Archive for October, 2009
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit in on seminar put on by the Sacred Art of Living Center of Bend, Oregon. I have to say, that was one unique experience in terms of the historicity of this ancient art called “Anamcara”. I was interested in attending because of my ministry and in light of the recent passage of i1000 here in Washington related to Death with Dignity movement. While mentioned briefly, the context of this seminar focused on care of the sick and dying, particularly hospice care in the last moments of life.
I was surprised at the emphasis on “healing the healer” to some degree, but it made perfect sense. You can’t help anyone else, unless you are whole yourself.
This Art of Dying streams from different points in the world and their cultures, but is surprisingly uniform. We were directed to one form streaming from the Celtic culture with chants and music that were just beautiful.
All in all, I think I learned a few things and became much more aware of my own feelings toward this perfectly natural part of life.
You can learn more about this program by clicking on the link provided above.
October 17 2009 | random thoughts | No Comments »
Those of you that use this route, might avoid it.
Massive landslide buries Highway 410 and Naches River
A huge landslide has shut down state Highway 410 and Chinook Pass.
By Melissa Sanchez and David Lester
Yakima Herald-Republic
NACHES, Yakima County — A “heaving, moving mass” of mud oozed across a section of Highway 410 Sunday, destroying at least two homes and changing the course of the Naches River, and the slide could continue to advance for several more days, officials said.
SARA GETTYS / AP
An aerial view shows a landslide blocking State Route 410, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, west of Naches, Wash. The landslide diverted the Naches River and damaged one home.
October 12 2009 | news | No Comments »
Today I had an opportunity to take advantage of some awesome autumn weather and meet up with my Deacon mentor. I found we have something new in common because he now rides a 2010 Harley UltraClassic. It is a gorgeous bike. It appears to be a 2 toned Cobalt blue and black beauty and I think a 102 ci motor with a 6 speed trans. It was good to see them again and as always good for us to exchange thoughts on how the program is going for both myself and my wife Julia. We go back a ways to a time when we all were involved in Marriage Encounter. They’re a great couple and he’s been a great mentor.
October 11 2009 | formation | No Comments »
I received a beautiful prayer card from a gentleman in the Deacon Formation Program for the Archdioceses of Newark. I want to thank Brian for continuing to keep in contact as we share something in common. His class will be ordained (G-d willing) in 2011, with ours in 2012. Our classes could use your prayers! Thanks!
Isn’t this nice?
October 05 2009 | formation and prayer request | No Comments »
As I mentioned a few posts ago, my work within Hospital ministry has taken off. It’s been a blessing to meet and be in touch with so many new people. However, last week, was a week of firsts. Being in the presence of death was something I’d not experienced in quite some time, and certainly not in any capacity with the Church or her mission. No my previous experiences were all private/personal.
I felt honored at being ask to lead prayers for someone who’d just passed at the Hospital. I experienced many emotions within, but what really moved me were the prayers themselves, and the effect they had both on me and the family.
I was also blessed to be present as Viaticum and the Annointing were administered by my pastor to another person. What captivated and inspired me was how he interacted with the patient and family. Again, the prayers build hope and strengthen as well as commend. It’s so important for the Church to be present in these moments and I am aware how both the Deacon and Priest represent the Church in her compassion and caring for her members. I am also aware of how these experiences are shaping me as a potential minister–in ways I never imagined. They provoke deeper reflection and pose new questions, that challenge but strengthen my faith.
October 05 2009 | formation and inspiration and liturgy | No Comments »
For those of you that follow Deacon Greg Kandra over at the Deacon’s Bench, he’s moved his blog to BeliefNet so you might want to update your URL:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/deaconsbench/
I enjoy reading your blog and wish you all the best Deacon.
From his blog:
And they said it wouldn’t last.
I’m marking my first week here at Beliefnet, after two years at
my previous address, and so far, so good. I haven’t broken anything, and the Pope hasn’t called to complain. I’d say we’re off to a great start.
If you’re new here, welcome! Last week, I posted
a brief hello and an explanation. I was distracted by the moving men and trying to figure out where to plug in the coffee pot, but now that I’m more or less settled in here, I can offer a few more words about myself and what I hope to do here.
October 02 2009 | random thoughts | No Comments »
General: That Sunday may be lived as the day on which Christians gather to celebrate the risen Lord, participating in the Eucharist.
Mission: That the entire People of God, to whom Christ entrusted the mandate to go and preach the Gospel to every creature, may eagerly assume their own missionary responsibility and consider it the highest service they can offer humanity.
Please remember to keep the Holy Father’s intentions in your prayers..
October 01 2009 | papa benedict and prayer request | No Comments »
This morning, I awoke with this thought about my ministry at the hospital. I started there in July or towards the end of it. Since then, I’ve experienced many different blessings that to my surprise, were unexpected. As part of my spiritual direction, I’ve taken to journaling (in written form) which helps me to understand the visits and my reaction to them. I knew I wanted to be part of this ministry last spring when we went on a field trip to the hospital. We were suppose to tour the place, but HIPAA constraints killed the idea. In attempt to rectify the situation there was a last minute hurdle overcome and we elected instead to meet with 3 Deacons already active in healthcare in their auditorium. These gentlemen amazed me with both their honesty and integrity. I left that day with heart pounding at the mere prospect of doing my internship next year in this ministry.
Well, here it is October 2009 and I am in internship at a Medical Center and the experience is very rewarding yet challenging. There is really no way for you not to become involved deeper in the lives of those being cared for. I’ve learned you have to open yourself up quite a bit to whatever is going on at the moment. To be available and totally present for the patient and to be sensitive for the privacy of others and in particular their vulnerability. I’ve found that as a person, you are vulnerable as well. Because in sickness or pain, even the best of us, succumb to anger and frustration and cast these out at others as a defensive mechanism. I’ve also found that autonomy is precious in an environment where it is sometimes taken for granted. You take the bad with the good though, letting each experience be a unique and new opportunity.
Working there, you see life in different stages–from birth to final moments in death–as well as the different stages of faith and grief. If you’re careful, you’ll see glimpse of that in the people you’re ministering to. It’s a fascinating place of struggles and conquest and I’m happy to have answered this call.
People often say, “What would Jesus do?” and I would have to answer, be present, fully engaged and aware of what’s going on with that person. To be compassionate, to suffer with them in humility and grace. This is the Gospel in action and follows what St. James once said, “Be doers of the word…” because in this way, we best practice what Christianity is all about. This becomes our “Unexpected Blessing”
October 01 2009 | formation and ministry | No Comments »
