Ramblings

 Not at all sure what I am going to write about tonight; however, I made a promise to myself to write - no matter what. With moderate arthritis in both hands and wrists, my writing is going to have come in the form of typing on the computer. I love to write with a pen and paper; however, it is less satisfying especially with the additional pain that is often involved. Getting old is definitely not for the faint of heart!

I have often been asked: What is it to be a Deacon's wife? I would love to hear from other wives of deacons (in the Roman Catholic Church) and see what their answers are. But for me, the answer is first, you have to be willing to share your husband. If you must be the center of his universe, talk him out of wanting to be a deacon. The wives of deacons, while not "officially" being "called" to the deaconate, we are unofficially called to be supportive, loving, social (grimace), and pastoral to the parish that employs your husband. BTW, I use the word "employ" rather loosely - it does not usually mean an 8-5, paid position with church. It actually means 24-7, unpaid volunteer position that has high expectations including the occasional mind reading.

The wife of a deacon is not expected to be all the things I've mentioned; however, it does make the parish life and that of your husband much easier. If you don't want to attend the same parish where your deacon husband is assigned, you don't have to. However, it gives exactly the wrong message to the parishioners. They could think that you feel you are too good to associate with them. Or perhaps that you simply do not like them. You have to consider the repercussions of your actions - think ardently before making such an important decision.

I am not the most social person; however, I do make a point of trying. I allow my husband to accept dinner invitations on our behalf - as long as he consults our electronic calendar - as my initial response is actually "sorry, we can't make it". The other ministries that we are called to are relatively easy - at east in my case.

We walked into our current parish as complete strangers; however, we walked out as a welcomed addition to the parish community family. This entire group of people have become fast and loving, faith-filled friends. We have never regretted joining this parish.

So the best advice I can give to others who are considering or already in deaconate formation is this: be open to God's call to you both; communicate with one another and pray together about this huge decision; and above all - take time to be together in every way - don't forget that you were married to each other first - give it the time, energy, attention, and love it requires and deserves. 

God's blessings to each of you and until next time - kindness is cool!

Writing Makes a Writer

I have to admit that I have cooled my writing aspirations after being rejected by 3 or 4 Catholic publishers last year. I had high hopes for the book written for Deacon wives and wives of men in Deacon formation. But it was not meant to be. Self-publishing is not my thing so that book is relegated to the back burner - at least for the time being.

Alas, I have done little writing since last fall when I received all of the rejections. So that will be my first step, to write more....more words on paper, more words on the computer...just more words and thoughts coming out of my head. This blog will likely get much of my writing but I am also hoping to reclaim a spot at Catholic 364.com as well.

Stay tuned and pray for me. May God bless you abundantly.

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.

So Much Has Changed

It seems like years since we were at the LA religious ed Congress just before Lent. So much has happened locally, in our state of Washington, in our country, and in the world. We all know that I am talking about COVID-19 - the "plague" of the century. 

Thankfully I am still employed and working half the time at home and half the time at work. But having to stay home the rest of the time has been interesting for me.  I did not fully appreciate how much I love and depend on my parish community for support,  love, and so much more. 

But even more importantly,  we are both still healthy and virus free. I do miss mass,  the body and blood of Christ, Father Michael's homilies (and Ken's, too), and our parish community! I am praying for everyone and for your country's health and healing.

Everyone has ideas to keep us from getting bored so I am not going there. But I will challenge you to, at least once a day, clear your mind, turn off the TV, devices, and all distractions (yes, that may mean locking yourself in the bathroom for 5 minutes); and say the Our Father (for the Protestant folks - the Lord's Prayer) specifically for the healing of our world. Then ask God to tell you what He needs of you - then be still and listen for God's answer. 

Sending much love and prayers to all. Comment here or on Facebook and tell us all what you heard. 

The Art of "Don't Worry..."

We have been planning a road trip to the LA Religious Education Congress since the event in 2019 when we flew to California.  Planning a road trip in late February of any year can be dicey, at best. With multiple mountain ranges to traverse, winter driving can be tricky and fluid. One minute it can be clear and cold and the next a full-on blizzard. 

If you don't know me well, I used to worry about everything. Notoriously about things that I had no control over (i.e., the weather). I am also not fond of snow covered and/or icy roads. So deciding to road trip with my dh and two friends, well, it could've been extremely stressful. 

Several years ago I learned a very powerful lesson about giving it to God and then letting it go. We took a road trip to Pensacola for Christmas (yes in December). I was also finishing my degree and instead of consuming energy on worrying about the weather for our upcoming trip, I decided to try something new. I prayed that we would have good weather for our trip to Florida and then a remarkable thing happened - I was able to let go of that worry and concentrate my energy on my coursework.

Our departure time arrived and I was calm and carefree - no worries for this girl! That was pretty awesome but the miraculous part was we had beautiful (albeit cold) weather the entire trip to Florida. I am talking blue skies and sunshine the entire time. The return trip was exactly the same until we arrived Idaho and then we did have to contend with some snow.  But it was December in the Pacific northwest!

My point is this - I let God take care of the weather as I do not have that super power (although for all those years I think I thought I did). God wants us to pray and He wants to give us what we pray for.

So fast forward to the present. A trip from Washington state to southern California in February. Early in the planning stages, I prayed for good weather for our trip and then didn't worry about it again.

We are about 4 hours from home on our return trip, we have had beautiful days, sunshine and blue skies, and absolutely perfect roads. No snow, ice, and not even wet. God has poured out His blessings on us and made this trip, at least for me, memorable and extra special because I could focus on the trip itself (such beautiful country), our faith and our relationships instead of unduly worrying about something completely beyond my control.

May God bless you in a similar way so you foster and feed new and existing relationships while you can.

RE Congress 2020

We have started our drive home early this morning. Leaving the southern California craziness and ginormous number of people is not breaking my heart. I much prefer the slower pace and fewer people in our south central Washington city. We should be back home tomorrow afternoon.

A lot of people don't like the Congress for reasons of their own; however,  if the Congress taught me anything it was tolerance and love. While the Congress may not be for everyone, it has something for everyone and it includes everyone. 

Learning to listen to and for God's voice; to see His face in the homeless, the impoverished, the "invisible" ones and to acknowledge them by a smile, a few words, or simply eye contact; and hearing that while ministry is very important, living our faith, building relationships with God is paramount. We must strive to be merciful, forgive, & love all so we, too, can become holy and join God in heaven). 

This Congress was a growing and learning experience for me. I hope I can inspire others in our parish to "Live Mercy Be Holy"  God bless and Holy Spirit parish, we will see you soon. 

#recongress #livemercybeholy

Second Day

Today was the second day of the #RECongress and the workshops were amazing. Father Leo was so entertaining while teaching is much about the sacrament of marriage. He also renewed our vows and blessed our rings before it was all over. His talk was a keeper (we purchased it and is safely on a key drive). The workshop immediately following lunch was with our friend, Sherry Weddell from Catherine of Siena Institute (Called and Gifted). Her perspective and stories are interesting,  informative, and hope filled. She is a blessing. Two workshops tomorrow (Fr. Tony and Valimar Jensen - saved the best for last) and then the closing mass at 3:30 PM. Please pray for our safe trip home and God bless you.