I've realized, though albeit for only a little over 24 hours, how much I have missed parish life. I do feel refreshed and energized being back at my assignment parish for this short period. I think that I miss working with the people the most. I guess this is why I find my Independent Study with the Discernment Group so refreshing: it gives me a chance to be out there helping people grow in their relationship with Christ.
It's been a busy few days . . . retreat / Advent Gathering at SPS, Bishop's Reception, parish life, outings with friends - and Christmas coming in a few days. Things are really hectic! But I enjoy it . . . I enjoy being able to be busy through the day only to collapse at night, exhausted, but not from boredom. I think that, at school, boredom can creep in because it's a lot of the same things day after day: Classes, prayer, meetings, homework . . . it can seem like a never-ending cycle. It's trying to find the extraordinary that sometimes makes things bearable. (I'm not saying that I don't like school. I don't like the tests and papers, but do enjoy learning and applying the material. I guess every student can relate to that on some level.)
Well, we do what we can. Let us rejoice! . . . The celebration of the Anniversary of the Incarnation of the Lord is upon us! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Enjoy the journey . . .
21 December 2008
20 December 2008
Couting the days to D-Day
Yep, you read it correctly . . . "D-Day". June 6th. Apparently, that will be the day (God-willing) that my classmate and I will be ordained to the Diaconate. This date is rather special to me to begin with. Besides being one of the biggest days in US military history, it's my dad's birthday, and it also was my maternal grandfather's birthday. And so, "D-Day" in a sense, was for "Dads' Day . . . of birth". And now "D-Day" will also mean for me "Deacon Day". 167 days left.
God-willing.
God-willing.
09 December 2008
"Can You Picture That?" (a.k.a. iTunes - part 3)
Okay - it won't die . . . but I found some new questions, so I thought I would do this again. Third time's the charm, isn't it?
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Moving Forward" by Hoobastank
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Ecce Sacerdos" by Anton Bruckner (from Music for the 1999 Papal Visit to St. Louis by Pope John Paul II) [This has me a little worried.]
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"If You Could See Her" from Cabaret: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1998)
4) HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Rainbow Connection" from the Muppet Movie
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Minuet Militaire" by PDQ Bach
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"I Wanna Be a Producer" from The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
7) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
"Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses" from The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"But Mister Adams" from 1776 - The Broadway Revival
9) WHAT IS 2+2?
"Can't Explain" by Cherry Monroe
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by the Univeristy of Notre Dame Folk Choir
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" by Stevie Wonder & Take 6 (from Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration)
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Hail Mary, Our Icon" by Scot Crandal & Delores Dufner, OSB
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"You'll Be Watching" by The Three Graces
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"The Intermission" from Monty Python's Spamalot
15) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Our Burden is Heavy" by Iona Community
16) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"I Am Blessed" by Percy Gray, Jr. (from the Papal Visit CD) [I guess I should say at Ordination Party]
17) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Oh Dry Thy Glistening Tear" from The Pirates of Penzance
18) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Coventry Carol" arrangement by Richard Hillert, performed by the Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter's
19) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Maybe This Time" from Cabaret
20) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Wonderful to Me" by Matt Maher
21) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"It Won't Let Us Leave" from Evil Dead: The Musical
22) HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Oh! Men of Dark and Dismal Fate" from The Pirates of Penzance
23) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"O Lord I Am Not Worthy" by Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter's
24) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Stonehenge: Revisited" by Scythian
25) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Amen, Amen, It Shall Be So" by Iona Community
26) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"Overture: A Partial History of Black Music" by Quincy Jones (from Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration)
27) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Cell Block Tango" from Chicago: Original Movie Soundtrack
28) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Final Reel" by Scythian
29) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"We Got Us" by the Muppets
30) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Cevenant Hymn (Wherever You Go)" by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo
31) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Can You Picture That?" by the Muppets
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Moving Forward" by Hoobastank
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Ecce Sacerdos" by Anton Bruckner (from Music for the 1999 Papal Visit to St. Louis by Pope John Paul II) [This has me a little worried.]
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"If You Could See Her" from Cabaret: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1998)
4) HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Rainbow Connection" from the Muppet Movie
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Minuet Militaire" by PDQ Bach
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"I Wanna Be a Producer" from The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
7) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
"Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses" from The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"But Mister Adams" from 1776 - The Broadway Revival
9) WHAT IS 2+2?
"Can't Explain" by Cherry Monroe
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by the Univeristy of Notre Dame Folk Choir
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" by Stevie Wonder & Take 6 (from Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration)
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Hail Mary, Our Icon" by Scot Crandal & Delores Dufner, OSB
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"You'll Be Watching" by The Three Graces
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"The Intermission" from Monty Python's Spamalot
15) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Our Burden is Heavy" by Iona Community
16) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"I Am Blessed" by Percy Gray, Jr. (from the Papal Visit CD) [I guess I should say at Ordination Party]
17) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Oh Dry Thy Glistening Tear" from The Pirates of Penzance
18) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Coventry Carol" arrangement by Richard Hillert, performed by the Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter's
19) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Maybe This Time" from Cabaret
20) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Wonderful to Me" by Matt Maher
21) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"It Won't Let Us Leave" from Evil Dead: The Musical
22) HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Oh! Men of Dark and Dismal Fate" from The Pirates of Penzance
23) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"O Lord I Am Not Worthy" by Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter's
24) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Stonehenge: Revisited" by Scythian
25) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Amen, Amen, It Shall Be So" by Iona Community
26) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"Overture: A Partial History of Black Music" by Quincy Jones (from Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration)
27) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Cell Block Tango" from Chicago: Original Movie Soundtrack
28) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Final Reel" by Scythian
29) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"We Got Us" by the Muppets
30) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Cevenant Hymn (Wherever You Go)" by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo
31) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Can You Picture That?" by the Muppets
07 December 2008
I just move on . . .
It almost seems impossible to think that this semester is essentially over, with the exception of final exams. It seems to have flown by so fast, and a lot has happened this semester - most of it good. Turning my attention to my three finals and one final paper, I feel that I have grown this semester not only in my academic knowledge, but also in my ability to minister to people.
One of the biggest joys - and largest amount of energy and time spent - went to the Vocation Discernment Group I facilitated with some local college students. I looked forward to spending time with them, and have grown with them in their own discernment, that they have actually strengthened my discernment and vocation. They were (and are, since we'll be meeting next semester) my small parish, my faith community. Looking back on how nervous and anxious I was at the on-set, even though I was excited to have this opportunity, we have all grown together closer to Christ and to each other. Though I am happy to be at a break from this project, I am very much looking forward to next semester with the "crew".
I cannot believe that I'm now six months away from my diaconate ordination. Everyday, I seem to be more excited and, at the same time, more overwhelmed by the responsibility that this office will hold for me. Will I be able to be the servant Christ is calling me to be? Only with His grace will I know; only with His grace will I be able to carry out my duties. I've been reflecting upon the questions I'll be asked at the ordination, and while there are only six questions to answer, each one is filled with a lot of "meat to chew on". Each season, each experience is one that I look upon as my final one as a lay person . . . I know it sounds strange and maybe a little morbid, but as with any type of commitment, once you say "yes", everything changes. And I know that this can only be a change for the better . . . all the way around.
But for now, I have a paper to write . . . and a life to continue to live. (Not that I won't have a life in six months; it'll just be different.) Here I go . . . just movin' on.
Enjoy the journey . . .
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05 December 2008
iTunes - Part 2
I was told to do this again by a few friends, because they thought my answers were too genuine. (I guess they may have meant "fixed".) Here we go:
If someone says, “Are you okay?” you say?
”May God Show Us Kindness” – James Chepponis
How would you describe yourself?
“That Face” – The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
How do you feel today?
”Willkommen” – Cabaret: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1998)
What is your life’s purpose?
”Prisoners of Love” – The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
What is your motto?
"Nican Nopohua: In Italaquentzin Iuhquin Tonatiuh (Her Garments are Like the Sun)” – San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensamble
What do your friends think of you?
"Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago Original Movie Soundtrack
What do you think about very often?
"Hush! Hush! Not a Word” – The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
What is 2 + 2?
"We Rely on the Power of God” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What do you think of your best friend?
"All is Prepared” – The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
What is your life story?
"I Will Never Leave You” – David Haas
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Send Down the Fire” – Marty Haugen (performed by the Incarnation of the Lord Parish Choir) [appropriate for my “Spiritual Pyromaniac” homily]
What will they play at your funeral?
”Psalm 34: Taste and See” – James Chepponis
What is your hobby/interest?
"Psalm 139: Wings of Dawn” – Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney, Theresa Donohoo
What is your biggest fear?
"I Move On” – Chicago Original Movie Soundtrack
What is your biggest secret?
"Coventry Litany of Reconciliation” – University of Notre Dame Folk Choir
What do you think of your friends?
"Be with Us Now” – David Haas
If someone says, “Are you okay?” you say?
”May God Show Us Kindness” – James Chepponis
How would you describe yourself?
“That Face” – The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
How do you feel today?
”Willkommen” – Cabaret: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1998)
What is your life’s purpose?
”Prisoners of Love” – The Producers Original Movie Soundtrack
What is your motto?
"Nican Nopohua: In Italaquentzin Iuhquin Tonatiuh (Her Garments are Like the Sun)” – San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensamble
What do your friends think of you?
"Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago Original Movie Soundtrack
What do you think about very often?
"Hush! Hush! Not a Word” – The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
What is 2 + 2?
"We Rely on the Power of God” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What do you think of your best friend?
"All is Prepared” – The Pirates of Penzance Broadway Cast Recording
What is your life story?
"I Will Never Leave You” – David Haas
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Send Down the Fire” – Marty Haugen (performed by the Incarnation of the Lord Parish Choir) [appropriate for my “Spiritual Pyromaniac” homily]
What will they play at your funeral?
”Psalm 34: Taste and See” – James Chepponis
What is your hobby/interest?
"Psalm 139: Wings of Dawn” – Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney, Theresa Donohoo
What is your biggest fear?
"I Move On” – Chicago Original Movie Soundtrack
What is your biggest secret?
"Coventry Litany of Reconciliation” – University of Notre Dame Folk Choir
What do you think of your friends?
"Be with Us Now” – David Haas
I think that some of them are too fitting, but whatever . . .
iTunes fun
I stole the following from Mike's Blog:
1. Put Your iTunes on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3.You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
If someone says, “Are you okay?” you say?
"Agnus Dei” - Taize
How would you describe yourself?
“It’s Time” – Evil Dead: The Musical
How do you feel today?
"Cry Out with Joy and Gladness” – Tony Alonso, Michael Mahler, Lori True
What is your life’s purpose?
”When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What is your motto?
"When Christ is Lifted from the Earth” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What do your friends think of you?
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” – Saint Louis Archdiocesan Children’s Choir
What do you think about very often?
"Go Up to the Altar of God” – James Chepponis
What is 2 + 2?
"We Praise You” – David Haas
What do you think of your best friend?
"Happy Song” – Joshua Blakesly
What is your life story?
"Next 5 Minutes” – Steven Curtis Chapman
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"All Glory to God” – Matt Maher
What will they play at your funeral?
”Bulletproof and Bleeding” – Dog’s Eye View
What is your hobby/interest?
"Covenant Hymn” – Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney, Theresa Donohoo
What is your biggest fear?
"I Wish (All the Love in the World)” – Three Graces
What is your biggest secret?
"How Can We Stand Together?” – Iona Community / Wild Goose Worship
What do you think of your friends?
"Fresh as the Morning” - Tony Alonso, Michael Mahler, Lori True
1. Put Your iTunes on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3.You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
If someone says, “Are you okay?” you say?
"Agnus Dei” - Taize
How would you describe yourself?
“It’s Time” – Evil Dead: The Musical
How do you feel today?
"Cry Out with Joy and Gladness” – Tony Alonso, Michael Mahler, Lori True
What is your life’s purpose?
”When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What is your motto?
"When Christ is Lifted from the Earth” – Schola Cantorum of Saint Peter’s
What do your friends think of you?
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” – Saint Louis Archdiocesan Children’s Choir
What do you think about very often?
"Go Up to the Altar of God” – James Chepponis
What is 2 + 2?
"We Praise You” – David Haas
What do you think of your best friend?
"Happy Song” – Joshua Blakesly
What is your life story?
"Next 5 Minutes” – Steven Curtis Chapman
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"All Glory to God” – Matt Maher
What will they play at your funeral?
”Bulletproof and Bleeding” – Dog’s Eye View
What is your hobby/interest?
"Covenant Hymn” – Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney, Theresa Donohoo
What is your biggest fear?
"I Wish (All the Love in the World)” – Three Graces
What is your biggest secret?
"How Can We Stand Together?” – Iona Community / Wild Goose Worship
What do you think of your friends?
"Fresh as the Morning” - Tony Alonso, Michael Mahler, Lori True
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