Public Masses Return

While our public Mass today is defining to look different, we will be celebrating with 200 of our sisters and brothers today. We also continue to provide a livestream Mass for those that cannot or do feel comfortable attending the public Mass. 

My amazing Deacon husband has been called on to be our parish's COVID-19 coordinator. This is a role that did not exist 6 months ago so it has a very steep learning curve. He must make sure the different ministries are provided with ministry-specific training to help keep us all safe and in compliance with the state regulations.

Also in this role, he is coordinating the calling of all registered families to help to get them scheduled for a future mass, if they wish. Connecting with these parish families is almost more important than getting them the mass information. Many do not have access to the Internet or simply do not have the interest to participate in social media or surfing the net. Some may feel completely cut off from their family and/or friends - including their parish family. Catholics are community....so that parish family is extremely important.

I will not be attending the outdoor Masses today as my husband is serving at the livestreaming Mass early this morning. Although there are about 10 of us in attendance, I am wearing a mask as is the new norm for our masses. It is the one little thing that I can do to keep others safe. It does not mean I am weak or afraid.

I pray that we can return to the indoor mass soon but unfortunately I don't believe normal will ever look the same again. Praying for peace, love, and civility to return to this broke society. May God bless each of you and keep you safe and healthy.

Advent 2020

Thanksgiving dinner is done - some stores are already opened for "Black Friday" and more will be opening soon. I don't buy into the Black Friday hoopla; however, I am getting very excited! Advent begins in just a few short days! Are you ready? I am frantically trying to decide which Advent resource we will use this year and what I am going to do to make it an even better Advent than the last.

Advent is not about how many Christmas cards I can get written and in the mail in the morning, although I do enjoying getting them sent out early (for many reasons). Advent is not about how many Christmas parties we have to attend. Neither it is about how many gifts need to be purchased and wrapped or what I am getting for my husband for Christmas (not even about what he is getting me!).

Advent is a time for preparation and anticipation. It is a time to ask God for forgiveness, forgive those who have wronged you, give of our time, talent, and treasures - especially for those who are less fortunate, and to celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Also Advent appears to be a time when new deacons are ordained - at least in the Yakima Diocese. Next Saturday several men will be ordained as permanent deacons - including one from our parish. Mike, we are so happy that you have answered God's call to service. We will be praying for you and Carol this week as you prepare for this huge step. God bless you both.

So please join me in praying for the new deacons and preparing for an amazing Advent season. It is a busy time for all - especially the priests, deacons, and others in the parish who plan the amazing "special effects" for Advent. From the decorations, flowers, candles, and beautiful music to those who are lectors, acolytes, and alter servers - everyone is busy with the preparations and the extra Masses, etc. Remember to take time to thank God for all of your blessings and to pray for peace, kindness, and mostly for love. Our world needs all the love (and prayers) it can get.

Happy Advent all!

Introduction

Eleven years ago our lives changed forever. My amazing father-in-law passed suddenly. I can still remember the morning we received that call. We were in shock. Don't get me wrong - by father-in-law was ill but he had been in good health for the past year - no hospital stays or operations - and we had visited them in Pensacola just 5 months before.

But this one event started my amazing husband, Ken, and I down a road that would take us to incredible places and meet incredible people and learn absolutely amazing things. We both had a personal epiphany and we started our journey to become a part of the Catholic Church.

I will be sharing details of our journey as this blog progresses and give you some of the strategies and prayers that have brought us the greatest success over the years. We started out in RCIA and have ended up being in the best ministry around -- the Deaconate (yes, I believe the wife is a huge part of the Deaconate - although we are not officially recognized as such). My husband has been a deacon for nearly 3 years. God put us in the exact place we were needed at the exact moment we were needed. It has been quite a ride.

I hope you will join me as I tell the story of our conversion, our amazing Easter Vigil, and all of the steps along the path that has lead us to our current parish, as "the Deacon" and "the Deacon's wife".

I would also be happy to answer any questions from serious inquirers about our faith generally or the Deaconate specifically. God bless and I will see you next time.

Cindy