The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

My Companions pray with me: May all of our memories of those who have gone before us and all of our prayers for them bring You glory Lord. Forgive us for all our broken relationships, especially for those that did not meet with a reconciliation before the passing of an alienated companion. Thank You for all the ancestors and companions who touched our lives. Please provide us with all we need to live full lives in Your Kingdom.

Companion Events: Birthdays Hayley (Smith) Forseman (10/27), Jason Schnitzer (10/27), Cameron Frodl (10/28), Timmy Weed (10/28), Aidan Komon (10/30), Mike Lay (10/31), Alex Reuter (11/1), Jenna Frodl (11/1), Eric Beck (11/1),Lugaid Brugha (11/2), Mike Norton (11/2).  Anniversary: Judy and Larry Lay (10/29/1976), Kari Shelly and Ken Lay (11/1),   In memoriam: Maud Sandoval (10/29/2013).

Keeping In-touch:  I had a challenging week. I completed a course and struggled with a very difficult student. I had a taxing encounter with another companion. And I struggled to prepare for our latest session of Meeting Jesus in Cyberspace. The home-front was quiet, except at the shooting range, and we enjoyed beautiful Fall weather. And now I'm "fully retired," at least until the start of 2015!

Decision Point: Hungry for the Truth
     Commandments for life.

The Readings: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
"The souls of the just are in the hands of God." Wisdom tells us to trust in the Lord. Although our hearts may be filled with the pain of loss, even for those who have many years ago gone before us, we can have joy that our God will love and care for them. May we become men and women of joy because of the saints among us and because of all those who have passed before us.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may our love for You and for all our brothers and sisters bring You praise and glory. Please forgive us for the times we failed to love, or failed to love enough. Thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love; as we accept that gracious gift our hearts are filled with gratitude. And please bless everyone on our prayer lists and grant what they need to have life and bring You glory.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bill Husson (10/22), Cameron Stevens (10/8), Don Lay (10/24).  Anniversary: Carol and Andy Ondish (10/22/1960), Pat and Greg Serviess (10/25/1970),Trudy and Craig McBride (10/25/1975).

Keeping In-touch:  We returned from our trip and resumed our irregular schedule. The Fall colors in MI and IL brilliantly brought us gratitude for the beauty of nature. And we see our own local color with greater appreciation. I began Meeting Jesus in Cyberspace and enjoyed a beautiful day for a tennis game yesterday. And our new week began with a football broken record in Denver.

Decision Point: Stinking Thinking

The Readings: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
People, especially theologians, make the Gospel so difficult. Sunday we will celebrate the simple Gospel:
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself..."
Wait a minute. I often ask my students to define LOVE. They look at me like I came from Mars.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We adore You with our lives. We confess our sins and all that alienates us from You, Lord. Thank You for all your gifts. And please continue to bless us with all we need and please bring healing to all on our sick lists.

Companion Events: Birthdays Ken Lay (10/15), Nathan Gulmantovicz (10/15), Josh Parise (10/9)).  In memoriam: Elizabeth Lay (10/17/2002), Dick Blake (10/17/2006).

Keeping In-touch:  We've traveled to visit family and to celebrate Stan and Colleen's wedding. The fall colors in Michigan and Illinois have been amazing.

Decision Point: Be the best version of yourself
     Happiness in your life.

The Readings: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments:
This Gospel reading challenges us: what do I have in my pockets? What have I written on a blog or Facebook or...?
Do these tell where my heart is?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord and sing the glory of all Your creation. We seek Your forgiveness and mercy for all of our selfishness and failings. Thank You for all Your Gifts, especially the gift of companions with whom we celebrate life! Please care for all those on our sick list and shine Your light on all those who have gone before us in faith.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bill Smith (10/8), Cameron Stevens (10/8), Judy Lay (10/8), Eli Olson (10/9), Linda Kent (10/10), Clarley Stevens (10/11).  Anniversary: Mary and Pat Norton (10/10/1971),  In memoriam: Robert Kilday (10/6/1994), Michael Kilday (10/7/1918), Dan Gravelyn (10/9/2010). A wedding: Colleen and Stan Galdys (10/10/2014).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed a beautiful Autumn week with cool nights, bright days, and a colorful array of leaves. I enjoyed a good amount of tennis play and traveled with my friend, Leo, to see the Air Force/Navy Football Game at the Air Force Academy. We're looking forward to our trip to Chicago-land and Michigan.

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     Be a Rebel.

The Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I know that I don't want to "get thrown-out on my ear," because I'm ill prepared for a celebration; especially if it is a celebration of life! Oh, how God begs us to join Him; to life life to its fullest expression. Why do we not joyfully accept the invitation? Why do all other worries consume us so much that we fail to know God's loving invitation, now and forevermore?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord, seek mercy for our sinful ways, thank You for all Your gifts, and beg for all we need,

Companion Events: Birthdays Jack Backer (10/3), Matthew Dixon (10/5),  In memoriam: Becky Peterson (9/30/2007).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed a quick camping get away and saw some peak viewing of the fall color at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. And I played in a tennis tournament all weekend.

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     God's Dream for You.

The Readings: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Jealousy brings people to poor decisions, sometimes mortally so for oneself and/or others.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord, in the morning, noon, and at night. We always wish to sing of Your glory. Count not our alienating thoughts, words, or deeds. Let Your love and Your mercy transform us. Thank You for all Your gifts and blessings. And help us with all we need to serve You, all we need to be whole and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Especially bless all those on our prayers lists. Comfort all who are torn by war: the physical wars that are fought between peoples and the spiritual wars that rip people apart. Also welcome "Rocky" DiPetrillo who died this morning to Your heavenly kingdom and comfort Debbie and all his family.


Companion Events: Birthdays Christine Lay (9/23), Hazel Quinn Figiro (9/24), Eric Olson (9/25).  Anniversary: Mary and Chuck Olson (9/23/??),  In memoriam: Tom Foley (9/23/??).

Keeping In-touch:  Our grandson, Nathan, kept us very busy at the end of last week. Together we enjoy the Broomfield Days parade and celebration activities. Earlier in the week we joined Alan and Connie at Rocky Mountain National Park and watch some majestic elk bully-bully. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner party with Bishop Paul from Uganda and Sam. I accepted some responsibilities to serve as Church

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     Live your best possible life.

The Readings: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I sometimes act like the son who says, "Yes Lord, I will do what you ask." (although the discernment of what it is that the Lord asks me is often difficult), and then become distracted by my business. And sometimes I follow the way of the son who says, "Not now, Lord, I have other things to do." but I come to my senses and do what I've discerned is God's will for me.
Help me Lord to know Your will for me and to do it!

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We have busy lives, Lord, but we praise You and seek to show Your glory by living with good news and joy! We wish to show our love in all we say and do. Forgive our forgetfulness, Lord. Help us to acknowledge our failure to re-member You in our lives. And help us know Your mercy and work for justice. Thank You for all Your gift of life and the promise of eternal life. Please grant all we need this week. Especially bring comfort, hope, and renewed health to those on our sick list.

Companion Events: Birthdays Margaret Lay (9/19), Al Sheive (9/20), Fr. Eustace Sequeira (9/20), Sophie Schnitzer (9/20).  Anniversary: Evelyn and Jim Green (9/816/??), Chris and Don Lay (9/20/1980). In memoriam: Willalee Haris (9/19/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We had some cool, wet days last week but I still played tennis. We enjoyed playing with Nathan and having time at home. We were pleased by our quick visit with nephew Adam Olson and his friend, Travis, on their rest-stop before they continued to "Sin-City" and "The Granola State." (Las Vegas and California). The leaves have begun to turn bright colors and we have already seen snow...

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     We may have many more years than the young people that Matthew Kelly addresses here, but our choices still impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Readings: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I appreciate the first line of the O.T. reading, "Seek the Lord where He may be found," as I reflect on this Sunday's Gospel. Many of us read this parable of the workers in the vineyard and claim, "That's not fair!" We've been "walking with the Lord" all (or most) of our lives and we don't think it's fair that "new workers" should receive the same "pay."
If we "Seek the Lord where He may be found," we will know the glory of the Lord in our work. Our pay is not "the prosperity gospel," but our reward is our walk with the Lord and our expectation of full life with Him. Even when our work/walk is difficult, long and/or filled with suffering, we can live with joy because Emanuel: God is with us! We don't work for pay but enjoy the gracious status of sons and daughters of God.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

My Companions pray with me: Lord, how can we give You praise and worship You? Help us listen to Your whispers that You speak in the depths of our hearts, respond to them, live abundantly, and bring You glory in our lives. Forgive us, especially our sins of busyness, where we don't listen to our hearts and know the guidance You have placed there. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and we thank You for all the life You give us. And we beg for all we need especially health for our companions and bread for the poor among us. Like Nicodemus, we seek You out and request the fullness of life.

Companion Events: Birthdays Mary Kate Weed (9/13), Taylor (Smith) Castillo (9/13).  Anniversary: Joan and Gary Carnegie (9/8/??).

Keeping In-touch:  We have begun to settle down from all our travels... at least for a month or so. My "news" is late this week but I'm catching-up on tennis (winter indoor breakfast league has begun), homework, and other odds-n-ends. Nathan has been able to help Nana make cookies and play Lincoln Logs with Papa John. We're returning to normal...what is normal? I'm adding a link on this blog each week to a video clip from the Decision Point Confirmation program:

Decision Point: Life is Choices

The Readings: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Do we even take the time to ask the question. Nicodemus must have loved life and must have wanted to live in the fullness of life! The answer is given at every football game, on billboards, and as graffiti all-over: Jn 3:16. But what good are answers if we're not asking the question. I want to life life to the full. I will put the laptop down more this week to reflect on the question.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You and adore You, Lord. We trust in Your mercy and love as we confess our sin. We have so much for which to be thankful; our hearts are filled with gratitude. Please bless all our companions, especially those on our list for those in need of healing: Matt Gulmantovicz (a stroke).

Companion Events: Birthdays Joey Foresman (8/26), Evan Parise (8/31), Mike Pintek (9/7).  Anniversary: Connie and Alan Kobza (9/3/77), Julie and Jason Schnitzer (9/5/2004), Carman and Leo Albiniak (9/6/1969), Lori Beth and Tony Gulmantovicz (9/7/2003); In memoriam: Bernard Grau (9/5/2013), Emma Lay (9/5/1974).

Keeping In-touch:  We hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend and celebrated all the labor you do. We had a wonderful time with our kids, grand-kids, and other family members in Iowa. Now we have the long trek home. Breakfast-tennis begins this week on Wednesday and I'll enjoy seeing the players.

The Readings: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
The Gospel presents me with a challenge, "Confront those who hurt you one-on-one, then with a couple others, and finally tell the church." This practice should bring us to more community. I will continue to individually find reconciliation with others and always pray for all of our conversions.


John

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We adore You, Lord, and live in wonder of Your glory. We trust in Your mercy as we confess our sin and seek to fully respond to Your offer of new life. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all Your gifts. And we ask for all we need: especially renewed health for all on our list. Please help us to do what we can to mitigate the suffering in our world but not loose sight of Your will.

Companion Events: Birthdays James Carnegie (8/26), Evan Parise (8/31).  Anniversary: Lindsay and Bill Smith (8/26/78); In memoriam: Mike McClanahan (8/28/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed our week on the Oregon coast visiting lighthouses and watching whales (at least watching the spewing from their blowholes). We learned to play pickle ball and played card games with Connie and Alan. The ocean is filled with power and mystery and we had a grand view from our deck.

The Readings: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I don't know how I would respond if Jesus called to me, "get behind me Satan," especially when all I wanted to do was to care for him! Oh, how difficult it is for us to see with the eyes of The Lord when we're filled with cares and concerns. We do not want to see our loved ones suffer. We don't want to suffer. And God doesn't want anything but the best for us. But sin has brought suffering into our world and, with Jesus, we must pass through suffering to find the life he won for us.

John

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We will live in the joy of the Gospel and bring You glory, Lord. Forgive our failings, Lord, especially when we did not show mercy to others. Thank You for all the gifts and blessings You shower upon us. Please provide all we need, especially the peace and quiet moments to listen to the whispers You speak softly from our hearts. Help all on our list for healing and the list of those who have gone before us.

Companion Events: Birthdays Katie (Lay) Johnson (8/19), Clinton Ross (8/22).  Anniversary: Mark and Vicki Schnitzer (8/20/19??); In memoriam: Joseph Himpleman (8/19/1960), Fr Joe Hirsch (8/24/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We had an "at home" week: cleaning and chores... Not much news, just looking forward to our vacation to Oregon followed by time with the "kids" and grand kids in Iowa.

The Readings: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
We too respond "the Christ!" to that most revealing question, "Who do you say I Am?" The Father has revealed this to us. And we must show His mercy and loving compassion to everyone we encounter. Jesus has risen. No longer can we "tell no one He is the Christ." We must preach the Gospel always. And like St Francis said, "use words, if necessary."

John

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: How can we praise You, Lord? Your glory, and beauty, and truth, and goodness outshine any effort we make to worship You! Grant us Your forgiveness and mercy for all our sins. Even in our work for justice, we know that only Your mercy can make us whole. Thank You for all your gifts. And help us with all we need. We pray especially for Tom King (in hospice care) and for everyone we have in mind: those suffering persecution, those in failing health, and those who have gone before us.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bev Grau (8/11), Neil Cyrus (8/11), Margie (Czarnecki-Norton) Pintek (8/16).  Anniversary: Mike and Michele Lay (8/12/1989); In memoriam: Walter Ong (8/12/2003).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed another wonderful summer week that zoomed past us. I taped a couple sessions of the OT MOOC. I played golf in Presentation of Our Lady School's Charity Golf Tournament which was a success (I think I could learn to enjoy that game if I had the time and the money to play a couple or three days a week.). With the help I received, especially from my son, Matthew, we have the garage door working again (we're alive and have all our body parts). We remembered Bill Prymak on Saturday at his internment. Now this week, we're looking forward to our trip to Oregon.

The Readings: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Although the Canaanite woman would not have claimed to have a relationship with Jesus, she shared her true self with Him:
“Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters."
...and Jesus responds commending the woman's faith. The woman turned to Jesus because she wanted life, a full life for her daughter, not a life tormented by demons.
I, too, turn to Jesus because I desire abundant life! I ask that He take away my demons of worry, selfishness, and failure to apply the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, council, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. How much more should I share my true self with My Lord? He will not laugh at my petty requests or my appeal for help to become a saint!
John 

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Let us give glory to the Father through the Son and the Holy Spirit. We detest all our thoughts, words, or actions that alienate us from one another and from You, Oh Lord; forgive us our sins. We have hearts of gratitude and know that You will call us to Yourself and never allow us to sink; thank You for your love and Your mercy. Please provide for all our needs especially health for our companions who fight sickness in mind and body; help us to use Your gifts to bring You glory. Amen
//
Birthdays Gary Carnegie (8/7); In memoriam: Lina Kilday (8/6/1958), Phil Bammer (8/7/2011), Jean Lay (8/8/1992),  Linda Rose Lake (8/9/13), Dcn. Michael Howard (8/10/2011).

Keeping In-touch:  As you can see from the preceding blog post, Bill Prymak died last Wednesday. We pray that he rests in peace. We enjoyed a more restful week with some lovely rain and cooler temperatures last. As often happens, we fix one thing and another falls apart: the garage door spring broke but youtube videos and the help of friends will help us fight Murphy's Law!

The Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

Often I can act just like Peter, "Call me Lord." then I loose confidence and hope: I begin to sink and then I moan and complain, "...help me Lord!" In those moments I, sooner or later, realize that I have not taken the time to quiet myself and listen for The Lord's soft message to me. I have not taken the time to rest in His love.  I will try to listen better this week.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Bill Prymak ( 1928 - 7/30/2014)

Our friend, Bill Prymak, died yesterday at the Balfour Hospice in Louisville, CO. Our Companions-in-Prayer will remember that his wife, Gloria, died may May 9th of this year. Marge enjoyed visiting with them and helping them with various tasks. I enjoyed visiting with Bill (but I couldn't go to their home; they had cats...).

Bill had great love for his Bride of 60 years, Gloria, his family, and his country. He loved being "the Patriarch" of the family and gloating over the success of his children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his sons William, John and Paul, his daughters Anita (Langdon) and Linda (Coleman), and six grandchildren. Bill owned his successful construction company and enthusiastically researched the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, and founded  the Amelia Earhart Society (AES) of researchers. (see "Bill Prymak, a giant of Earhart researchers dies at 86")
Mike Campbell does a nice job with his article. 

Gloria & Bill 60 years

 

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: May our lives praise You and give You glory, Lord! Forgive all our sins and help us to treat one another with mercy. Thank You for all Your gifts, especially our health. And please provide all we need to bring You glory: please be with Bill Prymak, now in hospice care; help all migrant people throughout the world, especially children; bless all our bread and help us to share all our gifts with others.

Birthdays Marie Friedeman (7/28), Ted McMurdo (7/29), Karen (Norton) Graveland (8/1), Maggie (Wdowiarz) Lay (8/2). Anniversary: Bev and Larry Grau (7/28/1962); In memoriam: John Lay (7/28/1963), Rosemary Fitzgibbons (8/3/2013).

Keeping In-touch:  We have good news to share: Marge had a very positive Dr's appointment this week (examination and blood work...good results) and we're enjoying being survivors: praise the Lord! Matthew returned to us from foreign lands and we helped him paint his place (what fun).

The Readings: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J. 
(click here for a link to "Come to the Water.")

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Jesus needed to find a quiet space to be one with You, Father, when John was murdered. May I always turn to You in my times of sadness and loss. Be with me as I celebrate joy and goodness in the world. Open my eyes as I come to the water and know Your works, appreciate the signs of Your Life among us. 
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Oh Lord, if we knew of Your great love for us, we would never stop singing Your praises. We would know Your mercy and kindness and hate all our sinfulness. Thank You for all Your love; the gratitude we have can only grow. We ask you for all our needs: wisdom as we grow older; health and patience as we struggle with our daily crosses. Especially we ask you to comfort all the people on our list for renewed health. Please continue to watch over Bill Prymak and his family. Bless all who have gone before us...

Birthdays Fr. Jim Guyer (7/14), Cameron Ross (7/21), Michael Schnitzer (7/27). In memoriam: Mary Kilday (7/25/2003), Agnus Klus (7/26/2010)

Keeping In-touch:  We almost recovered from our trip to Helena and headed for the hills for a wonderful, long weekend with most of our SCC group. We enjoyed all the little ones that came on this trip. I followed Nathan's lead climbing rocks. And I have a few memories in my arms and legs. Uncle Bill (Bill Smith) blessed us by putting protective wheels on the back of the camper, adding a bicycle rack receiver to the camper bumper, and plugging-up holes under the camper to keep out unwelcome guests! Looks like the camper will have a few weeks rest.

The Readings: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: "Where have I found treasure?" I ask myself. "And have I bought any fields that hold the treasure?" I find The Kingdom of God in His People who love Him and love all of His Creation. This is the treasure worth spending myself on! Hopefully, all the other "things" in my life serve this work of receiving His love and passing His love on.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The devil sowing...

My Companions pray with me: May we adore You, Lord, by growing the good you have sown within us. Please forgive our efforts to weed the world rather than focus on the good grain around us. Thank You for all Your gifts. And please continue to provide all that we need, especially our health.

Birthdays Larry Lay (7/14), Mary Lawrence (7/16), Amiee Aron (717), Larry Grau (7/20), Marcel Dumestre (7/20);  Anniversary: Megan (Lay) & Cullen Stevens) (7/14/2001).

Keeping In-touch:  We covered a lot of ground (literally, 1500+ miles) last week. We took a beautiful, but grueling, trip through Wyoming to Helena, MT. I attended and presented at the "MountainMoot" that took place at Carroll College in Helena. As always, Marge supported me in my travels and learning. We met wonderful people and participated in the liturgy on Thursday and Friday at the beautiful Cathedral of St. Helena. So now we recover from the trip and work on the camper an the garden.

The Readings: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I want to get rid of the weeds, the weeds in my self and the weeds growing around me! But this gospel challenges me to let the weeds be and work on the good seed in me and in my environment. There is so much good in the world. Let's focus on the good and help us grow.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We call to You, Lord, and proclaim our love for You. We seek Your mercy for our failures of omission or commission to receive Your love and bear fruit in the building of Your Kingdom. We thank You for all Your gifts. And we ask You to attend to all our needs: especially help Dave Larson in his recovery and Bill Prymak in his tumor operation today, Monday. 

Birthdays Dave Larson (7/9), Katie (Norton) Frodl (7/10), Ryan Beck (7/11), Anniversary: John & Maggie (Wdowiarz ) Lay (7/11/2009); In memoriam: Paul Pitzen (7/8/2008), Lesley Ann Meyer (7/10/2013),Birdene DeBoar (7/12/2007)

Keeping In-touch:  We kept busy this week celebrating the 4th of July holiday with family and friends. My good friend, Larry, and his son, Tom, helped us take down our dead aspen trees and Al & Connie helped with some of the clean-up. We saw a wonderful gentleman's final at Wimbledon, even if my favorite, Roger, didn't win. The dog-days of summer are here and we're enjoying all we can.

The Readings: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This parable challenges me to examine the state of my "soil." Am I hardened like the rocks or the path? Do I let the weeds of the world choke me? To what extent do I allow the joy of the Lord find a fertile place in me? I know I have had selfish moments this week when I didn't get my way... support of my friends helped me to carry my little cross. Maybe that will make my ground more fertile in days to come.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: May we show Your Glory in our labors, our rest, and our delight in Your revelation. Be not mindful of our failings; draw us back to You. Thank You for all Your most gracious gifts, especially our health, the freedoms we take for granted, and the companions You have given us. Please continue to shower Your gifts on us to attend to all our needs.

Birthdays Callie Nicole Johnson (6/27/2014), Christine (Lay) Parise B-day (6/30), Randy Lumpp (6/30), Allyson Morris (7/1), Ed Poehlmann (7/4) .
 
In memoriam: Symantha Carnegie (6/26/2012), Gerald Klaus (7/1/1987), Mary Kilday (7/5/2003).

Keeping In-touch:  We camped at Sylvan Lake State Park the first part of last week. The Park and Lake brought a freshness that made our spirits enjoy the recreation. We ate well, of course, and enjoyed the bright days and cool nights. We always enjoy the return to home and our own bed. We hope that your celebration of Independence Day this weekend will bring joy and a continued commitment to work to bring out the best in all the people you encounter.

The Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Jesus calls us to come to Him and he will give us rest. If you labor and feel burdened, I hope you will find rest in Jesus.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...
 

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

My Companions pray with me: We adore You Lord as we seek to find you in all things. We humbly seek Your forgiveness for missing the mark of living fully in Your love. Thank You for all Your gifts, especially those we so often take for granted. And please help us with all our needs, especially our health. Help us to have the passion of Your great Saints, Peter and Paul.

Birthdays Nancy Mulligan (6/23), Leo Albinak (6/28).
In memoriam: Patricia Mayer (6/19/14).

Keeping In-touch: Although the days of sunlight are the longest of the year, we seem to "run out of time" and "get be-hinder and be-hinder" on all we wish to accomplish. We had camper-trailer issues that needed to be fixed, it rained again on Wednesday flushing-out my tennis match, but we had wonderful meals with special friends this week.

The Readings: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Peter responds correctly to the most important question of all that Jesus asks, "Who do you say I am?" The words of Peter's answer are correct. He really doesn't understand (more dramatically presented in Mark's Gospel). But he continues to follow Jesus and becomes "Rock." Paul persecutes the Church, then pours out his whole life for the glory of Jesus. Would that I could keep the passion and fortitude of these great disciples/apostles.
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

My Companions pray with me: We adore You and bless You for all Your glory... all the goodness of life. We confess our failures to serve and to become a member of Christ's Body in our interactions with others and with our world. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all Your gracious gifts. And we ask for all we need to grow in love and service to all in Your name: we pray for renewed health for those on our list and we ask for Your perpetual light on those who have gone before us.

Birthdays Jim Frodl (6/19), Stephen Lay (6/19), Greg Serveiss  (6/20), Andrew Kornacki (6/15);  In memoriam: John Kilday (6/17/1972)

Keeping In-touch: We delighted in the grins and screeches of joy from Nathan on our Colorado River Raft Trip. Now we've returned home and work on the "honey-do" lists. And we're enjoying some mild, summer days with even a little moisture! We pray that our Companions-in-Prayer, likewise, enjoy some recreation.

The Readings: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: How can we see the Body and the Blood of Christ in our celebration of Eucharist? Only with the eyes of faith: our belief in Jesus allows commitment, expectation, and knowledge of Him. We find God in all things. We are given this gift of unity in Holy Communion. "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, only say the word and we shall be filled with Your life."

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

My Companions pray with me: We adore You as the Most Holy Trinity, a Community of Love. Forgive our failings by omission or commission to live fully in that love. Thank You for all the blessings we receive. And please provide for all our needs, especially for health to Dave Larson and all on our list. May all our loved ones rest in your love and peace.

Birthdays Amanda Dixon (6/9), Julianne Stevens (6/10), Patti Schoeninger (6/13), Andrew Kornacki (6/15), Gina Feely (6/15); Anniversaries: Mary (Norton) Weed (6Deacon Antonio Sandavol (6/11/73); In memoriam: Mary (Norton) Weed (6/12/2009), Grace Blake (6/6/2014) see below.

Keeping In-touch: We have been camping in the high desert (Moab) with our grandson and his parents. We have enjoyed the natural beauty of our National Parks (Arches & Canyon Lands). The heat takes it's toll, but we have hiked to some beautiful sites... we're still young at heart, if not the rest of the body.

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: How do we understand something as mysterious as Love?  How can we understand the Trinity. We can only approach an understanding (like a function in math). But my best image of the Trinity is the community of Love: The Lover (Father), the Beloved (The Son), and the Love (Holy Spirit) between the Lover and the Beloved. This is still very abstract... so I pray to just live in that Love!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Grace C. Blake (1934 - 2014)

 Please join me in my prayer for my Aunt Grace. I lived with her and Dick one summer when I worked on the road with my Uncle Bob and Cousin Paul. Here is the obituary from Colonial Funeral Home.
John

Lina, Grace, Michael... Grace Birthday 10/2013

Grace C. Blake (1934 - 2014)

Born: Oct. 4, 1934; in McHenry; Died: June 6, 2014; in McHenry

Grace C. Blake, 79, of McHenry, died Friday, June 6, 2014, at home with her family by her side. She told them God had come to her. She saw a gold cross and God's face. He said he had come for her, she smiled, but he didn't tell me when. She was ready.

Grace was born October 4, 1934, in McHenry the 6th child of John and Lina (Wasser) Kilday. Grace was the loving wife of Richard who she married Nov. 16, 1963, in Woodstock. She was the mother of Lina (Edwin) Hettermann and Michael Blake, grandmother to Jason (Joedee) Hettermann, Hilary (Justin) McAndrews, Chad Hettermann and Taylor Blake and great grandmother of Jayce Hettermann. She was a loving aunt who cherished time with her nieces and nephew and would light up when family, friends and neighbors came to visit her and a special thank you to her care giver Iris Hernandez.

Preceded by her husband Richard, parents, brother Bob Kilday, sisters Louise Smith, Aileen Hogan, Helen Low and Betty Lay.

Loved reading the newspaper every day, staying informed of local sports and community events. Member of St Patrick Catholic Church, McHenry VFW Auxiliary where she enjoy playing bingo with her many friends also knitting, compassion for every one caring for others. Through the years she worked for the Telephone Co, McHenry Sand and Gravel, City Wide Carpet, McHenry City Hall and Police department.

Grace had very strong faith and loved reading inspirational stories and always had her rosary with her.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 9, 2014, from 4 to 8 PM and on Tuesday from 9 AM to 10:15 AM at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, going to St Patrick Church for at 11 AM Mass. Interment in St. John Cemetery in Johnsburg.

Pentecost Sunday

My Companions pray with me: As we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, may we bring You glory by living fully in Your love. Forgive us the times we have blocked the Spirit from passing Your love by our sins of commission or omission. May our gratitude for life show love to others. Please provide for all our needs, especially the needs on our "for renewed health" list.

Birthdays Al Hardy (6/2), Kris Fitzgerald-Rohr (6/4), Ann Romadka (6/5), Milenda Felix (6/6): Anniversaries: Ann & Bob Romadka (6/8/74), Melissa & Neal Cyrus (6/8/??), Renee & Randy Lumpp (6/8/75), Marge & John Lay (6/8/73); In memoriam: Lori Stabile (6/3/2011).

Keeping In-touch: Except for Friday I walked to Mass each day this week. And I had a lunch meeting or appointment each day (I guess that evens-out). Marge's busy in her garden. And we're preparing the camper for summer. We're enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to our camping trips this year.

The Readings: Pentecost Sunday

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Seventh Sunday of Easter/The Ascension of the Lord

My Companions pray with me: As we believe in and live in the Resurrection of Jesus may we bring You glory in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Bring us forgiveness in Your love. Help us live with hearts of gratitude. And provide for all our needs to serve You and our neighbors.

Birthdays Michael Ross (5/26), Eloise Gerogian (5/29): Anniversaries: Linda & Larry Kent(6/1/??).

Keeping In-touch: Except for our unpredictable weather, we enjoyed another quiet week. Of course, it rained on tennis night!

The Readings: Seventh Sunday of Easter/The Ascension of the Lord

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This reading makes me think of how our image framework must be radically different than that of the first followers of Jesus. Many pictures show Jesus ascending like a rocket-ship lifting through the clouds. The Star Trek and Star Wars impacts on my imagination brings me an image of "beam me up, Scotty" vaporization of Jesus into The Kingdom of God (which is everywhere...where ever God rules!). This view of the Ascension makes Christ's reality both immanent and transcendent... keeps me thinking.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...