Put Away the Old Self

July 7, 2013

For a few years now I have been praying with the daily readings and journaling my thoughts into a prayer journal/blog online. As I look back into my journal, I see certain patterns of thought that repeat throughout my life. This particular scripture verse, and similar verses, seem to come to me quite often

 …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. Only through conversation with God will we be able to discover our new and true selves:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not. -Proverbs 3:5

 As I reflect on these verses, I realize too that the same thoughts could also be applied to our parishes. As we enter into collaboratives we are constantly looking in the mirror. We ask God what do we need to do and change, as a parish, to be able to become a new self a new parish and collaborative bringing new life into our hearts: We will trust in the LORD!

God bless, Holly Clark

Go and Make Disciples

June 30, 2013

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

 

As we move forward in the pastoral plan, Disciples in Mission

I find this Gospel passage running through my head. Here is a

summary statement about one of our first duties as

Christians: 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)

 

As I attend Masses at all three locations of our collaborative I

try to sit in varying places (praying I am not “taking”

somebody’s pew!) to get different perspectives on who likes to

sit in the back, or front or middle. I look around me at your

different faces, and wonder what brought you here, today, to

this Mass. And I wonder where your faith journey is bringing

you. As I look into your faces I try to look for the enthusiasm

for the faith. If we are not enthusiastic at Mass then how can

we expect to inspire and evangelize others outside of Mass, in

our homes, workplaces, and wherever we are gathered with

others?

 

Now that summer is here 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

Sunset Alert

June 23, 2013

In my “previous life” as a medical technologist I worked in a Boston 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 was reminded of those times last week when, on Monday

evening, several of my Facebook friends posted gorgeous

pictures of rainbows from across eastern Massachusetts. All

were seeing different rainbows that day as well as a beautiful,

colorful sunset. People were whipping out their cameras and

cell phones to take pictures not so much for themselves but to

post online and share God’s artistry with others. I mused that

it was an electronic version of the “sunset alerts” I fondly

remember.

 

Rainbows and sunsets are God’s way of slowing us down. He

asks us to slow down… stop every once in a while and admire

his handiwork. He wants us to share his beautiful works with

one another… just as we share the Gospel with one another.

God’s rainbows and sunsets do not just appear for any one

person but for all. So please, the next time you see a beautiful

sky, stop and admire it! Thank God for such beauty and then

share your pictures and admiration with others. God gave

Noah and his passengers the rainbow as a sign of hope… hope

in a new life and new world and I am grateful.

God bless, Holly Clark

Come and rest awhile...

June 16, 2013

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place

and rest a while." Mark 6:31

 

This passage always resonates with me as the perfect message

kicking off 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. I like sitting on the beach, watching the tide go out and

pondering life. The hymn “All That is Hidden” keeps

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.

 

As we begin to implement the pastoral plan, Disciples

in Mission, there will be many things running through our

minds. We ask ourselves what will our parish look like down

the road? What will our Mass schedule be? Will the changes

overwhelm me? Right now pretend you are sitting on the

beach and watching the tide come in… we are at high tide

now and are about to watch the tide recede to reveal its

treasures. So too with the pastoral plan. It will unfold, like the

tide, to reveal many treasures on the shoreline. But as we

await the tide ebbing and the plan unfolding I invite you to

come in and take a swim! Embrace the sea of change, embrace

the plan!

 

God is tells 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

A Song in My Head…

June 9, 2013

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. Don’t just sing the refrains! Sing out with full voice all of the verses—as if you were singing with the angels. God wants to hear you singing and praying to the heavens!

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

Pentcost 2013

 

Catching the Spirit… Catching the Fire!

When I first began this column I titled it “Setting Our Church on Fire” I was inspired by a book on pastoral planning called Dreams and Visions by Bill Huebsch. Huebsch examines the possibilities for our Church if each one of us were to set our hearts aflame with the spirit and then come together to set our Church on Fire with the Holy Spirit. Just imagine the possibilities!

            Today is Pentecost, the day where the disciples, 50 days after Easter, huddled together afraid and feeling alone when the Fire of the Holy Spirit came to them and they “caught” the fire of the Holy Spirit. They caught the Spirit… and look around you today… we ARE the result!

            Today we face another Pentecost. We are in an era of the New Evangelization and we have been tasked with not only to be spreading the Good News to non-believers but also to believers who have lost the fire in their hearts. Today we are like those frightened disciples as we face changing times and new ways of being Church… but opportunities abound! We live in exciting times! This Pentecost let us try to catch the fire of the Spirit and together we will set our parishes and collaboratives on FIRE!

God Bless, Holly Clark

God Bless Moms

Mother's Day 2013

God Bless Moms

Mother’s Day is a day where we honor all mothers, living and deceased. Words cannot often convey how we feel about our mothers. Hallmark comes close, but no card ever says all we wish to say to Mom. So today, hug your Mom and pray with her and you will know words are not necessary. If your  Mom is deceased give her a hug from your heart in your mind and know she is watching over you from above. And then give thanks to God for the gifts mothers bring to our lives and faith!

A Mother's Day Prayer
by Gaynell Bordes Cronin

I love you, Mom. I love your aliveness,

your joy in living, your understanding,

your giving.

And what I love best of all

is that you love me.

God of all Mothers,

thank you for my mom!

—From the book Friend Jesus: Prayers for Children

God Bless all Moms today and always, Holly Clark

Sharing Lives, Sharing Faith, Sharing Love and Joy!

Sometimes when I sit down to write this column I often wish that paper and ink could come alive! This week I am so filled with joy! I wish that joy could flow from me, to my keyboard and to the ink on this page to leap out to you when you touch the bulletin! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if joy could be transferred that way?

You may be wondering why I am so joyful… The past couple of weeks I have attended four Confirmation Masses, two First Communion Masses and even a brief wedding ceremony. I was honored to be a sponsor for two Confirmation Candidates and sharing in their joy as they received the Sacrament brought me joy also. I got to musing how much joy I receive from working with you in my position, worshipping with you and from sensing your own faith, love and joy. We share our lives and faith with each other and we share our love and joy with one another.

When we come together for the Sacraments whether

it is a Baptism, Wedding, Confirmation, First Communion, etc. Sunday Eucharist, Christ is sharing His joy and love for us. As I attended these Sacramental rites and ceremonies I closed my eyes and felt the love and joy coming from the Confirmandi, the First Communicants, from their proud parents and from Jesus. When we share faith, we share our love, joy and our lives. The next time you are in Mass or witnessing a Rite of Baptism or Matrimony, close your eyes… focus on the sacrament being celebrated and be ready to receive Christ’s peace, love and joy as well as the joy of your fellow worshippers. Share your life, faith, love and joy and slowly we will transform the world!

Joy to you this day… Holly Clark

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I." - Jn 14:27-28

The Sacrament of Confirmation

4-21-13

This coming week we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation for Saints Martha & Mary Parish and Sacred Heart Parish. Very often Confirmation is treated as a rite of passage as if a candidate is becoming an adult in the Catholic faith. This leads people to believe that Confirmation is a “graduation” of sorts when in actuality it is a beginning of a lifetime faith journey.

The sacrament of Confirmation is really about strengthening our faith. It is a continuation of the work begun in Baptism. Confirmation should be thought of as a beginning rather than an ending (or graduation from religious ed). Confirmation brings the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to us so that we have the tools to learn in the faith, grow in the faith, and be members in the Body of Christ. In The Sacramental Mystery, author Paul Haffner believes that confirmation should be done before the teenage years (when most parishes confirm) so that they may use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring them through the tumultuous teenage years.

When examining the Rite of Confirmation, one will find no questions asking the candidate “Do you really want to be a Catholic?” Instead, from the very beginning, we see questions that are very familiar… such as “Do you reject Satan and all his works?” The questions in the rite are the same ones asked in the Rite of Baptism. In Confirmation the promises made at baptism are renewed and strengthened. Confirmation amplifies the graces received in Baptism.

Baptism and Confirmation are twin sacraments. They cannot be separated. When one is baptized it is expected that s/he will also be confirmed. Each sacrament fulfills its meaning in the other. This twinning is analogous to Easter and Pentecost. Pentecost completes the Easter message of hope and resurrection in Christ. The appearance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost puts a seal on the Paschal Mystery; just as confirmation puts a seal on the baptized person when the bishop says “(name) be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Let us remember the confirmation candidates in prayer this week. Let us pray that they will see Confirmation as a beginning rather than an ending and let us ALL make a commitment to lifelong learning beyond confirmation so that we may grow closer to Jesus. God Bless… Holly Clark

Getting Lost With Jesus!

4-2-13

One of my favorite ways to pray is in my car while travelling from place to place. I often put on some music and invite Jesus to ride with me and talk with me. Last week, before Easter, I set out to do some Communion calls in Lakeville. This was my first time going out to see parishioners in Lakeville and I had my addresses programmed into my GPS and Jesus next to me in a pyx in the passenger’s seat. As I drove along the back roads of Lakeville I thought to myself—just how awesome it was to have the Real Presence next to me as my travelling companion. Jesus and I drove through some beautiful back roads and we conversed together all along the way. I found the first home easy enough and it was wonderful to be able to bring Jesus to a woman who cannot join us at the Sunday Table of our Lord. She, I and Jesus chatted for quite some time. So joyful was she when Jesus came to her home!

The next home I had a difficult time finding. My GPS “Lady” was telling me to go one way though instinct was telling me to go another way (and you all know we MUST “obey” our GPS!). I got terribly lost in the woods of Lakeville. As I tried finding my to this couple’s home I wondered what Jesus, next to me, was thinking? Was He enjoying the ride? Was He annoyed with me for being lost? But I recalled what He said to Martha and Mary when Martha was overly concerned about the details of hospitality rather than focusing on the presence of her guests. I found myself enjoying this private time with Jesus. Jesus reminded me that it is too easy to get caught up in the minute details of what we do and forget about simply enjoying the moment, finding the joy in the presence of Jesus and the people we are with.

Eventually I found the home that I was looking for. The elderly husband and wife greeted me warmly and assured me they were not annoyed I was late. As if prompted by Jesus the woman said to me “We do what we can, when we can… and not worry about the rest!” the perfect thought to end my day. I will always treasure my day bringing the Eucharist to homebound parishioners and getting lost with Jesus.
God Bless, Holly Clark

He is Risen!

Easter 2013

“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. 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

Resolutions for Lent

3-23-13


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

What Challenges You?

Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” When I read Scripture, and about Jesus being led into the desert and being tempted by Satan, I find myself not thinking about what to give up for Lent but rather my thoughts go to the challenge of not giving up to the devil and his temptations. Jesus challenged Himself by facing Satan one-on-one and I ask myself what challenges the devil sends me to tempt me to the road to ruin? I know he sends me brownies I shouldn’t eat, annoyances that I shouldn’t be angry at, and situations where I find myself alone and wondering what life and living is all about.

Everyday we face challenges great and small. What devils do you have sitting on your shoulder? What challenges and temptations do you face? As we travel our Lenten journey we will fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us.

God Bless, Holly Clark

Lenten Prayer

2-17-13


Welcome to Lent!
Lent is one of my favorite seasons of the Church Year! We often think of Lent as being a time of calm as we walk and pray with Jesus over forty days and nights. It is a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. It is a time of quiet contemplation but yet it is also a time of spiritual enrichment.

When we fast (from food, from Internet, TV, cigarettes etc) we share Jesus’ suffering in the desert. When we give to the poor and needy we share in Jesus’ earthly mission to those less fortunate and when we pray we share our lives and our faith with our Lord and He, in turn, shares His understanding and love for us. It is through prayer that we learn about ourselves and God’s plan for us.

This Lent don’t just give up chocolate! Give up some of your time to pray or, if you do not know how, just dive in and learn! Praying with the Lord can be just as simple as saying, “Here I am, Lord I’ve come to do your will…” and then listen… listen carefully to the whisperings and gentle callings of the Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are speaking to you… can you hear them? Listening and hearing God in prayer isn’t easy at first. You will need to find a quiet place and time to still your mind. Go into the desert with Jesus this Lent and share His wisdom and His journey.

God Bless, Holly Clark

Do Not Be Afraid!

2-10-13

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Do not be afraid! As the saying goes the only things certain in life are death and taxes… but I would add change! We live in exciting times! Through careful and thoughtful pastoral planning we too can become fishers of men! When Jesus began His earthly ministry He proposed a lot of changes. Some of these changes were in how to live, how to worship and how to think in new ways. Jesus is asking us to do this again. How can we reach the people, the people of God who have fallen away?

As we go forward in bringing together the faith communities of Sts Martha and Mary and Sacred Heart, let us be the new fishers of men! We are so much more together than apart! I am enthused and filled with the spirit… just think of the possibilities! Jesus did and look where we are today! How will you be a fisher of men? God bless, Holly Clark

Got Talent?

1-20-2013


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, to discover new ways of evangelizing and being Church. 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. Today’s second reading suggests just some of the gifts we may have to offer.

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 embark on the task of evangelization and pastoral planning, I would ask each of you to reflect upon your talents. Ask your friends and families where they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you as Jesus puts us all to work in the vineyard!

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

2013 Anno Domini

1-13-13

2013 Anno Domini

In this new year, 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.

In this new year, 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

Let Your Face Shine Upon Us

12-30-12


Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow. Isaiah 60:1, 5

The Christmas gifts have been bought, wrapped, opened and put away… The New Year is just around the corner and the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?

Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was once asked by a parishioner: “Where is God? Why are so many in this world so needy? Why are there so many nasty people? I don’t know where to find joy.” I had no answers for her except to say that we need to seek out Christ’s light, find the goodness in people and if we cannot find it, then we must create it within ourselves and be Christ to those who need us. We need to be open to the goodness of the world and of God. We need to slow down and appreciate the life around us. Give the Lord a chance to shine His Light upon us. Let us take that Light and share with all those who need some sunshine in their lives. . -God Bless, Holly Clark