Ball Dropped

Not as cool as a mic drop I admit. But the reality is that I thought I had updated this blog with some interesting things and then I came here and...oops!! I am sorry if you visited and found the same ole, same ole! But here is some new stuff to ponder.

First of all, I had wanted to Zoom but with current diocese guidelines and with not 100% certainty that all students could take part, I reconsidered...for now. Who knows what September will bring. The only thing I do know is that we need God now more than ever. We need to utilize the tools in our toolbox and stay on course. It isn't just for the adults to do, it is for you guys too.

So here is one way. Watch this video...you have seen some of his stuff before, Fr. Casey is pretty good. Remember that we are all cooped up. We are all going a little stir crazy and we all will benefit if we focus a little more on our prayer life. Jesus knows how to use the stuff that tries to bring us low to actually make us stronger. Jesus knows how to take that stuff that scares us most and remind us to not be afraid. Trust him, always and in all ways.

So here is a way to incorporate prayer into your day. Just watch.

Happy Triduum!

What did she say??

Happy Triduum!!

It means "three days" and they are the 3 holy days that precede Easter:

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Holy Saturday.

Some of you may remember being part of the Holy Thursday procession. You may remember having to ring the bells as you were turned around to face the congregation. Some of you (or your parents) may have even had their feet washed because we do this as a reenactment of the Last Supper where Jesus washed his disciples feet.

You may remember how we processed behind Father as he held up the Monstrance and we put it in the Tabernacle under the image of Mary. You may remember how we left the church quietly, recognizing the solemn moment of Jesus alone, praying in the garden, as he prepared for Good Friday and his impending death.

We won't be gathering to do that this year, but you all can take a couple of minutes to be still and consider the loneliness of Jesus and the confusion of his disciples (and all who loves him and them.) It is similar to a loneliness and confusion some people may be feeling this year.

It is good to connect with the sadness, it means that we  take part in humanity and are willing to open up to people in their pain. When we do this with Jesus, we are better able to see him in other people. We are also better able to see him in ourselves.

When we do this, the areas that need healing get the attention they deserve and we open ourselves and others to God's mercy. I believe that God can heal all things, but we need to ask and to be open to it.

So as you go through the next three days, let them be set apart from any other days of the year. We talk about out sacred story, this is the vital part to pay attention to.

In the meantime, how about keeping yourself focused by listening to some music. Mr. Tanner made a playlist for you all. As did Miss Allison and Mrs. Falvo and Joe. I will be adding them right along. So stop back.

I'll get better at this, I promise! 😇

A Blessed and Quiet Palm Sunday

Isn't it strange to not be together this weekend worrying about waving palms and processing down the aisle? I know, it is for me too! But I have been thinking about this for the past several days and I think we are ready to show the world that we still believe in Jesus whether we can celebrate our rituals or not.

THAT is what the world needs to see. It isn't about doing what we always do, it is about living as Jesus wants us to live. It helps to get together in community and I miss being with everyone to share our meal of Eucharist but I also know that I can wait because Jesus is always in me. Always. Just as Jesus is always in you!

Here is a Stations of the Cross from Busted Halo, take some time to watch them all. It will be good for you to take the time out and to consider what Jesus endured out of love. 

Let it loop so you can go through all of the stations. 

I will be updating this week so check back and feel free to comment! 

A Message from Mrs. Gape

I want to welcome you to your blog! Things have been bonkers and I know that you are all probably going a little stir crazy, much like we are. Unfortunately, this is how it is at the moment. The good news is that we have...

THE GOOD NEWS! 

For real, you guys! WE can get ourselves to the other side of anything as long as we help each other through it.

How do we do that? 

Well, our faith, which we talk about every week and do our best to live by, has given us a tool box of ways to get through what can feel like the darkest times.

Is it easy? 

No.

Not at all.

Can we do it??

Yes, absolutely. 

I know you all deal with a lot already in your lives, you always amaze me with your goodness and your gentleness. So, I absolutely believe that we will make it through all of this and we will do it together.

So here is what I am thinking and you can tell me what you think!

First, let's work on prayer:

Support through Scripture

On the sidebar (If you are on a mobile device you may not see it), I will be leaving up the Streetlights Link so you can listen to the Bible stories of the week. But I recommend that you also use your bibles if you have them. Open up to Matthew 7:25-34 and really take in the words. Feel how much the Father loves you. It is so true, you are so loved.  Sit with that for a while.

Then let's work on community:

Sunday Check-In 

I miss you guys, so I am also going to figure out how to ZOOM!

Let's ZOOM! 😊

It will be open for anyone for any reason. I will let you know the times and I will send you a link if you are interested. That way, if you want to talk, ask questions, share concerns, whatever you need we will be there. I have invited Mr. Tanner and Allison Tanner to join us too. I am sure if you guys wanted Fr. Tom I could get him too. 😁

I will be linking some resources and some music. Please share them with anyone you think it will help. Bear in mind, not everyone was given a faith to fall back on and they might need it more than you think. Now is your time to share.

Please note, throughout all of this, I can be reached at agape@syrdio.org. Know that you are in my prayers and I hope you remember all of us, in yours.

You can also leave a comment down below! (Keep it appropriate as I moderate them!)

Check back frequently!💖