"I Think It's a Balance Thing ..."

     As it happens, my dad is a big Science Fiction fan, and one of the shows that he enjoys is a show called "The X-Files". We don't normally watch it, not being quite as big fans, but every so often, Dad will find an episode he thinks we'd really like and shows it to us.

     One such episode was "The Goldberg Variation".  In it, a man named Henry Weems appears to be the luckiest man alive; but every time he gets lucky, someone around him has something bad happen to them.  As he explains it to Agent Mulder, "I think it's a balance thing. Something good happens to me and everybody else has to take it in the keister."
     During the last year, it seems like everyone we talked to has "taken it in the keister." It's a vicious cycle that never, ever, ends. In the last three months especially our immediate family has been hurting and for the longest time we couldn't figure out why.

One example of a Rube Goldberg Machine

     But then Bird and Reaganite, observant people that they are, realized that at the time our troubles started, the Vatican's Synod on the Family was beginning. It is entirely possible that we were spiritually taking it in the keister for the Church, as I am positive that other Catholic Faithful were as well. Now, there were other good things happening closer to home too, but my belief is that it was a combination of them that was pushing us towards a cliff edge. After all, we are all connected through the communion of saints, and Henry Weem's Rube Goldberg machines (characterized by a cause and effect sequence of tricks)  didn't ever consist of just one trick.
     Just recently, in the last couple of weeks, it seems that our troubles are slowing down, and it is 95.5% certain that we won't go careening off the cliff.
     Yesterday, however, my aunt called and said that one of our extended family member's mom was sick and his nephew had been in a car crash. We hadn't heard anything but good news from the extended family all while we were having our problems. Reaganite called this weekend too, and said that he was having some problems, but said he wouldn't elaborate until after they were over. And so, it's a balance thing. When something good happens, someone gets hurt. When the pressure lets up on someone, it squeezes someone else.
     So what can we do about it? Well, not much. We can pray, of course. We can be encouraging and supporting and stand by other people when the pressure lets off of us. We can offer up the little trials for other people (which is actually very good practice for when the big trials come).   And occasionally, when we know that the pressure is getting too much for someone, we can shift the balance. We can ask God to let us take on the stress and the impatience and the tiredness of the people who need to be strong, buoyant, and patient for someone else.
     It's scary, though, to do that. You can never quite tell what you're going to get.  You can never tell who you really helped either. But be assured, there is nothing more rewarding then to shift the balance.

     With love, and hoping we can do some good,
               -Bonny

Novena to St. Ann

Today we start the St. Ann Novena we can pray this one
or the one sent to our email boxes each day... I may pray both.  I love this one so much!

I hope you can read them easily enough, if you click on the picture the picture should expand. 

I tried to keep the color pictures as much as I could.  

It was a little easier to read in black and white I think.

You might be able to take them off this blog and make them larger, if you need to.

God Bless!

Love you!

"Father, Glorify Thy Name!"

Statement from Archbishop Nienstedt Regarding the Future of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Date: Monday, June 15, 2015

Source:  Tom Halden, Director of Communications

From Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

In order to give the Archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face, I have submitted my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and I have just received word that he has accepted it. The Catholic Church is not our Church, but Christ’s Church, and we are merely stewards for a time. My leadership has unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of His Church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down.

It has been my privilege the last seven years to serve this local Church. I have come to appreciate deeply the vitality of the 187 parishes that make up the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I am grateful for the support I have received from priests, deacons, religious men and women and lay leaders, especially those who have collaborated with me in the oversight of this local Church.

I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.

I ask for continued prayers for the well-being of this Archdiocese and its future leaders. I also ask for your continued prayers for me.

 John 12: 26-28

 26  Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.^t27 “I am troubled^* now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.^u28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”^v

Statement from Bishop Piché Regarding the Future of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Date: Monday, June 15, 2015

Source:  Tom Halden, Director of Communications

From Bishop Lee A. Piché, Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

The people of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis need healing and hope. I was getting in the way of that, and so I had to resign.

I submitted my resignation willingly, after consultation with others in and outside the Archdiocese.

It has been a privilege to serve this local Church and I will continue to hold everyone in the Archdiocese in my prayers.

June 15, 2015

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 365

Reading 1 2 COR 6:1-10

Brothers and sisters:
As your fellow workers, we appeal to you
not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:

In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
We cause no one to stumble in anything,
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,
beatings, imprisonments, riots,
labors, vigils, fasts;
by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech,
in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left;
through glory and dishonor, insult and praise.
We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;
as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2B, 3AB, 3CD-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

Alleluia PS 119:105

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A lamp to my feet is your word,
a light to my path.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

Letter from Archbishop Hebda

Date: Monday, June 15, 2015

Source:  Tom Halden, Director of Communications

From Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am humbled by Pope Francis’ decision to appoint me to serve as Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. I am grateful for his confidence and I look forward to working with Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens and the leadership of the Archdiocese. I pray that I will be able to be of some service to you, the priests and faithful of the Archdiocese, as you prepare for the appointment of a new Archbishop.

Fondly recalling my years as a Bishop in Northern Michigan, where I first came to know the vibrancy of the faith shared by Catholics of the upper Midwest, I am hopeful that there will be opportunities to meet many of you in the weeks ahead. Mindful of Pope Francis’ challenge to bishops to be true shepherds who walk in the midst of the flock to the point of developing “ears open to listening to the voice of the sheep entrusted to their care”, it is my intention to be as available as possible, while still fulfilling my responsibilities as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark. As the Universal Church prepares to embark on a Year of Mercy, I look forward to getting to know this local Church and experiencing in a new context the marvelous ways in which the Lord works through His people to make His grace and healing presence known and felt, even in the most challenging of times.

Our loving God frequently finds ways to remind us that even those who exercise leadership in the Church do so as laborers and not as the Master Builder: the Church is not ours but Christ’s. While it is always true that we are merely stewards for a time in a vineyard that is not our own, the role of an Apostolic Administrator is particularly temporary. The law of the Church reminds us that an Administrator is not to introduce change, but rather to facilitate the smooth continuation of the ordinary and essential activities of the Church, while advancing those positive initiatives to which the Archdiocese is already committed.  It is my hope that I might be able to be faithful to that vision so that whenever a new Archbishop is appointed, he will find in this local Church a vibrant community of missionary disciples that is growing in its knowledge of the love of Jesus and in its shared commitment to the Gospel.

For this to happen, I realize that I will need the prayers and support of you, the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of the Archdiocese. In this time of transition, please join me in asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy. May she not only seek God’s blessings for those who have given themselves to the service of this local Church in the past, but also draw us ever closer to the Heart of her Son so that we might more perfectly radiate His healing love in the days to come.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda

Apostolic Administrator

Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Statement from Bishop Cozzens Regarding the Future of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Date: Monday, June 15, 2015

Source:  Tom Halden, Director of Communications

From Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis 

Today, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced the resignation of Archbishop John Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piche from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. At the same time, our Holy Father appointed Archbishop Bernard Hebda, currently the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

As Apostolic Administrator, Archbishop Hebda serves as the official leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis until such time as a permanent archbishop can be appointed. He retains his duties as Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark and I will remain as auxiliary bishop.

This has been a painful process. A change in leadership provides us an opportunity for greater healing and the ability to move forward. We will continue to do all we can to create safe environments for all children and to bring just resolution to the claims against the Archdiocese. I ask your prayers for the healing of our Archdiocese and most especially for the healing of all victim/survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

I know that you have a lot of questions and I have to ask for your patience. There will be many unanswered questions as we take this significant transitional step to new leadership. I pledge personally that Archbishop Hebda and I will work closely to bring our Archdiocese into a new day, so that the work of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ which we have done here for almost 165 years may continue.

... Pay the Truth Forward. ... Pass It On.

I find the words in the title of this post so very relevant to my life today...  I spent the first hour of my day learning the etymology of the word "shed," because of this short "Enlarging the heart" post.

Do you remember singing "God shed his grace on thee..."?   I do, and I do not think the word "shed" ever struck me before.

I have been listening to the Mass readings for the last few weeks with great attention, I wish I could say they have been giving me untold happiness.   No, moving through the transitions in my life has been a rough ride lately, and the readings at Mass have caused more tears and longing than I had anticipated.

Obedience is a big part of my life, I can't deny it, but His Fire is in me.  Can He even use me within these boundaries of obedience?  Yes, He can.

So, here I am, trying to find the meaning of the word "shed" and just what action "God" and the "Holy Spirit" were/are engaging in when they did/do this beautiful thing for our country and for us, when I came across this short "Breadbox Letters" post that so beautifully illustrates the concept.  It gives me a hunger to be part of the action of shedding the graces, that have been freely showered on me, onto more generations of longing souls.   There are so many ways He can satisfy that longing.

God,  just let me be part of your plan... shed, emit, radiate, effuse, pour forth...through me.  Amen

The Holy Spirit Novena, Feast of the Ascension, and the Holy Spirit Sequence for the Mass of Pentecost

Don't forget that tomorrow  is the feast of the Ascension

 and so the Holy Spirit Novena begins.

Lord, Send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth!

And for the Holy Spirit Sequence at the Mass for Pentecost:

Especially beautiful chanted:

http://chantblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/pentecost-sequence.html

This last one is a modern translation.

GOD BLESS YOU!  +

Seasons of Grace

( I'm sorry this is a late post, Lent has begun, I wrote this earlier and forgot to post it then, but I thought you'd like to see it anyway.  )

http://www.mistyofchincoteague.org/misty.html

   One summer, we had the joy of going out to the East coast from the Midwest.  Aside from the usual delight we have had on all our travels of meeting new people, we had some really new experiences, like standing in the ocean surf at Chincoteague, and traveling over a bridge that undulates above the water, then below the water, then back above the water, through the Chesapeake Bay.  We had poured over all the sites that we would be near, or which we could make part of our itinerary, in the guide books for the states we would be passing through until we had what we thought would be a memorable trip.

     Anticipation was high for Chincoteague for those of us who had read about Misty but when we left the shore and started down the coastline I felt my unease building.  Since I was a child I have had a mild fear of bridges and when my children were all babies I would have nightmares about not being able to get all of them from their carseats, should we be in an accident on the bridge, near our house, that spans the mighty Mississippi River.  Every news story about accidents on the bridge or cars plunging into the river horrified me.  Now we were heading onto a bridge that dived beneath the surface of the water to accommodate the shipping lanes that pushed into and out of the bay.  I started praying quietly for peace of mind and tried to distract myself with sights that were new to me like the beautiful and the weather beaten farms that dotted the little communities or the seashells they used, instead of gravel, in the parking lots all the way down the coast line.

     As we approached the bridge, I tensed up realizing that the sun was setting and it would probably be dark as we crossed the bridge.  That could be good or bad, if I could't see the water, maybe I could cope better.  As it turned out, the day we crossed the bridge was Independence Day and as we started crossing the bridge, the fireworks began.    The communities surrounding the bay were lighting the fireworks of their community over Chesapeake Bay.  My husband was driving so I was free to watch the fireworks and take pictures. ( It worked!)  There was a kind of busy madness in trying to keep up with all the displays as we raced across the surface of the bridge.

     So, we went out onto the surface of the bridge then under, into the tunnels and back up onto the surface where we watched the fireworks. During the crossing I had the opportunity to see up close the power of the water lapping at the sides of the bridge and marvel at the engineering and inspiration of those who dared to dream of such a concept: multiple lanes of traffic dipping under the waves to allow the ships to pass unimpeded by the disappearing bridge, allowing the cars and trucks to continue racing across in spite of the enormous ships coming and going.  And just think of the skill of the people who attempted to accomplish such a feat in such conditions.

Now, we are a few years out.   I've thought about that trip many times. Now I am I thinking about how it mimics the year of seasons that the Church has placed in our lives.  The ups and downs of the bridge are like those seasons of our life.  Seasons of grace necessarily come with trials, Advent is a time of anticipation and, yes, sacrifice where we increase our prayer and prepare our lives, sometimes permitting distractions help us to cope with the sacrifice.  Lent is exciting and a bit scary. God is so much bigger than we are and the challenges we have to face are small in comparison to the ones the people who came before had to endure.  But all through the ups and downs of the season are the awe inspiring flashes of grace given in amazing displays, little sparks, or in loud booms. There are quiet times in the year and times of depth and involvement but it is this time of year, January, poised between the anticipation of Advent and the frightening but exciting season of Lent, that I ponder that bridge.
 

Priest, Prophet, and King | Word on Fire

Priest, Prophet, and King | Word on Fire