Please spread the word about our 3 exciting Catholic Deaf events coming
soon to NJ:
1.
1st Annual Catholic DeaFest
Saturday, March 19, 2011 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Admission - Fully Accessible!
Catholic Center - Rutgers University
84 Somerset St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Keynote Speaker: Kate Slosar: FAITH IN ACTION
Workshops - Exhibits - Mass - Breakfast & Lunch - All are welcome!
For more information please contact:
Deacon Tom Smith, CSW 973-497-4312, TTY 973-497-4311,
VP 862-279-7645 or smiththo@rcan.org
Sr. Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ 856-583-6111, VP 856-283-3962,
or bmcmenamin@camdendiocese.org
Hosted by the Deaf Ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark, the Diocese
of Camden,Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, & Diocese of Trenton
2.
THE PASSION PLAY, America's Longest Running Play, is the dramatic story
of Jesus Christ's last days on earth. It is the modernized version of
"The Passion Play" performed in Germany since 1634, complete with large
cast of characters, breathtaking imagery and memorable songs. The
Saturday, April 16th, 2011, 2:00 p.m. performance at the Park Performing
Arts Center, 560 - 32nd Street, Union City, will again be
ASL-Interpreted for the Deaf by Kymme Van Cleef & Dana Fuller (courtesy
of ASL Interpreter Referral Services). "Deaf seats" are specially priced
at $21.00. Please contact Claudia at claudia@parkpac.org to reserve your
seats. Or call her on Relay (voice) 201-865-6980, ext. 12 for more
info.
3.
Catholic Deaf Retreat Weekend
Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2011
Maris Stella Retreat & Conference Center
7201 Long Beach Blvd.Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008 www.marisstella.org
Deacon Patrick Graybill will present “Celebrating God’s Family”
For more information please contact:
Sr. Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ bmcmenamin@camdendiocese.org or
Kate Slosar mwdkate@aol.com
The New Jersey Catholic Deaf Pastoral Workers invite you to
“come to the seashore” and experience God’s wonderful love!
.
__,_._,___
Showing posts with label catholic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label catholic. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Parish coach excludes third grader with autism from cheerleading squad...
...but the good news is the little girl is still cheering despite the events swirling around her. Last weekend she earned her way onto an all star community cheerleading squad.
The mother of third grader Joanna Petosa says her daughter loves cheerleading and can do the cheers with precision. Nevertheless, she says that St. Christopher's cheerleading coach told her that her daughter is being removed from the squad because she would drag down the other kids.
Sally Petosa says the issue is her daughter's autism. According to her, last year the parents of the team members said they were concerned about Joanna keeping up, so Sally permitted her daughter to be placed on a younger squad and was told this year her daughter would rejoin the group of her own age. Sally gave them a $60 deposit, but was told by the coach that Joanna, who is an A student, could not be on the team this year because "they had come to the conclusion that she didn't have the mental capacity to do the stunts."
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York denies that "the coach called out Joanna's diagnosis". Her explanation is that Joanna didn't make it onto a new competitive team, but could cheer at basketball games with five other girls who also didn't make the team.
However, Sally Petosa says that last weekend Joanna tried out for an all stars cheerleading team called Island Xplosion and made the squad. James DeFranco, the coach of Island Xplosion said that "[Joanna] got on the floor and stretched with the other girls and did all the tumbles, cartwheels and roundoffs. She even learned a whole routine and a jump sequence, while she was here. She did anything any other girl did. She was even quicker than some of them."
Parish officials are referring all questions to the Archdiocese. The director of Staten Island Catholic Charities says he "was angered that St. Christopher's wouldn't give Joanna a chance".
To read more, go here.
The mother of third grader Joanna Petosa says her daughter loves cheerleading and can do the cheers with precision. Nevertheless, she says that St. Christopher's cheerleading coach told her that her daughter is being removed from the squad because she would drag down the other kids.
Sally Petosa says the issue is her daughter's autism. According to her, last year the parents of the team members said they were concerned about Joanna keeping up, so Sally permitted her daughter to be placed on a younger squad and was told this year her daughter would rejoin the group of her own age. Sally gave them a $60 deposit, but was told by the coach that Joanna, who is an A student, could not be on the team this year because "they had come to the conclusion that she didn't have the mental capacity to do the stunts."
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York denies that "the coach called out Joanna's diagnosis". Her explanation is that Joanna didn't make it onto a new competitive team, but could cheer at basketball games with five other girls who also didn't make the team.
However, Sally Petosa says that last weekend Joanna tried out for an all stars cheerleading team called Island Xplosion and made the squad. James DeFranco, the coach of Island Xplosion said that "[Joanna] got on the floor and stretched with the other girls and did all the tumbles, cartwheels and roundoffs. She even learned a whole routine and a jump sequence, while she was here. She did anything any other girl did. She was even quicker than some of them."
Parish officials are referring all questions to the Archdiocese. The director of Staten Island Catholic Charities says he "was angered that St. Christopher's wouldn't give Joanna a chance".
To read more, go here.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Life in an inner city monastery
via YouTube
Ridiculous and Sublime: Life in an Inner-City Franciscan Monastery is a feature-length still-image film that explores the lives of the Little Brothers of Saint Francis, a small Catholic monastery in Boston's Mission Hill neighborhood. The film is being created as an artful integration of black and white photographs, and audio recordings of interviews, chanting, prayer, and daily life in the monastery.
The film is currently in post-production and funds are needed to complete it. Visit http://www.ridiculousandsublime.com/ to learn more.
Ridiculous and Sublime: Life in an Inner-City Franciscan Monastery is a feature-length still-image film that explores the lives of the Little Brothers of Saint Francis, a small Catholic monastery in Boston's Mission Hill neighborhood. The film is being created as an artful integration of black and white photographs, and audio recordings of interviews, chanting, prayer, and daily life in the monastery.
The film is currently in post-production and funds are needed to complete it. Visit http://www.ridiculousandsublime.com/ to learn more.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sr. Mary Sponsa Beltran and the Teach Peace Foundation
This video is described on YouTube as follows:
The Teach Peace Foundation helps the disabled in Liberia, Africa live with dignity. Our Special Ambassador program teaches children that disability does not mean inability. In addition to care for the disabled, we provide leadership development experiences for students to get involved while learning about the plight of people with no safety net. For more information, visit www.teachpeace.com or call 570-406-4533.
I apologize that I haven't provided a transcript of this video for visually impaired readers (although it is captioned for deaf readers); however, if you'd like to read more about Teach Peace, please go to this link.
To hear speeches from Sr. Mary Sponsa Beltran about her work, please go here.
The Teach Peace Foundation helps the disabled in Liberia, Africa live with dignity. Our Special Ambassador program teaches children that disability does not mean inability. In addition to care for the disabled, we provide leadership development experiences for students to get involved while learning about the plight of people with no safety net. For more information, visit www.teachpeace.com or call 570-406-4533.
I apologize that I haven't provided a transcript of this video for visually impaired readers (although it is captioned for deaf readers); however, if you'd like to read more about Teach Peace, please go to this link.
To hear speeches from Sr. Mary Sponsa Beltran about her work, please go here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Agencies report increase in college grad volunteers
Several volunteer organizations are reporting increases in the number of college graduates they place, as a response to "the tight job market or simply from a desire to do some good."
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, which places volunteers in rural and urban areas in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, accepted 101 volunteers at the start of the 2009-10 service term, a 40 percent increase from the previous year.
Teach for America and the Peace Corps also have tracked big surges in volunteer numbers since the nation's economic downturn began in the fall of 2008 -- about 40 percent for Teach for America and 16 percent for the Peace Corps. via catholicnews.com
The directior of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, Jeanne Haster, credits the President's call for involvement in community service and the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April, which increases the number of spots in the AmeriCorps service program.
"This bill will dramatically increase the amount of support for service opportunities throughout the United States, enabling more Americans to volunteer during a time when so many in our country are in need," said Jim Lindsay, executive director of the Maryland-based Catholic Network of Volunteer Service.
The network, with more than 200 member-programs, hosts an online directory of full-time service opportunities. Those logging on to search the opportunities have increased by 32 percent from a year ago. In a recent poll of network members, two thirds reported a "significant" increase in applications from previous years, he told the Catholic Sentinel, Portland's archdiocesan newspaper. via Catholicnews.com
To read the rest of the article and read about some of the students involved, click the link above.
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, which places volunteers in rural and urban areas in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, accepted 101 volunteers at the start of the 2009-10 service term, a 40 percent increase from the previous year.
Teach for America and the Peace Corps also have tracked big surges in volunteer numbers since the nation's economic downturn began in the fall of 2008 -- about 40 percent for Teach for America and 16 percent for the Peace Corps. via catholicnews.com
The directior of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, Jeanne Haster, credits the President's call for involvement in community service and the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April, which increases the number of spots in the AmeriCorps service program.
"This bill will dramatically increase the amount of support for service opportunities throughout the United States, enabling more Americans to volunteer during a time when so many in our country are in need," said Jim Lindsay, executive director of the Maryland-based Catholic Network of Volunteer Service.
The network, with more than 200 member-programs, hosts an online directory of full-time service opportunities. Those logging on to search the opportunities have increased by 32 percent from a year ago. In a recent poll of network members, two thirds reported a "significant" increase in applications from previous years, he told the Catholic Sentinel, Portland's archdiocesan newspaper. via Catholicnews.com
To read the rest of the article and read about some of the students involved, click the link above.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Pope receives President Obama
In their first private meeting today which lasted approximately twenty minutes, Pope Benedict XVI and President Obama spoke about "moral values in international politics, immigration and the Catholic Church’s contribution in developing countries", according to Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi.
In addition, Fr. Lombardi said the they discussed inter-religious dialogue and Middle East peace, with both reaffirming the need for a two state solution. He said the US president “reiterated his commitment to reducing the incidence of abortion”.
President Obama’s parting words to Pope Benedict Friday were that he looked forward to future strong relations between the United States and the Holy See, Pope Benedict told the President: “I thank you for all your work! I’ll pray for you!”
via radiovaticana.org
Video coverage of the public portion of their meeting can be viewed here.
In addition, Fr. Lombardi said the they discussed inter-religious dialogue and Middle East peace, with both reaffirming the need for a two state solution. He said the US president “reiterated his commitment to reducing the incidence of abortion”.
President Obama’s parting words to Pope Benedict Friday were that he looked forward to future strong relations between the United States and the Holy See, Pope Benedict told the President: “I thank you for all your work! I’ll pray for you!”
via radiovaticana.org
Video coverage of the public portion of their meeting can be viewed here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Blending in
I once told my mother that I couldn't wear white knee socks to my Catholic grammar school because everyone else was wearing dark green ones. She asked me if there was a rule prohibiting the white socks and I said no. I was new at the school and at my old Catholic school everyone wore white, so that was what I owned. My mother told me that when the white socks wore out, she would buy me green ones, but there wasn't money to replace perfectly good socks.
I remember slamming my sock drawer and angrily telling my mother that she didn't understand how I felt. She never went to parochial school, I said. She didn't understand what a big deal knee socks were when they were one of the few items you could coordinate differently.
She smiled and asked me why the girls would choose to wear the same color as everyone else if they could accessorize their socks. Then she held up a pair of pink socks and smiled.
So the next day I wore pink socks with my plaid blue and green jumper to school. A few girls came up to me and said they wanted to wear different colors too but everyone wore green. One asked if I was going to wear a different color the next day and I said sure, that I was never going to wear green. She decided that she wasn't going to wear green any more either, because she was bored by it.
Within a week, the playground was full of girls wearing socks of all different colors and my white socks looked as if I was making a fashion statement. My only disappointment was that everyone forgot I started the trend.
I often remember those green socks after I've been out and about and I get a reaction to the way I do things differently due to my disability. I often answer questions with a sense of humor. To this day, there are people convinced that the assistive fork/knife I use is called a camping knife, for example. I tell them that it's a time saver because you don't have to wash both a fork and a knife. Impressed, many ask where I bought mine.
It's clearly an item we all need. It should be sold on TV.
I believe that my mom did me a huge favor by not buying me those socks.
I remember slamming my sock drawer and angrily telling my mother that she didn't understand how I felt. She never went to parochial school, I said. She didn't understand what a big deal knee socks were when they were one of the few items you could coordinate differently.
She smiled and asked me why the girls would choose to wear the same color as everyone else if they could accessorize their socks. Then she held up a pair of pink socks and smiled.
So the next day I wore pink socks with my plaid blue and green jumper to school. A few girls came up to me and said they wanted to wear different colors too but everyone wore green. One asked if I was going to wear a different color the next day and I said sure, that I was never going to wear green. She decided that she wasn't going to wear green any more either, because she was bored by it.
Within a week, the playground was full of girls wearing socks of all different colors and my white socks looked as if I was making a fashion statement. My only disappointment was that everyone forgot I started the trend.
I often remember those green socks after I've been out and about and I get a reaction to the way I do things differently due to my disability. I often answer questions with a sense of humor. To this day, there are people convinced that the assistive fork/knife I use is called a camping knife, for example. I tell them that it's a time saver because you don't have to wash both a fork and a knife. Impressed, many ask where I bought mine.
It's clearly an item we all need. It should be sold on TV.
I believe that my mom did me a huge favor by not buying me those socks.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, OFM speaks about dealing with disability and chronic illness
Fr. Jagdfeld talks about dealing with post polio syndrome, deafness as a result of Meniere's disease, arthritis and other conditions through prayer and spirituality in this video. He also speaks about the changes in his life and perspective. He shares how learning to sign led to his ability to listen to confessions for deaf parishioners and how he has become a "popular confessor" now.
via YouTube:
CUSA Administrator, Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., shares his experience of what it is like to acquire a disability and how he learned to cope. For more information about CUSA, an Apostolate of Persons with Chronic Illness and/or Disability, visit www.cusan.org. or go directly here. I'm also adding CUSA to my blogroll as a resource.
via YouTube:
CUSA Administrator, Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., shares his experience of what it is like to acquire a disability and how he learned to cope. For more information about CUSA, an Apostolate of Persons with Chronic Illness and/or Disability, visit www.cusan.org. or go directly here. I'm also adding CUSA to my blogroll as a resource.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
US priest killed in robbery in Guatemala
The Reverend Lawrence Rosebaugh, who brought attention to human rights abuses in Brazil in the 70's, was shot and killed during a robbery in Guatemala. He served as a missionary for 10 years there.
Rosebaugh made international headlines in 1977 when he was jailed in Brazil along with a Mennonite lay worker. The two had been living among the poor of Recife and helping street children by setting up an informal soup kitchen when they were arrested.
When they were released four days later, they complained of being held incommunicado, stripped naked and beaten. They handed a letter detailing their ordeal to U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was on a goodwill tour of Latin America covered by major U.S. media, and the exposure infuriated Brazil's military dictatorship. via USAToday.com
Rosebaugh made international headlines in 1977 when he was jailed in Brazil along with a Mennonite lay worker. The two had been living among the poor of Recife and helping street children by setting up an informal soup kitchen when they were arrested.
When they were released four days later, they complained of being held incommunicado, stripped naked and beaten. They handed a letter detailing their ordeal to U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was on a goodwill tour of Latin America covered by major U.S. media, and the exposure infuriated Brazil's military dictatorship. via USAToday.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Theology of Invitation
Archbishop Dolan speaks to the NY Press prior to his installation Mass today. Part of his answers address the theology of invitation in the Church. He also talks about the "prominent pulpit" of being the Archbishop of New York.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Following a raised savior
I've been blessed by meeting many people of faith in my life. And they have taught me that "mere survival is not the vocation of Christians who follow a raised savior", as Kyle Kramer wrote in America.
Kyle writes that even the desert "saguaro, those tall, emblematic, almost anthropomorphic cacti", is not a plant that survives as an individualist, but is one rooted in "community, hospitality and generosity". It starts under the shade of a nurse tree, then harbors birds who perforate it, and gives off fruits and food, adapting to life in the desert.
The article says that Jesus during his 40 days in the desert gave himself over to divine care rather than "grasping for the food, protection, possessions and power with which he was tempted," noting how tempting it is during tough economic times "simply to hunker down amid earthly concern."
How true this is. All we have to do is look around us to see the effects of the economic downturn, yet if we look a bit further, we can see people who continue to volunteer and help others, who ignore their own precarious financial situations and keep giving of their time,energy and resources. They are the people of faith I talk about. I know many are around, but they are often quiet people doing what may seem like small things that keep everything running. They are adapting to the desert times.
And they say things like this, promoting community:
"We'll get through this, but we have to help each other" and "Finding different, less expensive ways to do things has been a gift for our family".
They are generous and often say"I'm not using [fill in the blank], why not pass it along to someone who can?", knowing others have it harder.
They are hospitable, welcoming those in need with as much enthusiasm as those who are well networked.
Their lives are rooted and, because of that, they attract others to their strength and quiet dignified way of life. As I say, I've met many of them and I bet if we spent more time looking around, we'd find more.
People who know life isn't about mere survival, who aren't living in daily fear and temptation by material things do "embody beauty and transcendence ".
Kyle writes that even the desert "saguaro, those tall, emblematic, almost anthropomorphic cacti", is not a plant that survives as an individualist, but is one rooted in "community, hospitality and generosity". It starts under the shade of a nurse tree, then harbors birds who perforate it, and gives off fruits and food, adapting to life in the desert.
The article says that Jesus during his 40 days in the desert gave himself over to divine care rather than "grasping for the food, protection, possessions and power with which he was tempted," noting how tempting it is during tough economic times "simply to hunker down amid earthly concern."
How true this is. All we have to do is look around us to see the effects of the economic downturn, yet if we look a bit further, we can see people who continue to volunteer and help others, who ignore their own precarious financial situations and keep giving of their time,energy and resources. They are the people of faith I talk about. I know many are around, but they are often quiet people doing what may seem like small things that keep everything running. They are adapting to the desert times.
And they say things like this, promoting community:
"We'll get through this, but we have to help each other" and "Finding different, less expensive ways to do things has been a gift for our family".
They are generous and often say"I'm not using [fill in the blank], why not pass it along to someone who can?", knowing others have it harder.
They are hospitable, welcoming those in need with as much enthusiasm as those who are well networked.
Their lives are rooted and, because of that, they attract others to their strength and quiet dignified way of life. As I say, I've met many of them and I bet if we spent more time looking around, we'd find more.
People who know life isn't about mere survival, who aren't living in daily fear and temptation by material things do "embody beauty and transcendence ".
Friday, February 27, 2009
Bishop's apology falls short, says the Vatican
The Vatican says Bishop Williamson's statement does not meet the conditions set by the Vatican on February 4, "when it ordered Williamson to "in an absolutely unequivocal and public way distance himself from his positions" regarding the Holocaust."
Instead, Williamson issued a statement yesterday saying, in part, "To all souls that took honest scandal from what I said, before God I apologize."
The bishop has stated he believes there were no gas chambers during the Holocaust and that no more than 300,000 people perished, rather than 6 million as recorded by historians. His statement did not say his views were erroneous or that he did not believe them.
The Vatican indicated that the statement did not meet the conditions for Williamson to be a member of the Catholic clergy.
Instead, Williamson issued a statement yesterday saying, in part, "To all souls that took honest scandal from what I said, before God I apologize."
The bishop has stated he believes there were no gas chambers during the Holocaust and that no more than 300,000 people perished, rather than 6 million as recorded by historians. His statement did not say his views were erroneous or that he did not believe them.
The Vatican indicated that the statement did not meet the conditions for Williamson to be a member of the Catholic clergy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Catholic parishes hold programs for children with disabilities
USA Today reports that St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, Rhode Island has begun a program of religious education for children with autism, the first in Rhode Island. The bimonthly program also helps children prepare for the sacraments.
The article explains how a parishioner at St. Peter's coordinated the program when she realized the need to include children with disabilities, by consulting with experts and recruiting volunteers.
Dioceses in at least 31 states offer specialized religious instruction for students suffering from conditions including autism, mental retardation, emotional and learning disabilities and brain injuries, according to a 2007-2008 survey by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The article explains how a parishioner at St. Peter's coordinated the program when she realized the need to include children with disabilities, by consulting with experts and recruiting volunteers.
Dioceses in at least 31 states offer specialized religious instruction for students suffering from conditions including autism, mental retardation, emotional and learning disabilities and brain injuries, according to a 2007-2008 survey by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Announcements: Book Signing in Philadelphia
Book Signing at Borders Center City with Fr. Anthony Russo
March 11, 2009
12:30 to 1:30 PM
Borders Book Store - 2nd floor
Broad and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Please let your friends who work in Center City know to visit Borders
on March 11th for a brief presentation and Book signing for: In Silent
Prayer: A History of Ministry with the Deaf Community in
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Written by Fr. Father Anthony Russo, In Silent Prayer: A History of
Ministry with the Deaf Community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
traces this special ministry in our local Church. Fr. Russo tells the
story of the great men and women who have provided this important
service. He also includes examples of how to establish an effective
ministry with a discussion of the ideas and attitudes necessary to
effect progress in ministry today.
via list serve NJCIM
The book can also be purchased online at this site and this site.
[image description: The cover of the book is shown, with an image from the rear of the seated congregation, with members signing and an interpreter and priest on the altar.]
Monday, February 16, 2009
New to the blogroll: Best Catholic Books
I found this gem of a blog through a reader's blogroll. Best Catholic Books is written by Sr. Julia from New Orleans, whose intro reads:
I became a Catholic because of a book. And I became a nun because of a bookstore--the Daughters of St. Paul bookstore in Philadelphia. And for 30 years, I've lived in a bookstore! (It's the perfect life for a book addict like me.) If you don't have some of the books I mention here, just write to me. As I said, I live in a bookstore!
Her posts feature books that she finds which are treasures as well as those she uses herself in her prayer life. Please go over and visit.
*
I'd also like to mention that if any Catholics would like to volunteer to scan a Catholic book for Bookshare, it would be appreciated. If anyone could please do just one book, eventually that would help provide more Catholic books for readers. (Right now when you search under 'Catholic', you get eight books, although there are a few more. I found two books by Scott Hahn, for example.) Many of us Catholics with disabilities who rely on Bookshare to read would love to be able to read some of the Catholic books we see in print and it would be a great help and much appreciated.
I became a Catholic because of a book. And I became a nun because of a bookstore--the Daughters of St. Paul bookstore in Philadelphia. And for 30 years, I've lived in a bookstore! (It's the perfect life for a book addict like me.) If you don't have some of the books I mention here, just write to me. As I said, I live in a bookstore!
Her posts feature books that she finds which are treasures as well as those she uses herself in her prayer life. Please go over and visit.
*
I'd also like to mention that if any Catholics would like to volunteer to scan a Catholic book for Bookshare, it would be appreciated. If anyone could please do just one book, eventually that would help provide more Catholic books for readers. (Right now when you search under 'Catholic', you get eight books, although there are a few more. I found two books by Scott Hahn, for example.) Many of us Catholics with disabilities who rely on Bookshare to read would love to be able to read some of the Catholic books we see in print and it would be a great help and much appreciated.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Flunking Penmanship
I was one of those Catholic school kids who was left handed. The nuns set to trying to make me write with my right hand, which failed since I immediately went back to my left hand when they were out of sight. But I did learn skills that came in handy - being ambidextrous, for example. I also learned to write under my jacket so they couldn't see which hand I was using.
In my parochial elementary school, we were taught penmanship as a separate subject which you could fail. I was reminded of that quite often because not only was I left handed but my handwriting (perhaps as a result of having to switch hands) was illegible. In fact, in a desperate move to pass penmanship in fourth grade, I began to write so small that no one could read it. I recall teachers holding my marble composition book upside down and sideways and taking a magnifying glass to it prior to writing a big red F on top.
So that's the story of how I graduated from Catholic elementary school with handwriting that looked like hieroglyphics. Flunking penmanship did not hold me back in life as I feared. Of course now I can't write at all because my hands are paralyzed. It's a bit of a relief actually.
If you went to Catholic school, you probably learned to write with the method seen in the video below. Ahhh, memories.
In my parochial elementary school, we were taught penmanship as a separate subject which you could fail. I was reminded of that quite often because not only was I left handed but my handwriting (perhaps as a result of having to switch hands) was illegible. In fact, in a desperate move to pass penmanship in fourth grade, I began to write so small that no one could read it. I recall teachers holding my marble composition book upside down and sideways and taking a magnifying glass to it prior to writing a big red F on top.
So that's the story of how I graduated from Catholic elementary school with handwriting that looked like hieroglyphics. Flunking penmanship did not hold me back in life as I feared. Of course now I can't write at all because my hands are paralyzed. It's a bit of a relief actually.
If you went to Catholic school, you probably learned to write with the method seen in the video below. Ahhh, memories.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Pope YouTubes, talks about Facebook
With an audience of 1.4 billion, the Vatican now has a channel on YouTube, via which relevant events and activities of the Pope will be broadcast.
This article notes that the Pope joins both President Obama and Queen Elizabeth who have their own channels.
The Pope also spoke recently about Facebook and social networking sites, urging a culture of online respect in his annual message on Communications.
h/t to my sister, Sue
This article notes that the Pope joins both President Obama and Queen Elizabeth who have their own channels.
The Pope also spoke recently about Facebook and social networking sites, urging a culture of online respect in his annual message on Communications.
h/t to my sister, Sue
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Getting to awe
The magi have arrived, bearing gifts, after their long, arduous journey. As I wrote the other day, as pilgrims they made their journey looking for a source of awe.
Sometimes I think we all have lost that sense of awe toward God in a world that is so full of distractions, it's difficult to even lift our gaze toward spiritual things. Our eyes are fixed on iPods, tech devices, computer screens more than ever and less on each other, and as for prayer and talking to God, many of us say we don't have time or, if we do, precious little, for our Creator and Savior. (Of course adding those last two words puts a perspective on it that makes the statement rather inane.)
Yet, with a bit of thought, it takes very little to get to awe. Just thinking about the fact that God is omnipresent, for example, makes me feel awe. He is everywhere. Not just in the sense of everywhere as we think of it - in our homes, our offices, the store, etc. but also in our heads. Call it mind reading or thought recognition, but God is all knowing or, as I used to write out in grammar school All Knowing.Which means He knows why we 'don't have time' for prayer and communication with Him.
Of course He knew the magi were coming. He knew they were bearing gifts. He also knows what gifts and talents we bring to the table. He knows whether we use them or not. There are opportunities put in front of us every day to do so and He leaves it up to us to make choices. We can make the pilgrimage, take the journey or go another route. We can choose convenience and the express lane. We can go to bed without praying, wake up without expressing our gratitude and live as if we don't have a Creator or Savior and don't know him.
We can choose not to get to awe.
On this day, as the magi arrive, I'm spending some time thinking about what's getting between me and awe. I wonder where unnecessary limits in my life arise and how to deal with those. I'm thinking about ways I miss opportunities to get to awe. I'm checking my road map with a different kind of GPS - not for the fastest physical route, but the best spiritual one, the one where I can be of most service to my brothers and sisters in Christ. That's the road I need to travel. I know if I listen closely and take God's direction, I'll find it.
Sometimes I think we all have lost that sense of awe toward God in a world that is so full of distractions, it's difficult to even lift our gaze toward spiritual things. Our eyes are fixed on iPods, tech devices, computer screens more than ever and less on each other, and as for prayer and talking to God, many of us say we don't have time or, if we do, precious little, for our Creator and Savior. (Of course adding those last two words puts a perspective on it that makes the statement rather inane.)
Yet, with a bit of thought, it takes very little to get to awe. Just thinking about the fact that God is omnipresent, for example, makes me feel awe. He is everywhere. Not just in the sense of everywhere as we think of it - in our homes, our offices, the store, etc. but also in our heads. Call it mind reading or thought recognition, but God is all knowing or, as I used to write out in grammar school All Knowing.Which means He knows why we 'don't have time' for prayer and communication with Him.
Of course He knew the magi were coming. He knew they were bearing gifts. He also knows what gifts and talents we bring to the table. He knows whether we use them or not. There are opportunities put in front of us every day to do so and He leaves it up to us to make choices. We can make the pilgrimage, take the journey or go another route. We can choose convenience and the express lane. We can go to bed without praying, wake up without expressing our gratitude and live as if we don't have a Creator or Savior and don't know him.
We can choose not to get to awe.
On this day, as the magi arrive, I'm spending some time thinking about what's getting between me and awe. I wonder where unnecessary limits in my life arise and how to deal with those. I'm thinking about ways I miss opportunities to get to awe. I'm checking my road map with a different kind of GPS - not for the fastest physical route, but the best spiritual one, the one where I can be of most service to my brothers and sisters in Christ. That's the road I need to travel. I know if I listen closely and take God's direction, I'll find it.
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Christmas services for Deaf and HOH
From the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA, ASL Christmas Masses:
Our Lady of Ransom Chapel
Unruh Street and Roosevelt Boulevard
Christmas Eve 6:00 PM
Christmas Day 11 AM
St. Stanislaus Church, Lansdale, PA
Main Street and Lansdale Road
Christmas Eve 5:15 PM
Sts. Peter and Paul, West Chester, PA
West Chester Pike and Route 352
Christmas Eve 6 PM
St. Francis Assisi Church,
Norristown, PA
Marshall and Buttonwood Streets
Christmas Eve 4:00 PM
St. Pius X, Broomall, PA
220 Lawrence Road
Christmas Eve 4:00 PM
Epiphany of Our Lord Church,
South Philadelphia
11th and Jackson Street
Christmas Day 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Doylestown
East State Road
Christmas Eve 6:00 PM
St. Joseph, Warrington, PA
Easton and County Line Road
Christmas Day 11:00 AM
St. Norbert Church
50 Leopold Road, Paoli
Christmas Eve 11 PM
St. Anselm School Hall
12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Phila.
Christmas Eve 4 PM
Our Lady of Ransom Chapel
Unruh Street and Roosevelt Boulevard
Christmas Eve 6:00 PM
Christmas Day 11 AM
St. Stanislaus Church, Lansdale, PA
Main Street and Lansdale Road
Christmas Eve 5:15 PM
Sts. Peter and Paul, West Chester, PA
West Chester Pike and Route 352
Christmas Eve 6 PM
St. Francis Assisi Church,
Norristown, PA
Marshall and Buttonwood Streets
Christmas Eve 4:00 PM
St. Pius X, Broomall, PA
220 Lawrence Road
Christmas Eve 4:00 PM
Epiphany of Our Lord Church,
South Philadelphia
11th and Jackson Street
Christmas Day 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Doylestown
East State Road
Christmas Eve 6:00 PM
St. Joseph, Warrington, PA
Easton and County Line Road
Christmas Day 11:00 AM
St. Norbert Church
50 Leopold Road, Paoli
Christmas Eve 11 PM
St. Anselm School Hall
12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Phila.
Christmas Eve 4 PM
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sisters of Mercy's motherhouse in Brooklyn closes
After 146 years, sisters are bidding each other farewell as they move to other places as the Convent of Mercy closes its doors after the order decided that money for renovations that would cost more than 20 million dollars, including accessibility needs for an aging population, could better be spent to promote its work elsewhere.
The convent, also the motherhouse for the order where retired nuns stayed, has a long history dating back to days before the social services system took care of orphans. Nuns of the order, also called the Walking Sisters because they went out into the community to help those in need, took in children and cared for thousands of them. The chapel had small pews built in the front for the youngest children, their place of honor.
You can read about the convent's history here.
I'll be keeping these good women in my prayers and my heart as they adjust to new homes, not easy to do, particularly at this time of the year. Please join me in prayer if you wish to.
[image description: in the photo, sisters say goodbye to each other. One nun kisses another in a wheelchair on the forehead as others have a conversation.]
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