Make Straight a Highway for God
So often in Advent we hear the above phrase: “make straight a highway for God.” My advent challenge this year is to ponder ways to make strait a pathway for God. I was at a loss as to the best way to do this, and a bit overwhelmed, until I came across the cartoon below while looking at bulletin filler. The question is asked “It’s a big nasty world out there- what does God expect ME to do?” The reply really struck home with me: “Make a little UN-nasty part of the world wherever you are!” I thought this is how I will make God’s highway for Him! I will try to make my little piece of the world un-nasty!
I want you to take some time today and think about what makes you happy. What little things have given you joy? Was it the kind person who cleared snow off your car at the supermarket during a snowstorm? Was it the person who gave you hug when you most needed it? Was it the funny e-mail you received when you were grumpy? Or maybe someone told you that you make a difference in their life? Think about what little things give you joy and try to offer them to others, friends and strangers. Random acts of kindness and thoughtfulness are guaranteed to brighten someone’s day and make somebody else’s world a little less nasty.
Jesus made straight our pathway to salvation and in turn we should make straight the path for His return to us. Let us pray for the little things in life that bring us joy. Let us each make a difference in one another’s life.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, December 21, 2009
Calm Amidst the Chaos?
Calm Amidst the Chaos?
A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’
Luke 3:4
I am closing my eyes and imagining in my mind this scene from 2000 years ago: A desert backdrop… calm, quiet, peaceful. I am enjoying the silence of the desert. No cell phones, no noise, no violence, nothing here to remind me of the chaos of the 21st century. I have gone back in time… I am sitting on a rock taking in a beautiful desert sunset enjoying the silence. Suddenly I hear a voice… who dares disturb my karma? John the Baptist has come to see me with an important message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” John and I chat for a while about “the one who is mightier” to come. John leaves me and goes on his way. I remain in the desert a bit longer, the sun has set and I gaze up at the stars in heaven. Once again quietness comes over me and I ponder John’s message to me and the world.
As I travel back to our century I can’t help but wonder if John were to come to us today would we hear his message against the chaos of our own lives? How often do we take time out of our lives to be still and empty our minds of clutter… Think back to the last time you felt at peace, even if it was just a few minutes. This Advent, I am going to take time everyday to quiet the chaos of my mind. I am going to go back in time to my desert and ponder how I will prepare the way of our Lord. It will be difficult to do amongst the cooking, shopping, studying, demands of life… but I am going to try and I challenge each and every one of you to do the same. -God Bless, Holly Clark
A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’
Luke 3:4
I am closing my eyes and imagining in my mind this scene from 2000 years ago: A desert backdrop… calm, quiet, peaceful. I am enjoying the silence of the desert. No cell phones, no noise, no violence, nothing here to remind me of the chaos of the 21st century. I have gone back in time… I am sitting on a rock taking in a beautiful desert sunset enjoying the silence. Suddenly I hear a voice… who dares disturb my karma? John the Baptist has come to see me with an important message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” John and I chat for a while about “the one who is mightier” to come. John leaves me and goes on his way. I remain in the desert a bit longer, the sun has set and I gaze up at the stars in heaven. Once again quietness comes over me and I ponder John’s message to me and the world.
As I travel back to our century I can’t help but wonder if John were to come to us today would we hear his message against the chaos of our own lives? How often do we take time out of our lives to be still and empty our minds of clutter… Think back to the last time you felt at peace, even if it was just a few minutes. This Advent, I am going to take time everyday to quiet the chaos of my mind. I am going to go back in time to my desert and ponder how I will prepare the way of our Lord. It will be difficult to do amongst the cooking, shopping, studying, demands of life… but I am going to try and I challenge each and every one of you to do the same. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, November 30, 2009
$50, Some Prayers and Some Smiles
$50, Some Prayers and Some Smiles
Last week I was touched by hearing the story of how some business proprietors touched the hearts of two of our parishioners. Two members of our Liturgical Environment team went out last week to purchase plants, flowers, gourds, etc. to decorate the church for Thanksgiving. The nursery owners gave them a $100-200 amount of stuff and only asked for fifty dollars and some prayers.
When these two ladies got back to the Church they couldn’t wait to share their story of goodness and generosity. As I was chatting with them I found myself uplifted. The Holy Spirit was at work. I got to thinking how a simple act of generosity brought two ladies some joy and happiness, uplifted my spirits and will eventually brighten up the spirits of out parishioners when they see the flowers, plants, etc. on the altar.
As we enter into the holy season of Advent let us try to perform random acts of kindness. One small act of kindness or generosity can blossom and grow to several acts and bring joy to a great many. As today’s second reading states:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all – 1 Thes 3:12
Just imagine! A world abounding in love! So let us begin Advent in love and kindness… When someone beats you out at the store for the must have toy… pray… maybe they have a sick child at home and it will be their last Christmas. When someone cuts you off in traffic… pray… maybe there is an emergency at home. When stressed out over too much to do preparing for the holidays… thank God for the love of family and friends, after all it is love that really matters. God Bless, Holly Clark
Last week I was touched by hearing the story of how some business proprietors touched the hearts of two of our parishioners. Two members of our Liturgical Environment team went out last week to purchase plants, flowers, gourds, etc. to decorate the church for Thanksgiving. The nursery owners gave them a $100-200 amount of stuff and only asked for fifty dollars and some prayers.
When these two ladies got back to the Church they couldn’t wait to share their story of goodness and generosity. As I was chatting with them I found myself uplifted. The Holy Spirit was at work. I got to thinking how a simple act of generosity brought two ladies some joy and happiness, uplifted my spirits and will eventually brighten up the spirits of out parishioners when they see the flowers, plants, etc. on the altar.
As we enter into the holy season of Advent let us try to perform random acts of kindness. One small act of kindness or generosity can blossom and grow to several acts and bring joy to a great many. As today’s second reading states:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all – 1 Thes 3:12
Just imagine! A world abounding in love! So let us begin Advent in love and kindness… When someone beats you out at the store for the must have toy… pray… maybe they have a sick child at home and it will be their last Christmas. When someone cuts you off in traffic… pray… maybe there is an emergency at home. When stressed out over too much to do preparing for the holidays… thank God for the love of family and friends, after all it is love that really matters. God Bless, Holly Clark
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What are You Thankful For?
What are You Thankful For?
Last weekend I walked into a Michael’s Craft Store and was immediately bombarded by Christmas carols, Christmas crafts, cards, decorations and there was someone painting snowmen on the outside windows. I was there to buy a birthday gift and was really not ready to begin to think about Christmas. As I wandered the store I got to wondering whatever happened to Thanksgiving?
I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a time to count and reflect upon my blessings and what I am thankful for. I always thought Thanksgiving was a god secular holiday to prepare us for moving into Advent: a time of preparing for our Savior’s arrival.
So I ask you to try to not to be overwhelmed by materialism and focus on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends let us do some holy remembering and see where God is at work in our lives.
Be thankful for loved ones… many are lonely.
Be thankful for the roof over your heads… many are homeless.
Be thankful for good health… many are suffering.
Be thankful for food on the table… many are starving.
Be thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life…
Many will never know devine love…
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Cark
Last weekend I walked into a Michael’s Craft Store and was immediately bombarded by Christmas carols, Christmas crafts, cards, decorations and there was someone painting snowmen on the outside windows. I was there to buy a birthday gift and was really not ready to begin to think about Christmas. As I wandered the store I got to wondering whatever happened to Thanksgiving?
I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a time to count and reflect upon my blessings and what I am thankful for. I always thought Thanksgiving was a god secular holiday to prepare us for moving into Advent: a time of preparing for our Savior’s arrival.
So I ask you to try to not to be overwhelmed by materialism and focus on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends let us do some holy remembering and see where God is at work in our lives.
Be thankful for loved ones… many are lonely.
Be thankful for the roof over your heads… many are homeless.
Be thankful for good health… many are suffering.
Be thankful for food on the table… many are starving.
Be thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life…
Many will never know devine love…
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Cark
Got Talent?
November 15, 2009
Got Talent?
In our Church today, we find in our laity a huge reservoir of talent and expertise just waiting to be called on in the service of the Kingdom.
Theresa EE-Choi, Member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Malaysia)
Do you have talents to offer? In this new millennium we are facing a culture of pastoral planning as the number priests and religious decline drastically. We each need to do a serious inventory of our gifts and talents and discover where we can put them to the best use in service to our Lord and our parish. You may say “I have no talent. I have nothing to offer…” Nonsense! Everyone has a talent for something! Even a baby can give away a smile.
A few years ago I was unemployed and feeling a bit worthless when I was at Mass one Sunday morning and saw a Stewardship form for volunteering time and talent. I thought as I was not working that I had plenty of time to offer and did an inventory of my talents. I filled out the form offering my graphic design skills. My first project was designing a bulletin board for CCD classes. Later projects included flyers, PowerPoint presentations and building the parish website. Through this stewardship of time and talent I found myself reawakened spiritually. I fell in love with ministry! Stewardship lit the flame of my heart and I decided to dedicate my life to ministry. (You never know what God has in mind for you!)
Today as we conclude our stewardship talks I would ask each of you to reflect upon your talents. Please use today’s bulletin insert as an aid to discern your talents and gifts. Perhaps ask your friends and families where they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you! Be brave! Walk into, or call, the church offices at Sacred Heart or St. Rose and say “YES! I am here to donate my time and talent!” If the church is to survive and thrive in the third millennium she will need ALL of us working together in communion with Christ.
Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ.
Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II, 2000
God Bless, Holly Clark
Got Talent?
In our Church today, we find in our laity a huge reservoir of talent and expertise just waiting to be called on in the service of the Kingdom.
Theresa EE-Choi, Member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Malaysia)
Do you have talents to offer? In this new millennium we are facing a culture of pastoral planning as the number priests and religious decline drastically. We each need to do a serious inventory of our gifts and talents and discover where we can put them to the best use in service to our Lord and our parish. You may say “I have no talent. I have nothing to offer…” Nonsense! Everyone has a talent for something! Even a baby can give away a smile.
A few years ago I was unemployed and feeling a bit worthless when I was at Mass one Sunday morning and saw a Stewardship form for volunteering time and talent. I thought as I was not working that I had plenty of time to offer and did an inventory of my talents. I filled out the form offering my graphic design skills. My first project was designing a bulletin board for CCD classes. Later projects included flyers, PowerPoint presentations and building the parish website. Through this stewardship of time and talent I found myself reawakened spiritually. I fell in love with ministry! Stewardship lit the flame of my heart and I decided to dedicate my life to ministry. (You never know what God has in mind for you!)
Today as we conclude our stewardship talks I would ask each of you to reflect upon your talents. Please use today’s bulletin insert as an aid to discern your talents and gifts. Perhaps ask your friends and families where they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you! Be brave! Walk into, or call, the church offices at Sacred Heart or St. Rose and say “YES! I am here to donate my time and talent!” If the church is to survive and thrive in the third millennium she will need ALL of us working together in communion with Christ.
Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ.
Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II, 2000
God Bless, Holly Clark
A Widow's Contribution
November 8, 2009
A Widow’s Contribution
In today’s gospel Jesus is awed by a widow’s contribution of a few coins towards helping others. In our culture today when a husband dies the wife inherits his goods. However, in old Israel, it is the children who inherit everything leaving the widow penniless and at the mercy of her children and society. Penniless widows were abundant in old Israel. In the Old Testament widows were considered the epitome of the lonely and helpless.
Widows in old Israel were readily recognizable by the wearing of special clothing called “widow’s reeds.” This made them easily recognizable and easy to victimize as their clothing signaled they had no man to protect them. In the New Testament, Paul (1 Timothy 5:3-16) and James (James 1:27) describe the special responsibility Christians have toward the caring of widows.
You can more fully understand now the context of today’s Gospel. Jesus easily recognized the woman as a widow because of her clothing and knew widows were almost always penniless. This is what made her giving so much more special. She not only was giving what few pennies she had but was also giving her heart.
Today let us reflect upon all that we have, count our blessings and remember those who have nothing. Let us not be judgmental. When a parishioner only puts in a few coins into our collection basket let us pray for that person for that may all they can give. Let us also pray for all widows and widowers who find themselves in poverty and loneliness. Let us share our earthly goods and our heart with one another.
God Bless Holly Clark
P.S. A careful reading of the above-mentioned New Testament passages will show that widows, especially older ones, wers called to a special vocation by Christianity. Christian widows came together as the first group of women to live the consecrated life, living in poverty, dedicating their lives to Jesus and service to the poor. Hence, in a way, they were our first nuns.
Source: A Guide to the Church, Lawrence B. Porter
A Widow’s Contribution
In today’s gospel Jesus is awed by a widow’s contribution of a few coins towards helping others. In our culture today when a husband dies the wife inherits his goods. However, in old Israel, it is the children who inherit everything leaving the widow penniless and at the mercy of her children and society. Penniless widows were abundant in old Israel. In the Old Testament widows were considered the epitome of the lonely and helpless.
Widows in old Israel were readily recognizable by the wearing of special clothing called “widow’s reeds.” This made them easily recognizable and easy to victimize as their clothing signaled they had no man to protect them. In the New Testament, Paul (1 Timothy 5:3-16) and James (James 1:27) describe the special responsibility Christians have toward the caring of widows.
You can more fully understand now the context of today’s Gospel. Jesus easily recognized the woman as a widow because of her clothing and knew widows were almost always penniless. This is what made her giving so much more special. She not only was giving what few pennies she had but was also giving her heart.
Today let us reflect upon all that we have, count our blessings and remember those who have nothing. Let us not be judgmental. When a parishioner only puts in a few coins into our collection basket let us pray for that person for that may all they can give. Let us also pray for all widows and widowers who find themselves in poverty and loneliness. Let us share our earthly goods and our heart with one another.
God Bless Holly Clark
P.S. A careful reading of the above-mentioned New Testament passages will show that widows, especially older ones, wers called to a special vocation by Christianity. Christian widows came together as the first group of women to live the consecrated life, living in poverty, dedicating their lives to Jesus and service to the poor. Hence, in a way, they were our first nuns.
Source: A Guide to the Church, Lawrence B. Porter
Friday, October 30, 2009
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
November 1, 2009
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Tomorrow is All Soul’s Day. Today we celebrate Masses of Remembrance at both Sacred Heart and Saint Rose. We remember all those who have died in the past year. It is a time of holy remembering.
Every week I sit at my desk and type out the Mass Intentions here in the bulletin and from time to time I schedule funerals to be celebrated here… I often find myself wondering who these people were in life. I wonder if they were well loved or lonely souls. I ponder how their lives touched others. Every life on this planet touches another in some way.
Today, I think back to the loved ones I have lost and contemplate lost time. I ask myself was I too busy to visit my grandmothers when they were alive? Do I make time for my friends and relatives now while we are alive and well?
My thoughts today also go out to two of my friends who have terminal illnesses. I pray that a year from now I am not mourning them and feeling like I have neglected them in their time of need. Life is too short for regrets. Let us make in effort today, right now, to make a difference in someone’s life. Let us make time for the lonely, the ill and dying. Let us reach out with open arms to one another as Jesus did. And let us especially pray for and give comfort to those who are remembering and mourning loved ones today.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Tomorrow is All Soul’s Day. Today we celebrate Masses of Remembrance at both Sacred Heart and Saint Rose. We remember all those who have died in the past year. It is a time of holy remembering.
Every week I sit at my desk and type out the Mass Intentions here in the bulletin and from time to time I schedule funerals to be celebrated here… I often find myself wondering who these people were in life. I wonder if they were well loved or lonely souls. I ponder how their lives touched others. Every life on this planet touches another in some way.
Today, I think back to the loved ones I have lost and contemplate lost time. I ask myself was I too busy to visit my grandmothers when they were alive? Do I make time for my friends and relatives now while we are alive and well?
My thoughts today also go out to two of my friends who have terminal illnesses. I pray that a year from now I am not mourning them and feeling like I have neglected them in their time of need. Life is too short for regrets. Let us make in effort today, right now, to make a difference in someone’s life. Let us make time for the lonely, the ill and dying. Let us reach out with open arms to one another as Jesus did. And let us especially pray for and give comfort to those who are remembering and mourning loved ones today.
God Bless, Holly Clark
What Have You’ve Done for the Lord Lately?
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
What Have You’ve Done for the Lord Lately?
“The Lord has done great things for us,
We are filled with gladness and joy.”
Jaime Cortez, based on Psalm 126
As we enter into the season of Autumn I am filled with gladness and joy. The Lord has His paintbrush out painting the trees all sorts of colors, the air is crisp and there is a sense of renewal for me as fall is my favorite season. At this time of year I often pick up a golden leaf and ponder its beauty. Benjamin Disraeli once said “Nature is the art of God.” God gives us the beauty of the earth, sky and seas and the ultimate miracle of life.
As I read Psalm 126 I ask myself “What have I done for the Lord lately? Do I deserve to be filled with gladness and joy? I look at my life and try to see where I can reciprocate God’s gifts to me. I ask you… how do you spend your time? Is it caught up in the minutia of life… the unimportant things in the world… or is it spent in the Lord’s service? How do you give back to the Lord for your gladness and joy?
This fall when you look into an autumn leaf or feel that irresistible urge to jump into a pile of leaves (going back to childhood joy) contemplate how you will give back to God for your happiness and joy. How will you make God joyful today? God gives us so much of His time and energies in order for us to be happy. Consider giving back of your time to God in service and prayer. Consider donating some time to ministry or to a lonely person. Be creative! And let us also commit ourselves to filling others with gladness and joy.
God Bless, Holly Clark
What Have You’ve Done for the Lord Lately?
“The Lord has done great things for us,
We are filled with gladness and joy.”
Jaime Cortez, based on Psalm 126
As we enter into the season of Autumn I am filled with gladness and joy. The Lord has His paintbrush out painting the trees all sorts of colors, the air is crisp and there is a sense of renewal for me as fall is my favorite season. At this time of year I often pick up a golden leaf and ponder its beauty. Benjamin Disraeli once said “Nature is the art of God.” God gives us the beauty of the earth, sky and seas and the ultimate miracle of life.
As I read Psalm 126 I ask myself “What have I done for the Lord lately? Do I deserve to be filled with gladness and joy? I look at my life and try to see where I can reciprocate God’s gifts to me. I ask you… how do you spend your time? Is it caught up in the minutia of life… the unimportant things in the world… or is it spent in the Lord’s service? How do you give back to the Lord for your gladness and joy?
This fall when you look into an autumn leaf or feel that irresistible urge to jump into a pile of leaves (going back to childhood joy) contemplate how you will give back to God for your happiness and joy. How will you make God joyful today? God gives us so much of His time and energies in order for us to be happy. Consider giving back of your time to God in service and prayer. Consider donating some time to ministry or to a lonely person. Be creative! And let us also commit ourselves to filling others with gladness and joy.
God Bless, Holly Clark
We Will Run and Not Grow Weary
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
We Will Run and Not Grow Weary
“It is now 5 o’clock and I have run out of pithy sayings for you.”
This was the content of a fortune cookie I received several years ago. I think this has stayed with me over the years because how often have we all felt this way? It is five o’clock, the end of a workday but yet it is the beginning of a night full of work: getting supper, doing laundry, catching up with family members and really all we want to do is stop the world for a few minutes, catch our breath and be still.
I have been practicing Lectio Devina for more than a year now and it is my favorite form of prayer. In Lectio you read some scripture (daily reading or other selection) and allow the words and phrases speak to you. Do not try too hard to discover the “lesson” in the passage but try to let God speak to you. A single word or phrase may leap out at you… this is God talking to you. Ask God to show you what he wants you to know.
Some days I feel like I am just too exhausted to pray this way. But in the last week or so I’ve ignored my weariness and prayed with scripture… to my surprise, I have had some very deep and profound conversations with Jesus even though I was really tired and needed to be in bed. I discovered that some of my most personal encounters with God have occurred in my life when I have been totally out of energy and spent. At these times I have tried to “be still” and empty my cluttered brain and have been able to hear God more clearly. When we think too much we may be blocking out God unintentionally. Let us try to empty our brains and let God’s words come to us. Let us keep in mind Psalm 46:10:
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know.
Be still.
Be.
We Will Run and Not Grow Weary
“It is now 5 o’clock and I have run out of pithy sayings for you.”
This was the content of a fortune cookie I received several years ago. I think this has stayed with me over the years because how often have we all felt this way? It is five o’clock, the end of a workday but yet it is the beginning of a night full of work: getting supper, doing laundry, catching up with family members and really all we want to do is stop the world for a few minutes, catch our breath and be still.
I have been practicing Lectio Devina for more than a year now and it is my favorite form of prayer. In Lectio you read some scripture (daily reading or other selection) and allow the words and phrases speak to you. Do not try too hard to discover the “lesson” in the passage but try to let God speak to you. A single word or phrase may leap out at you… this is God talking to you. Ask God to show you what he wants you to know.
Some days I feel like I am just too exhausted to pray this way. But in the last week or so I’ve ignored my weariness and prayed with scripture… to my surprise, I have had some very deep and profound conversations with Jesus even though I was really tired and needed to be in bed. I discovered that some of my most personal encounters with God have occurred in my life when I have been totally out of energy and spent. At these times I have tried to “be still” and empty my cluttered brain and have been able to hear God more clearly. When we think too much we may be blocking out God unintentionally. Let us try to empty our brains and let God’s words come to us. Let us keep in mind Psalm 46:10:
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know.
Be still.
Be.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Teddy Bear
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
The Teddy Bear
Blessed be… the God of all encouragement,who encourages us in our every affliction,so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. 2 Cor 1:3-4
Sometimes we get very caught up in our daily problems and woes and we ask God why now, why us or why me? One day I came across the above passage from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. These verses opened my mind to a new way of thinking.
About two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had begun radiation therapy, a friend of mine left me big teddy bear sitting on my desk. I’ll never forget how much that bear cheered me up. My friend later told me that she had also been diagnosed with breast cancer some years ago and had also received a teddy bear. The next person I know who is diagnosed breast cancer will receive a teddy bear from me! It was through generous persons sharing their “afflictions” with me that helped me get through my illness. They joined me on my journey, giving me encouragement all along the way.
We all have issues in life, some more than others, but we all learn from these struggles and it is what we learn in the journey to resolve our problems that is important. Let us not be shy. When we see someone who is traveling down a path where we have trod, let us help them along and share the journey. Let us resolve to share our lives with others who are struggling with similar issues. Imagine what the world could be like if we all shared our triumphs, our woes and our hearts with one another. God Bless… Holly Clark
P.S. October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Please remember to get those yearly exams… you never know… you might save your life… it did mine.
The Teddy Bear
Blessed be… the God of all encouragement,who encourages us in our every affliction,so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. 2 Cor 1:3-4
Sometimes we get very caught up in our daily problems and woes and we ask God why now, why us or why me? One day I came across the above passage from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. These verses opened my mind to a new way of thinking.
About two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had begun radiation therapy, a friend of mine left me big teddy bear sitting on my desk. I’ll never forget how much that bear cheered me up. My friend later told me that she had also been diagnosed with breast cancer some years ago and had also received a teddy bear. The next person I know who is diagnosed breast cancer will receive a teddy bear from me! It was through generous persons sharing their “afflictions” with me that helped me get through my illness. They joined me on my journey, giving me encouragement all along the way.
We all have issues in life, some more than others, but we all learn from these struggles and it is what we learn in the journey to resolve our problems that is important. Let us not be shy. When we see someone who is traveling down a path where we have trod, let us help them along and share the journey. Let us resolve to share our lives with others who are struggling with similar issues. Imagine what the world could be like if we all shared our triumphs, our woes and our hearts with one another. God Bless… Holly Clark
P.S. October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Please remember to get those yearly exams… you never know… you might save your life… it did mine.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Imagination
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
Imagination
Holly got a message that on this day, God wants her to know... that you are only as free as you imagine yourself to be. There is nothing ''out there'' that's holding you down, - you are limiting yourself only with your own imagination. And your greatest limits are not even the ''cannot'' and the ''should not'', but the places where your imagination hasn't yet gone at all. There has never been a better time for you to open your eyes, let the imagination soar and see what more is possible.
A few months ago I joined Facebook and I came across a little application called “What God wants you to know…” Everyday a little message is delivered to me. Very often these messages provide me with much food for thought and prayer.
This message brought me back to a day in November 1970. My parents gave me a newspaper clipping with the heading “My Parents Knocked the Word Can’t Out of My Life.” On November 8, 1970 the placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, Tom Dempsey, kicked the game winning field goal in the last two seconds of the game. The kick was good at 63 yards, a record still held today. What was amazing about this feat was that Tom Dempsey was born with only a partial right hand and no toes on his right foot (his kicking foot).
The news article gave a brief synopsis of Dempsey’s life. He gave full credit to his parents for encouraging him in anything he wanted to do. The word “can’t” was not allowed in his household (nor was it allowed in mine.) I kept that news clipping until this day as a reminder to me that with faith anything is possible.
The next time you feel something is impossible ask God to show you a path. Ask Him for strength, insight, and imagination and you will find that with God’s help, nothing is impossible.
God Bless… Holly Clark
Imagination
Holly got a message that on this day, God wants her to know... that you are only as free as you imagine yourself to be. There is nothing ''out there'' that's holding you down, - you are limiting yourself only with your own imagination. And your greatest limits are not even the ''cannot'' and the ''should not'', but the places where your imagination hasn't yet gone at all. There has never been a better time for you to open your eyes, let the imagination soar and see what more is possible.
A few months ago I joined Facebook and I came across a little application called “What God wants you to know…” Everyday a little message is delivered to me. Very often these messages provide me with much food for thought and prayer.
This message brought me back to a day in November 1970. My parents gave me a newspaper clipping with the heading “My Parents Knocked the Word Can’t Out of My Life.” On November 8, 1970 the placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, Tom Dempsey, kicked the game winning field goal in the last two seconds of the game. The kick was good at 63 yards, a record still held today. What was amazing about this feat was that Tom Dempsey was born with only a partial right hand and no toes on his right foot (his kicking foot).
The news article gave a brief synopsis of Dempsey’s life. He gave full credit to his parents for encouraging him in anything he wanted to do. The word “can’t” was not allowed in his household (nor was it allowed in mine.) I kept that news clipping until this day as a reminder to me that with faith anything is possible.
The next time you feel something is impossible ask God to show you a path. Ask Him for strength, insight, and imagination and you will find that with God’s help, nothing is impossible.
God Bless… Holly Clark
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunset Alert!
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
Sunset Alert!
In my “previous life” as a medical technologist I worked in a hospital chemistry lab that was in a glass building. We were on the fourth floor with a wonderful view of the western sky. As the days grew shorter, and sunset occurred closer to 4:30-5:00 pm, very often someone in the lab would shout out “SUNSET ALERT!” At that point we would all stop working and congregate to the west side of the lab. We’d all make a special effort and take a few moments to silently admire God’s handiwork. No matter what our differences, faiths, stress levels at the moment, we’d come together for a few moments of peace, solitude, and camaraderie. These times were very special to me.
I find a sunset one of God’s most awesome works of nature. For me they always seem to come when I am in most need of cheering up or de-stressing. Who could remain upset or stressed after gazing at the pinks and oranges of a sunset?
The other day I was musing that sunsets remind me of Jesus’ resurrection. Daylight “dies” and a glorious colorful sky is born. About two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and when I underwent radiation therapy. I was totally exhausted mentally and physically. As I was driving along one day, during this period, I came across a beautiful sky, full of color, and silhouetted against the panorama was a church steeple and cross. I knew God was speaking to me. He was giving me hope and letting me know that I could lay down my troubles at His feet and he would bear the burden for me.
As we travel through life let us pause at beautiful sunsets and shout out “Sunset Alert” to those around us so that all may partake of God’s wonder. God Bless, Holly Clark
Sunset Alert!
In my “previous life” as a medical technologist I worked in a hospital chemistry lab that was in a glass building. We were on the fourth floor with a wonderful view of the western sky. As the days grew shorter, and sunset occurred closer to 4:30-5:00 pm, very often someone in the lab would shout out “SUNSET ALERT!” At that point we would all stop working and congregate to the west side of the lab. We’d all make a special effort and take a few moments to silently admire God’s handiwork. No matter what our differences, faiths, stress levels at the moment, we’d come together for a few moments of peace, solitude, and camaraderie. These times were very special to me.
I find a sunset one of God’s most awesome works of nature. For me they always seem to come when I am in most need of cheering up or de-stressing. Who could remain upset or stressed after gazing at the pinks and oranges of a sunset?
The other day I was musing that sunsets remind me of Jesus’ resurrection. Daylight “dies” and a glorious colorful sky is born. About two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and when I underwent radiation therapy. I was totally exhausted mentally and physically. As I was driving along one day, during this period, I came across a beautiful sky, full of color, and silhouetted against the panorama was a church steeple and cross. I knew God was speaking to me. He was giving me hope and letting me know that I could lay down my troubles at His feet and he would bear the burden for me.
As we travel through life let us pause at beautiful sunsets and shout out “Sunset Alert” to those around us so that all may partake of God’s wonder. God Bless, Holly Clark
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Who are the Poor and Marginalized?
Setting Our Hearts Aflame
Who are the Poor and Marginalized?
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please, ” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there, ” or “Sit at my feet, ” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? James 2:2-4
Before reading on, please pause for a moment and reflect upon this passage… Have you ever looked at someone and thought “what shabby clothes” or “that person looks abnormal, and is probably mentally challenged as well?” Have you ever walked across the street to avoid a homeless person?
In studying the Bible we talk a lot about how to behave towards the poor and marginalized but no one ever talks to the poor and vulnerable. We talk about “them” as if they were just anonymous blobs of flesh that need handouts, protection and charity… we tend to think we know what is best for them… we need to open our eyes, ears and heart to the poor, handicapped, and others who live on the fringes of society.
Strangers have looked upon me as a marginalized person many times in my life. It is sad that some cannot look beyond physical deformities and see the beauty of the soul.
Let us welcome those on the fringes as Jesus did. Let us make an effort to befriend those less fortunate. We must remember that though we are many parts… many different parts… we are all one body in Christ.
- God Bless, Holly Clark
Who are the Poor and Marginalized?
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please, ” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there, ” or “Sit at my feet, ” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? James 2:2-4
Before reading on, please pause for a moment and reflect upon this passage… Have you ever looked at someone and thought “what shabby clothes” or “that person looks abnormal, and is probably mentally challenged as well?” Have you ever walked across the street to avoid a homeless person?
In studying the Bible we talk a lot about how to behave towards the poor and marginalized but no one ever talks to the poor and vulnerable. We talk about “them” as if they were just anonymous blobs of flesh that need handouts, protection and charity… we tend to think we know what is best for them… we need to open our eyes, ears and heart to the poor, handicapped, and others who live on the fringes of society.
Strangers have looked upon me as a marginalized person many times in my life. It is sad that some cannot look beyond physical deformities and see the beauty of the soul.
Let us welcome those on the fringes as Jesus did. Let us make an effort to befriend those less fortunate. We must remember that though we are many parts… many different parts… we are all one body in Christ.
- God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How Will You Serve God?
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
How Will You Serve God?
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a person who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. James 1:23–24
Are you a hearer and not a doer? I asked myself this last spring when the women of WINGS and I explored the book of James in depth. It is so easy to hear the Word of God through the readings at Mass—to sit and nod in agreement as we listen. But how many of us really take in what is said and actually take the Word home with us and then form an action plan to put the Word into action?
I often find myself in this situation. I get many ideas and new thoughts from the daily and Sunday readings and then something from our secular world distracts me and the thought vanishes. We lead such busy lives… we multitask everything… we schedule everything… including time for God! Does your Sunday to do list look like this:
- Breakfast, paper & coffee
- Get self and family ready for Mass
- Attend Mass
- Lunch and Patriots
- Laundry, dishes, trash, homework, housekeeping, home repairs, mow lawn, phone calls, Internet, e-mail, pay bills, supper, ecetera, etcetera, etcetera…
It is no wonder that we have become just hearers and not doers of the Word! Where is prayer, reflection and service? As the summer winds down let us take time to explore how we will become a parish of doers. Get a small notebook and pen and start writing down thoughts and ideas on how to become doers. Right after Mass is a good time (before all the sports!). Consider sharing them with us. We would love to hear how you are serving God and being a doer of the Word. God Bless, Holly Clark
How Will You Serve God?
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a person who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. James 1:23–24
Are you a hearer and not a doer? I asked myself this last spring when the women of WINGS and I explored the book of James in depth. It is so easy to hear the Word of God through the readings at Mass—to sit and nod in agreement as we listen. But how many of us really take in what is said and actually take the Word home with us and then form an action plan to put the Word into action?
I often find myself in this situation. I get many ideas and new thoughts from the daily and Sunday readings and then something from our secular world distracts me and the thought vanishes. We lead such busy lives… we multitask everything… we schedule everything… including time for God! Does your Sunday to do list look like this:
- Breakfast, paper & coffee
- Get self and family ready for Mass
- Attend Mass
- Lunch and Patriots
- Laundry, dishes, trash, homework, housekeeping, home repairs, mow lawn, phone calls, Internet, e-mail, pay bills, supper, ecetera, etcetera, etcetera…
It is no wonder that we have become just hearers and not doers of the Word! Where is prayer, reflection and service? As the summer winds down let us take time to explore how we will become a parish of doers. Get a small notebook and pen and start writing down thoughts and ideas on how to become doers. Right after Mass is a good time (before all the sports!). Consider sharing them with us. We would love to hear how you are serving God and being a doer of the Word. God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, August 24, 2009
Time for God
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Time for God
Sometimes, our initial impression is that having to include time for Mass on a Sunday is rather inconvenient. But if you make the effort, you will realize that this is what gives a proper focus to your free time. Do not be deterred from taking part in Sunday Mass, and help others to discover it too. Let us pledge ourselves to do this - it is worth the effort!
Pope Benedict XVI
Last week I attended the New England Convocation for Catechetical Leadership. At this conference we explored how we view preparing for Mass and how we participate in Mass. We were asked: “When does Mass begin?” Most people answered when we see the priest coming down the aisle. Wrong answer! The speaker reminded us that Mass begins at home. We should be preparing ourselves to fully engage and participate in the Mass throughout the week. We can read and reflect upon the readings ahead of time, we can pray, we can set aside some time for God on a daily basis by praying the “three minute prayer.”
The three minute prayer is a little prayer that can be done anywhere and anytime. Get yourself comfy and close your eyes and take one minute each for each person of the Trinity. Say a minute prayer to the Father, another minute to Jesus and another minute to the Holy Spirit. Is three minutes really asking too much? Let us take a moment and think about the ways we can prepare for Mass during the week and weekends. Let us gear up to fully participate in the Mass with all our heart, our mind and voice.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Time for God
Sometimes, our initial impression is that having to include time for Mass on a Sunday is rather inconvenient. But if you make the effort, you will realize that this is what gives a proper focus to your free time. Do not be deterred from taking part in Sunday Mass, and help others to discover it too. Let us pledge ourselves to do this - it is worth the effort!
Pope Benedict XVI
Last week I attended the New England Convocation for Catechetical Leadership. At this conference we explored how we view preparing for Mass and how we participate in Mass. We were asked: “When does Mass begin?” Most people answered when we see the priest coming down the aisle. Wrong answer! The speaker reminded us that Mass begins at home. We should be preparing ourselves to fully engage and participate in the Mass throughout the week. We can read and reflect upon the readings ahead of time, we can pray, we can set aside some time for God on a daily basis by praying the “three minute prayer.”
The three minute prayer is a little prayer that can be done anywhere and anytime. Get yourself comfy and close your eyes and take one minute each for each person of the Trinity. Say a minute prayer to the Father, another minute to Jesus and another minute to the Holy Spirit. Is three minutes really asking too much? Let us take a moment and think about the ways we can prepare for Mass during the week and weekends. Let us gear up to fully participate in the Mass with all our heart, our mind and voice.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Tick-tock, Tick-tock
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Tick-tock, Tick-tock…
God speaks to us in many different ways, not always just while we are in prayer. I was exploring Facebook the other day and came upon a little application called “What does God Want You to Know?” For fun, I clicked on it and the message was:
God wants Holly to know... that when you were told time exists, you were lied to. We have invented time to feel secure that we can predict life. That clock is merciless beating out seconds at a constant rate, ignoring the natural changing rhythms of our minds and our bodies. And so we are constantly trying to speed up or slow down. Give yourself a break for a change, - put away that watch for a couple of days and settle into your own natural rhythms.
The irony of this message was that I had just finished watching a documentary on the physics of time and how we perceive time. We humans are always trying to alter God’s time… we want to speed it up, slow it down… we want to go back and do over or see the future. We are obsessed with time.
As I sat down to journal my thoughts on God and time this quote from Ecclesiastes came to my computer screen:
Better is one handful with tranquility than two with toil and a chase after wind! Ecc 4:6
Now I know God is speaking to me! Telling me to slow down! As the summer winds down let us take some time to relax, and put away that watch, (and cell phone and laptop etc!) and pause to listen to God. Ask yourselves where and how is God speaking to me and what is He saying? Be open to the endless possibilities! - God Bless, Holly Clark
Tick-tock, Tick-tock…
God speaks to us in many different ways, not always just while we are in prayer. I was exploring Facebook the other day and came upon a little application called “What does God Want You to Know?” For fun, I clicked on it and the message was:
God wants Holly to know... that when you were told time exists, you were lied to. We have invented time to feel secure that we can predict life. That clock is merciless beating out seconds at a constant rate, ignoring the natural changing rhythms of our minds and our bodies. And so we are constantly trying to speed up or slow down. Give yourself a break for a change, - put away that watch for a couple of days and settle into your own natural rhythms.
The irony of this message was that I had just finished watching a documentary on the physics of time and how we perceive time. We humans are always trying to alter God’s time… we want to speed it up, slow it down… we want to go back and do over or see the future. We are obsessed with time.
As I sat down to journal my thoughts on God and time this quote from Ecclesiastes came to my computer screen:
Better is one handful with tranquility than two with toil and a chase after wind! Ecc 4:6
Now I know God is speaking to me! Telling me to slow down! As the summer winds down let us take some time to relax, and put away that watch, (and cell phone and laptop etc!) and pause to listen to God. Ask yourselves where and how is God speaking to me and what is He saying? Be open to the endless possibilities! - God Bless, Holly Clark
Put Away the Old Self
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Put Away the Old Self
For just about a year now I have been practicing Lectio Devina with the daily readings and journaling my thoughts into a prayer journal/blog online. As I look back I see certain patterns of thought that repeat throughout my life. Today’s second reading contains one of those thoughts:
…you should put away the old self of your former way of life,… and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self… Eph 4:22, 23-24
I have often wrestled with this. I wonder as I enter a new self in Christ how much of my former way of life I should get rid of and what should I keep? It is difficult to look at one’s self in the mirror and try to see what is keeping you back from freely following Jesus and being open to the Spirit. I pondered this for about an hour and came to no real answers. As I closed my journal entry a “random” Bible verse popped up on my computer screen:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not. -Proverbs 3:5
I asked myself was this God’s way of telling me to not think so much… don’t sprain my brain pondering the mysteries of my life? Was this God’s way of telling me to lighten up and not be so hard on myself?
As I reflect upon today’s readings I realize that in a way I have been wandering the desert, seeking answers, getting no where, when I should be trusting that the Lord will provide for what I need physically and spiritually. Let us take some time today to examine our lives, to discover what is holding us back from a fuller relationship with God and let us pray for the Lord to guide us through the deserts of our minds.
- God Bless, Holly Clark
Put Away the Old Self
For just about a year now I have been practicing Lectio Devina with the daily readings and journaling my thoughts into a prayer journal/blog online. As I look back I see certain patterns of thought that repeat throughout my life. Today’s second reading contains one of those thoughts:
…you should put away the old self of your former way of life,… and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self… Eph 4:22, 23-24
I have often wrestled with this. I wonder as I enter a new self in Christ how much of my former way of life I should get rid of and what should I keep? It is difficult to look at one’s self in the mirror and try to see what is keeping you back from freely following Jesus and being open to the Spirit. I pondered this for about an hour and came to no real answers. As I closed my journal entry a “random” Bible verse popped up on my computer screen:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not. -Proverbs 3:5
I asked myself was this God’s way of telling me to not think so much… don’t sprain my brain pondering the mysteries of my life? Was this God’s way of telling me to lighten up and not be so hard on myself?
As I reflect upon today’s readings I realize that in a way I have been wandering the desert, seeking answers, getting no where, when I should be trusting that the Lord will provide for what I need physically and spiritually. Let us take some time today to examine our lives, to discover what is holding us back from a fuller relationship with God and let us pray for the Lord to guide us through the deserts of our minds.
- God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Hummingbird
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
The Hummingbird
Last weekend I decided I wanted to follow last Sunday’s Gospel’s advice to “come and rest awhile.” I did have a busy weekend planned with not a lot of free time. We had family visiting for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration and lots of festivities planned. After everyone left I had to finish a paper for a class I am taking on the New Testament. I got out all my books, laptop, and refreshments and set up camp on my back deck facing the woods. I really did want to rest awhile but the paper loomed large.
About 15 minutes into my work a hummingbird came to visit me. He and I were just inches apart, he hovered and just stared at me eye-to-eye and then flew away. I wondered what the hummingbird was trying to say to me. (He looked like he wanted to speak.) I took a break and blogged about the experience on Facebook. A cousin of mine wondered if it was sent by our deceased grandmother’s spirit as a message of encouragement to me and my thoughts went immediately to an elderly aunt who had just passed away the night before in Wyoming. My Aunt Mae died while up in the Big Horn Mountains enjoying an annual family reunion. She loved the mountains and her family and passed away on the mountain and in the arms of her family.
I thought again of the hummingbird. I discovered that birds in the Bible represent the soul’s flight at death (Ps 124:7). Perhaps the bird did symbolize my Aunt Mae on her way to heaven and she gave to me the gift of hope in new life. Let us take some time this summer and visit with our elderly relatives and friends. Let us live life in the now and tell each other how much we care. Don’t wait—now is the time!- God Bless, Holly Clark
The Hummingbird
Last weekend I decided I wanted to follow last Sunday’s Gospel’s advice to “come and rest awhile.” I did have a busy weekend planned with not a lot of free time. We had family visiting for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration and lots of festivities planned. After everyone left I had to finish a paper for a class I am taking on the New Testament. I got out all my books, laptop, and refreshments and set up camp on my back deck facing the woods. I really did want to rest awhile but the paper loomed large.
About 15 minutes into my work a hummingbird came to visit me. He and I were just inches apart, he hovered and just stared at me eye-to-eye and then flew away. I wondered what the hummingbird was trying to say to me. (He looked like he wanted to speak.) I took a break and blogged about the experience on Facebook. A cousin of mine wondered if it was sent by our deceased grandmother’s spirit as a message of encouragement to me and my thoughts went immediately to an elderly aunt who had just passed away the night before in Wyoming. My Aunt Mae died while up in the Big Horn Mountains enjoying an annual family reunion. She loved the mountains and her family and passed away on the mountain and in the arms of her family.
I thought again of the hummingbird. I discovered that birds in the Bible represent the soul’s flight at death (Ps 124:7). Perhaps the bird did symbolize my Aunt Mae on her way to heaven and she gave to me the gift of hope in new life. Let us take some time this summer and visit with our elderly relatives and friends. Let us live life in the now and tell each other how much we care. Don’t wait—now is the time!- God Bless, Holly Clark
Come and Rest Awhile...
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
"Come away by yourselves
to a deserted place and rest a while."
Mark 6:31
This passage from today’s gospel is the perfect message for the summer as we travel to far off places or maybe just seek solitude in our own backyards. It is a reminder that we all need to slow down and reflect upon our lives.
I often retreat to the ocean when I feel the need to find solitude. We all need to find that special place where we can be alone with our thoughts and invite the Lord to listen in. A couple of weeks ago I was sitting on the beach, watching the tide go out and pondering life. The beach was pretty much deserted as it was a rather chilly day. The hymn “All That is Hidden” kept running through my mind. The tide slowly ebbed away and revealed the hidden shoreline. Concealed treasures soon became revealed and life to me suddenly became clear: It is with time that all things become known.
God is telling us to be patient. He does not want us to be concerned with all that we don’t know or worrying about our futures. The Lord knows our future and will take care of us. When we are uncertain about what lies ahead we can put our trust in the Lord and know that whatever is invisible to us now will, in time, be revealed. By worrying about tomorrow we ruin the today. Life is a journey and we must savor every bit of it. - God Bless, Holly Clark
"Come away by yourselves
to a deserted place and rest a while."
Mark 6:31
This passage from today’s gospel is the perfect message for the summer as we travel to far off places or maybe just seek solitude in our own backyards. It is a reminder that we all need to slow down and reflect upon our lives.
I often retreat to the ocean when I feel the need to find solitude. We all need to find that special place where we can be alone with our thoughts and invite the Lord to listen in. A couple of weeks ago I was sitting on the beach, watching the tide go out and pondering life. The beach was pretty much deserted as it was a rather chilly day. The hymn “All That is Hidden” kept running through my mind. The tide slowly ebbed away and revealed the hidden shoreline. Concealed treasures soon became revealed and life to me suddenly became clear: It is with time that all things become known.
God is telling us to be patient. He does not want us to be concerned with all that we don’t know or worrying about our futures. The Lord knows our future and will take care of us. When we are uncertain about what lies ahead we can put our trust in the Lord and know that whatever is invisible to us now will, in time, be revealed. By worrying about tomorrow we ruin the today. Life is a journey and we must savor every bit of it. - God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Rock on the Beach...
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
The Rock on the Beach
Last week I took time out to enjoy the summer that seems to have finally arrived! I took a trip to the National Seashore located on the outer Cape. I had my beach chair, some good books and plunked myself in the middle of Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. It was the first real sunny day in ages so I spent the day there.
When I arrived, the tide was going out and as the hours ticked by I could see a large rock emerging on the beach, coming out from under the water as the tide ebbed away. I watched as the waves splashed repeatedly into the rock and thought of myself as that rock. I asked myself am I like the rock that stands stubbornly in the face of trials and tribulations, resisting and fighting life? Or am I like the rock that allows and welcomes the waves to gently flow over me, slowly reshaping me into something anew?
The Holy Spirit is very much like the waves of the ocean. Sometimes coming crashing into you and at other times gently washing over you, and through you, bringing you to new life. Water has the awesome power to transform us through Baptism. The next time you encounter water, in the shower, doing dishes, or at the beach pause and take a moment and reflect upon its life-giving qualities both in the physical and spiritual sense.
As the tide returned and re-covered my rock, the refrain from the song “Sacred Silence” kept running through my head as a prayer… It is a good prayer to remember as we go about our summer activities:
Sacred silence, holy ocean,
gentle water, washing over me.
Help me listen, Holy Spirit,
come and speak to me.
“Sacred Silence” - Tom Booth
God Bless, Holly Clark
The Rock on the Beach
Last week I took time out to enjoy the summer that seems to have finally arrived! I took a trip to the National Seashore located on the outer Cape. I had my beach chair, some good books and plunked myself in the middle of Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. It was the first real sunny day in ages so I spent the day there.
When I arrived, the tide was going out and as the hours ticked by I could see a large rock emerging on the beach, coming out from under the water as the tide ebbed away. I watched as the waves splashed repeatedly into the rock and thought of myself as that rock. I asked myself am I like the rock that stands stubbornly in the face of trials and tribulations, resisting and fighting life? Or am I like the rock that allows and welcomes the waves to gently flow over me, slowly reshaping me into something anew?
The Holy Spirit is very much like the waves of the ocean. Sometimes coming crashing into you and at other times gently washing over you, and through you, bringing you to new life. Water has the awesome power to transform us through Baptism. The next time you encounter water, in the shower, doing dishes, or at the beach pause and take a moment and reflect upon its life-giving qualities both in the physical and spiritual sense.
As the tide returned and re-covered my rock, the refrain from the song “Sacred Silence” kept running through my head as a prayer… It is a good prayer to remember as we go about our summer activities:
Sacred silence, holy ocean,
gentle water, washing over me.
Help me listen, Holy Spirit,
come and speak to me.
“Sacred Silence” - Tom Booth
God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, July 6, 2009
Online Art Retreat
Online Art Retreat
www.prayerwindows.com
This site presents an internet gallery that uses paintings to display a way to pray in a creative manner. The artist, Bob Gilroy, S.J., uses creativity to express feelings and communicate with God. Directions are provided so viewers can learn how to see God reflected in their own lives through the arts.
www.prayerwindows.com
This site presents an internet gallery that uses paintings to display a way to pray in a creative manner. The artist, Bob Gilroy, S.J., uses creativity to express feelings and communicate with God. Directions are provided so viewers can learn how to see God reflected in their own lives through the arts.
Doodles and Scribbles: Praying with Art
July 5, 2009
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Doodles and Scribbles:
Praying with Art
I recently attended a day retreat called Sacred Images-Contemplation and Art. This retreat introduced me to methods of meditation based upon various traditions and simple art exercises. We explored how to pray with images that were created by others and created by ourselves. You do not need to be an artist to pray with and through art.
I often find myself doodling and as I explore my spirituality I come to realize that this may be one more method God uses to communicate to me, and through my created art I can share my revelations with others. Outlined below are some ideas on how you can also pray with art:
With eyes closed make gestures on a blank piece of paper with some dark drawing instrument as if you were dancing on paper.
What shapes or figures appear? Complete the sketch in color and detail.
Play with contrasting lines, shapes, and textures.
Pick colors you like and notice how you feel when you draw with them.
Draw or paint to music.
Create a mandala. This is a circle that represents wholeness in you. It could be abstract or realistic.
Record in a prayer journal your experiences and insights.
The next time you find yourself mindlessly doodling try asking yourself if there is something God is trying to tell you. God speaks to us in many ways but we do not always hear nor do we listen.
This summer let us be more attentive to God’s voice. Take time out to quiet your mind and start listening... and you will encounter God everywhere. God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Doodles and Scribbles:
Praying with Art
I recently attended a day retreat called Sacred Images-Contemplation and Art. This retreat introduced me to methods of meditation based upon various traditions and simple art exercises. We explored how to pray with images that were created by others and created by ourselves. You do not need to be an artist to pray with and through art.
I often find myself doodling and as I explore my spirituality I come to realize that this may be one more method God uses to communicate to me, and through my created art I can share my revelations with others. Outlined below are some ideas on how you can also pray with art:
With eyes closed make gestures on a blank piece of paper with some dark drawing instrument as if you were dancing on paper.
What shapes or figures appear? Complete the sketch in color and detail.
Play with contrasting lines, shapes, and textures.
Pick colors you like and notice how you feel when you draw with them.
Draw or paint to music.
Create a mandala. This is a circle that represents wholeness in you. It could be abstract or realistic.
Record in a prayer journal your experiences and insights.
The next time you find yourself mindlessly doodling try asking yourself if there is something God is trying to tell you. God speaks to us in many ways but we do not always hear nor do we listen.
This summer let us be more attentive to God’s voice. Take time out to quiet your mind and start listening... and you will encounter God everywhere. God Bless, Holly Clark
The Scraggly Tree
June 28, 2009
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
The Scraggly Tree
Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Gen 2:9
Every day, as I go out the door, this one lonely tree attracts my attention. It is the only tree in the middle of the woods that is barren of leaves. It looks so out of place next to the gorgeous green oaks, maples and evergreens. Its branches are far from graceful, each branch sticking out at odd angles, its bark gray and cracking. This tree is far from the trees described in Genesis, but yet it holds a certain charm.I ponder the tree’s life… What did it look like when it was younger? Why are its arms so bent? How did it get this way? I then realized that this tree does, in a way, resemble a tree of life, albeit, towards the end of life.
I am sure many have gazed upon this tree and thought of how it spoils the look of the forest, others see the tree’s uniqueness and yet others may not even notice the tree. Isn’t this also how we see others? Sometimes we dismiss or ignore the not-so-pretty or the elderly. We do not look beyond the surface. We do not see the beauty beneath nor the wisdom waiting to spew forth.
This summer as we travel to the Cape, or other destinations, and you are stuck in traffic, take a good look at the people in the surrounding cars. Pause for a moment and ponder their lives. Notice whether they are joyful or upset and ask God to watch over them.
The next time you see someone on the street or in Church who looks lonely, or as out of place as my scraggly tree, give them a smile or a wave to let them know you care. And when you return home remember this person and say a prayer for them. To paraphrase Joyce Kilmer (Trees):
Bulletins are made by Fools like Me
But only God can make a Tree…
-God Bless, Holly Clark
A Song in My Head... A Song in My Heart
June 21, 2009
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
A Song in My Head…
A Song in My Heart…
How often have you had a song floating around in your head that you cannot get rid of? You try humming a different song, or try to think about something else but your mind keeps returning to one song. This happens to me often and I never gave it much thought until I noticed it happening more frequently. I began to think that perhaps the Holy Spirit is speaking to me through music. I began to pay more attention to the lyrics and notes in my head and have realized the Spirit is indeed communicating things I need to hear. For several days I sat with my prayer journal and noted what the tunes were telling me. Praying with music can be a very spiritual and enriching experience. Here is one method of praying with music:
Choose a piece of music. It does not need to be a hymn or a particular genre or style.
Settle down. Take a few minutes to become comfortable and still your mind
Pray to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray and to hear what the Lord is saying to you.
Play the song you have chosen. Pay attention to the feelings and images the songs stir up for you. After the song, reflect on it. Ask: What is this song saying? How does it speak to my life right now? How can I apply its meaning to my life? What might God be saying to me through this song?
Thank God for these moments of insights you received.
Record your experiences in a prayer journal for future reflection.
As we attend Mass this summer let us sing out with strong voices and pay attention to the Spirit moving within us through song.
The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers,…In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.
Letter to Artists #12, Pope John Paul II, 1999
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
A Song in My Head…
A Song in My Heart…
How often have you had a song floating around in your head that you cannot get rid of? You try humming a different song, or try to think about something else but your mind keeps returning to one song. This happens to me often and I never gave it much thought until I noticed it happening more frequently. I began to think that perhaps the Holy Spirit is speaking to me through music. I began to pay more attention to the lyrics and notes in my head and have realized the Spirit is indeed communicating things I need to hear. For several days I sat with my prayer journal and noted what the tunes were telling me. Praying with music can be a very spiritual and enriching experience. Here is one method of praying with music:
Choose a piece of music. It does not need to be a hymn or a particular genre or style.
Settle down. Take a few minutes to become comfortable and still your mind
Pray to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray and to hear what the Lord is saying to you.
Play the song you have chosen. Pay attention to the feelings and images the songs stir up for you. After the song, reflect on it. Ask: What is this song saying? How does it speak to my life right now? How can I apply its meaning to my life? What might God be saying to me through this song?
Thank God for these moments of insights you received.
Record your experiences in a prayer journal for future reflection.
As we attend Mass this summer let us sing out with strong voices and pay attention to the Spirit moving within us through song.
The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers,…In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.
Letter to Artists #12, Pope John Paul II, 1999
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Awesome God!
June 14, 2009
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Awesome God...
Moses said to the people:"Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before?
Dt 4:32
Last weekend I went on a retreat at the Campion Center in Weston. The drive to the center was long but gorgeous. The trees were in full bloom, flowers decorated lawns, and the sun was brightly shining. As I drove I was thinking of the above quote from Deuteronomy, one of last weekend’s readings. I think nature is God’s greatest creation, totally awesome! We don’t always appreciate what God has given us in nature’s beauty.
During the retreat we had the windows open and we were in a silent mode, but this one bird outside didn’t get the message! I tried to concentrate on the guided meditation but found myself distracted by the bird… then the thought occurred to me that maybe God was drawing my attention to the bird. The bird constantly chirped its song and other birds answered in reply. I wondered what they were saying to each other and to me. I wondered if God was speaking to me through the bird. God often speaks to me through nature… The gentle breeze whispers… the ocean waves softly wash over my feet as they sink into the sand… the ever changing colors of New England seasons… what an awesome God we have to have given us all of this!
This summer as you travel about on vacation, or maybe just looking out your kitchen window, take a moment and thank God for His creations. Thank God for the blossoming roses, the chirping birds, the beauty of the oceans, mountains and sky at night… the list is as endless as the grains of sand on the beach! Think of how blah life would be without nature’s beauty. Let us not take it for granted…
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Hearts Aflame!
Awesome God...
Moses said to the people:"Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before?
Dt 4:32
Last weekend I went on a retreat at the Campion Center in Weston. The drive to the center was long but gorgeous. The trees were in full bloom, flowers decorated lawns, and the sun was brightly shining. As I drove I was thinking of the above quote from Deuteronomy, one of last weekend’s readings. I think nature is God’s greatest creation, totally awesome! We don’t always appreciate what God has given us in nature’s beauty.
During the retreat we had the windows open and we were in a silent mode, but this one bird outside didn’t get the message! I tried to concentrate on the guided meditation but found myself distracted by the bird… then the thought occurred to me that maybe God was drawing my attention to the bird. The bird constantly chirped its song and other birds answered in reply. I wondered what they were saying to each other and to me. I wondered if God was speaking to me through the bird. God often speaks to me through nature… The gentle breeze whispers… the ocean waves softly wash over my feet as they sink into the sand… the ever changing colors of New England seasons… what an awesome God we have to have given us all of this!
This summer as you travel about on vacation, or maybe just looking out your kitchen window, take a moment and thank God for His creations. Thank God for the blossoming roses, the chirping birds, the beauty of the oceans, mountains and sky at night… the list is as endless as the grains of sand on the beach! Think of how blah life would be without nature’s beauty. Let us not take it for granted…
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Go and Make Disciples
June 7, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Go and Make Disciples
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,… Mt 28:19
Today’s Gospel reading is an important one. Here is a summary statement about one of our first duties as Catholics: evangelization. About 20 years ago the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops put together a document on evangelization called Go and Make Disciples* based on this scripture passage.
The first goal presented in the document is:
To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others… (G&MD #89)
Last weekend I attended a different Mass than the one I usually go to and sat in a different place (praying I was not “taking” somebody’s pew!). I decided to purposely to sit with people I did not know. I looked around me at the different faces, and wondered what brought them here, today, to this Mass. And I also wondered where their faith journey was bringing them. As I looked into their faces I tried to look for the enthusiasm for the faith. I thought today IS Pentecost… a day of celebration… it is the Church’s “birthday”… we should be singing and dancing with joy! I didn’t see too much enthusiasm in the pews. If we are not enthusiastic at Mass then how can we expect to inspire and evangelize others?
Now that summer is approaching and busy schedules are easing up let us take some time and think about how we can find within ourselves the spirit and fire of Pentecost. Let us rekindle our inner flame and let us share that enthusiasm with the people we meet. Let us show our joy in Jesus. Let us start evangelizing and telling the world the Good News of Christ. – God Bless, Holly Clark
*Read the document online at:
www.usccb.org/evangelization/goandmake/
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Go and Make Disciples
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,… Mt 28:19
Today’s Gospel reading is an important one. Here is a summary statement about one of our first duties as Catholics: evangelization. About 20 years ago the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops put together a document on evangelization called Go and Make Disciples* based on this scripture passage.
The first goal presented in the document is:
To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others… (G&MD #89)
Last weekend I attended a different Mass than the one I usually go to and sat in a different place (praying I was not “taking” somebody’s pew!). I decided to purposely to sit with people I did not know. I looked around me at the different faces, and wondered what brought them here, today, to this Mass. And I also wondered where their faith journey was bringing them. As I looked into their faces I tried to look for the enthusiasm for the faith. I thought today IS Pentecost… a day of celebration… it is the Church’s “birthday”… we should be singing and dancing with joy! I didn’t see too much enthusiasm in the pews. If we are not enthusiastic at Mass then how can we expect to inspire and evangelize others?
Now that summer is approaching and busy schedules are easing up let us take some time and think about how we can find within ourselves the spirit and fire of Pentecost. Let us rekindle our inner flame and let us share that enthusiasm with the people we meet. Let us show our joy in Jesus. Let us start evangelizing and telling the world the Good News of Christ. – God Bless, Holly Clark
*Read the document online at:
www.usccb.org/evangelization/goandmake/
James 4:14
May 24, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
James 4:14
You do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?
For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes…
For the past six weeks I and the Women in God’s Spirit group have been studying the Letter of James. James is believed to be the actual brother of James. The Letter of James is concerned with social justice, faith and works. There is much in James that is applicable to the world of today. As I read the Letter of James I found myself deeply moved by several passages.
The above verse was one that when I read it I had to stop reading and reflect for awhile on its meaning. We really do not know what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow can be full of sorrow or full of joy. We can reflect upon our yesterdays and plan our tomorrows but “What is your life?” James asks us. Are you happy with your life? Do you think God is happy with your life?
Our lives are truly like the “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” We are a mist... a real mist of nature, is a life-giving force. Moisture in the air drifts along and lands on plants giving them water and life. The existence of mist is short but very life-giving. We, like mist, drift along giving life to one another.
Each of our lives is very brief in comparison to the age of the cosmos and it may be tempting to ask “What difference does my life, my existence, make in the universe?” Do we use the gift of life to help one another, as Jesus would, or do we squander each day getting caught up in the everyday tasks of life? I know my life may not make a difference in the long scheme of things but I know I can make a difference in one or two lives around me and they will make a difference to a few others and together we can change the world.
---God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire!
James 4:14
You do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?
For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes…
For the past six weeks I and the Women in God’s Spirit group have been studying the Letter of James. James is believed to be the actual brother of James. The Letter of James is concerned with social justice, faith and works. There is much in James that is applicable to the world of today. As I read the Letter of James I found myself deeply moved by several passages.
The above verse was one that when I read it I had to stop reading and reflect for awhile on its meaning. We really do not know what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow can be full of sorrow or full of joy. We can reflect upon our yesterdays and plan our tomorrows but “What is your life?” James asks us. Are you happy with your life? Do you think God is happy with your life?
Our lives are truly like the “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” We are a mist... a real mist of nature, is a life-giving force. Moisture in the air drifts along and lands on plants giving them water and life. The existence of mist is short but very life-giving. We, like mist, drift along giving life to one another.
Each of our lives is very brief in comparison to the age of the cosmos and it may be tempting to ask “What difference does my life, my existence, make in the universe?” Do we use the gift of life to help one another, as Jesus would, or do we squander each day getting caught up in the everyday tasks of life? I know my life may not make a difference in the long scheme of things but I know I can make a difference in one or two lives around me and they will make a difference to a few others and together we can change the world.
---God Bless, Holly Clark
Sharing My Story, Sharing My Life, Sharing My Faith
May 17, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Sharing My Story, Sharing My Life, Sharing My Faith
Last week I invited all adults to come and register for our Generations of Faith Program and I got to thinking that many of you may perceive Generations of Faith as being family oriented, centralized around the children and no room for adult learning. You may be thinking “I already did CCD, why should I go to GOF?” So I thought this week I would share my story, my life and my faith…
In 2004, I was asked to join the GOF team I was happy to be sharing my time and talent but when our first festival rolled around I had not planned on attending. I was a single adult, no kids, no hubby…I thought would feel out of place. Mary Gallagher, our Pastoral Associate at the time, persuaded me to go and just try it out… even if just to see the fruits of our labor. The night of the festival I entered the front door and immediately saw that the Holy Spirit was at work! We had a good crowd and to my surprise I did not feel out of place… I felt like I belonged! I overcame my shyness and joined the adult session. I had not realized how much I didn’t know about my faith! I have attended every festival since.
Last year, during our Peace festivals, I had an experience that I can only describe as a calling. I was undergoing radiation therapy for cancer at the time and was mentally and physically exhausted. I still went to the festival because I find the festivals to be very life-giving spiritually. I was helping a little boy get a drink of water when I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in my ear. A voice came to me telling me that I was meant to be here, I was meant to be a co-worker in the Lord’s vineyard. For a time I pondered the meaning of this experience. I knew my calling was to make ministry my vocation and entered the Master of Arts of Ministry program at St. John’s Seminary.
I feel this week that I have come full circle in my GOF experience. I just read Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation. This 10 year-old document by the US bishops outlines the need for centering our faith formation efforts around adults so that they in turn may educate themselves, their children and our fellow travelers on the journey of faith… GOF IS FOR ADULTS TOO! Come and set your hearts burning with the light and love Christ.
Again, I invite you all to come today to our Faith Formation registration and see what it is all about!
---God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Sharing My Story, Sharing My Life, Sharing My Faith
Last week I invited all adults to come and register for our Generations of Faith Program and I got to thinking that many of you may perceive Generations of Faith as being family oriented, centralized around the children and no room for adult learning. You may be thinking “I already did CCD, why should I go to GOF?” So I thought this week I would share my story, my life and my faith…
In 2004, I was asked to join the GOF team I was happy to be sharing my time and talent but when our first festival rolled around I had not planned on attending. I was a single adult, no kids, no hubby…I thought would feel out of place. Mary Gallagher, our Pastoral Associate at the time, persuaded me to go and just try it out… even if just to see the fruits of our labor. The night of the festival I entered the front door and immediately saw that the Holy Spirit was at work! We had a good crowd and to my surprise I did not feel out of place… I felt like I belonged! I overcame my shyness and joined the adult session. I had not realized how much I didn’t know about my faith! I have attended every festival since.
Last year, during our Peace festivals, I had an experience that I can only describe as a calling. I was undergoing radiation therapy for cancer at the time and was mentally and physically exhausted. I still went to the festival because I find the festivals to be very life-giving spiritually. I was helping a little boy get a drink of water when I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in my ear. A voice came to me telling me that I was meant to be here, I was meant to be a co-worker in the Lord’s vineyard. For a time I pondered the meaning of this experience. I knew my calling was to make ministry my vocation and entered the Master of Arts of Ministry program at St. John’s Seminary.
I feel this week that I have come full circle in my GOF experience. I just read Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation. This 10 year-old document by the US bishops outlines the need for centering our faith formation efforts around adults so that they in turn may educate themselves, their children and our fellow travelers on the journey of faith… GOF IS FOR ADULTS TOO! Come and set your hearts burning with the light and love Christ.
Again, I invite you all to come today to our Faith Formation registration and see what it is all about!
---God Bless, Holly Clark
Twittergies
May 3, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Twittergies
Do you Twitter? Do you know what a "tweet" is? If you have no idea then you are not alone! The other day I received an e-mail with the title "Top Reasons Why Your Pastor Should Twitter." I had heard of Twitter but not used it. It is a service that connects people by asking a single question: "What are you doing?" You answer in 140 characters or less or read other people's answers. As I read the e-mail I thought what pastor has the time to sit at a computer and send random messages out (known as "tweets") about the various things he does in a day… but… today's young adults are very tech savvy. They use the Internet and other technologies extensively. This is where they are and this is where we should greet and welcome them to the path of Christ. The Church has already recognized this. The Vatican is on YouTube, Cardinal Sean Blogs... and just yesterday I was presented with an idea to set up a Facebook account to connect the 12 different Women in God's Spirit groups together. The publication of Benedict XVI's Easter message on the YouTube Web site broke the record with its translation into 27 languages.
I decided to take another look at Twitter. If this is where our young Catholic adults are then we must meet them there and being the tech geek that I am I decided I better learn! I did a search to find what pastors are really saying on Twitter and found a pastor who puts out "Twittergies: A tweet for the soul, personal liturgies in 140 characters or less... Here are a couple for you...
"God your light can swallow darkness whole. My light is a torch, a match, a candle. Your light is the sun. Truth of the universe, shine on us."
"God is good. Sing it dance it. Diggit. Tweet it. Rhyme it repeat it. Believe it. Build on it. My liberty; security. My ontology. God is good."
---See you on Twitter! God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Twittergies
Do you Twitter? Do you know what a "tweet" is? If you have no idea then you are not alone! The other day I received an e-mail with the title "Top Reasons Why Your Pastor Should Twitter." I had heard of Twitter but not used it. It is a service that connects people by asking a single question: "What are you doing?" You answer in 140 characters or less or read other people's answers. As I read the e-mail I thought what pastor has the time to sit at a computer and send random messages out (known as "tweets") about the various things he does in a day… but… today's young adults are very tech savvy. They use the Internet and other technologies extensively. This is where they are and this is where we should greet and welcome them to the path of Christ. The Church has already recognized this. The Vatican is on YouTube, Cardinal Sean Blogs... and just yesterday I was presented with an idea to set up a Facebook account to connect the 12 different Women in God's Spirit groups together. The publication of Benedict XVI's Easter message on the YouTube Web site broke the record with its translation into 27 languages.
I decided to take another look at Twitter. If this is where our young Catholic adults are then we must meet them there and being the tech geek that I am I decided I better learn! I did a search to find what pastors are really saying on Twitter and found a pastor who puts out "Twittergies: A tweet for the soul, personal liturgies in 140 characters or less... Here are a couple for you...
"God your light can swallow darkness whole. My light is a torch, a match, a candle. Your light is the sun. Truth of the universe, shine on us."
"God is good. Sing it dance it. Diggit. Tweet it. Rhyme it repeat it. Believe it. Build on it. My liberty; security. My ontology. God is good."
---See you on Twitter! God Bless, Holly Clark
Spring Musings
April 26, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Spring Musings
Spring is HERE! (Even if the warmth isn’t)! Today the birds are chirping, busily making nests, the trees finally have a bit of green on them and flowers are beginning to peep up out of the ground. We have come out our long winter hibernation and it is time to celebrate! The Lord is Risen! Alleleuia!
I love this time of year when all is new and our church is filled with new faces coming to the Lord’s Table for the first time. Our Lord is risen and present in our children. During this time of year I enjoy watching the children all dressed in white, so full of innocence, making their first communion. Their parents began their journey of faith when their children were baptized and now they are starting out on their own faith exploration with their parents and our faith community as their guides.
Last Sunday I also felt a touch of sadness as I watched the 3 young children make their First Communion at the 11 o’clock Mass. I was remembering how Fr. Daniel Moran loved celebrating First Communion. He made every child he touched feel special… He would hold their chin in his hands, look into their eyes and say “Jesus loves you.” The children’s eyes would then light up with the light of Christ.
This weekend and in the following weeks let us make a special effort to congratulate our First Communicants, to welcome their families and give them encouragement. Let us pray for these families that the Lord will be with them and guide them in their lives.
Confirmation:
Let us also remember in prayer the teenagers who will be making their Confirmation on April 29th. Let us encourage them to look at Confirmation as the beginning of their faith formation rather than the end. They now have the basic building blocks to explore their faith and we pray that they will do so and come to know the Lord
God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Spring Musings
Spring is HERE! (Even if the warmth isn’t)! Today the birds are chirping, busily making nests, the trees finally have a bit of green on them and flowers are beginning to peep up out of the ground. We have come out our long winter hibernation and it is time to celebrate! The Lord is Risen! Alleleuia!
I love this time of year when all is new and our church is filled with new faces coming to the Lord’s Table for the first time. Our Lord is risen and present in our children. During this time of year I enjoy watching the children all dressed in white, so full of innocence, making their first communion. Their parents began their journey of faith when their children were baptized and now they are starting out on their own faith exploration with their parents and our faith community as their guides.
Last Sunday I also felt a touch of sadness as I watched the 3 young children make their First Communion at the 11 o’clock Mass. I was remembering how Fr. Daniel Moran loved celebrating First Communion. He made every child he touched feel special… He would hold their chin in his hands, look into their eyes and say “Jesus loves you.” The children’s eyes would then light up with the light of Christ.
This weekend and in the following weeks let us make a special effort to congratulate our First Communicants, to welcome their families and give them encouragement. Let us pray for these families that the Lord will be with them and guide them in their lives.
Confirmation:
Let us also remember in prayer the teenagers who will be making their Confirmation on April 29th. Let us encourage them to look at Confirmation as the beginning of their faith formation rather than the end. They now have the basic building blocks to explore their faith and we pray that they will do so and come to know the Lord
God Bless, Holly Clark
Easter
April 12, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Easter
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
Ps 118
This is indeed the day the Lord has made! On Easter we are blessed to have so many people worshipping with us today. Some are visiting with family, some are worshipping with us for the first time and still others come to pray with us a few times a year. You are all welcome to this house of worship! We have all come together today to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
To those of us who come to Mass frequently let us seek out those whom you do not know and greet them as Jesus greeted all. To those who visit us a few times a year please feel welcome here. We have Parish Welcome Books available at the church entrances and don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to the person seated next to you! Let us meet and greet each other with open arms.
We have spent the past few weeks contemplating our lives and reflecting on our faith. We’ve prayed together, fasted together and gave to the poor and today we celebrate together. Today let us reflect on our Lenten sacrifices and the lessons learned during Lent. Let us try to live out some of those ideals well beyond Lent and into the Easter season. As the passage below states it is time to clear out our past (old yeast) and look forward to a new future (fresh dough), a future in Christ:
Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Cor 5:6b-8
God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire!
Easter
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
Ps 118
This is indeed the day the Lord has made! On Easter we are blessed to have so many people worshipping with us today. Some are visiting with family, some are worshipping with us for the first time and still others come to pray with us a few times a year. You are all welcome to this house of worship! We have all come together today to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
To those of us who come to Mass frequently let us seek out those whom you do not know and greet them as Jesus greeted all. To those who visit us a few times a year please feel welcome here. We have Parish Welcome Books available at the church entrances and don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to the person seated next to you! Let us meet and greet each other with open arms.
We have spent the past few weeks contemplating our lives and reflecting on our faith. We’ve prayed together, fasted together and gave to the poor and today we celebrate together. Today let us reflect on our Lenten sacrifices and the lessons learned during Lent. Let us try to live out some of those ideals well beyond Lent and into the Easter season. As the passage below states it is time to clear out our past (old yeast) and look forward to a new future (fresh dough), a future in Christ:
Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Cor 5:6b-8
God Bless, Holly Clark
Lenten Resolutions I
February 22, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
Lenten Resolutions
The end of February is nearly upon us… and our New Year’s resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection upon our inner souls and upon Christ’s sacrifice for us.
We all know that Lent is a time for “Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.” You might say to yourself “I’ll go to church more often during Lent.” (prayer), “I’ll give up sweets.” (fasting), and “I’ll put more in the collection basket” (almsgiving). This Lent let us try to challenge ourselves to do more than the basics. Let us be creative in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Prayer
Resolve this Lent to pray more… Try to take up a form of prayer you may not have tried before, such as centering prayer or Lectio Devina or the Rosary. Also try to squeeze in an extra few minutes of your day to thank God and remember what Jesus has given up for us.
Fasting
Resolve this Lent to Fast. Fasting in the common sense means to give up food, but it can also mean a giving up of time. This Lent in addition to fasting from food try to give some of your time to a church ministry or lend a helping hand to a lonely person… Be Creative! There are so many simple ways we can help on another on our journey towards Christ.
Almsgiving
Resolve this Lent to remember the needy. Fasting can be seen as a giving up whereas almsgiving can be thought of as giving something back. Again, be creative! If you gave up that Starbuck’s coffee as a part of fasting, consider giving the money you saved to the poor and needy!
Making these sort of resolutions is never easy and there will days when our best intentions go awry but it is important that we try. With God’s help and love our Lenten resolutions could become lifelong habits. God Bless- Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire
Lenten Resolutions
The end of February is nearly upon us… and our New Year’s resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection upon our inner souls and upon Christ’s sacrifice for us.
We all know that Lent is a time for “Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.” You might say to yourself “I’ll go to church more often during Lent.” (prayer), “I’ll give up sweets.” (fasting), and “I’ll put more in the collection basket” (almsgiving). This Lent let us try to challenge ourselves to do more than the basics. Let us be creative in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Prayer
Resolve this Lent to pray more… Try to take up a form of prayer you may not have tried before, such as centering prayer or Lectio Devina or the Rosary. Also try to squeeze in an extra few minutes of your day to thank God and remember what Jesus has given up for us.
Fasting
Resolve this Lent to Fast. Fasting in the common sense means to give up food, but it can also mean a giving up of time. This Lent in addition to fasting from food try to give some of your time to a church ministry or lend a helping hand to a lonely person… Be Creative! There are so many simple ways we can help on another on our journey towards Christ.
Almsgiving
Resolve this Lent to remember the needy. Fasting can be seen as a giving up whereas almsgiving can be thought of as giving something back. Again, be creative! If you gave up that Starbuck’s coffee as a part of fasting, consider giving the money you saved to the poor and needy!
Making these sort of resolutions is never easy and there will days when our best intentions go awry but it is important that we try. With God’s help and love our Lenten resolutions could become lifelong habits. God Bless- Holly Clark
Lenten Resolutions II
April 5, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
Lenten Resolutions: Part Two
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and anticipation of the Lord’s death and resurrection. We have spent the last few weeks reflecting upon our lives and how we can better live up to the ideals that Jesus has set forth for us. Did we learn anything about ourselves these past few weeks? What could we have done better? As we prepare this week to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection let us make some Lenten resolutions that will last us well beyond Lent:
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism - become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments - think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry - trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement - be full of hope.
Give up bitterness - turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred - return good for evil.
Give up negativism - be positive.
Give up anger - be more patient.
Give up pettiness - become mature.
Give up gloom - enjoy the beauty all around you.
Give up jealousy - pray for trust.
Give up gossiping - control your tongue.
Give up sin - turn to virtue.
Give up giving up - hang in there!*
We are on a faith journey that does not end at Holy Week. We should always take the time to reflect upon our faith and our lives. God Bless – Holly Clark
*http://www.appleseeds.org/lent-reflect_1.htm
Setting Our Church on Fire
Lenten Resolutions: Part Two
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and anticipation of the Lord’s death and resurrection. We have spent the last few weeks reflecting upon our lives and how we can better live up to the ideals that Jesus has set forth for us. Did we learn anything about ourselves these past few weeks? What could we have done better? As we prepare this week to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection let us make some Lenten resolutions that will last us well beyond Lent:
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism - become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments - think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry - trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement - be full of hope.
Give up bitterness - turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred - return good for evil.
Give up negativism - be positive.
Give up anger - be more patient.
Give up pettiness - become mature.
Give up gloom - enjoy the beauty all around you.
Give up jealousy - pray for trust.
Give up gossiping - control your tongue.
Give up sin - turn to virtue.
Give up giving up - hang in there!*
We are on a faith journey that does not end at Holy Week. We should always take the time to reflect upon our faith and our lives. God Bless – Holly Clark
*http://www.appleseeds.org/lent-reflect_1.htm
Sharing Time, Sharing a Meal
March 22, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
Sharing Time, Sharing a Meal
Lent is a time for inner prayer and reflection but also for sharing with others. It is a time for sharing our faith with one another, a time for sharing one another’s company. When was the last time you sat down for dinner and not felt rushed to do some chores, help with homework or catch-up on office work? And if you did relax, did you feel guilty for not doing that load of laundry or not returning umpteen phone calls? Dinnertime is a time for relaxing and sharing with one another.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending our Generations of Faith festivals: “Do this in Remembrance of Me.” The focus of the festivals was the Mass. As I sat and listened to Fr. Richard Crowley’s presentation at a teaching Mass I was reminded that the Mass really is like our family dinners. We take time to share our stories through the Liturgy of the Word. We share a meal through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and then we are dismissed from the table to go about our daily lives with Jesus at our side.
Tonight at dinnertime let us try to relax and truly enjoy one another’s company. Let’s ask the question “how was your day” and then truly listen. Let us invite Jesus into the conversation and ask Him for guidance in our lives. And… before we leave the table… let us remember to thank God for all our blessings and remember those who do not have food to eat or families to share a meal with.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire
Sharing Time, Sharing a Meal
Lent is a time for inner prayer and reflection but also for sharing with others. It is a time for sharing our faith with one another, a time for sharing one another’s company. When was the last time you sat down for dinner and not felt rushed to do some chores, help with homework or catch-up on office work? And if you did relax, did you feel guilty for not doing that load of laundry or not returning umpteen phone calls? Dinnertime is a time for relaxing and sharing with one another.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending our Generations of Faith festivals: “Do this in Remembrance of Me.” The focus of the festivals was the Mass. As I sat and listened to Fr. Richard Crowley’s presentation at a teaching Mass I was reminded that the Mass really is like our family dinners. We take time to share our stories through the Liturgy of the Word. We share a meal through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and then we are dismissed from the table to go about our daily lives with Jesus at our side.
Tonight at dinnertime let us try to relax and truly enjoy one another’s company. Let’s ask the question “how was your day” and then truly listen. Let us invite Jesus into the conversation and ask Him for guidance in our lives. And… before we leave the table… let us remember to thank God for all our blessings and remember those who do not have food to eat or families to share a meal with.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Life is Short
March 15, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
Life is Short!
During Lent we reflect upon our lives and the life of Jesus. Jesus knew His life would be cut short and made every day count. How do you make every day count? Do you get up everyday and greet the new day with hope and energy or do you crawl out of bed with your mind already cluttered from the tasks that lie ahead and your eternal mental to-do list is running amok? If Jesus were to be watching you live your life what do you think He’d say? He probably would chastise us for being too busy and caught up in our own little dramas and forgetting the needs of the people around us.
As I write I am reminded of my days as a medical technologist working at the Deaconess Hospital in Boston. At lunchtime, in the summer, very often we would sit outside. We’d talk and gripe over how busy and stressed out we were. One day a patient, in a Johnny and on portable IV, who had obviously been through chemo, came by and sat down next to us… it suddenly seemed oh so silly to be thinking so much of ourselves and our problems.
When I returned from lunch that day I looked over my workload. I needed to analyze about a hundred tubes of blood for HIV. Each one of those tubes represented a man, woman or child, who, within 24 hours, may or may not be given a death sentence depending upon the results of my analysis. As I thought about those who would be diagnosed as HIV-positive, my own problems seemed to be so very insignificant and I began to thank God for my health and my fortunes in life.
This Lent let us notice the people around us. Let us help those we can through action and prayer. God gave us life, Jesus taught us how to live it and the Holy Spirit guides us every day. Life is precious… let’s not waste it.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire
Life is Short!
During Lent we reflect upon our lives and the life of Jesus. Jesus knew His life would be cut short and made every day count. How do you make every day count? Do you get up everyday and greet the new day with hope and energy or do you crawl out of bed with your mind already cluttered from the tasks that lie ahead and your eternal mental to-do list is running amok? If Jesus were to be watching you live your life what do you think He’d say? He probably would chastise us for being too busy and caught up in our own little dramas and forgetting the needs of the people around us.
As I write I am reminded of my days as a medical technologist working at the Deaconess Hospital in Boston. At lunchtime, in the summer, very often we would sit outside. We’d talk and gripe over how busy and stressed out we were. One day a patient, in a Johnny and on portable IV, who had obviously been through chemo, came by and sat down next to us… it suddenly seemed oh so silly to be thinking so much of ourselves and our problems.
When I returned from lunch that day I looked over my workload. I needed to analyze about a hundred tubes of blood for HIV. Each one of those tubes represented a man, woman or child, who, within 24 hours, may or may not be given a death sentence depending upon the results of my analysis. As I thought about those who would be diagnosed as HIV-positive, my own problems seemed to be so very insignificant and I began to thank God for my health and my fortunes in life.
This Lent let us notice the people around us. Let us help those we can through action and prayer. God gave us life, Jesus taught us how to live it and the Holy Spirit guides us every day. Life is precious… let’s not waste it.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Fast?
March 8, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
FAST?
Last week, before Ash Wednesday, I was working on the Lenten liturgical schedules and began planning for Triduum. It seemed odd at the time to be thinking about Holy Week before Ash Wednesday and I got to pondering that oftentimes we live life too fast. Sometimes I feel like I am living life in the fast lane and not taking enough time to enjoy life, to realize what is important. It seems as if we are always planning for the next task or event. Have you ever wanted to shout from the rooftops, “Please God, slow me down?” Have you ever felt powerless to slow down the pace of life?
We have many technological tools to help us along in life such as cell phones, answering machines, e-mail, etc. I fear that with all of this technology we are losing ourselves, we are losing our “alone” time. Technology has speeded us up. Remember the days before cell phones, when people had to wait to make and receive calls at home or in the office? Be honest… how many of you are e-mail, text, or cell phone addicts? (I admit I am an e-mail addict.)
I remember once a homily Fr. Daniel Moran gave here at Sacred Heart. He stated that the reason we enjoy vacations so much is that we can get away from all our “stuff” for a brief time! Fr. Moran used to tease me a lot about my dependence on computers. One day I realized he was so very right when he caught me working on two computers simultaneously (… and I still do occasionally!)
Lent is a time to pause and reflect upon one’s daily life. We need to break the cycle of speed. Slow down. We need to fast from all the “fast” our society inspires. This Lent let us try to give up rushing, speeding, multi-tasking and anything that takes our minds away from enjoying the present. Let us try to consciously slow ourselves down and be attentive to the task at hand. Let us relax and allow the Spirit to come into our lives. Let us allow extra time for ourselves for the things that are really important: God, family, friends and ourselves.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know that I am.
Be still, and know.
Be still.
Be!
Setting Our Church on Fire
FAST?
Last week, before Ash Wednesday, I was working on the Lenten liturgical schedules and began planning for Triduum. It seemed odd at the time to be thinking about Holy Week before Ash Wednesday and I got to pondering that oftentimes we live life too fast. Sometimes I feel like I am living life in the fast lane and not taking enough time to enjoy life, to realize what is important. It seems as if we are always planning for the next task or event. Have you ever wanted to shout from the rooftops, “Please God, slow me down?” Have you ever felt powerless to slow down the pace of life?
We have many technological tools to help us along in life such as cell phones, answering machines, e-mail, etc. I fear that with all of this technology we are losing ourselves, we are losing our “alone” time. Technology has speeded us up. Remember the days before cell phones, when people had to wait to make and receive calls at home or in the office? Be honest… how many of you are e-mail, text, or cell phone addicts? (I admit I am an e-mail addict.)
I remember once a homily Fr. Daniel Moran gave here at Sacred Heart. He stated that the reason we enjoy vacations so much is that we can get away from all our “stuff” for a brief time! Fr. Moran used to tease me a lot about my dependence on computers. One day I realized he was so very right when he caught me working on two computers simultaneously (… and I still do occasionally!)
Lent is a time to pause and reflect upon one’s daily life. We need to break the cycle of speed. Slow down. We need to fast from all the “fast” our society inspires. This Lent let us try to give up rushing, speeding, multi-tasking and anything that takes our minds away from enjoying the present. Let us try to consciously slow ourselves down and be attentive to the task at hand. Let us relax and allow the Spirit to come into our lives. Let us allow extra time for ourselves for the things that are really important: God, family, friends and ourselves.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know that I am.
Be still, and know.
Be still.
Be!
Evangelization
February 15, 2009
Setting Our Church on Fire
e⋅van⋅ge⋅lize
1. to preach the gospel to. 2. to convert to Christianity. 3. act as an evangelist.
This past week, I have been reflecting upon the word “evangelize” and what we can do, as Catholics, to better practice evangelization. I fear too many Catholics hear the word “evangelization” and think of our Christian brethren going door-to-door armed with pamphlets telling people that “Jesus saves, Alleluia!” Pre-Vatican II Catholics probably never thought of evangelization, after all, according to the above definition that was the priest’s job! When we are baptized we are given a set of responsibilities, one of these is the duty to go forth into the world and evangelize. But where do we begin? Pope Paul VI writes:
The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself. She is the community of believers, the community of hope lived and communicated, the community of brotherly love, and she needs to listen unceasingly to what she must believe, to her reasons for hoping, to the new commandment of love…. [in turn] the Church herself sends out evangelizers. She puts on their lips the saving Word,… (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 15)
What this means is that we, the faithful, need to look deep within ourselves, and search our hearts and minds so that we may become effective evangelizers. We don’t need to go door-to-door and be obnoxious. We can turn hearts toward Christ just by being faithful witnesses to the faith. Do not be afraid to speak about your faith wherever you may be. There are many in our society seeking a more spiritual life and you never know what seeds you will sow by being a living example of your faith and spreading the Good News of Christ.
Many lose their way in the journey to the Lord and the path is never straight. This week let us pray for the strength to become effective evangelizers and seek out those who may have fallen away from Christ, and put them back on the pathway to our Lord. God Bless, Holly Clark.
Setting Our Church on Fire
e⋅van⋅ge⋅lize
1. to preach the gospel to. 2. to convert to Christianity. 3. act as an evangelist.
This past week, I have been reflecting upon the word “evangelize” and what we can do, as Catholics, to better practice evangelization. I fear too many Catholics hear the word “evangelization” and think of our Christian brethren going door-to-door armed with pamphlets telling people that “Jesus saves, Alleluia!” Pre-Vatican II Catholics probably never thought of evangelization, after all, according to the above definition that was the priest’s job! When we are baptized we are given a set of responsibilities, one of these is the duty to go forth into the world and evangelize. But where do we begin? Pope Paul VI writes:
The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself. She is the community of believers, the community of hope lived and communicated, the community of brotherly love, and she needs to listen unceasingly to what she must believe, to her reasons for hoping, to the new commandment of love…. [in turn] the Church herself sends out evangelizers. She puts on their lips the saving Word,… (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 15)
What this means is that we, the faithful, need to look deep within ourselves, and search our hearts and minds so that we may become effective evangelizers. We don’t need to go door-to-door and be obnoxious. We can turn hearts toward Christ just by being faithful witnesses to the faith. Do not be afraid to speak about your faith wherever you may be. There are many in our society seeking a more spiritual life and you never know what seeds you will sow by being a living example of your faith and spreading the Good News of Christ.
Many lose their way in the journey to the Lord and the path is never straight. This week let us pray for the strength to become effective evangelizers and seek out those who may have fallen away from Christ, and put them back on the pathway to our Lord. God Bless, Holly Clark.
2009 Anno Domine
December 28, 2008
Setting Our Church on Fire
2009 Anno Domini
Before we make out our annual list of New Year’s Resolutions, let us reflect back on the past year and ask ourselves: Where can we improve our spiritual life? How can we invite the Lord to be a part our life?
To begin with try out this “recipe”:
Recipe for a Happy New Year (anonymous)
Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
This New Year’s Day, arise from your bed and resolve to make the Lord a member of your family. Talk with Him, Walk with Him and Pray with Him. Share your life with Him, the good and the bad, He will always listen.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire
2009 Anno Domini
Before we make out our annual list of New Year’s Resolutions, let us reflect back on the past year and ask ourselves: Where can we improve our spiritual life? How can we invite the Lord to be a part our life?
To begin with try out this “recipe”:
Recipe for a Happy New Year (anonymous)
Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
This New Year’s Day, arise from your bed and resolve to make the Lord a member of your family. Talk with Him, Walk with Him and Pray with Him. Share your life with Him, the good and the bad, He will always listen.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Be Hopeful, Be Ready, Be Joyful, Be Love!
December 21, 2008
Setting Our Church on Fire
Be Hopeful, Be Ready,
Be Joyful, Be Love!
You never know what you might find in “junk” mail! The other day I received an Advent sampler and came across this little Advent key-ring tag with the words: “Be Hopeful, Be Ready, Be Joyful, Be Love!” and thought what a perfect way to summarize the season of Advent!
Be Hopeful: This world of ours seems so full of bad news lately. The economy is down, our troops are still in combat, and there is world hunger and strife. On this Christmas Day let us be hopeful. The Lord will see us through the bad times and the good. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Rom 5:5)
Be Ready: During Advent we make ready the path for our Lord. This Christmas let us examine our conscious and ask ourselves “Are we ready to meet the Lord?” Let us make ready our lives so that we become true disciples of Christ. “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt 24:44)
Be Joyful: Be joyous… the Lord is coming! When we come to Christmas Mass this year let us sing out with strong voice and let our joy ring to the heavens. “All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.” (Ps 47:2)
Be Love: Sacred Scripture instructs us to love one another. Our Lord’s Prayer tells us to “forgive those who trespass against us.” Perhaps we have a “black sheep” in the family or perhaps we have had an argument with someone. This Christmas let us make a special effort to practice forgiveness and embrace those who most need our love. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us.” (Eph 5:1–2)
May you all have a Blessed Christmas… Holly Clark
Setting Our Church on Fire
Be Hopeful, Be Ready,
Be Joyful, Be Love!
You never know what you might find in “junk” mail! The other day I received an Advent sampler and came across this little Advent key-ring tag with the words: “Be Hopeful, Be Ready, Be Joyful, Be Love!” and thought what a perfect way to summarize the season of Advent!
Be Hopeful: This world of ours seems so full of bad news lately. The economy is down, our troops are still in combat, and there is world hunger and strife. On this Christmas Day let us be hopeful. The Lord will see us through the bad times and the good. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Rom 5:5)
Be Ready: During Advent we make ready the path for our Lord. This Christmas let us examine our conscious and ask ourselves “Are we ready to meet the Lord?” Let us make ready our lives so that we become true disciples of Christ. “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt 24:44)
Be Joyful: Be joyous… the Lord is coming! When we come to Christmas Mass this year let us sing out with strong voice and let our joy ring to the heavens. “All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.” (Ps 47:2)
Be Love: Sacred Scripture instructs us to love one another. Our Lord’s Prayer tells us to “forgive those who trespass against us.” Perhaps we have a “black sheep” in the family or perhaps we have had an argument with someone. This Christmas let us make a special effort to practice forgiveness and embrace those who most need our love. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us.” (Eph 5:1–2)
May you all have a Blessed Christmas… Holly Clark
Opening Our Hearts
December 14, 2008
Opening Our Hearts
Advent is a time for preparing. A time of getting ready to welcome our Lord into our lives and our hearts. But are we ready?
Once we have cleared away the clutter of our own lives and have made straight the highway to God what then? I am reminded of the story of Martha and Mary. They both welcome the Lord in different ways:
As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." (Lk 10:38-42)
Mary welcomed Jesus with her heart while Martha welcomed Jesus by providing all that a “proper” hostess should do. Are you a Martha or Mary? Are you like Martha and get very caught up in providing your guests with the perfect meal, the perfect house, doing all you are “supposed” to do? Or are you like Mary, dropping everything to enjoy your guest’s company? Which is more welcoming?
There will be many people on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day coming to our house of worship. Many will be entering the church after being away since last Easter. Let us take the time this Advent and Christmas and make a special effort to welcome those persons who have not yet seen clear their pathway to God. At our Christmas services this year take a little time to welcome someone you have never met… you never know what a few kind words may mean to a person. As we travel our highway to God we will meet many on the road. Let us open our hearts to all. God Bless – Holly Clark
Opening Our Hearts
Advent is a time for preparing. A time of getting ready to welcome our Lord into our lives and our hearts. But are we ready?
Once we have cleared away the clutter of our own lives and have made straight the highway to God what then? I am reminded of the story of Martha and Mary. They both welcome the Lord in different ways:
As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." (Lk 10:38-42)
Mary welcomed Jesus with her heart while Martha welcomed Jesus by providing all that a “proper” hostess should do. Are you a Martha or Mary? Are you like Martha and get very caught up in providing your guests with the perfect meal, the perfect house, doing all you are “supposed” to do? Or are you like Mary, dropping everything to enjoy your guest’s company? Which is more welcoming?
There will be many people on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day coming to our house of worship. Many will be entering the church after being away since last Easter. Let us take the time this Advent and Christmas and make a special effort to welcome those persons who have not yet seen clear their pathway to God. At our Christmas services this year take a little time to welcome someone you have never met… you never know what a few kind words may mean to a person. As we travel our highway to God we will meet many on the road. Let us open our hearts to all. God Bless – Holly Clark
Are You Preparing?
December 7, 2008
Are You Preparing?
A voice cries out from the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord!
A voice cries out from the wilderness:
Make straight a Highway for God!
Michael Joncas (A Voice Cries Out)
St. Augustine once said “Singing is praying twice!” The above quote is from a song our choir sang at the Annual Music Guild concert, based on today’s reading from Isaiah. I found myself very struck by the words to this song. As I sat in choir rehearsal, practicing this song, I tried picturing myself in the wilderness 2000 years ago waiting for the coming of our savior. The song is full of imagery of the wilderness, mountains, valleys and plains waiting for the birth of Jesus… a very picturesque scene but bears no resemblance to today’s wilderness.
Our “wilderness” of today isn’t mountains, forests, nor deserts. Today’s wilderness consists of shopping malls, career and social pressures, the mass media, and even the clutter of our own minds. How do we make a way through our wilderness and prepare a highway for God?
Last Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark 13 Jesus tells us to ““Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Are you prepared? The season of Advent is a time for preparing and reflecting upon the coming of our Savior and making ourselves ready.
This week take a look at your Christmas “to-do” lists. Is prayer and reflection at the top? Is it even on your list? To ready ourselves for the Lord we must first clear away our own wilderness and clutter and make straight our path so we can then prepare the road for our Lord.
Before writing out your “to-do” lists find a comfortable spot, put on Christmas carols such as “Away in a Manger” or “The First Noel” (not “Rudolph” or “Frosty”!) and reflect upon the season. Put prayer at both the top and bottom of your to-do list and then fill in the middle. Your list will probably include cooking, cleaning, shopping… preparing for the “coming” of family and friends but what will you do to prepare for the coming of our Savior? Give it some thought and add it to your to-do list… after all, we must remember Christ is coming and we must be ready. – God Bless, Holly Clark
Are You Preparing?
A voice cries out from the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord!
A voice cries out from the wilderness:
Make straight a Highway for God!
Michael Joncas (A Voice Cries Out)
St. Augustine once said “Singing is praying twice!” The above quote is from a song our choir sang at the Annual Music Guild concert, based on today’s reading from Isaiah. I found myself very struck by the words to this song. As I sat in choir rehearsal, practicing this song, I tried picturing myself in the wilderness 2000 years ago waiting for the coming of our savior. The song is full of imagery of the wilderness, mountains, valleys and plains waiting for the birth of Jesus… a very picturesque scene but bears no resemblance to today’s wilderness.
Our “wilderness” of today isn’t mountains, forests, nor deserts. Today’s wilderness consists of shopping malls, career and social pressures, the mass media, and even the clutter of our own minds. How do we make a way through our wilderness and prepare a highway for God?
Last Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark 13 Jesus tells us to ““Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Are you prepared? The season of Advent is a time for preparing and reflecting upon the coming of our Savior and making ourselves ready.
This week take a look at your Christmas “to-do” lists. Is prayer and reflection at the top? Is it even on your list? To ready ourselves for the Lord we must first clear away our own wilderness and clutter and make straight our path so we can then prepare the road for our Lord.
Before writing out your “to-do” lists find a comfortable spot, put on Christmas carols such as “Away in a Manger” or “The First Noel” (not “Rudolph” or “Frosty”!) and reflect upon the season. Put prayer at both the top and bottom of your to-do list and then fill in the middle. Your list will probably include cooking, cleaning, shopping… preparing for the “coming” of family and friends but what will you do to prepare for the coming of our Savior? Give it some thought and add it to your to-do list… after all, we must remember Christ is coming and we must be ready. – God Bless, Holly Clark
Making Time
November 30, 2008
Making Time
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. The word Advent from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Savior. In the secular world it is the beginning of Christmas shopping, cooking, decorating, entertaining, etc. So often we lose sight of what the season is about, not on purpose, we just get very caught up in the doing and forget to make time for reflection.
I remember a few years ago, Fr. Richard Crowley gave a homily at this time of year that has stayed with me and I think about every Advent. The homily was about how we are so overburdened at this time of year that we can’t even do all we are “supposed” to do (according to the secular world), much less make time for reflecting upon the holy season. How often have you used these phrases:
“I can’t think of anything until after Christmas.”
“I need to make it through Christmas before I start any new projects.”
“I’ll rest after we get through Christmas!”
Father made the point that Christmas is not an event that we need to “get through” every year. We need to make a conscious effort to stay focused on Christ’s mission and the true meaning of Christmas.
When you are out shopping, take a look around you... pause and reflect… many will be going without gifts this year under the tree.
When you are cooking and baking… pause and reflect… many will be hungry.
When you are partying… pause and reflect… many are lonely.
When you are decorating make sure the nativity goes up first… pause, reflect and pray that we will all remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Making Time
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. The word Advent from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Savior. In the secular world it is the beginning of Christmas shopping, cooking, decorating, entertaining, etc. So often we lose sight of what the season is about, not on purpose, we just get very caught up in the doing and forget to make time for reflection.
I remember a few years ago, Fr. Richard Crowley gave a homily at this time of year that has stayed with me and I think about every Advent. The homily was about how we are so overburdened at this time of year that we can’t even do all we are “supposed” to do (according to the secular world), much less make time for reflecting upon the holy season. How often have you used these phrases:
“I can’t think of anything until after Christmas.”
“I need to make it through Christmas before I start any new projects.”
“I’ll rest after we get through Christmas!”
Father made the point that Christmas is not an event that we need to “get through” every year. We need to make a conscious effort to stay focused on Christ’s mission and the true meaning of Christmas.
When you are out shopping, take a look around you... pause and reflect… many will be going without gifts this year under the tree.
When you are cooking and baking… pause and reflect… many will be hungry.
When you are partying… pause and reflect… many are lonely.
When you are decorating make sure the nativity goes up first… pause, reflect and pray that we will all remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.
– God Bless, Holly Clark
Giving Thanks
November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks
A dear friend of mine, in an e-mail, suggested that I take some time this month for some “holy remembering.” As we approach Thanksgiving I find myself looking back at the last year and what an awesome year it was! I have so much to be thankful for… thankful to family, friends and God… all played an important role for me these past months.
In October of 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. A cancer diagnosis in any stage is frightening, I had always been a private person but knew I couldn’t walk this journey alone. I am so thankful to my friends, family and the Sacred Heart/St. Rose faith community. Through you all I learned the awesome power of prayer. I could not have made it without the prayers of others buoying me up.
I am thankful for the many volunteers who came forward to help. I was deeply touched by the generosity shown… I am thankful for all who kept me in their prayers, for all who gave moral support, for all who helped in the office, getting the bulletin out, answering phones etc. There are so many to thank … I do want to especially mention the person who took over the Baptism class I was supposed to teach (only after she volunteered did I find out she had just broken her ankle and had to crawl up the steps of the Shea Center!).
It is through this dark journey of illness that I found the light of Christ shining through. I found Christ everywhere… in my friends and family, in parishioners I’ve never met before, in the medical professionals I dealt with and in the faces of my fellow cancer survivors. I did at first ask God “Why me?” and then I met a 3 year old little boy at radiation therapy who had already been through chemo and I changed the question to “Why him?” and I prayed for him instead of myself. I then counted my blessings.
I have come to realize that in our personal life’s journey it is the struggle and how we deal with life that is important. This Thanksgiving take some time to do some holy remembering. Look for God in both the bad times and good times. You will find that Christ has been with you right along. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Clark
Giving Thanks
A dear friend of mine, in an e-mail, suggested that I take some time this month for some “holy remembering.” As we approach Thanksgiving I find myself looking back at the last year and what an awesome year it was! I have so much to be thankful for… thankful to family, friends and God… all played an important role for me these past months.
In October of 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. A cancer diagnosis in any stage is frightening, I had always been a private person but knew I couldn’t walk this journey alone. I am so thankful to my friends, family and the Sacred Heart/St. Rose faith community. Through you all I learned the awesome power of prayer. I could not have made it without the prayers of others buoying me up.
I am thankful for the many volunteers who came forward to help. I was deeply touched by the generosity shown… I am thankful for all who kept me in their prayers, for all who gave moral support, for all who helped in the office, getting the bulletin out, answering phones etc. There are so many to thank … I do want to especially mention the person who took over the Baptism class I was supposed to teach (only after she volunteered did I find out she had just broken her ankle and had to crawl up the steps of the Shea Center!).
It is through this dark journey of illness that I found the light of Christ shining through. I found Christ everywhere… in my friends and family, in parishioners I’ve never met before, in the medical professionals I dealt with and in the faces of my fellow cancer survivors. I did at first ask God “Why me?” and then I met a 3 year old little boy at radiation therapy who had already been through chemo and I changed the question to “Why him?” and I prayed for him instead of myself. I then counted my blessings.
I have come to realize that in our personal life’s journey it is the struggle and how we deal with life that is important. This Thanksgiving take some time to do some holy remembering. Look for God in both the bad times and good times. You will find that Christ has been with you right along. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Clark
Walk with Me… Talk with Me… Pray with Me…
November 16, 2008
Walk with Me…
Talk with Me…
Pray with Me…
Faith sharing among Catholics is not a new phenomenon. Jesus shared His faith with His disciples. His disciples shared their faith with one another after Christ’s death. Somewhere along the line, in this century we stopped practicing faith sharing. It was up to our priests, sisters and religious brothers to form and shape our faith. Nowadays there are fewer clergy and religious men and women and it is up to us now to form our own faith communities.
Recently Celia Sirois, Biblical scholar and instructor at St. John’s Seminary, gave a presentation on the Households of St. Paul. In Paul’s time Christians met together in homes. There were no churches built yet, nor were there seminaries to train priests. People met together, ate a meal (Eucharist), and shared their faith. The US Bishops encourage us to form communities of faith as Christian’s did in Paul’s time:
Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society. Ecclesial movements and associations that are part of the vibrant life of the Church make great contributions here. We welcome this phenomenon as "a sign of the 'Church's vitality.'" -From "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States," 1999
Sharing your faith with others can be awkward at first. The first time I sat in on a Generations of Faith adult session, I was very afraid someone would ask me to share my faith! I figured everyone else there knew more than me. After a while I realized it was not about how much I knew or didn’t know about my faith… the important thing was to listen… to share… to start talking.
A great place to start faith sharing would be to attend one of our Generations Faith Festivals. At its core GOF seeks to form our own “households” of faith. The older generations come together to share their faith not only with each other but also with the younger generations who are just beginning to learn their faith. Our faith grows deeper when we can share with others. So, I encourage you to start walking, talking and praying the journey of faith together. God Bless– Holly Clark
Walk with Me…
Talk with Me…
Pray with Me…
Faith sharing among Catholics is not a new phenomenon. Jesus shared His faith with His disciples. His disciples shared their faith with one another after Christ’s death. Somewhere along the line, in this century we stopped practicing faith sharing. It was up to our priests, sisters and religious brothers to form and shape our faith. Nowadays there are fewer clergy and religious men and women and it is up to us now to form our own faith communities.
Recently Celia Sirois, Biblical scholar and instructor at St. John’s Seminary, gave a presentation on the Households of St. Paul. In Paul’s time Christians met together in homes. There were no churches built yet, nor were there seminaries to train priests. People met together, ate a meal (Eucharist), and shared their faith. The US Bishops encourage us to form communities of faith as Christian’s did in Paul’s time:
Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society. Ecclesial movements and associations that are part of the vibrant life of the Church make great contributions here. We welcome this phenomenon as "a sign of the 'Church's vitality.'" -From "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States," 1999
Sharing your faith with others can be awkward at first. The first time I sat in on a Generations of Faith adult session, I was very afraid someone would ask me to share my faith! I figured everyone else there knew more than me. After a while I realized it was not about how much I knew or didn’t know about my faith… the important thing was to listen… to share… to start talking.
A great place to start faith sharing would be to attend one of our Generations Faith Festivals. At its core GOF seeks to form our own “households” of faith. The older generations come together to share their faith not only with each other but also with the younger generations who are just beginning to learn their faith. Our faith grows deeper when we can share with others. So, I encourage you to start walking, talking and praying the journey of faith together. God Bless– Holly Clark
Reviewing the Day
November 9, 2008
Reviewing the Day
What do you do at the end of the day?
If you are like me you probably go over the events of the day and think about the things that went wrong and how to correct them or maybe you make a mental list of what you need to do tomorrow. Your mind is often racing in a million directions. All you want to do is quiet your mind and get a good night’s sleep.
I have recently discovered that one thing was missing from my nightly routine. A lot of us “say” prayers before going to bed or maybe read some scripture but have you ever actually shared your day with Jesus? Have you ever thought of conversing with Jesus about your daily worries and problems? Have you thanked God for the graces you have received during the day. Have you ever shared your hopes and dreams with Him?
St. Ignatius suggests that you take a few minutes every evening and look back over your day and examine how and where Christ was with you during the day:
Get comfortable and close your eyes
Let Christ show you this day as you lived it.
The people you met
The circumstances you encountered
The activities you engaged in
In Christ these things are God’s gifts to you, revealing His presence in a new way.
Recall the feelings and moods that were evoked:
Love, hope, contentment, joy, anger, fear, shame
These feelings can reveal your movement toward God or away from God
Sit with Christ and tell Him how you feel.
Listen to what Christ is telling you.
Thank God for the blessings of the day.
End with an Our Father…
This form of prayer will be challenging at first. We have a lot of “noise” in our heads and staying focused will require much practice… but always remember… Christ is with us until the end of time… God Bless… --Holly Clark
Reviewing the Day
What do you do at the end of the day?
If you are like me you probably go over the events of the day and think about the things that went wrong and how to correct them or maybe you make a mental list of what you need to do tomorrow. Your mind is often racing in a million directions. All you want to do is quiet your mind and get a good night’s sleep.
I have recently discovered that one thing was missing from my nightly routine. A lot of us “say” prayers before going to bed or maybe read some scripture but have you ever actually shared your day with Jesus? Have you ever thought of conversing with Jesus about your daily worries and problems? Have you thanked God for the graces you have received during the day. Have you ever shared your hopes and dreams with Him?
St. Ignatius suggests that you take a few minutes every evening and look back over your day and examine how and where Christ was with you during the day:
Get comfortable and close your eyes
Let Christ show you this day as you lived it.
The people you met
The circumstances you encountered
The activities you engaged in
In Christ these things are God’s gifts to you, revealing His presence in a new way.
Recall the feelings and moods that were evoked:
Love, hope, contentment, joy, anger, fear, shame
These feelings can reveal your movement toward God or away from God
Sit with Christ and tell Him how you feel.
Listen to what Christ is telling you.
Thank God for the blessings of the day.
End with an Our Father…
This form of prayer will be challenging at first. We have a lot of “noise” in our heads and staying focused will require much practice… but always remember… Christ is with us until the end of time… God Bless… --Holly Clark
Sacred Scripture
November 2, 2008
Sacred Scripture
"Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit." (CCC 81)
The past couple of weeks I have encouraged you to look into and reflect upon the daily readings. You will note that there is a “rhythm” to our daily readings. The weekday readings contain one Old Testament reading, a Psalm and Gospel reading. On the weekends we add another New Testament reading… usually a Letter from St. Paul or others (e.g. to the Romans, Ephesians, etc.).
The Bible is essentially the Chuch’s “library.” The Greek root “ta biblia” literally means “the books.” There are two main parts: the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament contains 46 books that pre-date Christ and the New Testament contains 27 books including the four Gospels and the books that concern themselves with Christ’s teachings.
In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God." In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them. (CCC 104)
God is truly speaking to us through Sacred Scripture. This week pick a daily reading and try to imagine yourself “living in” the scripture, as if you were eavesdropping or maybe even a participant. Try to imagine what it was like living in those times… read the scripture passage and meditate on the actual words… pick up your prayer journal and reflect upon what is God trying to tell you. God does have a message for us all. – God Bless, - Holly Clark
Sacred Scripture
"Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit." (CCC 81)
The past couple of weeks I have encouraged you to look into and reflect upon the daily readings. You will note that there is a “rhythm” to our daily readings. The weekday readings contain one Old Testament reading, a Psalm and Gospel reading. On the weekends we add another New Testament reading… usually a Letter from St. Paul or others (e.g. to the Romans, Ephesians, etc.).
The Bible is essentially the Chuch’s “library.” The Greek root “ta biblia” literally means “the books.” There are two main parts: the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament contains 46 books that pre-date Christ and the New Testament contains 27 books including the four Gospels and the books that concern themselves with Christ’s teachings.
In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God." In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them. (CCC 104)
God is truly speaking to us through Sacred Scripture. This week pick a daily reading and try to imagine yourself “living in” the scripture, as if you were eavesdropping or maybe even a participant. Try to imagine what it was like living in those times… read the scripture passage and meditate on the actual words… pick up your prayer journal and reflect upon what is God trying to tell you. God does have a message for us all. – God Bless, - Holly Clark
Breaking Open the Word
October 26, 2008
Breaking Open the Word
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Ps 119:105
The Vatican II Council encourages all Catholics to participate in breaking open the Word. This can be rather daunting at first. After all there are so many books… where to start? Last week I suggested that we start with the daily and Sunday readings. As you begin to read the Bible you will find the people of those times and their stories are not so different from our stories today!
I am learning about Sacred Scripture and prayer in a course I am taking. As an assignment I was asked to read the daily readings every day, select one to concentrate on and jot down my thoughts in a prayer journal. At first I thought what on earth am I going to write about… I’d never done this before. So I picked up the Bible and dived in. Rather than trying to concentrate and guess as to what the scripture was trying to teach me, I just let my feelings flow and let the Holy Spirit take over my thoughts and my pen. Soon I found myself truly looking forward to my daily scripture readings and writing in my prayer journal. It is not always easy to find the time and it will take a while to get used to putting pen to paper in this manner. There may even be an occasion or two where you may feel there just isn’t anything to say, which is okay too. Not every scripture reading will strike you, but the key is to start reading and let the Holy Spirit take you where God wants you to be. –Holly Clark
Breaking Open the Word
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Ps 119:105
The Vatican II Council encourages all Catholics to participate in breaking open the Word. This can be rather daunting at first. After all there are so many books… where to start? Last week I suggested that we start with the daily and Sunday readings. As you begin to read the Bible you will find the people of those times and their stories are not so different from our stories today!
I am learning about Sacred Scripture and prayer in a course I am taking. As an assignment I was asked to read the daily readings every day, select one to concentrate on and jot down my thoughts in a prayer journal. At first I thought what on earth am I going to write about… I’d never done this before. So I picked up the Bible and dived in. Rather than trying to concentrate and guess as to what the scripture was trying to teach me, I just let my feelings flow and let the Holy Spirit take over my thoughts and my pen. Soon I found myself truly looking forward to my daily scripture readings and writing in my prayer journal. It is not always easy to find the time and it will take a while to get used to putting pen to paper in this manner. There may even be an occasion or two where you may feel there just isn’t anything to say, which is okay too. Not every scripture reading will strike you, but the key is to start reading and let the Holy Spirit take you where God wants you to be. –Holly Clark
Starting Simply II
October 19, 2008
Starting Simply, Part II
Last week I talked about how we can see and honor God in our everyday lives in just a few minutes each day. We see Him in nature, in the faces of our children and in our private prayers.
In the not so distant future we will be faced with a severe priest shortage. It will be up to us, the laity to spread the gospel and our faith. Do you know enough about our faith to be able to do that? It is impossible to know all there is about our faith but there are a few simple steps we can take to set us on the right path.
Believe it or not, you have already taken the first step! You have taken the bulletin home and are reading it! Our bulletin provides not only the news and events of the parish but also strives to provide a starting point for at home discussions and reflections about our faith. The column on the right provides weekly reflections on the gospel, a listing of the daily readings and faith sharing questions. The faith sharing questions are based on the Sunday readings and are published in bulletins across the country.
Finding time to enhance our faith can be challenging in this day and age. Try to start with a few minutes at a time and soon it will become a habit. This week try to set aside time to reflect more on today’s readings. Perhaps at dinner time discuss the Faith Sharing Questions with your family. For a deeper challenge pick a day to read and reflect on one of the daily readings. (The daily and Sunday readings can be found online at: http://www.usccb.org/nab/). You will find that these few minutes everyday spent with God will be uplifting and a time to treasure. –Holly Clark
Starting Simply, Part II
Last week I talked about how we can see and honor God in our everyday lives in just a few minutes each day. We see Him in nature, in the faces of our children and in our private prayers.
In the not so distant future we will be faced with a severe priest shortage. It will be up to us, the laity to spread the gospel and our faith. Do you know enough about our faith to be able to do that? It is impossible to know all there is about our faith but there are a few simple steps we can take to set us on the right path.
Believe it or not, you have already taken the first step! You have taken the bulletin home and are reading it! Our bulletin provides not only the news and events of the parish but also strives to provide a starting point for at home discussions and reflections about our faith. The column on the right provides weekly reflections on the gospel, a listing of the daily readings and faith sharing questions. The faith sharing questions are based on the Sunday readings and are published in bulletins across the country.
Finding time to enhance our faith can be challenging in this day and age. Try to start with a few minutes at a time and soon it will become a habit. This week try to set aside time to reflect more on today’s readings. Perhaps at dinner time discuss the Faith Sharing Questions with your family. For a deeper challenge pick a day to read and reflect on one of the daily readings. (The daily and Sunday readings can be found online at: http://www.usccb.org/nab/). You will find that these few minutes everyday spent with God will be uplifting and a time to treasure. –Holly Clark
Starting Simply
October 12, 2008
Starting Simply
“The desire for God is written in the human heart.” (CCC 27) We, as Catholics, have a duty to learn as much as we can about God and our faith. As I said last week we do not “graduate” after we are confirmed. Confirmation gives us the basic building blocks to begin our faith journey. Sacred Heart offers many opportunities to learn and enrich our faith with Generations of Faith, Women in God’s Spirit, prayer ministries, etc. You may be saying to yourself that “I don’t have the time,” or “I’m too shy to share my faith.” So we’ll start off with some simple ideas to rekindle the fire of your faith.
We find God every day in our lives. This weekend, and the next week or two, will be peak fall foliage season in our area. Take a few minutes this week to admire the changing colors and thank God for the beauty in nature. We sometimes take for granted the colors of autumn or a beautiful sunset. We never seem to take the time to gaze up at the night sky to admire the stars while listening to the crickets chirp. All of this is thanks to God. This week let us take just a few minutes each day and consider St. Augustine’s challenge to us:
“Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky… question all these realities… Who made them if not the Beautiful One...” (CCC 32)
- Holly Clark
Starting Simply
“The desire for God is written in the human heart.” (CCC 27) We, as Catholics, have a duty to learn as much as we can about God and our faith. As I said last week we do not “graduate” after we are confirmed. Confirmation gives us the basic building blocks to begin our faith journey. Sacred Heart offers many opportunities to learn and enrich our faith with Generations of Faith, Women in God’s Spirit, prayer ministries, etc. You may be saying to yourself that “I don’t have the time,” or “I’m too shy to share my faith.” So we’ll start off with some simple ideas to rekindle the fire of your faith.
We find God every day in our lives. This weekend, and the next week or two, will be peak fall foliage season in our area. Take a few minutes this week to admire the changing colors and thank God for the beauty in nature. We sometimes take for granted the colors of autumn or a beautiful sunset. We never seem to take the time to gaze up at the night sky to admire the stars while listening to the crickets chirp. All of this is thanks to God. This week let us take just a few minutes each day and consider St. Augustine’s challenge to us:
“Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky… question all these realities… Who made them if not the Beautiful One...” (CCC 32)
- Holly Clark
Let's Set the Church on Fire!
October 5, 2008
Let’s Set the Church on Fire!
No, I am not advocating arson! In the very near future our diocese will be faced with a shortage of priests and we must start thinking now what this will mean to us and how we practice our faith. We, the laity, people like you and me, need to rise to the challenge. God calls, we respond.
We have a good parish here at Sacred Heart. Are we content with being only good or do we want to “set the church on fire” to become a truly great parish? Forming a great parish depends upon us, the parishioners.
Sacred Heart Parish offers many opportunities for worship and faith development. We do not “graduate” at confirmation and stop learning and growing in the faith. We are life-long learners. We are called to further our faith not only by attending Mass but by participation in adult faith enrichment programs such as Generations of Faith (not just for families), WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit), various prayer groups and ministries. We want to participate in these programs now because in the not so distant future we will each be called upon to spread the faith in the absence of a parish priest. By expanding our faith now we will be ready to heed God’s call when He needs us. So let’s “set the church on fire” and become a truly great parish. – Holly Clark
Let’s Set the Church on Fire!
No, I am not advocating arson! In the very near future our diocese will be faced with a shortage of priests and we must start thinking now what this will mean to us and how we practice our faith. We, the laity, people like you and me, need to rise to the challenge. God calls, we respond.
We have a good parish here at Sacred Heart. Are we content with being only good or do we want to “set the church on fire” to become a truly great parish? Forming a great parish depends upon us, the parishioners.
Sacred Heart Parish offers many opportunities for worship and faith development. We do not “graduate” at confirmation and stop learning and growing in the faith. We are life-long learners. We are called to further our faith not only by attending Mass but by participation in adult faith enrichment programs such as Generations of Faith (not just for families), WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit), various prayer groups and ministries. We want to participate in these programs now because in the not so distant future we will each be called upon to spread the faith in the absence of a parish priest. By expanding our faith now we will be ready to heed God’s call when He needs us. So let’s “set the church on fire” and become a truly great parish. – Holly Clark
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