Our Centenary

This past Sunday saw a huge celebration in our town;  the Centenary of our local Catholic Church.

 

The bishop attended, along with our current priest, a previous priest from our parish, and of course, our own Sister Moreen.  The church was packed, not just with Catholics, but with people all denominations and creeds.  Many people took part, including our own Daniel, who was called upon to read the prayers of the faithful. 

After Mass,  we headed out to the cemetery, where the Bishop blessed the graves of the faithful departed.  While there, I managed to find the grave of my late Step-Grandfather, who is the one, sole Catholic in my ancestry line as far as I am aware. It took a while to find the grave, as it was sort-of facing the opposite way to most of the tomb stones, but, find it we did.  The Bishop handed me the holy water, and together, we blessed his grave.  I then proceed to tell him the story of 'Robbie', who I never met, but had only heard the story of how one day he was drunk and swore at the visiting priest.  'Well, that'd be why we made him face the opposite way to everyone else, as his punishment', commented the bishop, and with a big grin, turned to move onto the next grave.

Later, it was time to head to the bowling club for lunch.  Now, it is a long-held tradition in the Maher family that the children, no matter how unruly at home, know how to present themselves in public, be well dressed, and behave in an orderly way.  I think we're definitely breaking with tradition there.  :)

There I was, giving a well-prepared talk to my three youngest girls on the importance of waiting before taking second helpings or taking too much one one's plate, when two of my darling teens arrived back at the table - plates ready and loaded with  - yep, seconds! 

 

Next, I turn to see my twelve-year-old looking like this:

And, it just got worse! 

Adorable, arent' they?   Yep, it's official - we are who we are, take us or leave us....   I've done my best! 


Still the bishop didn't seem to mind - in fact, both our local priest and the bishop eventually joined our little gathering for a laugh and a chat.

Still, sometimes we question why the people of our town think we're a little 'strange' - just can't figure it out.....

Linda.

Confirmation Day

Today was confirmation day for two of my girls - Helena and Margaret.

The day was certainly a busy one!  We began by saying goodbye to Helena's music teacher.  He is moving Interstate, and we are very sorry to see him go.  Helena began lessons with David some two years ago, and I cannot even begin to say how much he has helped, encouraged, and supported her during that time.  Sadly, the departure of such a wonderful teacher means that we will now need to travel to Adelaide, a 3-hour drive, every two weeks for lessons.  As music is her forte, we shall therefore be making the effort to do so.

Around lunch-time, Granny arrived, along with an uncle and several of their cousins.  They were able to enjoy the afternoon together, watching YouTube funnies, talking, and of course, playing with the archery equipment.  All too soon, though, it was time for them to head back to Adelaide, leaving Granny behind to stay with us for a few days.

And then it was time to get ready for the big event.  Mass began at 7pm, and I'm proud to say, we actually made it to the church a full half-hour early, to help set up and make sure all was ready.

 

It was the most beautiful service.  The Bishop, as always, was most entertaining, assuring the girls they would only get a decent slap on the face if they were misbehaving!  All in all, there were five girls for confirmation, plus two younger children for first communion. It was wonderful to witness how excited all the girls were beforehand - smiling, chatting amongst themselves, and waiting anxiously for Mass to begin.

Everything went just as it should, and there was the most wonderful, peaceful, atmosphere in the church. I cannot put into words how proud I was of my girls - they looked beautiful, and walked proudly and confidently to the Bishop to be confirmed.  After each family stood in turn to pray for their daughter(s), the congregation applauded the girls, welcoming them as full members of the Catholic community.  And yes, I was very close to tears, but actually managed to control them (this time)!

Afterwards, it was off to a local venue, where the children cut their cake and we all enjoyed  supper together.

 It was certainly a very special day, full of wonderful memories and special moments.  Did I mention how proud I am of my girls?   They are so special!


Linda.

My Church, My Home

Twenty years ago today, as my first child was baptised, I entered the Catholic Church and received the Eucharist for the first time.

It’s been a long road.  There is so much more to learn, and sometimes, I am very hard on myself for everything I don’t know, and everything I mess up or do wrong.  Over the past year especially it’s been tough, with troubles in the family, and friends who have turned against us, determined to save us from the ‘evils’ of the church.  It’s tough to take – and sometimes, it’s a struggle just to get through the day. 

But last night as I prayed, I realised just how far I had come.  There I was, busy telling God how I had failed and neglected to serve him, when I was reminded of a young sixteen year old, lying in a hospital bed after an overdose.  How I managed to leave that life behind is nothing short of a miracle.  Looking back, I can see God’s hand on my life, even then.  So many dangers presented themselves, and how I even managed to get through it alive is incredible, especially given that others in my group of friends did not.  There but for the grace of God, go I.

The fact that I am now a mum of eight, Catholic, and homeschooling is truly amazing.  Sometimes, I can hardly believe that it is real.  When I think of what my life could have been, I find that I am so thankful for everything I have, for my faith, the hope that is in me, and for my precious family and friends.

But there have been times.  After a particular nasty attack on my faith by some other ‘friends’ a few years ago, I found myself at Mass one day in tears.  Were they right?  Had I simply stepped from one evil to another?  Was I now brainwashed?  Should I stand up and walk out, and find somewhere else to worship?  As I prayed, I looked up to see the tabernacle, and the words came, loud and clear in my mind:  "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” *  And at that moment, I knew.  I knew there was no brainwashing, and the teachings were not false.  I knew that Christi’s presence in the Eucharist was real, and that there was no more need of searching.  I was at home in the Catholic Church, and I was here to stay.

Linda.

* John 6:68 

A Question for the Catholics out there...

Well, actually, a couple of questions.

A very quick background.  I was not raised a Catholic.  I am now a Catholic of course, and although I've read and studied a great deal, my knowledge in the practice of the faith is still lacking.  We don't have any local classes or anyone close with a great knowledge of these things, so sometimes I still feel like I'm floundering.


First Question:

Yesterday, we attended a practice at the church - two of my girls will be confirmed this weekend, and this was the first of two practices that will be held.

We usually avoid the lessons in the lead-up to confirmation and first communion in our parish, given that the sister involved is very 'liberal', I guess the word would be. 

As part of the practice, each girl went up like they would do on the day, to receive communion from the Bishop.  After they received the 'pretend' communion at practice, they were told to return to their seats.

One of my girls went to do the sign of the cross, and the sister grabbed her arm and said very firmly, 'no, we don't do that'. 

I always do the sign of the cross after receiving Holy Communion, but my girls were told very firmly not to. 

Why would they not be allowed to make the sign of the cross?



Second Question:

Communion on the Tongue.

Since becoming Catholic, I've always believed in receiving Communion on the Tongue.  But once again, in our parish, everyone is taught to receive it the in hand.  As well, dear hubby receives it in the hand, as he was taught. 

But I've always felt that it is far more reverent and respectful to receive it on the tongue, and of course, it eliminates the possibility of fragments falling to the ground, to be trampled underfoot.

But I stand alone on this issue, certainly in our family, and our parish.

I'm currently Googling more info on this topic - I'll present it to the troops, but I guess it's nothing that can be forced, especially considering the rest of the adults in our family see nothing wrong with it. 

What are your feelings and beliefs in this area? 



I'm in 'deep thought' mode today, aren't I?  :)


Linda.

Tonight on ABC's Q & A

Tonight on the ABC programme, Q & A, Cardinal George Pell - Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, we be on the panel with none other thatn Richard Dawkins - Outspoken British atheist:

ABC - Q & A

I heard a little of what will be discussed - mainly the origins of the universe, including evolution.

Personally, I'd really like to see Richard Dawkins go up against someone like Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis, but, Cardinal Pell it is!  I would not be surprised to see biased attacks against Christianity and the Catholic Church tonight. I do hope it does not degenerate into attacks on the church on their stance on such topics as homosexuality and abortion.

Please pray for Cardinal Pell, that he may be able to answer all questions and follow the command given in 1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

You can watch it on ABC 1, at 9.35pm tonight.

Linda.

Divine Mercy Novena 2012

The Divine Mercy prayer has always been very special to me;  I feel that the world needs His mercy now more than ever before.  Everywhere we look, we see the effects of our modern lifestyle - money, riches, fame - and things such as television, computer games and the Internet - all pulling more and more people away from God.

Starting on Good Friday, I am joining more than 10,000 Catholics to pray a Divine Mercy Novena!

I’m also trying to help this online prayer community  (PrayMoreNovenas.com) to get 20,000 people praying this novena for God’s Mercy.

If you wish, you too can sign up for handy email reminders to get the the novena prayers here: http://www.praymorenovenas.com/divine-mercy-novena

After you sign up, you can also choose to help spread the word regarding this sepecial prayer.. God’s Mercy is abundant and overflowing, let’s share it!

———

Linda

 

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
Let not your soul be sad
Easter is a time of joy
When all hearts should be glad,
Glad to know that Jesus Christ
Made it possible for men
To have their sins forgiven
And, like Him, to live again . . .
So at this joyous season
May the wondrous Easter Story
Renew our Faith so we may be
Partakers of "His Glory!"

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

 

 

 

 

May your Days be full of Joy and Gladness - I pray you all Have a very Blessed Easter!

 

 

Linda.

Understanding the Scriptures

Last week, we completed 'Understanding the Scriptures', a Catholic text, which is part of the Didache Series.

This particular book is written by Dr. Scott Hahn, which always indicates that it will be a good read.  I completed this text with my son, 17, and my 16 year old daughter.  As it was written by Dr. Hahn, I was a little concerned it may be over our heads, but I was pleasantly surprised.  There were questions to get you thinking of course, but I found it to be an excellent text, and at just the right level for us. 

The course took us right through salvation history, and shows the importance of the scriptures, and explains the various books of the Bible.  Earlier in the year, we completed Jeff Cavin's 'The Great Adventure' DVDs, and it turned out that 'Understanding the Scriptures' was a great extension and a wonderful follow-on from that series.

We're now beginning on 'Catholic Morality', the next book in the series.  The teacher manual for this book is very detailed, and I think it may be quite a challenge, but I believe it is, once again, perfect for my teens at this stage.

Isn't it great when all those hours of curriculum planning actually work out? 

Linda.