Blog Bug

The blogging bug is spreading in our office.

Check out Andrew's page here! Although his posts date back to 2002, he had not written a post for about three years. As he says in his first post after the hiatus, he's willing to "give it a go".

I especially enjoy Andrew's post titled Soil and Sacrament, which shares the title of the book he highly recommends. Unfortunately, my book-reading has taken a brief hiatus itself, but hopefully I can "give it a go".

St. Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us

On this feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret, we pray for the Claretian family of congregations and institutions which have him as their founder, or who share in his charism.

In a special way, I pray for my uncle, Fr. Art Gramaje, cmf, and for all the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or Cordis Mariæ Filius.

 

May the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate Heart of Mary continue to sustain him and all the Claretian Priests and Brothers, through the intercession of St. Anthony Mary Claret.

Blessed JPII (On the feast of St. Luke)

On this, the feast of St. Luke, let us hold in prayer the parishioners of St. Luke Parish in Shoreline and their pastor, Fr. Brad Hagelin, as they celebrate their patronal feast day.

Also taking today to note that Tuesday, October 22nd is the optional memorial for Blessed (soon to be Saint) John Paul II. The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship approved insertion of this beloved Pope into the proper calendar of the dioceses of the United States about a year ago.

Here is a link to more information as well as the proper liturgical texts for observance of the Memorial in the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours.

And this fun and also somewhat encouraging autotuned video of a speech Blessed JPII gave to youth. Because the video's theme of love can also be found in the Gospel of Luke in popular passages such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, found in Luke's gospel, focus on Jesus' compassion and love for the weak, the suffering and the outcast. (I had to tie this post back to St. Luke somehow, right?)

Score

I'm no expert quite yet, but thanks to yesterday's brief training from a colleague at the Chancery who is also a musician for Village Theatre and accompanist at a North Seattle parish, I have some basic knowledge, tips and tricks on using Finale (a well-known music software that was recently installed on my computer).

In playing with the software again this afternoon, just to familiarize myself with it more, I scored Tamtum Ergo from scratch. I did have my user guide and notes from my meeting with Joseph handy, but didn't need to refer to them all that much. (That, and the CTRL + Z undo shortcut was ready at hand.)

The one thing I'm still trying to figure out, and might need to call more expert help on, is how to get rid of the annoying indentation in front of the first measure.

Liturgical (Musician) Nerd status is almost achieved.

Catholic Cuisine blog

I had a fun two-part movie night with some friends as we watched Karol: A Man who Became Pope (I recommend this film as a way to experience the suffering and tragedy of the early life of Karol before he became the beloved Blessed -soon to be Saint- John Paul II and the hope that comes out of that despair, but warning that the movie does contain graphic violence with blood and weapons, and has a very long running time.)

Nonetheless, both nights were Polish and Pope-themed by our gracious hosts. Their home was transformed to include a table display with Blessed JPII's image on a table, candles, and various images hung around. One night, they even prepared a delish home-cooked Polish dinner. The best part: appropriate snacks courtesy of a fun blog that we recently discovered.

May your staff meetings, parish or school gatherings, and various liturgical celebrations (except for the Mass, of course) never be the same again after checking out this neat site!

What happens at a Catholic Wedding?

The USCCB has put together a great video that walks through the Rite of Marriage, answers questions about Catholic weddings, and provides a wonderful resources for marriage preparation.

Rest in peace, Father Gallagher

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father William Gallagher, who passed away early this morning at Mount St. Vincent.  Father Gallagher was ordained in 1946 at St. James Cathedral and served there as a curate and then as pastor from 1974-1988.  He also served as pastor at Sacred Heart in Bellevue and at St. Luke’s in Shoreline.  He was a good and faithful priest for 67 years! 

Information on Father Gallagher's Funeral Mass may be found on the Cathedral website.

"English Mass for Filipino Catholics"

Can someone explain how English Mass for Filipino Catholics: The Meaning of the New Words of the Mass, by Virgilio T.J. Suerte Felipe, is specific to Filipino Catholics (or how is it any different than Mass for Roman Catholics?)

DC Navy Yard shootings

Let us pray.

For all the dead and injured, and for their families and friends.
For the people in desolation because of such violence.
For an end to such brutalities.
For military personnel, service men and women, EMTs, police officers, fire fighters.
For anyone dealing with frustration or anger.
For peace and healing.

     Lord, hear our prayers.

Prayers for Archbishop Brunett

As you may have read or heard through various posts on Facebook, the Archdiocesan official news release, or a number of local news websites and television stations, our retired Archbishop, Alex J. Brunett, suffered a stroke last Thursday afternoon (Sept 12,) was admitted to Overlake Hospital, and underwent surgery, which doctors have said went well. Archbishop Brunett is in critical but stable condition in intensive care before the next phase of his recovery begins. He is not able to receive visitors at this time but welcomes your prayers. As his stroke happened on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, a Hail Mary seems appropriate.

At a Mass yesterday afternoon at St. James Cathedral, Archbishop Sartain mentioned that Archbishop Brunett is able to respond to voice commands, and he recognized him and was able to make the sign of the cross after Archbishop Sartain offered a blessing upon him. When Archbishop Sartain mentioned that Mass would be celebrated at the Cathedral that afternoon, Archbishop Brunett expressed his gratitude for the thoughts and most especially the prayers.

For those who would like to send cards and notes to Archbishop Brunett, please direct them to 710 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.

In the words of Archbishop Sartain, "may God, whose power and love can do more than we can ask or image, grant the Archbishop healing, peace, and joy."

       O God, only support of our human weakness, 
       show the power of your protection over your servants who are sick, 
       that, sustained by your merciful help, 
       they may be restored to your holy Church in good health. 
       Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
               -Collect, Votive Mass For the Sick

We Remember...

Here's the prayer written by Pope-emeritus Benedict from when he visited Ground Zero in 2008.

In a world torn by violence and hatred, let us continue to pray for peace and love in our hearts and the hearts of others.