A Cascade Catholic

Archive for July, 2009

Summer’s Great!

Well, I must apologize for the lack of posting here of late. But with the stellar weather it’s a time to enjoy it. Soon enough, it’ll be over. I did want to share with you all something about my Diaconate journey. I’ve been accepted and went through orientation to become a volunteer chaplain at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton. I join the staff as the only Catholic representative in ministry to the patients undergoing care there. I’m currently volunteering a day a week there and so far, I’ve had 2 visits. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the other chaplains and I think this will be a challenging but rewarding environment for me to grow in. The one thing I already found difficult to do–is leave. You always seem to have just “one more” patient to see.

I’d also like to update you on my path to Candidacy. I heard yesterday that I have been selected to move forward into this path which will last for 3 years. I’m both humbled and honored at my selection and pray that I won’t let anyone down. When the call came yesterday, part of me didn’t want to know. There were moments when I thought about many of the little opportunities where you think you could’ve done more, even though people have told you you’re doing fine. It’s sometimes comes down to confidence. But I don’t think it was that, you are in the process of discerning, attempting to configure yourself to Christ and you’re trying to be a humble servant as well by not take anything for granted, always thinking about something you might have missed. I am happy to know I’m able to move forward and anxious to get started again.

I’d like to take a moment to thank God for the many wonderful people he’s put in my life, their contributions to my discernment, their faith in me. But most of all, for my class. May his grace be with them.

July 31 2009 | announcements and formation and news and prayers | No Comments »

Waiting

Just an update. I received word that the evaluation process was completed and recommendations have been made concerning who will be accepted into candidacy. It’s an important step for us as Aspirants and those tasked with the recommendations. It’s not an easy thing to discern and I certainly don’t envy them. One of the last sessions included us in the role of the evaluations committee. It was the most uncomfortable situation I’ve ever been in. I know my Brothers are as anxious as I and need all the love and support you can offer.

Please keep everyone involve in your prayers, but especially our Archbishop and his staff.

May Christ’s peace be with us all.

July 17 2009 | formation and prayer request | 1 Comment »

Holy Father Okay After Fall

ROME, Italy (CNN) — Pope Benedict XVI had surgery on his right wrist Friday after he broke it in a fall, the Vatican said.

Pope Benedict XVI arrives at a resort in northern Italy’s Val d’Aosta region Monday. He broke his wrist Thursday.

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The pope left the hospital Friday afternoon and was returning to his summer home in Italy’s Val d’Aosta region, spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told CNN.

Doctors administered local anesthesia and put the pope’s wrist in a cast, Lombardi said, adding the procedure was minor.

“There is no particular reason to cause alarm,” Lombardi said.

The pope, 82, fell Thursday night in his room in Val d’Aosta, a mountainous region of northwestern Italy, the Vatican said. The pope arrived there Monday.