A Long Time Coming

Yesterday, my daughter and her family went to the Basilica in Baltimore to see our friend Rob and several others ordained as Deacon. Rob was in youth group at St. Jane Frances de Chantal in Pasadena, MD with my daughter many years ago. I have really watched this "work in progress".

The ordination was long time coming and I feel like I personally prayed him through Seminary! LOL  I cannot tell you how elated I was for him and the Church, not to mention that there were others being ordained Deacons on their way to Priesthood as well.

The Mass was perfect, full of the faithful all feeling the way I felt I'm sure. There was a packed house and even though we arrived 30 minutes early there were no seats to be had so we stood in the back. I'm telling you kneeling on cold marble  was grueling and I offered it up for the souls in Purgatory sending many I'm sure up to the pearly gates!

It ended up a blessing in disguise because when everyone sat down we were able to see everything.  I would not have had such a good view in the pews. God is good.

After the Mass there was a lovely reception at the Catholic Center. There were lots of folks there. The Mom's of the future Priests did a nice job. 

Rob was really busy greeting everyone but I managed to get in to congratulate him and have a photo taken.

Today Rob gave his first homily at Mass at St. Jane's church. I was very nervous for him but he did an awesome job and didn't miss a beat. Our Pastor Mgr. Carl was nodding his head and smiling the whole time.  Rob preached on the Trinity, not an easy one as he indicated. But he left me with a wonderful image of

the Holy Spirit as the Fire of Love. I never thought of it that way.

He's going to make a terrific Priest when he's ordained in December.  And if the others who are going to be ordained are even a little like him, we are leaving my 3 year old granddaughter, Evie and the Church in good hands.

Prayer for Vocations:

Father, we're your people, the work of your hands.
So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus.
Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted,
to dry the tears of those who mourn, to give hope to those who despair,
and to rejoice in your steadfast love.
We, the baptized, realize our call to serve.
Help us to know how.
Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers.
With our hearts you continue to love your people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm

Something to Look Forward To!

So tonight begins the first of three nights of my church, St. Jane Frances de Chantal's Lenten Mission. This year's theme is 

"Back to Basics: Following Christ Today"
Father John J. Lombardi (a.k.a: "Father Jack") is a dynamic speaker. He did the Homily at Mass yesterday. 

According to the Parish Bulletin: "Father Jack is the administrator of St. Peter & St. Patrick parishes in Hancock. He is a true outdoorsman and loves to spend his free time in the beautiful waters of the nearby Potomac River, or hiking up the various mountains in the area. Always up for a game of softball or soccer, Father Jack keeps the youth and elders of his parish on their "athletic" toes! He has a great devotion to Our Lady and Our Lord's Divine Mercy."

I am really looking forward to these 3 nights and getting back to basics!
----------------->The icon is not for sale. I painted it and donated to Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville for their Silent Auction a couple of years ago.