The New Associate Pastor

The new associate pastor, nervous about hearing confessions, asks an older priest to listen in. Several penitents later, his mentor offers a few suggestions.

"Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand," he says. "Try saying things like, "I see, yes, go on. I understand. How did you feel about that?"

The new priest tries out the words and gestures. The old priest says, "Good, now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! You did what?'

Source: The Book of Catholic Jokes

---

The Book of Catholic Jokes

Wisdom In an E-mail

I thought to share with you the following words I received from a friend via e-mail:

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.

Veni Creator Spiritus

Come, Creator, Spirit, come
from your bright heavenly throne,
come take possession of our souls,
and make them all your own.

You who are called the Paraclete,
best gift of God above,
the living spring, the vital fire,
sweet christening and true love.

You who are sevenfold in your grace,
finger of God's right hand,
his promise, teaching little ones
to speak and understand.

O guide our minds with your blest light,
with love our hearts inflame,
and with your strength, which never decays,
confirm our mortal frame.

Far from us drive our deadly foe,
true peace unto us bring;
and through all perils lead us safe
beaneath our sacred wing.

Through you may we the Father know,
through you the enternal Son,
and you the spirit of them both,
thrice-blessed Three in one.

All glory to the Father be,
with his co-equal Son;
the same to you, great Paraclete,
while endless ages run.

Amen.

Source: Mystics & Miracles

The National Shrine of Our Lady of The SnowsIn Belleville, IL

While driving through Illinois on our way back from Michigan last June, I saw a sign to The National Shrine of Our Lady of The Snows near Belleville, Ill. All I said to Mark is, "Turn here."

That's how my magical night started at the most calming place I've visited in a very long time. I needed this unexpected turn during our trip back to Dallas more than I thought.

This was definitely a gift from Mother Mary to me. It's the place I envision when I'm in doubt, pain or need to say a little prayer.



© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Statue of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus at The Outdoor Altar & Amphitheatre.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Outdoor Altar & Amphitheatre.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Agony Garden.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Resurrection Garden.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Lourdes Grotto.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Bells at The Annunciation Garden.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The sculptures of the Blessed Virgin and the Angel Gabriel at The Annunciation Garden.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Annunciation Garden at night.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Cross at Church of Our Lady of the Snows.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Healing Hand sculpture at The Children's Memorial Garden at night.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Hands sculpture at The Children's Memorial Garden


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Millennium Spire.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Millennium Spire at night.

Iraqi Bishop Imad Banna In The News

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery

Bishop Imad Al Banna raises the host in preparation for Holy Communion during a Catholic Mass for service members at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq on Aug. 8, 2009.


I still remember the year when Fr. Imad was ordained a priest. That was in the late 1980s. Now, he's a bishop. Time flies fast, or I'm getting old.

From looking at this picture, I can tell Bishop Imad has not changed one bit. Same compassion when you read his words. Same faith when you know he's been serving the Iraqi Catholic community in Basra for more than 20 years. He served them during the good times and the bad times. He's one of a kind.

Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed year 2009 as the year of the priests. If I worked for the Vatican PR department -- if there's such a thing -- I would have chosen Bishop Imad as an example of what it means to be a shepherd. But, that may have chased some candidates away considering what bishop Imad has been through to protect his church and community.

God bless Bishop Imad Banna.

Tequila and Salt

1. 1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
   


2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
   


3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
   


4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
   


5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
   


6. You mean the world to someone.
   


7. You are special and unique.
   


8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
   


9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
   


10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
    


11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
    

And always remember....
when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt.

Good friends are like stars........
You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going

-- Author Unknown

Bronner's Christmas Wondrland In Frankenmuth, Michigan

We visited Bronner's Christams Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan on June 2, 2009. This was Mark's first visit to the place and my second. You can say, we enjoyed Christmas shopping in June.

The place is certainly a Christmas wonderland. Here's some pictures to share with you.



© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
A statue of the Holy Family.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Jim Shore's Heartwood Creek Collectible items of the three wisemen.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Singing Band.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Winnie The Pooh and Piglet decorating their Christmas tree.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Gingerbread Family.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Gingerbread Man.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Red ornaments of all sizes.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
A seasonal wreath.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
The Nutcracker and Snowman.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Decorated Christmas trees of all sizes.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
More Christmas ornaments.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
If you're rich enough, you can invest in buying this Christmas display.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
One part of the Halloween themed decorations.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Another part of the Halloween themed decorations.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
Santa having a break at the coffee shop inside Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.


© Fayrouz Hancock / newseagles.com
My sister-in-law Helen, my brother Fareed and my husband Mark.

Coming to America

One day, the Pope is visiting America and driving around Washington in his limo when he gets an idea.

"Driver? Can I drive for a while?"

"Sure," says the driver. How can you say no to the Pope?

So the Pope takes the wheel and starts driving like a maniac all around Washington -- dodging in and out of traffic, going eighty, cutting people off.

Soon, a cop pulls him over. But when the Pope rolls down the window, the cop stops dead in his tracks, and goes back to the car.

"We got somebody really important here," he says to his partner.

"Who is it? Is it a senator?"

"No. More important."

"The president?"

"No. More important."

"An ambassador? Who?"

"I don't know. But the Pope is his driver."

Source: The Comedy Central

I Said a Prayer For You Today

I Said a Prayer For You Today.

I know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart.
Although He spoke no word.

I didn't ask for wealth or fame;
I knew you wouldn't mind.
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.

I asked that He'd be near you
At the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share the way.

I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all.

Source: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Rev. Tim Vakoc Dies On The Eve of Father's Day

Source: The Star Tribute
Father Tim with some of the troops he ministered in Iraq. (Photo provided by his family)


Many people think priests have an easy job. It's not true. I know how hard the priests at my church work all week long.

We've all heard of Army chaplains. But, not many of us have heard about Rev. Tim Vakoc who was gravely injured in Iraq in 2004. The Star Tribune reports:

Five years after being gravely wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, the Rev. Tim Vakoc, a well-known and well-loved Roman Catholic priest from Minnesota, has died, his family said Sunday.
[...]
Father Tim, as he was known, was the first military chaplain grievously wounded in the Iraq war. He was injured by a roadside bomb as he was returning from celebrating mass with troops on May 29, 2004, the day before the 12th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

Say a little prayer for Fr. Tim. He has moved to a better place. But, he'll be missed by those whose lives he touched while he was with us on earth.

What Makes a Dad?

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

-- Author Unknown