A Season to Rejoice

Prayer for Today

Dear God,

Sometimes I feel like giving up, when people bring me down.
But you always come to my rescue.
You dissolve my frustrations.
You wipe away my tears.
You give me patience.
You give me strength,
You give me understanding.

I cannot do this alone.
My life is not about me and my desired purpose.
My life is about your's and YOUR purpose for me to serve.
I will put myself and my ambitions aside.
I will not fight your will.
To you I surrender my soul.

Only through you, am I at peace.
Only through you, I will find everlasting joy.

AMEN

My Car Accident

Just recently I was in a car accident and it was among the most traumatic experiences of my life. I have been in several of car accidents before but none ever shook me the way it did today.

My friend Mayra and I were just leaving from church. I was pulling away from the curb along the street from where I was parked, double checking to see if it was clear for me to go ahead. My car was already in the next lane over and before I knew it, I heard a deafening BOOM and felt glass shatter onto my body. Another vehicle plowed into my side and like a ping pong ricocheting off a paddle, my car veered into another parked car along the curb. It happened so fast and yet in slow motion. I remembered my body being flung to the passenger side toward Mayra as my car crashed into the back corner of the parked car. I was in a state of shock, I couldn't move...then I saw that there was an elderly woman in the parked car. In my mind, I prayed to God, "Please let her be alright, please let her be alright...." People rushed to the woman in the car and she was knocked out. Mayra was holding my hand. My body was stiff and I was shaking. Tears formed at the corner of my eyes. "You're bleeding Ames, " Mayra said. My hands had a few cuts from the glass. Someone from the crowd gave me a washcloth to put over my cuts. The entire window of my driver’s side had been gone. I was more concerned about the lady in the parked car. The fire department and the police came. “She is fine,” I heard someone say. The paramedics took the elderly lady on a stretcher. A group of three or so firemen came to my car. “Are you okay?” one of them asked. I nodded. Mayra said her back was beginning to hurt but said she was fine. The paramedics asked me if I needed to be taken away in an ambulance, and I said that I was just shaken up. The vehicle that plowed into me--it was a '95 Toyota Previa. I didn’t know who the driver was right away…it wasn’t until later. I saw who she was. The driver turned out to be a middle aged woman. I remember her saying sorry to me but the entire time I was in shock and I wasn’t in the state of mind to speak to her. The police filled out her contact information for me. The only damage her van had was her front right side of her fender where her headlight was torn. Though she was not arrested, I saw her get into the police car. I wanted to ask her what happened? Did she not see me? Where was she coming from?

The entire left side of my car is gone… With my whole left side taken out, I guess you can say that my car was ALL-RIGHT…(okay, enough with the corny jokes though laughter is the best medicine in serious times like these). I had my car towed back to my apartment and is now sitting there in my parking space with the entire driver’s side concaved. The impact was great enough to get my key jammed that I cannot get it out of the engine. The damage is greatest that I have ever experienced in a car accident. My car looks like a crushed sardine can.I’ve had my “ROLL” mobile (it’s a ’99 Toyota Corolla) since my senior year of high school. I loved my car dearly, but I think now is the time to let it go. I’ve decided I will take a break from driving for now.

People ask me how I am doing. I want to let you know that I am doing okay. Every time I would drive, I’d always say a little prayer for God to protect me. This morning my prayers had been answered. With an impact so great, it is a miracle that I was able to walk away with just a few scratches. I could have died right then and there, but God was really looking after me. A car is just a car…it is a machine that can always be replaced, but LIFE cannot be replaced….This morning’s accident is my testimony of God’s protection.

Instead of looking at this accident as a punishment, I am seeing it as a real blessing. You may think I’m weird for saying this but I truly believe so. It showed me the true compassion and empathetic humanity of people. People who I never spoke to before made sure I was okay. A group of passer-bys, parishioners and even the priest from the church came by and comforted me in my distress. One lady told me she and a group prayed the rosary for me. I have the greatest friends ever. (Thank you Anthony and La for going out of their way to visit and make sure that I was okay). People at work were understanding—even though we are at a deep crunch, they told me I didn’t need to go to work though I chose to go today (Thanks Debbie!). Thank you for your calls and messages. I want to thank you all for your cares and your support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly, truly blessed and I am happy to have people like you in my life. It is because of you, I know God lives among us and I would not have gotten through this day without you/.

My Birthday Story

On the morning of my birthday, I went to church and I waited in the gusty wind for the priest to give me a birthday blessing. It was worth the wait! He said the most beautiful blessing and it really made me feel at peace. After he gave me a blessing, I walked out the church and a homeless woman was waiting outside the church door. At first I didn't think she was waiting for me but then she started to follow me to my car. It was really windy so all that was on my mind was to get in my car. Then I heard her say, "Miss, I am sorry but do you have spare change?" I heard her and turned around. "I really am homeless," she said," I've lost everything." I didn't feel as scared or compelled to get in my car. I reached in my purse and pulled out three dollar bills and one of the bills slipped out of my hand and flew away in the wind. I wanted to dart in the middle of the street and chase after the dollar bill, lol. I think God wanted me to live past my 24th birthday so I just let the dollar bill flow in the wind. The homeless lady said, "That's okay. If I find it I'll know it was from you." She smiled as I handed her the two dollar bills. She said "Thank you. I know that God has always been there for me. I'm going through a hard time right now but I know he'll get me through this." I asked her name and she said her name was Terry. I told her, "Today is my birthday and I will pray for you. I hope my wish comes true." I gave her a hug and she said, "Thank you and God bless you. Happy Birthday." I told her that she will get through this.

It amazed me that this poor homeless woman still had faith despite everything she has gone through. The least I could do was talk to her like a human being.

Listen to God and let him into your heart. Let go and let him take control...just like that dollar bill that flew out of my hand this morning. I know that dollar bill will be found by someone who really needs it too. Did I mention, I found a dollar bill on the same street a couple of weeks ago? I know that things do not happen by accident. They happen for a reason--and the reason is for the best.

I am now a CATECHIST!

It's hard to believe that I am now a catechist. I never saw myself teaching about God or even talking about God to anyone. Now I am answering God's call and I am praying that he will give me the strength to do what he wills for me to do. As I will be helping other young adults understand the faith, I, too, will be learning so much as well. I may not know all the answers but I will continue to learn, grow, and thrive. I am ready to embark on this spiritual journey.



RCIA classes at Blessed Sacrament Church, Hollywood, CA start today, October 7, 2008.
For more information, please contact Father Jim Doogan at jdoogan@gmail.com.

CHALK ART: Blessed Virgin Mary

On Saturday September 20, 2008, a group of my friends and I did a chalk mural of our Blessed Mother @ St, Victor's in West Hollywood. Later that evening we celebrated in adoration at Catholic Underground. It was truly an awesome and gratifying experience.

St. Philomena

St. Philomena is known as the Virgin Martyr and "Wonder Worker." She was tortured and killed at the age of 14 by the order of a pagan Roman Emperor after refusing to marry him because of her fervent love for God. St. Philomena is known to have perform countless miracles to this very day.


If you ever have a chance, please read, "ST. PHILOMENA: THE WONDER WORKER" by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan


Art: This is my first saint drawing. I plan to do many more.

Happy Birthday to Our Virgin Mary!

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb. Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Ask Fr. Jim--MIXED MARRIAGES

As we live in a world of diverse cultures and religions, the question of interfaith relationships is of top concern.

Please take time to read the blog my parish priest, Father Jim Doogan (from Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood) wrote about mixed marriages:


Mixed Marriage a commingling of Religions or Denominations

I have been promising to write my opinion on the matter of mixed marriages of differing religions or denominations. As a Catholic Priest you probably have a presumption of what I will say. Well I will not disappoint your intuition – you are right. I am not favorably disposed to them.

Establishing my credentials:
What can a priest know about marriage?
Well 1) I wasn’t born a priest.
2) Objectivity is always easier for a neutral paty.
3) And I have family members, friends and parishioners who are constantly keeping me up to date on issues.
4) And I do share a house with others so a realize the importance of daily communication.

The Apparent Majority View
In speaking to others regarding this issue it appears that the majority of people do not see this as a difficulty. Preferring to marry someone of your own religion seems to smack of racism. Many people would say “but Father when two people love each other . . . love will conquer all. Perhaps this is true.

However, I would challenge people who too readily dismiss religion as a serious concern in marriage. Are they short sighted? Or are they in essence saying that religion is an irrelevant issue in their lives? If this is the case they are right – religion has no bearing on the relationship, nor any other aspect of their lives.

Spiritual Path
Religion outlines family spiritual values and principles. It gives children a language in which to talk about God and to God. Prayer, spiritual growth and questions about religion and faith need to be contextualized. If freedom from the influence of others is a value, are we consistent with this view on other matters?

For example would we ask a child to wait until he is older before choosing a nationality or a language in which to converse? Preposterous! Should we not introduce our children to our culture, favorite poets, sports, political leanings? We teach children by who we are. We try our best to have integrity and to be truthful. We give them what we have.

If you raise a critical thinker, later she will be able to keep or discard according to an internalized value system. Therefore, when she enters adulthood and reevaluates her faith and ideals she may start moving in another direction. When she understands a religion she can better evaluate others through the use of comparison. And answer questions that have come up during religious education and practice.

If the family worships together they will more easily have theological conversation because they are exposed to the same messages, examples, and religious language. They will have access to many people educated in the field. Those with no religious upbringing often feel that they missed out, and do not know how to proceed in their spiritual walk. Everyone is different so I am sure there are those who did not miss it. I however, have not met many of them.

Not My Type
For those who are not persuaded by the argument thus far, what criteria do you use when accepting a date or when making friendships? I have often heard people dismiss a nice person by saying “Oh she/he is not my type. People do not judge or argue with this. They may be talking about a person’s race, weight, height, style, athleticism, hair length, political affiliations, music preference, social ease, humor, etc. However, “Not my type” usually does not connote religious allegiance because religion is not in vogue. Doesn’t matter in dating is implying that it just doesn’t matter? What do you want in your marriage? Do you want to settle into a family who is able to practice and celebrate the same religious holidays together?

Marry Who You Date
Believe it or not you fall in love with and marry who you date. I am not saying that it can’t work. I am pointing out that it complicates matters significantly. Anytime you marry someone who was raised differently than you there are adjustments, and compromises to make. You have to negotiate more of your relationship.

It Can Work
Two devoted people in love, from different religions can have a wonderful life together. If they realize they have to work through the religious issue before they are married with children. What church to be registered? Does the child celebrate the rites of passage in one of the religions, none or both? Does the mother take the children to church while the father stays home or goes to his services? Do you trade off every other week? What is best for the child?

I grew up on Long Island were there is much inter-marrying between Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. Big and small issues need to be addressed e.g., Keep kosher? Have images of God in your house? View the Bible as a literal history? Deal with relatives who are not happy with the situation or dismiss them out of your life? The happiest families are the ones who are able to talk and negotiate the issue. Most of the time it seems one parent ceases religious practice and let the other parent be in charge of the children’s Spiritual upbringing.

The bottom line is that love can conquer all. However, the less you have to negotiate in a marriage, the easier it will be to team up in negotiating the trials and tribulations of life.


For previous reader responses to this blog, click here:
http://news.blessedsacramenthollywood.org/doogan/2008/07/07/ask-fr-jim-mixed-marriage/

Appreciating Our Parents

Last month I went to a prayer meeting in which everyone had lost a parent--except for me. As they talked about their experiences of their loss, I thought to myself--I am so blessed to still have both my parents here on this earth with me. I admit that I often took my parents for granted when I was growing up, but now, I truly value them in my life.

My parents are getting older and their health is getting fragile as time passes by. There was a time when I almost lost my mother due to a health complication. It was the miracle of God that gave my mother a second chance to life. Because of this, I have been awakened to my faith. From there on, I knew that God never lets a prayer go unanswered.

Not all of our parents are perfect, but we can still develop our relationships with them while they are still with us. When was the last time you told your parents that you loved them? When was the last time you let them know that you appreciate them for everything they've done for you? It is never too late to let them know...

You are Invited!

Hello,

This Thursday August , I will be singing with choir members all over Southern California for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) "One Body, One Spirit in Christ."
The music is really beautiful! We will be singing in multi languages (from English, Latin, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Indonesian). We will also be singing classical to contemporary music, including original music by one of my choir directors, Chris De Silva.

You are all invited to attend!!

WHEN: Thursday August 7, 2008 @ 8 PM

WHERE: Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral
555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA
http://www.olacathedral.org/

Thank you and God bless,

Amy

A Muslim's Story on How He Became Christian

This is a beautiful story about how a Muslim man found Jesus in his life.





http://www.muslimjourneytohope.com/

Those Who Hurt Us

Dealing with those who hurt me is an everyday struggle that I constantly pray about.

Though I know we are all human and we are not perfect, I believe we all are born good by nature with the Truth written on each of our hearts. With everyday distractions and self-centered desires, a lot of people tend to ignore the Light of goodness by giving into the darknessof evil. Analogically speaking, they become like the weeds of the field instead of harvesting themselves as faithful grains of wheat.

Although I've been blessed by the love of good people, I've come across many weeds in my life. I don't understand how some people treat others the way they do. Why do they enjoy making others feel that their lives are of lesser worth? Why do they betray, cheat and deceive others? Why do they constantly feed their ego by making others feel bad? Why are they so negative and bitter? Honestly, do they really feel good about themselves at the end of the day? These questions run through my head...as I, like many others, have been frustrated and hurt by these people from past experiences.

Everyday I ask God to give me the strength and courage to deal with the weeds in my life. When we feel that we've been wronged by others, our first instinct is to attack back. We'd have that vengeful feeling that they deserve to suffer as much as we did. Yes, when we get blows from others, it will hurt...but we must endure those blows just as Jesus did. I am not saying that being a faithful person means letting people walk over you by being nice all the time. Enduring these blows without revenge, makes us stronger. Negative people who hurt us want us to fight back. However, the only victorious way we can "fight back" is by not fighting back at all. If we are dealing with hurtful people, the best thing to do is to walk away and pray for them. Their actions show us that they are in need of our prayers because they are empty and lost. It is obvious that they do the things they do is because they don't know what it is like to be truly loved by God. Only through God will we be able to let go of our grudges of those who hurt us. Forgiving is the hardest part. If only we let go and Let God, we will be truly able to move on.

***

Dear Gracious God,
Please grant us the patience and strength to endure those who cause us pain in our lives.
May we set your example of your peace.
May we find it in our hearts to forgive as you have done for each and everyone of us.
May those who have hurt us realize how much they need your guidance and love in their lives.
May they turn to you with sincerity and respect for others
May they turn to you with a change of heart so they will not sin again.
May they transform themselves from weeds to the grains of wheat in your loving and joyful harvest.

AMEN

Faith Is Not A Game

Faith is not a game in which we earn points to be "saved."
Faith is not about boasting self righteousness.
Faith is not an act.

Faith is truly putting God in the center in our lives.
Faith is the will to act for the Love of God out of the goodness of our hearts.
Faith is trusting the Truth.

Hey There Jesus

This is a song I wrote for Jesus in the tune of "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's.

A Homeless Woman's Story

Here is a response to my article "The Homeless Are People Too." I was so moved by it, that I wanted to share it with the rest of you.
***
Dear Amy:

I found your article on the homeless interesting. Thank you for publishing it.

I started to comment on your article, but my comment is rather extensive, nearly the length of your article itself. I think it's better sent to you and you can decide what should be done with it. To my mind, it's actually more of a follow up and a real-life example than a comment.

I'm a college grad who made some very questionable decisions around the time I turned 30. I married then. He is now deceased. I met someone through the auspices of CM and married him 2 years ago, but I digress.

Having met and married my husband, alive at the time, we eventually had 2 children. Life until the birth of the first child was turbulent, as my husband then failed to deal with depression in his life. He began to show signs of paranoid schizophrenia which he was unwilling to have diagnosed. We had our 2nd child and the schizophrenia became more noticeable and made some strong and damaging impacts on his militarycareer. In 1999, we were assigned to an American military post in Germany. He began to show signs of active paranoia very shortly after we arrived, but still sought not treatment for fear of the great stigma shown to such by the military and its negative impacts on the career. He began drinking heavily by late February of 1999. He started staying out nights on drinking binges. One night in June he was actually at home, although drunk as could be and he assaulted me. He was taken to jail, an act which enforced a temporary separation.

He chose not to reunite at the end of the required 60 day separation period and I was sent packing to the States. I had teaching licensure, but by the time I was ready to leave, I was one broken woman: mentally, emotionally, spiritually. My husband's activity had become more aggressive to the point where he was finally sent to a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany for assessment. The initial assessment: psychosis, with directive to be sent for treatment to Walter Reed military hospital, where he was finally sent and finally received a specific diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia in February of 2000.

I, meanwhile, found myself with some skills but no place to stay and two very young children to support. Family was unable to open its arms at the time, due to health problems with my parents and a lack of space for other siblings, and one sibling who simply didn't offer her home although she had room. I had friends in Georgia, but one had a troubled marriage and the other just had no room in her tight, cramped home. Thus, arrangements were made to have me temporarily stay at a homeless shelter. This shelter, called Damascus Way, in Columbus, GA, was both shelter for homeless women and recovery center for addicted women. Women who arrived at this shelter came from circumstances even more dire than mine. One woman who arrived just a day or two before me had been thrown out of the home, along with her two small sons, by her boyfriend of the time. They started walking the streets and eventually made their way to Damascus Way that night. Another family was there after the husband assaulted the wife in a drug or alcohol-fueled rage and was jailed for several months. The circumstances varied. We all felt like we were down to our last hope, however, I think.

When I arrived at Damascus Way, I was so torn mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I stayed there until I was strong enough to start attending job interviews. In the meanwhile, it was church attendance, classes on recovery, visits with a therapist who donated time. While I wasn't an addict, my own problems had me identifying strongly with the women who made choices that led them to addiction. I did not see myself as different from these women. Thus it was that I attended classes geared for them as well. I also landed a job while there, in a school that was a few miles from the shelter. My principal was supportive of my circumstances and was confident of my skills. To this day, I can't begin to express my gratitude for her willingness to hire me despite my circumstances. That is quite a risk but it paid off for us both.

My husband eventually joined me at the shelter and we decided to try reconciliation. We stayed at someone's home looking for our own place to live while they were on an extended vacation. During that time, my husband decided to leave his family. On a hot August evening he chose to drive off, leaving behind his 2 daughters. My girls and I stayed in our temporary living arrangement until the owners arrived. In the meanwhile, I did my best to keep up the demands of the home. With a new job and thinking "I can do this", it was dizzying and in retrospect I wish I'd asked for help. I wanted to prove I could "do this". In the end, faced with no where else to turn and no place to go despite 2 solid months of home-searching for a home to buy or rent, and friends still unable to house me even temporarily until I found a place, I returned to the shelter. There, I kept up with assigned chores, went to work, my children were both in a child-care center with one attending the pre-school there, and I attended to finding a home for me and my children with much vigor. By this time, I had more hope, a bit more confidence, and a real estate agent that was on my side. I finally settled for a particular home in Georgia, which I bought with some help. I moved out of the homeless shelter for good in January of 2001. I continued to teach in the school that had hired me. In 2003, I met an old friend. That meeting eventually drew me to the Church, into which I was received at Easter Vigil 2004. I joined CM in the fall of 2004, met my husband in the spring of 2005 and we were married just over a year later. By the grace of God and the willingness of certain individuals to have hope in me and support me, I was able to transcend beyond the homeless circumstances and return to gainful employment, plus obtain a place to live for me and my children. I met and married a wonderful man from CM and moved to his state of residence. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord!

I am blessed that the director of the shelter was willing to open her arms and give me and mine a room. I'm blessed for all the help I received there. I'm totally convinced that without this grace from God I'd have been struggling for a long time. I'm blessed that there were people who were willing to take a chance on me, have hope in me when hope seemed all but absent.

I don't know how typical my case is. I am just one face of the many homeless faces, and I am one person, along with my daughters. Together, we make 3 people who faced homelessness and made it to a more stable place. It is possible, but it is not possible without those who think the homeless are not people, and who judge them for the choices that land them there. As the saying goes, "There but for the grace of God go I." It's a statement in which I now believe even more strongly than I ever did.

Whether in a shelter or on the street, the homeless have faces. They have hearts and dreams. They have hurting lives. Many seek restoration for their lives. They seek and need hope. They want another opportunity to rise above the circumstances. Some desperately need to be nursed back to a place of stronger faith, and some desperately need loving hearts and open arms to simply believe in them. The faces and circumstances of the homeless are as varied as can be. Each is an opportunity for the better, an awaiting of God's outpoured grace in their lives. Each awaits Scripture which proclaims, "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord!"

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I realize it was lengthy. It just seemed too long for a comment. Maybe it needs to be with the original article as an addendum or follow-up article. Please do with it as the Spirit leads you.

Yours,

Heidi

Just "Whistle Down the Wind" and He Is There For You

This week I was laid off from my job.

People ask me, "How are you feeling?" Am I freaked out? Devasted? Depressed?

The answer is no. I am not worried because I know I am always in God's care. God has planned great things and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me. Everything is all in God's timing...I know I just have to be patient and trust in Him. I am so thankful to God for everything he has blessed me with. I just want Him to work through me and to serve Him with all of my heart. Though I have lost my job, I feel at peace. With God by my side, I have nothing to worry about. I have nothing to fear.

I sang a special song last night for my church choir concert. It's called, "Whistle Down the Wind" by Andrew Lloyd Weber. I chose this song because it is a song Jesus would have sang to us whenever we are lost in the wilderness. Just call out to Him and he is there for us.

The Homeless Are People Too

I used to be always afraid of homeless people. I would try to avoid them and not make eye contact. If a homeless person were to approach me, I'd jump in my own skin and walk away as fast as I could. Why was I so scared of them? Was it because of their dirty appearance? Was it because I feared that they would harm me? The truth was yes...but the real reason why I was afraid was because I was ignorant that the homeless are people too.

Living in a big city Los Angeles, I see so many homeless people everyday. It makes me realize that being homeless can happen to anybody at anytime. With the cost of living rising, It can be so easy to find yourself thrown out in the streets. People say that the poor chose to be homeless. That is not necessarily true. A lot of homeless people have no choice. Many suffer from health problems, especially war veterans who suffer from mental illnesses. Because they do not receive enough funding for health care and other living expenses from the government, many of the homeless find themselves dying out in the streets. While a big cause of homelessness is drug and alcohol addiction, we must realize that these people need serious help. The reason why they turn to drugs and alcohol is because they need to escape their suffering that they are going through. We cannot ignore their existence. They need our support. They need to know that they have hope. They need to be prayed for.

Although I'm not a millionaire, I don't need to be rich to give to the poor. Yesterday on my day off from work, I made bologna sandwiches and spent the day distributing sack lunches to the homeless. A little act such as making sandwiches can mean so much to a person who is used to getting food from the trash. Even smiling or acknowledging a homeless person's presence would make all the difference.


So why should we be so afraid of the poor? They are people like you and I.

As Mother Teresa once wrote:
Who is Jesus to me?
Jesus is the Word made Flesh.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.
Jesus is the Victim offered for our sins on the Cross.
Jesus is the Sacrifice at Holy Mass
for the sins of the world and mine.
Jesus is the Word - to be spoken.
Jesus is the Truth - to be told.
Jesus is the Way - to be walked.
Jesus is the Light - to be lit.
Jesus is the Life - to be loved.
Jesus is the Joy - to be shared.
Jesus is the Sacrifice - to be given.
Jesus is the Bread of Life - to be eaten.
Jesus is the Hungry - to be fed.
Jesus is the Thirsty - to be satiated.
Jesus is the Naked - to be clothed.
Jesus is the Homeless - to be taken in.
Jesus is the Sick - to be healed.
Jesus is the Lonely - to be loved.
Jesus is the Unwanted - to be wanted.
Jesus is the Leper - to wash his wounds.
Jesus is the Beggar - to give him a smile.
Jesus is the Drunkard - to listen to him.
Jesus is the Little One - to embrace him.
Jesus is the Dumb - to speak to him.
Jesus is the Crippled - to walk with him.
Jesus is the Drug Addict - to befriend him.
Jesus is the Prostitute - to remove from danger and befriend her.
Jesus is the Prisoner - to be visited.
Jesus is the Old - to be served.
To me Jesus is my God,
Jesus is my Spouse,
Jesus is my Life,
Jesus is my only Love,
Jesus is my All in All,
Jesus is my Everything.

Amen.

The Human Experience

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE is unlike any film I have seen before. In a day and age where mankind seems to falter in endless wars and struggles, this film explores the question of humanity. Why are we here? What is our purpose? What does it mean to be human? Two brothers seek to find the answers themselves. Together they embark on three experiences that would change their lives forever--from living homeless on the streets of New York, to helping abused and mutilated children in Peru, to visiting a leper colony in Ghana. Every human being must see this film because it will forever change the way we all see the world.


(www.grassrootsfilms.com)

For all Catholic Artists in Southern California!

Modeled after CU New York City, Catholic Underground - Hollywood is the first CU on the west coast.

*************
The So Cal Catholic Underground
Los Angeles - Hollywood
Every Third Saturday of the Month
8:00pm - 10:00pm
St. Victor's Catholic Church
8364 Holloway Drive
West Hollywood, CA

*************
The first part of the evening is Eucharistic adoration, and begins with Vespers (Evening Prayer). This is the universal prayer of the Church - prayed by the Catholics throughout the world in every time zone and in every language. After Vespers, there is a time of simple praise. This provides a window for each person to personally encounter Jesus Christ. The beauty of the darkened Church illumined by candles helps us enter the mystery of our Lord's presence in the Eucharist. The Holy Hour ends with solemn Benediction.

The second part showcases Catholic artists. Here we experience the “New Evangelization”. The Underground is literally underground! In the lower part of the church, come experience music, poetry, visual art, dancers, film, drama, and meet the talented artists dedicated to this call!

For more information, email: SoCalCatholicUnderground@gmail.com .

What TRUTH Means To Me

At last night's bible study, we were discussing this question:

How would you define TRUTH?

According to the dictionary, TRUTH is defined as:

1.	the true or actual state of a matter:

2.	conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.

3.	a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.

4.	the state or character of being true.

5.	actuality or actual existence.

6.	an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.

7.	honesty; integrity; truthfulness.

8.	(often initial capital letter) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience: the basic truths of life.

9.	agreement with a standard or original.

10.	accuracy, as of position or adjustment.

11.	Archaic. fidelity or constancy.

Which of these definitions do you consider the way you see truth? Each one of us has our own perception of "truth." Does something have to be scientifically proven to be considered true? Does something have to be seen in the material world and have physical tangibility to be considered true? The theories and laws we read in our text books are changing everyday. Would we still regard those theories and laws as true?

I agree with all the definitions listed in the dictionary, but they are not necessarily the way I see truth. I define truth as what you believe is real--real in not just the physical world but in the spiritual world too. I define truth as something that has meaning and purpose in my life.

People point out that the Bible have many historical and scientific inaccuracies. For instance the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John do not align in the events of Jesus' life. The earliest Gospel was written at least thirty years after Jesus' death. Because of the details that are not scientifically or historically proven, does this mean that the Bible isn't true? I believe that though the Bible should not be taken literally for every detail, it is the truth to me. Though the Scriptures may not be scientifically or historically proven, they hold powerful messages and teachings of truth that provide meaning and purpose in my life.

We do not need to have literal, concrete, scientific and historically proven details to validate truth in our lives. We don't need to conduct a science experiment or solve a math problem to find the truth. The truth--what we believe and have faith in-- is written on our hearts. If only we just stop for a moment and realize this, will find it.

The truth goes beyond the physical world. Life is truth. Love is truth. God is life and love. God is the Ultimate Truth.

Honoring Mary at the 2008 Pasadena Chalk Fest

This was my first year at Pasadena's Chalk Festival. This is what my group of friends and I made in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Giving Life A Chance

Just this past Wednesday, June 11, 2008 my new niece, Catherine Joy was born. She is the third daughter of my oldest sister, Misty who is also blessed with two beautiful girls, Elizabeth and Maya. It's amazing how so much love and joy is in this tiny bundle. To be given life and to live life with love are the greatest gifts from God.

I went with lunch with my coworker the other day and she told me the story of when she was pregnant with her daughter. When she was six months into her pregnancy, doctors told her that her unborn child was in danger--they could not find the baby's stomach in the ultrasound. Because of this, doctors offered my coworker the option of abortion. Devastated from the news, my coworker broke down...She knew it was not in her hands to decide whether or not her child was going to live or die--It was only in God's hands. Thanks be to God, Haley was born with a stomach, and though she had some health problems from birth, Haley was able to gain the strength to survive. Today, Haley will be turning two years old at the end of November--and is full of life and love. Having her daughter, changed my coworker's life completely. It taught her to never take anything for granted, especially human life.

Human life is the most precious of all. We would only know its value once we give it a chance.

BELLA -"A Love Story Beyond Romance"

"Bella" is a touching story about what really matters in life, LOVE.

It is a must see for everyone.



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ9AkTrbxgk)

Starting A Ministry At My Church

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Corpus Cristi, the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is not just Christ's physical being--it is most importantly about His Divine Spirit living within us. The Body of Christ is the Church that made up of His Family of believers. Though made up of many different ministries at Church, we worship, praise and evangelize Christ's Word as one, whole body. Our faith cannot grow alone. Think of it this way: we cannot function as individual body parts.

As I was growing up, being involved in Church was never a priority for me. When I got older, I began to feel the fulfillment of active participation within my parish. I wanted to dedicate my life to God by using my talents and gifts He has blessed me with. I am blessed to be part of a few ministries at the Church at Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood. As part of the music ministry and young adults group, I want to start a Creative Catholic ministry. I want to gather all creative Catholics in the area and evangelize through the arts!

If you are in the Los Angeles area, and you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact me at AVLodevico@gmail.com. I am in the process of organizing everything. I will have more information soon!

What Does Evangelization Mean To You?

What do you think of when you see the word evangelization? I used to only think that evangelists were just those larger than life preachers as seen on TV. However, that is not what evangelization is about! I did not fully comprehend what evangelism meant until now. To evangelize means to share the Word of the Lord with others. According to the archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahoney's article "Directions in Evangelization," there are three levels of evangelization:

1) the attention to personal experience.
2) the sharing of experience with another or others in a community of faith.
3) the Word of God helps the person and community to interpret experience in view of the love of God proclaimed in the Scripture.

Cardinal Mahoney talks about NEW EVANGELIZATION which is focused on "evangelizing or re-evangelizing under-catechized, inactive, and alienated Catholics, as well as re-animating the faith of those who have grown up in the Church."

The question is HOW do we evangelize? I used to be scared of that word...I thought it meant standing on a soapbox on a street corner or going to door to door of strangers' houses. I didn't want to embarrass myself or offend others. The key to evangelization is profound RESPECT. We cannot force others or impose our beliefs. I do not believe in conversion through coercion. What we can do is pray and share our personal experiences with our encounter with Christ.

Evangelization can be done in many ways-- through special masses, small prayer groups, ministries, neighborhood celebrations, parish retreats, and even in daily conversations. We must center our daily tasks around the Word of Christ. Thus evangelization is not just limited to words, it is also done through our actions and the examples we set. A lot of people who find themselves alienated from the Church often say that they left because the Church is run by hypocrites. The truth is we are all human and we are not perfect. However the least we can do is practice what we preach! Through words and actions of evangelization, we can pray that we call those alienated from the Church back home.

As Cardinal Mahoney says, "The dynamics of evangelization are more a matter of the heart more than of the head."

***
Lord God,
Thank you for all the blessings and gifts you have given us.
May we use our talents and gifts to praise you in every way,
Especially in our evangelization to others.
May they see clearly in your Light.

AMEN

Saint of the Day: St. Rita of Cascia

I read this from the"Saint of the Day" application on Facebook...what an amazing woman:

ST. RITA OF CASCIA

Rita was born in 1381 in a little Italian village. Her parents were older. They had begged God to send them a child. They brought Rita up well. Rita wanted to enter the convent when she was fifteen, but her parents decided that she should marry instead. The man they chose for Rita turned out to be a mean and unfaithful husband. He had such a violent temper that everyone in the neighborhood was afraid of him. Yet, for eighteen years, his wife patiently took all his insults. Her prayers, gentleness and goodness finally won his heart. He apologized to Rita for the way he had treated her and he returned to God. Rita's happiness over her husband's conversion did not last long. One day, shortly after, he was murdered. Rita was shocked and heart-broken. But she forgave the murderers, and tried to make her two sons forgive them, too. She saw that the boys, instead, were determined to avenge their father's death. Rita prayed that they would die rather than commit murder. Within several months, both boys became seriously ill. Rita nursed them lovingly. During their illness, she pursuaded them to forgive, and to ask God's forgiveness for themselves. They did and both died peacefully. Now her husband and her children were dead. Left alone in the world, Rita tried three times to enter the convent in Cascia. The rules of the convent did not permit a woman who had been married to join even if her husband had died. Rita did not give up, however. At last, the nuns made an exception for her. In the convent, Rita was outstanding for her obedience and charity. She had great devotion to the crucified Jesus. Once, while praying, she asked him to let her share some of his pain. One thorn from his crown of thorns pierced her forehead and made a sore that never healed. In fact, it grew so bad and gave off such an odor that St. Rita had to stay away from the others. She was happy to suffer to show her love for Jesus. St. Rita died on May 22, 1457, when she was seventy-six. Like St. Jude, St. Rita is often called "Saint of the Impossible." Today in prayer, we can pray for people who are not living close to God.

"I do believe, help my unbelief!"

In the Gospel of Mark 9: 14-29, Jesus is approached by a frantic father who asks Jesus to cure his demon possessed son. As the father brings his son to Jesus, Jesus says to him, "Everything is possible to one who has faith." The boy's father cries out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" With this said, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit out of the boy's body.

The statement, "I do believe, help my unbelief," stood out to me because I too, am asking for God to help me through my struggles in my faith. In a world that constantly distracts us from God, it is an everyday challenge to keep God in the center of our lives. It is easy to fall off track in our relationship with Him, forgetting our spiritual needs and neglecting Him to fulfill our own selfish satisfactions. Sometimes I find myself discouraged and I'd get frustrated because I can't seem to find God with me. That is why we cannot strengthen our faith alone. We experience the power of the Holy Spirit through the love of not only ourselves but through the love of others. We need constant prayer and reminder to nurture our faith and our desire to know and love God.

Dear Gracious God,
Be with us in our times of unbelief.
In a world that often turns us away from you.
Clear our minds from distraction, frustrations and worries...
As you shine your Light upon us.
Like green pastures, may we grow in our faith and love for you.

AMEN

A Little Note to God

I wrote this in the car this morning before driving to work:

"Dear God, Thank you for a beautiful day. I am always happy to spend time with you, especially every morning when I go to church before work. Hearing your Word and praying to you with a family of believers, makes me feel so much at peace. I hope to continue to feel you near me. Keep me close for I do not want to wander astray from you. Continue to shine your light in the path you want me to follow in the Life you have given me. I pray to have the courage and strength to fulfill what you want me to do. I am here for you Lord as you have always been here for me. "

***
There is nothing more powerful than praying. When we feel overwhelmed with stress, we just need to stop everything that we are doing to talk to God. He is listening to us...He knows our frustrations and He wants to help you get through them. We need to welcome Him into our hearts...Once we do, we will feel more at peace with ourselves. Spending quiet time with the Lord--even if it is just a few minutes a day--will make all the difference.

Celebrating Pentecost

Yesterday, the Church celebrated among its biggest feasts of the year: Pentecost. Marking the fiftieth day after the resurrection of Christ, Pentecost is the birth of the Church empowered by the descent of the Holy Spirit.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, Jesus' Mother Mary, the twelve apostles and many other disciples gathered together in Jerusalem to pray indoors. While they were praying, suddenly "there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind...Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire...and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim." (Act of the Apostles 2:1-11) Blessed by the Holy Spirit, the disciples were able to speak in different languages to testify the gospel of the risen Christ, especially Jesus' apostle Peter, who preached to the crowd about Jesus' death and His forgiveness of the world's sins. On that day, three thousand people were converted to Christianity.

Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary

In honor of Mother's Day, I want to honor The Blessed Virgin Mary with prayer:

O Holy Mary,

The Queen of Hearts,

The Queen of Angels,

The Queen of Divine Grace.

O Holy Mary,

The Mother of All Mothers,

The Mother of All Creation,

The Mother of Our Lord God...

Thank you for all of your sacrifices,

Especially for bearing the pain to bring our Lord God into this world.

Keep us safe in your heart

So that we may share your nurturing love and beauty with others.

AMEN

Accepting God's Will

I used to want everything to go my way. I wanted everything to run according to my plan at my convenience. When things didn't go my way, I became angry at God.

Now I realize that my life is not about what I want...it is about what God wants.

God is not Santa Claus or a genie that grants us our wishes. He does not guarantee us everything we want nor does He guarantee us easy lives. God, however, guarantees us His presence...that He is always with us especially during our times of strife. With God in the center of our lives, everything will be alright.

I ask God why do bad things happen to good people? What did they do to deserve their sufferings? Only God knows this answer. We just have to trust in God to know that everything happens according to His will. We must accept His will in faith, knowing that it is for the better. The faithful may suffer today, but God promises the faithful Eternal Life where pain, sadness, and evil do not exist.

Each person is born into this world with a purpose. With God's blessing of our gifts and talents, every life has a meaning--to share God's gifts with others! As a Christian, I know my will is God's. Everyday I pray that I will have the strength and courage to do what He has planned for me. With my trust in God, I shall not be afraid.

"Christ's Call to Be Courageous"

Here is an excerpt from Magnificat's Meditation of the Day,

"Christ's Call to Be Courageous"

(Friday, May 2, 2008):

"It takes courage simply to believe, and to go on believing, in a world that accepts only material, tangible, purely human values, and that has become allergic to the spiritual and the supernatural. To make the leap of faith, to throw oneself somehow wholly into the Word of the Lord, is the greatest risk and takes the greatest courage possible. It is no easier today than it was in the former times...It is an adventure like no other, to plunge into the mystery of faith, into the desert of interior solitude where only God sees us, and where he draws us in order to speak with us, when so many human voices deafen our ears, trying to hold us back.

It takes courage to build one's life on the unknown territory of God and to put one's hope in "things above, where the Risen Christ is seated," when so many interests, values, tasks, and needs compete for our attention here below...

It takes courage to articulate to others the truth of the faith that enlightens us, to profess the Credo which has been confided to us and to transmit it, whatever the divergent opinions raised up around us. Does it not take courage even to talk about the Lord in our daily conversations?

It takes courage to meet the small needs of every day, to carry out our simple and monotonous work, in a spirit of faith, and to be naive enough to believe that the light of the Lord penetrates even there, just as the light of the sun shines in our kitchen, our office.

It takes courage to carry on firmly and to persevere when storms arise and shake us up interiorly and exteriorly, when fidelity is shattered by the very ones who were consituted its guardians, and God seems to be silent, to the point where we perceive that the courage that remains to us unaccountably comes from his hand, discreetly sustaining us and preparing, in the midst of our trial, the flash of new light."

-Father Servais Pinckaers, O.P.

(Father Pinckaers is a professor emeritus of moral

theology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland)

With Every Rejection, Is God's Protection

Yesterday a friend turned against me because of my faith.

I was trying to respectfully explain my beliefs to her, NOT impose or force my beliefs on her. She told me I was closed minded and that she's "heard enough." And just like that our friendship ended with a single worded text message, "BYE!"

I felt my heart sink. I asked God, "Why did I lose a friend over your Name? What did I do wrong?"

One of my coworkers saw the sadness in my face and asked what was troubling me. After I told her what happened, she told me something I will never forget:

"With every rejection, Is God's protection."

She was right. I've realized that God was indeed protecting me from negative people who will try to bring my spirit down. Those who disrespect my beliefs were not really my friends in the first place. I will still continue to keep them in my prayers.

Real friends accept each other no matter what. I love my friends for who they are regardless of their beliefs. I am blessed to have diverse friends because we RESPECT each other despite our differences. To all of my friends out there, thank you for being a true friend by accepting me for who I am.

Stating My Faith to Others Doesn't Make Me Close Minded

Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of those who have taken the time to visit my blog . I have been getting a lot a lot of supportive and positive responses. Thank you--I've really appreciate it.

However, I have also gotten a couple of responses that have criticized me for being "judgmental" and too "closed minded." The primary reason for starting this blog was to share my faith with others--not to scorn others who do not share the same beliefs. I did not start this blog to point a finger at anyone. I did not start this blog to say that Catholicism is better than any religion. That was not my intention at all!! I've started this blog to take account of my own spiritual journey in my chosen faith. I did not mean to rub my beliefs in anyone's faces. I am a firm believer of free-will--that God granted you the choice to believe in whatever you want to believe. I am only stating my own faith. I know that it is difficult to talk about religion in today's society...I used to be embarrassed to talk about my faith to anyone because I was afraid what others would say about me. Now I am accepting to all criticism and I pray that I will be able to defend my faith with patience and wisdom. I don't have all the answers. I really don't. I, too, have so many questions about my faith and I am determined to seek the answers! This is why I hope to grow everyday with my faith...to never stop reading God's Word and praying to Him.

Just because I openly state my faith, doesn't make me close-minded or "afraid to be a little adventurous." I have researched and read about other religions as well as conversed with many friends who range from Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, to atheist. Even my last relationship was with a Muslim. I am glad to have a diverse group of friends because they open my mind to their points of view. As I am striving to keep true to my faith, I am eager to learn about others.

I've realized that I can't express my faith without being criticized by others. I'm accepting to that. I am no longer afraid. The words of Christ have really encouraged me to be strong:

"...If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you....whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name."
Peter 4: 13-16

Other people may try to bring me down and take me away from God. Call me a freak--I don't care. No matter how hard they can try, I will still stand tall and keep strong. I always like to sing Alicia Key's "NO ONE" as a song to God:

'"People keep talking
They can say what they like
But all I know is
Everything is gonna be alright
No one, no one, one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you!"

Prayer By Pope John Paul II- "An Offering of the Self"

"O Lord,
may my soul
be flooded with your light
and know you more and more profoundly!
Lord,
give me so much love,
love forever, serene and generous,
that I will be united with you always!
Lord,
let me serve you well,
on the pathways that you wish to open
to my existence here below."

-Pope John Paul II

(The photo above was taken during my visit to the Vatican in the Summer of 2004, a year before Pope John Paul II passed away. )

SCRC 37th Annual Catholic Renewal Convention

Thanks to my good friend Mayra, I have been informed of another Catholic convention! It is the Southern California Renewal Communities (SCRC) Catholic Renewal Convention, which will be held in the Anaheim on August 29-31, 2008.


Please visit http://www.scrc.org/ for more information.

I'm planning on going!

Magnificat Pilgrimage of Hope- Boston 2008

I just got an e-mail today that there will be a Magnificat Convention held in Boston on October 11-12, 2008. Below is more information:

Dear Friends, As you may know already, Magnificat will sponsor on 11 & 12 October 2008 a unique opportunity for everybody. The upcoming Magnificat Pilgrimage of Hope will afford the chance to discover the unfathomable riches of grace found in the prayer of the Church. As St Paul reminds us, an experience of grace-filled prayer transforms our lives. At this experience of renewal, which will take place at Boston’s newest convention center, you also will enjoy the opportunity to meet personally the Magnificat editors and contributing authors. During these two exceptional days, we will display the Magnificat way of life that comes each month in the publication many have become accustomed to welcome as a dear friend. In the name of all those associated with Magnificat, I ampleased to invite you to join us for the Pilgrimage of Hope. The Columbus Day weekend brings a burst of autumn colors. The reds and golds in nature remind us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit who is the source both of our personal spiritual renewal and of the sure promise of the new springtime in the Church in the United States. Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Daniel P. Barron, OMV Pilgrimage Director P.S.: Only a few days left to take advantage of the early registration discount, which expires May 1! Register now! WHEN Saturday, October 11, 2008 8:00 AM - Sunday, October 12, 2008 5:00 PM WHERE Boston Convention and Exhibition Center 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210

Click here for more information

Click here to register

Click Here to book the hotel

Our block of reserved hotel rooms is almost full. To guarantee your room in the Pilgrimage Hotel, book your room today.

Praying the Rosary- A Meditative Act

I admit I used to dread praying the rosary when I was younger. I thought it was the most boring act to repeat the same thing over and over. I just saw rosaries as nothing more than pretty beads with a crucifix. I just didn't get it.

Now I know that praying the rosary means so much more. It is a meditative act of praying. Not only do we honor our Virgin Mother Mary, we also honor the mysteries of Our Father and the Life of His Holy Son.

There are twenty mysteries in the rosary:

• The Joyful Mysteries:
• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Nativity
• The Presentation
• The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
  
• The Luminous Mysteries:
• The Baptism of the Lord
• The Wedding of Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom
• The Transfiguration
• The Instution of the Eucharist
  
• The Sorrowful Mysteries:
• The Agony in the Garden
• The Scourging At the Pillar
• The Crowning With Thorns
• The Carrying of the Cross
• The Crucifixication
• The Glorious Mysteries:
• The Resurrection
• The Ascension
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit
• The Assumption
• The Coronation

To Pray the Rosary:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the "Apostles' Creed."
2. Say the "Our Father."
3. Say three "Hail Marys."
4. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
5. Announce the First Mystery; then say the "Our Father."
6. Say ten "Hail Marys," while meditating on the Mystery.
7. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
8. Announce the Second Mystery; then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner.

After the Rosary:

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O GOD, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

After each decade say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy."

As suggested by the Pope John Paul II, the Joyful mysteries are said on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous on Thursday, the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, and the Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception: Sundays of Christmas season - The Joyful; Sundays of Lent - Sorrowful)

(Source: http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm)

**Rosary picture from Handmaid For The Lord – www.handmaid-jewelry.com.