Sacred Sunday: November 22, 2009

You've all heard about Bethany's confirmation last weekend. Today I'd like to use this Sacred Sunday post to tell you other stories that occurred this very special and holy day.


My daughter's friend, Kaitlyn, was also receiving the sacrament of confirmation. You see, Kaitlyn is a beautiful young lady. She is exceedingly intelligent and has a genuine love for our Lord. Kaitlyn has an uncle with Down's Sydrome. Kaitlyn's uncle never misses a Mass. Kaitlyn's uncle is also genuinely in love with our Lord Jesus. Kaitlyn's uncle is one of the holiest people she knows. That is why Kaitlyn chose Uncle Roger to be her sponsor for confirmation. He was so nervous and excited. He performed his role quite well with her gentle guidance! This was a touching tribute that brought genuine joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. It truly was a beautiful moment.


Speaking of tears, the Holy Spirit was bountiful that day and conferred upon me the gift of tears. I weeped with joy as the candidates paraded into the church. The tears of happiness flowed when each candidate was sealed with chrism. I swear to you that every candidate cast a definite glow, a halo if you will, about them during this sacred rite.  Later, during the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist I, again, succumbed to tears as the Host was raised. I swear to you I see the face of Jesus every single time! This time, not only did I see the face of Jesus, there was also a vivid golden radiance surrounding the altar. It was stunning. It was a divine vision...the tiniest glimmer of heaven on earth. I'm not sure if many will understand what I am trying to say and some of you may think I'm a bit crazy. That may or may not be so but I saw what I saw and felt at peace. 


My prayer for you this day is that the Holy Spirit guide you and grant you the peace and serenity of His glorious and abiding love.

Image courtesy of The St. Paul Seminary website

Monday Musings-November 16

Dear Carolina Panthers,


Thank you! My daughter and I had a wonderful time. Do you think you have it in you to repeat this sweet victory Thursday night?

Your ardent fan,


Mrs. Sister


PS  I'm really sorry about Jordan Gross. He'll be sorely missed.

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Confirmation

After receiving this holy sacrament, Bethany declares, "You were right, Mommy! I feel different. I feel stronger, fortified!" She had such a beautiful glow about her as well. Afterwards, she chose Olive Garden as her restaurant destination of choice for a post Confirmation celebration. Photography was not (nor ever is) allowed during the Mass but here are a few photos taken outside of the church and at the reception afterwards.

Bethany and her sponsor Yvonne.

Bethany and her grandma!

The Sister clan at the Piazza

Bethany and a dear friend. 

Funny. They wore the same dress only in different colors.

Bethany and her sponsor with Abbot Solari, 

who substituted for an ailing Bishop Curlin. 

He did an outstanding job and the kids really enjoyed his homily.

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Shocking!

Daisy has been bad. Very, very bad. On her walks, that is. She's been tugging and pulling despite our best efforts to get her to heel. She lunges for other dogs, cats, squirrels and people. Bad, bad doggy behavior. 

Last week was the last straw. Munchie Boy was taking her for a walk. Another dog walker approached and Daisy, being the bad doggy she has been, lunged towards the other dog. She dragged Munch down across the pavement causing a minor shoulder wound and several bruises and abrasions elsewhere. Munch was hurt enough that he couldn't go to swim team practice that evening. 

It is important for the kids to be able to control the dog so Mr. Sister and I decided to order a shock collar for training purposes. It arrived Saturday. We allowed it to charge for 24 hours. We then tested it on ourselves and didn't feel anything. Was it going to work? We were hopeful. We set it at level 2, the setting where most dog trainers recommended.

Last evening was the first  try. We placed the collar on Daisy and I took her out. She immediately began to pull and tug. I said "Heel!" and hit the button...just beeps heard. No change in behavior noted. The lunging, tugging and pulling continued. Okay, I'll dial it up to 3...still nothing. 4? Nada. 5? Zip, zilch. I'm beginning to worry that maybe the collar we purchased was defective. I'll give it one more try. Level 6. This time I kept the button pushed down. Oh my goodness! The biggest, sorriest yelp came out of Daisy. I think she jumped 3 feet into the air! Oh what a bad doggy mommy! Well, let me tell you, she heeled after that! I also think I shocked the poop out of her for shortly thereafter I had to clean up the biggest doggy dump I've ever seen in my life! 

I just took her for her morning walk and guess what? She heeled. 

Dear Bethany,

Tomorrow you will be receiving the most amazing gift...the gift, from God, of the Holy Spirit! 


It will be the most wonderful, awe-inspiring and sacred experience. Your heart will fill with unimaginable joy as the Spirit imparts His own special gifts for you to draw upon during your life's journey. As you well know, these gifts are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.


Sweet Bethany, you already exhibit many of these gifts abundantly. You are a holy, faith filled, exuberant young lady who demonstrates love for our Lord each and every day. I have learned much from you as your spirituality has matured and deepened. I can only imagine the depths your faith will continue to reach once you receive this very special sacrament. 


May God bless this very special day and may God continue to shower you with his generous and abiding love. 


Love,
Mommy

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit,

that my thoughts may all be holy.

Move in me, Holy Spirit,

that my work, too, may be holy.

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit,

that I may love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit,

that I may defend all that is holy.

Protect me, Holy Spirit,

that I may always be holy.

St. Augustine