December 19
Company’s Coming!
Next week our Church will be gloriously filled to celebrate the coming of our Savior. There will be visitors from out of town visiting relatives as well as people who may live just down the street from us who haven’t been with us for a while. I was brought up to always put company first. I was to take their coats, smile warmly and offer them the best seat in the house. The goal being to make them feel as if they were in their own home. Our Church is very much like a home. We come together to worship, share a meal, and socialize before and after Mass. We are family.
Think back to last Christmas… Did you put on your “company best”? Did you welcome a newcomer to our family? Or… did you think to yourself, “that stranger took my pew!” Or ask… “whose car is in my usual parking space?” And then go grumbling and finding a new space to sit or park in. At Christmas-time we all have to shift from our usual seats at the dining room table to accommodate our guests. We also often those who are lonely and in search of love and companionship to our table. We open our hearts and pocketbooks to those in need. This is the spirit of Christmas. Should it be any different in our Church home?
This Christmas let us put on our “company best.” Today, before leaving, let us pick up any stray bulletins, gum wrappers and Cheerios to prepare for our guests. Let us at Mass give up our usual seats and let our company have the best seats in the house. Let us park further away so that those who are visiting will feel welcomed.
Let us welcome our company with open arms and warm hearts. You may never know the impact of a smile or a simple Merry Christmas will have on someone. Who knows? Perhaps instead of feeling like “company” they will begin to feel like family and a part of our home.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Roses in December
December 12, 2010
Roses in December
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.- Is 35:1-2
How like the desert is a New England winter! Gone are the colorful autumn leaves, the skies become grayer, the nights longer, and a chill settles over the land. This seems very much like the parched land Isaiah speaks of in today’s first reading. We know the greenery will return and our “desert” will bloom again in the Spring but today we are impatient… we expect roses in December.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother sent a simple farmer, Juan Diego, to ask the bishop to build a church on the site of her appearance. The doubting bishop asked Juan for a sign to confirm the vision. Mary then provided fresh roses from the cold, frozen ground as well as a beautiful image of herself on Juan Diego’s cloak. This is the faith of Advent, a belief that God can work miracles, producing water in the desert, light in the darkness, and roses in December.
Where can you find “roses in December”? Little miracles, or roses, surround us daily if only we open our eyes and heart. We need to look past the dreariness of our New England winter desert and find the beauty within. Picture in your mind a single red rose, or perhaps go to a florist and buy one or more… Take your rose and go outside and drop a petal in the winter snow and offer, for each petal dropped, a personal prayer and a prayer for the world:
Almighty God, we believe in your power to bring order out of chaos, life out of death, and roses out of December snow. Work your miracles of life among us in this season of hope. (Jerry Welte)
After you have dropped your petals, pause for a moment and gaze at the beauty the bright red color against the whiteness of the snow. And think of Christ’s blood, spilled for us against the desert sand. Christ’s blood brings life to our wilderness and Christ’s love brings us “roses in December.”
God Bless, Holly Clark
Roses in December
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.- Is 35:1-2
How like the desert is a New England winter! Gone are the colorful autumn leaves, the skies become grayer, the nights longer, and a chill settles over the land. This seems very much like the parched land Isaiah speaks of in today’s first reading. We know the greenery will return and our “desert” will bloom again in the Spring but today we are impatient… we expect roses in December.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother sent a simple farmer, Juan Diego, to ask the bishop to build a church on the site of her appearance. The doubting bishop asked Juan for a sign to confirm the vision. Mary then provided fresh roses from the cold, frozen ground as well as a beautiful image of herself on Juan Diego’s cloak. This is the faith of Advent, a belief that God can work miracles, producing water in the desert, light in the darkness, and roses in December.
Where can you find “roses in December”? Little miracles, or roses, surround us daily if only we open our eyes and heart. We need to look past the dreariness of our New England winter desert and find the beauty within. Picture in your mind a single red rose, or perhaps go to a florist and buy one or more… Take your rose and go outside and drop a petal in the winter snow and offer, for each petal dropped, a personal prayer and a prayer for the world:
Almighty God, we believe in your power to bring order out of chaos, life out of death, and roses out of December snow. Work your miracles of life among us in this season of hope. (Jerry Welte)
After you have dropped your petals, pause for a moment and gaze at the beauty the bright red color against the whiteness of the snow. And think of Christ’s blood, spilled for us against the desert sand. Christ’s blood brings life to our wilderness and Christ’s love brings us “roses in December.”
God Bless, Holly Clark
Befriend Your Enemies
December 5, 2010
Befriend Your Enemies
Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.- Is 11:6
Advent is a time of preparation… a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. How do we prepare ourselves? We need to clean out all those cobwebs that may be holding our hearts back from truly uniting with our Lord’s heart and spirit.
Please take a moment now and think about all the people you know and think about how many you have had quarrels with or feel they have done you an injustice. Are there unresolved feelings? Do you hold grudges? OR…Do you befriend your enemies and pray for them? Preparing the way for the Lord to enter your heart means you also have to clean out your hearts and minds of things that could put up a road block to receiving the Lord.
In today’s reading from Isaiah, the wolf lies down in peace with the lamb. Are you the wolf or the lamb? It truly does not matter whether you are a wolf or a lamb… you have the chance TODAY to be friends with all you have had disagreements with. TODAY pray for patience to deal with those who trouble you and tomorrow reach out to someone in your past or present with whom you wish to forgive or ask for forgiveness. Hate, holding grudges, animosity saps the energy you could be using for love. This Advent make it a point to reach out to someone before Christmas… Clear out your hearts from all who trouble you and make room for the love of the Lord.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Befriend Your Enemies
Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.- Is 11:6
Advent is a time of preparation… a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. How do we prepare ourselves? We need to clean out all those cobwebs that may be holding our hearts back from truly uniting with our Lord’s heart and spirit.
Please take a moment now and think about all the people you know and think about how many you have had quarrels with or feel they have done you an injustice. Are there unresolved feelings? Do you hold grudges? OR…Do you befriend your enemies and pray for them? Preparing the way for the Lord to enter your heart means you also have to clean out your hearts and minds of things that could put up a road block to receiving the Lord.
In today’s reading from Isaiah, the wolf lies down in peace with the lamb. Are you the wolf or the lamb? It truly does not matter whether you are a wolf or a lamb… you have the chance TODAY to be friends with all you have had disagreements with. TODAY pray for patience to deal with those who trouble you and tomorrow reach out to someone in your past or present with whom you wish to forgive or ask for forgiveness. Hate, holding grudges, animosity saps the energy you could be using for love. This Advent make it a point to reach out to someone before Christmas… Clear out your hearts from all who trouble you and make room for the love of the Lord.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
O Come Emmanuel
O Come Emmanuel... Come...
Just before Thanksgiving I tried to do some Christmas shopping and found myself wandering the stores and asking myself “Where is God amidst all of this chaos?” As I looked around me I found very little that advertised the coming of Jesus. I saw fruitcakes, gaudy holiday sweaters, mountains of electronics that said “Buy Me!” I kept wandering around the store feeling empty inside. I left buying nothing for Christmas. I kept thinking about the reason for the season, our Savior’s coming.
The next time I went out shopping I started thinking of all the “stuff” being pushed on us as the creches and manger decor gets shoved aside... history seems to repeat itself. Mary and Joseph went from inn to inn only to find “no vacancy” signs posted everywhere. Jesus was about to come and there was no room for Him then either! I decided then to start looking for Jesus in the wilderness we call the “mall.”
As I entered the shopping mecca I hummed to myself the song “O Come Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel means “God is with us.” So as I walked around I kept thinking God is here... He is not in all the material items we see and buy, nor in stuff we receive but He is present in each the faces we see and in the hearts of all we meet. We don’t always see Jesus easily and sometimes He even seems hidden from our sight, but He is always with us. We need open our eyes to His awesome works, open our ears to hear His Word, and open our hearts to His endless love for us.
I invite you to look for Jesus in the mall, in the people you see, and in your own hearts. This Christmas, as you receive Christmas cards and before you put them away, take the time to gaze at each one and pray for the sender and ask what aspect of the Christmas story does this card emphasize ? Perhaps it is peace, joy, or love. Or maybe it is Mary’s youth, Joseph’s strength or the light of baby Jesus. Please take the time today and throughout the Christmas season to ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Hug your loved ones and open your hearts to God. -- God bless you all -- Holly Clark
Just before Thanksgiving I tried to do some Christmas shopping and found myself wandering the stores and asking myself “Where is God amidst all of this chaos?” As I looked around me I found very little that advertised the coming of Jesus. I saw fruitcakes, gaudy holiday sweaters, mountains of electronics that said “Buy Me!” I kept wandering around the store feeling empty inside. I left buying nothing for Christmas. I kept thinking about the reason for the season, our Savior’s coming.
The next time I went out shopping I started thinking of all the “stuff” being pushed on us as the creches and manger decor gets shoved aside... history seems to repeat itself. Mary and Joseph went from inn to inn only to find “no vacancy” signs posted everywhere. Jesus was about to come and there was no room for Him then either! I decided then to start looking for Jesus in the wilderness we call the “mall.”
As I entered the shopping mecca I hummed to myself the song “O Come Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel means “God is with us.” So as I walked around I kept thinking God is here... He is not in all the material items we see and buy, nor in stuff we receive but He is present in each the faces we see and in the hearts of all we meet. We don’t always see Jesus easily and sometimes He even seems hidden from our sight, but He is always with us. We need open our eyes to His awesome works, open our ears to hear His Word, and open our hearts to His endless love for us.
I invite you to look for Jesus in the mall, in the people you see, and in your own hearts. This Christmas, as you receive Christmas cards and before you put them away, take the time to gaze at each one and pray for the sender and ask what aspect of the Christmas story does this card emphasize ? Perhaps it is peace, joy, or love. Or maybe it is Mary’s youth, Joseph’s strength or the light of baby Jesus. Please take the time today and throughout the Christmas season to ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Hug your loved ones and open your hearts to God. -- God bless you all -- Holly Clark
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Be Calm!
1st Sunday of Advent
Be Calm!
Be calm in your waiting; Let your hearts be strong: Because the coming of the Lord is near. – James 5:8
I can just see your faces now as you read this… Calm? How can we be calm? There is too much to do to prepare for the holidays… cooking, cleaning, shopping, cards to write, people to visit, to-do lists galore. How can we remain calm? And even when we try to be calm all around us chaos abounds!
How do you prepare for Christmas? Do you use the season of Advent to prepare spiritually for our Lord’s second coming? It is difficult to remain calm with the over commercialization of Christmas. A frenzy comes over us as we get caught up in the storm of to-do lists and expectations of others. Don’t you wish you could just find a place to get away and hide out for a bit?
Today is a perfect day to begin a new attitude towards holiday preparations. Today we light a candle to commemorate the First Sunday of Advent. As we light the candle today and gaze into its flame let us be reminded that the burning light of Jesus will pierce the darkness we find ourselves in. Gaze into the fire and pray for all those who are in darkness. Take the time to reflect upon your own spiritual darkness and try to think of ways to spiritually prepare for our Lord’s coming. Let us try to remain calm and find times and places where we can just simply be with our Lord. Remember in prayer all those who remain in darkness and pray that we will all be ready to receive Jesus when he comes.
Have a Blessed Advent, Holly Clark
Be Calm!
Be calm in your waiting; Let your hearts be strong: Because the coming of the Lord is near. – James 5:8
I can just see your faces now as you read this… Calm? How can we be calm? There is too much to do to prepare for the holidays… cooking, cleaning, shopping, cards to write, people to visit, to-do lists galore. How can we remain calm? And even when we try to be calm all around us chaos abounds!
How do you prepare for Christmas? Do you use the season of Advent to prepare spiritually for our Lord’s second coming? It is difficult to remain calm with the over commercialization of Christmas. A frenzy comes over us as we get caught up in the storm of to-do lists and expectations of others. Don’t you wish you could just find a place to get away and hide out for a bit?
Today is a perfect day to begin a new attitude towards holiday preparations. Today we light a candle to commemorate the First Sunday of Advent. As we light the candle today and gaze into its flame let us be reminded that the burning light of Jesus will pierce the darkness we find ourselves in. Gaze into the fire and pray for all those who are in darkness. Take the time to reflect upon your own spiritual darkness and try to think of ways to spiritually prepare for our Lord’s coming. Let us try to remain calm and find times and places where we can just simply be with our Lord. Remember in prayer all those who remain in darkness and pray that we will all be ready to receive Jesus when he comes.
Have a Blessed Advent, Holly Clark
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Who are You Thankful For?
November 21
Giving Thanks
Who are you thankful for? Take a moment, right now, close your eyes and picture the people in your lives who have made a difference in your life. Who is coming to mind? Mom? Dad? Teacher? Friend or relative? The stranger who smiled at you when you most needed a smile? There are so, so many people we meet and are grateful for. Some are with us, others moved away, others are in the arms of Jesus, and still others are complete strangers to us.
For me… I am thankful for my parents who have taught me love; and perseverance in the face of adversity; for my brother who taught me to just “go for it” and reach out to my dreams; for my grandparents who taught me all about tradition and family history; for my friends who support me when I need encouragement and a hug; for my co-workers who support me in my ministry and keep me sane; for strangers I don’t know who happen to be in the right place and at the right time to help me in life; and thankful for all of you in the pews- for just being you! I am thankful for so many people, even thankful to those who provide me with the “irritants” in life for they are God’s people too and they teach me patience!
Go back now and picture again in your mind someone special to you, someone you want to hug. Remember them in a special way this week. If the person is nearby, don’t be shy, give a big bear hug! If the person is far away write a letter of appreciation or give a phone call- again don’t be shy! If the person you are remembering has passed away, imagine he or she is sitting beside you at Thanksgiving Dinner and imagine them loving you always from heaven and then ask Jesus to hug them for you.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Clark
Giving Thanks
Who are you thankful for? Take a moment, right now, close your eyes and picture the people in your lives who have made a difference in your life. Who is coming to mind? Mom? Dad? Teacher? Friend or relative? The stranger who smiled at you when you most needed a smile? There are so, so many people we meet and are grateful for. Some are with us, others moved away, others are in the arms of Jesus, and still others are complete strangers to us.
For me… I am thankful for my parents who have taught me love; and perseverance in the face of adversity; for my brother who taught me to just “go for it” and reach out to my dreams; for my grandparents who taught me all about tradition and family history; for my friends who support me when I need encouragement and a hug; for my co-workers who support me in my ministry and keep me sane; for strangers I don’t know who happen to be in the right place and at the right time to help me in life; and thankful for all of you in the pews- for just being you! I am thankful for so many people, even thankful to those who provide me with the “irritants” in life for they are God’s people too and they teach me patience!
Go back now and picture again in your mind someone special to you, someone you want to hug. Remember them in a special way this week. If the person is nearby, don’t be shy, give a big bear hug! If the person is far away write a letter of appreciation or give a phone call- again don’t be shy! If the person you are remembering has passed away, imagine he or she is sitting beside you at Thanksgiving Dinner and imagine them loving you always from heaven and then ask Jesus to hug them for you.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Clark
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Praying for Our Religious Women
November 14
A Moment of Thanks
for a Lifetime of Service
This week I received a request from a sister I know to include this letter in our bulletin about the lifetime service of our retired religious. As I read the following my thoughts went to the nuns I knew in my youth who worked tirelessly for the sake of our religious formation. These women work for almost nothing and when they retire they are expected to live on almost nothing. Please, today, take a moment to remember our religious sisters and say a prayer for them. They will thank you for whatever you can give in prayer and donations.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the peace of Christ be with you! On the weekend of November 20 – 21, 2010, I ask your support for the special collection for Sisters, now retired, who have served the Archdiocese of Boston. This collection acknowledges the dedication of the Sisters who have been a significant part of our Archdiocesan schools, hospitals and social service ministries for many years.
The rising costs of health care are well documented. Because Sisters were not able to join Social Security until 1972, their retirement benefits are significantly less. Retired Sisters receive less than $4,500/year from Social Security.
Our retired Sisters are wonderful examples of aging with grace, dignity, and faith in God. After living very active lives, they continue in retirement to bring encouragement to others in a variety of ministries in our parishes, schools and hospitals. They pray for the intentions of the Church of Boston and for all who have been part of their lives.
Join me in acknowledging the dedication of our retired Sisters on the weekend of November 20 – 21 as the Archdiocese of Boston offers: A Moment of Thanks for a Lifetime of Service.
Asking God to bless you and with an assurance of a remembrance in my prayers, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Sister Marian Batho, CSJ
Delegate for Religious
God Bless all our Religious, Holly Clark
A Moment of Thanks
for a Lifetime of Service
This week I received a request from a sister I know to include this letter in our bulletin about the lifetime service of our retired religious. As I read the following my thoughts went to the nuns I knew in my youth who worked tirelessly for the sake of our religious formation. These women work for almost nothing and when they retire they are expected to live on almost nothing. Please, today, take a moment to remember our religious sisters and say a prayer for them. They will thank you for whatever you can give in prayer and donations.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the peace of Christ be with you! On the weekend of November 20 – 21, 2010, I ask your support for the special collection for Sisters, now retired, who have served the Archdiocese of Boston. This collection acknowledges the dedication of the Sisters who have been a significant part of our Archdiocesan schools, hospitals and social service ministries for many years.
The rising costs of health care are well documented. Because Sisters were not able to join Social Security until 1972, their retirement benefits are significantly less. Retired Sisters receive less than $4,500/year from Social Security.
Our retired Sisters are wonderful examples of aging with grace, dignity, and faith in God. After living very active lives, they continue in retirement to bring encouragement to others in a variety of ministries in our parishes, schools and hospitals. They pray for the intentions of the Church of Boston and for all who have been part of their lives.
Join me in acknowledging the dedication of our retired Sisters on the weekend of November 20 – 21 as the Archdiocese of Boston offers: A Moment of Thanks for a Lifetime of Service.
Asking God to bless you and with an assurance of a remembrance in my prayers, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Sister Marian Batho, CSJ
Delegate for Religious
God Bless all our Religious, Holly Clark
Have You Lost Someone?
November 7
Have You Lost Someone?
They can no longer die, for they are like angels;and they are the children of God.Lk 20:36
Today at the 11 o’clock Mass in Middleborough, and the 9 o’clock Mass in Rochester, we celebrate our annual Mass of Remembrance. At this Mass we remember all those who have gone before us, in particular persons who have passed away this past year. Coming together to remember loved ones can have a healing effect on those who mourn.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells His disciples that people no longer die for they are like angels and are like the children of God. Very often at Mass we hear of “Jesus’ victory over death” and of “life everlasting.” Death has no more power over us. When we pass from this life we are welcomed into Jesus’ loving arms in Heaven. It is difficult for those left behind to ever think life could be the same again… and it won’t be. But we need to find a new connection with our loved one in a spiritual sense. Our loved one has joined the communion of saints and we can still pray with them, talk to them and feel their energy.
Last August, I lost my dad. Life would not, could not ever be the same again. But I found the strength to grieve what was lost. My Dad was someone who was always happy and would try to brighten the day of everyone he came in contact with. I can feel his presence still. With Jesus, help, he is still at my side, giving me encouragement to not be sad, to pursue my studies in ministry and to be the person I was meant to be. It was work to get through the pain, but I managed to find a way to have Dad with me spiritually all of the time. Just as we converse and connect with the famous saints we can connect with our departed loved ones. Death has no power over us.
This month let us remember our dearly departed. Go to a comfy chair, relax, close your eyes and picture your loved one. Is there something you would like to ask them or tell them? Picture your loved one next to you on one side and Jesus on the other. Draw on their strength to get you through difficult times. They are always at your side.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Have You Lost Someone?
They can no longer die, for they are like angels;and they are the children of God.Lk 20:36
Today at the 11 o’clock Mass in Middleborough, and the 9 o’clock Mass in Rochester, we celebrate our annual Mass of Remembrance. At this Mass we remember all those who have gone before us, in particular persons who have passed away this past year. Coming together to remember loved ones can have a healing effect on those who mourn.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells His disciples that people no longer die for they are like angels and are like the children of God. Very often at Mass we hear of “Jesus’ victory over death” and of “life everlasting.” Death has no more power over us. When we pass from this life we are welcomed into Jesus’ loving arms in Heaven. It is difficult for those left behind to ever think life could be the same again… and it won’t be. But we need to find a new connection with our loved one in a spiritual sense. Our loved one has joined the communion of saints and we can still pray with them, talk to them and feel their energy.
Last August, I lost my dad. Life would not, could not ever be the same again. But I found the strength to grieve what was lost. My Dad was someone who was always happy and would try to brighten the day of everyone he came in contact with. I can feel his presence still. With Jesus, help, he is still at my side, giving me encouragement to not be sad, to pursue my studies in ministry and to be the person I was meant to be. It was work to get through the pain, but I managed to find a way to have Dad with me spiritually all of the time. Just as we converse and connect with the famous saints we can connect with our departed loved ones. Death has no power over us.
This month let us remember our dearly departed. Go to a comfy chair, relax, close your eyes and picture your loved one. Is there something you would like to ask them or tell them? Picture your loved one next to you on one side and Jesus on the other. Draw on their strength to get you through difficult times. They are always at your side.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Mission Possible
October 24
Mission Possible
"We're on a mission from God."
Elwood Blues*
What do you think of when you hear the word missionary? Do your thoughts go to poor third world countries where there is much suffering and death? Do you ever think of yourself being able to do missionary work? It might surprise you to know that when you were baptized you were given Christ’s mission to carry on His work… you became a Missionary on the day the water was poured over your head in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
What is your mission to be? You do not have to go to a third world country like Mother Teresa, in fact she told people when asked how they could help her in Calcutta she told them “Find your own Calcutta!” We have plenty of missionary work that can be found in our own back yards. We can be missionaries by helping those in need by donating food, clothing, medicines or by visiting the ill and the homebound or perhaps supporting our troops here and abroad. You may say “I do not have time or money to be a missionary…” or “I don’t have what it takes.” Jesus appointed 72 disciples to be missionaries and commanded them to take nothing for the journey, no sandals, no money, no baggage. He told them their needs would be provided for. (c.f. Luke 10:1-9)…Who are we to question? But… if you still do not feel up to the task, you can still PRAY! Pray for all the poor, ill, needy people of the world.
This week, let us pray for the courage and strength to become missionaries following in Christ’s footsteps. Let us allow ourselves to be open to the possibilities that lay before us in our task… Be brave! God will help us on our way and remember we are always “on a mission from God.”
God Bless, Holly Clark
*Quote from The Blues Brothers movie (1980) where Jake and Elwood Blues’ mission from God was to form a blues band to raise money to save the Catholic orphanage that they grew up in.
Mission Possible
"We're on a mission from God."
Elwood Blues*
What do you think of when you hear the word missionary? Do your thoughts go to poor third world countries where there is much suffering and death? Do you ever think of yourself being able to do missionary work? It might surprise you to know that when you were baptized you were given Christ’s mission to carry on His work… you became a Missionary on the day the water was poured over your head in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
What is your mission to be? You do not have to go to a third world country like Mother Teresa, in fact she told people when asked how they could help her in Calcutta she told them “Find your own Calcutta!” We have plenty of missionary work that can be found in our own back yards. We can be missionaries by helping those in need by donating food, clothing, medicines or by visiting the ill and the homebound or perhaps supporting our troops here and abroad. You may say “I do not have time or money to be a missionary…” or “I don’t have what it takes.” Jesus appointed 72 disciples to be missionaries and commanded them to take nothing for the journey, no sandals, no money, no baggage. He told them their needs would be provided for. (c.f. Luke 10:1-9)…Who are we to question? But… if you still do not feel up to the task, you can still PRAY! Pray for all the poor, ill, needy people of the world.
This week, let us pray for the courage and strength to become missionaries following in Christ’s footsteps. Let us allow ourselves to be open to the possibilities that lay before us in our task… Be brave! God will help us on our way and remember we are always “on a mission from God.”
God Bless, Holly Clark
*Quote from The Blues Brothers movie (1980) where Jake and Elwood Blues’ mission from God was to form a blues band to raise money to save the Catholic orphanage that they grew up in.
A Falling Leaf
October 17
A Falling Leaf…
We are so blessed to live in New England! God graces us every Autumn with His glorious paintbrush of yellows, oranges and reds. I took a drive to Sturbridge last weekend and as I drove I marveled at the colors that were just peeping through the green. I gazed at the trees and watched the leaves being gently carried away by the wind. They would fall to the ground to form a colorful carpet, waiting for the winter snows to cover them up.
Life is so much like the falling leaf in Autumn. In the spring a leaf is born and lives out it’s life throughout the summer. It brings life to the wood of the tree and shelter to those creatures that live in the tree. As the wood of the tree starts to hibernate and prepares itself for the long winter months the leaf begins to die… but not before turning brilliant colors and bringing God’s artistry to our attention. The leaf will eventually be carried to the ground by the wind. During the winter the leaf will bring nutrients to the soil thus giving new life to the forest.
This is much like our lives. Like the leaf we are born into this world. We live out our lives bringing life to our family, our friends and our community. Eventually it will be time to pass on to the next life. A dying leaf brings us brilliance and hope in new life… A dying loved one brings us closer to Jesus as He shines His light through a withering life. Our loved one may be passing from this life and we will miss the person that was… but, we must remember, in dying, a person can bring new life those left in this world.
This month look around at the fall foliage… give thanks to God for all it’s wonder. Pick up a leaf and admire its intricacies and color. Then close your eyes and reflect upon a lost loved one, and think of how he or she made the world brighter for you… and always remember through death we are given new life… life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God Bless, Holly Clark
A Falling Leaf…
We are so blessed to live in New England! God graces us every Autumn with His glorious paintbrush of yellows, oranges and reds. I took a drive to Sturbridge last weekend and as I drove I marveled at the colors that were just peeping through the green. I gazed at the trees and watched the leaves being gently carried away by the wind. They would fall to the ground to form a colorful carpet, waiting for the winter snows to cover them up.
Life is so much like the falling leaf in Autumn. In the spring a leaf is born and lives out it’s life throughout the summer. It brings life to the wood of the tree and shelter to those creatures that live in the tree. As the wood of the tree starts to hibernate and prepares itself for the long winter months the leaf begins to die… but not before turning brilliant colors and bringing God’s artistry to our attention. The leaf will eventually be carried to the ground by the wind. During the winter the leaf will bring nutrients to the soil thus giving new life to the forest.
This is much like our lives. Like the leaf we are born into this world. We live out our lives bringing life to our family, our friends and our community. Eventually it will be time to pass on to the next life. A dying leaf brings us brilliance and hope in new life… A dying loved one brings us closer to Jesus as He shines His light through a withering life. Our loved one may be passing from this life and we will miss the person that was… but, we must remember, in dying, a person can bring new life those left in this world.
This month look around at the fall foliage… give thanks to God for all it’s wonder. Pick up a leaf and admire its intricacies and color. Then close your eyes and reflect upon a lost loved one, and think of how he or she made the world brighter for you… and always remember through death we are given new life… life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Endless Throng?
October 10
An Endless Throng
When we take the body and blood of Christ into our own bodies, we say Amen to our relationships with our brothers and sisters: the least, the forgotten, the ones we love and the ones about whom we are ambivalent.*
A few days ago Fr. Dan Crowley gave me an article to read about all of God’s people. All those we see everyday. Some people we notice and some we do not. Who are the people we notice? The ones going to Church? The ones who are pleasant or well-dressed? Or, perhaps young children in cute outfits? Do we also take notice of the needy and poor? Unwed mothers? Others who are nasty and ill-mannered? Of these when we do take notice, is it a positive or negative experience? While we are of the body of Christ we must remember this includes all the people of the Earth… not just the ones who are so-called “acceptable” to society:
When we are born into this world, we are each born into a body that already reflects God. No matter what he looks like or the color of his skin, no matter the country of her birth or the language of the first lullaby she hears, it does not matter to God. This is a child of God, and we are called to love that child no matter when they show up in our lives. There is no way to mince the command: Love your neighbor as yourself.*
This week let us all remember that we are of the Body of Christ and let us welcome all those who may feel unwanted or unwelcome in society and show them Christ’s love…
Small things launch first steps:
Pray for those with whom you struggle. Carry their names in your wallet. Recognize your blindness. Begin the hard work of letting go of resentment and anger. Cross a boundary Sit in another place in church. Greet those around you. Go to a different Mass. Learn something about someone you avoid. Listen to a new language. Eat food of another culture. Invite someone new to din- net Listen to a new story Ask about people’s lives. Learn about an opposing view. Practice love. Recognize that all are children of God loved by the same Creator who brought us all into being.*
The body of Christ is streaming toward us all, just outside our windows.*
God Bless, Holly Clark
* “The Streaming Throng” by Denise Simeone
Celebration, October 2010
An Endless Throng
When we take the body and blood of Christ into our own bodies, we say Amen to our relationships with our brothers and sisters: the least, the forgotten, the ones we love and the ones about whom we are ambivalent.*
A few days ago Fr. Dan Crowley gave me an article to read about all of God’s people. All those we see everyday. Some people we notice and some we do not. Who are the people we notice? The ones going to Church? The ones who are pleasant or well-dressed? Or, perhaps young children in cute outfits? Do we also take notice of the needy and poor? Unwed mothers? Others who are nasty and ill-mannered? Of these when we do take notice, is it a positive or negative experience? While we are of the body of Christ we must remember this includes all the people of the Earth… not just the ones who are so-called “acceptable” to society:
When we are born into this world, we are each born into a body that already reflects God. No matter what he looks like or the color of his skin, no matter the country of her birth or the language of the first lullaby she hears, it does not matter to God. This is a child of God, and we are called to love that child no matter when they show up in our lives. There is no way to mince the command: Love your neighbor as yourself.*
This week let us all remember that we are of the Body of Christ and let us welcome all those who may feel unwanted or unwelcome in society and show them Christ’s love…
Small things launch first steps:
Pray for those with whom you struggle. Carry their names in your wallet. Recognize your blindness. Begin the hard work of letting go of resentment and anger. Cross a boundary Sit in another place in church. Greet those around you. Go to a different Mass. Learn something about someone you avoid. Listen to a new language. Eat food of another culture. Invite someone new to din- net Listen to a new story Ask about people’s lives. Learn about an opposing view. Practice love. Recognize that all are children of God loved by the same Creator who brought us all into being.*
The body of Christ is streaming toward us all, just outside our windows.*
God Bless, Holly Clark
* “The Streaming Throng” by Denise Simeone
Celebration, October 2010
Are You Ready?
October 31
Are You Ready?
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,for today I must stay at your house." – Lk 19:5
What would you say to Jesus if he asked you to stay at your house? What would be running through your mind? Pause for a moment to reflect on your response. Would you be prepared to meet the Lord? Face-to-face?
I admit, my first thought would be is the spare bedroom neat enough and do I need to grocery shop to have enough food! (I can just hear Jesus now… “Holly, Holly you are anxious and worried about many things!” - cf Luke 10:41.) And my second thought would be am I worthy enough? You will note, however, in today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus hopped out of the tree with joy and said yes to Jesus’ request: “Of course, Lord, you can stay with me!” Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and into his heart immediately, no hesitation. He was prepared to be with Jesus and follow his teachings. He even decided to give away half his possessions to the poor and make restitution to anyone whom he may have cheated to show Jesus his readiness to follow him. Zacchaeus was ready… ready to receive the Lord into his heart, soul and home.
This week look into your hearts and ponder how you would respond to Jesus dropping by to visit you. Think of how you could receive Jesus joyfully into your home and heart, without any reservations or concerns. And then think of how you can show Jesus your love for Him and willingness to follow wherever He may lead you. Will you give away possessions like Zacchaeus? Will you be kinder and less judgmental of people? Or perhaps you will pray everyday for those most in need of our love and our Father’s love. Always remember, Jesus loves us all whether we feel worthy or not… We are always welcome in Jesus’ home.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Are You Ready?
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,for today I must stay at your house." – Lk 19:5
What would you say to Jesus if he asked you to stay at your house? What would be running through your mind? Pause for a moment to reflect on your response. Would you be prepared to meet the Lord? Face-to-face?
I admit, my first thought would be is the spare bedroom neat enough and do I need to grocery shop to have enough food! (I can just hear Jesus now… “Holly, Holly you are anxious and worried about many things!” - cf Luke 10:41.) And my second thought would be am I worthy enough? You will note, however, in today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus hopped out of the tree with joy and said yes to Jesus’ request: “Of course, Lord, you can stay with me!” Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and into his heart immediately, no hesitation. He was prepared to be with Jesus and follow his teachings. He even decided to give away half his possessions to the poor and make restitution to anyone whom he may have cheated to show Jesus his readiness to follow him. Zacchaeus was ready… ready to receive the Lord into his heart, soul and home.
This week look into your hearts and ponder how you would respond to Jesus dropping by to visit you. Think of how you could receive Jesus joyfully into your home and heart, without any reservations or concerns. And then think of how you can show Jesus your love for Him and willingness to follow wherever He may lead you. Will you give away possessions like Zacchaeus? Will you be kinder and less judgmental of people? Or perhaps you will pray everyday for those most in need of our love and our Father’s love. Always remember, Jesus loves us all whether we feel worthy or not… We are always welcome in Jesus’ home.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Human Touch, Human Strength
September 19
Human Touch, Human Strength
Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Luke 6: 19
The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are full of imagery of being healed by touch, divine touch. Jesus would lay His hands on a person and they would be healed of physical and emotional pain. Sometimes just the person touching Jesus’ robes would bring about healing through faith and touch. Jesus gave the Apostles the same power after He ascended into Heaven.
Today, each of us carries the Light of Christ within our bodies and souls. Each of us also possesses the power to heal one another and bring strength and hope with the power of touch. We do not have divine powers to perform miracles of healing as dramatic as in scripture but we do each contain an inner “power” which originates with Christ, that we can use to help one another.
When I was a child and undergoing surgical procedures, I remember my parents holding my hand, and I could feel their strength and hope emanating through human touch. I could feel calmness, love and healing through a simple hand-holding. I recently had the opportunity for a role reversal when my dad was in the hospital. He was very ill and I held his hand hoping to give him strength and hope. As he gripped my hand an interesting phenomena happened. I felt his strength and hope pouring through me, as if to say to his little girl, “Everything will be okay. Don’t worry. Don’t be sad.”
Each of us has the power to give hope, strength, healing to one another. The next time you hold someone’s hand or give/receive a hug, close your eyes and hold on to the moment. Try to feel the inner strength of the person you are grasping or holding. Ask yourself if you could offer hope and healing and try to send that energy to the person you are embracing. Imagine what the world would be like if we could share the touch of Jesus with one another, one person at a time. Love would overcome sadness and loneliness and would flow up to the heavens! Hug someone today!God Bless – Holly Clark
Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Luke 6: 19
The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are full of imagery of being healed by touch, divine touch. Jesus would lay His hands on a person and they would be healed of physical and emotional pain. Sometimes just the person touching Jesus’ robes would bring about healing through faith and touch. Jesus gave the Apostles the same power after He ascended into Heaven.
Today, each of us carries the Light of Christ within our bodies and souls. Each of us also possesses the power to heal one another and bring strength and hope with the power of touch. We do not have divine powers to perform miracles of healing as dramatic as in scripture but we do each contain an inner “power” which originates with Christ, that we can use to help one another.
When I was a child and undergoing surgical procedures, I remember my parents holding my hand, and I could feel their strength and hope emanating through human touch. I could feel calmness, love and healing through a simple hand-holding. I recently had the opportunity for a role reversal when my dad was in the hospital. He was very ill and I held his hand hoping to give him strength and hope. As he gripped my hand an interesting phenomena happened. I felt his strength and hope pouring through me, as if to say to his little girl, “Everything will be okay. Don’t worry. Don’t be sad.”
Each of us has the power to give hope, strength, healing to one another. The next time you hold someone’s hand or give/receive a hug, close your eyes and hold on to the moment. Try to feel the inner strength of the person you are grasping or holding. Ask yourself if you could offer hope and healing and try to send that energy to the person you are embracing. Imagine what the world would be like if we could share the touch of Jesus with one another, one person at a time. Love would overcome sadness and loneliness and would flow up to the heavens! Hug someone today!God Bless – Holly Clark
Musings from the Seaside
September 26
Musings from the Seaside
Every summer I try to spend time sitting by the ocean contemplating God, life, and the mysteries of the universe. Last weekend I sat on a beach in Yarmouth and watched the waves come crashing in and chase the skittering sandpipers back from the edge of the sea. As each wave would recede the sandpipers would instantly peck at what the sea had brought them only to be chased away by another wave. My mind regressed to my high school biology class as Mrs. Woodburn would tell us all about how the sea brings in nutrients to shore life. But as the waves crashed I wondered how life could exist in such turmoil. The turmoil is necessary, I realized, to bring nutrients to sea birds, clams, snails, barnacles, etc. Without the constant churning of the sea these organisms would perish. So to, it is with our lives.
Our lives are filled with turmoil, stress, bereavement for lost loved ones... How do you deal with the tumultuous times in your life? Do you drown in the crashing waves or do you see dark times as necessary to bring about new thoughts and new ways of living? Dark, turbulant times often bring us nutrients necessary to live. Jesus is our ultimate example. Jesus, through his life, and final agony and death on the cross, gave us the “nutrients” to live our lives better. He brought us new hope and life in His resurrection. This week let us share with Jesus our dark times and let Him help us to find our way through our inner turmoils to bring new life to ourselves and others. Let us remember always that God turns our “tears into dancing.” (Ps 30:11).
God Bless, Holly Clark
Musings from the Seaside
Every summer I try to spend time sitting by the ocean contemplating God, life, and the mysteries of the universe. Last weekend I sat on a beach in Yarmouth and watched the waves come crashing in and chase the skittering sandpipers back from the edge of the sea. As each wave would recede the sandpipers would instantly peck at what the sea had brought them only to be chased away by another wave. My mind regressed to my high school biology class as Mrs. Woodburn would tell us all about how the sea brings in nutrients to shore life. But as the waves crashed I wondered how life could exist in such turmoil. The turmoil is necessary, I realized, to bring nutrients to sea birds, clams, snails, barnacles, etc. Without the constant churning of the sea these organisms would perish. So to, it is with our lives.
Our lives are filled with turmoil, stress, bereavement for lost loved ones... How do you deal with the tumultuous times in your life? Do you drown in the crashing waves or do you see dark times as necessary to bring about new thoughts and new ways of living? Dark, turbulant times often bring us nutrients necessary to live. Jesus is our ultimate example. Jesus, through his life, and final agony and death on the cross, gave us the “nutrients” to live our lives better. He brought us new hope and life in His resurrection. This week let us share with Jesus our dark times and let Him help us to find our way through our inner turmoils to bring new life to ourselves and others. Let us remember always that God turns our “tears into dancing.” (Ps 30:11).
God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Dark Night of the Soul
August 22
The Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross wrote a beautiful poem called the Dark Night of the Soul in the 1500s and in the verses he tells of a soul’s journey towards God. The main idea of the poem can be seen as the painful experience that people endure as they seek to grow in spiritual maturity and union with God. These painful experiences can include the death of a loved one, being diagnosed with a terminal or long term illness, or perhaps a painful divorce or other type of personal loss. A person experiencing the dark night of the soul feels that God has abandoned them. They may question their faith: “Why did God take my child?” or “Why did God allow me to be diagnosed with cancer?” They seek God out in the night but cannot find Him. He is, of course, there, but hidden from our sight.
Life is full of losses and it’s perfectly normal to ask God “Where are you?" Mother Teresa is a perfect example of this. Mother Teresa, daily, faced death, disease, poverty in India while working with the poor and destitute. She, at times felt that God abandoned her and left her to languish in the darkness of her soul. But she carried on her work, crying out to Jesus in the night. She felt that the experience of the dark night united her with the poorest of the poor who were abandoned by society. Mother Teresa did find some light in the dark. She is quoted as saying: “Let him do with me whatever He wants… If my darkness is light to some soul… I am perfectly happy.”
This week let us examine the times we have felt darkness in our lives and how our faith saw us through. Extend a warm smile or hug to someone who is experiencing the dark night. If you are in a dark night now… remember God is there with you and the light of dawn will come in time.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
The Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross wrote a beautiful poem called the Dark Night of the Soul in the 1500s and in the verses he tells of a soul’s journey towards God. The main idea of the poem can be seen as the painful experience that people endure as they seek to grow in spiritual maturity and union with God. These painful experiences can include the death of a loved one, being diagnosed with a terminal or long term illness, or perhaps a painful divorce or other type of personal loss. A person experiencing the dark night of the soul feels that God has abandoned them. They may question their faith: “Why did God take my child?” or “Why did God allow me to be diagnosed with cancer?” They seek God out in the night but cannot find Him. He is, of course, there, but hidden from our sight.
Life is full of losses and it’s perfectly normal to ask God “Where are you?" Mother Teresa is a perfect example of this. Mother Teresa, daily, faced death, disease, poverty in India while working with the poor and destitute. She, at times felt that God abandoned her and left her to languish in the darkness of her soul. But she carried on her work, crying out to Jesus in the night. She felt that the experience of the dark night united her with the poorest of the poor who were abandoned by society. Mother Teresa did find some light in the dark. She is quoted as saying: “Let him do with me whatever He wants… If my darkness is light to some soul… I am perfectly happy.”
This week let us examine the times we have felt darkness in our lives and how our faith saw us through. Extend a warm smile or hug to someone who is experiencing the dark night. If you are in a dark night now… remember God is there with you and the light of dawn will come in time.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
What has the Almighty Done for You?
Assumption
What has the Almighty Done for You?
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”
Mary said yes to the Lord! For saying yes, she could have been stoned to death for being a pregnant, unmarried woman. If not executed, she certainly faced ridicule, and possible excommunication from her community. Joseph also faced excommunication as well if he stayed by Mary’s side. BUT… MARY SAID YES! Mary heard her Father’s voice and trusted in His great plans for her and her unborn Son.
Has the Lord called on you lately? Perhaps He wants you to take on an incredible burden, or unpleasant task, or perhaps a joyful one. Did you say yes? How often have you called on the Lord and He said yes? We need to be open to God’s voice. I saw a video clip the other day about William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight in Britain against slavery. Wilberforce had a personal encounter with God who asked him to work towards ending slavery in Britain… Wilberforce says to a friend, “I’ve just been talking with God and He has charged me with an impossible task. How inconvenient!” However inconvenient it was, and detrimental to his career, Wilberforce said YES to God’s plan for him, even if it meant death threats to him and his family.
This week take some time out to thank God for the great things He has done for you and take some quiet time to hear God’s voice. We are His hands and feet. He’s calling you to say YES. Say “Yes” to God and your life will be forever changed as will the people you love.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
What has the Almighty Done for You?
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”
Mary said yes to the Lord! For saying yes, she could have been stoned to death for being a pregnant, unmarried woman. If not executed, she certainly faced ridicule, and possible excommunication from her community. Joseph also faced excommunication as well if he stayed by Mary’s side. BUT… MARY SAID YES! Mary heard her Father’s voice and trusted in His great plans for her and her unborn Son.
Has the Lord called on you lately? Perhaps He wants you to take on an incredible burden, or unpleasant task, or perhaps a joyful one. Did you say yes? How often have you called on the Lord and He said yes? We need to be open to God’s voice. I saw a video clip the other day about William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight in Britain against slavery. Wilberforce had a personal encounter with God who asked him to work towards ending slavery in Britain… Wilberforce says to a friend, “I’ve just been talking with God and He has charged me with an impossible task. How inconvenient!” However inconvenient it was, and detrimental to his career, Wilberforce said YES to God’s plan for him, even if it meant death threats to him and his family.
This week take some time out to thank God for the great things He has done for you and take some quiet time to hear God’s voice. We are His hands and feet. He’s calling you to say YES. Say “Yes” to God and your life will be forever changed as will the people you love.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Having Faith & Patience
August 8
Having Faith & Patience
Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1
This passage from today’s reading from Hebrews is one of my favorite Bible verses. Our society seems to want everything all at once: instant messaging, instant gratification, instant knowledge and wisdom and we get frustrated when we cannot have it. Having faith requires patience. So often we pray and hope for things not seen… God will always answer, sometimes not in the way we expect but He will answer.
So often we are in the dark, and ask where God is in the midst of so much turmoil in our lives. We walk by faith and trust that Jesus will light our path. Faith is not blind. Faith is unwavering trust that all will be as the Father has planned for us. We need to be patient, open our eyes and ears and listen for the voice of God calling to us.
This week I ask you to open up your Bible and read the entire scripture contained in Hebrews 11. Our ancient fore-fathers faced impossible odds in defense of their faith and sometimes certain death… but their faith never waivered: they were a part of God’s saving plan.
When life seems impossible and hope seems far off Have Faith! Our Father has great plans for us all!
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Having Faith & Patience
Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1
This passage from today’s reading from Hebrews is one of my favorite Bible verses. Our society seems to want everything all at once: instant messaging, instant gratification, instant knowledge and wisdom and we get frustrated when we cannot have it. Having faith requires patience. So often we pray and hope for things not seen… God will always answer, sometimes not in the way we expect but He will answer.
So often we are in the dark, and ask where God is in the midst of so much turmoil in our lives. We walk by faith and trust that Jesus will light our path. Faith is not blind. Faith is unwavering trust that all will be as the Father has planned for us. We need to be patient, open our eyes and ears and listen for the voice of God calling to us.
This week I ask you to open up your Bible and read the entire scripture contained in Hebrews 11. Our ancient fore-fathers faced impossible odds in defense of their faith and sometimes certain death… but their faith never waivered: they were a part of God’s saving plan.
When life seems impossible and hope seems far off Have Faith! Our Father has great plans for us all!
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Simple Pleasures
August 1
Simple Pleasures
Today, as I took a walk about the church grounds on my lunch break, I stopped to look at some flowers. I sat down on a bench and started thinking of all the simple things in life we take for granted and do not notice until they are gone: a pretty flower, a beautiful sunset, a baby’s smile, sharing an ice cream cone with your child, a father’s love… How often do we get caught up in saying, “Tomorrow I will go for a walk, tomorrow I’ll visit my grandmother, tomorrow, I will take time to help a friend in need.” And then tomorrow never seems to appear and we are left with regrets.
A flower appears but briefly in our lives. First it is sown, then it is fed by the fertile soil until it blossoms with divine effervescence, and then it fades away into nothingness. Today I ask you to pick up a flower, a leaf, or a blade of grass and gaze into its essence. Ask yourselves, “By what miracle did this plant come to be?” Recall doing the same, when as a child everything seemed new and fresh and a flower was a simple pleasure to bring home to Mom.
I challenge you to take time this week in simple pleasures… pick up a flower and give it to a loved one, tell a friend or relative what they mean to you. Each person we meet is a flower that we must embrace and cherish before he/she fades away into the sunset and into our Lord’s arms in Heaven. Do not toil for fame, fortune and possessions like the rich man in today’s parable but rather do what Paul asks us to do today in Corinthians 3 and “put on a new self.” And let this new self be mindful of all the simple gifts God has given us.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Simple Pleasures
Today, as I took a walk about the church grounds on my lunch break, I stopped to look at some flowers. I sat down on a bench and started thinking of all the simple things in life we take for granted and do not notice until they are gone: a pretty flower, a beautiful sunset, a baby’s smile, sharing an ice cream cone with your child, a father’s love… How often do we get caught up in saying, “Tomorrow I will go for a walk, tomorrow I’ll visit my grandmother, tomorrow, I will take time to help a friend in need.” And then tomorrow never seems to appear and we are left with regrets.
A flower appears but briefly in our lives. First it is sown, then it is fed by the fertile soil until it blossoms with divine effervescence, and then it fades away into nothingness. Today I ask you to pick up a flower, a leaf, or a blade of grass and gaze into its essence. Ask yourselves, “By what miracle did this plant come to be?” Recall doing the same, when as a child everything seemed new and fresh and a flower was a simple pleasure to bring home to Mom.
I challenge you to take time this week in simple pleasures… pick up a flower and give it to a loved one, tell a friend or relative what they mean to you. Each person we meet is a flower that we must embrace and cherish before he/she fades away into the sunset and into our Lord’s arms in Heaven. Do not toil for fame, fortune and possessions like the rich man in today’s parable but rather do what Paul asks us to do today in Corinthians 3 and “put on a new self.” And let this new self be mindful of all the simple gifts God has given us.
God Bless, Holly Clark
What Do You Seek?
July 25
What Do You Seek?
A couple of weekends ago, I was vacationing on Cape Cod and while I did not plan much to do ahead of time I did a bit of research as to where I wanted to attend Mass on the weekend. I selected St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown.
I arrived early to acquaint myself with the church and admire the stained glassed windows, which were all images of Jesus and the sea, calming the storms and winds and saving fishermen from certain doom. As I meditated, I quietly observed the parishioners walking in, mostly older and elderly… I wondered where all the young tourists were… the streets of P-town are usually packed with young people and families! Where were they?
I found myself praying for one elderly, frail woman in particular. She arrived, with a walker, at the Church with family (also elderly) and traversed the stone aisle with some difficulty, teetering with every step. I kept thinking she was going to fall with each footfall, thus killing herself on the stone floor. She went past my pew and took a seat halfway up the church nearly falling into the pew. I found myself inspired by her dedication. She was so longing to hear God’s Word and to take part in the Eucharist that she took her life into her hands by walking the stone aisle.
Fr. Richard Crowley, in his “From the Pastor’s Desk” column in today’s bulletin, states that when we miss Mass, especially for long periods of time, we “lose the visual and social impact of worshipping with fellow believers and being inspired by the example of one another.” I was truly inspired by the example of this woman, her love of Jesus and her desire to be with her fellow worshippers.
Today’s Gospel states “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) So I ask you, what do you seek? And I challenge you when traveling to “knock” on the local church door and be prepared to be inspired! –God Bless, Holly Clark
What Do You Seek?
A couple of weekends ago, I was vacationing on Cape Cod and while I did not plan much to do ahead of time I did a bit of research as to where I wanted to attend Mass on the weekend. I selected St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown.
I arrived early to acquaint myself with the church and admire the stained glassed windows, which were all images of Jesus and the sea, calming the storms and winds and saving fishermen from certain doom. As I meditated, I quietly observed the parishioners walking in, mostly older and elderly… I wondered where all the young tourists were… the streets of P-town are usually packed with young people and families! Where were they?
I found myself praying for one elderly, frail woman in particular. She arrived, with a walker, at the Church with family (also elderly) and traversed the stone aisle with some difficulty, teetering with every step. I kept thinking she was going to fall with each footfall, thus killing herself on the stone floor. She went past my pew and took a seat halfway up the church nearly falling into the pew. I found myself inspired by her dedication. She was so longing to hear God’s Word and to take part in the Eucharist that she took her life into her hands by walking the stone aisle.
Fr. Richard Crowley, in his “From the Pastor’s Desk” column in today’s bulletin, states that when we miss Mass, especially for long periods of time, we “lose the visual and social impact of worshipping with fellow believers and being inspired by the example of one another.” I was truly inspired by the example of this woman, her love of Jesus and her desire to be with her fellow worshippers.
Today’s Gospel states “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) So I ask you, what do you seek? And I challenge you when traveling to “knock” on the local church door and be prepared to be inspired! –God Bless, Holly Clark
Companions on the Journey
July 18
Companions on the Journey
I spent a few days last week relaxing on the Cape Cod National Seashore… taking my own advice and taking time out of everyday life to just “be still” and “Be.” I unplugged myself from technology and media: no Internet, Facebook, e-mail, nor newspapers or tv. I survived, despite being tempted by a friend and the motel owner.
One day, after spending the morning meditating by the seaside, I decided to head for the Beech Forest, a wooded area in the park with walking trails and picnic area. I thought I would go a little ways into the trail and find a quiet spot to journal for a little bit and return to my motel. As I paused to grab a map, three little geese surrounded me. I tried not to disturb them as I slipped quietly into the woods. A few minutes later I turned around and noticed the three little geese had followed me into the forest. I kept walking and they kept following. I decided to do the whole walking loop just to see how long they would stay with me.
As I walked, the geese walked with me; when I’d pause to look at a flower or tree, they would pause. On two occasions, when I stopped they would tug at my pant leg to get going again. Sometimes they’d walk in front of me, sometimes, beside and sometimes behind me but always nearby. I thought of giving them names… Huey, Duey & Louey? Or Tom, Dick and Harry? None seemed right.
The three little guys stayed with me for the whole ¾ mile loop. I plopped on a picnic table to rest and they sat down beside me. As I gazed at them in amazement I wondered if God had sent them to be companions on my journey. Oh! How like the Trinity they were! The Holy Trinity walks with us, sometimes ahead leading the way, sometimes beside us and sometimes lagging behind, to guard over us when we may stumble on the path, even gently nudging us along. The Trinity will stay with us on our whole journey in life… I will always remember my walk in the wood with my three little friends and I will thank God for reminding me that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me and with you. . . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Companions on the Journey
I spent a few days last week relaxing on the Cape Cod National Seashore… taking my own advice and taking time out of everyday life to just “be still” and “Be.” I unplugged myself from technology and media: no Internet, Facebook, e-mail, nor newspapers or tv. I survived, despite being tempted by a friend and the motel owner.
One day, after spending the morning meditating by the seaside, I decided to head for the Beech Forest, a wooded area in the park with walking trails and picnic area. I thought I would go a little ways into the trail and find a quiet spot to journal for a little bit and return to my motel. As I paused to grab a map, three little geese surrounded me. I tried not to disturb them as I slipped quietly into the woods. A few minutes later I turned around and noticed the three little geese had followed me into the forest. I kept walking and they kept following. I decided to do the whole walking loop just to see how long they would stay with me.
As I walked, the geese walked with me; when I’d pause to look at a flower or tree, they would pause. On two occasions, when I stopped they would tug at my pant leg to get going again. Sometimes they’d walk in front of me, sometimes, beside and sometimes behind me but always nearby. I thought of giving them names… Huey, Duey & Louey? Or Tom, Dick and Harry? None seemed right.
The three little guys stayed with me for the whole ¾ mile loop. I plopped on a picnic table to rest and they sat down beside me. As I gazed at them in amazement I wondered if God had sent them to be companions on my journey. Oh! How like the Trinity they were! The Holy Trinity walks with us, sometimes ahead leading the way, sometimes beside us and sometimes lagging behind, to guard over us when we may stumble on the path, even gently nudging us along. The Trinity will stay with us on our whole journey in life… I will always remember my walk in the wood with my three little friends and I will thank God for reminding me that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me and with you. . . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Need for Rest
The Need for Rest: Be Still
The book of Genesis tells us that on the seventh day God rested. God, as powerful as He is, and as strong as He is, still needs rest. Do you rest? Are you ever still enough to rest? Why do we plot and plan every minute of our time such that even if our body is resting our mind is not. God created us in His image and likeness… He needed rest, so why don’t we?
Last weekend marked the official start of summer fun. School is out, the heat is here, travel plans and reservations have been made. But did you make a reservation for rest? In today’s day and age it is getting harder and harder to find a time where we are not running here and there… cell phones keep us in constant contact with everyone in the world… thus keeping our minds constantly occupied. We must learn to just say NO! For a day or two (or three or four) try turning off your cell phones, don’t log into Facebook and check e-mail, don’t attend every event you are invited to… Just say NO, I need rest, I need to be still. You need to put in your reservation for your own time!
This summer let us make a point to be still… let us create opportunities for one another to be still… let us pray to God for stillness when we cannot find it in our own hearts and minds.. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
PS… As you are reading this I will be resting, being still, hopefully on a beach somewhere on the Cape. Be still… be…
The book of Genesis tells us that on the seventh day God rested. God, as powerful as He is, and as strong as He is, still needs rest. Do you rest? Are you ever still enough to rest? Why do we plot and plan every minute of our time such that even if our body is resting our mind is not. God created us in His image and likeness… He needed rest, so why don’t we?
Last weekend marked the official start of summer fun. School is out, the heat is here, travel plans and reservations have been made. But did you make a reservation for rest? In today’s day and age it is getting harder and harder to find a time where we are not running here and there… cell phones keep us in constant contact with everyone in the world… thus keeping our minds constantly occupied. We must learn to just say NO! For a day or two (or three or four) try turning off your cell phones, don’t log into Facebook and check e-mail, don’t attend every event you are invited to… Just say NO, I need rest, I need to be still. You need to put in your reservation for your own time!
This summer let us make a point to be still… let us create opportunities for one another to be still… let us pray to God for stillness when we cannot find it in our own hearts and minds.. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
PS… As you are reading this I will be resting, being still, hopefully on a beach somewhere on the Cape. Be still… be…
Why Worry?
Why Worry?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Mt 6:27
I came across this scripture verse one day a couple of weeks ago in the daily readings and it seem so appropriate to circumstances in my life. How much of our time is spent worrying? Worrying about finances, getting a good grade or job performance review, or the health of a loved one? When you ask people why they worry, often the response is so I can prepare for the worst that can happen (which often does not happen!). Think of how much energy is wasted preparing and worrying for things that do not happen! I am fond of saying “worrying about the future ruins the present!” The answer to the above question is a resounding NO!
Instead let us try to live in the present. The eternal now. Do not let yourself be burdened by worry. When you find worrying thoughts creeping into your mind give them over to Jesus and let Him do your worrying for you. Put your worries and your life into His hands. He will guide you in your journey. This passage from Philippians (4:6-7) says it best:
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
. . –God Bless and Don’t Worry…, Holly Clark
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Mt 6:27
I came across this scripture verse one day a couple of weeks ago in the daily readings and it seem so appropriate to circumstances in my life. How much of our time is spent worrying? Worrying about finances, getting a good grade or job performance review, or the health of a loved one? When you ask people why they worry, often the response is so I can prepare for the worst that can happen (which often does not happen!). Think of how much energy is wasted preparing and worrying for things that do not happen! I am fond of saying “worrying about the future ruins the present!” The answer to the above question is a resounding NO!
Instead let us try to live in the present. The eternal now. Do not let yourself be burdened by worry. When you find worrying thoughts creeping into your mind give them over to Jesus and let Him do your worrying for you. Put your worries and your life into His hands. He will guide you in your journey. This passage from Philippians (4:6-7) says it best:
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
. . –God Bless and Don’t Worry…, Holly Clark
Happy Birthday Sacred Heart Church
June 27th
Happy Birthday Sacred Heart!
In 1870, church services were held monthly in the hall over the general store of Colonel Peter H. Pierce, the current site of the Middleborough Police Department. In the small hall over the store, as they sat upon boxes and crates, they optimistically prayed, with steadfast faith for a Catholic Church in Middleborough. Their prayers were answered in 1873 when land was acquired for the purpose of constructing a Catholic Church in Middleborough. The actual building however, was postponed for seven years due to financial problems. On July 12, 1881, Archbishop John Joseph Williams blessed the cornerstone and dedicated the small, humble but attractive wooden building: the Sacred Heart Church. In 1885 Sacred Heart was declared a separate parish. Today we are 125 years old!
I have been a lifelong member of Sacred Heart. I celebrated my baptism with Fr. Joseph P. Shea in 1963. I attended CCD here (in the Fr. Joseph P. Shea Center!) and celebrated all my first sacraments here. My first memories of Sacred Heart were of staring at the stain glass windows and marveling at the many colors. I always felt that on Easter Sunday God would add a little extra sunlight to stream into the windows to draw our attention to the depiction of the Crucifixion and the glory and new hope of resurrection.
I realize in adulthood that a parish is much more than a beautiful building to admire, it is a home, a family- a family formed in faith and love. As we celebrate our 125 years together as a family let us pray for those who came before us… those displaced, exiled Acadians who, in 1755, established a Catholic presence in Middleborough and remember those who built up the congregation in the years following. Let us remember all the parishioners who contributed their time, talent, and treasure to make Sacred Heart Parish what she is today.
Do you have a fond memory of Sacred Heart to share? As we begin our yearlong celebration I would like to ask you to share your memories of Sacred Heart, both past and present with us. We will share stories here and on my blog. Let us remember the past and go forward with much hope for the next millennium. –God Bless, Holly Clark
Happy Birthday Sacred Heart!
In 1870, church services were held monthly in the hall over the general store of Colonel Peter H. Pierce, the current site of the Middleborough Police Department. In the small hall over the store, as they sat upon boxes and crates, they optimistically prayed, with steadfast faith for a Catholic Church in Middleborough. Their prayers were answered in 1873 when land was acquired for the purpose of constructing a Catholic Church in Middleborough. The actual building however, was postponed for seven years due to financial problems. On July 12, 1881, Archbishop John Joseph Williams blessed the cornerstone and dedicated the small, humble but attractive wooden building: the Sacred Heart Church. In 1885 Sacred Heart was declared a separate parish. Today we are 125 years old!
I have been a lifelong member of Sacred Heart. I celebrated my baptism with Fr. Joseph P. Shea in 1963. I attended CCD here (in the Fr. Joseph P. Shea Center!) and celebrated all my first sacraments here. My first memories of Sacred Heart were of staring at the stain glass windows and marveling at the many colors. I always felt that on Easter Sunday God would add a little extra sunlight to stream into the windows to draw our attention to the depiction of the Crucifixion and the glory and new hope of resurrection.
I realize in adulthood that a parish is much more than a beautiful building to admire, it is a home, a family- a family formed in faith and love. As we celebrate our 125 years together as a family let us pray for those who came before us… those displaced, exiled Acadians who, in 1755, established a Catholic presence in Middleborough and remember those who built up the congregation in the years following. Let us remember all the parishioners who contributed their time, talent, and treasure to make Sacred Heart Parish what she is today.
Do you have a fond memory of Sacred Heart to share? As we begin our yearlong celebration I would like to ask you to share your memories of Sacred Heart, both past and present with us. We will share stories here and on my blog. Let us remember the past and go forward with much hope for the next millennium. –God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Father's Pentecost
A Father’s Pentecost
On Pentecost Sunday the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in the upper room with the roar of a divine wind and in the form of tongues of fire. Each disciple is filled with the fire of the Spirit and ready to proclaim the good news of the risen Christ (Acts 2:2-4).
This past Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon me, my father and family. Our “upper room” was a hospital room at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. In the weeks prior to Pentecost my dad was gravely ill. We did not know whether he would live or not and was on total life support. My family and I huddled in our “upper room” in the hospital and prayed together for healing and peace. Like the disciples, we were lost and saddened at the prospect of losing a loved one forever.
On Pentecost Sunday (also my parents 51st wedding anniversary), my mom and I attended the 11 o’clock Mass, sang in the choir, prayed with our church family and went off to Good Samaritan to be with dad. In our upper room at Good Sam we experienced the descent of the Holy Spirit upon our family. When mom and I arrived we discovered that dad had been taken off the ventilator the day before and we found him sitting up in bed grinning from ear-to-ear wishing my mom a happy anniversary in his own voice. We knew the Holy Spirit was present! We knew dad would be okay. (Come Holy Spirit!) A long road of rehab awaits, but the gift of that day will always remain with us. At the end of the day, God gave us the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen, full of hot pinks and reds… the sky was afire with the Spirit! God was telling us, too, that all is well and He is with us always.
This Father’s Day I am so grateful to God for my dad, his wisdom, joyous nature and love for his family. So often we let our busy schedules get in the way of our loved ones. This Father’s Day let us take time out for our fathers to show them love and companionship. Let us pray for all fathers on this day and remember those fathers who are deceased. Let us greet the fathers we see at Mass today with love and encouragement. Happy Father’s Day and… …God Bless, Holly Clark
On Pentecost Sunday the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in the upper room with the roar of a divine wind and in the form of tongues of fire. Each disciple is filled with the fire of the Spirit and ready to proclaim the good news of the risen Christ (Acts 2:2-4).
This past Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon me, my father and family. Our “upper room” was a hospital room at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. In the weeks prior to Pentecost my dad was gravely ill. We did not know whether he would live or not and was on total life support. My family and I huddled in our “upper room” in the hospital and prayed together for healing and peace. Like the disciples, we were lost and saddened at the prospect of losing a loved one forever.
On Pentecost Sunday (also my parents 51st wedding anniversary), my mom and I attended the 11 o’clock Mass, sang in the choir, prayed with our church family and went off to Good Samaritan to be with dad. In our upper room at Good Sam we experienced the descent of the Holy Spirit upon our family. When mom and I arrived we discovered that dad had been taken off the ventilator the day before and we found him sitting up in bed grinning from ear-to-ear wishing my mom a happy anniversary in his own voice. We knew the Holy Spirit was present! We knew dad would be okay. (Come Holy Spirit!) A long road of rehab awaits, but the gift of that day will always remain with us. At the end of the day, God gave us the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen, full of hot pinks and reds… the sky was afire with the Spirit! God was telling us, too, that all is well and He is with us always.
This Father’s Day I am so grateful to God for my dad, his wisdom, joyous nature and love for his family. So often we let our busy schedules get in the way of our loved ones. This Father’s Day let us take time out for our fathers to show them love and companionship. Let us pray for all fathers on this day and remember those fathers who are deceased. Let us greet the fathers we see at Mass today with love and encouragement. Happy Father’s Day and… …God Bless, Holly Clark
Friday, June 11, 2010
Holy Orders
Sacrament of Holy Orders
"The Priesthood is a call, not a career; a redefinition of self, not just a new ministry; a way of life, not a job; a state of being, not just a function; a permanent lifelong commitment, not a temporary style of service; an identity, not just a role. We are priests; yes the doing, the ministry, is mighty important, but it flows from the being; we can act like priests, minister as priests, preach as priests, because first and foremost we are priests! Being before act!"
-Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Priests for the Third Millennium
In most religions, there is a figure who presides, officiates and most especially offers worship on behalf of the people, one who is set apart in order to be a mediator between God and his people. Christ came to earth to live among us, teach us, guide us and to die for us, for the redemption of our sins. Christ gave us Peter and the apostles to carry on His priestly mission of salvation. A priest engages in people's lives at the most memorable times, both joyful and sorrowful - in baptisms and weddings, funerals and hospital visits. He celebrates the Eucharist with his congregation and brings comfort and meaning to modern day life in his homilies.
This past week concluded the Year of the Priest which ran from June 19th 2009 to June 11th 2010. During this past year we have honored and prayed for those men who received a calling to serve the Lord and we have prayed for young men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. As the Year for the Priest draws to a close let us not lose our momentum… let us keep our priests in prayer and pray that more men will hear God’s call to serve. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
"The Priesthood is a call, not a career; a redefinition of self, not just a new ministry; a way of life, not a job; a state of being, not just a function; a permanent lifelong commitment, not a temporary style of service; an identity, not just a role. We are priests; yes the doing, the ministry, is mighty important, but it flows from the being; we can act like priests, minister as priests, preach as priests, because first and foremost we are priests! Being before act!"
-Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Priests for the Third Millennium
In most religions, there is a figure who presides, officiates and most especially offers worship on behalf of the people, one who is set apart in order to be a mediator between God and his people. Christ came to earth to live among us, teach us, guide us and to die for us, for the redemption of our sins. Christ gave us Peter and the apostles to carry on His priestly mission of salvation. A priest engages in people's lives at the most memorable times, both joyful and sorrowful - in baptisms and weddings, funerals and hospital visits. He celebrates the Eucharist with his congregation and brings comfort and meaning to modern day life in his homilies.
This past week concluded the Year of the Priest which ran from June 19th 2009 to June 11th 2010. During this past year we have honored and prayed for those men who received a calling to serve the Lord and we have prayed for young men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. As the Year for the Priest draws to a close let us not lose our momentum… let us keep our priests in prayer and pray that more men will hear God’s call to serve. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Day
Lest We Forget…
"We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic."
Gen. John A. Logan, 1868
This weekend we remember our deceased veterans, persons who have given service and their lives for God and our country. As I walk through a cemetery I often pause at a veteran marker and ponder what war they have been in, whether they died in the line of fire, or made it home to their loved ones safely, or, perhaps, made it home but badly wounded physically, mentally and/or spiritually. As I stop at their graves, I say a little prayer for their souls and thank them for their service. Anyone who has ever visited the Arlington National Cemetery, or the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, would be awed by the shear numbers of deceased veterans. From my family… I am grateful to my grandfather who served in the Army Bushmasters Unit in WWII in the Philippines and to my father who served in the Navy on the USS Shangri-La Carrier during the Korean War. (Both my dad and grandfather are still with us!)
So often we see this three-day weekend in May as the start of summer sun and fun not as the memorial it is. Today let us remember our veterans, both living and deceased. When we meet a veteran today let us embrace them and share their pains and joys of service. Let us pray for an end of war and the beginning of world peace... –God Bless, Holly Clark
"We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic."
Gen. John A. Logan, 1868
This weekend we remember our deceased veterans, persons who have given service and their lives for God and our country. As I walk through a cemetery I often pause at a veteran marker and ponder what war they have been in, whether they died in the line of fire, or made it home to their loved ones safely, or, perhaps, made it home but badly wounded physically, mentally and/or spiritually. As I stop at their graves, I say a little prayer for their souls and thank them for their service. Anyone who has ever visited the Arlington National Cemetery, or the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, would be awed by the shear numbers of deceased veterans. From my family… I am grateful to my grandfather who served in the Army Bushmasters Unit in WWII in the Philippines and to my father who served in the Navy on the USS Shangri-La Carrier during the Korean War. (Both my dad and grandfather are still with us!)
So often we see this three-day weekend in May as the start of summer sun and fun not as the memorial it is. Today let us remember our veterans, both living and deceased. When we meet a veteran today let us embrace them and share their pains and joys of service. Let us pray for an end of war and the beginning of world peace... –God Bless, Holly Clark
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sacrament of Penance
Sacrament of Penance
In most religions there are rites which convey a sense of penance and reparation for wrongdoing. These, in their own imperfect way, indicate man’s initiative in trying to find God once more and make peace.
From the time of Christ it was believed that all concrete, serious sins could be forgiven. Our Lord knew that given the weakness of fallen humanity, the Apostles would immediately need the power to forgive sins.
In the early Church, for the more serious sins, reconciliation involved a confession and then a temporary exclusion, or separation, from the Church community. During the penitent’s period of exclusion, he would pray, fast, perform acts of charity and other renunciations. After this period the penitent could request readmission to the Church community. Often the sin(s) needed to be confessed publically and much of the penance was to be performed publically before the sin could be forgiven and the person able to rejoin the parish community. (Aren’t you glad we do not do this anymore?!?)
As a result of the practice of public penance, many Catholics waited until their deathbeds to make their confession where sins could be absolved without a lengthy penance period. In the 7th century Ireland and England developed a penitential rite that did not involve a public confessing of sins and did not require a lengthy public penance. The forgiveness of sins was still the goal but could now be done privately.
The Sacrament of Penance brings about the forgiveness of mortal and venial sins. It can also bring about a peace of soul and a deep sense of spiritual consolation. Let us pray this week for the forgiveness of our sins and those of our friends and family in Christ. Let us pray for all those who are ridden with guilt over un-confessed sins and let us pray that the Lord will ease their pain. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Source: The Sacramental Mystery, Paul Haffner
In most religions there are rites which convey a sense of penance and reparation for wrongdoing. These, in their own imperfect way, indicate man’s initiative in trying to find God once more and make peace.
From the time of Christ it was believed that all concrete, serious sins could be forgiven. Our Lord knew that given the weakness of fallen humanity, the Apostles would immediately need the power to forgive sins.
In the early Church, for the more serious sins, reconciliation involved a confession and then a temporary exclusion, or separation, from the Church community. During the penitent’s period of exclusion, he would pray, fast, perform acts of charity and other renunciations. After this period the penitent could request readmission to the Church community. Often the sin(s) needed to be confessed publically and much of the penance was to be performed publically before the sin could be forgiven and the person able to rejoin the parish community. (Aren’t you glad we do not do this anymore?!?)
As a result of the practice of public penance, many Catholics waited until their deathbeds to make their confession where sins could be absolved without a lengthy penance period. In the 7th century Ireland and England developed a penitential rite that did not involve a public confessing of sins and did not require a lengthy public penance. The forgiveness of sins was still the goal but could now be done privately.
The Sacrament of Penance brings about the forgiveness of mortal and venial sins. It can also bring about a peace of soul and a deep sense of spiritual consolation. Let us pray this week for the forgiveness of our sins and those of our friends and family in Christ. Let us pray for all those who are ridden with guilt over un-confessed sins and let us pray that the Lord will ease their pain. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Source: The Sacramental Mystery, Paul Haffner
Friday, April 30, 2010
Anointing of the Sick
May 2, 2010
Anointing of the Sick
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5:14-15
Healing in the early Church was aimed at the restoration of the sick person to complete health of mind, body and spirit. As a sacrament, the Anointing of the Sick was the means by which the ill, elderly and the dying encountered God. This epistle of James became the first model for the healing activity of the early Church.
You will note that James asks “Is anyone among you sick? He does not ask “Is anyone among you dying?” There is no evidence that the early Church believed that the sacrament was only for those preparing for death… the graces of the sacrament were to be bestowed among those who were in need of healing. Thomas Aquinas, in 1274, in Summa Theologica, stated that the sacrament was only to be administered to those preparing to die. The sacrament became popularly known as “Last Rites.” This was to last until the Vatican II reforms. The Vatican II Council sought to restore the sacrament to its original purpose, to that of healing. Unfortunately, even after 40+ years, many of the faithful still hold to the Anointing of the Sick as being the sacrament of dying. Many families and ill persons wait until the last minute to request an anointing, sometimes it is too late.
Don’t wait! The graces received from an anointing are truly powerful! Anointing can bring comfort, strength and peace to those who are awaiting serious surgery or are ill, as from cancer, HIV, or other such illness. I received an anointing shortly after a diagnosis of cancer in 2007. The sacrament brought me the strength to face cancer surgery and treatment. I knew that God was with me, giving me peace ad strength when I had none. The graces I received are still with me today.
Let us lift up those who are ill in prayer. Let us pray that they will not wait to receive an anointing. Let us pray for God to bring them strength and healing. This week let us remember how fragile life is and not wait until too late to allow God into our hearts. –God Bless, Holly Clark
Source and Recommended reading:Understanding Sacramental Healing, John Kasza
Anointing of the Sick
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5:14-15
Healing in the early Church was aimed at the restoration of the sick person to complete health of mind, body and spirit. As a sacrament, the Anointing of the Sick was the means by which the ill, elderly and the dying encountered God. This epistle of James became the first model for the healing activity of the early Church.
You will note that James asks “Is anyone among you sick? He does not ask “Is anyone among you dying?” There is no evidence that the early Church believed that the sacrament was only for those preparing for death… the graces of the sacrament were to be bestowed among those who were in need of healing. Thomas Aquinas, in 1274, in Summa Theologica, stated that the sacrament was only to be administered to those preparing to die. The sacrament became popularly known as “Last Rites.” This was to last until the Vatican II reforms. The Vatican II Council sought to restore the sacrament to its original purpose, to that of healing. Unfortunately, even after 40+ years, many of the faithful still hold to the Anointing of the Sick as being the sacrament of dying. Many families and ill persons wait until the last minute to request an anointing, sometimes it is too late.
Don’t wait! The graces received from an anointing are truly powerful! Anointing can bring comfort, strength and peace to those who are awaiting serious surgery or are ill, as from cancer, HIV, or other such illness. I received an anointing shortly after a diagnosis of cancer in 2007. The sacrament brought me the strength to face cancer surgery and treatment. I knew that God was with me, giving me peace ad strength when I had none. The graces I received are still with me today.
Let us lift up those who are ill in prayer. Let us pray that they will not wait to receive an anointing. Let us pray for God to bring them strength and healing. This week let us remember how fragile life is and not wait until too late to allow God into our hearts. –God Bless, Holly Clark
Source and Recommended reading:Understanding Sacramental Healing, John Kasza
Sacrament of Confirmation
April 25, 2010
Confirmation
This coming Friday Sacred Heart Parish will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation for more than 80 kids in the Confirmation program here and from St. Rose. Very often Confirmation is treated as a rite of passage as if a candidate is becoming an adult in the Catholic faith. This leads people to believe that Confirmation is a “graduation” of sorts when in actuality it is a beginning of a lifetime faith journey.
The sacrament of Confirmation is really about strengthening our faith. It is a continuation of the work begun in Baptism. Confirmation should be thought of as a beginning rather than an ending (or graduation from religious ed). Confirmation brings the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to us so that we have the tools to learn in the faith, grow in the faith, and be members in the Body of Christ. In The Sacramental Mystery, author Paul Haffner believes that confirmation should be done before the teenage years (when most parishes confirm) so that they may use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring them through the tumultuous teenage years.
When examining the Rite of Confirmation, one will find no questions asking the candidate “Do you really want to be a Catholic?” Instead, from the very beginning, we see questions that are very familiar… such as “Do you reject Satan and all his works?” The questions in the rite are the same ones asked in the Rite of Baptism. In Confirmation the promises made at baptism are renewed and strengthened. Confirmation amplifies the graces received in Baptism.
Baptism and Confirmation are twin sacraments. They cannot be separated. When one is baptized it is expected that s/he will also be confirmed. Each sacrament fulfills its meaning in the other. This twinning is analogous to Easter and Pentecost. Pentecost completes the Easter message of hope and resurrection in Christ. The appearance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost puts a seal on the Paschal Mystery; just as confirmation puts a seal on the baptized person when the bishop says “(name) be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Let us remember the confirmation candidates in prayer this week. Let us pray that they will see Confirmation as a beginning rather than an ending and let us ALL make a commitment to lifelong learning beyond confirmation so that we may grow closer to Jesus.
God Bless… Holly Clark
Confirmation
This coming Friday Sacred Heart Parish will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation for more than 80 kids in the Confirmation program here and from St. Rose. Very often Confirmation is treated as a rite of passage as if a candidate is becoming an adult in the Catholic faith. This leads people to believe that Confirmation is a “graduation” of sorts when in actuality it is a beginning of a lifetime faith journey.
The sacrament of Confirmation is really about strengthening our faith. It is a continuation of the work begun in Baptism. Confirmation should be thought of as a beginning rather than an ending (or graduation from religious ed). Confirmation brings the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to us so that we have the tools to learn in the faith, grow in the faith, and be members in the Body of Christ. In The Sacramental Mystery, author Paul Haffner believes that confirmation should be done before the teenage years (when most parishes confirm) so that they may use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring them through the tumultuous teenage years.
When examining the Rite of Confirmation, one will find no questions asking the candidate “Do you really want to be a Catholic?” Instead, from the very beginning, we see questions that are very familiar… such as “Do you reject Satan and all his works?” The questions in the rite are the same ones asked in the Rite of Baptism. In Confirmation the promises made at baptism are renewed and strengthened. Confirmation amplifies the graces received in Baptism.
Baptism and Confirmation are twin sacraments. They cannot be separated. When one is baptized it is expected that s/he will also be confirmed. Each sacrament fulfills its meaning in the other. This twinning is analogous to Easter and Pentecost. Pentecost completes the Easter message of hope and resurrection in Christ. The appearance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost puts a seal on the Paschal Mystery; just as confirmation puts a seal on the baptized person when the bishop says “(name) be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Let us remember the confirmation candidates in prayer this week. Let us pray that they will see Confirmation as a beginning rather than an ending and let us ALL make a commitment to lifelong learning beyond confirmation so that we may grow closer to Jesus.
God Bless… Holly Clark
The Eucharist
April 18, 2010
The Eucharist
In the most blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church.
-Vatican II, Presbyterorum Ordinis, 5.2
This past weekend we began welcoming our second graders to the Lord’s Table. I look into their faces and think what a gift we have in Jesus. I am also remembering Fr. Moran who would make every child feel special to Jesus and to him.
The Eucharist is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and Confirmation. In the early Church, Baptism was followed by Confirmation and then First Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and is the culmination of Christian initiation. You may be asking yourselves, if this is true, why is Confirmation after Eucharist? In the early Church, the faithful would get their children baptized and then would wait for the Bishop to come around to confirm their children. This could be months or perhaps years between visits to the parish. The end result was that fewer and fewer persons were confirmed because parents couldn’t always get their children to the bishop and thus very few Catholics were receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Eventually, it was decided that to get more people to the Lord’s table that parish priests could allow the Sacrament of the Eucharist to precede Confirmation. This is where we are at today in most parishes.
At the Second Vatican Council, the bishops restored the original order of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is a movement in some parts of the world to restore the Sacraments into their proper order to mirror the intentions of the early Church.
This week I would like you all to reflect back to your First Communion. What did it mean to you to receive Jesus for the very first time? What was it like for you when you first experienced the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Today, as we receive the Eucharist let us thank Jesus for His Holy Sacrifice and to pray for all our young children as they encounter Jesus on a personal level for the first time. And, in memory of Fr. Moran, who so loved celebrating the Eucharist with children, let us welcome each child as he did: “Jesus loves you… and so do I.”
God Bless… Holly Clark
The Eucharist
In the most blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church.
-Vatican II, Presbyterorum Ordinis, 5.2
This past weekend we began welcoming our second graders to the Lord’s Table. I look into their faces and think what a gift we have in Jesus. I am also remembering Fr. Moran who would make every child feel special to Jesus and to him.
The Eucharist is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and Confirmation. In the early Church, Baptism was followed by Confirmation and then First Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and is the culmination of Christian initiation. You may be asking yourselves, if this is true, why is Confirmation after Eucharist? In the early Church, the faithful would get their children baptized and then would wait for the Bishop to come around to confirm their children. This could be months or perhaps years between visits to the parish. The end result was that fewer and fewer persons were confirmed because parents couldn’t always get their children to the bishop and thus very few Catholics were receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Eventually, it was decided that to get more people to the Lord’s table that parish priests could allow the Sacrament of the Eucharist to precede Confirmation. This is where we are at today in most parishes.
At the Second Vatican Council, the bishops restored the original order of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is a movement in some parts of the world to restore the Sacraments into their proper order to mirror the intentions of the early Church.
This week I would like you all to reflect back to your First Communion. What did it mean to you to receive Jesus for the very first time? What was it like for you when you first experienced the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Today, as we receive the Eucharist let us thank Jesus for His Holy Sacrifice and to pray for all our young children as they encounter Jesus on a personal level for the first time. And, in memory of Fr. Moran, who so loved celebrating the Eucharist with children, let us welcome each child as he did: “Jesus loves you… and so do I.”
God Bless… Holly Clark
Self Discovery Through Baptism
April 11, 2010
Self Discovery Through Baptism
As I sit in my Liturgy and Sacraments class, I wish you all could be with me learning about our faith. Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you my insights into the sacraments of our faith.
The Sacrament of Baptism is about healing broken relationships. When Adam and Eve faltered in the Garden of Eden, they damaged their relationship with each other, God and the cosmos. When God gave us Baptism He gave us a way to mend these broken relationships. Christ’s redeeming action upon the cross heals us through Baptism and we are again made whole and all is right with God, ourselves and the universe.
In Baptism we find ourselves reunited with God’s graces. God desires that all become his adopted sons and daughters, saved through baptism. In Baptism our past is washed away… what ever separated us from receiving and loving God is washed away and we find ourselves blessed with God’s graces. We are no longer blind to God’s love for us.
Our relationships with ourselves and others are also healed in Baptism. At the Fall, human relationships were broken. In Baptism we are called together to share Christ’s Mission: to bring good news to the poor, to heal the sick and the lame, to free the oppressed. We are called to be a new creation in Christ. We are ready to live a life of grace thus fulfilling our mission as priest, prophet and king. We are called to serve one another for the common good.
Through Baptism, we are now consecrated for Christian worship, ready to live a Christian life and we embark on a path of self-discovery… We ask what is God’s plan and how do we fulfill his plan of salvation for us. We ask what gifts do we have to offer God and our fellow Christians and what can we do to help ourselves and others to live a life of faith. This self discovery is rooted in Baptism… our old self melts away and new self, full of grace appears, ready to accept God’s loving plan for us.
Let us pray this week for those parents attending our Baptism Preparation Class today. Let us also reflect upon our own baptism and how we live out our baptismal promises in our own lives.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Self Discovery Through Baptism
As I sit in my Liturgy and Sacraments class, I wish you all could be with me learning about our faith. Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you my insights into the sacraments of our faith.
The Sacrament of Baptism is about healing broken relationships. When Adam and Eve faltered in the Garden of Eden, they damaged their relationship with each other, God and the cosmos. When God gave us Baptism He gave us a way to mend these broken relationships. Christ’s redeeming action upon the cross heals us through Baptism and we are again made whole and all is right with God, ourselves and the universe.
In Baptism we find ourselves reunited with God’s graces. God desires that all become his adopted sons and daughters, saved through baptism. In Baptism our past is washed away… what ever separated us from receiving and loving God is washed away and we find ourselves blessed with God’s graces. We are no longer blind to God’s love for us.
Our relationships with ourselves and others are also healed in Baptism. At the Fall, human relationships were broken. In Baptism we are called together to share Christ’s Mission: to bring good news to the poor, to heal the sick and the lame, to free the oppressed. We are called to be a new creation in Christ. We are ready to live a life of grace thus fulfilling our mission as priest, prophet and king. We are called to serve one another for the common good.
Through Baptism, we are now consecrated for Christian worship, ready to live a Christian life and we embark on a path of self-discovery… We ask what is God’s plan and how do we fulfill his plan of salvation for us. We ask what gifts do we have to offer God and our fellow Christians and what can we do to help ourselves and others to live a life of faith. This self discovery is rooted in Baptism… our old self melts away and new self, full of grace appears, ready to accept God’s loving plan for us.
Let us pray this week for those parents attending our Baptism Preparation Class today. Let us also reflect upon our own baptism and how we live out our baptismal promises in our own lives.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, March 29, 2010
On the Road
Easter 2010: On the Road…
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32
Today, as I read today’s Gospel, I picture myself on the road to Emmaus… won’t you join me? Close your eyes for a few moments and picture the scene… Jesus has just been crucified, buried in a tomb, but is no longer in the tomb. Where could He be? This is the topic of our conversation on the road to Emmaus. Rumors are abounding… Roman conspiracy, angels, grave-robbing? And lo… a fellow traveler comes along and joins our conversation… Can you imagine? Someone who has not heard the news of Jesus death and disappearance? As we fill in the stranger on the goings on in Jerusalem we feel warmth in our hearts. We do not know why but this stranger seems to know us. The stranger explains to us what was written in scripture has just been fulfilled. We are astonished… How could this stranger know?
As evening comes we invite the stranger to dine with us. He breaks the bread, gives it to us and provides us the blessing. It is now our eyes are opened! Jesus is with us! We also realize He was with us all along! It was He who caused our hearts to burn as He quoted scripture to us on our journey to Emmaus! As I lay myself to sleep I can’t help but think how often Jesus walks with us, talks with us, and carries us and we do not recognize Him… He comes to us in many forms… in scripture, in our family, in our friends and neighbors and in our hearts. We need only open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. The next time you feel your heart burning you will know Jesus is with you.Happy Easter to you all… Holly Clark
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32
Today, as I read today’s Gospel, I picture myself on the road to Emmaus… won’t you join me? Close your eyes for a few moments and picture the scene… Jesus has just been crucified, buried in a tomb, but is no longer in the tomb. Where could He be? This is the topic of our conversation on the road to Emmaus. Rumors are abounding… Roman conspiracy, angels, grave-robbing? And lo… a fellow traveler comes along and joins our conversation… Can you imagine? Someone who has not heard the news of Jesus death and disappearance? As we fill in the stranger on the goings on in Jerusalem we feel warmth in our hearts. We do not know why but this stranger seems to know us. The stranger explains to us what was written in scripture has just been fulfilled. We are astonished… How could this stranger know?
As evening comes we invite the stranger to dine with us. He breaks the bread, gives it to us and provides us the blessing. It is now our eyes are opened! Jesus is with us! We also realize He was with us all along! It was He who caused our hearts to burn as He quoted scripture to us on our journey to Emmaus! As I lay myself to sleep I can’t help but think how often Jesus walks with us, talks with us, and carries us and we do not recognize Him… He comes to us in many forms… in scripture, in our family, in our friends and neighbors and in our hearts. We need only open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. The next time you feel your heart burning you will know Jesus is with you.Happy Easter to you all… Holly Clark
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sacraments of Initiation
March 28, 2010
Sacraments of Initiation
This spring I am taking a course in Liturgy and Sacraments at St. John’s Seminary. I’ve just completed studying the Sacraments of Initiation which include Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As I read the history and theology of these sacraments I am filled with awe and often find myself saying “just how cool is this!”
In Baptism we are healed of our broken relationship with God (caused by the Fall in the Garden of Eden). We are joined together to form a community, a Church, founded in Christ, to the benefit of ourselves and mankind. In Confirmation our Baptismal vows are strengthened with the seal of the Holy Spirit and we are given the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us to lead fruitful Christian lives. The summit of Christian initiation lies in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the ultimate sacrifice that we center our lives around. In the Eucharist we become one with Christ and share in the Paschal Mystery.
This year, at, our Easter Vigil, we will be receiving into the Church two young women, Jennifer and Robin Little. Robin will be receiving Confirmation and the Eucharist for the first time and Jennifer will be receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As we witness Jennifer and Robin receiving these sacraments for the first time let us reflect back upon our own reception into the Church. Let us recall the joy our parents, family and Jesus felt as we were baptized into the faith (and perhaps you recall your own joy if baptized as an adult.). Let us recall our awe and wonder as we received the Eucharist for the first time. And let us recall when the Holy Spirit came upon us when the Bishop proclaimed “be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Let us pray for Jennifer and Robin as they begin their journey as newly initiated Catholics. Let us welcome them into our faith and our hearts. God Bless, Holly Clark
Sacraments of Initiation
This spring I am taking a course in Liturgy and Sacraments at St. John’s Seminary. I’ve just completed studying the Sacraments of Initiation which include Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As I read the history and theology of these sacraments I am filled with awe and often find myself saying “just how cool is this!”
In Baptism we are healed of our broken relationship with God (caused by the Fall in the Garden of Eden). We are joined together to form a community, a Church, founded in Christ, to the benefit of ourselves and mankind. In Confirmation our Baptismal vows are strengthened with the seal of the Holy Spirit and we are given the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us to lead fruitful Christian lives. The summit of Christian initiation lies in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the ultimate sacrifice that we center our lives around. In the Eucharist we become one with Christ and share in the Paschal Mystery.
This year, at, our Easter Vigil, we will be receiving into the Church two young women, Jennifer and Robin Little. Robin will be receiving Confirmation and the Eucharist for the first time and Jennifer will be receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As we witness Jennifer and Robin receiving these sacraments for the first time let us reflect back upon our own reception into the Church. Let us recall the joy our parents, family and Jesus felt as we were baptized into the faith (and perhaps you recall your own joy if baptized as an adult.). Let us recall our awe and wonder as we received the Eucharist for the first time. And let us recall when the Holy Spirit came upon us when the Bishop proclaimed “be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Let us pray for Jennifer and Robin as they begin their journey as newly initiated Catholics. Let us welcome them into our faith and our hearts. God Bless, Holly Clark
Power of Prayer
March 21, 2010
Power of Prayer
Every week in our parish bulletin we publish a list of names of people who are ill and have asked for our prayers. Do you wonder who these people are or how they are doing? Do you have faith that our prayers help the sick and dying?
This week we received an e-mail from Jesse Heikkila’s mom. Jesse is a little boy we have been praying for, for nearly a year. Last April, at about his 3rd birthday, Jesse was diagnosed with “High Risk Neuroblastoma,” a stage 4 cancer throughout this body, head, adrenal glands, and bone marrow. Chemotherapy was started two days after entering the ER of Children’s Hospital. For the first month it was touch ad go as Jesse endured endless treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. Jesse’s parents stood by his bed broken-hearted as they saw Jesse lose vision in one eye, and his hair would fall out onto his pillow. As Jesse’s mom says…” During this time, our faith was shaken but not lost. We decided to do whatever it took to get our son back. And we did. Jesse endured an intense schedule of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow harvest and transplant, more radiation, many blood transfusions, an antibody treatment and now he is on Accutane.”
During this past year we, at Sacred Heart, along with Jesse’s family and friends, have been praying for his recovery. Jesse’s cancer responded well to his treatment and now he is cancer free and ready to celebrate his next birthday. Jesse’s mom, Suzzanne, states, “Our goal is to prevent relapse and we will. Because with faith, hope, and love for Jesse… anything is possible.”
The Lord has done great things for us;we are filled with joy. –Ps 126
God Bless, Holly Clark
Power of Prayer
Every week in our parish bulletin we publish a list of names of people who are ill and have asked for our prayers. Do you wonder who these people are or how they are doing? Do you have faith that our prayers help the sick and dying?
This week we received an e-mail from Jesse Heikkila’s mom. Jesse is a little boy we have been praying for, for nearly a year. Last April, at about his 3rd birthday, Jesse was diagnosed with “High Risk Neuroblastoma,” a stage 4 cancer throughout this body, head, adrenal glands, and bone marrow. Chemotherapy was started two days after entering the ER of Children’s Hospital. For the first month it was touch ad go as Jesse endured endless treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. Jesse’s parents stood by his bed broken-hearted as they saw Jesse lose vision in one eye, and his hair would fall out onto his pillow. As Jesse’s mom says…” During this time, our faith was shaken but not lost. We decided to do whatever it took to get our son back. And we did. Jesse endured an intense schedule of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow harvest and transplant, more radiation, many blood transfusions, an antibody treatment and now he is on Accutane.”
During this past year we, at Sacred Heart, along with Jesse’s family and friends, have been praying for his recovery. Jesse’s cancer responded well to his treatment and now he is cancer free and ready to celebrate his next birthday. Jesse’s mom, Suzzanne, states, “Our goal is to prevent relapse and we will. Because with faith, hope, and love for Jesse… anything is possible.”
The Lord has done great things for us;we are filled with joy. –Ps 126
God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, March 15, 2010
Jesse's Story
Jesse’s Story
by Suzanne Heikkila
Jesse is a wonderful blessing to my husband Jeff and me. Our entire lives we wanted to be parents, and we overjoyed when Jesse was born. Jesse instantly became the center of our universe. We lived to make him happy, and loved every thing about him. Jesse is very sweet, compassionate, yet has a very strong and brave side. He loves Cars, Super Hero’s, playing with his cousins, and outside in his Power Wheels trunk. However, last April, Jesse complained of a headache during his 3rd birthday party. It was intermittent, but with each day, his pain increased. At first, we were treated for a sinus infection. When the pain increased and Jesse reported he could not see, we headed to Children’s Hospital Boston. A CT Scan was ordered after initial tests did not show any infections. My husband Jeff went into the room with Jesse, while I waited outside of the scan room, 8 months pregnant. I became nervous when they wanted to rescan Jesse. Once the second set of scans was completed, we were ushered back to the room with the doctor.
The doctor told me to sit down, and I knew in his young eyes, this was not going to be easy. All I heard was, “a large mass was found in his head”. Teams of doctors entered the room, gathering to do whatever it took to help Jesse. Over the next few days, another tumor was found in his adrenal gland, leading to the diagnosis of High Risk Neuroblastoma. It was Stage 4, a very aggressive cancer. It was in all of his bones and bone marrow, and his biopsy showed the DNA of the tumor was unfavorable. Chemotherapy started in the ICU just two days after walking into the emergency room.
That first month we stayed at Children’s; I did not know what would happen to my son. The pain the tumor in his head caused was intense, and he lost vision in his right eye as the tumor compressed his optic nerve. He was sick all the time from the chemotherapy and I watched his hair fall into his pillow, broken hearted. We would share a bed and he loved to lean in close to his unborn baby brother, Colton. Moments of comfort were short lived as Jesse would vomit every 15 minutes despite medication to help control nausea. Radiation started as well, to stop this aggressive tumor from growing in his head. During this time, our faith was shaken but not lost. We decided to do whatever it took to get our son back. And we did.
Jesse endured an intense schedule of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow harvest and transplant, more radiation, many blood transfusions, an antibody treatment and now he is on Accutane. Jesse’s cancer responded well to his treatment and now he is cancer free. Our goal is to prevent relapse and we will. Because with faith, hope, and love for Jesse… anything is possible.
Jesse is a wonderful blessing to my husband Jeff and me. Our entire lives we wanted to be parents, and we overjoyed when Jesse was born. Jesse instantly became the center of our universe. We lived to make him happy, and loved every thing about him. Jesse is very sweet, compassionate, yet has a very strong and brave side. He loves Cars, Super Hero’s, playing with his cousins, and outside in his Power Wheels trunk. However, last April, Jesse complained of a headache during his 3rd birthday party. It was intermittent, but with each day, his pain increased. At first, we were treated for a sinus infection. When the pain increased and Jesse reported he could not see, we headed to Children’s Hospital Boston. A CT Scan was ordered after initial tests did not show any infections. My husband Jeff went into the room with Jesse, while I waited outside of the scan room, 8 months pregnant. I became nervous when they wanted to rescan Jesse. Once the second set of scans was completed, we were ushered back to the room with the doctor.
The doctor told me to sit down, and I knew in his young eyes, this was not going to be easy. All I heard was, “a large mass was found in his head”. Teams of doctors entered the room, gathering to do whatever it took to help Jesse. Over the next few days, another tumor was found in his adrenal gland, leading to the diagnosis of High Risk Neuroblastoma. It was Stage 4, a very aggressive cancer. It was in all of his bones and bone marrow, and his biopsy showed the DNA of the tumor was unfavorable. Chemotherapy started in the ICU just two days after walking into the emergency room.
That first month we stayed at Children’s; I did not know what would happen to my son. The pain the tumor in his head caused was intense, and he lost vision in his right eye as the tumor compressed his optic nerve. He was sick all the time from the chemotherapy and I watched his hair fall into his pillow, broken hearted. We would share a bed and he loved to lean in close to his unborn baby brother, Colton. Moments of comfort were short lived as Jesse would vomit every 15 minutes despite medication to help control nausea. Radiation started as well, to stop this aggressive tumor from growing in his head. During this time, our faith was shaken but not lost. We decided to do whatever it took to get our son back. And we did.
Jesse endured an intense schedule of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow harvest and transplant, more radiation, many blood transfusions, an antibody treatment and now he is on Accutane. Jesse’s cancer responded well to his treatment and now he is cancer free. Our goal is to prevent relapse and we will. Because with faith, hope, and love for Jesse… anything is possible.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Unconditional Love...
March 14, 2010
Unconditional Love…
This week, as a part of a class I am taking, I was asked to write a paragraph or two on how I would respond to a hypothetical Catholic who is asking “Why do I have to go to Mass?” What would you say? How would you respond?
I pondered my answer for a while. I could respond that it is a mortal sin to not attend Mass; God will be disappointed; you can sacrifice an hour for God each Sunday; Jesus commanded it. These are all good, basic answers we usually give. I did think of one reason that isn’t mentioned too often – unconditional love. Mass is a time where we experience unconditional love in a variety of ways.
As I sat in Mass last week, I thought of love as I looked upon the stained glass depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. God so loved us he gave his only beloved Son to us. Jesus so loved us He was willing to die for us. I then started looking around at my fellow worshippers and I was thinking what a wonderful place we are in! We have all come together to love and worship our God and love one another. As I looked to my left and right I saw nothing but love. Each one of us here today belong to a group that was founded in love, unconditional love. Can you say that any other group you belong to is founded totally out of love?
In today’s Gospel we see a son who was lost for awhile and came back to his father who loves him unconditionally. In a few weeks, on Easter, we will have the chance to exhibit unconditional love for those who have not been to Mass in a while. Let us welcome back our prodigal sisters and brothers with unconditional love as our Father in heaven loves us, unconditionally.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Unconditional Love…
This week, as a part of a class I am taking, I was asked to write a paragraph or two on how I would respond to a hypothetical Catholic who is asking “Why do I have to go to Mass?” What would you say? How would you respond?
I pondered my answer for a while. I could respond that it is a mortal sin to not attend Mass; God will be disappointed; you can sacrifice an hour for God each Sunday; Jesus commanded it. These are all good, basic answers we usually give. I did think of one reason that isn’t mentioned too often – unconditional love. Mass is a time where we experience unconditional love in a variety of ways.
As I sat in Mass last week, I thought of love as I looked upon the stained glass depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. God so loved us he gave his only beloved Son to us. Jesus so loved us He was willing to die for us. I then started looking around at my fellow worshippers and I was thinking what a wonderful place we are in! We have all come together to love and worship our God and love one another. As I looked to my left and right I saw nothing but love. Each one of us here today belong to a group that was founded in love, unconditional love. Can you say that any other group you belong to is founded totally out of love?
In today’s Gospel we see a son who was lost for awhile and came back to his father who loves him unconditionally. In a few weeks, on Easter, we will have the chance to exhibit unconditional love for those who have not been to Mass in a while. Let us welcome back our prodigal sisters and brothers with unconditional love as our Father in heaven loves us, unconditionally.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Same Kind of Different as Me...
February 28, 2010
Same Kind of Different as Me…
This past week Fr. Dan Crowley gave me the following article for the bulletin. I felt called by the Spirit to share with you and some of my own thoughts at the end:
Blowing Your Horn
Patrick Henry Hughes attends the University of Louisville where he plays trumpet in their marching band. Patrick, born with natural musical ability, also came into the world with no eyes and a tightening of the joints that has crippled him for life. Blind and wheelchair-bound, Patrick and his father, who “rolls and rotates his son around the field,” never miss a band practice or a half-time performance. Patrick’s father also attends all of his classes, working the graveyard shift at UPS in order to do so. “We might not play baseball, but we can play music together,” his father proudly proclaims.
Placed in a wheelchair at a young age and fitted with artificial eyes, Patrick discovered his gifted musical ability at the piano before he reached the age of one. His mother could hit any note on the piano and within a few tries, Hughes would be able to match it. At the age of two, he could play requests.
When Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths and Successories, Inc., heard Patrick and his father at a conference, he knew he had found a hero to inspire others and chose Patrick’s story as the introduction to his book Learning to Dance in the Rain. Although hearing Patrick’s story was inspirational, seeing him play was an experience of energy and enthusiasm that lit up the stage, permeating the entire theatre with joy and an “attitude of gratitude.”
God made me blind and unable to walk. Big Deal! He gave me the ability... the musical gifts I have… and the great opportunity to meet new people.” Patrick allowed his life to be transformed and by doing so, transforms all those who come into his presence and hear his story. Jesus allowed his body and life to be transformed in order that his followers could continue the transformation after he was gone. This is the Lenten challenge, the Lenten call— transform your lives. - Dr. Constance M. Popp
I was very moved by this article and found myself identifying with much. I have often been asked by children why I have limited fingers and a different looking appearance. I often tell them it is because God made me different. God gave me limited fingers and toes (big deal!) but he gave me the ability to write and the great opportunity to meet you all and serve you in the ministry of our Lord. This Lent Let us invite special people into our lives… Let us be transformed with joy and love… Let us celebrate our differences… and… you may find that we are all different… the same kind of different as me.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Same Kind of Different as Me…
This past week Fr. Dan Crowley gave me the following article for the bulletin. I felt called by the Spirit to share with you and some of my own thoughts at the end:
Blowing Your Horn
Patrick Henry Hughes attends the University of Louisville where he plays trumpet in their marching band. Patrick, born with natural musical ability, also came into the world with no eyes and a tightening of the joints that has crippled him for life. Blind and wheelchair-bound, Patrick and his father, who “rolls and rotates his son around the field,” never miss a band practice or a half-time performance. Patrick’s father also attends all of his classes, working the graveyard shift at UPS in order to do so. “We might not play baseball, but we can play music together,” his father proudly proclaims.
Placed in a wheelchair at a young age and fitted with artificial eyes, Patrick discovered his gifted musical ability at the piano before he reached the age of one. His mother could hit any note on the piano and within a few tries, Hughes would be able to match it. At the age of two, he could play requests.
When Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths and Successories, Inc., heard Patrick and his father at a conference, he knew he had found a hero to inspire others and chose Patrick’s story as the introduction to his book Learning to Dance in the Rain. Although hearing Patrick’s story was inspirational, seeing him play was an experience of energy and enthusiasm that lit up the stage, permeating the entire theatre with joy and an “attitude of gratitude.”
God made me blind and unable to walk. Big Deal! He gave me the ability... the musical gifts I have… and the great opportunity to meet new people.” Patrick allowed his life to be transformed and by doing so, transforms all those who come into his presence and hear his story. Jesus allowed his body and life to be transformed in order that his followers could continue the transformation after he was gone. This is the Lenten challenge, the Lenten call— transform your lives. - Dr. Constance M. Popp
I was very moved by this article and found myself identifying with much. I have often been asked by children why I have limited fingers and a different looking appearance. I often tell them it is because God made me different. God gave me limited fingers and toes (big deal!) but he gave me the ability to write and the great opportunity to meet you all and serve you in the ministry of our Lord. This Lent Let us invite special people into our lives… Let us be transformed with joy and love… Let us celebrate our differences… and… you may find that we are all different… the same kind of different as me.
God Bless, Holly Clark
What Challenges You?
February 21, 2010
What Challenges You?
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2
Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” As I reread this Gospel I find myself not thinking about what to give up for Lent but rather my thoughts go to the challenge of not giving up to the devil and his temptations. Jesus challenged Himself by facing Satan one-on-one and I ask myself what challenges the devil sends me to tempt me to the road to ruin? I know he sends me brownies I shouldn’t eat, annoyances that I shouldn’t be angry at, and situations where I find myself alone and wondering what life and living is all about.
Everyday we face challenges great and small. What devils do you have sitting on your shoulder? What challenges and temptations do you face? As we travel our Lenten journey we will fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us Let us remember the words of St. Paul:
The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Rom 10:8,13
God Bless, Holly Clark
P.S. Please take a look at the banners on the wall today at St. Rose and Sacred Heart. The Generations of Faith children have illustrated Jesus in the desert with Satan. During our last set of faith festivals the children shared with me some of their demons and temptations. Sharing my faith with children and having them share with me is very uplifting… won’t you do the same?
What Challenges You?
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2
Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” As I reread this Gospel I find myself not thinking about what to give up for Lent but rather my thoughts go to the challenge of not giving up to the devil and his temptations. Jesus challenged Himself by facing Satan one-on-one and I ask myself what challenges the devil sends me to tempt me to the road to ruin? I know he sends me brownies I shouldn’t eat, annoyances that I shouldn’t be angry at, and situations where I find myself alone and wondering what life and living is all about.
Everyday we face challenges great and small. What devils do you have sitting on your shoulder? What challenges and temptations do you face? As we travel our Lenten journey we will fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us Let us remember the words of St. Paul:
The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Rom 10:8,13
God Bless, Holly Clark
P.S. Please take a look at the banners on the wall today at St. Rose and Sacred Heart. The Generations of Faith children have illustrated Jesus in the desert with Satan. During our last set of faith festivals the children shared with me some of their demons and temptations. Sharing my faith with children and having them share with me is very uplifting… won’t you do the same?
Where is Your Heart?
February 7, 2010
When you come to Mass, what are you thinking about? Where is your mind? Are you thinking about your to-do list or worrying about work or family matters? Where is your mind and where is your heart? The documents of Vatican II call for the “full and conscious participation” of the laity in the Mass which means our minds, heart and soul should be concentrating on AND participating in the Mass.
I am taking Liturgy and Sacraments as a course this semester. Our instructor, Fr. Brian Mahoney, pointed out to us reaching the ideal of full and conscious participation in the Mass is very difficult to achieve because as he says: “Face it! Do we really fully and actively participate in the running of our own lives?” I have to admit he is right. Do you run your life the way you want or do you feel controlled by your schedules, family, friends etc.? Do you feel alive?
While at Mass, I often look around and look into your faces and ponder what brought you here today. Are you excited to be here and shout Amen with enthusiasm? Do you raise your voice in song? Are you listening to God’s Word with all your heart and mind? When we attend Mass let us try to not multitask our brains and relish the time spent with Jesus and with our companions in Christ. Let us not allow others to intrude on our time. Let us shout Amen! Let us sing out strong. (So what, if you can’t carry a tune… the Lord still wants to hear your voice!). Let us shout to the Lord, as Isaiah did… “Here I am!” (Is 6:8).
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
When you come to Mass, what are you thinking about? Where is your mind? Are you thinking about your to-do list or worrying about work or family matters? Where is your mind and where is your heart? The documents of Vatican II call for the “full and conscious participation” of the laity in the Mass which means our minds, heart and soul should be concentrating on AND participating in the Mass.
I am taking Liturgy and Sacraments as a course this semester. Our instructor, Fr. Brian Mahoney, pointed out to us reaching the ideal of full and conscious participation in the Mass is very difficult to achieve because as he says: “Face it! Do we really fully and actively participate in the running of our own lives?” I have to admit he is right. Do you run your life the way you want or do you feel controlled by your schedules, family, friends etc.? Do you feel alive?
While at Mass, I often look around and look into your faces and ponder what brought you here today. Are you excited to be here and shout Amen with enthusiasm? Do you raise your voice in song? Are you listening to God’s Word with all your heart and mind? When we attend Mass let us try to not multitask our brains and relish the time spent with Jesus and with our companions in Christ. Let us not allow others to intrude on our time. Let us shout Amen! Let us sing out strong. (So what, if you can’t carry a tune… the Lord still wants to hear your voice!). Let us shout to the Lord, as Isaiah did… “Here I am!” (Is 6:8).
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Who Are You?
Jan. 31, 2010
Who ARE You?
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Jer 1:4–5
How many times have you asked yourself, or God, “Who am I? Why am I here?” Today’s first reading from Jeremiah tells us that God knows exactly who we are even if we don’t! These questions have come to me often of late as I discern what path to take in my life. I often ponder where God is leading me and as I pray on it He often gives me little glimpses of my role in life. He does not disclose all, and I am often impatient, but wouldn’t life be boring if we really did have all the answers?
Discovering who we are and why we are here is a lifelong pursuit. We need to trust that the Lord knows what is best for us, we need to be patient. In a later chapter in Jeremiah, the Lord states: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jer 29:11)
I was recently at a meeting where we opened in prayerful song. The tune was “Who I Was Born To Be” as sung by Susan Boyle. My heart caught these words:
I am who I was born to be
And so here am I, Open arms and ready to stand
I've got the world in my hands, And it feels like my turn to fly
As God slowly lets me in His plans for me I do feel as if I am discovering who I was born to be… and I am ready to fly! This week let us truly be attentive to God’s whisperings… If we listen closely we will discover who we are meant to be and we will all be ready to fly… and when that happens, just think of how joyous our Lord will be!
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Who ARE You?
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Jer 1:4–5
How many times have you asked yourself, or God, “Who am I? Why am I here?” Today’s first reading from Jeremiah tells us that God knows exactly who we are even if we don’t! These questions have come to me often of late as I discern what path to take in my life. I often ponder where God is leading me and as I pray on it He often gives me little glimpses of my role in life. He does not disclose all, and I am often impatient, but wouldn’t life be boring if we really did have all the answers?
Discovering who we are and why we are here is a lifelong pursuit. We need to trust that the Lord knows what is best for us, we need to be patient. In a later chapter in Jeremiah, the Lord states: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jer 29:11)
I was recently at a meeting where we opened in prayerful song. The tune was “Who I Was Born To Be” as sung by Susan Boyle. My heart caught these words:
I am who I was born to be
And so here am I, Open arms and ready to stand
I've got the world in my hands, And it feels like my turn to fly
As God slowly lets me in His plans for me I do feel as if I am discovering who I was born to be… and I am ready to fly! This week let us truly be attentive to God’s whisperings… If we listen closely we will discover who we are meant to be and we will all be ready to fly… and when that happens, just think of how joyous our Lord will be!
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Dust Off Your Hopes
Jan. 24, 2010
Dust Off Your Hopes… Now is the Time!
This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Mark 1:15
“Dust off your hopes… Now is the time!” These words are from a homily Fr. Michael Medas (St. John’s Seminary) gave at a Mass I attended recently in Brighton. The homily was so inspiring I wanted to take notes so I could share with you all, but, alas, I had no pen, my memory will have to do!
After reading from Mark’s Gospel, Fr. Medas stepped away from the ambo shouting “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” With Gospel in hand, he exclaimed “Just how amazing is this? The Word of God in my hands! All we need to know about God, Jesus and Salvation is right here in my hands! Believe in the Gospel! It’s all right here!” Fr. Medas remarked that now is the time… the time for us to live the hopes of Jesus and our Father. Now is the time to believe in a better life. Now is the time to make a better world because the Kingdom of God is at hand. God so loved us He gave us the written Word that is the Bible and the Living Word, Christ.
I have been reading the Bible daily for about two years now and I agree with Fr. Medas. It is amazing what you will find in the Bible. The hopes and dreams of those living 2000-3000 years ago are not all that different from those of today. Fr. Medas says it is time to fulfill these hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Let us, this week, think of ways to make this a better world. Let us pray for the strength and courage to face the opposition and evil that blocks our path to God. Let us honor our Biblical ancestors by reading their stories and learning from their collective wisdom. Let us be truly open and attentive to God’s Word. . -God Bless, Holly Clark
Dust Off Your Hopes… Now is the Time!
This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Mark 1:15
“Dust off your hopes… Now is the time!” These words are from a homily Fr. Michael Medas (St. John’s Seminary) gave at a Mass I attended recently in Brighton. The homily was so inspiring I wanted to take notes so I could share with you all, but, alas, I had no pen, my memory will have to do!
After reading from Mark’s Gospel, Fr. Medas stepped away from the ambo shouting “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” With Gospel in hand, he exclaimed “Just how amazing is this? The Word of God in my hands! All we need to know about God, Jesus and Salvation is right here in my hands! Believe in the Gospel! It’s all right here!” Fr. Medas remarked that now is the time… the time for us to live the hopes of Jesus and our Father. Now is the time to believe in a better life. Now is the time to make a better world because the Kingdom of God is at hand. God so loved us He gave us the written Word that is the Bible and the Living Word, Christ.
I have been reading the Bible daily for about two years now and I agree with Fr. Medas. It is amazing what you will find in the Bible. The hopes and dreams of those living 2000-3000 years ago are not all that different from those of today. Fr. Medas says it is time to fulfill these hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Let us, this week, think of ways to make this a better world. Let us pray for the strength and courage to face the opposition and evil that blocks our path to God. Let us honor our Biblical ancestors by reading their stories and learning from their collective wisdom. Let us be truly open and attentive to God’s Word. . -God Bless, Holly Clark
Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Jan. 17, 2010
The Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Last Wednesday morning I awoke to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. My thoughts immediately went to three Haitian friends of mine who have close family members in Haiti. One of these friends I had just seen the night before. As I think of it, we were conversing and laughing at about the same time as the earthquake. Life is so very fragile and we never know what may come.
Today I count my blessings and as I read today’s passage from Corinthians I ask myself: “What gifts do I have to share with the people of Haiti? How can I help alleviate the suffering and pain of those mourning loved ones? How can we help rebuild?” How will you help? What will you do?
Through our Baptism, God gave us the gift of Christ and, in turn, Christ gave us the gift of hope. God never promised us happiness but he did give us Christ so that we all may be saved. Christ taught us how to live in hope, help those in need and how to pray. Today I would ask you to examine your gifts, talents, worldly goods and consider how to give of yourself to the Haitian people. You may sit back and think that you have nothing special to offer… but you do… your hope and your prayers. Sending contributions is great but also consider saying a prayer for Haiti for each penny or dollar you may send. Imagine how many prayers that would add up to all together! Let us join together this week to pray for my three friends’ families and all those living in Haiti. Let us freely share our gifts of hope and prayer. Let us use our gifts and go forward in hope and love to build a better world. God Bless- Holly Clark
The Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Last Wednesday morning I awoke to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. My thoughts immediately went to three Haitian friends of mine who have close family members in Haiti. One of these friends I had just seen the night before. As I think of it, we were conversing and laughing at about the same time as the earthquake. Life is so very fragile and we never know what may come.
Today I count my blessings and as I read today’s passage from Corinthians I ask myself: “What gifts do I have to share with the people of Haiti? How can I help alleviate the suffering and pain of those mourning loved ones? How can we help rebuild?” How will you help? What will you do?
Through our Baptism, God gave us the gift of Christ and, in turn, Christ gave us the gift of hope. God never promised us happiness but he did give us Christ so that we all may be saved. Christ taught us how to live in hope, help those in need and how to pray. Today I would ask you to examine your gifts, talents, worldly goods and consider how to give of yourself to the Haitian people. You may sit back and think that you have nothing special to offer… but you do… your hope and your prayers. Sending contributions is great but also consider saying a prayer for Haiti for each penny or dollar you may send. Imagine how many prayers that would add up to all together! Let us join together this week to pray for my three friends’ families and all those living in Haiti. Let us freely share our gifts of hope and prayer. Let us use our gifts and go forward in hope and love to build a better world. God Bless- Holly Clark
Which Road Will You Take?
Jan. 10, 2010
Which Road Will You Take?
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood…*
The poet Robert Frost wrote these lines in the early 1900s. I was reminded of this poem not long ago, during this past Advent, when I felt at a crossroads in my life. I could not help but think that Jesus definitely chose the road less traveled. Whenever two paths diverged, Jesus always chose the more difficult route. This leads me to muse that perhaps it is the journey that is important and not the destination.
In life we are faced with many diverging paths and roads. In January, we make resolutions and set goals for the year. And then, we aim straight for those goals not really paying attention to how we obtain them. So often we see a goal in front of us that we rush to reach without enjoying the scenery on the way. We look at obstacles on our path as hindrances to our goals rather than signposts pointing out new paths and new adventures. This January let us think more about the journey of life rather than the destination. Let us be more mindful of the road we travel and what there is to see and learn on the journey. Let us also put aside fear of the unknown and travel down the road less traveled… it will make all the difference in your life…
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.*
*”The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost, 1916
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Which Road Will You Take?
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood…*
The poet Robert Frost wrote these lines in the early 1900s. I was reminded of this poem not long ago, during this past Advent, when I felt at a crossroads in my life. I could not help but think that Jesus definitely chose the road less traveled. Whenever two paths diverged, Jesus always chose the more difficult route. This leads me to muse that perhaps it is the journey that is important and not the destination.
In life we are faced with many diverging paths and roads. In January, we make resolutions and set goals for the year. And then, we aim straight for those goals not really paying attention to how we obtain them. So often we see a goal in front of us that we rush to reach without enjoying the scenery on the way. We look at obstacles on our path as hindrances to our goals rather than signposts pointing out new paths and new adventures. This January let us think more about the journey of life rather than the destination. Let us be more mindful of the road we travel and what there is to see and learn on the journey. Let us also put aside fear of the unknown and travel down the road less traveled… it will make all the difference in your life…
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.*
*”The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost, 1916
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Let Your Face Shine Upon us
Jan. 3, 2010
Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon Us
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow. Isaiah 60:1,5
The Christmas gifts have been bought, wrapped, opened and put away… The New Year has just arrived… the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?
Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was asked by a parishioner a couple of weeks ago: “Where is God? Why are so many in this world so needy? Why are there so many nasty people? I don’t know where to find joy.” I had no answers for her except to say that we need to seek out Christ’s light, find the goodness in people and if we cannot find it, then we must create it within ourselves and be Christ to those who need us. We need to be open to the goodness of the world and of God. We need to slow down and appreciate the life around us. Give the Lord a chance to shine His Light upon us. Let us take that Light and share with all those who need some sunshine in their lives.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon Us
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow. Isaiah 60:1,5
The Christmas gifts have been bought, wrapped, opened and put away… The New Year has just arrived… the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?
Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was asked by a parishioner a couple of weeks ago: “Where is God? Why are so many in this world so needy? Why are there so many nasty people? I don’t know where to find joy.” I had no answers for her except to say that we need to seek out Christ’s light, find the goodness in people and if we cannot find it, then we must create it within ourselves and be Christ to those who need us. We need to be open to the goodness of the world and of God. We need to slow down and appreciate the life around us. Give the Lord a chance to shine His Light upon us. Let us take that Light and share with all those who need some sunshine in their lives.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
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