Read with an accent

Thank you Kelley for the inspiration for this weeks thought process.  I'd like us all to read with an Australian Accent.  Now I don't mean this literally. Well, maybe I do.

In the second half of this chapter Matthew Kelley discusses Incremental Spirituality.  He means to move things forward one step at a time, "losing weight, paying off debt, writing a book, improving your marriage, running long distances," yada yada yada.  I want to take this one step sideways in addition to forward.

Approach these steps with some flair or an accent.  Maybe I'll approach my workout goals with a Transilvanian accent.  I'll draw on my inner vampire and workout at night.  Or I could approach my marriage with a French accent (hugh hugh hugh) if you know what I mean. Or I could approach parenting with a British accent and work on my Super Nanny Skills.  I'll start reading my bank statements in Yiddish in hopes my finances will be easier.  I know I've just about thrown out every stereotype there is, my apologies. :D

We may approach this book and feel as though we're bad Catholics, or that we'll never be able to attain the 7% status.  Lets look at this journey into Dynamic Catholic-hood with some fun and a colorful approach.
Happy Reading!

Happy Song Post

On an unrelated note, my daughter's preschool teacher plays a song at the end of class each day.  It brings back fond memories and makes me happy to hear her sing it at home.  Thankfully I have it in my iTunes and can play it for her when she asks.

So enjoy this song and ponder how well it fits into the book's theme.

Intro to "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic"

We begin this fall with an exciting book!  I'm thankful we had the opportunity to begin the DVD last week and feel it has put many of us in the right frame of mind for this book.  Before you begin reading or if I missed getting this up in time for most of you please ponder these questions.

"If you get the man right, 

you get the world right." - pg. 7

As many of us remember from our previous book and the DVD we watched, the author stresses that we "become the best version of ourselves."  What is holding us back from becoming the best version of ourselves: our mental state,  addictions, lack of exercise, short temper, are finances weighing me down, am I getting enough sleep, how am I treating my spouse or children, how is my spiritual health? Did I just describe you?  I know I just described myself with each of these instances.  We may have one or the other to overcome.  Some may be easier to overcome than others.  I know I cannot simply wish my infant to sleep through the night.  I know my finances will take some time.  My own parenting style has developed into habits that I am continually trying to improve and adjust as my children's behavior adjusts. What positive steps am I taking to overcome obstacles in each of these areas?  Am I being supportive of others who are trying to deal with these same issues?

In preparing to read this chapter consider this, what do you think is the difference between the engaged and disengaged Catholics?  And remember while reading, focus on yourself.  Am I one of the 7% the author is speaking about in both the positive and negative aspects?  How can acknowledging these yin and yang aspects of the 7% help me to achieve the best version of myself.


We'll be discussion questions 2-4 of Study Guide this week and the remaining questions next week after we finish the chapter.

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4

Novena St. Monica Day 4

Novena to St. Monica

For Fallen Away Catholics and for Full Communion of all Christians

Day 4

O glorious St. Monica, you see in our world today mothers and wives who are suffering a lot for their husbands and children. You know how they feel because you yourself underwent this same torture but you managed to breeze through all this because you believed that your problematic husband and child were challenges that God gave you. You suffered, and you prayed for them without ceasing. God touched the hearts of your husband and child, Augustine. Grant us the same perseverance and faith so that we, too, may be able to convince God. Amen.

Daily Prayer







Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine,you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God.







Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.







Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.







Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for all Catholics who have fallen away from or are not fully living the faith and all Christians to join in Full Communion with the Church and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.








3 Hail Mary







3 Glory Be







St. Monica Pray for Us

Novena St. Monica Day 3

Novena to St. Monica
For Fallen Away Catholics and for Full Communion of all Christians

Day 3

O glorious St. Monica, after a lifetime of tearful prayers, fasting, and sacrifice, you were at last granted the happiness of witnessing both your husband's and son's conversion. After your son Augustine returned to the faith, you said: "God has granted this to me in more than abundance. What am I still doing here?" A few days later, you died happily at peace with God and his world. Grant us that same peace, faith, and acceptance of God's will, that we may live all our years in serenity and go joyfully to our heavenly home, secure in the knowledge of eternal salvation. Amen.

Daily Prayer





Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine,you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God.





Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.





Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.





Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for all Catholics who have fallen away from or are not fully living the faith and all Christians to join in Full Communion with the Church and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.






3 Hail Mary





3 Glory Be





St. Monica Pray for Us

Novena St. Monica Day 2

Novena to St. Monica
For Fallen Away Catholics and for Full Communion of all Christians

Day 2

Great St. Monica, patroness of fathers and mothers, please take our children, especially those who have turned from the ways of God and his Church, under your protection. Let them always remain faithful to their baptismal vows. Give them strength to walk always in the ways of the Lord, despite the temptations and false values they find in the world today. Grant that they may share with you in the joys of eternal life in God. Amen

Daily Prayer



Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine,you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God.



Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.



Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.



Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for all Catholics who have fallen away from or are not fully living the faith and all Christians to join in Full Communion with the Church and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.




3 Hail Mary



3 Glory Be



St. Monica Pray for Us

Novena St. Monica Day 1

Novena to St. Monica
For Fallen Away Catholics and for Full Communion of all Christians

Day 1

Remember dear St. Monica, the joy that flooded your heart when Augustine, the son of your prayers and tears, turned his life over to the Lord. Please present our novena petitions before God in whose presence you stand. Obtain for us, if it be his holy will, the graces we request through your intercessory power, that we may experience the happiness of answered prayer. Amen.

Daily Prayer

Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine,you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God.

Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.

Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for all Catholics who have fallen away from or are not fully living the faith and all Christians to join in Full Communion with the Church and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.


3 Hail Mary

3 Glory Be

St. Monica Pray for Us

Introduction to Summer Session 2013

Summer is upon us!  As excited as many of us are to have our kids home from school, the time will soon come when we look forward to the school year starting over again this Fall.  We look forward to the hiking, the park days, vacations and nice weather many of us enjoy.  Let us not forget the importance of time dedicated to our own spiritual growth so we are refreshed and energized to fully enjoy the gift our Lord has given to us in our families.  I’d like to personally invite you to join our Summer Session of Saint Gabriel’s Group.

The group has chosen an exciting Catholic Blogger Lisa Hendey’s new book, “A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul” as our Summer reading material.  Her book will provide the basis for our weekly discussions.  We will have the great pleasure of "meeting" with her via Skype on July 3rd at 10am.  This will give us an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the book as well as ask her general questions.  

Since the book is broken up into 52 chapters it was obviously meant to be read weekly over the course of a year.  With that in mind we'll read the book a bit differently.  There will be chapter groupings as listed on the calendar.  Please read through the chapters and journal on the "Something to Ponder" sections.  We'll discuss those at each meeting.  

There are also two other wonderful features to each chapter.  The weekly scriptures and the traditions associate with each saint.  The plan (God and baby willing) is to have further information on several of the traditions for the group to learn and discuss.  If you would like to contribute to the tradition research/presentation, please feel free!  Each week, as listed in the calendar,  we will focus on one saint from the grouping to follow along the daily scripture readings.  

I look forward to a wonderful summer and sharing what time I can before bambino gets here with all of you! 

Father's Day Novena for Strong Men, Husbands & Fathers

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:

to strengthen all families, to strengthen the roles of all men in our families, our marriages and our world.  Allow men the freedom to express their faith and teach your Truth in their own home and in our society.  St. Joseph, be a role model for the unconditional love men have the ability to posses and profess.

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

Amen.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR ONE'S FAMILY

Joseph, strengthen in our family
every bond of love which unites us --
the marriage bond,
the love of parent and child,
the bonds of mutual love between all.
Joseph, protect our family
from every danger from without
and from every threat
to peace, unity and harmony within.
Joseph, teach us to be
kind and loving towards one another,
careful for one another,
tolerant of one another,
forgiving towards one another.
Joseph, may contentment with our lot
and joy in each other
abound in our house,
as we seek faithfully to serve
and greatly to love God.
Joseph, be you yourself
a father towards the family of ours,
and pray Mary
be a mother to us.

Amen

St. Joseph Memorare

Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them.

Amen.

Comfort during struggle

My last 3 weeks can be summed up by my husband's statement this afternoon, "I need to go back to work to get away from this stress."  Ouch!  I know he doesn't mean to be harsh or to hurt, but its true.  Our strong personalities combined into an even stronger personality in our child.  Who knew right?  Add to that 3 weeks of sickness, my husband getting it the worst when he came down with pneumonia.  He's been away from his high stress job for essentially 2 weeks and is feeling the pressure from every aspect of his life.  So I am choosing to view his words as simply his frustration.

We all go through periods in life often times repeated periods where stress gets to us.  So I am finding comfort in these words today:

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

So today I'm taking heart and choosing to love my children and husband not for this world but the next!

Novena for Couples Trying to Conceive - Day 9

Novena to St. Anne,

the Mother of the Virgin Mary

Day 9

 

First, recite this prayer. 

Glorious St. Anne,

filled with compassion for those who invoke you,

with love for those who suffer,

heavily laden with the weight of my troubles,

I knee at your feet and humbly beg you

to take my present need under your special protection...

Catherine & Edgar Valles

Valerie & Sam Budnick

Janay & Toure Delaney
Teresa & Stuart Horton

Those wishing to remain anonymous

and all couples trying to conceive children.

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter,

the Blessed Virgin Mary,

and lay it before the throne of Jesus.

Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted.

Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face,

and with you and Mary and all the angels

and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Daily Prayer

Most holy mother of the Virgin Mary,

glorious Saint Anne, I, a miserable sinner,

confiding in your kindness,

choose you today as my special advocate.

I offer and consecrate my person

and all my interests to your care and maternal solicitude.

I hope To serve you and honor you all my life

for the love of your most holy daughter

and to do all in my power to spread devotion to you.

O my very good mother and advocate,

deign to accept me as your servant,

and to adopt me as you child.

O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you,

by the passion of my most loving Jesus,

the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter,

to assist me in all the necessities

both of my body and my soul.

Venerable Mother,

I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena...

Catherine & Edgar Valles

Valerie & Sam Budnick

Janay & Toure Delaney

Those wishing to remain anonymous

and all couples trying to conceive children.

and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable

in all things to the divine will.

I place my soul in your hands

and in those of your kind daughter.

I confide it to you,

above all at the moment

when it will be to separate itself from my body in order that,

appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge,

He may find it worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence

in your holy companionship in Heaven.

Amen.

Recite the...

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

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

Novena for Couples Trying to Conceive - Day 8

Novena to St. Anne,

the Mother of the Virgin Mary

Day 8

First, recite this prayer. 

Glorious St. Anne,

filled with compassion for those who invoke you,

with love for those who suffer,

heavily laden with the weight of my troubles,

I knee at your feet and humbly beg you

to take my present need under your special protection...

Catherine & Edgar Valles

Valerie & Sam Budnick

Janay & Toure Delaney
Teresa & Stuart Horton

Those wishing to remain anonymous

and all couples trying to conceive children.

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter,

the Blessed Virgin Mary,

and lay it before the throne of Jesus.

Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted.

Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face,

and with you and Mary and all the angels

and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Daily Prayer

 

Remember, O Saint Anne,

you whose name signifies grace and mercy,

that never was it known

that anyone who fled to your protection,

implored your help,

and sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly unto you, good, and kind mother;

I take refuge at your feet,

burdened with the weight of my sins.

O holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary,

despise not my petition...

Catherine & Edgar Valles

Valerie & Sam Budnick

Janay & Toure Delaney
Teresa & Stuart Horton

Those wishing to remain anonymous

and all couples trying to conceive children.

 

but hear me and grant my prayer.

Amen.

 

Recite the...

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

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