Thursday, November 24, 2016

Gratitude from Giving


This week in my Theology classes, I asked my students to share some of the things for which they were thankful.  Many shared that they were grateful for family, friends, and food.  But I was particularly struck by a freshman girl who explained why her gratitude for family was so full.  Every year, her and her siblings would forgo gifts received at Christmas in order to give, what would have been their presents, to the children in a local orphanage. She described the event as something ordinary and normal, but the joy and gratitude on her face while recounting this family tradition was clearly evident.

For over a week, students were planning, calculating, and couponing in their House Communities for a Thanksgiving menu and meal for families in need.  On Monday, I brought 14 students to Schnucks to compete in the annual shopping challenge.  It was quite entertaining to witness the mental math of turkey price by weight and the competitive dash through the aisles.  The students brought their baskets of food, menus, and Thanksgiving cards to the Family Community Resource Center in Granite City.  I was moved by the warm reception and gratitude of the staff as the students dropped off their gifts.  How little was given on our part, and yet such joy and delight from those who received.

In being prompted to think of things for which I am thankful, it is sometimes a struggle to go beyond the standard response.  I recognize that I have already taken for granted the many gifts I have received.  But in the midst of my experience this week of giving to those in my local community, I was moved to gratitude.  Giving allowed me to know certainty of blessing in my own life - a united family even though separated by hundreds of miles, the providential place of my employment, and the privilege to share in the growing of young hearts and minds.  My growing desire to be an instrument of God’s love in this world reminds me of a familiar prayer,
“O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Building Blocks


In my own experience I have seen that in order to do anything well, I require focus.  In any given day, there are frequently a vast number of opportunities towards which I can direct my attention.  When I actively choose to focus on one, or a few of those options, my productivity increases and achieving excellence is possible.  At this moment in history, the same amount of focus is needed.  Inspired by the wisdom of a beloved sister-in-law, I am convinced that this focus must be on the family.

When it comes to identifying the most important things in life, I focus on the gifts I have received which form the foundation for all I think, say, and do.  Without hesitation, they are faith and family.  My sister-in-law is the wife of a naval officer and mother of two small children.  I was struck the other day by her wisdom, sincerity, and simplicity of truth:


“If we want real change in our country that transcends political loyalties, we have to return our focus to the family. Teach your little boys to be respectful, generous, and to have empathy. Teach your little girls to have confidence, independence, and to be kind. Treat your spouse with honor and fidelity. Families are the basic building blocks of a nation; they must emanate positive values in order for the nation to reflect those values.” 



If everything in this world constructed by man should one day fail, neither my faith nor my family could be broken or taken away.  Within the context of family, I learned my identity and encountered my first experience of love.  With the gift of faith, I am certain of the One from whom my identity was given and the One who continues to love me into existence.  If the family truly is the building block of society, then our focus must be redirected, here.  Let us commit to raising our children to recognize their inherent dignity and the dignity of every human being.  Thank you, Erin.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

For Doctors and Physicians | Day 9


On the last day of our prayers for the building of the culture of life, we ask for God's special blessing upon those within the medical field who are charged with the responsibility of making decisions regarding life.  Today is also the last day to help us reach 500 signatures for the McGivney Pledge to defend life!  You can sign the pledge HERE!


Monday, November 7, 2016

For Those Considering Abortion | Day 8


On this final day before the election, we lift up our prayers as a community for those who are considering abortion as a solution for their distress.

To day, we have reached 450 signatures for the McGivney pledge to defend life - we are so close to 500!  Please help us to reach our goal by clicking HERE!



Sunday, November 6, 2016

For the Healing of Those Who Have Chosen Abortion | Day 7


Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, we pray today for healing of all those who have chosen abortion.  We have nearly reached 500 signatures! If you have not yet signed the McGivney pledge to defend life, please consider to do so HERE!


Saturday, November 5, 2016

For the Transformation of Society | Day 6


We pray for the transformation of our society, that truth would inspire peace and justice in the hearts and minds of all citizens to uphold the dignity of all human life.  We have nearly reached 500 signatures! If you have not yet signed the McGivney pledge to defend life, please consider to do so HERE!


Friday, November 4, 2016

For Fathers | Day 5


We are grateful for the gift of our fathers and the important role they have in protecting and defending life.  Help us to reach 500 signatures by signing the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life HERE!


Thursday, November 3, 2016

For Mothers | Day 4

We pray today for the gift of all mothers and their capacity to bring life into our world.  Help us to reach 500 signatures by signing the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life HERE!




Wednesday, November 2, 2016

For the Leaders of Our Country | Day 3



Let us pray for the leaders of our country, that all those who serve in public office will seek to safeguard the dignity of every human person.  If you have not signed the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life, you can do so HERE.


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

For All Those Who Vote | Day 2


Today we hold in our intentions all those who will vote in this upcoming election.  Please join us as we pray for wisdom, right judgment, and the protection of all human life from conception to natural death.  If you have not signed the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life, you can do so HERE.