Shifting Sands

A couple of weeks ago I took a trip to the National Seashore on the outer Cape. One of my favorite places is the Marconi Wireless Station on Marconi Beach. The winter of 2013 pretty much erased the seascape and reshaped it anew. At first I was very disappointed that the area had changed so much but I spent some time praying and reflecting and some time writing: How much like life are the shifting sands…

As I walk the path I sense the change...

An emptiness looms on the horizon...
I walk and the sand shifts with each footstep.
Why, I ask, must things change?
The wind and tide have reshaped the sands... 
            and the landscape I fell in love with is no more.
I am mourning the loss but I ponder the parallel in life...
The person I was a few years ago no longer exists
           And I have changed for the better.
Then Why, O' Why do we mourn for what once was?

I see a family of 4 walking along and taking in the sights.

The 2 kids skip in the sand, mom and dad taking their pictures...
All oohing and ahhing over such stunning beauty.
They ask me if I have ever seen such beauty!
In their eyes I see anew... And ask myself what do they see?
They know not of the past beauty but yet they appreciate the beauty of today!
They see the presence of God in the dunes, forever re sculpting his works.

They hand me a camera, I take a picture...

                The dunes and the sea in the back.
A memory is made for them, and for me.
I take out my camera and snap a few pics...
The beauty of today, I capture...
I see not the past but the present, in a way not known before.
There is a softness and gentleness that radiates outward...
The ocean is soft, her waves gentle...
The sand is fine and the dunes pillow like...
The grass dots the dunes and softly sways with the breeze.
There is a different beauty here to go with the reshaped landscape.
I have changed and Marconi has changed... And all for the better. Thanking God, always.

God Bless, Holly Clark

Companions on the Journey

This is a reflection I wrote several years ago about another trip I took to the National Seashore:
     I spent a few days last week relaxing on the Cape Cod National Seashore… taking my own advice and taking time out of everyday life to just “be still” and “Be.” I unplugged myself from technology and media: no Internet, Facebook, e-mail, nor newspapers or tv. I survived, despite being tempted by a friend and the motel owner.

   One day, after spending the morning meditating by the seaside, I decided to head for the Beech Forest, a wooded area in the park with walking trails and picnic area. I thought I would go a little ways into the trail and find a quiet spot to journal for a little bit and return to my motel. As I paused to grab a map, three little geese surrounded me. I tried not to disturb them as I slipped quietly into the woods. A few minutes later I turned around and noticed the three little geese had followed me into the forest. I kept walking and they kept following. I decided to do the whole walking loop just to see how long they would stay with me.

    As I walked, the geese walked with me; when I’d pause to look at a flower or tree, they would pause. On two occasions, when I stopped they would tug at my pant leg to get going again. Sometimes they’d walk in front of me, sometimes, beside and sometimes behind me but always nearby. I thought of giving them names… Huey, Duey & Louey? Or Tom, Dick and Harry? None seemed right.
    The three little guys stayed with me for the whole ¾ mile loop. I plopped on a picnic table to rest and they sat down beside me. As I gazed at them in amazement I wondered if God had sent them to be companions on my journey. Oh! How like the Trinity they were! The Holy Trinity walks with us, sometimes ahead leading the way, sometimes beside us and sometimes lagging behind, to guard over us when we may stumble on the path, even gently nudging us along. The Trinity will stay with us on our whole journey in life… I will always remember my walk in the wood with my three little friends and I will thank God for reminding me that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me and with you. . . –God Bless, Holly Clark

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!

What Image of Jesus Would You Use?

June 29, 2014

What Image of Jesus Would You Use?
This question was asked of me last summer when I was being interviewed as a part of the process to becoming a certified Pastoral Associate. The scenario they had asked me to reflect upon was: “It is now June 2014 and you are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cranberry Catholic Collaborative what image of Jesus would you use? What image of Jesus would you want your parishioners to see as coming from the Collaborative?’ My answer was that I would like to see a “Come as You Are Jesus” and a “Happy, Joyous, Welcoming Jesus”. My thought was that, in our Collaborative we want to welcome everyone right where they are in faith, right where they live in whatever state of life they may be in—Just as Jesus did throughout His ministry. I also was thinking that we want our image of Jesus to be one of joy and happiness. I was imagining that at our one year celebration Jesus would be happy and joyous at what we had accomplished in one year and what we will accomplish in the future- together.

 As we celebrated together the Cardinal’s visit to bless the St. Joseph House and then again at the St. Rose BBQ—I felt as if we were truly celebrating the one year anniversary of our Collaborative. I was brought back to the question of “What image of Jesus…”. As I celebrated with you at these events I found Jesus there with us… I saw on Jesus’ face a joyous, happy face and His arms wide open as He greeted each of us at the door. I felt truly the hypothetical question asked of me last August had become a reality! Many people came to the celebrations with joy, welcoming one another in peace and fellowship. As I greeted you and as I hobnobbed with you, I could see my image of welcoming, warm, joyous, come-as-you are Jesus reflected in each of your faces. I feel very blessed to be working in our Collaborative. All together we have made Jesus weep with Joy in our love for one another and willingness to continue His Mission on earth. My God bless all of you, and our Collaborative for years to come…

Peace to you, Holly Clark!

The Labyrinth - Part Two

June 21, 2014

The Labyrinth – Part Two
Into the Labyrinth I go…

This morning I went down to walk the labyrinth... not expecting anything... just stilling my mind awaiting God to initiate the conversation. As I walked I kept noticing the stones that line my path. I found myself staring at the guide stones...noticing their uniqueness, color, striations, size, speckling, texture, sparklings, and position. As I walked I reflected on my past musings, knowing what kind of rock am I... This time I looked at the same stones and mused about each of the rocks representing people I have guided and in an intermingling of thoughts I was thinking that they were also the people who have guided me, helping me along my path. I found myself grateful to both the people who have guided me and the people I serve.

When I got to the center I became very emotional looking at the stack of rocks. I knew each was placed there by a person... Each stone represented a prayer or thought, or person... And I laid my stone down too... And then God said to me... All the persons in our collaborative! All the rocks piled one, by one, coming together to form a pattern, a structure! Our collaborative! I began to well up with emotion! I thought of each stone as a member of our collaborative all coming together, joining together in the single purpose of building the collaborative and seeing it work! God continues to surprise me with his thoughts and ideas. Or maybe he brings to the surface what I already have deep in my soul...

Perhaps this is the mystery I see... I see rocks as special, each with a history and function, each unique as are people. I see the stone, I hear the stone, I pray with the stone. I see stones as worthy as is each individual I meet... And when we all come together we can build bridges, buildings, seating places, labyrinths, walls... And so it is with our collaborative. We are each a living stone and together we can build a new house to God… a home, made of living stone. God bless, Holly Clark!

The Labyrith- Part 1

June 15, 2014
  Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Mark 6:31

This is my favorite piece of scripture to pray with at the beginning of summer! Jesus tells us to take ourselves out of our everyday busyness, find a quiet place and to simply rest because it is in the quiet of our surroundings and the stillness of our minds that we can truly hear God’s gentle whisperings to us.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a retreat house in Cohasset, on the edge of the ocean. When I am by the ocean I am closest to God and this is my favorite “deserted” place. On the shore of the retreat grounds, a prayer labyrinth is set up. When praying with a labyrinth one stands at the entrance, stills the mind and readies oneself to enter a conversation with God. As one walks to the center of the labyrinth and back, through many curves and twists one becomes aware of God’s presence.

 I stood at the entrance of the labyrinth, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore and stilled my mind. I asked God guide me. As I walked I found myself focusing on the round stones that lined my path. God was talking to me through the stones. As I walked I thought how each of those stones represents someone who guided me on my faith journey and brought me to where I am today. Each of the stones was different in appearance, coloring, texture and size… just like all of us. I also got to thinking of the times when I have been a guide stone to others- helping and guiding someone else on their faith journey. God reminds me that we do not journey alone. We all take turns being the seeker in a labyrinth and being the labyrinth’s guide. Let us take time today to reflect upon those persons who have been our guides and pray for those whom we have guided… We never journey alone… God bless, Holly Clark!


PS- My journey into the Labyrinth will continue in next week’s blog. The Center of the Labyrinth holds revelations for those who journey with the Lord!

Spirit of Wind and Fire

June 8, 2014

Spirit of Wind and Fire
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…
Acts 2:1-10

Have you ever been touched by the Holy Spirit? Have you ever invited the Holy Spirit into your heart? Have you seen the Spirit come to you in fire and wind? Of the three members of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit always seemed to be the most mysterious to me. I can easily picture in my mind the Father and Son but when I get to the Holy Spirit I have many images that come to mind: dove, wind, fire, water, etc. These would seem to be very differing images but all are of the Sprit and we can experience the Holy Spirit in many ways!

When I was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer a few years ago, I knew it was too much for me to handle by myself so I asked the Trinity to help! I asked our Father to be my strength and His Son to be my Healing and since the Holy Spirit can be and do many things I asked him to be and to do everything that the other two didn’t do! With their help I made it through but during this time I found myself face-to-face with the Holy Spirit. It was as if the Holy Spirit took up residence in my body. I felt the fire and warmth, I felt the wild wind and I received the peace of the dove. The Holy Spirit and I were no longer strangers.

As I go through life I am reminded of those months in treatment and how the Holy Spirit kept me going. Today the Spirit speaks to me in the wind, in the fire of a sunset and the gentle (sometimes stormy) ocean waves. The Holy Spirit may be mysterious but once you invite him into your heart, he will always be there… all you need to do is to call out to him… Come Holy Spirit… and he will be there.

God bless, Holly Clark!

Hope...

Hope...

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. 1Peter 3:15

Hope can mean so many things to different people. Hope can be as simple as hoping for a new job, hoping for good grades, hoping to find Mister Right (or Miss Right), or hoping for a sunny day for a barbecue. Hope can also be complex, such as hoping for a cure for cancer or an end to war… and then… there is Hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is through our Triune God that our hopes and dreams may be realized and fulfilled.

Today’s second reading challenges us to be ready to give an explanation for our Hope when asked. Our ultimate Hope lies in life everlasting with our Father, and His Son, Jesus—Death is no more! A simple explanation for Hope could be that Jesus died for us, thus our Hope resides in the Cross. But we may know this in our minds but what do our hearts say when we are asked the question: “What gives you hope?” It is up to each of us to spend time in prayer to answer the question. For me I find hope in two ways one is through nature and the other is through each of you! In nature I see the face of God in every leaf, flower, bird, babbling brook; and I think what an awesome God to create all this beauty. Nature gives me hope of a loving God!

In each of you, I see the face of Christ. When I take your hand at the sign of peace or extend a comforting hug, I feel your spirit interminlged with the spirit of Christ; and in your stories I hear the voice of Christ uplifting me in hope.

I challenge you this week! Take some time to pray and reflect on what gives you hope… and share that hope with a friend and with your family. Our world and our lives are so much the better when there is hope. – God Bless, Holly Clark!

Awesome God

May 18, 2014

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

A couple of years ago 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. I believe 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… the bird just kept chirping and chirping… 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!

Beattitudes of Acceptance

May 11, 2014

BEATITUDES OF ACCEPTANCE

Not too long ago I attended a workshop at Boston College entitled “Families With Disabilities” which explored our evangelization efforts toward persons with disabilities and their families. Nowadays our worship spaces are pretty much accessible but is it enough? Is it enough to just get into the door of the church? I came across these beatitudes not too long after the BC lecture and thought they were perfect! Building ramps and elevators are only part of the equation. Barriers of the mind and heart are more difficult to overcome. I invite you this week to pray with me these beatitudes and to pray for those persons and families who are separated from us due to impairment or illness…

·         Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help me to know that if I persevere, I can be understood.

·         Blessed are you who walk with me in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your friendship I feel good to be myself.

·         Blessed are you who never bid me to "hurry up" and, more blessed, you who do not snatch a task from my hands to do it for me, for often I need time rather than help.

·         Blessed are you who stand beside me as I enter new and untried ventures, for my uncertainty will be outweighed by the times I surprise you and me.

·         Blessed are you who ask for my help and realize my giftedness, for my greatest need is to be needed.

·         Blessed are you who help me with the graciousness of Christ, because I sometimes need the help for which I cannot ask.

·         Blessed are you who, in all ways, assure me that what makes me an individual is not my particular disability, but my beautiful God-filled personhood which no disabling condition can confine or define.

·         Rejoice and be glad, for you have helped me believe in myself as valued and gifted person and your understanding and love have opened doors for me to enjoy life to the fullest. (author unknown)   

God Bless… Holly Clark

PS… May God Bless all mothers and a special thanks to my Mom who embraced all of the above beatitudes. I am who I am because of the partnership of my Mom, Dad and Jesus working in harmony to make me the best “me” I can be!

My Heart is Burning!

May 4, 2014

 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32

Today, as I read today’s Gospel, I picture myself on the road to Emmaus… won’t you join me? Close your eyes for a few moments and picture the scene in your mind… Jesus has just been crucified, buried in a tomb, but is no longer in the tomb. Where could He be you ask? This is the topic of our conversation on the road to Emmaus. Rumors are abounding… Roman conspiracy, angels, grave-robbing? We search our hearts and minds for answers and find none. But lo… a fellow traveler comes along and joins our conversation… The stranger seems out of touch. Can you imagine? Someone who has not heard the news of Jesus’ death and disappearance? As we fill in the stranger on the goings on in Jerusalem we feel warmth in our hearts. We do not know why but this stranger seems to know us. The stranger explains to us what was written in scripture has just been fulfilled. We are astonished… How could this stranger know?

 As evening comes we invite the stranger to dine with us. He breaks the bread, gives it to us and provides us the blessing. It is now our eyes are opened! Jesus is with us! We also realize He was with us all along! It was He who caused our hearts to burn as He quoted scripture to us on our journey to Emmaus! As I lay myself to sleep I can’t help but think how often Jesus walks with us, talks with us, and carries us and we do not recognize Him… He comes to us in many forms… in scripture, in our family, in our friends and neighbors and in our hearts. We need only open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. The next time you feel your heart burning you will know Jesus is with you. Alelieuia! A Blessed Easter Season to you all… Holly Clark

The Eucharist

April 27, 2014

Next month we begin welcoming our young folk to the Table of the Lord for the first time. The Cranberry Collaborative will have 6 celebrations of First Eucharist (3 at Sacred Heart, 2 at Sts. Martha and Mary and 1 at St. Rose of Lima). These are among my favorite celebrations in the Church! To see the children light up when they receive the Eucharist for the first time fills me with joy. I am also remembering Fr. Daniel Moran who would make every child feel special to Jesus and to him. He put a hand on each child’s face and tell him/her “Jesus loves you, and so do I!” Then I would see the face of Jesus in their’s! What joy!

 The Eucharist is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and Confirmation. In the early Church, Baptism was followed by Confirmation and then First Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and is the culmination of Christian initiation. You may be asking yourselves, if this is true, why is Confirmation after Eucharist? In the early Church, the faithful would get their children baptized and then would wait for the Bishop to come around to confirm their children. This could be months or perhaps years between visits to the parish. The end result was that fewer and fewer persons were confirmed because parents couldn’t always get their children to the bishop and thus very few Catholics were receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Eventually, it was decided that to get more people to the Lord’s table that parish priests could allow the Sacrament of the Eucharist to precede Confirmation. This is where we are at today in most parishes.

At the Second Vatican Council, the bishops restored the original order of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is a movement in some parts of the world to restore the Sacraments into their proper order to mirror the intentions of the early Church.

 This week I would like you all to reflect back to your First Communion. What did it mean to you to receive Jesus for the very first time? What was it like for you when you first experienced the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Today, as we receive the Eucharist let us thank Jesus for His Holy Sacrifice and to pray for all our young children as they encounter Jesus on a personal level for the first time. And, in memory of Fr. Moran, who so loved celebrating the Eucharist with children, let us welcome each child as he did: “Jesus loves you… and so do I.” God Bless… Holly Clark

He is Risen! Death is No More!

April 20, 2014

Alleliuia! He is Risen! Every Holy Week we travel with Jesus on His journey to the Cross. On Holy Thursday we dine with Him and agonize with Him in the Garden. On Good Friday we share His pain as we witness His trial and journey to His execution; we want to help carry His cross and ease His suffering; we watch in sadness as He dies on the Cross. On Holy Saturday we keep Vigil over His tomb… somewhere, in the back of our minds, we pray that He really isn’t dead. On Easter Sunday, we awake to find an empty tomb… Where can He be? He is Risen… body and soul. He has conquered sin. He has conquered death itself. He has given us new life.

 Many of us know the story of Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection, but have you ever taken the time to pause and reflect upon what it all means to you personally? How it all relates to you and your life?
 I recently took some time to reflect on Christ’s journey to the resurrection and what it means to me in my life. Christ has conquered death! Four years ago my father passed away after being ill for some months. As I struggled with my pain, I asked God many times, “Why? Why do we suffer so when we lose a loved one?” Especially when, by our faith, I should be celebrating Dad is with Jesus in heaven. Jesus has conquered death, after all. But those left behind still feel the pain of loss, just we feel the pain of Jesus death. As I journey with Jesus this Holy Week I am also reflecting back and journeying with my Dad. I am walking with Him on His journey, meeting Jesus, his hand in mine. The lesson of the Cross gives me hope that I will see my father again in the fullness of time. And we know Christ’s death brought us new life. My Dad is also giving me new life now in so many different ways. He is in my heart and my soul and still inspiring me to be the person I was born to be. 

Today, take some time to remember lost loved ones. Their suffering is over and they are in Heaven today, helping Jesus to take care of you from above. I guarantee it!
Have a Blessed Easter, Holly Clark

Beyond Lent, into Holy Week… and Beyond!

April 13, 2014

This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and anticipation of the Lord’s death and resurrection. Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem and we are joyous! We have emerged from the desert of Lent! 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?

April 5, 2014

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2

Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” As I reread this Gospel verse 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.

Every day 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 fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us Let us remember the words of St. Paul:

The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Rom 10:8,13

God Bless – Holly Clark

Sharing Time, Sharing Our Stories, Sharing a Meal

March 29, 2014

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 (suppertime, for you Yankees) is a time for relaxing and sharing with one another.

Not too long ago I was present at a teaching Mass. As I sat and listened to the priest’s presentation at about the Mass I was reminded that the Mass really is like our family dinners. We gather together, share our time, our stories and a meal. At Mass we gather together to pray, 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

Power of Prayer

March 23, 2014

“The Lord tells us: 'the first task in life is this: prayer.' But not the prayer of words, like a parrot; but the prayer, the heart: gazing on the Lord, hearing the Lord, asking the Lord,”
Pope Francis (Oct. 8, 2014)

Every week in our parish bulletin we publish a list of names of people who are ill and have asked for our prayers. Do you wonder who these people are or how they are doing? Do you have faith that our prayers help the sick and dying? Have you ever experienced the Power of Prayer? 

When we built our website we included a form where people could submit prayer requests and we have had several requests already. Some are requests for private prayers and others prefer that their requests be shared so that many people are praying for them. Thus far we have had requests to pray for drug-addicted relatives, ne’er-do-well adult children, for a family business to stay afloat, broken relationships, and depression. Many of these requests have come from overseas, in the United Kingdom. Can you imagine someone surfing the world-wide web in desperate need of prayer and finding us and requesting our help? 

The power of prayer cannot be underestimated! Just picture in your mind all these prayers reaching the ears and heart of our Lord and our Lord responding to those prayers! Imagine our prayers, our strength, and our love reaching up to Jesus and Jesus beaming back to those in need. Our God is Awesome! This Lent we ask you to consider becoming a “prayer warrior.” Ask yourself “How can I help? For who or what can I pray for?” Prayer can be done anywhere and at any time. All you need is an open heart and Christ at your side.
God Bless, Holly Clark

Lenten Resolutions

March 16, 2014


Lenten Resolutions
Lent is upon us… and our New Year’s resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. 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

 

Sharing My Story, Sharing My Life, Sharing My Faith

March 9, 2014

Not too long ago I took a trip, by myself on a tour, to the Canadian Rockies. I was on a tour and I met some wonderful elderly ladies from New Mexico who made sure I was not alone for our meals. As we chatted I slowly discovered what fascinating lives they had led! They shared many stories with me of their life in Los Alamos during the 1940s. At some point they let it drop that they were the wives of the scientists that worked on the Manhatten Project. I thought to myself, “WOW! I am sitting next to living history!” I realized slowly that we all have stories to tell. As Christians we all have stories to tell of how we came to know God, the Father and His Son. Here I share my story!

In 2008, during our a Generations of Faith Peace festivas, 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 found 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 graduated last May and as I look back I know Jesus was with me, preparing the way for me to serve you as He would.
What is your story? How did you come to know the Lord? Not everyone will have the same experience. The Lord speaks to some of us quietly and to others, thunderously. Please take this week to reflect upon your story. As we begin Lent let us all reflect on “our stories”.
God Bless, Holly Clark

Who ARE You?

February 16, 2014

The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
 Jer 1:4–5

 How many times have you asked yourself, or God, “Who am I? Why am I here?” These verses from Jeremiah tells us that God knows exactly who we are even if we don’t! These questions have come to me often as I discern where God is leading me and as I pray on it He often gives me little glimpses of my role in life. He does not disclose all, and I am often impatient, but wouldn’t life be boring if we really did have all the answers?

Discovering who we are and why we are here is a lifelong pursuit. We need to trust that the Lord knows what is best for us, we need to be patient. In a later chapter in Jeremiah, the Lord states: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jer 29:11)

I was at a meeting where we opened in prayerful song. The tune was “Who I Was Born To Be” as sung by Susan Boyle. My heart caught these words:

I am who I was born to be
And so here am I, Open arms and ready to stand
I've got the world in my hands, And it feels like my turn to fly.

As God slowly lets me in His plans for me I do feel as if I am discovering who I was born to be… and I am ready to fly! This week let us truly be attentive to God’s whisperings… If we listen closely we will discover who we are meant to be and we will all be ready to fly… and when that happens, just think of how joyous our Lord will be!

. -God Bless, Holly Clark

Winter Wonderland!

February 9, 2014
It is Tuesday morning and I have just driven in to work. The day before we had yet another snowstorm (and two more are predicted!) and I thought I had a touch of spring fever rumbling within me when I got up… The sun was shining and the sky was blue: spring is surely to be here soon! But God had a surprise waiting for me! As I looked out my window I realized God had his paintbrush out and painted every tree, bush, telephone wire, car and house with a coating of fresh pure white snow. The sun was glistening off of every bough and the blue sky provided a magnificent backdrop. Wow what an awesome God we have to give us such beauty! And as I drove in to work, speeding along on I495 for 10 minutes, it was as if I stepped into a painting! Every tree was magnificent! It was as if God painted the forest just for me to admire! What a way to start my day!

Winter can be a time of darkness for many but God provides some light in the beauty of winter. It is so easy to grumble about the winter snow, ice, and cold. We often forget that as we plow, shovel and sand, there is a beauty to winter… If we could only stop for a moment and gaze into the heart of a single snowflake and see the heart of God. And then see all those snowflakes together painting our landscape we will see the magnificence of our God!
       -God Bless, Holly Clark

Feeling the Spirit, Feeling the Love!

February 2, 2014

Feeling the Spirit, Feeling the Love, …and feeling the strength, the joy and peace of our Lord!

 How often have you felt the presence of Jesus in your lives? Have you ever felt His love, joy, peace, strength and spirit around you, in you, or in others? Every once in a while Jesus will make His presence known to me. He will come to me in places where you might expect and sometimes completely unexpected. Very often He will come to me in prayer and when I need healing and strength. He will show me His heart and love for me in my mind and heart. This is how we will often experience Jesus. But have you ever felt His presence outside of personal prayer? Has He ever come to you at unexpected times? Jesus is always with us though very often we don’t notice or sit still long enough to sense His presence.

Jesus makes Himself known to me in the ordinary times of my life and extraordinary times. Most recently He has shown Himself to me through you. When I am serving the Eucharist I see joy on your faces as you approach the real presence of Christ. When one of you gives me a hug, I close my eyes and feel Jesus’ strength pulsating through you to me. When I look into the loving eyes of my family I feel the love contained in Jesus’ heart. And when I am surrounded by family friends and fellow Christians is hard for me to not notice the joy and excitement emanating from the group!

 This week practice being still and asking Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Close your eyes for a moment or two and try to sense His strength, His love and His Joy. He will come to you! If you do not find Him there, surround yourself with friends and loved ones and let yourself be still… Jesus will find you… -God Bless, Holly Clark

Just Sing!

January 16, 2014

Sing, sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear…Just sing, sing a song.

-The Carpenters

One of God’s gifts to us is the appreciation of music and sound. We listen to the rustling of fall leaves, the gentle surf against the shore, children laughing and playing on a summer’s day. And every week Fr. John puts in the bulletin lyrics to a song that fits his message for the week. We tune in to radios, IPods, and go to rock concerts and symphonies… and, how many of us sing our favorite songs in the shower or car? How do you feel when you are singing? I bet you are filled with joy!

This past weekend, I looked around the Church during Mass and wondered why very few Catholics sing. Why do we sing everywhere but in Church? Psalm 100 calls us to “come before the LORD with joyful song.” At Communion time we are to proceed to the altar in song, in joyful anticipation of receiving our Lord. But…You will find very few singing.

The very early Church incorporated song into every Mass (Don’t forget the Book of Psalms are in actuality a collection of songs.) As the Church grew, and cathedrals replaced the simple home churches of St. Paul, choirs were formed by religious brothers and very soon the average parishioner became a listener of song rather than a participant. The reforms of Vatican II sought to bring back the participation of church-goers in song. These reforms were put into place more than 40 years ago. (So why aren’t YOU singing!!!)

This month, when you attend Mass, try singing joyfully to the Lord. Open up those hymnals and truly read and hear the words. Let the lyrics flow into your heart. Start by humming along if you are shy. God will appreciate your voice and your efforts and will reward you with joy. I guarantee it!
 -God Bless, Holly Clark

We Will Run and Not Grow Weary

January 26, 2014

“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 several years 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.
                                 -God Bless, Holly Clark

Which Road Will You Take?

January 12, 2014

 TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood…*

The poet Robert Frost wrote these lines in the early 1900s. I was reminded of this poem not long ago, during this past Advent, when I felt that Jesus was calling on me to reflect on my roads that I have travelled and the roads that I have yet to meet. I could not help but think that Jesus definitely chose the road less traveled. Whenever two paths diverged, Jesus always chose the more difficult route. This leads me to muse that perhaps it is the journey that is important and not the destination.

In life we are faced with many diverging paths and roads. In January, we make resolutions and set goals for the year. And then, we aim straight for those goals not really paying attention to how we obtain them. So often we see a goal in front of us that we rush to reach without enjoying the scenery on the way. We look at obstacles on our path as hindrances to our goals rather than signposts pointing out new paths and new adventures. This January let us think more about the journey of life rather than the destination. Let us be more mindful of the road we travel and what there is to see and learn on the journey. Let us also put aside fear of the unknown and travel down the road less traveled… it will make all the difference in your life…

Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.*
                                           *”The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost, 1916

 -God Bless, Holly Clark

What's Your Story?

January 5, 2014
Everyone has a story to tell… from the tiniest of babes to our elders. Have you ever stopped and looked around in a crowd and try to imagine what stories people would tell you if given the chance? Long before the written word people were telling stories to one another. People would gather around the fire and share their lives. We have lost something in the last ten years or so as technology is threatening to over-run us. Nowadays we share only brief tidbits of ourselves via e-mail, texting, Facebook and Twitter. Our brains are being rewired to think, converse and listen in brief tidbits. When was the last time you sat down and truly listened to another person’s “story” without thinking of your to-do list or trying to multi-task (or rather ‘multi-think’)? Everyone has a story…

One time, in my twenties, I was taking a tour of the Canadian Rockies and was travelling solo on a bus/train tour. I befriended three elderly ladies from New Mexico. They were gracious enough to invite me to dine with them at meals and I found them to be fascinating company. You see, they had a story to tell… It would have been very easy to ignore these three ladies and find people my own age but I felt it was important to listen to their stories and was glad I did. These three ladies were married (now widowed) to nuclear scientists who lived and worked at Los Alamos on the first atomic bomb. They told me stories of what their lives were like and how proud they were to be a part of the project. These ladies taught me that everyone has a story. I often think of them when I see older people on the street and wonder what tales they would like to tell us, if given the chance.

In this New Year, let us be mindful of others stories and listen attentively. (Yes! Even when Uncle Joe tells the “how I survived the Great Depression story” for the millionth time!) Let us give one another the opportunity to share our stories and our faith just as God shares with us, and listens to us, every day of our lives. Let us turn to each other now and ask “What’s your story?”.
-God Bless, Holly Clark

Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon Us

December 29, 2013

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 arriving in a few days… the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. The New Year brings us new hopes and dreams following the good news of Christmas and the coming of our Savior. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?

 Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was asked by a parishioner once: “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. Let these be our resolutions for the coming year.  . -God Bless, Holly Clark

Company's Coming

 December 22, 2013

This week our Churches will be gloriously filled to celebrate the coming of our Savior. There will be visitors from out of town visiting relatives as well as people who may live just down the street from us who haven’t been with us for a while. I was brought up to always put company first. I was to take their coats, smile warmly and offer them the best seat in the house. The goal being to make them feel as if they were in their own home. Our Church is very much like a home. We come together to worship, share a meal, and socialize before and after Mass. We are family.

Think back to last Christmas… Did you put on your “company best”? Did you welcome a newcomer to our family? Or… did you think to yourself, “that stranger took my pew!” Or ask… “whose car is in my usual parking space?” And then go grumbling and finding a new space to sit or park in. At Christmas-time we all have to shift from our usual seats at the dining room table to accommodate our guests. We should open our hearts those who are lonely and in search of love and companionship to our table. We open our hearts and pocketbooks to those in need. This is the spirit of Christmas at home. Should it be any different in our Church home?

This Christmas let us put on our “company best.” Today, before leaving, let us pick up any stray bulletins, gum wrappers and Cheerios to prepare for our guests. Let us at Mass give up our usual seats and let our company have the best seats in the house. Let us park further away so that those who are visiting will feel welcomed.

Let us welcome our company with open arms and warm hearts. You may never know the impact of a smile or a simple Merry Christmas will have on someone. Who knows? Perhaps instead of feeling like “company” they will begin to feel like family and a part of our home. -God Bless, Holly Clark

The Last Rose

December 15, 2013

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.’ Is 35

Beside my front door at my house there is a small rose bush. Every spring and summer it blossoms a gorgeous deep reddish-pink color. While in bloom I gaze upon it as I enter and leave my house and give thanks to God for such beauty. I have noticed that every autumn there is at least one late bloomer. This single rose will blossom and flourish almost as in defiance of the approaching cold of winter. I have always admired that one rose. It is as if God is saying to me, “Here is one last glimpse of summer for you to carry you over to spring!”

This autumn we once again had a late bloomer but I notice that this was one stubborn flower! Usually when the rose is off the bloom her petals will shrivel and drop to the ground, but not this rose. Every day the pinkish-red petals would get smaller and smaller but they would refuse to drop off despite the frosty mornings we have had. I got to thinking how like Advent! This weekend is the third weekend… the rosy pink weekend. The color of pink in the third week of Advent is give us hope in the darkness as we await for our Lord. My rose is giving me a pink color among the darkening of her leaves and giving me hope as I see her struggle to her hope of new life in the spring. This rose brings me hope and light in the darkness of the season. When you see the rose colored vestments this weekend and you light the third Advent candle think of my rose and wait in hope for the coming of our Lord. -God Bless, Holly Clark

Calm Amidst the Chaos?

December 8, 2013

A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’
Luke 3:4

I invite you to walk with me as we step back in time… 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 gaze into the night sky, one star to the north seems to twinkle at me. Is this twinkle from the eye of God?

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 try to take time every day 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, working, and 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

Make Straight a Highway for God

December 1, 2013

 Welcome to Advent! Advent is a time of waiting… waiting in darkness, waiting in hope! I so love this time of year! I love the coolness in the air… the stillness of night… all of which brings me to prayer. During Advent we await not only the birth of Jesus but also His coming again in Glory… We wait in darkness and in hope.
 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 reading a magazine. 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

What are You Thankful For?

November 24, 2013

Just before Halloween I entered a 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 good secular holiday to warm us up for moving into Advent: a time of preparing for our Savior’s arrival. I felt as if our material world was trying to rob us of the Thanksgiving season. While Thanksgiving is not a holy day it is a day when we count our blessings and give thanks to God for all he has given us.

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 divine love…

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Cark

Mission Possible

November 17, 2013

"We're on a mission from God." - Elwood Blues*

What do you think of when you hear the word missionary? Do your thoughts go to poor third world countries where there is much suffering and death? Do you ever think of yourself being able to do missionary work? It might surprise you to know that when you were baptized you were given Christ’s mission to carry on His work… you became a Missionary on the day the water was poured over your head in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
What is your mission to be? You do not have to go to a third world country like Mother Teresa, in fact she told people when asked how they could help her in Calcutta she told them “Find your own Calcutta!” We have plenty of missionary work that can be found in our own back yards. We can be missionaries by helping those in need by donating food, clothing, medicines or by visiting the ill and the homebound or perhaps supporting our troops here and abroad. You may say “I do not have time or money to be a missionary…” or “I don’t have what it takes.” Jesus appointed 72 disciples to be missionaries and commanded them to take nothing for the journey, no sandals, no money, no baggage. He told them their needs would be provided for. (c.f. Luke 10:1-9)…Who are we to question? But… if you still do not feel up to the task, you can still PRAY! Pray for all the poor, ill, needy people of the world.

This week, let us pray for the courage and strength to become missionaries following in Christ’s footsteps. Let us allow ourselves to be open to the possibilities that lay before us in our task… Be brave! God will help us on our way and remember we are always “on a mission from God.” ----
God Bless, Holly Clark

*Quote from The Blues Brothers movie (1980) where Jake and Elwood Blues’ mission from God was to form a blues band to raise money to save the Catholic orphanage that they grew up in.

Cotton Candy Mountains

November 10, 2013

A couple of weeks ago, after daily Mass at Sts. Martha & Mary, I was pulling out of the parking lot and patiently waiting my turn to enter Rte. 18, when I found myself absorbed in the beauty of the pond and noticed on the horizon of the pond fluffy mountain-shaped clouds. The clouds appeared to be coming up out of the pond like an island would. I thought to myself that the clouds really ed like cotton-candy mountains in the middle of Assawompsett Pond! What an awesome sight to behold! I then asked myself if this is what heaven is like…

 So often we picture our loved ones in heaven with Jesus, in the clouds, with the angels singing. Traditional art always has God up in the clouds… Is this what heaven is like? As I sat there at the end of the Church driveway, I thought of my dear father, beloved grandparents and countless others who have gone before us. I pictured them across the pond residing in the “cotton-candy” mountains overlooking a gorgeous pond. My father, surrounded by my grandparents, were on the horizon waving to me as if to say “we are okay and so are you. We are watching over you and we are proud of the person you have become.” I could see Jesus also there watching over all of us on earth and in heaven.

November is the month where, traditionally in the Church, we remember and honor those who have gone before us into our Father’s arms. This month I encourage you to look for those cotton-candy mountains, or other places where you think you might find your loved ones watching over you. You might be surprised to find that they are everywhere keeping us safe and in their hearts forever.
—God Bless all our departed loved ones, Holly Clark

The Communion of Saints

November 1, 2013

 When I was a child I learned our faith as a child would, in very simplistic terms. I learned Jesus loves me; I memorized prayers, the 7 Sacraments and the Beatitudes. In 8th grade I was confirmed and like all Catholic teenagers, I felt “graduated” in the Faith. How wrong I was! I didn’t realize then that Confirmation was really the beginning of an adult faith. The Holy Spirit has now come into my life and guides me towards an adult understanding of faith.

Over time I have been exploring the concept of the Communion of Saints. As a child, I was taught all about the lives of the Saints, now in heaven, and how they help guide us in our daily lives. But my definition of a saint was someone who was really good and holy and perhaps martyred for the faith. It never occurred to me that you and I, when we pass on and go to heaven, that we too enter into the Communion of Saints.

A little over three years ago my beloved father passed away. There came an emptiness that can never be filled. I turned to my faith to bring me answers about suffering and death. As I prayed with Jesus and I delved into Church teachings and talked with persons more knowledgeable than I, I discovered that my Dad was up there in the Communion of Saints. I learned that he too, along with St. Peter, St. Paul, etc…, was still looking out for his little girl and now he has help from St. Peter and all of angels to keep me safe.

Every so often I feel my father’s presence on one side of me and Jesus on the other side of me and behind us my deceased grandparents, and the army of Saints ready to help where needed. Ask yourself today “Who do I know in the Communion of Saints?” and then feel their loving presence. While our loved ones may pass from this life, they are always present in our lives. As we remember our deceased loved ones during the month November, let us give thanks to the Communion of Saints.

—God Bless all our Saints in Heaven and Earth, Holly Clark

 

The Teddy Bear

October 27, 2013

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 six 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. Since then, two other women I know were diagnosed with breast cancer and to them I gave away Teddy Bears. I know it was through generous persons sharing their “cancer journey” with me that helped me get through my illness. And now I hope to continue the sharing. The breast cancer survivors before me joined me on my journey, giving me encouragement all along the way and I hope to share the journey with those who come after me.

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.

Leaping the Mountains & Bounding the Hills

October 20, 2013

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 8:30 am Family Mass at Sacred Heart. Since we changed the Mass times for the Family Mass, combining the former 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Masses the Church has been filled to nearly full capacity. What a nice sight to see! A full Church! This particular Mass seemed to me to be abounding with joy! It was a nice cool Autumn day… the leaves have started to show their colors and as the Church started to fill up with children and their families I could feel the joy in the air! As the opening hymn began with the Children’s Choir leading us I could feel the joy building, the Joy and Love felt in the communal celebration of our faith.

 We were short of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist that morning, so I popped up to serve. I happened to be serving on the side of the Children’s Choir. The young girl cantor began the Communion Hymn and I was ready to serve. I found myself enveloped in joy, love and hope! As the children in the choir, and in the congregation came up to receive, I found that they do not process in a solemn fashion but rather they come to the table of the Lord, literally, in leaps and bounds! They are leaping the mountains, and bounding the hills in joy. There were some children who were actually skipping in the procession! As I served I thought to myself what a treasure to our faith our children are! After Communion I sat down, filled with hope for the future of our Church. 

This week I challenge to you to look for Jesus in the faces of our children. Try to see the hope and love Jesus offers us through our children. I challenge to you to gaze into the face of a smiling baby and sense the joy of life! God Bless – Holly Clark

Human Touch, Human Strength

October 13, 2013

Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him
and healed them all. Luke 6: 19

The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are full of imagery of being healed by touch, divine touch. Jesus would lay His hands on a person and they would be healed of physical and emotional pain. Sometimes just the person touching Jesus’ robes would bring about healing through faith and touch. Jesus gave the Apostles the same power after He ascended into Heaven.

Today, each of us carries the Light of Christ within our bodies and souls. Each of us also possesses the power to heal one another and bring strength and hope with the power of touch. We do not have divine powers to perform miracles of healing as dramatic as in scripture but we do each contain an inner “power” which originates with Christ, that we can use to help one another.

When I was a child and undergoing many surgical procedures, I remember my parents holding my hand, and I could feel their strength and hope emanating through human touch. I could feel calmness, love and healing through a simple hand-holding. I had the opportunity for a role reversal when someone close to me was in the hospital. He was very ill and I held his hand hoping to give him strength and hope. As he gripped my hand an interesting phenomena happened. I felt his strength and hope pouring through me, as if to say to me, “Everything will be okay. Don’t worry. Don’t be sad.”

Each of us has the power to give hope, strength, healing to one another. The next time you hold someone’s hand or give/receive a hug, close your eyes and hold on to the moment. Try to feel the inner strength of the person you are grasping or holding. Ask yourself if you could offer hope and healing and try to send that energy to the person you are embracing. Imagine what the world would be like if we could share the touch of Jesus with one another, one person at a time. Love would overcome sadness and loneliness and would flow up to the heavens! Hug someone today!
God Bless – Holly Clark