33 Days to Morning Glory is a do-it-yourself Marian Consecration retreat written by Father Michael Gaitley.  His own conversion story contains a powerful witness to the many graces of Marian Consecration. The program can be done individually or in a small group.   Each week of the retreat focuses on a different Marian “expert” and how they lived out their consecrations to Mary. These “experts” include:  Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II. More information on this program will be availble after the 10:15 a.m. Mass on October 14.

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” – C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis quotes are some of the very best for thinking and reflecting on faith. This is one of my favorites because it reminds me of how often I’ve searched for something that was in my path all along. Like when I can’t find my car keys and I rummage through every coat pocket, purse, and kitchen counter junk pile only to find that they’re right in front of me. I must have looked at them a dozen times but didn’t see them. And how in life, we walk along not really looking for anything in particular, and we stumble upon a treasure. And even though we’ve walked that same path a million times, and maybe even glanced that way, we never saw the treasure that was there all along.

Over the past 33 days I’ve come to see something, or rather someone, who has been in my path for a very long time. Her name is Mary. I now know how hard she has tried to get my attention over the years and how so many distractions in the world, in my life, and in my heart have made me unable and even unwilling to really see her. She’s been there all along, gentle and peaceful; quietly calling my name. And even though I knew this, and I’d occasionally glance her way, I didn’t really see her with my whole heart. Like the words of C.S. Lewis, Mary’s story has been written across the whole world and perhaps in letters to large for some of us (like me) to see. Most of us know the woman Mary and the story of Christmas as it’s retold to us every year. She surrounds us in statues, stained glass windows, the recited words of the rosary, and beloved hymns. But do we see Mary? Do we know her? Do we know her heart? Many Catholics have a special devotion to Mary but I never quite understood it myself perhaps because of my Lutheran upbringing and the Protestant influences in my life. To me, Mary was no doubt a great woman of faith who answered a brave call and fulfilled God’s plan for a Savior, but beyond that I never thought much more about her. I remember the first time I really began to notice Mary. It was Advent season, 1999 and I was 8 months pregnant with our son. I was moved to tears as I sat through Mass, one hand on my belly, gazing up at a statue of Mary. She was a mother and soon we would welcome her son. I too was a mother and would soon welcome my own son. I felt her call my name in that quiet moment of our shared maternal love. Thirteen years later I’m finally getting to know Mary. It’s funny how things find you and tug at your heart sometimes; things you have neglected or set aside at one time or another even if you did see them. Because seeing is not always believing unless we see with the eyes of our soul and open our hearts with faith and trust to be changed by what we see. I saw Mary so many times over the years and heard her voice, but I never fully opened my heart to her. By truly getting to know Mary’s heart, I’ve grown in a deeper understanding and more intimate relationship with her and her Son. Like any relationship this has required a lot of communication and work. I allowed myself to be led by her through a beautiful 33 day study of her life with scripture readings and teachings from great Saints, daily prayers, and journal writing to unite my heart with hers. Who is this Mary? She is your mother. She is my mother. She is the spouse of the Holy Spirit and bearer of great graces for us all. The more we belong to her, the more she can unite us with her Son and use us to accomplish God’s most perfect will. John Paul says “Mary is the discreet yet subtle presence.” Her spiritual motherhood is deeply connected with the Church and with all of us as members. She is waiting and wanting to walk the path of life with each and every one of us and lead us deeper into the merciful heart of her Jesus. She calls to us in her quiet ways but it’s up to us to answer. John Paul goes on to say, “Even when the same woman is the mother of many children, her personal relationship with each one of them is of the very essence of motherhood.” Mary is personally a mother to us all, and she doesn’t lose us in the crowd even though we may lose sight of her.

On October 14 at the 10:15 a.m. Mass, thirteen women at St. Anne will conclude their 33 day study of Marian teachings and will consecrate themselves to her in faithful service, entrustment, and devotion. I’m blessed to be among them and so grateful that I finally answered this gentle woman who has whispered my name for so very long, waiting patiently for me to walk with her.

 

 

 

“Behold, your mother” – John 19:27

 

Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe
comes to Kenosha by Karen Mahoney, Kenosha News Correspondent

A reproduction of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a  482-year-old religious treasure from Mexico will arrive on September 8 at St.
Elizabeth Catholic Church until September 17, and will travel to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish September 13-16.

The following is a transcript of Mike Nuzzo’s talk on “That Man is You”  — an invitation to all men in the parish to join this exciting new mens group. For more information, contact Mike at mnuzzo@southportheating.com.

Good morning everyone,

I would like to address the men here tonight, but ladies please listen also as I may need some assistance from you.

Are there any sports fans here?  If you’re like me, you probably have an opinion or two about your favorite team and how to make it better, and you discuss these with your friends (such as the backup quarterback situation for the Packers). If somebody starts to jeer your team, you will jump up and defend them to the best of your abilities (even if you think the other guy might be a little bit right).  For some of you, it would be a dream come true to be a part of that team, even as a waterboy.

I would like to discuss a different team.  We have a pretty good head coach, who we call God, and an awesome star quarterback in Jesus Christ.  Our team is being attacked from all angles in society, in our homes, and in our schools.  The problem is that our fans are not real comfortable talking about their team, or just don’t know how to handle the situation.  We know that the world has serious issues, but we are so over committed that it is too much of an effort to tackle some of the major problems we face, so we just do the best we can with each day, and hope things work out.

That Man Is You is a weekly men’s group designed to specifically address the problems you face today, and help you understand the roots of the issues and what you can do about it.  It started in 2004 in Texas and has spread to over 250 parishes nationwide.  It starts with a polished 30 minute video presentation, using science and hard facts to dissect the issues, and logically presents the wisdom of the church.  We then break into small groups where you can discuss how to apply it to your life, and hear the same from other men in your group.

It is especially valuable to fathers with children in the home, but all men will find it worthwhile.  This program is made to meet you wherever you are in your spiritual life, accept you, and help you along the journey.

One of my favorite quotes from Edmund Burke:       “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”

I found this program because I was looking for something to guide me in raising my two boys, Drake and Luke.  I was hoping to find a program that would help me lead them down the right path, and avoid some of the mistakes I made when I was growing up.  I am very confident that this is the right program for me, but I need your help, because this program is about the men, and figuring things out together.  Today is draft day for our team.  Don’t just sit on the sidelines and hope your team does OK.  We need linemen, running backs, and wide receivers to help our team move forward.  We need linebackers and safeties to defend our families from attack.  You are the head coach or star quarterback in someone’s eyes, and they are looking to you for guidance.  Don’t do nothing.  We need you.

Thank you very much!

In this week’s blog, we focus on “How We Live” our faith. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2225, it states, “Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the ‘first hearalds’ for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church.” Shelley Burnett talks about her own experiences in bringing children to Mass and the joy that comes in unexpected ways. Shelley, a former English teacher and now, full-time mother, resides in Bristol with her husband, Dan, along with their three young children.

but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

We were sitting in the backyard playing, and my daughter Addison asked to sing Alleluia! At 18 months. I thought that she had most certainly meant something else. Much to my surprise, she began to sing Bernadette’s Alleluia (Alle-Alle-Alle-Lu-Jah). I was floored! That was not in our repertoire of nursery rhymes.

Not a few weeks later, she asked to do Amen. After waiting while I puzzled this over for a bit, she reached out and grabbed my hands, just as we do in church. So we prayed the Our Father, and she supplied the last word of each line…stumbling a little over words like trespasses (or just filling in “heaven” for every word she couldn’t pronounce), but I was astounded. Again, another prayer not yet in our nightly prayer routine.

Where was she getting these prayers? At church when we thought she wasn’t paying attention. When she was wriggling in my arms or trying to scoot around on the floor. At the very times when I thought that for sure, none of us were getting anything out of Mass – not my husband and I, nor our squirrely children.

Our experience is like that of so many other young families, wanting to go to Mass but struggling to “get something out of it” while dealing with little children. One time, my husband said, “I don’t even know why we go every week. I don’t hear half of what is going on.” However, even though it may not be immediately apparent, the kids are getting something out of attending Mass every week. They have shown us that time and time again. Whether it is Noah reciting the Mass parts along with the priest when he thinks we aren’t looking, or Gavin requesting to God Bless people in his prayers, or the occasional question about God and faith that we have to think hard about how best to explain resurrection to a 4-year-old, they are getting something out of attending Mass.

How wonderful it is to be a member of a parish that welcomes children into the congregation. There is no cry room for them; they are not second-class citizens to be banished to a separate room when they cannot behave like adults. No, they are accepted as children of God, and as such are given a place among the rest of us. And the community supports us. With knowing looks and reassuring smiles, they tell us that they are glad we have brought our children, and after Mass, they regale us with stories of when their own children (now older and very well-behaved) were young and squirrely like ours.

So I encourage all who have children – let them come. Do not be afraid of bringing children who are going to sometimes act as children will. We would rather have an energetic child attending Mass than staying at home where he won’t disturb anybody.

It can be challenging attending Mass with young children – there’s no doubt about that. Here are some tips to make it more manageable so that you can get the most out of Mass:

1. Attend with family members who can help with the children.
2. Become friendly with other families and sit by them – especially those with teenage children; they are often more than willing to help you hold babies or help to engage small children in the Mass.
3. Read the readings before Mass. One of the philosophical reasons as to why St. Anne never provided weekly readings at Mass was because the Word was meant to be heard. Therefore, read it ahead of time and then use your time at Mass to listen to the word. Not only will it help you to recall the readings while you are attending children, but you will also be internalizing the reading as you listen.
4. Visit the St. Anne website or Facebook page to revisit Fr. Bob’s homily once you have a quiet minute at home.
5. When you Baptize your children, you agree to “raise them up in the practice of the faith.” One of the practices of our faith is Mass attendance. Whether immediately apparent or not, our children will get something out of attending Mass. And soon enough, they will be able to sit and listen attentively. But for the time being, we can content ourselves with Alleluias, Amens, and glimpses into their church experience, knowing that we are doing the best we can.

Train a child up in the way he should go; even when he is old he should not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6