Last week I bought something in Macy's and I got this very nice shopping bag with the words "1,000,000 Reasons to Believe" printed on it. Believe is written much large and in a fancy script. Of course, they are not referring to the birth of Christ but actually it's about believing in Santa Claus, if you can imagine that.
Well, no matter. I just made a little flyer on which I put "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" with a picture of the Nativity. I made it just the right size so it fits nicely on the bag and put one on each side. When I go shopping, I'll carry the bag around with me. I wonder what kind of reaction I would get if I went into Macy's?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Celebrate Every Day
One thing I love about being a Roman Catholic is that every day we have something to celebrate. By celebrate I mean to remember and honor some event or someone notable in church history. I have to admit that I am learning about a lot of these feasts now. I am not sure why my religious education did not talk much about them unless they did and it just didn't sink in.
Today, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Mother. Almost every day on my religious calendar there is a saint to honor. I like to see whose feast day it is and say a little prayer to them. If it is a saint with whom I am not familiar, I try to learn about them.
While some days are solemn and serious such as Holy Thursday and Good Friday, there are many others which are joyous. Almost everyone in the world celebrates Christmas whether they are believers or not such is the great joy associated with the memorial of Christ's birth. And what about Easter!!! Christ rises from the dead and now we know that we can have life forever. How can you top that?
Let's not give the Holy Spirit short shrift either. Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Advent starts our liturgical year next Sunday. I could go on for hundreds of words.
Why does the Church encourage us to recognize all these days? To keep us focused on our faith and the hope it gives us. We remember that this is just our temporary home until we go to our eternal reward.
Today, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Mother. Almost every day on my religious calendar there is a saint to honor. I like to see whose feast day it is and say a little prayer to them. If it is a saint with whom I am not familiar, I try to learn about them.
While some days are solemn and serious such as Holy Thursday and Good Friday, there are many others which are joyous. Almost everyone in the world celebrates Christmas whether they are believers or not such is the great joy associated with the memorial of Christ's birth. And what about Easter!!! Christ rises from the dead and now we know that we can have life forever. How can you top that?
Let's not give the Holy Spirit short shrift either. Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Advent starts our liturgical year next Sunday. I could go on for hundreds of words.
Why does the Church encourage us to recognize all these days? To keep us focused on our faith and the hope it gives us. We remember that this is just our temporary home until we go to our eternal reward.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Bishops & Healthcare
I understand that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is supporting healthcare reform as long as it does not contain and provisions contrary to our faith. I am a bit confused about this.
Anyone who knows anything about communism knows that the goal of the communist is for the state to replace the Church. In supporting a form of universal healthcare run by the government, the bishops are turning the work of the church over to the government. It is our duty as Christians to take care of the sick and the poor. Indeed, the Catholic Church has more hospitals, schools and other programs than any other private institution (private meaning not run by the state). Is the Church now willing to abdicate its role in these matters?
I believe this is very harmful. As more and more people become secularists, this will reinforce their belief that faith is not necessary. Who needs a religious entity when the state does it all? This, in turn, erodes our freedom.
Communism was not successful in Soviet Russia. Why would anyone think it would work here? I really question what the USCCB is thinking.
Anyone who knows anything about communism knows that the goal of the communist is for the state to replace the Church. In supporting a form of universal healthcare run by the government, the bishops are turning the work of the church over to the government. It is our duty as Christians to take care of the sick and the poor. Indeed, the Catholic Church has more hospitals, schools and other programs than any other private institution (private meaning not run by the state). Is the Church now willing to abdicate its role in these matters?
I believe this is very harmful. As more and more people become secularists, this will reinforce their belief that faith is not necessary. Who needs a religious entity when the state does it all? This, in turn, erodes our freedom.
Communism was not successful in Soviet Russia. Why would anyone think it would work here? I really question what the USCCB is thinking.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
On Being A Met Fan
Yesterday morning, radio personality Mark Simone was poking fun at Met fans. He was asking why we would root for the Mets when the "greatest franchise in baseball history" was here. He even mocked our anthem, "Meet the Mets".
That started me to thinking. Why the Mets and why not the Yankees?
The Mets had very humble beginnings. They were an expansion team who got the dregs of the other teams. The 1962 Mets lost 120 games and they were beyond bad. But what did they have? They had heart.
I think people were drawn to them because they were just regular folks not the vaunted "lords of the manor" Yankees. They were fun. I don't think anyone brought banners to games until Met fans started this practice. As a matter of fact, the Yankees banned banners for quite a while because they didn't want to be looked on as "common" like those lowly Mets. But banners were so important to Met fans that there was even the annual Banner Day which gave the fans a chance to show their love for the team and have fun.
Fun. That might be the key word. The Mets were just fun. The Yankees were serious business. The Mets bonded with their fans while the Yankees expected worship from their fans. Going to a Met game was like going to your corner bar while a Yankee games was dinner at a fancy restaurant where you'd better not use the wrong fork.
Fans could relate to the Mets and fell in love. Win or lose, they were always interesting. Even this past horror of a season had interesting games here and there. Plus, there was always the excitement of seeing if the Mets could get through a game without a player getting hurt.
Being a Met fan builds character. Life is not a bowl of cherries and being a Met fan helps you to learn to deal with adversity. I often say when something does not go my way, "That's okay. I'm used to disappointment; I'm a Met fan" and I get on with my life.
Yes, the Mets have only won the World Series twice but what exciting seasons they were! They were not the robotic wins that the Yankees produce. Every game holds the possibility of new thrills and/or disappointment. When they do win, man, how sweet it is!
That started me to thinking. Why the Mets and why not the Yankees?
The Mets had very humble beginnings. They were an expansion team who got the dregs of the other teams. The 1962 Mets lost 120 games and they were beyond bad. But what did they have? They had heart.
I think people were drawn to them because they were just regular folks not the vaunted "lords of the manor" Yankees. They were fun. I don't think anyone brought banners to games until Met fans started this practice. As a matter of fact, the Yankees banned banners for quite a while because they didn't want to be looked on as "common" like those lowly Mets. But banners were so important to Met fans that there was even the annual Banner Day which gave the fans a chance to show their love for the team and have fun.
Fun. That might be the key word. The Mets were just fun. The Yankees were serious business. The Mets bonded with their fans while the Yankees expected worship from their fans. Going to a Met game was like going to your corner bar while a Yankee games was dinner at a fancy restaurant where you'd better not use the wrong fork.
Fans could relate to the Mets and fell in love. Win or lose, they were always interesting. Even this past horror of a season had interesting games here and there. Plus, there was always the excitement of seeing if the Mets could get through a game without a player getting hurt.
Being a Met fan builds character. Life is not a bowl of cherries and being a Met fan helps you to learn to deal with adversity. I often say when something does not go my way, "That's okay. I'm used to disappointment; I'm a Met fan" and I get on with my life.
Yes, the Mets have only won the World Series twice but what exciting seasons they were! They were not the robotic wins that the Yankees produce. Every game holds the possibility of new thrills and/or disappointment. When they do win, man, how sweet it is!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Today's Excitement
Several months ago, I was driving down the NJ Turnpike and I saw an old cement truck on fire. "That was exciting", I thought to myself. That served as an inspiration to start a daily email "Today's Excitement". I find something quirky, or sometimes actually exciting, about the day and send it to friends and family. And to make it a bit more interesting, I add little comments in my signature to keep everyone on their toes. One time I wrote, "I wonder how many people delete this email without reading it" and one of my brothers replied, "I do".
I really started this as a joke and to annoy certain people who always forward emails over and over again. Well, now the joke is on me because people actually enjoy getting this email and look forward to it! I've only had one person ask to be removed from the copy list and I think it goes to about 50 recipients.
I was telling my son this story about how this person came to be added to the copy list. He laughed and said that one day I would be quoted on some big website. So, I decided that I want Matt Drudge to notice me and add me to his website. You know, down on the bottom where he lists all the columnists. It will simply be called "Mary's Excitement" and anyone in the world would be able to click on it and see my "excitement".
Might even get me the Nobel Peace Prize.
I really started this as a joke and to annoy certain people who always forward emails over and over again. Well, now the joke is on me because people actually enjoy getting this email and look forward to it! I've only had one person ask to be removed from the copy list and I think it goes to about 50 recipients.
I was telling my son this story about how this person came to be added to the copy list. He laughed and said that one day I would be quoted on some big website. So, I decided that I want Matt Drudge to notice me and add me to his website. You know, down on the bottom where he lists all the columnists. It will simply be called "Mary's Excitement" and anyone in the world would be able to click on it and see my "excitement".
Might even get me the Nobel Peace Prize.
Monday, October 19, 2009
In the Sweet Afterglow
This past weekend I attended the 40th High School Reunion of the Class of 1969, Holy Rosary Academy, Union City, NJ.
"How was it?", you might ask. Think about the best party you have ever been to in your life and multiply it by about 100 and that might come close. Since we never really had a reunion in the past 40 years, we made up for it with this one. Out of a class of 65, I think we had 50 attendees at almost every event. We are such a fun group that one of our former teachers even paid so she could come to all the events.
We started the party on Friday afternoon around 3 when the committee and some of our fellow classmates started arriving. We had a "meet & greet" Friday night which continued into the wee hours of the morning. Have you ever been at a hotel and been kept awake by some noisy revelers? Well, that was us this past weekend. Saturday morning was breakfast and our T shirt contest. I won for my color group! (Thanks to my son Dennis) We did take a break on Saturday afternoon and a nice group of us went to the vigil Mass late Saturday afternoon.
Saturday night was the big affair which was spectacular. At this event, several former teachers attended also. For me, the highlight of the evening was the PowerPoint presentation. There were reminders of what was happening in 1969 and photos of us then and now. What put me over the edge was when the photos of the committee came up and everyone was applauding us. I could no longer hold the tears back.
I cannot even describe the emotions that I felt this weekend which ended with brunch on Sunday. Yes, we have had several "mini" reunions over the past few months but this was truly the pièce de résistance. Again, seeing people for the first time in 40 years was just amazing as the years melted away and we were once again back in 1969. The bonds we forged then were truly strong.
And what a group of women we became. It is my contention that 1969 was just about the end of traditional values in the US and our class lived/lives those values. We are the most loving and giving group of people that you could meet. Yes, we had our friendship groups but never any cliques. We would go to the ends of the earth to help one another. We continue to show our love by praying for and helping those in need.
And one of the nicest things to come out of this reunion is that I have become closer to classmates with whom I was not really that close in high school. It is just amazing.
In the days and years ahead we intend to keep in touch with each other and have more "mini" reunions. (Thank you, Lord, for the internet and email to make this task easier.) I don't have any biological sisters but how great is it to know this network of wonderful women is out there and ready to be my sisters, if necessary. I will see you all "in the sweet afterglow".
"How was it?", you might ask. Think about the best party you have ever been to in your life and multiply it by about 100 and that might come close. Since we never really had a reunion in the past 40 years, we made up for it with this one. Out of a class of 65, I think we had 50 attendees at almost every event. We are such a fun group that one of our former teachers even paid so she could come to all the events.
We started the party on Friday afternoon around 3 when the committee and some of our fellow classmates started arriving. We had a "meet & greet" Friday night which continued into the wee hours of the morning. Have you ever been at a hotel and been kept awake by some noisy revelers? Well, that was us this past weekend. Saturday morning was breakfast and our T shirt contest. I won for my color group! (Thanks to my son Dennis) We did take a break on Saturday afternoon and a nice group of us went to the vigil Mass late Saturday afternoon.
Saturday night was the big affair which was spectacular. At this event, several former teachers attended also. For me, the highlight of the evening was the PowerPoint presentation. There were reminders of what was happening in 1969 and photos of us then and now. What put me over the edge was when the photos of the committee came up and everyone was applauding us. I could no longer hold the tears back.
I cannot even describe the emotions that I felt this weekend which ended with brunch on Sunday. Yes, we have had several "mini" reunions over the past few months but this was truly the pièce de résistance. Again, seeing people for the first time in 40 years was just amazing as the years melted away and we were once again back in 1969. The bonds we forged then were truly strong.
And what a group of women we became. It is my contention that 1969 was just about the end of traditional values in the US and our class lived/lives those values. We are the most loving and giving group of people that you could meet. Yes, we had our friendship groups but never any cliques. We would go to the ends of the earth to help one another. We continue to show our love by praying for and helping those in need.
And one of the nicest things to come out of this reunion is that I have become closer to classmates with whom I was not really that close in high school. It is just amazing.
In the days and years ahead we intend to keep in touch with each other and have more "mini" reunions. (Thank you, Lord, for the internet and email to make this task easier.) I don't have any biological sisters but how great is it to know this network of wonderful women is out there and ready to be my sisters, if necessary. I will see you all "in the sweet afterglow".
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
On Being "Green"
I remember the first earth day back in 1970. Oh, it was so exciting. We were going to do so much for the environment.
So, here we are in 2009. Over the past 39 years it is my impression that the environmental movement has waxed and waned but I could be mistaken. But once again everywhere you go on TV and the internet there it is, the word "green". It's as if the whole world has decided to be Irish. But no, that is not the intent.
We all have to work to save the planet. That's right. The earth is in desperate need and we are all going to die if we don't change our ways. Yawn. If we haven't saved it in 39 years why will we succeed now? And who says the world needs saving? Maybe it is mankind's role to destroy the environment so the sun comes crashing down and burns us all up.
I just get so sick of all of this nonsense. It is commendable to be good stewards of the earth but we don't have to be fanatical. I only act "green" when I know it will save me money like turning off lights.
Excuse me, I need to go flush the toilet for no reason.
So, here we are in 2009. Over the past 39 years it is my impression that the environmental movement has waxed and waned but I could be mistaken. But once again everywhere you go on TV and the internet there it is, the word "green". It's as if the whole world has decided to be Irish. But no, that is not the intent.
We all have to work to save the planet. That's right. The earth is in desperate need and we are all going to die if we don't change our ways. Yawn. If we haven't saved it in 39 years why will we succeed now? And who says the world needs saving? Maybe it is mankind's role to destroy the environment so the sun comes crashing down and burns us all up.
I just get so sick of all of this nonsense. It is commendable to be good stewards of the earth but we don't have to be fanatical. I only act "green" when I know it will save me money like turning off lights.
Excuse me, I need to go flush the toilet for no reason.
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