"Seek me and Live."

Happy Feast of the Assumption!

2011-08-15T21:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Feast of the Assumption everyone!

Today the Church celebrates a great miracle in the life of Mary--her being assumed into heaven. She stands as the hope for all the world--that we too may be assumed, body and soul, into heaven when Jesus comes again. Most people reading this probably are thinking, "Say what?"

Here is an article I came across today which does well to explain this special day...this special reality. WHAT IS THE "ASSUMPTION?"

Tomorrow I will be heading down to Orange Beach, AL for the week for the Annual Seminarian Gathering (see August 18, 2010 post for Last Year's Gathering). So this will probably be my last post until after next Monday. This is the one time of the year when all of the Seminarians from the Archdiocese get together. It is a great time to build fraternity amongst the guys, especially since we are all scattered around in different seminaries. Archbishop Rodi, the Vocations Directors, and the Chancellor will spend the week with us. Please pray that we have good weather and times this week.

Before I head down, I thought I would share some shots of things over this past week.

On my way to make a couple home visits...

On Friday, I was able to meet with a good friend of mine from Furman University--where I went to College. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years, so we thought we would meet at one of the nicest restaurants in the Wiregrass---Pizza Hut! Hahaha! I decided to capture the first encounter.

Patrick lives Mobile now and I am in Enterprise...so after some careful calculations...we deduced that Evergreen, AL was right in the middle. So we met right there for the afternoon at their local Pizza Hut. It was so refreshing to meet up with an old friend. Amazing how you can pick right back up where you left off. Shared some great times together in Greenville and really got to know one another over a 2 month Study Abroad Program in Chile back in 2006.

Here we are doing a little PR for the faithful Hut. We are really trying to highlight their "Cheesy Bites" and "Pepsi" while showcasing their ever-fresh salad bar just to our rear. Thanks to the Pizza Hut staff for letting us sit in their Hut for about 4 hours and for this photographic magic.

Driving back to Enterprise, I passed through Andalusia, AL. As I hit the main intersection...I ran into one of my past loves--Hawaaiin Shaved Ice! I used to make a DAILY pilgrimage to Sno Biz in high school. Seeing it, I just had to pay my respects.

As refreshing as the flavored shaved ice, was the chance to rub elbows with some locals. I struck up a convo with one kid and his Dad while waiting in line. I loved the way the kid introduced himself to me, "Hi! I'm in sixth grade and I play the drums!"

His comment made me chuckle as I witnessed in him the peaceful simplicity and enjoyment of a youth in a small town.

Saturday Night, I joined with the Guatemalan Prayer Group for probably the last time. Again they prayed for over 3 hours! Their fervor and devotion to prayer is one of the many treasures I hope to carry with me from Enterprise. They really made we felt welcome each time I joined them for prayer and praise. This past night they really offered some special prayers for me as I head back to seminary shortly. Thank God for them and for their special gift of prayer.

Well, again, Happy Feast Day!

May the peace that surpasses all understanding come more fully into your lives this day and every day.

Amen.

Funeral Tuesday in Mobile

2011-08-11T20:23:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, I woke up early in the morning to serve at the Funeral Mass of Father Ernie Hyndman.

The sun was just finishing its rising when I was heading out. Made for a serene start to the day.

The first half of the drive was very beautiful as I rolled through small towns and farm land. Here was a little Country Store I passed by on the way.

Father Ernie grew up in Mobile graduating high school from McGill-Toolen and college from Spring Hill College with a degree in English.

Father Ernie is remembered for having a great sense of humor, being a die-hard LSU fan, and being a friend and Father to everyone in his midst.

Strangely and sadly, last week, Father Ernie took his own life.

A wave of grief swept through lower Alabama.

How? Why? Can this be true?

In the past week, many have wrestled to understand how such a young and lighthearted Priest could take his own life.

It is impossible to understand--the darkness one is facing when they come to that decision in life.

Only now, do many realize that Fr. Ernie had been battling depression for several years.

It is not for us to judge.

God alone sees into the heart. He alone can judge. His mercy alone can heal.

It was this kind of spirit that drew everyone together in Mobile.

The response of love and prayer for Fr. Ernie and his family was overwhelming. The Cathedral was packed. People were standing all along the back. Over 30 priests attended. Around 15 of us seminarians were able to be present as well. It was a sobering experience.

In the face of such a mysterious darkness, I found a newfound thankfulness for being part of the Christian body. To not have to face such darkness alone, felt so powerful. To be able to come together and kneel before the mystery of life and cry out to a God who is Beauty, Love, Goodness, and Truth and trust him with all that exceeds, boggles, and transcends the mind and heart. To be able to pray for Father Enrie with his family, with all the angels, the saints, with all his friends, and all gathered there that day...was a beautiful thing. To shower him with our prayers...to place him in the hands of a Merciful and Loving God. Faith become almost tangible in moment like that.

It was great to be with the other seminarians as well. Here are a couple shots of us getting ready for the Mass in the Sacristy. Even in such a dark hour, it was a gift to be able to be with these, my brothers and share the experience. Even find a way to make one another laugh in the midst of it all.

Fr. Paul Zoghby, one of Fr. Ernie's closest friends, gave the homily at the funeral. His words were great, challenging everyone to realize that it was not helpful to obsess over the question "What If I would have?" at this point. Rather, we gather together to remember the ways in which Fr. Ernie brought the love of Christ into our lives and to pray for him...commending him to our Good and Merciful God. He even told a Budro joke (revolving around a Cajun guy named Budro) which Father Ernie was famous for routinely telling to his congregation. Even more than his words...it was a powerful thing to see his best friend find the courage to stand before a crowd of witnesses and say Goodbye.

After the Funeral Mass, we all caravanned over to the old Catholic Cemetery for the graveside ceremony.

You could almost feel the sacredness of the cemetery. As we drove in, we passed several graves over 150 years old. It was humbling to pass through the midst of so many lives that have past before our own....knowing that we too will join them one day...

This one funeral marker made a particular impression on me. The Angel looking so confidently and steadily over the cemetery gave me a certain sense of peace and security.

Too, it was great to run into some of my good friends from Seminary...who are now Mobile's newest priests! It was my first time to see Fr. Travis and Fr. Stephen since there ordination in June.

(Left to Right) Fr. Stephen Vrazel (Ordained June 2011), Me, Fr. Fred Boni (Ordained June 2010), Fr. David Shoemaker (Ordained July 2000), Fr. Travis Burnett (Ordained June 2011)

This picture above may be entitled: "Veterans of Summer Assignments in Eufaula with Fr. Snowmaker." Each of us spent a summer under the care of Fr. David. Thanks for putting up with us over the years, for all the hilarious memories, and priestly example.

The New Priests being "pastoral"

Ca is one of our seminarians from North Vietnam. The guy has a great sense of humor and always sports a smile. Archbishop Rodi passed his crosier to Ca to take care of it. He is smiling because he had just figured out how to unscrew it into two pieces.

Left is Matthew Stillwell, one of our newest seminarians. He will finish his Masters degree this fall and begin his seminary studies in the Spring. Right with the shades is Chris Boutin, going into his second year of seminary, reigning from Prattville, AL. With those shades, I guess Chris was hoping to catch some bass or field some grounders after the graveside service. hahaha.

It was a day of mixed emotions, experiences, and prayers. All of which reminded me to be thankful for my faith...without which I would have had no hope or recourse in confronting such a situation.

Here is an article that Dave O'Brien wrote about grief following Fr. Ernie's death that some of ya'll might find helpful.

Aiight.

Let's continue to Pray for Father Ernie Hyndman and all those grieving his loss.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

I need to learn how to spell

2011-08-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

"parafanilia"

is actually spelled

"paraphernalia"

Thanks Rob.

Also "Jasmine"

is actually spelled

"Yasmeen"

And finally, what we ate at Pablo's birthday party was a "Shrimp BOIL" not a "bRoil." Big difference. I should have known better! haha

Thanks Pablo.

Family Visits

2011-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a week since the last post. My evenings have been blessed with several home visits & activities this past week which have made posting difficult...especially considering the amount of food in the tank upon returning to the rectory! haha

Last Wednesday we had Youth Group as usual. After dinner and some games we talked about "Saints." We had a nice discussion about what "Saints" are and the kids shared about different saints that they know.

As they would share, I would write down the saint's name as well as common attributes of the saints (i.e. they are in heaven, they love us, they gave their lives heroically in love, they are our role models for Christian living, we can talk to them and ask them for prayers just like we can ask people in the Church community on earth to pray for us, etc.)

Here is the board at the end, decorated with my exquisite handwriting:

Sunday afternoons have been a great time to visit some families from the Hispanic Community at St. John's. Sunday is, for many of our parishioners, the one day that they do not have to work. So it is a great time to drop by for some chatting, eating, discussion, and prayer.

Here are some shots I took this past Sunday of a trailer park where several families from our parish live.

Here is the field where all of the neighborhood kids play soccer everyday

Later on Sunday evening, Tom and Luanne invited me over to dinner at their home as well as Alice and Chuck. We enjoyed great food and wine and even better company.

Here is a shot of a beautiful lake on the way to their house.

Tom and Luanne have a lovely and most interesting home. Throughout Tom's career in the Army, he and Luanne moved all around the world. Along the way they really developed a knack for collecting and decorating. Plus, Luanne was an elementary school teacher for several years, so, like most people in her field, her creativity knows no bounds.

Once, while visiting China, Luanne noticed a Chinese Coke bottle laying beside a trash can. Interested by the Chinese writing, she picked it up thinking it would be an interesting souvenir. Living in Korea at the time, Luanne then picked up another Coke bottle with the writing in Korean. Little did she know that this would over the years blossom into an extensive "Coke" parafanilia collection which now adorns there sun room making for a room-sized conversation piece.

I was amazed by Alice's bravery in admitting that she prefers Pepsi as she sat on the Coke Couch in the Coke Room!!!! hahahahaha

Their back yard is a kid's paradise. Besides the little pool, fountain, and space to run around...they also have a playhouse for their granddaughter and a "Crooked House" for their grandson.

Tonight, Eva, Pablo, and Jasmine invited Father and I over for a Shrimp Broil for Pablo's 31st birthday. Happy Birthday Pablo!

Pablo has been in the Army for 9 years and is currently stationed at Fr. Rucker like many other of our parishioners are or have been before they retired.

Pabo is from Southern Texas and Eva is from just across the border. They are a great couple and have been very hospitable to me since arriving here. Jasmine is 6 and pretty much dominates the Coloring Book circuit. She had just churned out some masterpieces of Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez, and Phineas and Ferb earlier today which Father and I were able to enjoy. She loves the color Red, chocolate chip pancakes from Bob Evans, and losing teeth. She was sweet to let Father and I crash her Dad's B-Day Bash! Thanks Jasmine!

And, as I am one that made a point to not make a serious face in a picture until the age of 11, I have to give Jasmine serious props for the face she made the first time we took a picture together.

That is pretty much unbeatable....so with that....

Thanks to everyone here in Enterprise for being so warm and inviting. It is a real blessing to be sharing in the richness, height, depth, diversity, and particularity of the People of God down here at St. John's.

Goodnight and God Bless ya'll.

Wayne and Old Enterprise High

2011-08-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I was able to catch up with one of the Youngest priests in the Archdiocese of Mobile--Fr. Wayne Youngman.

Fr. Wayne has been a priest know for just over a year. Before priesthood, Wayne had a career in the Army as a Black-hawk Helicopter pilot. Also, he raised and showed English Bull Dogs professionally as his hobby. Although he is modest about it, I heard he was even invited one time to bring one of his dogs to Westminster!

Also interestingly, Wayne grew up Methodist. When he moved to Enterprise (because of Fort Rucker being just next door) several years ago, Catholics moved into his closest circle of friends. Slowly he felt called to join the Catholic Church....and eventually the Lord made his calling to the priesthood clear as well. It is amazing how God moves into our lives when & how we least expect it.

Fr. Wayne, did his Pre-Theology and Theology studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He was ordained a priest down in Mobile in June of 2010. He and three other guys were ordained together becoming the first priests to be ordained in the Archdiocese of Mobile since 6 years prior! So...please keep praying for more priests!!!

He served his first year at St. Ignatius in Mobile and recently was made a pastor after being a priest for just over a year! He has been assigned to oversee 5 parishes in SW Alabama!!! The fiefdom... or frontier... or lower quarter of Alabama to which he is assigned covers about 1,600 square miles (from my approximation)! So we need to pray for Wayne as he stays on the move in his new assignment.

Fr. Wayne seems to be doing very well and is enjoying getting to know all of the good folks down in SW Alabama. In just a few weeks...maybe days...Archbishop Rodi will be visiting Fr. Wayne so as to officially install Wayne as pastor over these parishes.

Fr. Wayne was passing through town yesterday to visit family and rest a bit. I was able to invite myself over for dinner and catch up a bit which was a real treat. Thanks Wayne. I'm still enjoying that steak! haha

Today I decided to take a couple more pictures of St. John's and the surrounding area. Enterprise High School used to sit right in the back yard of St. John's. However, a devastating tornado hit the high school on March 1, 2007, devastating the grounds and killing 8 children and 1 elderly lady. One of the kids was a parishioner here at St. John's. Since then the High School has been rebuilt at a different location...and it is really nice...and really huge...and really impressive.

It is a tragedy that people still vividly remember and continue to morn.

The old football stadium was not damaged and still remains in use by various athletic teams in town.

View of St. John's from the back lot, with my back to the stadium

Go Wildcats!

Home Bleachers and Press Box

Our neighbor to the left is Hillcrest Baptist Church. They have a huge church which has also built an elementary school on the other side of the football field. The sheer size of Hillcrest compared to St. John's on its right is an apt depiction of the number of Baptists vs Catholics down here in the Wiregrass.

Here I am standing on the far side of the track surrounding the football field. From there, you have a really nice view of St. John's. Particularly the Cross which looks down over the field always.

1 Cor 1:18 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Galatians 6:14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Aiight Ya'll.

Have a great evening.

May we be foolish, and embrace the Saving Power of the Cross.

Sunday

2011-07-31T20:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a special day here at St. John's.

Jorge & Ilaria got married.

They are a great couple that have really made me feel welcome here in Enterprise. They have fed me several times and helped introduce me to other Hispanic families in the parish. They are also famous around here for helping to organize the celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe here in Enterprise. In fact, the statue of Our Lady that is used for the Feast sits proudly on their front porch throughout the year.

They are also very involved in a Movement called "El Movimiento Familiar Cristiano." It is an international Catholic movement which aims to bring together couples so that they may grow deeper in their relationships, parenting, faith, organization, etc. I have been really impressed with the Movement as I have learned about it through Jorge and Ilaria as well as Deacon Alfonso Diaz who is the Spiritual Director for this movement in the area. I would recommend it to anyone in the area.

Here are a couple links where you can check it out....if you speak Spanish that is...haha

Their "LatinoAmerica" Website

Info Put out by the Diocese of Brownsville

There are many other English speaking organizations like this. One I am familiar with and would recommend to any couple looking to deepen and strengthen their relationship with one another is called "Marriage Encounter." Here is there main website.

Anyways, back to Jorge and Ilaria. They wedding was really beautiful. They came with their friends and really decorated the whole Church well.

Here is Jorge just before the Mass started. Little bit Nervous...but looking sharp

Here is the Wedding Party getting in Line

Congrats to you Jorge and Ilaria. May God Bless you both richly with many happy and faith-filled years together!

Tonight, the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus had a social out at "PoFolks" restaurant.

They graciously invited Father Gregory and I to attend as well as the priest (Army Chaplain) stationed out at Ft. Rucker, Fr. Chris Butera. I was surprised to run into Chris there tonight. We actually spent one year together in seminary up in Philly at St. Charles Borromeo. Small world!

Sorry it's blurry. But here is the group mingling and keeping it real

Here I am with the Grand Knights of the Councils in Enterprise (L) and Daleville (R).

Both seem to be very active Councils of the Knights of Columbus, a group especially dedicated to "fraternity, charity, and unity." They also are sincerely dedicated in the support of Priests, Seminarians, and their ministry. Thank God for them. Check them out HERE if you don't know much about them.

Thanks ya'll for your hospitality.

It was a great evening.

Peace.

Mary

2011-07-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

Before Mass this morning, I walked around the grounds of St. John's as I said my Morning Prayer. Just as I finished, I walked by the grotto here and was struck by its beauty. I took a couple shots which I think turned out really well.

I love the way the light is gently covering Mary in this one. It is so fitting for her--our gentle and loving Mother.

Our Mother. She became the Mother of us all at the foot of the cross. When all other of Jesus' disciples had abandoned him out of fear, there his Mother remained with St. John, Mary of Magdala, and another Mary.

John 19: 26-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."

Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother."

Here Jesus gives one of his greatest treasures to his beloved disciple--his very own Mother. And in doing so, he gave Mary to be the Mother of the Church...of the World.

As Catholics, we do not worship Mary but we are deeply grateful to Jesus for sharing his Mother with us. We honor her just as God honored her in sending his angel Gabriel (meaning "messenger") to greet her with the message, "Hail (Rejoice/Be Glad) Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28). We honor her just as Elizabeth honored her saying, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42).

Some point to a scene in Mark chapter 3, as a moment when Jesus downplays the importance of his Mother. Here Mary and Jesus' cousins (Referred to as "brothers" here because the Hebrew culture did not have the word or really concept of "cousin." All relatives were just referred to as "brothers"/"siblings") were waiting outside of a home asking for Jesus. The disciples tell Jesus that his Mother and "brothers" are looking for him to which he responds,

"(For) whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (3:35).

Rather than rejecting Mary as his Mother in that moment or even downplaying her role as Mother, Jesus is reaffirming the Motherhood of Mary. For who more than her opened her heart to the will of God?

When God wanted to bring to fruition his plan for the world since the beginning of time, he came to her saying, "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, [...] and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God."

Confronted with such a mind-boggling proposition...something defying the logic of the world...something fully incomprehensible to the human mind...how did she respond?

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

And with her "YES," the door was opened. She conceived a child in that moment with her YES, and history itself changed forever. Emmanuel... Wondercounselor... Christ... Messiah... Lion of Judah... King of Kings... Prince of Peace...the Word...was made Flesh in her womb. Such that the Flesh of Jesus IS the Flesh of Mary. Through her YES, Jesus came to us. And through her YES, Jesus continues to come to us.

So we have Mary as our Model of the Christian life. For ultimately, God wants to do in us exactly what he did in Mary--Fill us with the Holy Spirit...so much so that God himself unites himself to our Flesh and Blood. So that we become the Body of Christ...His Flesh and Blood for the World. However, he will never force this upon us. But always, He stands at the doors of our hearts, gently knocking...sending a host of angels...inviting us to take part in the Mystery of his Love. But it is only our YES...following the perfect example of Mary, Our Loving, Gentle, and Patient Mother, that opens that door to the Will of God. The more we say Yes...the more we open ourselves to the Will of God in our lives...the more God is able to unite himself to our person...our body and soul...and thus...the more we truly become the "mothers, sisters, brothers" of Jesus.

So Yes...we honor Mary, but only because she brought us Jesus and continues to POINT us...to carry us to Him. Just as she told the servants at the wedding feast in Cana, she gives her best advice to us today, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5).

All true Devotion to Mary leads to Jesus. And so the ancient Christian tradition continues today: To Christ through Mary. If we run to her, she will never fall to take us to her Son. Nobody knows a Son like His Mother. Nobody can get the attention of a Son better than His Mother. And Nobody is prouder and more eager to share their Son, than their Mother. So who could be better to help us follow, know, and love Jesus than his Mother?

Here are some folks here at St. John's that seem to understand all of this all too well: The Rosary Club.

1...2....3....Marryyy!

They Pray the Rosary every day after 9AM Mass. Except on Wednesday's they pray it at 5PM just before Benediction and Mass.

The Rosary is ultimately a meditation on the life of Jesus. It is a powerful prayer that has been near and dear to the life of the Saints for centuries. In this prayer, we turn to Mary to help us to enter more deeply into the Mystery of Her Son Son's Conception, Life, Death, and Resurrection.

It was the favorite prayer of Blessed Pope John Paul II and has grown to be near and dear to me as well. In a letter he wrote about the Rosary, he states:

The Rosary, precisely because it starts with Mary's own experience, is an exquisitely contemplative prayer. Without this contemplative dimension, it would lose its meaning, as Pope Paul VI clearly pointed out: “Without contemplation, the Rosary is a body without a soul, and its recitation runs the risk of becoming a mechanical repetition of formulas, in violation of the admonition of Christ: 'In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words' (Mt 6:7). By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are disclosed”.

It is worth pausing to consider this profound insight of Paul VI, in order to bring out certain aspects of the Rosary which show that it is really a form of Christocentric contemplation.

Again, Contemplating Jesus is key.

Here is a link to the entire letter he wrote about the Rosary.

If you would like to learn how to pray the rosary, here are two helpful websites:

*Very practical

*Little more explanation

Have a great night ya'll.

To Jesus through Mary,

Let's aim to do whatever he tells us.

Peace.

Youth Group

2011-07-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

As it has been said, "The rub is in the details." So here is St. John's sign showing Mass times to all those driving by on Alberta St.

Also here are a couple shots from Youth Group tonight. Special thanks to all ya'll who came tonight. Also to Firehouse Subs for providing us with nourishment. And to our guest speaker for the evening--Sarah Butler--who shared about her experience growing up at St. John's and how it has helped her to live her faith down at South Alabama in Mobile where she will be a Senior this year. Sarah will be pursuing a career in optometry after graduating from USA, so she is asking that we all start staring into the sun for a couple minutes each day so that she will have a nice cliental waiting for her when she returns back to Enterprise one day...hahaha. We'll see what we can do....uhhhhh

Everyone was showing their ping-pong prowess tonight.

Sean here seems to be lost in the intensity of the moment as Father dominates in the background

Here are the lovely ladies that made Youth Group possible tonight. Thanks ya'll.

God Bless.

Peace.

Debt

2011-07-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

So, anytime we have turned on the News in the past two weeks, it is all about "Debt" and "Debt Ceilings" and "Defaulting on Debt" and any other permutation of "Debt" Washington or News Anchors can come up with.

The focus of course has been about the politicians in D.C., our President, bipartisanship, compromise, the upcoming election, and what our Congressmen are going to do to "fix" America.

Surely those we have elected have an important role to play and a great responsibility to carry out. But what about us?

Do we have any responsibility for the situation we are in?

This part of the "we," mentioned above, is taken from the Youth Groups of Eufaula, Enterprise, Dothan, and Ozark converging at Water World last week

Does "Debt" have anything to do with our lives? What is our responsibility as Americans, as people of faith, and particularly as Christians to those who are less fortunate than ourselves?

Also, are the materially poor, the only "poor" amongst us?

Are there important lessons that we ought to...need to learn from the materially poor?

Is poverty really a problem to solve? Or something else?

Here are a couple thought provoking articles that I have come across in the past week which I thought I would share.

"Ending Poverty with Global Christianity's Phantom Trillion" by Christopher Cocca

*This explores the question of "tithing": wonder what kind of "spending power" would exist if

all Christians tithed the Biblical 10% of their wealth?

9 Jesus Quotes About the Poor by The Huffington Post

*Just what it says--a compilation of Jesus' commentary on the poor in the Gospels. Great

pictures attached to each verse

"St. John Chrysostom and the Problem of Wealth" by Dr. John D. Jones, Professor of Philosophy at Marquette University

*What lessons do the poor have for us?

*Is wealth itself evil? Is poverty itself evil? Or is it the "love of money" that poisons our

relationship with each other and our God?

*******

On a lighter note, I'd like to Thank Mr. Brook Benton for helping us to better appreciate the Boll Weevil down here in the Wiregrass of Alabama. Also, thanks to Prattville Seminarian standout Chris Boutin for drawing my attention to Brook's work.

Click Here-> "The Boll Weevil Song"

Or Here on Brook

Reflection

2011-07-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Just want to share something that struck me today as I prayed over part of Psalm 63 (2-6)

"O God, you are my God, for you I long;

for you my soul is thirsting.

My body pines for you

like a dry, weary land without water.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary

to see your strength and your glory.

For you love is better than life,

my lips will speak your praise.

So I will bless you all my life,

in your name I will life up my hands.

My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,

my mouth shall praise you with joy."

------

"Long"

"Thirst"

"Pine"

Such rich words. Each denoting such an intense, all encompassing desire, demanding all of one's attention and effort.

And these are the words the Psalmist uses to describe his desire for God. Longing for Him, like a kid on the last day of school on the brink of summer. Thirsting for Him, like for water after and hour outside in Enterprise. Pining for Him, like a wife thinking of her husband off at war.

Such do our hearts feel for God. At times we cannot pinpoint the feeling, we just know there is an emptiness...a restlessness within. We long to be happy...to be loved...to be made whole. And we wonder, at times, if we are crazy for hoping...for believing that these intense, deeply laden feelings may ever be requited.

It is only faith...only believe in a loving God that could lead the Psalmist to respond as he does...

"For your love is better than life...My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, My mouth shall praise you with joy."

His love is the only banquet that can fill us. For our desire is bottomless and only His love is eternal and abiding enough to fill it. Only His his love can fill to the brim and overflow into a Praise of Joy.

A Praise of Joy. This is ultimately what we are made for--to make a Joyful noise of Thanksgiving to our Lover and Creator. This is what a human life looks like fulfilled. This is the best thing. In fact, it is everything. We have only to allow our longings...our thirsts...our pining to be filled by the One who can. The One who is.

"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee"

-St. Augustine

Closing Prayer:

Come and Fill what is lacking

Fill to the Brim and overflow around

Have Mercy on the cottonmouth of heart

Soften the pining of body and mind

Respond to the longing of spirit and grit

Vessels begin to crack when long without water

The Potter is needed also to Fill

So come and Fill as you Mold

That Joy may overflow and grow

Bringing taste and sight to a world groaning

Praise is the Remedy

May its balm fill the air

AMEN.

Walk Around Town: Enterprise

2011-07-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of the sanctuary at St. John's. I was in their Saturday evening after Mass, noticing how nice it is, so I took this picture.

Also, each Saturday after the 5PM Mass, a Hispanic group comes and has Praise/ Preaching/Prayer Session from 7-10PM. I joined them yesterday evening and really enjoyed it. They were all very kind and hospitable and even asked me to read some Scripture and preach a little bit. I was so impressed by their commitment to this prayer. 3 hours!!! Every week! And then Mass in the morning. And only because they desire to be there, praising God and seeking further conversion of their hearts.

Here is some of the band cleaning up their gear after the Prayer Session:

This afternoon I went to Walmart to get some groceries. It is one of the most important landmark's in Enterprise

Afterwards, I decided to run by downtown and get some shots to share with ya'll.

Although Walmart is a big landmark, all landmarks in Enterprise fall short of THE landmark in Enterprise--the BOLL WEEVIL.

The Boll Weevil is indigenous to Mexico. But showed up in Enterprise somehow in 1915 and quickly began to destroy the cotton crops growing there. This led a couple guys to start growing peanuts and other crops instead which did very well. Whereas this area was tied solely to cotton, the Boll Weevil forced the farmers to explore other crops which turned out to be very lucrative for all involved. To show their appreciation for Mr. Weevil, the town had this statue erected right at the crosshairs of downtown.

Here are some other shots of the quaint and charming historic downtown of Enterprise:

The water tower--a hall mark of any Southern small town

I've noticed this guy a couple times before--guess its a little bit easier to get roping trash cans down pat before moving onto other less sedentary objects. Haha. I gotta talk to this guy and figure out the story behind it.

God Bless America.

God Bless Enterprise.

God Bless You.

Peace.

Happy Anniversary Father Gregory!

2011-07-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

Today Father Gregory Okorobia celebrates the 32nd Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood!

Happy Anniversary Father Gregory!

As I am having a hard time fathoming that I will be ordained a priest in less than a year...it is all the more mind boggling to consider what all lies between here and now and 32 years of priesthood!

I shared this thought with Fr. Gregory who responded, "Don't worry, I felt the same way before I was ordained. In fact, I couldn't even imagine 25 years. And here I am at 32!"

Reassuring but still mind-boggling....

His Anniversary gave us the occasion to listen to him recall how the Lord called him to priesthood.

Growing up in Nigeria, Fr. Gregory describes himself as a very "pugnacious" kid. He said he was always fighting somebody for any reason he could find...especially his older brother. His older brother, on the other hand was the quiet and kind one that everyone expected to go to seminary.

However, when Father was 14, four close friends with whom he was an altar boy, decided to enter the Junior Seminary in the diocese. Whereas his friends were very enthusiastic and zealous about going to seminary and becoming priests, Gregory was not really interested, but his father thought it would be a good experience for him to give it a try. So, without really having an interest or an understanding of priesthood, Gregory went off to Junior Seminary. His parents expected him to shortly be sent home for getting in fights or something else of that nature.

Interestingly, Gregory was the only one of the 5 that actually went all the way through seminary and became a priest!

Father said that slowly he changed in Seminary. He cites it as a real example in his life as to how the Word of God has power to change any heart into the image of Christ's. He slowly learned to calm his temper and temper his fists. He also slowly came to believe that God really was calling him to be a priest.

With a smirk, he recalled how he failed Latin and refused to make up the course because it was so troublesome to him. Also, how he left seminary for a couple days to visit his family without permission. These and other things, were behaviors that should have meant immediate expulsion from Seminary. In fact, he had seen other guys get kicked out for lesser things. In fact, he expected that he would get kicked out. However...somehow....some way...his path was never brought to an end.

All this and more...began to slowly make Father Gregory realize that the priesthood is not something that you choose...but that you are chosen for. "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you" (John 15:16).

And over 32 years later, Father Gregory is still responding to the call...to lay it all down...for the sake of the Gospel.

Today the staff had lunch together to celebrate Father's Anniversary. At some point, I commented to Father, "Well....32 years Father! So now what? What is your goal?" I found his response simple yet profound, "Just keep being a priest. Keep following his Plan. This has always been His idea."

Please take some time and pray for Father this week. Pray that he may have the courage and strength to keep joyfully living out his call to the priesthood. Pray the he may continue to make Christ present in the lives of those he serves. Pray that he may rejoice in his sufferings, as he carries his cross, following Christ.

And Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving. That this man has opened his heart to the Good and All Powerful God. May he continue to do so until one day he finds himself resting in that City on a Hill.

Amen.

Thursday July 21

2011-07-21T19:51:00.001-07:00

Hello again. My name is Victor Ingalls.

About a week before arriving in Enterprise for the summer, I received an email from a good friend Father (as of June 11) Steven Vrazel. He was assigned to this parish in Enterprise two years ago as a seminarian and has since been receiving their weekly bulletin via email. In his correspondence with me (and a number of other seminarians), he sent me a copy of their latest bulletin commenting, "Hey check out your new name."

I opened it up and read the following: "This week we would like to welcome our new Seminarian for the summer, Victor Blitz."

Haha. How in the world did "Ingalls" morph into "Blitz???" And who is this Victor Blitz? Does he exist? Is this just a typo? Kinda sounds like a Super Hero...

Within hours, buddies were calling me saying, "What's up Blitz?" It even spread around Montgomery circles a bit. Enough that a close friend of the family came by and gave me a personalized water bottle commemorating my newfound name:

Thanks Colleen.

Once landing in Enterprise, the mystery began to unravel. Cindy, the parish secretary, confessed that she had made a typo. But that there was a REAL Victor Blitz who was a parishioner who had recently moved into the nursing home.

Fr. Vrazel had sent her an email drawing her attention to the typo...but not before forwarding his PDF copy to me and several others...haha. Cindy went on to make the painstaking effort manually correct all 300 bulletins! Thanks Cindy!

But try as she may, she could not keep the "Blitz" phenomenon from developing.

Last week, I went with a couple of parishioners to bring Communion to Victor Blitz in the Nursing Home. It was a clashing of destines...a fusion of identities...a real Victor encounter. Things really came together when I asked V. Blitz to explain the meaning of our name to our friends. He answered with matter-fact-resolve saying, "It means that I'm the Boss!" hahaha.

Perfect. I told him that was the best way I had ever heard it put. We have been laughing about that ever since.

Today, I was able to visit Victor again with some friends.

I told Vic to look handsome...and I think he really stepped up to the plate.

I was also able to meet his sweet wife today who drives to visit him 4-5 times a week. Please pray for the Victor and his wife Jenelle. That God may bless them with strength, endurance, courage, and love as Victor and her continue to adjust to his residence in the Nursing Home.

Afterwards, we stopped for lunch at the Hickory Pit which is now a 2 time tradition.

Will and Betty are long time parishioners of St. John's and very active in just about everything. I am very thankful to them for letting me join in their Ministry to the Sick. Also, Nancy, Betty's sister visiting from Atlanta, joined us today. Each of us enjoyed the "Clevis Special" at the Hickory Pit which is a pulled pork sandwiched smothered in BBQ sauce, cole slaw, onions, and pickles. Mmmmmmmm m. Thank you Clevis for all you have done for us!

This evening, I started a 5 class series on the Mass. The aim of the course will be two fold: to REDISCOVER the MASS and to take a look at the new translation of the Roman Missal (the prayers of the Mass) which will be implemented this coming Advent.

Tonight we took another look at the Mass and the Eucharist in general, trying to understand more fully what a gift it is. Realizing the the Eucharist is really the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Realizing that at Mass, the Power of Christ (which is the both the power through which the entire universe was created AND the power through which it was being redeemed and IS being sanctified) is made present in the most powerful way in the universe. Realizing that we are, indeed, called to be the Body and Blood of Christ (i.e. Be perfectly united with God...to fully become "Church") and that it is the Eucharist that helps us most powerfully to "become what we eat."

Here are two prayers from Eucharistic Prayer II of the Mass which really highlight the desire of Christ for all of us at Mass:

First Epiclesis: Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Second Epiclesis: May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.

So it is receiving Jesus (the perfect Unity with God with Father and all his Creation) that we too (by receiving it with humble and contrite hearts) may become Jesus...we may come into full COMMUNION with God and all his creation. Recall the words of St. John the Baptist: "He must increase. I must decrease" (John 3:30). Also the words of St. Paul: "And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way." (Ephesians 1:22-23)

We had a pretty good turn out and I think everyone enjoyed it...

despite having to listen to me run my mouth for a little over an hour.

Here are the words of three different Saints on the importance of the Eucharist:

"You envy the opportunity of the woman who touched the vestments of Jesus, of the sinful woman who washed His feet with her tears, of the women of Galilee who had the happiness of following Him in His pilgrimages, of the Apostles and disciples who conversed with Him familiarly, of the people of the time who listened to the words of grace and salvation which came forth from His lips. You call happy those who saw Him...But, come to the alter and you will see Him, you will touch Him, you will give to Him holy kisses, you will wash Him with your tears, you will carry Him within you like Mary Most Holy."

~ St. John Chrysostom

"The celebration of the Holy Mass
is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the Cross."
~ St. Thomas Aquinas

"Man should tremble, the world should vibrate,
all Heaven should be deeply moved
when the Son of God appears on the alter in the hands of the priest."
~ St. Francis of Assisi

If anyone reading this is in the Enterprise area, I'd like to invite you to come to any or all of the remaining classes. And to those of you who did come, feel free to bring a friend or family member. It is something I am really passionate about and something I think you will find interesting and hopefully more so nourishing. All of them will be held in the New Dining Hall of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Enterprise, AL from 6:30PM-8PM. They will be held on the following Thursdays:

July 28, August 4, August 11, & August 25

Alright ya'll. Peace be with you.

Wednesday

2011-07-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Drove up to Montgomery today.

Gilbert, who has been cutting my hair since I was six, got me looking a little bit more human. He cuts hair out at Wynlakes, if any of you are in Montgomery and in need of looking fresh.

Then at noon I met up with the Pats.

Pat Arensberg and I are seminarians for the Archdiocese of Mobile. We have been studying together for the past three years in Rome. This coming October 6 the two of us will be ordained Deacons with the rest of our classmates at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Needless to say we are pretty pumped.

Adding to the excitement and blessing of the event, we are organizing a pilgrimage for folks from the Archdiocese of Mobile to come over to Rome to share in the celebration. To organize this pilgrimage, we turned to another Pat Arensberg. This is the Uncle of the Seminarian Pat Arensberg. So, since we have started working on this, he has become "Uncle Pat."

Uncle Pat also spent some time in Rome in seminary--two years. During that time, he discerned that God was calling him to be a family man. The Lord has blessed him with a beautiful family in Mobile where he has taught Theology and coached football for several years now. Recently, however, he was made the Director of Religious Education for the entire Archdiocese.

Congrats Uncle Pat and Blessings as you make this big transition.

On the side over the past decade or so, putting his Roman experience to use, Uncle Pat has organized several pilgrimages for groups from Alabama and beyond. So naturally, Pat and I turned to him to arrange the pilgrimage surrounding our Ordination to the Diaconate.

Looks like we are going to have about 40 people coming to join us in Rome for 10 days and celebrate this great day in our lives! Looking forward to it.

Here are the two Pats

Got back to Enterprise just in time for some special prayers at St. John. For the past couple months, St. John's has increased its commitment to prayer. Every Tuesday morning, the Eucharist is exposed after 9AM Mass. From then until Wednesday evening, people in the parish sign up to come and spend one hour in prayer before our Lord. They make sure that someone is there every second during this time...even late into the morning....1am.... 3am.... 5am... always someone there. The idea is just to come and spend time with Jesus, like you would a good friend. To place yourself before Him, tell him what is on your mind and heart, and then just listen...just sit...just adore...just rest in his Presence.

Pretty awesome to see how this parish has responded to this new effort in prayer.

The prayer vigil concludes each Wednesday starting at 5 pm. At 5pm people gather to pray the Rosary. After that, Father comes and celebrates what is called "Benediction" in which a priest blesses his Congregation with Jesus present in the Eucharist. Right after that, they move right into Mass which finishes up about 6pm.

I have been encouraging the Youth to come by calling it the "RBM Challenge" (Rosary-Benediction-Mass). Despite my lame attempt at PR, about 3 of our Youth showed up today! I was so impressed by them. Several adults gather today as well such that we filled up our small Daily Mass Chapel. Nice.

Here is Father as he expresses our love for the Lord in the Eucharist by kneeling before and incensing it

Here, Father is blessing the Congregation as I incense the Eucharist expressing our Love and Thanksgiving for Christ...Emmaneul...being WITH us

Right after the RBM Challenge, we had Youth Group. It was my first time being with the Youth for one of their meetings & the first meeting of the summer. All things considered, I think it went pretty well. 9 girls and 1 guy showed up. Thanks Sean for boosting the male ratio!

Other guys...if you are reading this...come out next week. I mean come on...the odds are way in your favor....hahahha

Here are a few of their riveted faces. Probably right after my dynamic presentation. haha

Here are the readings from Mass today.

http://www.usccb.org/nab/072011.shtml

Interesting, today's OT reading and Psalm show how the Lord was preparing the way for the Eucharist even before the coming of Christ.

Check it out and see if you can make the connection

Aiight. That does it for today

Have a good one.

Peace

Enterprise, Alabama: St. John the Evangelist

2011-07-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been about a year since my last post.

I'm gonna give this another go and shoot for shorter, more frequent posts.

I have been assigned to serve in a parish in Enterprise, AL named St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. I have been here about a week and a half and have really been enjoying meeting the folks around here.

I posted two pictures on my facebook page yesterday which I will go ahead and share again.

Picture of the sun setting over the church as Father Gregory and I took a walk the other day

Here is shot taken today after Barbara's Funeral Mass. Fr. Gregory Okorobia is on the right. He is from Nigeria. Went to Seminary there. Later got a Doctorate in Spain in Systematic Theology. Served in Nigeria for awhile. Then in Oregon for about 12 years. Also got a Masters in Liturgy from Notre Dame University. Now in Alabama for about 2 years. Pretty incredible guy. And my pastor for the summer. I'm blessed.

FROM TODAY:

Father and I start each day with an hour of Silent prayer, sitting before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a great way to start the day. And I am impressed by Father's commitment to this prayer. I do my best to stay awake and remain prayerful for the entire hour. Coffee helps. God too.

This is Mrs. Anne. Really sweet lady who was recently widowed after 65....that's right.....65 years of marriage. Raised 6 kids and is still going strong. Her faith, humor, and kindness are contagious, refreshing, and make you want to be a better person. Carol, another lady in the parish, and I brought here Communion today and visited for awhile. She was going to stand on the coffee table to even out the picture but I told her not to worry about it. haha

Kids on the way to Dothan's refreshing Water World. About 18 kids from Enterprise drove up to this water park today to meet up with Youth Groups from both Dothan and Eufaula. We were blessed with great weather, food, and times. Thanks to all the parents who took the afternoon/evening to drive. Thanks to all the kids for coming and enjoying. Kid in the back right was either enjoying...or having a minor stroke...hahahahaha

Great to catch up with some old friends today. Edgar (L) and Victor "The Lesser" as I like to call him (by me) are in the Youth Group from Eufaula where I was last summer. I really miss those guys, so it was great to see them. Also, Zack is another Seminarian who is actually in Eufaula this summer. He is from Prattville and will be entering his first year in Major Seminary this fall and his third year overall. We study at different seminaries, so I really enjoy any chance I get to catch up with him or any of the other guys during the summer.

Great day.

Thanks God.

Peace ya'll

I'll post the final in the morning

2010-08-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Peace!!!!!

I'll post the final draft in the morning.

Peace.

Week 8 in Eufaula: Winding Things Down

2010-08-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hello from MONTGOMERY!

Hard to believe but the Summer in Eufaula has already come and gone! I just got back to Montgomery last night about midnight and am just now having a chance to step back and realize that my time in Eufaula is over. What a blessed summer! One to remember for sure.

But before some thoughts on the whole experience. A quick look at the 8th and Final week with Fr. Shoemaker.

It was a week of Gatherings and Goodbyes.

Monday and Tuesday was spent largely going to visit all of the sick in the parish one last time. Father and I went together and shared one last visit together.

On Wednesday after Mass, we heading down to Orange Beach for the annual "Seminarian Gathering." For around 30 years, every summer for about 4-5 days, all of the Seminarians for the Archdiocese of Mobile congregate down in Orange Beach at the home of a generous Catholic family from Mobile. The Archbishop is present along with the two Vocation Directors (Priests that help mentor the Seminarians in the Archdiocese) and the Chancellor (Priest who helps the Archbishop run the diocese). As we are currently spread out studying among 7 different dioceses, it is really the one time a year for us all to be in the same place.

Father Shoemaker is one of the Vocation Directors, so we road down together. All 19 Mobile Seminarians were able to make it. So it was a full house! Thank God for that!

The main objective was just for us to all be together and strengthen our fraternity as men studying to be priests. As you can imagine, it is a somewhat unique lifestyle to be living, so these relationships become crucial as you prepare for ordination and then live it out.

We are blessed in Mobile to have a real spirit of fraternity amongst the priests and seminarians. We really did have a good time together down at the beach.

One tradition that has emerged, is playing pool basketball with all of the seminarians. We divided into two teams and basically the only rule is...get the ball into the net....whatever means necessary. This year, however, it took awhile for us to find the water-basketball net.....in the meantime, we got a little anxious and had to resort to the frisbee I brought. What ensued was a dog-fight to carry the frisbee with your team to the other end of the pool. Here is a look at the onslaught:

Coming up with a game-

plan

Punting it down to the other end

Trying to Hulk-it down the field

Looking for a pass

A bit of finesse

Us after the game---All 19 Mobile Seminarians!

It was a great way to break the ice and get to know one another (It was the first time, for us to meet the new guys and for them to meet us). It also gave us a good excuse to lay around for the rest of the afternoon, chat, fall in and out of naps, and enjoy one another's company.

The pool, throughout the week, provided endless entertainment.

Father Shoemaker brought a water-proof camera....which allowed the following moments to be captured.

L to R: Daniel, Stephen, Brandon, and Zack

Hand-Eye Coordination was a premium poolside

Honing in that Priestly skill

With all of the excitement, do you think Fr. Shoemaker could resist???

Of course not!

What do we want? TD! What's that? Touchdown!!!

Embrace the Intensity

Gottems!

Thursday night welcomed another tradition---Serra Club Dinner! The "Serra Club" is an International Association whose main objective is to Pray! Interesting hunh? Specifically they Pray for more Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life.

The Serra Club of Mobile always comes to Orange Beach and puts together a really nice seafood dinner for all of us at the nearby parish--St. Thomas by the Sea

Before that we had a special "Holy Hour" in their chapel to pray for more Vocations. A "Holy Hour" is basically just a solid hour of prayer. This Holy Hour featured Eucharistic "Exposition" and "Benediction." This is when the Eucharist is placed in a special vessel called a "Monstrance" and placed on the altar. After a special hymn, it provides an intimate setting to be in the Lord's presence and spend time with one another conversing...praying....just BEING together. At the end, "Benediction" occurs. This is when the priest goes behind the altar, picks up the monstrance, and then blesses everyone in attendance with the Eucharist in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This has become one of my favorite forms of prayer throughout my time in Seminary. I recommend it to anyone....Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

The Monstrance that was used during the Holy Hour was very special in itself. When John Paul II was the Pope, he has 6 special Monstrances made and bestowed upon them his special Apostolic Blessing. He then gave one to each continent and asked that they travel around the continent to promote prayer for more Vocations. One such Monstrance has found its way to the Archdiocese of Mobile and has been traveling around from parish to parish. So that added special significance to the event.

Below is a picture taken during the Holy Hour.

Big thanks to the Serrans for such a prayerful and enjoyable evening! Here is a shot of all of us Seminarians together after the dinner.

Sitting in the front is the Archbishop Emeritus of Mobile Oscar H. Lipscomb. The current bishop is the last person on the top right--Archbishop Thomas Rodi.

One last activity to share. Pat Arensberg (From Mobile. Went to China with me last summer) and I were swimming in the Gulf and started to get tired. We remembered they had a tube in their boat house and got one of the other guys to bring it to us.

Proved to be very relaxing water-lawn chairs

But after a bit, we felt the need for speed. Thankfully we were able to talk Stephen into our idea for a "Water-Rickshaw Service." Now that I look at this picture again, it really does seem like a picture off the "You Might be a Redneck If..." website!!! Hahaha

Look at us really cruising

All in All, it was a great trip. Great time in prayer. Great fellowship. Great fun. Great life. God is Good you know! So Thanks be to Him for the great time together.

Last Masses:

On Saturday around mid-morning, Father and I had to pack everything up to head to Union Springs (about 5 hrs away) for the 5 and 6PM Masses. After Masses, we made it back to Eufuala late that night...both of us dead tired. Next day there were 9AM and 12PM Masses. Then from 5-6PM we held a "Holy Hour" at our church the with the same special "Vocations Monstrance." It was very moving for me to see so many in the parish come back to the Church on Sunday afternoon to pray for me and other young men who may be considering the priesthood.

Thanks to everyone in Eufuala that I was blessed to know this summer. It was a really fantastic experience being there. I felt so welcomed! So part of a real Church family!!!

And with that, came the end of the summer assignment, there in Eufuala....the center of civilization :)

I consider myself truly blessed to have had the time to spend in Eufaula, even just for a few months. Such strong faith, deep history, and authentic Christian Witness are a few of the hallmarks at Holy Redeemer.

So a special Hello, Thank You, and GOD BLESS you to everyone reading from Holy Redeemer.

Catholic Prime-time:

Get Ready for the upcoming summer blockbuster hit: "Archdiocese of Mobile: The Vocation Boom." It will be broadcasted on a Live Show called "Life on the Rock." It will air TOMORROW (Thursday, August 19th) at 7 PM Central and 8 PM Eastern. If you don't have the Catholic Channel, you can view it on EWTN's website. Here is a link that will take you straight there: Archdiocese of Mobile: The Vocation Boom

You may be wondering, what is meant by "Vocation Boom?" Well, it is referring to the fact that we have SIX new guys who will begin their studies for the priesthood with the Archdiocese of Mobile! Our goal was to get at least four new guys to replace the four men who were just ordained in June. But God is so Good....that he sent us 6!!!

Allow me to introduce these new guys real quick:

Meet Stevie Dolan. Stevie grew up in Mobile at St. Mary's Parish and graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in the Spring of '09. He spent one year at University of Alabama Huntsville running Cross Country and studying Mechanical Engineering. He will be heading to St. Joseph's Seminary College in Covington, LA at the end of this week.

Meet Sam O'Donnell. Sam just graduated from Murphy high school in Mobile--arch-rivals to McGill-Toolen!!! Sam played Varsity football and has worked as a lifeguard in the summers for the past four years. He will be starting College Seminary at St. Jean Vianney in Minnesota in a few short weeks.

Meet Chris Boutin. Chris reigns from St. Joseph's Parish in Pratville, AL. Chris went to Prattville high and was an all-star outfielder for their baseball team. He went on to play baseball at Troy for a couple years, and then trasferred to Auburn University in Montgomery where he graduated. He has been working for Progressive Insurance for a number of years all over Alabama. Chris will also be heading down to St. Jospeh's Seminary College

Meet Joey Dunbar. Joey grew up in Slidell, LA and went on to attend Auburn University. Joey was a punter on the Tigers Football team!!! He spent a couple years after College discerning and growing with the Legionnaires of Christ (A Religious Order), spending time in Connecticut and Ireland. After much prayer, Joey felt more so called to the Diocesan Priesthood. Having went to school in Auburn and his parents recently moving to Montgomery, Joey found his way to the Archdiocese of Mobile---Praise God! He will also be starting at St. Joseph's College Seminary at the end of this week.

Meet again, Matteush (?). I really need to learn this guys last name!!! Haha. I introduced Matteush in last week's post...so I refer you to that. We are so Happy to have a piece of Poland with us down in Dixie!

Finally, meet Jeremiah Carter. Sorry I don't have a good shot of him. But he is the one on the front row with the coat and tie. Jeremiah grew up moving around the world, but went to high school in California. He found he way down to Mobile for College attending University of South Alabama. There he became involved with the Catholic Student Center run by our Vocations Director Father Alex Valladares. In that environment, he was drawn deeply into his faith and heard a call to the priesthood. Jeremiah will soon be starting at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.

Soooo....A big WELCOME to our newest 6 Seminarians. Thanks for opening your heart to God's Call in your life. May his Holy Spirit guide you in this next chapter of the Gift of your Lives.

And remember to check out the show on EWTN tomorrow night at 7PM Central: Archdiocese of Mobile: The Vocation Boom

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

Archdiocese of Mobile: The Vocation Boom

O yea, did I mention this TV show tomorrow night at 7PM Central. Check out yours truly and other personalities from Mobile celebrating the gift of our 6 new seminarians!

A Look at different Seminaries, where Mobile guys are studying:

St. Joseph's Seminary College

St. Meinrad Seminary

St. Jean Vianney

Serra Club-USA

I mentioned this International Group that prays for Vocations in the post. Check out there website for their Mission in the United States.

The Calling

Here is a video I ran across about the story of 3 guys who heard and responded to a call to the Priesthood. Pretty insightful---taking time for the simple things in life.

THIS SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”

Signing Off:

Alright Ya'll, have a great week. Let's pray for one another. And as always, if you have any specific prayer requests, shoot me an email.

Take time this week to enjoy some moments of silence. Enjoy the small things. Enjoy the people in your life. Take time to just be with them. Be thankful for them. Thank God. And relish in the Mystery that is You.

Peace & Love.

Weeks 6 & 7 in Eufaula: Two Week Recap

2010-08-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

Hello Blog-Followers...those of you that are left!!!

Sorry again for being delinquent these past couple weeks. As my experience has been winding down here in Eufaula, the activities seem to have been piling up. Father announced at Mass a couple weeks ago that my time here was growing short. He mentioned how we all love to procrastinate, and many probably have been procrastinating about inviting me over for supper. Consequently I have been spending most every evening since then visiting with a different family in the parish!!! And consequently, I would now like to publicly declare that the best cook in the parish is.....

Yea right....You think I am that crazy!?! Hahahaha.

Seriously, I have loved visiting with everyone. Thanks to you all for your hospitality and love for this parish.

Days are beginning to blur together....probably has something to do with the 100 degree heat...so the recap below will not be chronologically precise.

Matteush (Ma-Tay-Oosh):

After having more than likely butchered his name (However, the phonetic aid does, indeed, correspond to how he himself pronounces his name), I would like to present one of the newest seminarians to the Archdiocese of Mobile--Matteush. Matteush is from Poland--one of the most Catholic countries in the world. Matteush grew up on a farm in a small village in Poland. He is the first person from his village in anyone's memory to leave home to study for the priesthood. After finishing his studies in philosophy, Matteush felt called to be a missionary. So he came to the United States to study at a Polish Seminary in Detroit. From there, each Polish seminarian is recruited by various dioceses in the United States. Interestingly, Matteush and a friend of his were about set on another Southeastern diocese. However, one day Fr. Alex (the Vocations Director from Mobile, AL) came and gave a presentation about the Archdiocese of Mobile. Matteush met Fr. Alex briefly after his presentation. In the weeks that followed, Matteush describes feeling strongly called "for some reason" to reconsider and visit Mobile. Now he is one of our newest seminarians!!!

Funny how God works. How mysterious---from Polish Village to Detroit to Mobile, Alabama! Is there any logic to be discerned from such a journey? Is this completely random? Here are some verses that came to mind, which perhaps might provide us a bit of perspective.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. (John 15:16)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Matteush came to visit Eufaula for the day with Fr. Alex. As Fr. Alex visited all of the different seminarians in their summer parish assigments, Matteush tagged along to get to know the diocese better....he has probably seen more of it than me now!!! Here we are again with the Gators--a staple in the 1st-Visit-Eufaula Tour.

Classic Summer Activity: Whitewashing a Fence

"Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long-handled brush. He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Thirty yards of board fence nine feet high. Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden. Sighing, he dipped his brush and passed it along the topmost plank; repeated the operation; did it again; compared the insignificant whitewashed streak with the far-reaching continent of unwhitewashed fence, and sat down on a tree-box discouraged. "

From Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Chapter Two, 1876.

Perhaps not quite as dismal, but this actually happened a couple weeks ago in Eufaula. The porch and brick wall in front of the Church office had not been whitewashed in quite some time. So one day, Father and I rounded up some of the guys from the Youth Group and did a little sprucing up.

B.J. and (Lil) Victor took one side.

Edgar and I took the other side. You can guess who's turned out better... :)

And Father took the porch. Notice the technique: Ladder to the side, standing on a railing, clinging to a banister....OSHA would be proud.

Big thanks to Edgar, BJ, Victor, and Sean. The wall looks better than ever...well at least better than the two months previously I have known it.

Fr. Den Irwin's Visit:

Fr. Den Irwin came from his new assignment in Troy, AL to spend the evening with Father and I a couple weeks back. Simple as the visit may have been...it was really one of those "Full Circle" moments for me. A little back story.

One summer, when I was in high school, (then) Den Irwin was a seminarian. Just like I am assigned to serve in Eufaula for the summer, Den was assigned to serve at Holy Spirit Church in Montgomery, AL--my home parish. I got to know Den a bit that summer. I was struck that he was a seemingly "normal" (I know now there is really no such thing...but I think you know what I mean) guy--could carry a conversation, went to Auburn, was in a Fraternity, worked as a camp counselor, liked to go hiking, etc. That simple reality, always stayed with me.

Five and a half years ago, I was a Junior at Furman University in Greenville, SC. I was really struggling with my call to the priesthood. During Christmas Break, I was back in Montgomery chatting with my Dad about all of this. As a starting point, my Dad suggested that I call (then) Fr. Irwin and seek advice.

You see, Den is from Montgomery as well. My Dad is an Oral Surgeon and his Dad is an orthodontist. So they have known one another for a long time. Plus, my Dad knew that I had met Den that summer and that Den was recently ordained.

Nonetheless, I resisted my Dad's suggestion saying that it would just be "too weird" and that Fr. Den probably wouldn't remember me. Nonetheless, my Dad called Den's dad and got Fr. Den's cell phone number. Now I was stuck!

I'll never forget sitting on my bed for like an hour trying to muster up the gall to call. I felt like the conversation was going to bring some kind of life-shattering wisdom and I wanted to be somewhat prepared for the impact.

Finally pulling myself together, I stammered out the 7 digits and made the call. A couple rings and I heard,

"Hello."

Me: "Uh. Hello. My name is Victor Ingalls. Uhhhh. I'm not sure if you remember me, but you were at Holy Spirit about four summers back and we met a couple times."

Den: "O.....OK...Yea...Sure."

Me: "Yea....Well...I think that maybe God wants me to be a priest...and I was hoping you could give me some advice."

My inner monologue: "askdbfkjzbxvjyuagf----O great!!! I'm an idiot. Wait....I put it out there...Here comes the life shattering wisdom...."

Den: "O OK. Well you should probably give Fr. Alex a call. He is the Vocations Director. Hold on a sec, let me get his number."

My inner monologue: "THAT'S IT!#!@#$%^&*????"

Me right now: Hahahahahahahaha

We exchanged a couple more words and said our goodbyes. My mind was blown. I was not sure what had just happened. I was expecting my life to be shattered and remolded in an instant. And all I got was another number! Had I just tasted failure? Denial? What? I did my best to shake it off, and went on with my day.

The next day, Fr. Irwin called me back on my cellphone. He had some time to process my Totally-Out-Of-Left-Field-Phone-Call from the day before, and wanted to follow up. He was coming into Montgomery later on in the week and invited me to meet him at Holy Spirit for Mass and then breakfast.

That morning was one of the biggest reliefs of my life. Mass was great. Breakfast was great. He patiently sat there while I babbled out my inner-monologue and past 6-7 years of struggle with an apparent call to be a priest.

That morning led to a call to Fr. Alex the next day.

That call led to conversations with the Archbishop and other priests.

That led me to ask Fr. Alex and Archbishop Lipscomb if I could spend the upcoming summer in a parish somewhere and really find out what priests do from day to day. I felt called to be a priest. But practically speaking, had no idea what they did outside of Sundays. My one caveat was that, I did not want to be in a parish in Montgomery....too many strings from my "former life." I felt I needed some space.

That led Fr. Alex and Archbishop Lipscomb to set me up with a summer internship at St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, AL. At that time, Fr. Den Irwin was assigned there as the Assistant to the Pastor.

Here comes the FULL CIRCLE.....

One day that summer, Fr. Den and I traveled to a new destination--EUFAULA, ALABAMA to visit a certain Fr. David Shoemaker at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. We spent the afternoon with him, two seminarians, and another visiting priest.

That summer convinced me that I needed to go to seminary and at least try it out.

That has led me to 4 years in seminary.

And now 5 years later, it was Fr. Irwin that came to visit ME and Fr. Shoemaker in Eufaula!

And THAT is what I meant when I said his visit was a "FULL CIRCLE MOMENT." Marinate on that for awhile. As you do so, I refer myself and you at this moment to the same three verses cited earlier.

FULL CIRCLE MOMENT in Eufaula with Fr. Den

TRAINING ALTAR SERVERS:

One day, Father asked me to train the three newest altar serving recruits: Hunter and Birch (brothers, one year apart) and Joseph. It was fun to show them the ropes....and they showed a lot of promise. Especially impressive was the intensity and zeal with which they approached "bell-ringing." Making loud noises is something I have found that most boys....well men enjoy.

Look how enthralled they are by my instruction! haha

Wonder if I will ever get a call from them down they road? More Full Circle Moments on the horizon? Again, I refer to the three verses quoted previously.

Summer Gathering:

Tomorrow after Mass, Father and I will be traveling down to Orange Beach, for the annual Seminarian Summer Gathering. Every summer, for about 4-5 days, all of the seminarians get together at the beach with the Bishop and Vocation Directors. It is a time to get to know one another better (as we are spread out over 4 or 5 different seminaries), strengthen our friendships, kick back, and meet with the Bishop. Each seminarian has a private meeting with the bishop in which you talk about the past year, your progress, where you need to grow, strengths, weaknesses, upcoming year, etc. It is a blast. We will drive back on Saturday just in time for the Masses in Union Springs.

LAST HOORAH with Kids in UNION SPRINGS:

Consequently, last Saturday was my last opportunity lead my class with the kids in Union Springs. My mom baked some cookies and helped me gather a bunch of snacks to throw a "Last Class" bash to close out the summer. It was bittersweet spending the time with them. I will really miss our Saturday afternoons together.

Here is a shot of us all together after Mass this past Saturday evening.

Eat your heart out....

Another Look at Fr. "Snow"maker (I just came up with that...not bad hunh???)

Just so that you can appreciate a bit more, Fr. Showmaker's zeal for Christmas...here is a further look into this unique part of his ministry.

Reading to a class of kids

Fr. Snowmaker...making dreams come true

The dream that came true!

The dreamS that came true

Visiting the Nursing Home

At the Public Library

Doing was Santa does best

How many months 'til Christmas???

Hope that gets you in the Spirit!

Well, that catches ya'll up a bit on what has been going on this past week. It really has been a rich time here in Eufaula! I am so thankful for this assignment for so many reasons. What a great reminder of what it is all about....of why God has called me to this life...of how it all began!!!

I will post again in a week with details about the Seminarian Gathering and my last couple days here in Eufaula.

May you be blessed this week....richly blessed!

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

Santa America:

This is one of the many different "Santa Claus Societies" to which Father belongs. Fr. David has been on the board of this organization more or less since its inception. It's mission is unique and inspiring: (taken from their website)

Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special

mission. Over one-hundred Santas across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice.

Santa's visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever.

Keytar Catholic:

Don't forget my HandleBar-Mustached Collegue--Steven Vrazel. Finishing up his summer assignment in Wetumpka, AL.

Archdiocese of Mobile-Vocations Office:

After all this talk about "Full Circle Moments" and people hearing the call to priesthood....I thought...well....you might very well be stammering through the "foolishness of God" right now. And even if you aren't....check out this site...it is pretty well done and will give you all the contact information you need. As well you can check out all of the other guys studying to be priest's for the Archdiocese of Mobile.

THIS SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
Signing Off:
Aiight ya'll. Be Good. Be Blessed. Be Aware of that wisdom which is CALLING in your life. Deeper into the Mystery of His Love. Deeper into all the is real...all that is lasting....all that is worthwhile.
Sounds nice hunh?
Let's pray for one another. Let me know if there is anything specific I can be offering up.
Peace.
Love.
Full-Circle Love.
Love.

A Small Glimpse

2010-08-07T08:29:00.001-07:00

Sorry Ya'll.

I just couldn't get my act together this week for the post.

However, here is a small glimpse inside Holy Redeemer Church's beautiful sanctuary.

Beautiful hunh?

This image of Jesus is known as the "Sacred Heart." In the 17th century, Christ revealed this image to a French nun named Margaret Mary Alocoque. He asked her to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart around the world. Christ wanted....and wants today to remind us of how intensely his Heart aches and burns with love for us. Thus he showed his heart to Margaret Mary--filled with flames of love, wrapped by a crown of thorns, and pierced by a lance. It has been said that Christ's heart was so full of love that it HAD to be pierced. So as to release the font of Love and Mercy to be poured out over all the world. Amazing hunh?

Here is the famous Litany (a type of meditative prayer) to the Sacred Heart. It is a beautiful prayer which I offer for your consideration. Notice, in a particular way, how it ends. (The Left side is the "call" and the right side is the "response" to each brief prayer.)

(Note: I had trouble copying the response: each response on the right is cut off a bit. It should read "Have mercy ON US")

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty,
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world,

R. Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world,

R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world,

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.

R. Make our hearts like unto Thine! Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.
have mercy on us.

have mercy on us.

Let us pray;

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son
and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name
of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness,
grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who
livest and reignest with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

I will do last week and this week this coming Tuesday. Thanks for ya'lls patience.

Have a great weekend.

Peace and Love---that burns and aches for you.

Until Tomorrow....

2010-08-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry Ya'll.

Yet another delay.

Just too much fun down here in Eufaula.

I'm shooting for tomorrow morning.

Until then....

Peace

Eufaula Week 5: Baptism and More

2010-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

This post will be somewhat backwards with regards to chronology and thematic consistency. But...we could all use some variety right?

This past Friday and Saturday, Father Shoemaker gave me time off to travel down to New Orleans for Connor's (my nephew's) Baptism. My sister and her husband Jeremy asked me and Chuck to be Connor's Godparents. As Godparents we would pledge to support Courtney and Jeremy as they raise Connor in the Church. We would pledge to do our best to be good examples of Christ's love in his life. It was humbling to be asked to do such a thing. However, knowing we must rely on God's grace and wisdom, we accepted with great excitement.

Furthermore, who doesn't want have claim to the name "Godfather????"

Pretty sweet life I am living now hunh? If only I could grow a darker mustache.....hahahaha

So all the family headed down to Nola for the weekend. It was a blast seeing Connor again and the rest of the family. Here are some shots from our weekend together.

Chuck/Godmother-to-be and Conn-Air

Victor Corleone and Connor

In preparation for becoming Connor's Godfather, I groomed Connor in the ancient art of Peak-a-boo....using my shirt to cover his head.

This is St. Francis parish in the West Riverbank neighborhood of New Orleans. This was the first place where Courtney and Jeremy went to Church upon moving to New Orleans. At Mass that day, a young deacon preached a memorable homily. At the end of Mass, the pastor thanked the deacon for his help over the summer and mentioned that he would be leaving shortly to continue his studies in Rome. Courtney immediately spazzed in her seat...realizing that he probably knew me from school. After Mass, she dodged her way to the deacon discovering that he was Peter Finney. Peter is a close friend of all the Mobile guys in Rome. Small world hunh?!! Peter was ordained a priest on June 11 at the Cathedral in New Orleans. Congratulations Peter!

Here is a short article I found about Peter and his Ordination> CLICK HERE

St. Francis is also the first place where Connor ever went to Mass---this past Christmas Eve--peacefully slept through the whole thing.

(L-R) Jeremy, Courtney and Connor, Fr. Jeff, Me, and Chuck

Fr. Jeff has been ordained for about 2 years now. He went to College Seminary at St. Joseph's Abbey in St. Benedict, Louisiana and then studied Theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. A number of the Mobile seminarians studied with Jeff through the years. I have only ever heard good things about this guy. It was a blessing to finally meet him. Humble...simple...and unpretentiously very intelligent. He really made it a special occasion for everyone.

Fr. Jeff was stationed at St. Francis when Courtney and Jeremy arrived in New Orleans. He came to visit them in the hospital a number of times bringing comfort, prayer, and peace while Courtney struggled to give birth to Connor a month early. God's Providence is amazing--surrounding Courtney, Jeremy, and Connor with such great people (who happened to be my friend and friends' friend) at such a crucial time.

Connor is wearing the same gown I wore for my baptism. Solid.

Wally (aka Shaq aka my Mom), like most Grandmothers I know, can't stop looking at her grandkids

Finally getting to meet the famous Fr. Jeff

The Two Grandmothers: My Mom and Jeremy's Mom Sandi

Jeremy, Courtney, Connor & Baptismal Font

Like Father like Son

Dad and his wife Terre with the Con-Man

Jeremy's parents: Sandi and Ed. It was so good to be with them again after a two year hiatus due to my studies in Rome. Salt of the earth folks from Ocala, Florida...Courtney is lucky to have In-Laws like this.

Happy Baby

All in all, it was a great trip with a great purpose spent with great people. Connor is baptized now. I am a Godfather now. We welcome this new life...claimed for Christ into our midst. We shower him with our love and prayers so that Christ may come and dwell powerfully in Connor....that he may become a great Man of God...a Saint....a bearer of Christ's love in this world.

Shoemaker Strikes Again:

So you think you have Fr. Shoemaker figured out hunh? Think again....

His bag of tricks simply cannot be exhausted.

A couple years back, Father colloborated with some of his "Santa Buddies" to found the "Clan Claus." It is an officially recognized Scottish Clan vested with its own special Crest, Tartan, Membership, and Motto ("Believe").

Below, you can see Father sporting their official garb.

Here is the website if your mind is not satisfyingly blown already: CLAN CLAUS SOCIETY

House Blessing:

A Catholic Priest is invested with the Power to give a special Blessing of Christ to people and things. There are many reasons and many motives for a priest to bless...always though it is done to strengthen God's people to be able to love better and to be protected from all forces working against the growth of God's love in their life.

One common practice is the House Blessing. Normally when a Catholic family moves into their home, they will ask their pastor to come and pray with them in their house, blessing it with holy water all throughout. This is especially a very celebratory practice in India. An Indian family in our parish invited Father to come and blessed their home this past week. They are just moving into their first real home! Before they have always lived in apartments. So this was very exciting for everyone!

They told us that in India, when a family moves into a new house there is a BIG Celebration. The whole neighborhood is invited to come by and eat and see the new home. The priest comes and blesses everything and everyone around. It was neat to see their special excitement about the Blessing of their home...and to get caught up in that excitement.

What a great reminder for us to be so Thankful for the blessings in our lives.

Hand at Teaching:

At the beginning of my time here in Eufaula, Fr. asked me to teach a course over about 4-5 weeks about the Mass, the Eucharist, and the upcoming changes in language in the Mass. Every Tuesday after Mass I have been offering this class for the past month. It has been a great opportunity for me to apply some of the things I have been studying over the years and to practice teaching. You know Jesus is called "Rabbi" (Hebrew word meaning "teacher") more than any other title in the Gospels. So as a priest, one must be ready to teach others about the Gospel of Love.

Thanks to all of you who have been coming. It has been a real honor and blessing to spend those times with you. Remember, our concluding class with be this Tuesday August 3rd at 9AM in the Parish Hall. All are welcome, even if this would be your first day. I always start each class with a RECAP so anyone can be oriented for class that day.

In Conclusion, Enjoy this exchange of Joy:

This Sunday's Gospel:

Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”
He replied to him,
“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”
Then he said to the crowd,
“Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable.
“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,
for I do not have space to store my harvest?’
And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:
I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods
and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,
you have so many good things stored up for many years,
rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves
but are not rich in what matters to God.”

This Week's Links:

Peter Finney's Ordination---newest New Orleans Priest

Photo Album of the Baptism--Check out more of Connor's big Bash

Keytar Catholic

Meet Steven Vrazel--another Mobile Seminarian and good friend of mine. He recently started a blog so that people can share in his journey to Priesthood. "Vraz" as we call him...will be ordained a Deacon at St. Peter's Bascilica in Rome in early October and a priest on June 10, 2011. Amongst many other talents, Vraz is famous in many circles for having sported a WELL-groomed handlebar mustache for about a decade now. Here is a little inspiration:

The Legend of the Mustache:

This is a new comedy series coming out called "The Good Guys: The Legend of the Mustache." You will quickly see how men like Vraz are impacting this world we live in. Brace yourself....

Signing Off:

May this week bring many blessings into your life. May special prayer for anyone who may read this Blog this week...is that they will experience deeply the tender love that God the Father has for them...and that they would be moved to open their hearts more widely to his Love, Mercy, Healing, and Forgiveness...and thus into the Fullness of Life...and Fullness of Happiness.

Pretty basic request I figure...

hahahhaa

Have a great week! Let's pray for one another.

Peace, Love, Joy, Freedom, and Handlebar Mustaches

Change of Plans

2010-07-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Earth,

I am sure it is no surprise to you by now that I am not posting on Sunday yet again.

Until further notice...I will be aiming for Tuesday.

It is time for me accept this reality in my life.

hahhahaha

As is becoming my new way of Sunday-slouch-posting....here is a little appetizer.

Talk to ya'll on Tuesday

Peace and Love

Week 4 in Eufaula: Solving Mysteries, Three D's, and a Skeeter

2010-07-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Muy Buenas Noches a Todos de Eufaula,

See how inculturated I am? hahaha

Amazingly, a month has now passed since my arrival here in Eufaula. It really is a charming town. And the people are even better. I never thought I would be so busy in such a small Southern Catholic parish!

Really if you have a chance to visit you really ought to. And if you do...I have the place for you to stay--The Candlelight Inn.

It is literally about 50 meters from Holy Redeemer where I am living. The owners, George and JoAnn, are parishioners here and the nicest of people. My first week here they kindly invited me down for coffee and muffins and to see their place. I was immediately charmed by their beautiful home...and more so by them. Since then, we have been regularly having coffee in the mornings, sitting on the front of their wrap-around porch. There is no better porch in town..and no better way to come and imbibe all that is Eufaula.

Here is a front shot of their place that I stole from their website.

And here is their website so you can go ahead and plan your trip!!!

THE CANDLELIGHT INN

It is the only B&B in town and the only place where you will wake up and eat Banana Nut Pancakes while a retired trucker serenades you with your favorite Johnny Cash songs! Remember George strumming his guitar at the Talent Show???

You should hear him in his dining room!

Soooo...other than drinking Coffee with JoAnn and George, last week was largely filled by VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! It was an intense four days to say the least. But I am sure they will also be some of the most memorable.

Father Shoemaker developed the whole idea and planned the whole thing....which as you will see gives us only more insight into the Creative and UNIQUE mind of this priest. The Teens of the Youth Group showed up every day to help put it on. About 18 kids came...and as best as I could deduce...they had a great time.

The overall theme for the week was “The Great Detective Vacation Bible School: Come and Solve the Mystery.” You can see the flyer Father made below to catch the kids interest.

Father divided his time for the week between two personalities--Father David and Friar Mutt. Friar Mutt served as the Special Agent for the week. He really had a “nose” for the job as he is a third German Shepherd, a third Blood Hound, and a third Chihuahua. Friar Mutt teamed up with the Chief of Police--Big Vic--in an effort to transform the kids into real Detectives, equipped to search through and find answers to the mysteries of the Bible. Thankfully, to take on such a big task, Fr. Mutt and Big Vic were joined by a team of F.B.I. (Faith and Bible Investigators) Agents to help with this whole process.

After taking the official “Detective’s Pledge,” the new recruits were equipped with Detective Badges, Notepads, and Pens with which they would be able to do their Detective Work. Quickly they learned the 5 essential questions any detective must be read to ask: Who? What? When? Where? and Why?

With this in mind, Day 1 was spent discovering WHO are the Friends of Jesus? After much detective work, they became familiar with the names of the 12 apostles as well as Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Also they realized, Jesus wanted THEM to be his friends too!!! Shockingly, they then discovered that Jesus wants EVERYONE to be his friends! Pretty incredible discovery!

Once we had discovered WHO Jesus’ friends were, Day 2 was spent discovering WHAT the friends of Jesus’ do. The kids were shocked again to discover that Jesus’ friends had to love everyone---EVEN the kid who smelled bad in class, EVEN the kid who made fun of them, EVEN the kid who wiped his boogers on their backpack! But don’t worry...Jesus gives us his Spirit so we have the power to do this!

Day 3, we asked WHEN and WHERE Jesus’ friends are called to Love and Serve. Pretty much ANYTIME and ANYWHERE were the answers they found. Also on Day 3, the kids were given a Secret Mission which they first had to decode. Once the kids had decoded their Mission, Father led them down to the Church’s food pantry where they helped prepare food bags to be given out to the poor later on. The kids loved it!

Day 4, the detectives closed the case by asking WHY Jesus’ friends are called to Love and Serve Anytime and Anywhere. The answer seemed almost too simple--Because HE first loved us in this way! Because this is what we are created to do!

Here are some shots from through their week of investigating:

The excitement was pretty much too much to contain from the Get-Go

Everyone knows that Detectives warm up with Dancing

Clapping, Reaching, Running, Praying, and Jumping for Jesus is a great way to start the day

(Father made all of the music videos for the week using his mascot costumes, a video camera, a green screen, and his video editing skills)

The Bliss of singing "Na na na na na na na" during the song "Waves of Mercy"

Thank God for these FBI agents to show the kids how to do the motions to the songs

Big Vic passing out their Decoder Wheels to his new recruits

Big Vic's Morning Overview

Big Vic could only handle the heat created by the trench-coat for so long each day...

Friar Mutt and Cynthia act out the Good Samaritan Parable

Friar Mutt was getting tired, so Father subbed in for awhile....

One morning, one of our detectives showed up in a frenzy screaming, "I have a raccoon in my pants!!!!!" HAHAHAHA! After Big Vic explained that all wild animals had to be removed from detectives' undergarments so that they could concentrate on their investigating, this detective immediately shifted gears by going into his patented "Friar-Mutt-is-Coming-Frenzy!"

Hard at work....A blissfully calm moment for Big Vic, Friar Mutt, and the FBIs

Father's back...

One day we were honored with a visit from Sister Terry and Mrs Grayson. Sister Terry is a Trinitarian Sister who has been serving the Mobile Diocese in so many ways for many years. Recently she has been place in charge of all Religious Education for the 6 parishes in this region. Mrs. Grayson has been a Youth Minister in Montgomery for several years. In fact, she was one of those who helped Big Vic go through his Detective Work when he was just a "new recruit." Amazing what effects time, love, and grace can have on a life!

Gettin' fired up

Most days concluded with dodgeball in the backyard. After a long day of Detective work...you build up a lot of steam to blow off...

When Friar Mutt gets the ball...

You're All in BIG Trouble! hahaha

And how do you reward Detectives for their hard work in the Mysteries of faith in Christ??? Naturally, with an 18th foot inflatable Water Slide!!!!

Euphoria!

After sliding, I heard this detective exclaim verbatim, "This is the most funnest thing I have done in my life!" Mission Accomplished :)

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Can every week be VBS week?

This kind of high could only be thwarted by Moms' arriving in their minivans! Talk about "wailing and gnashing of teeth!" hahahaha... Simultaneously a taste of Heaven and a gentle reminder that it is still yet to come.

Thankfully for Big Vic and the FBI's, Father had rented the Slide until 4PM. Seeing that the last Detective left around 1PM...this was quite a treat. And just in case BJ and Victor may be reading this...know that I am...and always will be....the "King of the Slide!" :)

So that took us through Thursday afternoon!

SKEETER and the DADDY's Visit

Friday was my day off. Father also gave me permission to take Saturday off to spend some time with two of my best friends from my days at Furman--John (aka Skeeter) and Walker (aka The Daddy). These guys have a knack for nicknames I have never seen matched. They especially love assigning themselves names...John chose "Skeeter" our Sophomore year...borrowing from his Dad. Walker has been "The Daddy" even since I have known him. Nobody really understands it. But he seems to. And is always sure to remind you..."The Daddy's here...3 Ds...not 2...but 3"

What a blast to get together with these guys! Friends like these give us such insight into Christ's love for us. They help us to begin to fathom what Christ means when he says, "I no longer call you servants [but] friends" (John 15:15).

Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to come down and visit! And a special thanks to their wives--Katie and Shannon--for letting them off the hook for the weekend. It means so much. Much love to you both.

John drove down from Charleston, SC on Thursday and picked up Walker in Atlanta who had flown in from Dallas. They spent the night at my Mom's on Thursday Night and I met them Friday morning after Mass in Eufaula. We enjoyed one another in Montgomery until Saturday evening when we made our way down to Eufaula. I put John and Walker up at the Candlelight Inn...which was perfect. Thanks again to George and JoAnn for being such great hosts!

They came to Mass on Sunday morning and then took off...back to the grind. But not before we captured this moment together with Friat Mu....I mean Father David.

And with that concluded another week in Eufaula.

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

CANDLELIGHT INN: Seriously, go ahead and book your room. The rooms are so nice. There is not a dull square inch in the whole house. It is a slice of Americana you don't want to miss out on. And if you come before August 15th...we can share a cup of Coffee together on the front porch :)

Keep the Faith.Org: A buddy of mine sent me this link earlier this week. It is a site where you can get a lot of great talks, songs, and conferences for free. I esp. recommend checking out some of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's talks. He is one of the most famous American Preachers in the past century. Take some time and listen to one of his talks...you won't regret it.

NEXT SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Luke 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,'
and he says in reply from within,
'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.'
I tell you,
if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
SIGNING OFF:
As always, a pleasure to share with you.
May God give us the eyes of FAITH...so that we may DISCOVER him more richly this week.
Let's pray for one another.
And as always. Feel free to shoot me an email with a specific intention:
victorPingalls@gmail.com
Peace, Prayers, Love, Joy, and 3 D's

Sunday Teaser

2010-07-18T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hey Ya'll,

Once again I am not going to be able to post until tomorrow or Tuesday.

My apologies and regards.

In the meantime, Here is a little something to wet your appetite.

Keep the dream alive.

Peace, Love, Dodgeball.

Week 3 in Eufaula: Fish, Talents, etc.

2010-07-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Eufaula and Beyond,

Thanks for ya'lls patience. Sorry to be putting this up two days late. But...better than being a dollar short too I guess. Lame attempt at witticism...OK...moving right along...

So, other than Lebron moving to Miami,

Spain winning the World Cup

(as predicted by an Octapus),

and a big cap being placed over the infamous leakage in the Gulf

you may think that you cannot handle any more news, updates, hype, or intrigue.

However, this is America! There is always room for just one more bite! So grab a cold one...and enjoy a couple nuggets of this past week.

PONTOON FISHING:

After three weeks of spinning schedules, this past Tuesday Father decided to throw on the brakes for an afternoon to go fishing. A friend of Father's owns a bass pond just outside of Eufaula where Father has an open-invitation to come by and drop in a line. So we loaded up my truck and headed out.

However this was like no other "bass-pond-fishing-expedition" I have ever been on.

For one, we used fly rods instead of the standard poles. Father is an avid fly fisherman and really avoids having to using anything but his fly rod.

I had never used a fly rod before, so upon our arrival, he first put me through a brief tutorial.

After a few minutes, my crude thrashings began to evolve into smooth casts...smooth enough to get started at least.....

However, rather than just stepping up to the shore of the pond and casting....Father had a different...more intimate approach set up for us---Personal Pontoon boats.

Imagine a lawn chair with two inflated tubes attached on either side. Now attached two oars...one on either side of the chair. Then strap on some wet-boots and flippers. Now you are starting to get the picture. And here is the picture.

Now grow a beard, dye it white, and put on your straw cowboy-hat. Dawn your favorite fishing vest, load it with your lucky lures, and by all means...Don forget the shades.

Hahahaha. I'd never even seen something like this before...but...nuances such as these are just par for the course with Fr. Shoemaker.

Once we had them all inflated, geared up, and assembled...we headed into the pond.

It took me a few to get comfortable, figure out how to maneuver the boat, and get the hang of casting while my "flipperred" feet dangled in the pond water. But before long....I had landed my first fish ever using a fly rod...and sitting in a Personal Pontoon Boat for that matter. Nice size bass too (about 11 inches)!

Time flew that afternoon, as we got lost in the beauty of the moment, the rhythm of the casts, and the satisfaction of reeling in fish.

Like this 9-inch brim Father caught! 9-inch BRIM???

I am hoping Father and I have a couple more chances to take out the boats before the summer is over. Such a nice way to relax and imbibe a bit of this world we have been given to enjoy. The experience really added color and depth to the second reading at Mass this past Sunday:

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible [...] all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

-Colossians 1:15-17

UNION SPRINGS:

Here are a couple pictures just before the Spanish Mass in Union Springs on Saturday.

Luz is having a hard time waiting for Christmas to come....good thing ole St. Nick is nearby :)

Rotillio keeps it real on the altar with me most every Saturday. Props.

PARISH TALENT SHOW:

This was one of the first things Father mentioned to me on the phone when I called him for the first time from Rome after receiving my assignment to his parish. He wanted to make sure that I would be there for it....as it promised to be "the best show in town"--a title he consistently employed to promote it. They started the Parish Talent Show two years ago and it seemed that people really have begun to look forward to it.

Already it has generated many memories in the parish. One act people consistently recall is that last year a girl took the stage with a couple Kraft Cheese Singles and chewed them into the States of Texas and Florida!!!! hahahahahahahahahahaha

Sooooo...I was told---ANYTHING GOES!!! Just DO SOMETHING!

It all came to a head this past Friday night. The parish hall was packed as people filed into metal chairs to wait their turn to perform and/or just enjoy the show. It really was a blast! Hilarious to see the variety of acts. Shocking to see...especially the young kids...bust out some serious talents. A good time had by all.

Here are some snip-its from the night to give you a taste:

George singing a Johnny Cash song and another old country song. George, his wife JoAnn, and I have coffee together a couple times a week, sitting on his front porch. It is a great way to start the day.

Edgar is in the Youth Group and plays soccer for Eufaula High. We have played together a couple times. It has been a hunbling experience for me :)

Kayla singing an Amy Grant classic--"Children of the World"

The Youth Group doing hand motions to the song "Waves of Mercy"....classic

Libby blowing minds and crushing hearts with her flawless hoola-hoop act. You try and do two at once, drop to your knees, get back up, and strut around the stage without missing a beat while singing the lyrics to the song blaring on the speakers behind you. In your frustration...appreciate this hoola-prodigy hahhahahaha

Nolan pieced together snip-its of popular Beatles' songs...way to work the crowd bro

Rosie choreographed an entire dance by herself and lit up the stage

Her older siblings, Bernardo and Cynthia, got everyone's hands bumpin' together as they performed a dance they have learned for Cynthia's upcoming

Quinceañera

The Boyce Boys (Jacob, Joseph, and Bradley [L->R]) won everyone over with their routine involving a song rhyming "Spam" with "Fried Ham" and "Ma'am"

About 10 days before the Talent Show I brought my guitar and box of harmonicas to the weekly Youth Group meeting. One of the guys who comes regularly is also named "Victor." Seeing my box of harmonicas, he questioned, "What is that?" To which I responded, "Haven't you ever seen a harmonica before?" He had a vague memory it seemed.

I suggested that he try to play one as I strummed some simple chords. And thats when lightning struck. Miracles bubbled. Talent was discovered.

It was as if the ability was inscribed on his heart from the beginning. From just about his first breath into that mouth harp...it was smooth...on beat...on key. It was meant to be.

So we decided...or should I said...destiny prompted our entry into the Talent Show together as "The Two Victors" or "Los dos Victores." Let just say...we did our part to justify the saying "To the Victor(s) go the spoils."

And last but not least...there is Father David. It just so happened, that Father used to have a buddy who was an escape artist that gifted him a straight-jacket back in the day. By this point...you can't be surprised can you??!!?!!

So, sit back and enjoy this brief look at Father's public escape:

My contribution.

Everyone's pretty skeptical at this point...

Now starting to get worried...

But wait...could it be????

No way.....

This can't be happening.....

Maybe God DOES exist after all!!!!?????!!!!!!

hahahahahahha

Soooo....just another week in Eufaula! hahahaha

It continues to be a good experience here. God is good. His creation is rich. It doesn't get old. And as we have learned....it can't be contained by a straight-jacket!!!

In closing, here is a montage that Fr. put together from all of the talents that night:

THIS WEEKS' LINKS:

Founder of Heart's Home--Thierry de Roucy

Quick Wikipedia article on the guy who founded "Heart's Home"--the Catholic Movement that my sister has joined to do a mission in Peru for 18th months

Bungee Jumping Seminarian
Here is a link to Fr. Brian Barrons' blog--the Maryknoll priest that hosted me last summer in China. Now Brian is hosting 5 more guys from my seminary this summer. One of the guys, Lee Junhee, went bungee jumping off one of the skyscrapers on Macau island--just off the coast of Hong Kong.

NEXT SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mark who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

Signing Off:

Always a pleasure to share these posts with ya'll.

Let's keep praying for one another.

Let me know if there is something in particular I can be praying for.

Keep growing in Love. In Wonder. In Compassion. In Humility.

For all things will be well....all things will be well.

Peace & Love

Hasta Mañana

2010-07-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry Ya'll,

I am running behind today.

I will do my post tomorrow evening.

Things continue to be good here in Eufaula.

Here is a sneak peek at tomorrow's post

Peace,

Victor

Week Two in Eufaula: Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July Ya'll!

This time last year I was in China beginning a summer with the Maryknollers. Hard to believe. That frame of reference adds deeper meaning for me as I celebrate our Independence Day here in Eufaula. How blessed we are to live in "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." Free to worship as we feel called. Free to live in peace amongst races and creeds from all over the world. Truly we are Blessed! May we take time today and be thankful for the many who have sacrificed so deeply for us to live as we do today in the United States.

Speaking of China, recently 5 other seminarians who are studying in Rome with me at the North American College arrived in China to begin their summer with Maryknoll. Keep them in your prayers as they are immersed in all things Chinese...carrying the love of Christ with them as they go. Here is a link to Fr. Brian Barrons' blog. He is the priest that hosted three of us last summer. He is from Lansing, Michigan and is into his 26th year as a Maryknoll priest.

(Here is a link to a post I did back in October, in which I reflected upon my summer in China with Maryknoll---CLICK HERE)

Father Brian co-hosting his popular Chinese radio show (one of his many inventive ways of reaching the Chinese people)

Fr. Brian receiving an award for the success of his radio show and the great community services he promoted with it

Well, another week has flown by in Eufaula. People keep saying this is a "sleepy town" but I have yet to experience that side of things.

Holy Trinity, AL:

Today was a unique 4th of July experience. We had English Mass at 9am. Coffee and Donuts in the parish hall afterwards. Then Spanish Mass at 12pm. Then we grabbed a quick bite and drove down to Holy Trinity, AL for a funeral mass at 3PM followed by a graveside service. A newborn boy named Sebastiano died sometime last week.

Holy Trinity, AL is located about 40 minutes North of Eufaula. In 1917, Father Thomas Augustine Judge, a missionary priest, came and celebrated the first Mass in this area responding to a call from Southern Catholics hungry for the Sacraments. There Father Judge converted a humble, white log cabin into a shrine/living quarters and began his ministry of simple and humble love. From this humble beginning Father Judge founded a religious order for both men and women which now has spread around the world--largely the United States and South America. The first sisters that Fr. Judge recruited lived in a converted Chicken Coop!

Fr. Judge's Shrine

This Shrine has been a powerful place of prayer for so many over the years. Here is how one priest reflected on this holy site in 1958:

If you are looking for the greatness of a man, you will find the indelible portrait of his greatness etched in the environment which has produced him. And, again, you will find the image of his spirit fused and welded into the souls of the disciples who have chosen to follow in his footsteps. This is the severe test which Time and History make of human values. This is the final proof which Time and History demand of all those daring to soar high above the earth and their fellows on the fragile wings of human love for God. This is why this little chapel is the most precious thing we possess. It is so much like a Bethlehem for us. Every worm-eaten board, the palsied doors, the chipping white-wash, the little altar trembling at each step, is eloquent with the memory of Father Judge. Here, on all sides, is the crushing grip of God's love which bred him for his saintly apostolate.

Although the headquarters of Father Judge's Order--the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity--has since moved to Philadelphia, Holy Trinity continues not only to preserve but to continue the Mission Father Judge started. Today, Holy Trinity is home to several religious brothers, priests, and sisters. Also it is home to the Blessed Trinity Shrine retreat center. Anyone is welcome to go and spend a couple days of retreat in this beautiful rural setting. Here is there website---I recommend taking a minute to check it out, and even more so...considering taking a retreat for a couple days sometime this year--a time just for you and God to be alone with one another. For you to rest. Be still. Listen. And know that God is God...and you are you. That you are alive. That your life is a gift. That life is a mystery. To grow comfortable with that reality. Anyways...check out the website:

Holy Trinity--Retreat Schedule

Home Page

Who would have thought there was something like this in rural Alabama???!!!!

All that to say, it was a blessing to have the funeral at Holy Trinity today. Fittingly, the funeral was held there because the Missionaries offered a burial plot free of charge to the Hispanic family that had just lost their child. I found it so fitting and inspiring, that 100 years later, the humble spirit of Fr. Judge lives on....welcoming a poor child to rest near his own humble grave...near his own humble abode.

Father and I got back to Eufaula today around 5PM. Both pretty wiped, we decided to just stay in, eat dinner, and watch a movie. Earlier this week, Father David discovered something about me that everyone finds out sooner than later---I am horribly ignorant of classic/well known movies. For example, I have never seen Indian Jones I, II, or III. I am sorry if I just gravely offended someone out there! hahaha

The Magnificent 7:

So, today Father introduced me to the Grand-Poo-Paw of Westerners---The Magnificent Seven. And I must admit, it was Magnificent. I suddenly want to buy a 6-shooter and settle all conflict in my life with duels. Interestingly, Father told me that this was based on a famous Japanese story called the Seven Samurais. Supposedly there are many thematic ties between Samurais and Cowboys that I was previously unaware of. If you haven't seen it...you must.

OK. Other than todays events I'd like to share a look into two other events this week.

Yard Work:

Like I mentioned last week--Thursday is yard work day here at Holy Redeemer. Being a small parish, Holy Redeemer cannot afford to pay people to come and clean, cut grass, cook, or anything of the sort. Thus, parishioners must all chip-in with their time, talent, and sweat to keep things up around here. I have really enjoyed been a part of that chipping-in. Especially after two years of intense Philosophical and Theological study...there is something refreshingly existential about wielding a weed-eater.

T.C.O.B.

There is also something refreshing about seeing Santa Claus doing yard work:

Father/Santa's Rein-John-Deer.....get it?

And you thought Santa only worked indoors on wooden toys....

UNION SPRINGS HISPANIC MINISTRY:

This Saturday I returned to Union Springs to teach a Bible School/Grammar Class to the kids living in the Union Springs trailer park. I recruited the help of my younger sister Chuck (aka Charlotte) and my step-niece Maddie for the day.

Since Chuck will be going to live in Peru for 18 months, I thought this could be a nice way for her to get warmed up....and to help me manage about 22 kids between the age of 5 and 12! Maddie being 9 yrs old herself, was another great help. She took care of one of the shy and timid 6-yr old girls in the class.

Here are some shots from our afternoon together:

Chuck with some girls on the porch of our trailer

Kids arming themselves with the "helmet of salvation" and "sword of the Spirit"

(cf Ephesians 6)

Working on telling time....

Future minds of America

So that is my report for the week. Thanks to everyone here in Eufaula for such a warm welcome here so far. It is great to be here.

Next Sunday's Gospel:

(Reminder: The idea here is that we each take time to read over, reflect, meditate, and pray with this passage throughout the week. Just try 5 minutes each day to start. This passage is part of the Liturgy for Mass this coming Sunday. It is a way for each of us to be connected in our journey of faith..as well as being connected to all Catholics around the world who will hear this same Gospel proclaimed at Mass this coming Sunday.)

Luke 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said,
"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law?
How do you read it?"
He said in reply,
You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself."
He replied to him, "You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live."

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus,
"And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied,
"A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
'Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.'
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers' victim?"
He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Signing-Off:

Happy 4th!

Let's pray for one another this upcoming week.

Let me know if you ever have a specific intention.

Peace, Love, and Independence!

Where's the "U?"

2010-06-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well...I guess there is still more for me to learn about EufaUla.

Like how to spell it!

hahahaha

My apologies to all Eufaulians for misspelling your town's name about 20 times on the last post.

Lest we forget, it is spelled with TWO "U"s:

E - U - F - A - U - L - A

My apologies and regards.

Peace.

First Week in Eufala

2010-06-27T20:20:00.001-07:00

Hey Ya'll,

After a week here in Eufala, it is clear that boredom will play no role in my summer here.

I tried to take some pictures this week that would give ya'll a glimpse of Eufala and some of the things going on.

First of all, let's get oriented---here is where Eufala is on the map:

It is not very clear on this picture, but like I said last week, Eufaula is located on a very big lake--Lake Eufala. This Lake is chock-full of big mouth bass. So much so, that as you drive past the city limits, you are welcomed by a big sign boasting, "Welcome to Eufala! Big Bass Capital of the World." Pretty impressive hunh? Father told me that within three days of that sign being put up, some locals had torn down the"B" in "Bass" showing the World that in addition to fish, Eufala is steeped in a rich tradition of humor. hahaha

Earlier this week Father David took me on the grand tour of Eufala. Here are some of the stops we made.

Not only is Lake Eufala filled with bass, but alligators too! Just on the edge of town rests a gas station which is famous for its alligator-viewing deck. Here I am below, risking my life to behold these famous Eufalan Gators.

Notice the fence that is shielding me from danger. This was only erected a few years ago. Before people could get even closer to the gators in their natural environment. Also, just about 50 ft beyond the sign is a wooden deck extending out over this swamp, with several picnic tables where families would come and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic while watching the gators. Now this deck is off-limits, as it is behind the fence. I am wondering if the gators started joining the families for their picnics.....

Wanting to really immerse myself in this experience, Father and I headed towards the deck to see if we could spot a gator. And sure enough...

Could it be???

It is hard to believe that I survived to tell about it! But here I am...and Father made it out alive too! hahahaha. Thank God for his protection....and for metal fences.

After seeing the gators, we headed to get a good look at Lake Eufala. We headed out to "Lake Point," a popular area framing the North side of town. Here I am in front of the Lake.

As you can see...Waterfowl Hunting is Prohibited in this particular area of the Lake. The small sign on the bottom right is probably too small for you to read. It let Father and I know, that some more gators were in the area...but we were not to harm them.

Here is me on the pier with the Lake behind me:

In the parking lot was another sight to behold---the majestic Chatahoochee Princess. This beautiful Riverboat has seen better days...and wetter days. I am not sure about the history of this riverboat...but it is obvious that she has many stories to tell. I hope to be able to share at least one with ya'll before the summer's end.

Although Eufala is humble in size, it is one of the richest sites in Alabama historically speaking. At least as early as 1730, Eufala was inhabited by three different tribes of Creek Indians. Thus, Eufala is believed to be a Creek Indian word meaning "high bluffs."

Later Eufala was settled in 1816 after General William Irwin, a hero of the War of 1814, was granted several thousand acres of land in the neighboring Henry County. Consequently the town was known as "Irwintown" for awhile until rediscovering it more traditional name several years later.

As you drive towards downtown, you encounter one of, if not THE, most classic Old South streets I have ever seen. Old trees hang over your head and antebellum houses gaze at you from either side. The most famous of these homes is the Shorter Mansion. This originally was the home of John Gill Shorter, the governor of Alabama during the Civil War. Here is a shot of his home.

Here is another one of the many historic homes in Eufala.

Every April, Eufala hosts a pilgrimage in which visitors can come and tour all of these historic homes for free.

So, there is a glimpse of Eufala. You really are just going to have to come and visit to understand all that Eufala has to offer. Here is the city's website, where you can find more info about this historic, Old South city--Eufala, AL.

Other than touring Eufala and trying to promote it to others...what have I been doing here?

At the heart of my every day is serving for Mass. Here is a picture of Father and I after Mass on the Feast Day of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher--two English saints martyred by Henry VIII.

The Mass is the most powerful and important prayer of the Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council refers to it as the "Source and Summit" of our lives of faith as Catholics. In this ancient and sacred prayer (aka. "sacrament"), we believe that simple bread and wine are transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. In the Mass, Jesus offers himself to his people fully through the sacrifice of the priest's life united with the faith and prayers of all the faithful. This is the heart of Catholic life...this is the heart of the priesthood...so naturally, this is the heart of my summer pastoral experience here in Eufala.

We have Mass every day at 8 AM. On Saturday, we travel about an hour North to another small town called Union Springs where we celebrate one Mass in English and another in Spanish. On Sundays, one English and one Spanish Mass is celebrated here in Eufala.

There are a handful of members here at Holy Redeemer in Eufala that are too sick to come to Mass. Some live in their homes and others are in nursing homes and hospitals. On Tuesday, Father and I visited all of our sick parishioners. We visited with them, caught up, prayed with them, and brought them the Eucharist. I will be visiting the sick of the parish on my own from now on, once a week as will Father Shoemaker. That way they get twice the normal visits. Hooray.

After Mass each Monday, the members of the Parish offer a food pantry starting about 9AM. They put together enough food for about 30 families. People begin to show up at the Church as early as 6 AM! I was so impressed by their organization and charity. The entire project is run by the parishioners and funded by their personal donations.

Wednesday night I attended the Youth Group meeting. It was great to get to know them. About half of the youth are Anglo and half are Hispanic. I was so pleased to see this! I told them that their friendships are such blessings for they are and will help the Church to become more fully ONE.

Another thing Father and I are working on in collaboration with the Youth Group is Vacation Bible School. It starts July 12 and runs through the 15th, so we are trying to get everything ready. Father David came up with the theme and everything. He is a creative person and seems to love this outlet to create, invent and prepare. One day this week, I helped him to make a couple videos which he will use for VBS.

Like I said last week, Father has invested in several different mascots for the parish and local community. Also he has invested in a green screen so that he can incorporate the mascots into special videos for the kids. I had the honor of dawning the Kangaroo suit! Check it out.

Just before completing the transformation...

Transforming....

Transformed.

As I told Father, that was my first "Mascot Experience." He assured me it would not be my last...hahaha. Nice!

Thursday, is Yard work day. Since the parish is so small, the budget does not allow for many paid services. Thus yard work, cooking, cleaning, etc. must all be done by Fr. Shoemaker and his flock. After two years in Rome, I found myself relishing a day under the hot Alabama sun wielding a weed-eater. There is something about accomplishing a task by the sweat of your brow that makes you feel human. There is another thing about it which makes you better appreciate those who do earn their living by the sweat of their brow day in and day out.

Friday is my day off. This Friday I went back to Montgomery to spend some time with my family and friends. Generously, Father is allowing me to spend the night at home and meet him on Saturday in Union Springs--located about half way in between Montgomery and Eufala.

On Saturday, once arriving in Union Springs, I went and visited Mrs. Ruth bring her Communion--an elderly lady who is not able to come to Mass. Then at around 1PM I headed to one of the nearby trailer parks where many of the Hispancis live. One of the trailers was donated by my home parish in Montgomery (Church of the Holy Spirit) and serves as the "Centro Catholico" for the community. I was asked to come each Saturday and offer classes for the kids in the area--helping them with English, grammar, Bible, math...basically anything they need help with.

When I arrived, however, only three of the kids were around--Rotillio, Rey Naldo, and Joli. These three siblgins proved to be my guardian angels. They suggested that we ride around the trailer park in my truck inviting all the kids to come. They knew where all of the Catholic kids lived. About 30 minutes later my truck was packed with kids ready for class! It really was a sight to see....I wish I had a picture to share...maybe next week.

The older kids helped me with the younger kids, and with the grace of God...somehow it all worked out...depsite me having no real idea what I was getting into or how to go about it. Yet another reminder---God is good.

At one point, the doorknob to the classroom fell off and we quickly realized we were trapped in the room!!! While I was trying to keep everyone from totally freaking out, one of the older girls Angeliz opened up the window and hollered at another kid to come into the trailer and open the door. Again, by the grace of God, he was able to get into the trailer and free us! hahaha. I am really looking forward to getting to know those kids this summer.

So, that is a little glimpse into what I have been up to this week...and what I will be up to over the summer.

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

Here are some great pictures taken at the Priestly Ordination in Mobile on June 12th.

ORDINATION

Here are the latest and greatest shots of my nephew Connor

4-6 Months Old

Some Videos of Con-Man: You will see breathtaking footage of Connor taking on Green Beans and of Connor taking on something called a "Shoo Fly"--it is a toy that my Grandad Ed (aka Toad) used when he was a kid. Quite the heirloom--from Great-Granddad to Great-Grandson.

That Most Holy Heart

I have been meaning to share this link for awhile now. It is a website designed by one of my closest friends in Rome--Rich Mastrogiacomo. Rich is studying for a diocese in New York called Rockville Center. Rich is from a classic Italian-American family...if you couldn't tell from his name. Before entering seminary, Rich was a professional drummer. Originally he trained as a jazz drummer, but can play just about anything. He was part of a band called "The Lift" for awhile which you can find on iTunes. While he was playing with them, they went on tour with a band called "Guster" which many of you have probably heard of. Also, one time at a large music-fest, Rich and his band opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers! The diversity in seminary really is pretty mind-boggling.

Rich still loves music and loves playing. He also likes to compose music. This past year his has been writing and mix some music on his laptop. Some of the songs he has made available on this site. These songs are great for meditation and prayer. Take some time and check this out. You will hear more about Rich in future posts.

Hilarious Nun

Someone sent me this link. Apparently a very witty nun in Arizona landed a TV regular evening spot. Her program is called "Late Night Catechism." She is a dynamic speaker, funny, and an effective teacher. Check it out.

NEXT SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
"Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name."
Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Signing Off
Alright ya'll. Let's pray for one another. Know I will pray for all who read this post, in a special way each day at Mass. Let me know if there is anything specific I can pray for.
Peace, Love, Gators, and JOY.