the “LOST supper” debate

Today’s top Google News story in America was ‘Lost’ fans lobby Obama on State of the Union sked where LOST fans were petitioning President Obama to not have the State of the Union speech on Feb 2, the day of the 3 hour premiere of the final season of LOST.  Aside from the embarrassment that a TV show is more important to people than reality (with political spin), I found the LOST promo picture interesting, with allusions to da Vinci’s Last Supper portrait.

I have been following LOST the last few seasons and want it end — they just keep teasing and dragging.  The promo photo actually has 2 versions.  An analysis of the differences was noted in a article I found called Decoding the ‘Lost’ Supper.  Are there hidden revelations in the pictures about the last season?  Here are the 2 versions.  Click them for larger pics.

Does their position have anything to do with the Apostles in Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”?  Why are people swapped between pics?  Why are some distanced?  Why is Sayid in Judas Iscariot’s position?  It would be interesting to revisit the pictures at the end of the season.  Check out the article.

Meaningful Christmas!

Sears Tower skydeck ledge

My sister, fiance & my mother are in Chicago for her 2nd of 4 bridal showers.  Her fiance just sent me a picture of the Sears Tower “Skydeck Ledge.” Wow!  Wish I was there!

The Ledge brings an exhilarating new experience to the Skydeck. At 1,353 feet up, The Ledge’s glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from the skyscraper’s Skydeck on the 103rd floor, providing never-before-seen views of the city. An unmatched view is not all the Skydeck offers. From the moment visitors arrive they enjoy interactive and educational attractions that not only highlight the iconic landmark, but also celebrate Chicago’s sports, architecture, pop-culture, history, food, music and people.

“Grace before meals” prayer from The Big Bang Theory

My sister got me interested in The Big Bang Theory, so I watched the first episode from this season 3.

There’s a scene when Sheldon goes back home to Texas and does a prayer before eating dinner that would have come in handy for Thanksgiving.  Here is goes …

By His hand, we are all fed.
Give us Lord, our daily bread.
Please know that we are truly grateful,
For every cup and every plateful.
Amen.

Christmas decorating … begin!

Let the Christmas decorating begin!

MIAMI HERALD article on Bryan Garcia at SJVCS !!!

This morning, I saw Bryan Garcia, Javier & Chuck on the FRONT page of the Miami Herald and I thought I was dreaming.  After realizing I wasn’t, I started reading the article titled, “Answering the Call” that continued to TWO FULL PAGES inside.  WOW!!!

The article spoke on the high enrollment at St John Vianney College Seminary (SJVCS) and the discernment process of seminarians, specifically profiling Bryan Garcia, my fellow brother seminarian.

The rector, Msgr Michael Carruthers, has some great quotes as well.  “What they [seminarians] want most is help in knowing the Lord.  If that leads to priesthood, great.”  And is the section about struggling in discernment, he said, “If you don’t struggle, you’re not discerning.”

The article closed with one of my favorite passage, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

There is also a SECOND ARTICLE on “Priesthood of today is much smaller than a decade ago.”

There is also an AUDIO SLIDESHOW with Bryan sharing his experience in seminary at SJVCS.  CHECK IT ALL OUT!!!

Arby’s + Wonder Woman + Ph.D

Avoiding “Black Friday,” I ventured out with friends shopping on Saturday.  Not much better, I think.

During lunch at Arby’s, I put together this “kid’s toy” that said age 3+.  Probably the worst kid’s toy EVER!  Even with 2 bachelor’s degrees, I had difficult putting this 15 piece paper-cutout of a “bobble head Wonder Woman.” She didn’t last long after her completion either.

Thanksgiving “Attitude of Gratitude” prayer

I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as I did, with family & friends!

Attitude of Gratitude (prayer)
Dear Lord, we come to You today
With a humble attitude.
For all you give, our hearts are full
Of love and gratitude.Thank you for this special time
To offer our Thanksgiving.
Thank you for this food, and for
The blessed lives we’re living.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen
—By Joanna Fuchs

catechists … prepare for Advent

I found a great blog called Catechist’s Journey.com by an 8th grade catechist named Joe who “knows his stuff” and provides resources and discussion about catechesis.  He’s been in ministry for 30+ years and does online seminars called “webinars.”  Check it out … especially if you’re a catechist.

In the above video, I especially like the following (I’ll use it in class next week)

Jesus’ Three Comings:  In …

1. History — when Jesus came Man (incarnation)
2. Mystery –as Jesus comes to us today in many ways, especially in the Eucharist
3. Majesty — as we look forward to His triumphant return at the end of time

Lots more on his site.  Check it out!

P.E.A.K. for priests

In this Year for Priests, Father David Toups creates an acronym (something he beat me to) about what every Catholic can do for priests, this year especially.  (P)ray for priests.  (E)ncourage those interested in discerning the priesthood.  (A)ffirm priests for their vocation and service.  (K)nowledge — increase your knowledge of priesthood.

There’s also more videos related to the Year for Priests, including more from Father Toups.

icon of Christ the Great High Priest

As we are in the Year of the Priest, the USCCB website has some great resources as we spend this year with greater prayer and focus on Priesthood.  This icon is a beautiful symbol for priesthood.  More info on the iconographer and opportunity to buy an 18″ x 24″ poster here.

This icon (egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, 28” x 22”) is “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a winding grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.”  Incidentally, it is St. John Vianney whom Pope Benedict XVI, with the announcement of this special year, has declared the Universal Patron of Priests.

NY ordination 2009 video

As we are in the Year for Priests, the USCCB website posted this You Tube video of the priest ordination of New York.  It’s done really well … by the same people (Grassroots Films) that made the Fishers of Men video.

The USCCB website also has a listing of all the new priests that were ordained this year with pictures, backgrounds and quotes.

CCD 7th: Parent child Jeopardy + Angelus + BAPTiSM prayer types (day 10)

Today, in our 7th grade Pre-Confirmation class, parents were invited to come to class for orientation of the upcoming year and review of the last 9 classes.  We opened with a review of “incarnation” and the “Angelus” for an opening prayer.  Then I reviewed the different prayer types with B.A.P.T.i.S.M..  Then we played Jeopardy!

“Angelus” Prayer
(The Angel of the Lord)

[Lead:]  The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
[ALL:]  And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …

[Lead:]  Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
[ALL:]  Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …

[Lead:]  And the Word was made flesh,   [bow during]
[ALL:]  And dwelt among us.
HAIL MARY, full of grace …

[Lead:]  Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
[ALL:]  That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

[Lead:]  Let us pray.
[ALL:]  Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
Thy grace into our hearts;  that we,
to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son,
was made known by the message of an angel,
may by His Passion and Cross
be brought to the glory of His Resurrection,
through the same Christ Our Lord.
AMEN.

Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.

• BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
• ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
• PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
• THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
• i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
• SORRY – ask of forgiveness
• MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)

The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer

We played Classroom Jeopardy! with teams of parents & kids.  With almost perfect attendance, only 5 kids came without parents and everyone seemed to have a great time playing.  Most categories were facts we’ve covered in class like “Jewish Roots,” “Gotta Have Faith,” “Facebook Jesus,” “Catholic Pop Quiz,” “Catholic Prayers,” “Angels & Demons,” and “A.R.R.R. You Listening?” Then there was the more entertaining categories like “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Anything Goes,” and the favorite “Candy Bars.” A great time for all.  I can’t wait to bring the parents back soon!

nativity display at a mall ?

I was shopping with family & friends at the Town Center in Boca Raton and saw this beautiful nativity display inside.  There was also a Hanukkah display on the other side of the mall.

In Neiman Marcus, there was a creative display over the escalator of butterflies and small mirrors that looked impressive.  The picture doesn’t do it justice.

CCD hs: grace + sin + service journal (day 9)

In our high school Confirmation class, we reviewed everything we learned to date using handouts of outlined points covered each day (basically our catechist notes).  I then covered GRACE, SIN, and CONFESSION.  The visual illustrations are my own (in parenthesis) that I used to teach these “highly religious” words to 7th graders years ago.  (If you have any other suggestions or comments, please let me know.)

–Holy = to be set apart and united with God.

–Grace = free and undeserved gift of God’s love and life.  (like “air”)

–Sanctifying Grace = supernatural gift from God where our sins are forgiven & are made holy. First receive thru Baptism & continually sanctified through all sacraments.  (like “clean air“)  Lost by mortal sin.

–Actual Grace = God’s impulse to help in our everyday lives.  (like “sweet smells”)

–Sacramental Grace = graces specific to each sacrament.  (like “satellite TV”)

–Sin = freely choosing to do something that we know is wrong and against God’s will; we can sin in thought, word, action, or by omission.  (like “rejecting air”)

–Mortal Sin = serious offense that breaks our relationship with God & His grace. (like “holding your breath”)  Requirements are …

1. it must be a grave matter
2. we must know we are sinning
3. we must freely choose to sin

–Venial Sin = a less serious offense that weakens our relationship with God.  (like “smoking”)

–Sacrament of Reconciliation = by confessing mortal sins with a contrite heart to a priest (in persona Christi = in the person of Christ), we are reconciled with God and with the Church, the Body of Christ.  Penance is the whole cycle of conversion, forgiveness and making reparation (repaying any debt) for our sins.  This strengthens us to resist future temptations.

–CONFESSION Procedure …

1. Spend some time reflecting on your actions and do a thorough examination of conscience.
2. Go in the confessional & greet the priest.
3. Make the sign of the cross together.
4. Begin: “Bless me Father for I have sinned.  It has been (time) since my last confession.”
5. Confess your sins.
6. Priest will speak to you and/or share something from Scripture.
7. Priest will give you your penance.
8. You will say the Act of Contrition.
9. Priest will pray the prayer of absolution.
10. Thank the priest & leave confessional.
11. Spend some time doing your penance.

We finished the class by giving examples on their “Christian Service” Journal reflection that is due next time.

CCD 7th: Review ALL classes (day 9)

Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we REVIEWED all our previous classes to date.

Here are links to previous classes:

• (day 8 — Nov 8)  Jeopardy Questions + Heaven + Hell + Purgatory
• (day 7 — Nov 1)  Like Jesus + Holy + All Saints
• (day 6 — Oct 25)  Incarnation + Chapter 1 + God Proofs
• (day 5 — Oct 18)  Hats + 3 Birthdays + Vocations
• (day 4 — Oct 11)  Prayer Quiz + Lies + Prayerful Heart
• (day 3 — Oct 4)  Prayer Share + A.R.R.R.
• (day 2 — Sept 27)  P.R.A.Y.S. + Angels + Yom Kippur
• (day 1 — Sept 20)  4 Winds Blow + Doxology + Sweet Spots

All these links are indexed on my Uth + CCD tab (at the top of this blog) for all classes.

HOMEWORK:

1. bring parents next class,
2. bring Bible, if you have one already,
3. review notes with parents in preparation for playing Jeopardy!

sister’s bridal shower

Today is my sister’s first (of 3) bridal showers.

Virtus training re-cert.

Tonight I was at Pace High School for re-certification training of my Virtus Facilitator status. I was trained back in 2003 when the Virtus (Protecting God’s Children) Program was begun here in the Archdiocese of Miami. There have been some changes since and I haven’t facilitated a class in years. This training session is tonight and all day tomorrow.

Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan was present and gave a great introduction about the programs history, importance and full support. The main training was led by Dr Paul Ashton.

CCD hs: St Ignatius + BAPTiSM + PRAY + ARRR + journaling (day 8)

In our high school Confirmation class, today was supposed to be a review of everything to day, but I couldn’t get my handouts run off in time, so I took the cue from the saint presented today and taught on next week’s topic, PRAYER.

St Ignatius of Loyola (16th century;  feast day July 31) injured in battle at age 30. During recovery, he read the life of the saints & responded strongly to a personal call by God.  He was convinced that God could be found in all things, and was guided by an inner peace (“consolation”) that comes from knowing one is doing the will of God.  Developed the “Spiritual Exercises,” a practical guide to live a truly Christian life with prayer & especially devoted to the name of Christ (IHS).  His companions were called the “Company of Jesus,” today called the “Society of Jesus,” or the Jesuits, one of the largest religious communities in the world. Besides the 3 vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, members take a 4^th vow of obedience to the Pope.

Prayer of Self-Offering to God

– by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.  All that I am and all that I possess, You have given me.  I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your Will.  Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.

Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …

• –Pro-create (open to children),
• –Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
• –Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven)

Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.

• BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
• ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
• PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
• THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
• i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
• SORRY – ask of forgiveness
• MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)

The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer

CONTEMPLETIVE prayer — “silent love” — a deep awareness of God’s presence by being alone with God who we know loves us (“centering prayer” helps develop skills)

Steps in prayer … P.R.A.Y.

• PRAISE = God for who He is + thanksgiving
• REPENT = confess + rec forgiveness + change
• ASK = for others + me   (see A.R.R.R.)
• YIELD = be open to God’s voice & His Will

[PRAYER] When your spending time in personal prayer with the Lord, here’s a good outline to follow  . . . . A.R.R.R.

Personal Prayer … A.R.R.R.

• ACKNOWLEDGE –- How’s my life right now? Pay attention to your thought + feelings + desires (“the Big 3”).
• RELATE -– Tell God about ALL “3” honestly.
• RECEIVE -– Quiet your mind, focus on God, & listen to “the Big 3.”  (Discern spirits)
• RESPOND -– do what you NEED to do

–When you have something to talk to the Lord about, process your “Big 3” with this model.

HOMEWORK:

(1) 3 prayer journals — letters to God, (2) Chapter 3 Quiz, (3) Chapter 17 Quiz

CCD 7th: Heaven + Hell + Purgatory (day 8)

Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we …

Write Jeopardy Questions — everyone made up Jeopardy questions about anything we learned so far.  Some of the questions will be used for the Parent Teen Jeopardy in a couple weeks.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

• –apparition to Juan Diego
• –picked roses in winter
• –“eye” of Mary portrait

–Gangs using Rosaries (for protection?)

Heaven – the state of eternal life and union with God, for those that choose God (saints).

Hell – the state of permanent separation from God, reserved for those that reject God.

• Sheol (Hell) – Hebrew OT word for gloomy place beneath the earth for all dead, both righteous and evil.
• Gehenna (Hell) – Hebrew NT word refers to the place on the SW side of Jerusalem, used for a dumping ground for human waste, corpses, rotting matter, etc. with “fires” burning.  Became a popular symbol for what Christians called “hell.” (See Mark 9:43-48, Luke 12:5)

Purgatory – a state of final purification that one may need following death, before heaven.

HOMEWORK:

1. finish Pop Quiz handout & prayer journal “God letters” (3 any + 3 events),
2. do “Jeopardy Questions” handout (x 2)