us felt that we needed this night to reconnect with the Lord. The Friars played <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjEYtaD-Ywg" target="_blank">Good Good Father</a> during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and it was incredible. I had never heard the song before, but it has become one of my favorites. Take some time and listen to the version I linked to above, you won't regret it. </div>
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After benediction, the Friars set up a simulcast of what was happening at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. So, we prayed <a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgy-of-the-hours/" target="_blank">Evening Prayer</a> with the Pope. It was pretty cool. </div>
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After praying with the Pope, Matt Maher came out with his band and we worshiped with him. </div>
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It was awesome. There are no other words for how great this night in NYC was. </div>
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Look out for Part Two next week!</div>
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- Mary</div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-84117046388117765442015-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:002015-10-27T10:37:10.706-07:00Monkeys, Wonder, and 21st Century Disciples (Part One)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello CYFM blogging world! This is my first blog post! Val
the Party Gal coming at you from Beacon/Garrison, NY. No, Val the Party Gal is
not my college nickname. I got it at a youth conference I was part of this
summer because I love to dance and have fun! (Shout out to the Peer Disciples
and everyone from St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference 2015! :D.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what am I, a recent college grad from Cohoes, NY (Cohoes
is a small city near Albany. We have a beautiful waterfall yet still no one has
ever heard of us) doing in the Hudson Valley, nearly 2.5 hours south of home?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Simple. I am a dedicated to a year of service as a CCV at
CYFM. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Simple?! That’s a lot of acronyms. What does that mean?! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, a CCV is a Cap Corps Volunteer, or a Capuchin Corps
Volunteer, and CYFM stands for Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries. What is a
capuchin, you ask? A capuchin is a monkey. It is also a type of Franciscan
friar. I volunteer with the friars, not the monkeys. While there are many
similarities between friars and monkeys, - their playful nature, their constant
screeching …. Oh wait, no, that’s just the monkeys - their names are actually
not as related as you might think. According to Father Fred, a capuchin of the
Franciscan variety and our grandfatherly chaplain here at CYFM, the capuchin
friars received their name from the habits they wear. In Italian <i>cappuccio</i> means hood. So the friars, who
began their work in St. Francis’ home country of Italy, were known there as “the
hooded ones,” and the name stuck. To make things more confusing/interesting, we
do have a capuchin monkey as our office mascot. His name is Lawrence. He actually
came apple picking with us a few weekends ago. He also plays the guitar. Lawrence
is awesome. Anyway, moving on…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now you know something about the capuchins. So what about
CYFM? CYFM is a ministry of the Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Mary. The
ministry is based out of a retreat center in Garrison, NY, where we host retreats
for teens and their families. The retreats range from one day to one week in
length, and serve as a space to spend time reflecting on pivotal life events, such
as Confirmation and Senior Year, and giving of ourselves in service to the community,
such as on COP (Capuchin Outreach Program) and CAM (Capuchin Appalachian
Mission). Most of all, the goal of these retreats and service trips is to lead
teens and their families to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the primary focus of my life as a CCV, accompanying
teens and their families as they grow deeper in their relationships with Jesus
Christ. And this, my friends, is a
wonder-<i>full</i> and awe-inspiring thing
to be a part of. Wonderful and awe-inspiring in the sense of standing before
God and being absolutely amazed.<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-59252013976253112042015-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:002015-10-20T06:54:48.608-07:00Walking with St. Therese and St. Francis! <div class="WordSection1">
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As I sat down to
write this blog post, I was looking for inspiration and there on my wall I saw
my Tau cross hanging and surrounded by these inspiring quotes that came with my
room! <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…” This
is something I am always working on and need to work on. My story of how I got
to CYFM is a story of learning how to trust God and learning to let go of my
own vision of how things should work out.</div>
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St. Francis and St. Therese are two of my favorite saints
and their feast days were both celebrated this month! I find their stories
inspiring and I have found Franciscan spirituality becoming a big part of my
own spirituality. St. Therese is known
as the Little Flower and is often remembered for her little way. She was a
Saint who did ordinary things in an extraordinary way. She would offer up
little sacrifices as a prayer for others, and she would offer up her own
suffering. She also had a remarkable way of looking at things. She could look
at the most negative situation you could think of and turn it in to something beautiful!
What I love about her story is she that it’s so simple. She had a deep love for
Jesus and that was enough to inspire great things. She reminds us that we are
all called to be Saints! <o:p></o:p></div>
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My journey to CYFM was not an easy one but I had St. Therese
to remind me to look for the beauty in it all. By January of my senior year of
college I had my next steps all planed out. I was going to be a missionary for
an organization that had a very positive influence in my life. The mission of
this is organization is to “Awaken youth to the power of God’s love”, and this
mission spoke to my heart. I was packed and ready to go in July, but three
weeks before the program started I got a phone call. I was suddenly unaccepted.
I was crushed. I had felt so strongly called by God to be part of this
missionary program and it was suddenly taken away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I scrambled to find something to do with my year. I did not
know what I wanted to do and was forced to truly rely on God for a plan. I
found myself part of a Franciscan service program, Change a Heart. I lived in Pittsburgh, I lived in community,
and I served as a preschool teacher. There were a lot of ups and downs but over
all I loved it. However it did not fill the desire in my heart to radically be
living for Christ and to be using my story, my experiences, to lead young
people to His love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I began thinking ahead a searching for what was next. I
applied to Hard as Nails Ministries, but by the time they responded to my
application they were already full. I applied to NET Ministries, but I did not
get accepted. I was beginning to question my desires to serve God, if this is
what He wants me to do why isn’t it working out? Then I found Capuchin Youth and Family
Ministries. I interviewed within a few
weeks of applying and I was accepted before returning to Pittsburgh. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Saint Therese was convinced of her vocation. She faced a lot
of obstacles but she persevered. Because of her perseverance and because of the
obstacles she faced she became a beautiful witness. Her witness gives me hope
that even though my journey was challenging, I was still following God’s plan
He has for me. </div>
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Entering into my second year of
service as part of a Franciscan service program I am beginning to develop a
stronger sense of what it means to live in the spirit of Saint Francis. Growing up I knew Saint Francis as the animal
lover, and always thought of him as a peaceful guy. There is so much more to
him than that. Working closely with the
Capuchin friars has helped me to see what it means to live out Franciscan
spirituality. Saint Francis desired to become like those he served, he was not
afraid to go against the grain, and he loved relentlessly. People said that
when they met Saint Francis they felt like they were meeting Jesus himself.
Saint Francis loved Jesus so much that he wanted to take on His suffering; he
loved Him so much that he received the stigmata. To live in the spirit of Saint Francis is to love
Jesus so much that His desirers come before your own, to live in the spirit of
Saint Francis means serving others with a joyful and a humble heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I live out my year as a CCV I
hope that I can grow in Franciscan spirituality. I hope that I can learn from
Saint Francis and be a witness of Christ’s love to all who I encounter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Until next time, <o:p></o:p></div>
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-Sam<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-29011406381891929952015-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:002015-10-12T10:00:02.738-07:00A Reflection on the Papal Mass<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" type="cite">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="color: #454545;">Imagine this: a 16 year old, excited as can be to go to Madison Square Garden to see our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Not many kids come to mind but I am definitely one of them. My name is Isabel Quinones, a fairly regular teen at CYFM. I've been going since the seventh grade and it has changed my life. Day by Day Agape (DDA) is a common retreat at CYFM and the one that started the transformation of my faith life. If you're reading this and haven't gone on DDA, what are you doing? Go sign up now!! (Especially since I'm on team for DDA 243 in November!)</span><div style="color: #454545;">
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Anyways, on September 25th I went to MSG to see Pope Francis. This was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience. To get to see the Pope is an honor, and to get tickets, you were entered into a lottery at your parish. I was blessed to attend with my mother! Our day started wonderful-- taking the train from lovely Beacon, NY down to Grand Central. I can't even talk about subways but I sacrificed my phobia. We got to MSG at around 12:30 and were let in at 2. I was anticipating the Pope's arrival and every second was so exciting. The pre-show had acts such as Jennifer Hudson and Broadway Choirs. It was truly beautiful. They all sang a form of Christian music that was so inspirational. </div>
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After the pre-show it was finally time for Pope Francis to arrive. He came in a golf car and rode around the main floor two times. This was truly amazing, the energy in the room was undeniably loving. Everyone was screaming "Vive El Papa" and chants in other languages. This made me feel so energized. Seeing him smile and wave to those in the crowd brought me tears of joy.</div>
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After his arrival he went and got vested for mass. The mass was truly beautiful. Music was in Latin and my favorite hymns were played. I enjoyed listening to the mass in Latin, it's original language. I felt overwhelmed by his presence. You could feel the energy of the room and how electric it was. I was so blessed to be surrounded by so many other people that believe in what the Pope is doing for the Church. The amazing things he teaches such as to love everyone, help the needy, and show God in all you do is completely eye opening. I attached a few photos from the mass, I apologize for the quality!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsosfW9CgnwTYhbxkEq3-rUljY4Mj8MvEy1iNyaDkjPDirW4fGPQ5o9GPe8uXntIFZkQO7IwoESuuQysl2I3w83Um7lspvpWVJXLJ_Arf5UsCcqtMbSKe9jNYUeVCsBKnb_xXSRZG4QA1G/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsosfW9CgnwTYhbxkEq3-rUljY4Mj8MvEy1iNyaDkjPDirW4fGPQ5o9GPe8uXntIFZkQO7IwoESuuQysl2I3w83Um7lspvpWVJXLJ_Arf5UsCcqtMbSKe9jNYUeVCsBKnb_xXSRZG4QA1G/s400/IMG_3397.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As Catholics, I believe we have two beautiful aspects of our faith that no other religion has. We have the Holy Eucharist and our shepherd, Pope Francis. The Pope is our shepherd that is leading us to become better Christians and to be more like Jesus Christ. In his homily, Pope Francis talked about how Christ lives in our cities. Here's an excerpt from his homily:</div>
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<i>"Go outside. Go one and all. Go and announce this joy it's for all ever the citizens, all the cities. The Lord that works, walks besides us, has become of to us in our homes. Because the Lord is in between us like a father that comes out every morning and every afternoon to see if his son or daughter comes back home. He sees them come, he runs to embrace them. This is beautiful. A hug that looks to purify his sons, father in his embrace is very good means to the poor. Liberty to everyone. Help for the people in need. Prince of peace, go be with us, to tell us that the Lord is our father, that he walks besides us, he liberated us. From a life with faces, an empty life and he introduces us to go to school which will help us liberate us from the war to open up the street of peace."</i></div>
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I found this beautiful. He is telling us to go and help the needy, to embrace those who need us, and to go be God's people, a model for all to see. We as daughters and sons of Christ are called to go live our lives and evangelize the good news. Our society today is so covered in smog by the media and celebrities. God is more of a forgotten figure and most don't associate themselves with a religion. As Catholics, Pope Francis calls us to show the world what we believe in by our action. St. Francis of Assisi uses action to demonstrate the faith. We must try to do this each day we go out. </div>
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Seeing Pope Francis is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Being able to have this time with my mom was even better as we share and grow in our faith together. I am so blessed to be able to have been in his presence even if it was in a large stadium. As the Prayer of St. Francis says, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and whether sadness, joy. " God Bless.</div>
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Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-17430861211801550732015-10-09T10:33:00.000-07:002015-10-09T10:33:57.374-07:00Jesus is our sixth roommate.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is it like to have a chapel in your house you may ask? Well, Paul and Amanda are here to tell you all about it!</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our lovely little chapel</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Paul</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past month has been an
absolute whirlwind. Everything is fun, new, but it is a very different
experience than what I am used to. I am going from living with my best friends
of four years that I was blessed with in college to living with four strangers.
<i>Well four strangers and someone very, very familiar. My room is right next to
Jesus.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Senior year of college, my
apartment building on campus was right across from the Chapel. I was able to
wait for the elevator and look outside and see the gorgeous St. Dominic Chapel
every single day. Those restless nights when my mind was racing I would throw
on sweatpants and a hoodie and sit in the pews until I felt calm again. I would be able to roll out of bed and walk across
the road into the chapel whenever I wanted. I thought that this was the
greatest thing ever and it couldn’t get any better, but it got better. Jesus is
literally my next-door neighbor. Jesus is our sixth roommate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We all answered the call and said “yes” to
this year of service. I have been thinking about this for a while now, but I am
almost certain Jesus has been haunting my dreams in the most beautiful of ways.
I, like so many people, have tried to plan out what is next. I am very guilty
of trying to take control of my future, but this year I am letting go of all
control. I am letting God in. God is present in all of my dreams, in the most
beautiful way possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Amanda</i></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever had an
awesome roommate? Someone you got along
with really well and spent a lot of time with talking and hanging out? <i>Well I
bet that mine is a lot more awesome than yours because my roommate is Jesus.</i>
Well, technically Jesus lives in the next room over in the chapel, so He is
more of my housemate than roommate, but close enough. You see my bedroom in the
red house is next door to our chapel and my bed is right on the other side of
the wall from the tabernacle. So I literally live right next door to Jesus! How
great is that!? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The thought that Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament is on the other side of the wall makes me more aware
when spending time in my room. Sure, there are plenty of times when I come home
tired after work and flop down on my bed to nap, or sit and listen to music,
write letters to friends, or read a book, but I’ve also found myself being more intentional about prayer and
taking time to just sit and appreciate where I am. I am so blessed to be here
at CYFM and to live and work with such amazing people, and I often find myself
sitting in my room in awe that I get to be doing what I am doing. Then I
remember Jesus is next door and I say a quick prayer in thanksgiving and
gratitude for this wonderful life. Also, I find that living next door to the
chapel has helped me in my prayer life. At night I am able to say night prayer
with my community, and whenever I want I can just walk next door at sit in
Adoration with Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To have a chapel in our
house is a real blessing. Not only can I hang out with Jesus whenever I want,
but I think the presence of the Blessed Sacrament brings with it a certain
feeling, atmosphere and reverence. It has helped me to appreciate my community
members more as well. Just the thought that Jesus is present in our home makes
me want to be a better house mate. I try to be more patient, thoughtful
considerate, and kind to my community members, and I try to do my part at
keeping the house clean. No, it isn’t always perfect and I’m sure problems will
arise at some point, but I think remembering that Jesus is present in our home
can help us stay focused on what really matters and come together as a
community. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So yeah, it’s pretty
great living next door to Jesus.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524900510391865091.post-54091231268169830932015-10-02T07:46:00.000-07:002015-10-02T07:46:37.572-07:00A Round Up of Fr. Fred Fridays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Did you somehow miss out on Father Fred Fridays this year? Well, fear no more! We've gathered the posts for the 2015-2016 year thus far! Hope you're enjoying it as much as the CCVs are!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Week One: September 4, 2015</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">The return of Fr. Fred Friday's!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">"Fr. Fred, what's your favorite meal to cook?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">"Subway!"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Week Two: September 11, 2015</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96ZcQn0pjbp_J2sbkfZ3KwS0UNJ19weMk8J5g_DhK9-u-tezus354jt1mHv7hW1pphLklDc7lKaeMWSiD1QJgZte_cZ7hbQ3B9HOE37yhXfEUghCe0uV9WFZ6Djkw7ns4ODAMdFRS2FXE/s1600/september+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96ZcQn0pjbp_J2sbkfZ3KwS0UNJ19weMk8J5g_DhK9-u-tezus354jt1mHv7hW1pphLklDc7lKaeMWSiD1QJgZte_cZ7hbQ3B9HOE37yhXfEUghCe0uV9WFZ6Djkw7ns4ODAMdFRS2FXE/s400/september+11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">Fr. Fred what is your favorite part of the Interlaken Retreat? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">"The creamery!"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">If the Creamery is your favorite part, What is your favorite flavor?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">"Coffee!"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Week Three: September 18, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;"><i>Happy Fr. Fred Friday everyone!</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;"><i>Did you know that Fr. Fred is also a ninja?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Week Four: September 25, 2015</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">Is that you, Fr. Fred?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">Happy Fr. Fred Friday Friends!!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Week Five: October 2, 2015</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyhlQHoQbDgv9VcZ0-jnHO-hKLDuhC2LFt_wD_FzIhnLHAy_uyRJ4OTxooQNSMWgxIm_9Ceqsu9cPsZB2N9M7Zqepu6oeagkJcvct85yxIro1PbaBSj95mKqETqelmx1PaLW0rlFbbJoO/s1600/october+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyhlQHoQbDgv9VcZ0-jnHO-hKLDuhC2LFt_wD_FzIhnLHAy_uyRJ4OTxooQNSMWgxIm_9Ceqsu9cPsZB2N9M7Zqepu6oeagkJcvct85yxIro1PbaBSj95mKqETqelmx1PaLW0rlFbbJoO/s400/october+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;">"This is great! I can do some fire and brimstone preaching from up here!!"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left;" /><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/franciscanstakeonholycross?source=feed_text&story_id=1661004647477042" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="background-color: white; color: #627aad; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">FranciscansTakeOnHolyCross</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Happy Friday Friends!</b></span></div>
<br />Mary M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17761683108679623231noreply@blogger.com0