Thursday, February 21, 2013

Coaches vs. Cancer


[from the American Cancer Society website]

The Coaches vs. Cancer program empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities. Guided by the Coaches vs. Cancer Council, participating coaches help people with cancer today and to find cures to end the disease tomorrow, and have raised more than $87 million to help the American Cancer Society’s mission.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.  The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.  Coaches vs. Cancer helps increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living among students, faculty and staff, fans, and the community at large through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

In Martin County, we're hosting TWO Coaches vs. Cancer events.  The first occured at Shoals High School last Friday.  The second is occuring at Loogootee High School tonight.  We are a small county with not much of a population.  But we've been attacked by cancer on many fronts and we have a lot of dedicated citizens that want to make a difference.  Way to go, Martin County!  You're doing good things!




Wednesday, February 20, 2013

On Any Given Day...

[from an American Cancer Society - Relay for Life site]



On Any Given Day... Cancer never sleeps. It does not discriminate, and no one is immune. Cancer can strike any family, in any community, at any time. And the only way to fight it is to be right there in those communities and with those families … every single day. That’s the great strength of the American Cancer Society. Thanks to our committed volunteers, we never sleep either. We are here to help every family … in every community … every day.


On any given day in the United States, more than 4,100 people will hear the devastating words, “You have cancer.”

On any given day, more than 1,500 families will lose a loved one to the disease in the United States.

But the American Cancer Society is doing everything within our power to change that. Because of YOUR efforts...

On any given day, our cancer.org website will receive more than 63,000 hits from people looking for life-saving information about cancer prevention, treatment, and support.

On any given day, nearly 3,000 people will find knowledge, resources, comfort, and compassion from a trained cancer information specialist at our toll-free call center.

On any given day, the American Cancer Society will provide more than 1,500 people with cancer-related information and programs.

On any given day, nearly 140 cancer patients and caregivers receive free lodging from one of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges nationwide.

On any given day, our grassroots force of more than 3 million passionate volunteers is tirelessly seeking to save lives from cancer.

On any given day, nearly 180 women will be reminded that they are still beautiful – no matter what cancer does to them – through our Look Good … Feel Better® program.

On any given day, almost 100 wives, husbands, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers and friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer meet a trained Reach to Recovery® survivor and volunteer, who provides living proof that they can beat this disease.

And the proof that our efforts are working?

On any given day, more than 12 million cancer survivors are enjoying rewarding, productive lives.

The American Cancer Society touches so many people on any given day … because dedicated volunteers and supporters like you are committed to making a difference in the fight against cancer – EVERY DAY.

On Any Given Day.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Only Hope - Switchfoot


I need to stop relying on other things to make me feel worthy, relevant, necessary, and loved.
He IS my only hope.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Holy Rosary - Joyful Mysteries

The 15 Promises of the Holy Rosary

1     Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive powerful graces.
2.    I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3.    The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies
4.    It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5.    The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.
6.    Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
7.    Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
8.    Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.
9.    I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10.  The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.
11.  You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
12.  All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13.  I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death
14.  All who recite the Rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.
15.  Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.


The Joyful Mysteries are included with the Rosary every Monday and Saturday.


1st Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said: "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women". And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.And the angel said unto her:" Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest"... And Mary said:" Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word". And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1,26-38)
Oh Mary with Your "yes" You have opened heaven's ways, You have achieved the will of the Father. You will be blessed for ever: Your intercession is heard in Heaven, because You have accepted God's plan. Let us pray that we can say "yes" to the Father in every instance He ask it of us. Mary help us to be humble and obedient to God's will.

2nd Joyful Mystery - The Visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth
Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she spoke out with a loud voice, and said: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb". ... And Mary said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name"...(Luke 1,39-49)
Mary goes to visit Elisabeth: She carries God to Her cousin, for the love of Her brothers and neighbours. Lord help us to carry Christ to others, like Mary did. Let us ask Mary the gift of burning charity.

3rd Joyful Mystery - The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger". (Luke 2,6-12)
Infant Jesus in the manger. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds adore Him. Let us also adore Christ, the Son of God, in the silence of our soul and from the depth of our heart. Let us ask Mary to make us love Jesus more, and also the gift of poverty of spirit.

4th Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus to the Temple
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ...When the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation... A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."(Luke 2,22-35)
We need to pay attention to the voice of God, to discern His call and accept the mission He gave us. After the Simeon prophecy, Mary takes into Her Heart the wound of sorrow, but in the silence She accepts the will of Her Father.

5th Joyful Mystery - The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him: "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing". And he said unto them: "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (Luke 2,41-51)
Let us think of how many times we have been far from Jesus; from that Jesus, who with so much love has died for us. Let us meditate that in the difficulties of life the only safety is finding Jesus and never again leaving his great love.

Most of this text came from The Holy Rosary.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Holy Rosary - Glorious Mysteries

Benefits of the Rosary

1. It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2. It purifies our souls, washing away sin.
3. It gives us victory over all our enemies.
4. It makes it easy for us to practice virtue.
5. It sets us on fire with love of Our Lord.
6. It enriches us with graces and merits.
7. It supplies us with what is needed to pay all our debts to God and to our fellow men;
and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.



The Glorious Mysteries are included with the Rosary every Sunday and Wednesday.

1st Glorious Mystery - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. And the angel answered and said unto the women: "Fear not ye! For I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here. For he is risen, as he said". (Mat 28,1-6)
The risen Jesus has proved that man, together with Him, can have power over sin and therefore death. Jesus, help raise us, deliver us from sin, from evil, give us Your light, give us Your joy. Rekindle inside us the love, the faith, the hopefulness, and the gift of prayer. Let us ask Mary for the gift of an unshakeable faith.

2nd Glorious Mystery - The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
And as they are speaking these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith to them, "Peace to you"; being amazed, and becoming affrighted, they were thinking themselves to see a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are ye troubled? and wherefore do reasonings come up in your hearts? see my hands and my feet, that I am he; handle me and see, because a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me having." And having said this, he shewed to them the hands and the feet. ... "And, lo, I do send the promise of my Father upon you, but ye -- abide ye in the city of Jerusalem till ye be clothed with power from on high." And he led them forth without -- unto Bethany, and having lifted up his hands he did bless them, and it came to pass, in his blessing them, he was parted from them, and was borne up to the heaven. (Luk 24,36-51)
Jesus, You have not deserted Your apostles in anguish, but have given them the joy of knowing Jesus "glorified" over 40 days . After Your Ascension, You granted to all those who seek You the gift of recieving You in the Eucharist. Through Mary we trust in you. Mary, give us the gift of hope.

3rd Glorious Mystery - The Descent of the Holy Spirit
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Act 2,1-4)
Jesus, inffuse us with the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, enlighten us with the light of Your Spirit, with His strength enter in the deepest parts of our hearts and heal us. Deliver us, fill up our hearts with Your love. Make us apostles of Yours, dear Lord. Let us ask Mary the gift of true love, the gift of prayer from the heart.
"Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your well-beloved Spouse."

4th Glorious Mystery - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
Blessed art thou of the most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies. ... Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said, So be it. (Jdt 13,18-20; 15,10)
Now that Mary is raised into heaven, She prays for Her sons and daughters, those sons and daughters Jesus left Her when He was on the cross. Mary, pray for us, You know our fears, take us into Your Heart, the Heart of a Mother. Help us now and in the time of our death to be with You in Heaven. We ask of you a devotion to Your Immaculate Heart, where we may take refuge in times of trouble.

5th Glorious Mystery - The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

There appeared a great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Rev 12,1) Let us trust in Mary, Let us call to Her, let us love Her, let us confide in Her, because She gives Her all to us. We have a Mother in Heaven who is also a Queen; thus we need to turn to Her with full faith and hopefulness. If we ask for something while praying the Holy Rosary, it will be granted to us. Ask Her for the gift of prayer, a prayer of the heart, said only for love, a love for Her and Jesus. Let us also ask for a consistency of prayer, to always be joined to Her Heart, and therefore to the Heart of Jesus.

Most of this text came from The Holy Rosary.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

Holy Rosary - Sorrowful Mysteries

Blessings of the Rosary

1. Sinners are forgiven.
2. Souls that thirst are refreshed.
3. Those who are fettered have their bonds broken.
4. Those who weep find happiness
5. Those who are tempted find peace.
6. The poor find help.
7. Religious are reformed.
8. Those who are ignorant are instructed.
9. The living learn to overcome pride.
10. The dead (the Holy Souls) have their pains eased by suffrages.



The Sorrowful Mysteries are included with the Rosary every Tuesday and Friday. 

1st Sorrowful Mystery - The Agony in the Garden
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me". And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying: "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt". (Mat 26,36-39). And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22,44)
In the forsaking prayer to the Father, Jesus found strength, trust, and an angel was sent to comfort Him. So Jesus will be our comforting angel. It's as He said to us: " Why do you worry in your difficulties? Be strong in me; look to your God in your most troubled hour, and you will be triumphant." Let us ask to forsake ourselves to God, to always do His will.

2nd Sorrowful Mystery - The Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying: "Art thou the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said unto him: "Thou sayest". And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him:" Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?" And he answered him to never a word Pilate saith unto them: "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" They all say unto him: "Let him be crucified!" And the governor said:" Why, what evil hath he done?" But they cried out the more, saying: "Let him be crucified!" (Mat 27). And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. (Mar 15,15) 
How many pains, how many torments, and how many wounds on the body of Jesus? How much blood falls to the ground, while His tormentors laugh, insult him, and gather their strength to hit the innocent body of Jesus again? Let us ask to accept every insult for the love of our Lord, and also a true regret for our sins.

3rd Sorrowful Mystery - The Crowning with Thorns
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying:" Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (Mat 27,27-31)
Think of the indignity, outrage, pain, and humiliation that Jesus suffered. They striped Him of every dignity, He was treated as the guilt of our worst sins. He seems to say to us: " Why do you despair when you suffer? Is that the way you love me? Meditate about my passions and find in them great riches." Let us ask the gift of patience to accept all humiliations, thinking of how Jesus suffered for us.

4th Sorrowful Mystery - The Carrying of the Cross
As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For look, the days are surely coming when people will say, "Blessed are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne children, the breasts that have never suckled!" Then they will begin to say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"; to the hills, "Cover us!" For if this is what is done to green wood, what will be done when the wood is dry?' Now they were also leading out two others, criminals, to be executed with him. (Luke 23,26-)
Even if He had suffered just for you, Jesus would have accepted such pains, great is His love for you. Along the road to Calvary Jesus sees Mary, His Mother. Can we imagine the moment when Their eyes met? Oh how Her Heart must have ached. Let us pray to Mary for the grace to always accept our cross.

5th Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother:" Woman, behold thy son!" Then saith he to the disciple: "Behold thy mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. ( John 19,25-27)
Jesus wishes to see us close to His Mother; He wishes that, like children, we keep our hand in the hand of Mary. That is what He wants. He asks us to look to the heavenly Mother, that is depend on Her. He asks that we accept Our Lady as our true Mother, who will ignite in us a fervent love of Her Son. Mary, we trust in You, take us and put us in the refuge of Your Immaculate Heart, heal with Your humility our pride, that so often takes us far from God.

Most of this text came from The Holy Rosary.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Holy Rosary - Light Mysteries

[from The Holy Rosary] The Holy Rosary is considered a perfect prayer because within it lies the awesome story of our salvation. With the Rosary in fact we meditate the mysteries of joy, of sorrow and the glory of Jesus and Mary. It's a simple prayer, humble so much like Mary.

[from EWTN] The rosary has been called the preparation for contemplation and the prayer of saints. While the hands and lips are occupied with the prayers, the mind meditates on the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption represented by the decades. Meditation is the form of prayer by which the one who prays uses the mind and imagination to consider a truth and uses the will to love it and form resolutions to live it. In this way the heart, mind, and soul of the Christian is formed according to the Gospel examples of the Savior and His First Disciple, His Mother. In God's own time, when this purification of the heart, mind, and soul has advanced sufficiently the Lord may give the grace of contemplative prayer, that special divine insight into the truth which human effort cannot achieve on its own.



The Light Mysteries are included with the rosary every Thursday.

1st Light Mystery - The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. (Mt 3,13-17)
The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out.

2nd Light Mystery - The Wedding of Cana
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. (Jn 2,1-12)

Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.

3rd Light Mystery - The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mk 1,15)
The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23).

4th Light Mystery - The Transfiguration
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.(Luk 9,28-35)

The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to “listen to him” (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

5th Light Mystery - The Institution of the Eucharist
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." (Mk 14,22-25)

A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice.

Most of this text came from The Holy Rosary.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Chaplet of Divine Mercy



How to Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (using a standard Rosary)

1.  Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and The Apostles Creed.
2.  On the Our Father Beads, say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3.  On the 10 Hail Mary Beads, say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all five decades.)
4.  Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.


In 1933, God gave Sister Faustina a striking vision of His Mercy. Sister tells us:
"I saw a great light, with God the Father in the midst of it. Between this light and the earth I saw Jesus nailed to the Cross and in such a way that God, wanting to look upon the earth, had to look through Our Lord's wounds and I understood that God blessed the earth for the sake of Jesus."

Of another vision on Sept. 13, 1935, she writes:
"I saw an Angel, the executor of God's wrath... about to strike the earth...I began to beg God earnestly for the world with words which I heard interiorly. As I prayed in this way, I saw the Angel's helplessness, and he could not carry out the just punishment...."

The following day an inner voice taught her to say this prayer on ordinary rosary beads:  "First say one 'Our Father', 'Hail Mary', and 'I believe'.

Then on the large beads say the following words:  'Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.'

On the smaller beads you are to say the following words: 'For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.'

In conclusion you are to say these words three times: 'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world'.

Jesus said later to Sister Faustina:
"Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy...."

"....When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person not as the just judge but as the Merciful Savior".


Most of this information was pulled from EWTN.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Seven Word Status




Mailing
Relay for Life
donation request letters.



___________________________________________________________________
Friends and Family,
Happy Valentines’ Day!
            I don’t have a sweetheart to share my Valentines’ Day with, so I am taking advantage of this day to talk to you about something else that touches my heart.  I have been active in Martin County’s Relay for Life since 2003.  However last year, when my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer (and beat it!), I had a whole new reason for wanting to put an end to cancer in my lifetime.  Last year, with your help, I raised more than $1,500 for our team…The Doyle Dream Team!  This year, in addition to helping run the event and being our team’s captain, I want to continue to do my part again by raising more than $1,000 for cancer research and education.  Cancer is a horrible disease that can attack anyone anywhere.  And we just never know who the next victim is going to be.
            I believe that most donations are never realized simply because the question is never asked.  So, I am asking.  I am asking you to support me, The Doyle Dream Team, Martin County’s Relay for Life, and the American Cancer Society by making a donation.  It’s going to take more than one person to knock out cancer.  It takes a team.  And I need your help.
            I am sending out more than 100 of these letters.  If everyone that receives it donates only $10, I will have raised well over $1,000 for Relay for Life.  If we all work together, we can help to stop cancer before it stops another person that we love.
            If you would like to help, use the return envelope and send a check made out to American Cancer Society by March 31st.  Or make a donation online at www.relayforlife.org/martincountyin.  Just look for our team!  I want to thank you in advance for all your support, whether in time, money, or prayer.  I believe that together we can make a difference.  God bless you and yours!

From my heart to yours,
Leslie Doyle

Friday, February 8, 2013

Depression




Expecting positive thinking to cure depression is like expecting a person with diabetes to lower his blood sugar level by thinking different thoughts.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

The envelope reveals...

And he's expected to be here June 5th!

Congratulations, Jeff and Kelsie!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Okay, I've recently had my heart broken.  I've only been in love (-ish) once in the last decade and a half and he didn't feel the same way.  It's made me cry...A LOT.  But I also realized that (I think) only one man has ever been in love with me.  And unfortunately, I didn't feel the same way about him.  What's more, it wasn't the man I married.  How sad is that?!  How sad to be 42 and to realize that only one man in my entire life has ever been in love with me.  How sad to have been married and divorced and realize that neither my husband nor I was in love.  But I digress.  My point is, I've had my heart broken recently and I'm kind of boycotting love right now...at least romantic love.  So much so, that for the month of February, I refuse to endure a love story.  Not a movie or DVD, not on television, and not in a book.  And NO, I don't want to hear about your date night with the most wonderful husband in the world!  I'm healing, alright?!

[sigh]

But mass this weekend included one of my very favorite scriptures.  One that will be included at my wedding...as if I'll ever have one.

[just a portion of the second reading at mass this weekend]