Saturday, August 23, 2008
TWO MONTHS TILL DOLLY PARTON
I can't believe that today marks the "two month mark" until DOLLY arrives for our Evening Among Friends Encore Series. This year we will benefit Breast Cancer Awareness and St. Ann Home for Mentally Challenged Women in Lexington. We will also, somehow, try to assist the Imagination Library, Dolly's Charity which just opened up in Madison County through the United Way. I can't believe some 60 days and Dolly will be here! I hope I have everything in place -- if not, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
St. Mark Catholic School started its 2008/2009 School Year! How wonderful it is to have our children back. They truly are a delight and the energy, love and good nature they send forth, is truly a blessing. I had the great opportunity to meet with the teachers earlier in the week. We had a good time together as we prayed and shared our strengths, weaknesses and goals. I am grateful for the teachers and their service/sacrafice that they give to the school and to our parish. Finally, what can we say about our Principal, Mr. Doty? We are blessed to have him. His quick wit, humor, expertice and educational "know how" is turning this school into the gold mine that it is!!!
MOM'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
It was a glorious day for our family as we celebrated my mother's 80th birthday! And just as my parent's taught us, we began the day giving thanks to God around the Eucharisitc Table at Mass. There were about 250 people present along with the Bishop who presided. (Bishop Gainer had traveled from Lexington the night before, was diverted to Alexandria, LA because of weather, then made it to Houston where his connecting flight to Beaumont was cancelled!!!! I picked him up in Houston and we had an oportunity to have some quality time together.) I was also honored to have my "adult servers" from my parish of St. Mark in Richmond be in attendance. The musicians traveled "across the border" from Lake Charles, LA and included about 20 voices, flutist, violinst and organist. After Mass, we headed to the Brown Center for lunch and cake! Despite the downpour and the occasionally "leakage".....a good time was had by all. That evening, my mother even hosted all of those who traveled "ou tof town" for an evening meal at our home.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Mom's Birthday
I write this latest entry into my blog from Orange, Texas, as I lay the final plans for my mother's 80th Birthday Gala! I love event planning and it is something that I have found that I really enjoy over these past years. I believe, without patting myself on the back, that I am good at this -- that I have a creative spirit for detail and that I love seeing other people enjoy the special aspect of life!
My mother is very special to me. She and I have a very close bond. Most mother's of Priest do have a special bond with their sons. As I find myself organizing this Birthday Gala for her 80th anniversary of her birth -- I also find it an emotional time for me, as I see my mom grow older and frail; tired and worn.
The celebration is going to be BIG in all accounts. We will begin with Mass on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. Even though my mother's actual birthday is the day before (August 15th) but due to the Holy Day of Obligation, we moved all festivities a day later.
I have given the MAIN CELEBRANT duties over to Bishop Gainer of Lexington. He will preside at the liturgy and I, with my mother's Pastor, along with other priests friends, who will concelebrate, we will be joined by three deacons and about 250 guests. (or at least I hope we will have that many guests! -- Does anyone RSVP anymore?) Of course, my mother does not know that Bishop Gainer will be attending---SURPRISE~!
Also will be in attendance my brothers and sister (missing of course, my oldest sister Marifrances, who is taking care of my mother's only living sibling: Aunt Edith). My dads side will be well represented with my uncles, aunt and plenty of cousins.
The "adult male servers" from my parish in Richmond, Kentucky will be traveling down to serve the Mass. I am so honored that they have offerred their services and sacrificed a day of work to travel down on Friday night to serve the Mass on Saturday and then return to Richmond on Sunday. WOW. My mom does not know that these servers are attending -- SURPRISE!!
My mother enjoys a Choir from a neighboring parish in Lake Charles, Louisiana from St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. This Choir has agreed to lead the music along with a flutist and violinist! My mom does not know that these musicians are attending -- SURPRISE!
The flowers that will adorn the altar, side chapels etc..will be done by Scott Hasting, a premier florist who has handle arrangements for the California Rose Bowl Parade and a good friend. His flower arrangements are truly works of art and we want to make sure that the Altar is adorned beautifully, simply and giving all praise to God.
When discussing this liturgy with my mother, she made it very clear that she did not wish to be the focal point -- but that Mary, Our Blessed Mother, for whom the Mass will be celebrated and the Eucharist, of which we draw our strength -- needed to receive the attention.
Immediately following the Liturgy, we will travel to the Lamar University Brown Center for an afternoon party featuring heavy Hors'deurves, an eight level cake and festivities. It will be good to celebrate and Party.
After that party, my mother will host people over at our house after 6 p.m. for a social. I can tell you, that my mother will be exhausted. I worry for her, but hope that she enjoys every minute of it.
Guests begin arriving tomorrow with the majority of visitors arriving on Friday. I will return to the Parish on Monday. I hope to be able to post some pictures to this blog to share with you this festive occasion.
In the meantime, for those who are reading this blog (if any), offer up a prayer for my mom....as I am grateful that she passed on her faith to me!
My mother is very special to me. She and I have a very close bond. Most mother's of Priest do have a special bond with their sons. As I find myself organizing this Birthday Gala for her 80th anniversary of her birth -- I also find it an emotional time for me, as I see my mom grow older and frail; tired and worn.
The celebration is going to be BIG in all accounts. We will begin with Mass on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. Even though my mother's actual birthday is the day before (August 15th) but due to the Holy Day of Obligation, we moved all festivities a day later.
I have given the MAIN CELEBRANT duties over to Bishop Gainer of Lexington. He will preside at the liturgy and I, with my mother's Pastor, along with other priests friends, who will concelebrate, we will be joined by three deacons and about 250 guests. (or at least I hope we will have that many guests! -- Does anyone RSVP anymore?) Of course, my mother does not know that Bishop Gainer will be attending---SURPRISE~!
Also will be in attendance my brothers and sister (missing of course, my oldest sister Marifrances, who is taking care of my mother's only living sibling: Aunt Edith). My dads side will be well represented with my uncles, aunt and plenty of cousins.
The "adult male servers" from my parish in Richmond, Kentucky will be traveling down to serve the Mass. I am so honored that they have offerred their services and sacrificed a day of work to travel down on Friday night to serve the Mass on Saturday and then return to Richmond on Sunday. WOW. My mom does not know that these servers are attending -- SURPRISE!!
My mother enjoys a Choir from a neighboring parish in Lake Charles, Louisiana from St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. This Choir has agreed to lead the music along with a flutist and violinist! My mom does not know that these musicians are attending -- SURPRISE!
The flowers that will adorn the altar, side chapels etc..will be done by Scott Hasting, a premier florist who has handle arrangements for the California Rose Bowl Parade and a good friend. His flower arrangements are truly works of art and we want to make sure that the Altar is adorned beautifully, simply and giving all praise to God.
When discussing this liturgy with my mother, she made it very clear that she did not wish to be the focal point -- but that Mary, Our Blessed Mother, for whom the Mass will be celebrated and the Eucharist, of which we draw our strength -- needed to receive the attention.
Immediately following the Liturgy, we will travel to the Lamar University Brown Center for an afternoon party featuring heavy Hors'deurves, an eight level cake and festivities. It will be good to celebrate and Party.
After that party, my mother will host people over at our house after 6 p.m. for a social. I can tell you, that my mother will be exhausted. I worry for her, but hope that she enjoys every minute of it.
Guests begin arriving tomorrow with the majority of visitors arriving on Friday. I will return to the Parish on Monday. I hope to be able to post some pictures to this blog to share with you this festive occasion.
In the meantime, for those who are reading this blog (if any), offer up a prayer for my mom....as I am grateful that she passed on her faith to me!
Monday, August 4, 2008
EDUARD!!!
Being from Orange, Texas (small town in Southeast Texas), all EYES and EARS are on Tropical Storm Eduard, mainly because my mom and sister are in its path. And being strong willed (ME? yes, but also my mom and sister), who knows what they will decide to do, until the last minute. I have gotten them rooms in Baton Rouge, should they need to exit in a rush.
Today, is really suppose to be my 'day off". Sadly to say, I rarely do take a "day off". And this is my own fault. I really need to learn to take better care of my self, which in turn, will pay off, not only for me, but those I am called to serve.
We have listed our LAST PINK ROCKING CHAIR for our Evening Among Friends Encore Series with Dolly Parton on EBAY. Let's pray that we at least meet our reserve ($1,000), which is the normal cost of that seat at the show! Of course, this rocking chair includes all the "perks" of a regular VIP ticket: receptions, valet parking and tickets to the show! Tickets for DOLLY continue to be made available at TICKETMASTER.COM. Let us pray for good things to happen at our event and GOD BLESS DOLLY (and her management) for the goodness that they have shown to St. Mark. I am also excited in getting to meet the many "dollyites" who will be traveling long distances from throughout our world who will converge upon Richmond, Kentucky! I am going to offer them a private tour of our facilities that concert morning around 11:00 a.m. and then together we will have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
I am getting read to "batten down the hatches" as my secretary, Liane, will be departing for two weeks on vacation to travel to Europe. She and her husband, Mark will be celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary! I wish them all the best. It is good that she will get this time away -- however, I hope she hurries back -- because I can already tell -- things will not be the same.
How many of you actually read this BLOG? Sometimes I believe that no one out there even knows that this BLOG exists! LOL!!
Wishing you all a pleasant day!
Today, is really suppose to be my 'day off". Sadly to say, I rarely do take a "day off". And this is my own fault. I really need to learn to take better care of my self, which in turn, will pay off, not only for me, but those I am called to serve.
We have listed our LAST PINK ROCKING CHAIR for our Evening Among Friends Encore Series with Dolly Parton on EBAY. Let's pray that we at least meet our reserve ($1,000), which is the normal cost of that seat at the show! Of course, this rocking chair includes all the "perks" of a regular VIP ticket: receptions, valet parking and tickets to the show! Tickets for DOLLY continue to be made available at TICKETMASTER.COM. Let us pray for good things to happen at our event and GOD BLESS DOLLY (and her management) for the goodness that they have shown to St. Mark. I am also excited in getting to meet the many "dollyites" who will be traveling long distances from throughout our world who will converge upon Richmond, Kentucky! I am going to offer them a private tour of our facilities that concert morning around 11:00 a.m. and then together we will have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
I am getting read to "batten down the hatches" as my secretary, Liane, will be departing for two weeks on vacation to travel to Europe. She and her husband, Mark will be celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary! I wish them all the best. It is good that she will get this time away -- however, I hope she hurries back -- because I can already tell -- things will not be the same.
How many of you actually read this BLOG? Sometimes I believe that no one out there even knows that this BLOG exists! LOL!!
Wishing you all a pleasant day!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A GOOD SUNDAY
This was a good Sunday, August 3, 2008. I had a great time preaching today, as I included some singing, some preaching and some teaching!!
It was good having our Deacon, Jim Bennett back with us, who has been traveling for work. Deacon Jim joins us on the altar the first weekend of every month, plus handles Communion Services when I am away.
I was pleased to hear that there is at least ONE PERSON who reads the blog, and its not even my mother!!!
After Mass this weekend, I went to meet up with a friend and we dined at Alfalpha's in Lexington. I believe it was my first time to eat at this restaurant and it was good! We later spent time at Starbucks and walking around downtown Lexington! I don't do this enough -- i.e., taking time out for myself and to be with friends.
Getting ready for my mom's birthday gala which will take place on August 16th in Orange, Texas (A day AFTER her real birthday of August 15). It will be good to gather with my brothers, sisters, relatives and friends as we celebrate the life of our mother!!
Still working hard on getting DOLLY to Richmond! Needless to say, if people only realized all the details that go on with putting on such a production -- I think they would be shocked! I did post a ROCKING CHAIR on ebay!!! We will see what this auction brings!
Just a reminder that our 12 GRAND EVENT takes place August 23rd with a lot of amazing silent auction items as well as the opportunity for someone to win $12,000.00. Last year, I had the great opportunity to be one of the winners!!!
Here is hoping that you all have a great day!
It was good having our Deacon, Jim Bennett back with us, who has been traveling for work. Deacon Jim joins us on the altar the first weekend of every month, plus handles Communion Services when I am away.
I was pleased to hear that there is at least ONE PERSON who reads the blog, and its not even my mother!!!
After Mass this weekend, I went to meet up with a friend and we dined at Alfalpha's in Lexington. I believe it was my first time to eat at this restaurant and it was good! We later spent time at Starbucks and walking around downtown Lexington! I don't do this enough -- i.e., taking time out for myself and to be with friends.
Getting ready for my mom's birthday gala which will take place on August 16th in Orange, Texas (A day AFTER her real birthday of August 15). It will be good to gather with my brothers, sisters, relatives and friends as we celebrate the life of our mother!!
Still working hard on getting DOLLY to Richmond! Needless to say, if people only realized all the details that go on with putting on such a production -- I think they would be shocked! I did post a ROCKING CHAIR on ebay!!! We will see what this auction brings!
Just a reminder that our 12 GRAND EVENT takes place August 23rd with a lot of amazing silent auction items as well as the opportunity for someone to win $12,000.00. Last year, I had the great opportunity to be one of the winners!!!
Here is hoping that you all have a great day!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
UGHGHGH
I had just spent over an hour writing and blogging materials to share with all of you -- those of you who are reading this -- should there be anyone -- and for some reason, the material was lost! Don't you just hate things like that!
My day had been going well, however, as the day progresses, I have become more stressed and agitated. I am not sure why. Possibly, I am beginning on feeling the stresses of various work that will be coming my way. From the beginning of School and the "Kick Off" of various activities as the Summer winds down to my mother's 80th Birthday celebration to Dolly Partons upcoming benefit concert that we will be hosting. I just have to remember: If God has brought me to it -- God will bring me THROUGH it!
It is the TRUST and FAITH in God that continually pulls me up and lifts me up, especially in times in which I feel most vulnerable. At times, people think that just because I am a "Priest", that I (and/or) other Priests, do not suffer down times, feel burdens or are indespensible! At times, the weight of the Cross is heavy on each of us, but it is through the Cross in which we are challenged, uplifted, renewed and empowered.
EEEEEE...I really didn't expect to get this philosophical etc...
Anyway, this morning I woke up early to begin my day being interviewed on WBUL/98.1 THE BULL radio station with the Moo Crew. I enjoyed my time on the "air", however, it was brief!
The Dolly Concert continues to make a few buzzes here and there --- with people wanting to know about tickets etc. www.saintmarkcatholicchurch.net or Ticketmaster.com
I cannot believe that my mother will turn 80 years old on Friday, August 15th. What a milestone for such a great mom and terrific woman. She definitely is a leader of our Roman Catholic Faith and a source of inspiration for many! We are going to celebrate in a big way the day after my mother's birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving, presiding by Bishop Gainer, along with some priests from the Diocese of Beaumont. I also know relatives and friends from all over will be joining us for this wonderful celebration.
Well, yesterday, I did have a good time releasing stress by heading out to Kings Island with some good friends and riding some of the rides! It never fails, that wherever I go, I seem to "run into" parishioners both past and present! After our day at Kings Island, I traveled off to the Tennis Tournament, across the street from Kings Island and had the chance to see Wimbeldon Champ, NADAL play. It was exciting!
Today, has mostly meetings, catching up with correspondences, doing "odds n ends", celebrating Mass tonight and then another meeting after that!
I continue to ask for your prayers, as I continue to take one day at a time!
PEACE OUT!
My day had been going well, however, as the day progresses, I have become more stressed and agitated. I am not sure why. Possibly, I am beginning on feeling the stresses of various work that will be coming my way. From the beginning of School and the "Kick Off" of various activities as the Summer winds down to my mother's 80th Birthday celebration to Dolly Partons upcoming benefit concert that we will be hosting. I just have to remember: If God has brought me to it -- God will bring me THROUGH it!
It is the TRUST and FAITH in God that continually pulls me up and lifts me up, especially in times in which I feel most vulnerable. At times, people think that just because I am a "Priest", that I (and/or) other Priests, do not suffer down times, feel burdens or are indespensible! At times, the weight of the Cross is heavy on each of us, but it is through the Cross in which we are challenged, uplifted, renewed and empowered.
EEEEEE...I really didn't expect to get this philosophical etc...
Anyway, this morning I woke up early to begin my day being interviewed on WBUL/98.1 THE BULL radio station with the Moo Crew. I enjoyed my time on the "air", however, it was brief!
The Dolly Concert continues to make a few buzzes here and there --- with people wanting to know about tickets etc. www.saintmarkcatholicchurch.net or Ticketmaster.com
I cannot believe that my mother will turn 80 years old on Friday, August 15th. What a milestone for such a great mom and terrific woman. She definitely is a leader of our Roman Catholic Faith and a source of inspiration for many! We are going to celebrate in a big way the day after my mother's birthday with a Mass of Thanksgiving, presiding by Bishop Gainer, along with some priests from the Diocese of Beaumont. I also know relatives and friends from all over will be joining us for this wonderful celebration.
Well, yesterday, I did have a good time releasing stress by heading out to Kings Island with some good friends and riding some of the rides! It never fails, that wherever I go, I seem to "run into" parishioners both past and present! After our day at Kings Island, I traveled off to the Tennis Tournament, across the street from Kings Island and had the chance to see Wimbeldon Champ, NADAL play. It was exciting!
Today, has mostly meetings, catching up with correspondences, doing "odds n ends", celebrating Mass tonight and then another meeting after that!
I continue to ask for your prayers, as I continue to take one day at a time!
PEACE OUT!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)