At Peace with God

Their passing away was thought an afflication and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. Wisdom 3:2-3

In Mexico, All Souls Day is the culmination of a three-day observance commemorating the faithful departed. It is called El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It is a national holiday with special foods, parades and even joyous celebration. It is also a very Catholic celebration. After a morning Mass, familes go to the parish cemetary to clean and decorate the graves of relatives with flowers and remembrances.
For many of us, this kind of celebration strikes us as somewhat inappropriate. When we recall those who have gone before us, our first emotion is one of sadness, not joy. Perhaps we can learn from our Mexican brothers and sisters that we can hope and trust that our loved ones are now "in peace" with God. (Paul Pennick from Living Faith)
The 9th anniversary of my Mom's death is approaching in December. This year I am going to try to do something like the Day of the Dead and celebrate all the wonderful memories I had with my Mom and remember that she is most certainly at peace.
Make it a great week.
blessings,
Kelly

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat- Halloween night- 10/31/09 from 6:30-7:30pm trick-or-treaters are invited to come to the church basketball parking lot for a safe and fun experience. Parishioners are invited to bring their “decorated trunk or tailgate” to hand out candy to the children. Trunks & tailgates should be in the basketball parking lot between 5:45-6:15pm. No later than 6:15pm. Trick-or-treaters can start at 6:30pm.

I pormise myself...

I promise myself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Christian D. Larson (1874-1954)
The Optimist's Creed

Sad News from the Parish

You may or may not have heard the sad news that Fr. Campion, one of our beloved priests at the parish for the last 20 years, passed away while praying the rosary in England Monday morning September 28th while visiting his sister. His wish was always to die and to be buried in England and he always seemed to get his way.
There will be a memorial service next Wednesday night, October 7th at 7:00pm in the church. All are welcome.
We are asking any and all parishioners that have a memory of Fr. Campion to write their stories down. These memories will be compiled in a book and will be sent to his sisters in England.
Please pray for the Josephite Fathers who have lost a respected priest and the entire parish who have lost a very respected man.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Wow is about all I can think of to say about this new school year of Youth Ministry! Things are going so awesome! Last night was our first track 1 Confirmation session of the year and we had over 100 teens sign up. Yeah God! How cool that so many teens want to get closer to Christ and deepen their Catholic faith.
Junior High youth group's first session of the year was Wednesday 9/23 and another BIG WOW! We had 53 7th & 8th graders attend. Everyone had a great time singing worship songs, playing games & getting to know each other.
I am so grateful to God for all the blessings he is showering on the youth of our parish and the blessings of all the amazing volunteers who are here to support the youth!

21 on the 21st!!!

God is good...all the time! All the time...God is good!

I wanted to share some really good news with you:
Our high school youth group kicked off for the year last night at the Novitiate.

I had a vision/goal of getting 21 teens to attend (I thought why not shoot for 21 on the 21st of September).

WELL….guess what God provided last night?

Did you guess 21 teens? Then you would be correct. He did EXACETLY that! Not one less and not one more.

I am super excited. That is a first for attendance in my 5 years as YM. The core team running the group is so excited too. There was a great energy last night!
thanks be to God,
Kelly

BIG WEEK!

Hello & Happy Monday! It's a big week at SLDM youth ministry. TONIGHT at 7:00pm is the kick off night for High School Youth Group. We meet at Josephite Novitiate from 7-8pm. We will have fun, fellowship & food! What more could you ask for? Come & bring a friend with you. ANY high school student is welcome.
Wednesday is the kick off for Junior High youth group in the parish hall from 6:30-8:00pm. The first night parents are invited to attend to check the group out & register. We can't wait to get started!
Sunday is the first night for track 1 Confirmation in the parish hall from 7:00-9:00pm. Teens must be in 9th grade or above to start the program. Parents need to contact me ASAP to get you registered.
have a blessed week. I know I will!
in Christ,
Kelly

I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. -John 16:32