Relationship Changes

Today, I realize I feel I am drifting from the closeness to God I felt during the Lenten season. I am not sure what the difference is, or why I am feeling the change today, but I do. I almost feel adrift, lost a little, struggling to find my own way. In Mass today, I felt disconnected a little. I don't know the cause, but it is time for some reflection as to why.

Faith

"Faith is not believing that God can, but knowing that God will." There is a plaque on our dining room wall that has this on it. Every now and then I look at it and contemplate what it means. I don't think this means God will make life smooth, even though he can. To me, it means nothing is done alone; God is with me every step of the way. If it is God's will certain things happen, then they will. It is comforting to feel this way. It gives me strength.

Samuel

Yesterday's Scripture study was the story of Samuel. Multiple times in the night, God called Samuel and each time, Samuel went to Eli. Eli sent him back to bed. Then, Eli realized God was calling Samuel. He advised Samuel to answer God the next time He calls.

Which leads me to wonder, how many times have I been called and I looked to someone else rather than to the One who called me?

Quiet Night

It is the first Wednesday since Faith Formation has ended. Having nothing on the agenda for a Wednesday doesn't feel quite right. There was no lesson prep, no time in prayer in preparation, no rushing to get everything done before we leave, no nothing. It feels very desolate tonight.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools are an excellent way to educate children academically while teaching the principles of the Catholic faith. Our local parochial school has a high percentage of alumni on the honor roll, participating in fine arts and academic extracurricular activities as well as athletics and even have a current FFA State officer. While we didn't make the choice to send our own children to the parochial school, I am still a strong supporter of the school and its programs. Unfortunately, I think parents sometimes have unrealistic expectations of what a school can reasonably offer and accomplish, even with the best of intentions.

With a declining child population, Catholic Schools will continue to struggle with enrollment numbers. My prayer is for more parents of younger children to fully explore the opportunities related to schools before making their decisions about enrollment.

The Impact of Swine Flu on the Mass

The hazards of swine flu are becoming apparent, even here in southwestern Minnesota. Tonight, there were three changes requested and/or made during the Mass. First, we received the Eucharist only under one kind. Because of the concern about disease transmission, only the Body of Christ was to be received this evening. Second, the Sign of Peace is optional in the liturgy at this time. This was also going to be omitted to avoid unnecessary touching of others. Finally, the people of the Slayton parish traditionally hold hands, all over the church, during the Our Father. Father explained there is no liturgical basis for this and requested everyone fold their hands in front of themselves for the prayer, rather than holding hands.

We made it through the Mass without too many issues. Someone behind us started offering the Sign of Peace, I think out of habit, but someone else explained to her.

Carter, however, didn't like that we couldn't hold hands while we prayed. We hold hands for morning prayer, for meal prayer, to pray to Saint Anthony. I can't think of a time when we don't hold hands when we pray. Poor kid will just have to adapt.

Faith Formation End for the Year

This week we said good bye to the 21 students we have worked with this past year. I can't believe the year is over already. It feels like it just started.

My prayer for them is for them to continue to feel the love of God and to celebrate it often in the Eucharist.