Friday, December 28, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

I was offline so I didn't get to wish you it on my blog (but did in my heart *wink*) but I am wishing you a very blessed and Merry Christmas now!

What is the Catholic Liturgical Year? Here is a link to check out: http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/the-catholic-liturgical-year/article/208/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/calendar

(I like to leave long real links so you can see what you are clicking or in case you like to typei it yourself into your browser).

How long to YOU personally leave up your lights and Christmas Decor?  It is not regulated and it is purely up to you. We tend to wait until Jan 5th/6th for the most part. We see more people leaving them up/on longer lately v.s. the 26th "tear down".

As for us, we had 2 sick kids over Christmas (one had to miss Christmas Mass). So, we enjoyed everyone (there are 6 of us)  just being "off" work/school and being relaxed together at home. I didn't really get any nice Christmas photos due to the sick ones this year and insert sad face here! lol  Maybe my daughter will re-dress up and fake a few nice shots. (I really will try to get her to. ha. I'd love a picture in her new lovely Christmas dress...at least one!).  We do not have any relatives in the state so we have no visiting to do, so it really has been relaxing (tee-hee).

Well, I hope you had a nice Christmas and I still hope you are enjoying the joy of it!

God bless you!

Kelly

Catholic Quotes



Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
If it were better for the world not to exist, then why did God, in making the world, take the worse course? No, God did not work in vain or do what was worst. God ordered the creation with a view to its existence and continuance. 
St. Methodius of Olympus (250-311AD) on the World
Mini-Bio: Asia Minor; bishop, ecclesiastical writer, martyr


Saints throughout the Age of the Church
The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside and our faith is strengthened.
Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-590AD) on Doubt
Mini-Bio: Roman; pope, abbot, liturgist, reformer, statesman, Doctor of the Church. He helped the poor while spreading and strengthening the faith. He wrote extensively on moral and theological subjects.


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church
Mary Immaculate, she who has been redeemed in a privileged manner, is the sign of the beginning of God's project to make all things new. It is she who unveils, with her singular grace, the new life introduced by God the Father into the most intimate depths of the human person.
Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Church's teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri
Scripture meditation: The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God." Luke 1:30

Reflection: The Immaculate Conception is the name that reveals with precision who Mary is. Mary is profoundly holy in the totality of her existence, from her very beginnings.
Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Church's teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prayer: O Mary, you are all-holy. Help me to strive after holiness by doing the will of God as it becomes clear to me through each day's events.










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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

If you want to help the world’s poor, support the religious orders

If you want to help the world’s poor, support the religious orders

Missionary orders stay with the destitute long after every western charity has left

Great article here:



Boston cardinal emphasizes need for Catholics in politics, media

Boston cardinal emphasizes need for Catholics in politics, media:


Catholic Home Study Service

Catholic Home Study Service invites you to learn more about our faith by studying at home. Nine free courses, faithful to the teachings of the Church, are available. When you request a course, you will receive a textbook and a workbook with study questions. After reading a section of the book, you can send your workbook answers either over the internet or by postal mail. They will make whatever corrections are necessary and answer any questions you want to ask. All who complete the course receive a graduation certificate. There is NO charge for the course, and NO ONE will call on you. You may take the course alone or with friends or family members.

Interested??

Check it out here:



Friday, December 14, 2012

Confession

Tomorrow, my little girl makes her first Reconciliation.

So sweet a child.

We all once were so sweet and innocent.

I love looking at her baby cheeks and her big saucer blue eyes.

It is nice to know we can always be forgiven when we sin (if we are truly repentant & also intend to not do that sin anymore) by Christ Jesus.
Always.
And, your soul can be washed clean again.
Fresh start.
Jesus doesn't put a limit on His Love for you, 
nor how many times He is willing to forgive you.
Fresh start.
Whenever you want it.
Whenever you are truly repentant and have full intentions not to commit that sin again.
It's too much a gift to even think about.
You could think about it forever.
The depth of Love there is incredible and infinite.
That is how much you and I are loved. 

Never let your arrogance or pride tell you "but THIS sin CANNOT be forgiven!"
It could be!
Do not insult God by putting limits on Him. 
Who do you think you are? 
It is arrogance and pride that make you think that.
Think about it.
Humble yourself.
Look at the Crucifix and Passion scene.
That was for you and for ANY sin you may commit in your earthly life 
because 
He wants you in Heaven for Eternity 
and He was willing to do whatever He had to to give you EVERY hope!
You are loved THAT much.
In fact, your confession of "THAT" sin gladdens His Heart!
He knows that you want to be with Him for Eternity
and He definately WANTS YOU!
That is why He created YOU!
To live with Him forever in Heaven a wonderful eternal life.
All it takes is being humble and repentant
and a firm purpose of admendment of your life.
That is it!
Do not let arrogance or pride let you miss out on a 
blissful beautiful eternity in Heaven!

If you have not, read the Diary of St Faustina.
It is very much there where Jesus lays out all about His Divine Mercy.
He gave messages to St Faustina all about it and 
wants the messages read by sinners to help them
understand His great Love and great Mercy!

It is said (and I think true!) that Satan takes away all your shame while you are sinning
but gives it back in spades when it comes to confessing them!!

So, your fear does not come from God.
God doesn't give out fear.  Satan does.

So, feel the fear and do it anyways if you are fearful!

And, afterwards, treat yourself to a big ice cream or pizza piece or some celebatory dessert.
After all, all of Heaven is rejoicing!
You are back!
Welcome home! :)





Lord, Have Mercy

Offline today just numb with the horribly sad news of the mass murder of the innocents before Christmas. Precious little kids. I have a daughter of similar age. I could not wait for her to get off school so I could hug and kiss her again. My heart breaks for all the heartache the families are going through.

For all those I see who post online that they believe "there is no sin" and there is "no hell"...take a look at today.  That was sin, not virtue. That would be the face of sin. Deliberate un-repentant type of murderers will not die and go to the same place as those who live good lives, and at cost to themselves at that, and the same place as little innocent children such as today. That is crazy.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" ~ Deut. 30:19


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Blessed Conrad of Offida (he is interesting)

Today is also the birthday of Blessed Conrad of Offida, Franciscan friar who was said to have inherited St. Francis's own guardian angel.



Miracles in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe:

Explanations of all the miraculous things associated with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe:

Pope launches Twitter Account! @Pontifex

Pope launches Twitter account, tweets to more than 1 million followers – VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI lau... http://t.co/ol40ZGsd

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

"You are my trusted Ambassador." ~ Mother Mary to St Juan Diego
CAN she say that about us?

"I am the ever-virgin Mary. Mother of the true God who gives life and maintains it in existence.  He created all things.  He is in all places.  He is the Lord of Heaven and Earth." ~Mother Mary to St Juan Deigo (and to us)

"Am I not your Mother?" ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Do not fear." ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Only peace..." ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Do not be distressed and afraid...am I not here with you who am your Mother?"
~Our Lady of Guadaupe

As far as in known in these times, the image of the BVM on St Juan Diegos' tilma is the ONLY divine image of the BVM that exists on earth!!  Do you have it in your home? Do you have it in a place of honor~~an image that God painted?

If you never read the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, today would be a great day to look it up online and read it!  



Catholic Quotes


Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
O holy Mother of God, remember us who boast of you, and who in noble hymns celebrate the memory that will ever live and never fade away. 
St. Methodius of Olympus (250-311AD) on Mary, Our Blessed Mother
Mini-Bio: Asia Minor; bishop, ecclesiastical writer, martyr


Saints throughout the Age of the Church
Modern times are dominated by Satan, and will be more so in the future.
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941AD) on the Devil, Lucifer, Satan
Mini-Bio: Polish; Franciscan priest, founder of Knights of Mary Immaculate, martyr


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church
You produce music, poetry and art, drama, painting and sculpture, and literature. All those things reflect the soul of a nation being influenced by the Spirit of Christ for the perfection of humanity.
Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Church's teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri
Scripture meditation: Not only are you beautiful to behold, but you are eloquent in your wisdom. If you do as you have promised, your God shall be my God. Judith 11:23

Reflection: Mary found glory for herself and for others, because through here the gate of heaven was opened to us. For inasmuch as God came down to us through her, it is right that through her we should ascend to God.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274AD)
Mini-Bio: Italian; cardinal-bishop, Franciscan minister general, philosopher, theologian, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, you bring God to us and us to God. Help me to follow your inspirations every day, so that I may remain united with your Divine Son throughout my life.











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Monday, December 10, 2012

Carthusian Texts Online

Would you like to read some Carthusian Texts online?  

Go can go here: http://transfiguration.chartreux.org/index.htm and then click on TEXTS.

Catholic Trivia

Did you know?

The Charterhouse of the Transfiguration is the **only** Carthusian monastery
in North America?
It is!

{ It is nestled in a high mountain valley
near Mount Equinox in Southern Vermont, U.S.A.
The monastery is *not* open to visitors. }



Catholic Quotes

Holy Quotes for Kelly Piet
Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
No one may understand the meaning of the Gospel if he has not rested on the breast of Jesus and received Mary from Jesus, to be his mother also. 
Origen (185-254AD) on Mary, Our Blessed Mother
Mini-Bio: Alexandrian; philosopher, theologian, writer


Saints throughout the Age of the Church
In anything that is for the service of the Lord, the Devil tries his arts, working under the guise of holiness.
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582AD) on the Devil, Lucifer, Satan
Mini-Bio: Spanish; Founder of the Discalced Carmelites, Doctor of the Church. She left us excellent writings and teachings on prayer and had a great devotion to St. Joseph.


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church
It is in our power to correspond with continuing increase in grace that God wishes to grant us. He does so to help us advance, without hesitation or stumbling, toward His Kingdom.
Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Church's teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri
Scripture meditation: They who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 92:14

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary was led to the temple. Thenceforward planted in the house of God, and cultivated by the Spirit, she like a fruitful olive tree became the abode of all virtues.
St. John Damascene (of Damascus) (675-749AD)
Mini-Bio: Syrian; priest, monk, theologian, poet, Doctor of the Church
Prayer: O Mary, in the Temple you grew in both body and soul. Let me always continue to grow in soul long after my body has stopped growing.











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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Catholic Quotes


Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
Let us not cheat ourselves of all this power, glory, blessedness by bartering the enjoyment of all eternal things for a brief season of pleasure that cannot last. 
Nemesius of Emesa (315-386AD) on Glory
Mini-Bio: Syrian; philosopher, apologist, and bishop of Emesa


Saints throughout the Age of the Church
The strategy of our adversary can be compared to the tactics of a commander intent upon seizing and plundering a position he desires. The leader of an army will encamp, explore the fortifications and defenses of the fortress, and attack at the weakest point. In the same way, the adversary of our human nature examines from every side all our virtues, theological, cardinal and moral. Wherever he discovers the defenses of eternal salvation to be the weakest and most lacking, there he attacks and tries to take us by storm.
St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556AD) on the Devil, Lucifer, Satan
Mini-Bio: Spanish; priest, spiritual writer, founder and first superior general of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church
Peace is needed. This refers to inner peace, peace of the conscience freed from all the fragmentation caused by sin and open to the true good. It also means peace with others, in mutual respect and friendship made of truth and love.
Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Church's teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri
Scripture meditation: There is immortality in kinship with [her], and pure delight in friendship with her, and inexhaustible wealth in the works of her hands. Wisdom 8:17-18

Reflection: Our good works pass through the hands of Mary and received an increase in purity as well as in merit and intercessory value. That is why they become much more capable of comforting the Holy Souls in purgatory.
St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary
Prayer: O Mary, purify my good works and apply them to the Holy Souls. Help especially those souls who were closest to me on earth as well as those who struggled with the same sins I struggle with.











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Fr Jason Worthly's talk entering into Advent (good!)

Let us enter deeply into the spirit of Advent, that we may be ready for the glorious return of the Lord Jesus. He is coming soon. ~ Fr Jason Worthly (via his FB like page)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvdzDm0UFIY


Google Launches ‘Communities’ With Great Benefits For Parishes

Google Launches ‘Communities’ With Great Benefits For Parishes

Saturday, December 8, 2012

English College students (properly dressed) meet the Holy Father

English College students (properly dressed) meet the Holy Father

Sidenote:

Wow, it is kind of weird to see that for the most part (besides today and yesterday's post) my sabbatical was 1 exact year to date!!! Wow!!! From Immaculate Conception to Immaculate Conception! I don't think I could have planned that any better! heehee.

I was offline due to health and family issues that had to be dealt with and whenever anything serious comes up, this blog, while always here, will go on the "back burner."  Priorities first. ;-)  But, I'm always here.  I was (and am) still Twittering the entire absensce here and was for the most part on Facebook.  I still replied to and prayed for the prayer requests that came in.  So, feel free to catch me on Twitter if this goes a little quiet (or FB)...or send me a line, but I'm here ;-).

Anyhow, my health things have cleared up and I should be back online posting regulary soon...but not so regularly until after the HOLYdays.

I wish you all a very blessed Advent season!  Jesus IS the REASON for the SEASON. Let's not forget it! Amen.

Kelly.

Catholic Quotes


Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
Though men should say much, they shall not be able to express it. … Yet it is right for a speaker to compare and call that place "the abode of God," and "the place of life," "the perfect place," "the place of light," "the place of glory," "the Sabbath of God," "the day of rest," "the repose of the righteous," "the joy of the just," "the abode and dwelling-place of the righteous and the holy," "the place of our hope," "the sure abode of our trust," "the place of our treasure," "the place that shall assuage our weariness and remove our afflictions, and soothe our sighs." 
St. Aphraates/Aphrahat (336-345AD) on Glory
Mini-Bio: Persian; hermit, "the Persian Sage", apologist; his work: the Demonstrations, witness to the practice of Extreme Unction


Saints throughout the Age of the Church
We have been called to head wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way. Many who may seem to us to be children of the Devil will still become Christ's disciples.
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226AD) on the Devil, Lucifer, Satan
Mini-Bio: Italian; preacher, mystic, stigmatist, founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans)


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church
In order to become apostles, as the Church wishes us all to be today, there is need of a deep love for Christ, a personal love, a true love, and a full love. The apostolate is an overflowing of love, an outburst of love, turning into witness and action.
Pope Paul VI (1897-1978AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1963-1978) Italian; Reconvened Vatican II, and implemented many of its reforms. Became the first pope in over 150 years to travel outside of Italy. He enlarged the college of cardinals. Reaffirmed the church's ban on contraception.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri
Scripture meditation: You … know me, you see me, you have tested my heart. Jeremiah 12:3

Reflection: O Mary, you are the Virgin who captivates our hearts. Introduce into heavenly joy the souls who venerate your Heart.
St. John Eudes (1601-1680AD)
Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, founder of seminaries and of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)
Prayer: O Mary, you are the Queen of Hearts. Take me under your care and help me to venerate you Heart temporally on earth and eternally in heaven.











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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Catholic Quotes

(PS: I am still here! I just got busy and traveled a bit and also had a little health stuff I had to deal with.)


Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)

The angels must be petitioned for us, who have been given to us to guard us. 
St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397AD) on Angels
Mini-Bio: German; bishop, Doctor of the Church


Saints throughout the Age of the Church

The soul that journeys to God, but doesn't shake off its cares and quiet its appetites, is like someone who drags a cart uphill. 
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591AD) on Detachment from the World
Mini-Bio: Spanish; Carmelite priest, provincial, reformer, mystical writer, Doctor of the Church


Holy Quotes from the Popes of the Church

Where others lose themselves, those who trust in Christ can do everything. In harmony with order and the justification and magnificence of God, they rise above the disorders and storms of the world with equal courage and order. 
Pope St. Pius X (1835-1914AD)
Mini-Bio: pope: (1903-1914) Italian; pope, reformer. Created a special congregation of cardinals to look at formation of a new code of canon law.


Quotes on Mary, Our Blessed Mother: a Marian Potpourri

Scripture meditation: She will come forth to meet the just man like a mother. … He will lean on her and not fall, rely on her and not be put to shame. Sirach 15:2-4

Reflection: Mary is the heart of the Church. From this heart there spring forth without interruption all the works of charity. 
St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870AD)
Mini-Bio: Spanish; priest, founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians)
Prayer: O Mary, increase my faith in the true Church of your Divine Son, and make that faith manifest itself every day in genuine works of charity.


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