A Prayer For Healing

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

You care for us and provide us with all that we need.

You shower us with your love and send people into our lives to help care for us, especially in times of sickness or pain.

I pray for healing for myself and for all who suffer because of illness or advanced age.

I pray especially for (mention your loved ones by name).

In the midst of our pain and weakness, strengthen our faith that we might be filled with hope in you.

In the midst of our frustration and discouragement, give us patience that we might accept our own limitations.

In the midst of our loneliness and fears, help us know we are not alone, that you walk with us each moment of our lives.

Be with us, Lord, in our time of need.

Heal us in body, soul and spirit that we may rejoice in your grace and blessings in this world and come to enjoy the fullness of your presence in the life to come.

We make this prayer in your name, for you are the Risen Lord.

Amen.

-- Source: Sacred Heart League

The Promises of Our Lord To Saint Margaret MaryFor Souls Devoted To His Sacred Heart

I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

I will establish peace in their houses.

I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

I will be their secure refuge during life and, above all, in death.

I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.

Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.

Tepid souls shall grow fervent.

Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

I will bless every place where a picture of My Sacred Heart shall be set up and honored.

I will give to Priest the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.

I promise You in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in my displeasure nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

Source: Priests of The Sacred Heart

Prayer To The Sacred Heart

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I give you thanks and praise for all your many gifts and blessings, especially the love you you shower upon me.

Be with me each moment of this day.

Help me to be mindful of your never ending love and inspire me to show my love for you by responding generously to the needs of others.

May I become your eyes, your ears, your hands, your voice in a world which hungers for love and forgiveness.

In all that I say, in all that I do this way, may I do it for you.

Be with me, Lord, and bless me.

Amen.

-- Source: Sacred Heart League

A Daily Prayer of Offering

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

You have given me the grace to begin loving you; Give me also the grace to persevere in your love.

In this spirit of love I wish to offer to you my daily actions, works and sufferings.

-- Venerable Leo John Dehon
Founder of, Priests of the Sacred Heart

-- Source: Sacred Heart League

Prayer In Sorrow

God of all consolation,

In your unending love and mercy for us, You turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.

Show compassion to Your people in sorrow.

Be our refuge and out strength to lift us from the darkness of this grief to peace and joy in Your presence.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

A Special Prayer For The New Year

Lord in heaven, grant us peace of mind, heart and spirit throughout this new year.

Grant us the will and the means to embrace those who suffer immensely overseas because of natural disasters or armed conflict.

Show us how to be champions of peace and social justice on behalf of the war-weary and voiceless.

Thank you for the bounty of your blessings which enrich our lives daily.

Amen,

-- Source: Catholic Relief Services

Dear Lord

Dear Lord,

So far today I've done all right. I haven't gossiped; lost my temper; been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent.

I'm very thankful for the kind of day You have given me.

But in a few minutes, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm going to need a lot more help.

Amen.

Source: The Book of Catholic Jokes

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The Book of Catholic Jokes

The Catechist On Going to Heaven

The Catechist asked her class of seven-year-olds, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?"

"NO!" answered all the children.

"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"

Again, they answered "NO!"

"Well then, if I was kind to animals, gave candy to all the children and loved my husband, would that get me into heaven?"

Again, they all answered "NO!"

Preplexed, the woman continued, "Then how can I get into heaven?"

One of the boys shouted out, "YOU GOTTA TO BE DEAD!"

Source: The Book of Catholic Jokes

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The Book of Catholic Jokes

The Parking Place

A laywoman was driving down the street in a sweat because she had an appointment meeting and couldn't find a parking place.

Looking up toward heaven, she said, "Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I'll go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up drinking wine."

Miraculously, a parking place opened up right in front of her destination.

The woman looked up to heaven again and said, "Never mind, Lord; I found one on my own."

Source: The Book of Catholic Jokes

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The Book of Catholic Jokes

Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters In America

Mark and I visited the Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters In America exhibit at the Dallas Women's Museum on September 26, 2009.

As a Catholic, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped me understand the role of the Catholic Sisters in education, medicine and social services in the United States through the years.

I hope the photos can tell a better story than I could ever tell.

Note: the cutlines are mostly re-written from the tags under each item at the exhibit.

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

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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 was, "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.

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 Christmas 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.

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.