Well I am back-sort of anyway. Now I am able to type with both hands for short periods so I can resume some of my activities on the computer.
Yesterday and today are two of my favorite days in the Church year during which we celebrate Christ's life, death and resurrection. Last night in his homily, our pastor, Father Tim, reminded us that accepting the whole concept of the Crucifixion is the true test of humility. He used Jesus' words at the washing of the feet to get to his point. Those who give have the most difficult time receiving. To accept the fact that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, really accept it, takes great humility. What a thought. It has given me food for thought all through today,
Today as others have said is a day of silence and prayer. Because of the hour of our service at night, I am not going. I am not going.out- anywhere today at all. It is so peaseful - time to pray - time to ruminate,- time to rest in Jesus' love. He loves me -that has been the focus of Holy Week.
Blessings
Cathy
Friday, April 18, 2014
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Our Lady's Birthday
Today is the Feast of Our Lady' birth. Every year at this time I am reminded of how intertwined my life has been with Mary. My mother prayed to Mary that she would have a child and promised that the child would wear blue and white for the first seven years. I was named Mary Catherine and wore blue and white for the first seven years.
I was educated first four years by the Notre Dame de Namur nuns and then by the RSCJ for 10 years, both of whom were dedicated to Our Lady. I became a Child of Mary on August 15,1958 I entered the Society on September 8,1959 and left on August 15,1964.My first promises as an Associate were made on December 8,1994.
In between Our Lady has been my primary advocate in times of need and yesterday when Pope Francis asked us to devote a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world, it was to Our Lady Queen of Peace that I turned.
This anniversary also reminds me to think in gratitude of all the persons who have shared my journey and guided me over the years, including Pat Steppe,RSCJ, who went to God last week. Pat was in the Noviceship with me under the care and direction of Mavi Coakley,RSCJ. And there are so many others from Molly Fitzpatrick,RSCJ and Nita Villere,RSCJ to Clare Pratt RSCJand Mary Lyman,RSCJ, Mary Ann FoyRSCJ and "Mac" McDuffie,RSCJ, as well as others like Sue Negri, Rev. Chris Digiovine, Rev. Bill Costello,Sharons Furlong and Masarsky,Karlen Wannop ,the Boston Associates and many many others.The list goes on and on. Reviewing this gratitude list helps me to stay positive as I thank Our Lady and Her Son for putting these people in my life to show me the way of love.
It has been ten months since I wrote this blog. On November 22,2012, I shattered my left shoulder and since then I have been waiting for it to heal?? No such luck. It is difficult for me to type for any length of time and my writing is non-existent left-handed!
Finally I will have surgery the end of October. And then the healing begins. There are times when I am tempted to give in to self -pity and it is Our Lady who reminds me to be grateful and to speak openly to Her Son, as she did ( Joan Chittister NCR). So hopefully in another eight weeks or so I will be back "online"
Thanks to each one for being in my life.
capecodcathy
I was educated first four years by the Notre Dame de Namur nuns and then by the RSCJ for 10 years, both of whom were dedicated to Our Lady. I became a Child of Mary on August 15,1958 I entered the Society on September 8,1959 and left on August 15,1964.My first promises as an Associate were made on December 8,1994.
In between Our Lady has been my primary advocate in times of need and yesterday when Pope Francis asked us to devote a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world, it was to Our Lady Queen of Peace that I turned.
This anniversary also reminds me to think in gratitude of all the persons who have shared my journey and guided me over the years, including Pat Steppe,RSCJ, who went to God last week. Pat was in the Noviceship with me under the care and direction of Mavi Coakley,RSCJ. And there are so many others from Molly Fitzpatrick,RSCJ and Nita Villere,RSCJ to Clare Pratt RSCJand Mary Lyman,RSCJ, Mary Ann FoyRSCJ and "Mac" McDuffie,RSCJ, as well as others like Sue Negri, Rev. Chris Digiovine, Rev. Bill Costello,Sharons Furlong and Masarsky,Karlen Wannop ,the Boston Associates and many many others.The list goes on and on. Reviewing this gratitude list helps me to stay positive as I thank Our Lady and Her Son for putting these people in my life to show me the way of love.
It has been ten months since I wrote this blog. On November 22,2012, I shattered my left shoulder and since then I have been waiting for it to heal?? No such luck. It is difficult for me to type for any length of time and my writing is non-existent left-handed!
Finally I will have surgery the end of October. And then the healing begins. There are times when I am tempted to give in to self -pity and it is Our Lady who reminds me to be grateful and to speak openly to Her Son, as she did ( Joan Chittister NCR). So hopefully in another eight weeks or so I will be back "online"
Thanks to each one for being in my life.
capecodcathy
Saturday, November 10, 2012
It has been a long full time since I have written here. There have been gifts of joy and sorrow in the intervening days. One of my dearest friends here on The Cape has been diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancer. Her first name is Karlen. She is such a woman of faith, it boggles my mind. I can only try to follow her example.
I was blessed with the premature birth of a grand niece who is perfect and came home to New Jersey just before the hurricane Sandy. She and her mother were able to go inland to stay with friends where there was heat and power.
My own daughter and her partner never lost power in S. Philadelphia. And here in Falmouth we only lost it for about three hours. Did not even interrupt our house Halloween Party!!
We have been praying for those in South Jersey and New York City who have suffered and are still suffering so much. A cold snap followed the hurricane and it has been quite chilly. Also a nor'easter came through the beginning of this week and further damaged some of the original areas. Sometimes I am tempted to say "What is God thinking?" Yet I know that this is not part of His deliberate will but simply what He allows to happen as part of the forces of nature. It is part of the cyclical weather change and cannot even be blamed on human beings.
Our world would be so much better off if we all stopped looking for someone to blame all the time. I like everyone else need to learn to accept what happens on a daily basis for that day and ask God for the strength to deal just with that day. An elder friend of mine who is ill and going blind said to me that each morning he asks God for the courage to face that day. A good prayer.
On Friday I celebrated 29 years of continual sobriety - another blessing. I did it with the grace of God and the support of my fellows. Another joy in the list.
Thank you dear Lord for all the gifts you have given to me and those I love and help me to keep an attitude of gratitude!
capecodcathy
I was blessed with the premature birth of a grand niece who is perfect and came home to New Jersey just before the hurricane Sandy. She and her mother were able to go inland to stay with friends where there was heat and power.
My own daughter and her partner never lost power in S. Philadelphia. And here in Falmouth we only lost it for about three hours. Did not even interrupt our house Halloween Party!!
We have been praying for those in South Jersey and New York City who have suffered and are still suffering so much. A cold snap followed the hurricane and it has been quite chilly. Also a nor'easter came through the beginning of this week and further damaged some of the original areas. Sometimes I am tempted to say "What is God thinking?" Yet I know that this is not part of His deliberate will but simply what He allows to happen as part of the forces of nature. It is part of the cyclical weather change and cannot even be blamed on human beings.
Our world would be so much better off if we all stopped looking for someone to blame all the time. I like everyone else need to learn to accept what happens on a daily basis for that day and ask God for the strength to deal just with that day. An elder friend of mine who is ill and going blind said to me that each morning he asks God for the courage to face that day. A good prayer.
On Friday I celebrated 29 years of continual sobriety - another blessing. I did it with the grace of God and the support of my fellows. Another joy in the list.
Thank you dear Lord for all the gifts you have given to me and those I love and help me to keep an attitude of gratitude!
capecodcathy
Monday, October 15, 2012
Today word came that another beloved RSCJ has gone to God. This has certainly been a time of loss, especially that of one whom I had known for over 60 years and who had been an important person in my life. Often when I am grieving I find it hard to pray. One day last week I came across a prayer card given to me by another dear one who has gone to God a number of years ago. "Be still and know that I am God". It became my meditation mantra for this time. And then a couple of days later in prayer came to me the lines from a hymn, "I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you aand you are mine". As I prayed these two lines the following came to me:
Be
Be who you are, a being I created; a being not a doing.
Be still
Be quiet in your mind and heart, let go of the worries, grieving thoughts, the plans.
Be still and know
Know that I am with you all days, days of joy, days of sorrow,
I have called you and you are mine .
That I am God all loving, all forgiving, all sharing of my everlasting love for you.
Be still and know that i am God.
Peace and love to each one,
capecodcathy
Be
Be who you are, a being I created; a being not a doing.
Be still
Be quiet in your mind and heart, let go of the worries, grieving thoughts, the plans.
Be still and know
Know that I am with you all days, days of joy, days of sorrow,
I have called you and you are mine .
That I am God all loving, all forgiving, all sharing of my everlasting love for you.
Be still and know that i am God.
Peace and love to each one,
capecodcathy
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Yesterday, the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady was the 53rd anniversary of the day I promised my life to Our Lord. I am keeping that promise but not the way I had planned it :-)
Instead of living my life keeping the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a member of an RSCJ religious community, I am living by myself as an RSCJ Associate trying to live a life of simplicity, purity and openness to the Will of God as a mother and grandmother, friend, sober woman and educator. God works in mysterious ways and I can see the hand of God in my life all through it. In each of the pieces and places of my life, God uses me to share the message of the eternal love of God with the people who cross my paths.
The paths I recently crossed included my daughter Trish and her family including my grandson Jack in London. We had a wonderful family time and I was able to experience ordinary days with Jack, seeing him enjoy playing, running, watching and chasing bubbles and loving life as only an 18 mos old child can.
While I was in Barnes,London,England for those two weeks in August I experienced once again the international charism of the Society of the Sacred Heart. An RSCJ, whom I met through her blog, continued to build a relationship through FB, came to my daughter's house in Barnes from her home in Oxford. We spent the better part of a day and evening together, she taking me to Digby Stuart College in Roehampton to meet the new English Archivist, Barbara Vessey where I spent several hours in the Archives with Janet Erskine Stuart and praying in the newly renovated Chapel. We returned to my daughter's home where we shared supper with my family and then my new friend returned to Oxford.
I am now home, starting a new Fall semester of online teaching, volunteering as a member of the Council of Catholic Women, attending Bible Classes, and ministering to some friends who are ill with cards and phone calls, maintaining contact with my family;; all ways of sharing God's message of love.
As I titled this blog-I am so - blessed by God - the best of all worlds.
cape cod cathy
Instead of living my life keeping the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a member of an RSCJ religious community, I am living by myself as an RSCJ Associate trying to live a life of simplicity, purity and openness to the Will of God as a mother and grandmother, friend, sober woman and educator. God works in mysterious ways and I can see the hand of God in my life all through it. In each of the pieces and places of my life, God uses me to share the message of the eternal love of God with the people who cross my paths.
The paths I recently crossed included my daughter Trish and her family including my grandson Jack in London. We had a wonderful family time and I was able to experience ordinary days with Jack, seeing him enjoy playing, running, watching and chasing bubbles and loving life as only an 18 mos old child can.
While I was in Barnes,London,England for those two weeks in August I experienced once again the international charism of the Society of the Sacred Heart. An RSCJ, whom I met through her blog, continued to build a relationship through FB, came to my daughter's house in Barnes from her home in Oxford. We spent the better part of a day and evening together, she taking me to Digby Stuart College in Roehampton to meet the new English Archivist, Barbara Vessey where I spent several hours in the Archives with Janet Erskine Stuart and praying in the newly renovated Chapel. We returned to my daughter's home where we shared supper with my family and then my new friend returned to Oxford.
I am now home, starting a new Fall semester of online teaching, volunteering as a member of the Council of Catholic Women, attending Bible Classes, and ministering to some friends who are ill with cards and phone calls, maintaining contact with my family;; all ways of sharing God's message of love.
As I titled this blog-I am so - blessed by God - the best of all worlds.
cape cod cathy
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
This prayer has been sitting on my desktop. The Spirit prompted me to open it this morning and I share it with you. It seems like a most appropriate prayer for these days, written by an RSCJ who is preparing to go to God and who has devoted her life to championing the marginalized, the downtrodden, the nonviolent, the victims of injustice.
Prayer at this Kairos Time
In this Kairos time of crisis and challenge, may we, like Mary of
Nazareth, be open to the Spirit who calls us to new ways of in-
carnating the Word of truth and love.
In the face of harsh judgment even by those closest, may we,
too, ponder deep in our hearts a response inspired by the nonvi-
olent Christ who went beyond traditional teachings to grow to
maturity in wisdom and grace.
May we invite the servants in the house of our Church to re-
spond in trust to the faith that turns water into new wine,
bursting the old skins of paternalism and outgrown legalistic
structures,
May we, in the bold meekness of the Syrophoenecian woman,
challenge our Church to an inclusivity that dissolves fear to en-
rich and fill up the Body of Christ.
May we, by nonviolent and creative actions that speak louder
than words, pour out whatever gifts we have, remembering the
promise to the woman at Bethany: "Wherever the gospel is
preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told
in memory of her." (Mk. 14:9)
May we have the courage to leave our securities and publicly
follow the way of the cross to stand by the One who rejected
the sword, healed the enemy, and challenged the perversion of
truth by fidelity to it.
May we stand firm, even when darkness and chaos seem to fill
our threatened earth, and express hope in the hidden energy of
creative hope and love.
May we carry the message to the fearful disciples of the resur-
rection of a new humanity, birthed by the Spirit in the heart of
a creation that groans " in the pains of childbirth right up to the
present time." (Rom. 8:22)
~ Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
peace and love,
capecodcathy
Prayer at this Kairos Time
In this Kairos time of crisis and challenge, may we, like Mary of
Nazareth, be open to the Spirit who calls us to new ways of in-
carnating the Word of truth and love.
In the face of harsh judgment even by those closest, may we,
too, ponder deep in our hearts a response inspired by the nonvi-
olent Christ who went beyond traditional teachings to grow to
maturity in wisdom and grace.
May we invite the servants in the house of our Church to re-
spond in trust to the faith that turns water into new wine,
bursting the old skins of paternalism and outgrown legalistic
structures,
May we, in the bold meekness of the Syrophoenecian woman,
challenge our Church to an inclusivity that dissolves fear to en-
rich and fill up the Body of Christ.
May we, by nonviolent and creative actions that speak louder
than words, pour out whatever gifts we have, remembering the
promise to the woman at Bethany: "Wherever the gospel is
preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told
in memory of her." (Mk. 14:9)
May we have the courage to leave our securities and publicly
follow the way of the cross to stand by the One who rejected
the sword, healed the enemy, and challenged the perversion of
truth by fidelity to it.
May we stand firm, even when darkness and chaos seem to fill
our threatened earth, and express hope in the hidden energy of
creative hope and love.
May we carry the message to the fearful disciples of the resur-
rection of a new humanity, birthed by the Spirit in the heart of
a creation that groans " in the pains of childbirth right up to the
present time." (Rom. 8:22)
~ Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
peace and love,
capecodcathy
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
As I sit here by my window this morning attempting to meditate on the reflection from the English website "Give glory to God with a quiet mind", I am struck by an awareness coming from the flowers on my deck. They symbolize the ever present love of my God. My pink New Guinea impatiens live even when I forget to water them; they look dead, but the minute they are watered they spring back to full life again. So when I forget to nurture my relationship with Our Lord, my connection droops, but springs back to life because God's love is still present. The lavender and white petunias give off blossoms continuously, just as God gives me gifts always and ever. I need to be mindful of them. A recent gift is the opportunity to put sacred music back into my life. At the Methodist Church down the street, there is a monthly Taize practice and worship service. Sunday I attended the worship service at the invitation of a friend. What a gift. I left, with my soul singing Jubilatae Deo ! I will return. A strange plant the name of which I do not know :-) is growing in one of my flower boxes. It has a very thin stem topped by a large leaf of pink ringed with green. Last night we had a storm complete with high winds, thunder and lightning. This morning the stems are not broken, just as when the are large storms in my life, God's love can withstand them.
So now I go out about my day more aware of God's love, in gratitude for the new insight into God's creation. Hope your day is similar.
cape cod cathy
So now I go out about my day more aware of God's love, in gratitude for the new insight into God's creation. Hope your day is similar.
cape cod cathy
Monday, June 18, 2012
Our two Feast Days the end of last week, The Feast of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart brought with them a great gift. Starting early in the morning of the Feast of the Sacred Heart every fiber of my being felt a connection with all the RSCJ and Associates with whom I am connected and have been connected. During Mass there was the realization that somewhere in the world others were also celebrating the Eucharist with the same focus on God's love poured out for us. All day small reminders of our connectedness with His Love and with each other kept popping up. Reminders that God's love is everlasting and surrounds me all the time. Remembrances of connections with people I have not seen for many moons and yet still feel in touch with. As I clean out boxes and corners for a yard sale coming up, items, notes and pictures show up unexpectedly that remind me of a funny time, a sad moment, a happy occasion - all signs of connection. For one who used to worry about abandonment, Our Lord has certainly filled my life with signs of love and caring, pouring from the wellsping of his heart.
cape cod cathy
cape cod cathy
Monday, June 11, 2012
Today is a beautiful day.A spring-summer day. warm sun, cool breezes, the scent of blooming flowers on the air, a sense of freshness all about. It makes me wonder if Jesus experienced days like this? How did He see them, feel them?
These days are God's gift to us-out of God's love for us. The Eucharist is also God's love for us,a way of uniting us with God, with Jesus. Yesterday at Mass we sag-"Here I am, Lord". I always sing this hymn with my heart as well as my voice. This is the only way of saying "thank you" for the gift of the Eucharist and for all the gifts God gives me on a daily basis.
cape cod cathy
These days are God's gift to us-out of God's love for us. The Eucharist is also God's love for us,a way of uniting us with God, with Jesus. Yesterday at Mass we sag-"Here I am, Lord". I always sing this hymn with my heart as well as my voice. This is the only way of saying "thank you" for the gift of the Eucharist and for all the gifts God gives me on a daily basis.
cape cod cathy
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
As I was praying this morning, I suddenly realized (inspiration from above!) that today begins the Novena for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Immediately the Novena of Confidence also came into my thoughts:
"Lord Jesus, to your Sacred Hear we confide this intention.
Only look, then do what your heart inspires.
Let your heart decide. We count on it. We trust in it.
We throw ourselves on its mercy.
Lord Jesus you will not fail us."
When I was at Oakwood Sister Clare Pratt suggeted for the Novena for St. Madeleine Sophie that we "confide all our sisters and brothers who are ill". I am going to do that again, since there are relatives, friends and acquaintances all dealing with various stages of illness.
On another note my prayers are very much still with the LCWR. What brave women to make the statement they did in response to the Vatican. Again in prayer, Mary and her role as Mother of God was the focus on Saturday. Images of her confronting Jesus in the Temple when he was a child, "telling" him what to do at Cana, calling for him in Galilee and staying with him through the whole passion and death and holding him in death, came to mind. Our Lady is our role model. The Board of the LCWR is following in her footsteps and drawing on her strength, as I see it.
Love and peace to all,
cape cod cathy
"Lord Jesus, to your Sacred Hear we confide this intention.
Only look, then do what your heart inspires.
Let your heart decide. We count on it. We trust in it.
We throw ourselves on its mercy.
Lord Jesus you will not fail us."
When I was at Oakwood Sister Clare Pratt suggeted for the Novena for St. Madeleine Sophie that we "confide all our sisters and brothers who are ill". I am going to do that again, since there are relatives, friends and acquaintances all dealing with various stages of illness.
On another note my prayers are very much still with the LCWR. What brave women to make the statement they did in response to the Vatican. Again in prayer, Mary and her role as Mother of God was the focus on Saturday. Images of her confronting Jesus in the Temple when he was a child, "telling" him what to do at Cana, calling for him in Galilee and staying with him through the whole passion and death and holding him in death, came to mind. Our Lady is our role model. The Board of the LCWR is following in her footsteps and drawing on her strength, as I see it.
Love and peace to all,
cape cod cathy
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
An attitude of gratitude - that is what is on my mind today as I review the last month. School ended! I left for a week at Oakwood with my beloved Sisters in retirement. What gifts of love and acceptance and warmth they give to me. There is a tinge of sadness as I watch them fade as they grow older-some I have known since they were first professed and came to teach at the Sacred Heart school in Cincinnat-62 years ago. However it is balanced with the joy of long term friendships and the mutual exchange of love and prayers.
And now I am home for a month until I go to celebrate success with Casey my oldest. She will host her agency's annual Tribute to Change in Philadelphia and I am able to be there to cheer her on. How grateful I am for that and for her in my life.
In August I go to England to visit my other blessings, daughter Trish, Ian and baby Jack for two blessed weeks. They too are such a grace in my life and give me much joy.
God is very good to me and has been all through my life - even when I have not noticed it. Today I am very aware of it every day and thank God frequently throughout the day for the many blessings with which I am showered;my sobriety, the beauty around me, loving family, loyal friends, opportunities to grow, interesting students - and I could go on and on.
Today I am also praying for the Board of the LCWR who are meeting in D.C. They have much to think, pray and talk about. May our loving God surround them with care and protection.
Cape Cod Cathy
And now I am home for a month until I go to celebrate success with Casey my oldest. She will host her agency's annual Tribute to Change in Philadelphia and I am able to be there to cheer her on. How grateful I am for that and for her in my life.
In August I go to England to visit my other blessings, daughter Trish, Ian and baby Jack for two blessed weeks. They too are such a grace in my life and give me much joy.
God is very good to me and has been all through my life - even when I have not noticed it. Today I am very aware of it every day and thank God frequently throughout the day for the many blessings with which I am showered;my sobriety, the beauty around me, loving family, loyal friends, opportunities to grow, interesting students - and I could go on and on.
Today I am also praying for the Board of the LCWR who are meeting in D.C. They have much to think, pray and talk about. May our loving God surround them with care and protection.
Cape Cod Cathy
Sunday, May 13, 2012
It has been awhile since I wrote here. Mostly because I had conflicting thoughts and feelings about what I wanted to write and no clear sense of it. But today being Mothers' Day there are several feelings that come to the surface.
First I just read that a good RSCJ friend of mine died this week. This is the third one that has gone to God in a short period of time. These women were friends, not mothers. But there were many like them who were "mothers" to me and who are gone now. They made my life safe when it wasn't, gave me comfort when I was sad, made me walk straight when I wanted to go crooked, laughed with me, prayed with me and did many of the things a mother does.
My own mother did the best she knew how. We developed a deep strong relationship in the years before she died. She was able to tell me how proud she was of me and that she loved me- large accomplishments for her. She has been gone 16 years and every Mothers' Day I miss her.
My own children remind me of what it is to be a mother. And I look to Mary, the universal Mother for guidance in dealing with them, particularly today when they are adults. Last Saturday I heard a speaker talk about Mary and how she must have felt when Jesus was an adult. And I thought about my own conflicted feelings, pride in my girls because of what they are accomplishing and the wonderful strong women they have become. I am delighted that they have found life partners whom they love and who love them in return. And my one daughter who is such a good momma to her year old-how happy I am for her. And yet sometimes I miss them, the geographic closeness we used to have, their need for me. And I think of Mary when Jesus was 12 and stayed behind in the Temple and later as an adult when he said,"And who are my mother and my brothers?" When I am in pain not knowing where my son is, I turn to Mary. And I ask her to keep me steadfast with my eyes on her and her Son. And to learn from her. Salve Regina.
First I just read that a good RSCJ friend of mine died this week. This is the third one that has gone to God in a short period of time. These women were friends, not mothers. But there were many like them who were "mothers" to me and who are gone now. They made my life safe when it wasn't, gave me comfort when I was sad, made me walk straight when I wanted to go crooked, laughed with me, prayed with me and did many of the things a mother does.
My own mother did the best she knew how. We developed a deep strong relationship in the years before she died. She was able to tell me how proud she was of me and that she loved me- large accomplishments for her. She has been gone 16 years and every Mothers' Day I miss her.
My own children remind me of what it is to be a mother. And I look to Mary, the universal Mother for guidance in dealing with them, particularly today when they are adults. Last Saturday I heard a speaker talk about Mary and how she must have felt when Jesus was an adult. And I thought about my own conflicted feelings, pride in my girls because of what they are accomplishing and the wonderful strong women they have become. I am delighted that they have found life partners whom they love and who love them in return. And my one daughter who is such a good momma to her year old-how happy I am for her. And yet sometimes I miss them, the geographic closeness we used to have, their need for me. And I think of Mary when Jesus was 12 and stayed behind in the Temple and later as an adult when he said,"And who are my mother and my brothers?" When I am in pain not knowing where my son is, I turn to Mary. And I ask her to keep me steadfast with my eyes on her and her Son. And to learn from her. Salve Regina.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
In the liturgies of the last few days we have focused on the love and goodness of God.
I have just finished reading several hundred blogs spurred into being by the Vatican's latest antics. A frivolous name for a serious matter, I realize, Since we have been encouraged not to interact with "the press" , I am not adding to the many I have read online at the NCR site. There have been several I want to blast out of the water and others I want to add my support to.
Only the love and goodness of God will pull our Church through this morass as God has done so many times before. Having read an article earlier today on politics and religion which discussed how many fewer religious people in the younger generation there are today then in 1950, I am surprised at the storm the Vatican's indictment has caused. That article talked about the resurgence particularly in the Catholic Church in the 60's and the fact that it is also dwindling quickly especially since the scandals of the early 21st century.
I pray that people coming together in their support for "the sisters" will also come together to worship and love God in the process. Wouldn't that be a true gift in response to God's love and goodness?
Cape Cod Cathy
I have just finished reading several hundred blogs spurred into being by the Vatican's latest antics. A frivolous name for a serious matter, I realize, Since we have been encouraged not to interact with "the press" , I am not adding to the many I have read online at the NCR site. There have been several I want to blast out of the water and others I want to add my support to.
Only the love and goodness of God will pull our Church through this morass as God has done so many times before. Having read an article earlier today on politics and religion which discussed how many fewer religious people in the younger generation there are today then in 1950, I am surprised at the storm the Vatican's indictment has caused. That article talked about the resurgence particularly in the Catholic Church in the 60's and the fact that it is also dwindling quickly especially since the scandals of the early 21st century.
I pray that people coming together in their support for "the sisters" will also come together to worship and love God in the process. Wouldn't that be a true gift in response to God's love and goodness?
Cape Cod Cathy
Friday, April 20, 2012
Good morning. It is a beautiful day outside here on Cape Cod. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and trees are budding. God's creation is awake and alive.
Last Sunday at the Associates' meeting in Boston El shared with us a meditation she received from another friend. It was titled " Blessed Poverty". Seems to be a theme in my life right now? Anyway the lines that struck me were:
" It is to know that in Jesus Christ God loves us first, the one who constantly takes initiative in our lives. It is to understand that his work in us is far more important than any work we can offer him. I have learnt to say: My God, I welcome my day, I receive it with all that it will bring, rather than <I offer you my day>."
Again there is a meaning for the words of St. Madeleine Sophie to "pray in silence and in poverty of heart". It is God who gives the opportunity to do the work that he gives us to do, it is up to us to accept the invitation. WOW what a change of thought!
I too have heard about the Vatican's latest bit of interference in the work of God's laborers in the vineyard. Although I would love to spout off about it, I will follow the example of my wiser sisters and friends and wait until we know more:-)
Have a beautiful day - in all ways.
Cape Cod Cathy
Last Sunday at the Associates' meeting in Boston El shared with us a meditation she received from another friend. It was titled " Blessed Poverty". Seems to be a theme in my life right now? Anyway the lines that struck me were:
" It is to know that in Jesus Christ God loves us first, the one who constantly takes initiative in our lives. It is to understand that his work in us is far more important than any work we can offer him. I have learnt to say: My God, I welcome my day, I receive it with all that it will bring, rather than <I offer you my day>."
Again there is a meaning for the words of St. Madeleine Sophie to "pray in silence and in poverty of heart". It is God who gives the opportunity to do the work that he gives us to do, it is up to us to accept the invitation. WOW what a change of thought!
I too have heard about the Vatican's latest bit of interference in the work of God's laborers in the vineyard. Although I would love to spout off about it, I will follow the example of my wiser sisters and friends and wait until we know more:-)
Have a beautiful day - in all ways.
Cape Cod Cathy
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
This is the week of rejoicing and gratitude. In this morning's prayer readings there is one from Wisdom which reminds us that the manna given by God was "untoiled for" and "to each one's taste". The first really struck my heart. How many of God's gifts to me were given not only without my having worked for them but even without my having asked for them?
And taking "to each one's taste" to mean being good for each one, hasn't each gift of God benefited me in some way?
Last weekend my daughter and her partner came on Saturday and stayed until Sunday so we could celebrate their Feast of Passover and my Feast of Easter together. They brought the movie Mary Poppins. Ever since the melody to "A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" has been ringing in my head. This morning I realized what the spoonful of sugar is - gratitude. Whenever I remember to be grateful for God's many gifts then any disappointment, pain or loss is easier to handle. My favorite AA phrase is "keep an attitude of gratitude".
Cape Cod Cathy
And taking "to each one's taste" to mean being good for each one, hasn't each gift of God benefited me in some way?
Last weekend my daughter and her partner came on Saturday and stayed until Sunday so we could celebrate their Feast of Passover and my Feast of Easter together. They brought the movie Mary Poppins. Ever since the melody to "A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" has been ringing in my head. This morning I realized what the spoonful of sugar is - gratitude. Whenever I remember to be grateful for God's many gifts then any disappointment, pain or loss is easier to handle. My favorite AA phrase is "keep an attitude of gratitude".
Cape Cod Cathy
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Christ the Lord is risen today -Alleluia.
Christ is Risen-Come let us rejoice - Alleluia.
Our Lord rose this morning even though the sun didn't. But that fact didn't matter, it was still a bright and joyous day all over this earth.
The Mass this morning at St. Patrick's was beautiful and the homily given by a priest with the mind and heart of a poet.
My joy was made complete by the presence of my daughter and her partner Shauna who came yesterday and left today.
Yesterday I awoke to a sense of waiting and expectation - expectation of something wonderful. It was as though the sadness and pain of the day before had passed and now I was to wait and pray.
A song kept going through my head and finally the words came too:"There's a hush all over the world today;all over the house (of people in love) of waiting for God. There's a hush today all over the world, all over the world(of people in love) waiting for Jesus to rise. The new words don't exactly fit but they do fit the mood. Before I remembered the words the melody kept playing in my head and once I remembered the words it played most of the rest of the day. I was praying to and with Our Lady and I had this sense that she would say that He told us He would rise-we are to wait for Him. And she didn't seem worried.
What a gift!
So wishes for a truly joyous and blessed Easter to Each One.
Cape Cod Cathy
Christ is Risen-Come let us rejoice - Alleluia.
Our Lord rose this morning even though the sun didn't. But that fact didn't matter, it was still a bright and joyous day all over this earth.
The Mass this morning at St. Patrick's was beautiful and the homily given by a priest with the mind and heart of a poet.
My joy was made complete by the presence of my daughter and her partner Shauna who came yesterday and left today.
Yesterday I awoke to a sense of waiting and expectation - expectation of something wonderful. It was as though the sadness and pain of the day before had passed and now I was to wait and pray.
A song kept going through my head and finally the words came too:"There's a hush all over the world today;all over the house (of people in love) of waiting for God. There's a hush today all over the world, all over the world(of people in love) waiting for Jesus to rise. The new words don't exactly fit but they do fit the mood. Before I remembered the words the melody kept playing in my head and once I remembered the words it played most of the rest of the day. I was praying to and with Our Lady and I had this sense that she would say that He told us He would rise-we are to wait for Him. And she didn't seem worried.
What a gift!
So wishes for a truly joyous and blessed Easter to Each One.
Cape Cod Cathy
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday-the day of silent prayer in union with Jesus and Mary. As I was praying "The Way of Our Sorrowful Mother" in Magnificat, the answer to my Lenten question came to me. During Lent I have been focusing on the quote from our Constitutions where St. Madeleine Sophie tell us to pray "in silence and in poverty of heart". This was part of the reading sent to all members of the family of the Sacred Heart as part of our focus on Justice,Peace and the Integrity of Creation.
Asking Our Lord to explain to me what is meant by "silence and poverty of heart". This morning Jesus gave me the answer-Mary didn't only surrender her body to God at the Annunciation, she gave up her freedom and her heart.In other words her heart was now open
to God for whatever purpose God chose to use it, as well as all the characteristics we think about in connection with the heart, affections, loves, wants, desires,concerns etc. So poverty of heart means for me now giving my heart once again to God for whatever is God's will on a daily basis. Easily said-not so easily done!
Happy Easter to Each One!
Cape Cod Cathy
Asking Our Lord to explain to me what is meant by "silence and poverty of heart". This morning Jesus gave me the answer-Mary didn't only surrender her body to God at the Annunciation, she gave up her freedom and her heart.In other words her heart was now open
to God for whatever purpose God chose to use it, as well as all the characteristics we think about in connection with the heart, affections, loves, wants, desires,concerns etc. So poverty of heart means for me now giving my heart once again to God for whatever is God's will on a daily basis. Easily said-not so easily done!
Happy Easter to Each One!
Cape Cod Cathy
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Holy Week
Holy Week is my favorite week in the Church's year. It is rich with ritual and meaning. From the Palm Sunday contrast of acclamations to the Gospel of loneliness to the joy of Easter we are confronted at every turn by God's love for us.Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for me have always been quiet days of reflection and preparation. Preparation for Thursday's Paschal Supper and Institution of the Eucharist-the blending of the old and the new.Thursday night Adoration time is a time to spend with Jesus in silent supportive prayer, hoping to stay awake, unlike the apostles. Friday there seems to be a hush over the house, even the world outside as I walk along with Jesus on the way to Golgotha and then the final silence of His death. This silence pervades my world until Holy Saturday. I remember a group of RSCJ Elders from Kenwood who used to have a ritual breakfast out on Holy Saturday morning. They used to say Jesus was no longer suffering so why should they?? So Saturday is preparation for the joys of the Resurrection Vigil Mass in the evening, made even more special if there are adults to be received into full Communion with the Church. It is as though all Christ's suffering came to fruition. The bells ring, the candles are lit and we sing Glory to God in the highest and we celebrate for 50 days. A longer amount of time than we used to prepare for this joyful event! The full range of human emotions are compressed into one week and it ends with joy. What a great metaphor for life.
Cape Cod Cathy
Cape Cod Cathy
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Yesterday at Mass in the nearby parish Church, the Elder priest gave a poignant homily. He began by speaking about the beauty and magnificence of a large forest fire-paradoxical though that may be; the vivid reds and oranges of the flames, the crackling sounds of the branches and underbrush, the fury of the wind, the sight of a chimney rising from the ground like a tombstone over a grave. He then compared it to sin, which he said has it beauty to the beholder, its allure, its ability to mesmerize the one who sees the temptation. In its wake it also leaves destruction, as does the fire. That was his focus.
I went on to think about how from a forest fire comes new growth, fresh green bushes and grasses, new trees that grow tall reaching for the new found sunlight. When I was in Yellowstone Park I witnessed the new growth rising from the destruction of a recent forest fire and it was amazing to see, the bright green among the black stumps and ashes.. So from sin that is repented comes new growth for the soul reaching for the light of grace. The season of Lent is one of repentance and growth. Isn't it interesting that it comes in Spring?
Cape Cod Cathy
I went on to think about how from a forest fire comes new growth, fresh green bushes and grasses, new trees that grow tall reaching for the new found sunlight. When I was in Yellowstone Park I witnessed the new growth rising from the destruction of a recent forest fire and it was amazing to see, the bright green among the black stumps and ashes.. So from sin that is repented comes new growth for the soul reaching for the light of grace. The season of Lent is one of repentance and growth. Isn't it interesting that it comes in Spring?
Cape Cod Cathy
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation
A week ago plus, on the 12th, the Boston Associates were treated to a presentation by Cecile Mejier,RSCJ. After her presentation I came away not only with a clearer picture of the RSCJ relationship with the UN but also with a much clearer picture of JPIC(Justice,Peace and the Integrity of Creation). These are the current watchwords of the Society. For Lent we have received a packet of readings, thoughts and questions pertaining to JPIC for everyone's reflection, sharing and planning.
Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. What mammoth ideas. How does one break them down into manageable bites? By putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next right thing, I suppose. For example as International Commission Chairperson for the Fall River Diocese Council of Catholic Women, I have chosen the ministry of educating the women about immigrants and refugees. Last year a small group read three books on the topic and saw a video. All of the individual councils contributed to boxes of kitchen supplies which we sent to the United States Council of Refugees and Immigrants satellite Program in Vermont. This year at our March Board Meeting which all members are invited to attend, we are having speakers from this Vermont Program as speakers. We are collecting bathroom supplies. We share monthly newsletters from USCRI. Hopefully the women will become more knowledgeable about immigrants and refugees and reach out helping hands themselves. In this way I try to live out the message of support for Justice and Peace to God's people.
Hope the sun is shining where you are:)
Cape Cod Cathy
Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. What mammoth ideas. How does one break them down into manageable bites? By putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next right thing, I suppose. For example as International Commission Chairperson for the Fall River Diocese Council of Catholic Women, I have chosen the ministry of educating the women about immigrants and refugees. Last year a small group read three books on the topic and saw a video. All of the individual councils contributed to boxes of kitchen supplies which we sent to the United States Council of Refugees and Immigrants satellite Program in Vermont. This year at our March Board Meeting which all members are invited to attend, we are having speakers from this Vermont Program as speakers. We are collecting bathroom supplies. We share monthly newsletters from USCRI. Hopefully the women will become more knowledgeable about immigrants and refugees and reach out helping hands themselves. In this way I try to live out the message of support for Justice and Peace to God's people.
Hope the sun is shining where you are:)
Cape Cod Cathy
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