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
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
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
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
A Place at the Table
September 28, 2013
Today I want you to picture yourself at the door of the Church and imagine yourself unable to enter because the doors are locked. You think to yourself today is Sunday the doors must be open… you see lights on but you cannot get in… how would you feel? You hear the singing and rejoicing but you cannot enter. Would you feel unwelcome? What if the doors were open and you came in and felt like an outsider? You want to participate in parish life and worship but are not able to?
The Vatican II Council calls for Catholics to actively participate in worship and parish life. In the last fifty years or so we have made great strides at making Churches accessible to those in wheelchairs, walkers and canes. We have invited persons with disabilities into the Church but have not made it easy for persons with impairments to actively participate in the life of the Church. We ALL suffer from impairments or disabilities whether temporary or permanent. How would you feel if everyone but you were invited to a parish party but you knew your wheelchair or bad knees would not make it down a few steps to where the celebration was going on?
I have been blessed to have had many conversations with those parishioners who are impaired. I have been impressed by their spirit and desire to participate in ministry. Each of us has gifts and by virtue of our Baptism we are called upon to use these gifts in the ministry of the Lord. I would like us as a collaborative to begin praying for ways we can journey in faith with our brothers and sisters who are deaf, blind, impaired, in wheelchairs, use canes or crutches and those who are homebound but still desire to share a place at the Table of the Lord with us at Sunday Eucharist and parish ministry. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our prayer as all of us come together to forge this new journey in faith. —God Bless, Holly Clark
Today I want you to picture yourself at the door of the Church and imagine yourself unable to enter because the doors are locked. You think to yourself today is Sunday the doors must be open… you see lights on but you cannot get in… how would you feel? You hear the singing and rejoicing but you cannot enter. Would you feel unwelcome? What if the doors were open and you came in and felt like an outsider? You want to participate in parish life and worship but are not able to?
The Vatican II Council calls for Catholics to actively participate in worship and parish life. In the last fifty years or so we have made great strides at making Churches accessible to those in wheelchairs, walkers and canes. We have invited persons with disabilities into the Church but have not made it easy for persons with impairments to actively participate in the life of the Church. We ALL suffer from impairments or disabilities whether temporary or permanent. How would you feel if everyone but you were invited to a parish party but you knew your wheelchair or bad knees would not make it down a few steps to where the celebration was going on?
I have been blessed to have had many conversations with those parishioners who are impaired. I have been impressed by their spirit and desire to participate in ministry. Each of us has gifts and by virtue of our Baptism we are called upon to use these gifts in the ministry of the Lord. I would like us as a collaborative to begin praying for ways we can journey in faith with our brothers and sisters who are deaf, blind, impaired, in wheelchairs, use canes or crutches and those who are homebound but still desire to share a place at the Table of the Lord with us at Sunday Eucharist and parish ministry. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our prayer as all of us come together to forge this new journey in faith. —God Bless, Holly Clark
A Falling Leaf
September 15, 2013
We are so blessed to live in New England! God graces us every Autumn with His glorious paintbrush of yellows, oranges and reds. I love driving this time of year to somewhere and marveling at the colors that are just peeping through the green. I gaze at the trees and watch leaves being gently carried away by the wind. They fall to the ground to form a colorful carpet, just waiting for the winter snows to cover them up.
Life is so much like the falling leaf in Autumn. In the spring a leaf is born and lives out its life throughout the summer. It brings life to the wood of the tree and shelter to those creatures that live in the tree. As the wood of the tree starts to hibernate and prepares itself for the long winter months the leaf begins to die… but not before turning brilliant colors and bringing God’s artistry to our attention. The leaf will eventually be carried to the ground by the wind. During the winter the leaf will bring nutrients to the soil thus giving new life to the forest.
This is much like our lives. Like the leaf we are born into this world. We live out our lives bringing life to our family, our friends and our community. Eventually it will be time to pass on to the next life. A dying leaf brings us brilliance and hope in new life… A dying loved one brings us closer to Jesus as He shines His light through a withering life. Our loved one may be passing from this life and we will miss the person that was… but, we must remember, in dying, a person can bring new life those left in this world.
This month and next look around at the fall foliage… give thanks to God for all its wonder. Pick up a leaf and admire its intricacies and color. Then close your eyes and reflect upon a lost loved one, and think of how he or she made the world brighter for you… and always remember through death we are given new life… life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God Bless, Holly Clark
Walk with Me… Talk with Me… Pray with Me…
September 8, 2013
Faith sharing among Catholics is not a new phenomenon. Jesus shared His faith with His disciples. His disciples shared their faith with one another after Christ’s death. Somewhere along the line, in recent history we stopped practicing faith sharing. It was up to our priests, sisters and religious brothers to form and shape our faith. Nowadays we are rediscovering the gifts and fruits of small faith sharing groups.
Not too long ago, Celia Sirois, Biblical scholar and instructor at St. John’s Seminary, gave a presentation on the Households of St. Paul. In Paul’s time Christians met together in homes. There were no churches built yet, nor were there seminaries to train priests. People met together, ate a meal (Eucharist), and shared their faith. The US Bishops encourage us to form communities of faith as Christian’s did in Paul’s time:
Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society. Ecclesial movements and associations that are part of the vibrant life of the Church make great contributions here. We welcome this phenomenon as "a sign of the 'Church's vitality.'" -From "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States," 1999
Sharing your faith with others can be awkward at first. A great place to start faith sharing would be to sign up for one of our Why Catholic? Groups. At its core Why Catholic? seeks to form our own small “communities” of faith. We come together to share our faith not only with each other but also with others who are all at various stages of their faith. Our faith grows deeper when we can share our journey with others. So, I encourage you to start walking, talking and praying the journey of faith together. The journey will be exciting! God Bless, Holly Clark
Faith sharing among Catholics is not a new phenomenon. Jesus shared His faith with His disciples. His disciples shared their faith with one another after Christ’s death. Somewhere along the line, in recent history we stopped practicing faith sharing. It was up to our priests, sisters and religious brothers to form and shape our faith. Nowadays we are rediscovering the gifts and fruits of small faith sharing groups.
Not too long ago, Celia Sirois, Biblical scholar and instructor at St. John’s Seminary, gave a presentation on the Households of St. Paul. In Paul’s time Christians met together in homes. There were no churches built yet, nor were there seminaries to train priests. People met together, ate a meal (Eucharist), and shared their faith. The US Bishops encourage us to form communities of faith as Christian’s did in Paul’s time:
Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society. Ecclesial movements and associations that are part of the vibrant life of the Church make great contributions here. We welcome this phenomenon as "a sign of the 'Church's vitality.'" -From "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States," 1999
Sharing your faith with others can be awkward at first. A great place to start faith sharing would be to sign up for one of our Why Catholic? Groups. At its core Why Catholic? seeks to form our own small “communities” of faith. We come together to share our faith not only with each other but also with others who are all at various stages of their faith. Our faith grows deeper when we can share our journey with others. So, I encourage you to start walking, talking and praying the journey of faith together. The journey will be exciting! God Bless, Holly Clark
Shifting Sands
August 25, 2013
This past weekend I spent some time on Cape Cod at the national Seashore. The National Seashore is, for me, a place where God, Nature and Mankind intersect and communicate with each other. One can see God’s paintbrush and hear his voice here.
One of my favorite stops has always been the Marconi Station site. This is the site where Marconi, in 1902, sent the first wireless telegraphic message across the Atlantic. The site is also known for its truly awesome scenic views of the ocean and sand dunes—classic Cape scenery. As I approached the site I could tell that something was amiss. Gone was the gazebo and benches and gone was the scenic overlook. It seems that last month the site was demolished as the past winter had eroded the dunes so badly that the gazebo and outcropping were about to fall into the ocean. I tried to salvage for myself the scenery that was left but I was heartbroken.
As I got up to leave I met a family from Canada. It was their first time coming to Marconi and they were so excited to see the landscape and seascape. They shared with me their joy and commented on how lucky I was to live so close to such wonders! I turned back and looked over the new dunes and saw what they saw with fresh eyes—God’s canvas for all to see. The sands have shifted and what was is no more but there are new beauties to discover. God is constantly changing our landscapes and lives. What wonders lie ahead for us? I can’t wait to see! God Bless, Holly Clark
This past weekend I spent some time on Cape Cod at the national Seashore. The National Seashore is, for me, a place where God, Nature and Mankind intersect and communicate with each other. One can see God’s paintbrush and hear his voice here.
One of my favorite stops has always been the Marconi Station site. This is the site where Marconi, in 1902, sent the first wireless telegraphic message across the Atlantic. The site is also known for its truly awesome scenic views of the ocean and sand dunes—classic Cape scenery. As I approached the site I could tell that something was amiss. Gone was the gazebo and benches and gone was the scenic overlook. It seems that last month the site was demolished as the past winter had eroded the dunes so badly that the gazebo and outcropping were about to fall into the ocean. I tried to salvage for myself the scenery that was left but I was heartbroken.
As I got up to leave I met a family from Canada. It was their first time coming to Marconi and they were so excited to see the landscape and seascape. They shared with me their joy and commented on how lucky I was to live so close to such wonders! I turned back and looked over the new dunes and saw what they saw with fresh eyes—God’s canvas for all to see. The sands have shifted and what was is no more but there are new beauties to discover. God is constantly changing our landscapes and lives. What wonders lie ahead for us? I can’t wait to see! God Bless, Holly Clark
Tweet, tweet! Chirp, chirp Cock-a-Doodle-Do!
August 18, 2013
On my recent camping trip I spent a great deal of time outdoors, sitting in a lawn chair, reading books and communing with nature. I also spent a lot of time reflecting upon God’s creatures and the awesomeness of the forest that surrounded me.
One morning I kept hearing a lot of tweets and chirps from the tree above me. As my eyes gazed heavenward I saw the tweeting bird right above me. I sat listening as I would hear him tweet and in the distance I could hear another bird chirping in reply. Tweet, tweet… chirp, chirp went the chorus. As the morning progressed more and more birds joined the chorus of the forest. As I listened I thought to myself what could be more divine at this moment? I thought how could anyone listening to these birds, seeing them through the rusltling trees could not catch a glimpse of God and His divine creativity? So many people today want proof of God’s existance… and here it is! We just have to slow down and open our eyes and ears to the miracles that surround us.
I am back in my office now typing this out. I hear the whir of the air conditioner, the clicking of fingers hitting a keyboard and phones ringing. I find myself distacted by a rooster crowing outside. I fight to keep my concentration but the rooster keeps singing his song and suddenly I hear God’s voice reminding me that the rooster’s song may not be as pretty as the songbirds of the forest but he is still a part of the chorus and a beloved creature of God. How often do we disregard or judge others who are different, disabled, or not as pretty as a model? The rooster’s song reminds me we are all God’s children and a part of God’s divine chorus. God Bless, Holly Clark
On my recent camping trip I spent a great deal of time outdoors, sitting in a lawn chair, reading books and communing with nature. I also spent a lot of time reflecting upon God’s creatures and the awesomeness of the forest that surrounded me.
One morning I kept hearing a lot of tweets and chirps from the tree above me. As my eyes gazed heavenward I saw the tweeting bird right above me. I sat listening as I would hear him tweet and in the distance I could hear another bird chirping in reply. Tweet, tweet… chirp, chirp went the chorus. As the morning progressed more and more birds joined the chorus of the forest. As I listened I thought to myself what could be more divine at this moment? I thought how could anyone listening to these birds, seeing them through the rusltling trees could not catch a glimpse of God and His divine creativity? So many people today want proof of God’s existance… and here it is! We just have to slow down and open our eyes and ears to the miracles that surround us.
I am back in my office now typing this out. I hear the whir of the air conditioner, the clicking of fingers hitting a keyboard and phones ringing. I find myself distacted by a rooster crowing outside. I fight to keep my concentration but the rooster keeps singing his song and suddenly I hear God’s voice reminding me that the rooster’s song may not be as pretty as the songbirds of the forest but he is still a part of the chorus and a beloved creature of God. How often do we disregard or judge others who are different, disabled, or not as pretty as a model? The rooster’s song reminds me we are all God’s children and a part of God’s divine chorus. God Bless, Holly Clark
What is Faith?
August 11, 2013
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1
This quote from today’s readings has always been one of my favorites. A couple of weeks ago I was vacationing in the White Mountains and visited a small gift shop and saw this same quote on a small desk plaque. I felt like God was sending me a very timely message. In the past few months I have seen the realization of some of my hopes, things that were unseen a year or two ago. Among my hopes has been: being cancer free for 5 years, my graduation last May, a position utilizing my education in our collaborative, plans for a larger office (!), a family vacation/camping trip in New Hampshire, and countless other little hopes and dreams God has helped me to realize. During my vacation I took out the time to reflect upon these hopes and dreams and thank God for his role in my life.
As I reflected on the past few years and the hopes that have been fulfilled, I asked God “Okay… What’s next?” We should always be looking towards having new hopes and dreams. My professional hopes and dreams for the next year (or 2 or 3!) include serving on the pastoral service team for our collaborative, working with all of you to build up our parishes and collaborative. We are just beginning to realize some of the hopes and dreams that the pastoral plan, Disciples in Mission promises us.
When I first started working for both parishes I asked you all to consider and reflect upon your hopes and dreams. As we begin the work of collaboration and envangelization I would ask you all to continue to reflect and then take the extra step of sharing your hopes and dreams with us. With your faith we will realize all of of our hopes and dreams, things that are unseen now but with the help of the Holy Spirit we will build an awesome collaborative! God Bless, Holly Clark
God, Me & Summertime!
August 4, 2013
This past week I vacationed in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When I take a vacation I try to make room for rest, relaxation and God. I like to share my relaxation time not only with my family but also with God. (I like to think of the three persons of the Holy Trinity as sharing my back seat of my car as I travel the highways and by-ways!) I will often take along an inspirational book and my prayer journal so I can share with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit my vacation reflections. When we go on vacation or travel to far away destinations. God’s marvels are all around us.
When you travel this summer take some time to be with God. Invite Jesus to your picnic table. Ask the Holy Spirit to watch out for your kids in the pool, ask the Father to show you his marvels in the summer night sky, blooming flowers and in the faces of fellow travelers. I look forward to sharing some of my reflections on my vacation: God, Me and Summertime! God Bless, Holly Clark
This past week I vacationed in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When I take a vacation I try to make room for rest, relaxation and God. I like to share my relaxation time not only with my family but also with God. (I like to think of the three persons of the Holy Trinity as sharing my back seat of my car as I travel the highways and by-ways!) I will often take along an inspirational book and my prayer journal so I can share with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit my vacation reflections. When we go on vacation or travel to far away destinations. God’s marvels are all around us.
When you travel this summer take some time to be with God. Invite Jesus to your picnic table. Ask the Holy Spirit to watch out for your kids in the pool, ask the Father to show you his marvels in the summer night sky, blooming flowers and in the faces of fellow travelers. I look forward to sharing some of my reflections on my vacation: God, Me and Summertime! God Bless, Holly Clark
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