Yesterday, we learned that we have a new pope, Francis.
The media discussed a bit about the significance of the name Francis, but I think it needs more unpacking. So, with apologies to my Franciscan friends let me share with you why I think it is a sign of great hope that our new pope chose the name Francis.
Francis was a 13th century Italian. He came from a family of wealth and privilege. As a young man he lived life to the fullest without much care or concern for his neighbors. Francis spoke of his moment of conversion--it came to him not in a religious ceremony, not while in a great cathedral, and not while studying scripture--it came to him when he saw the face of Christ in a leper.
Francis dedicated his life in service to the poor, to living as a poor man, and to rebuilding the church. The church of Francis' time was in need of reform and through his simple life of service, a life lived in the footprints of Christ, Francis did impact change in the church and in his home town of Assisi.
Francis is often connected to animals. Yes, it is true he cared deeply for animals, he cared deeply for all of God's creation. Francis believed in the Incarnation of Christ - a moment in time when God's abundant love for creation overflowed; God became human and dwelt among us. For Francis Jesus' mission was love. Francis was devoted to the nativity of Jesus -- who is this God that chose to enter into the world in poverty? The cross had meaning for him as well -- who is this God who freely enters into human suffering? Francis helps us see a compassionate, suffering, and human face in Christ.
One last thought on Francis, he was a man of deep joy. In the midst of suffering, his own and that of the people he served, Francis never stopped being a man of joy.
Let us pray that Francis will call all of us to the faith of his namesake.
Carol
Marylhurst University Ministry promotes a Catholic framework for competence, leadership and service that honors the longstanding, inclusive ministry in the Northwest of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Mississippi pictures and information
Greetings,
We are very excited to announce our first Marylhurst University Mission trip! We will be taking a small group of students, staff, faculty, alumns, and friends of the university to Jonestown, Mississippi. The trip will be during Spring Break, March 23-30. (We are thinking we'll leave on Saturday and return the following Saturday -- but we may shift to Sunday if air fair is significantly cheaper.) The estimated cost of the trip is $1,300 which includes air fair, motel, ground transportation, and simple meals. Students may take this trip as a 3 credit course, which will require additional work once we return from the trip.
The purpose of the trip is for members of the Marylhurst community to engage in direct service with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Our time in Mississippi will be spent working with the sisters in their mission of service to the people of Mississippi. We will do some of the following: gardening, house painting, tutoring, visiting with the elderly. We'll spend time working, reflecting on our experience, and sharing our experiences with one another. We'll also have the opportunity to see a bit of the Delta and of course we'll check out Memphis!
Jonestown is a small town and it is one of the poorest communities in the United States. Our sisters have been there for over twenty five years!
Currently our sisters run four programs in Mississippi -- two in Jonestown and two in nearby Tutwiler. Our time will be spent in Jonestown, but we will be sure to take time to visit the Tutwiler community as well.
I've attached links to the websites and/or newsletters for the four ministry sites -- take a look.
We are very excited to announce our first Marylhurst University Mission trip! We will be taking a small group of students, staff, faculty, alumns, and friends of the university to Jonestown, Mississippi. The trip will be during Spring Break, March 23-30. (We are thinking we'll leave on Saturday and return the following Saturday -- but we may shift to Sunday if air fair is significantly cheaper.) The estimated cost of the trip is $1,300 which includes air fair, motel, ground transportation, and simple meals. Students may take this trip as a 3 credit course, which will require additional work once we return from the trip.
The purpose of the trip is for members of the Marylhurst community to engage in direct service with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Our time in Mississippi will be spent working with the sisters in their mission of service to the people of Mississippi. We will do some of the following: gardening, house painting, tutoring, visiting with the elderly. We'll spend time working, reflecting on our experience, and sharing our experiences with one another. We'll also have the opportunity to see a bit of the Delta and of course we'll check out Memphis!
Jonestown is a small town and it is one of the poorest communities in the United States. Our sisters have been there for over twenty five years!
Currently our sisters run four programs in Mississippi -- two in Jonestown and two in nearby Tutwiler. Our time will be spent in Jonestown, but we will be sure to take time to visit the Tutwiler community as well.
I've attached links to the websites and/or newsletters for the four ministry sites -- take a look.
Please contact me if you are interested -- I'd love to talk with you about the trip. Even if you cannot commit to the trip you may wish to make a donation, as one of our goals is to provide the sisters with funds to continue their work in Mississippi.
More information to come -- so keep checking back!
Happy Thanksgiving, Carol
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Last week we celebrated our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. About 100 members of our community were present for the celebration. We were blessed with the presence of our University Choir as they sang two exceptional pieces -- they are amazing!
I gave the homily so I thought I'd share a bit of it with you here:
I gave the homily so I thought I'd share a bit of it with you here:
In October of 1859, 153
years ago this past Sunday, twelve young women arrived in Portland. These women ages 18-33 were Sisters of the
Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. They were
ordinary French Canadian women, women of their time. They arrived in Portland
after six weeks at sea. Once here they
had to contend with poverty, disease, anti-Catholic prejudice, a new language
and a foreign culture. They did not have a guidebook to tell them how to
organize and structure their new foundation.
Instead they rolled up their sleeves and just two weeks after their
arrival in Portland they opened St. Mary’s Academy, the institution out of which
our university would grow, and its home until the fall of 1930 when the college
was moved to this campus. On that first
day of school six students walked through the door: three Catholic, two Jewish, and one
Anglican. The diversity of that first
group of students highlights the value the sisters placed on all children, not
just those who were Catholic. By the end
of that first academic year the school grew to 112 students. Just three years later, in 1862, the twelve
sisters were running schools in Portland, Salem, Oregon City, the Dalles, and
St. Paul. Twelve women, five schools, great distances, and no Twitter…. How did
they do it?
Each of the twelve
brought unique talents to the new mission:
Perpetua, the youngest, had a knack for developing warm relationships
with the children; Florentine was a gifted teacher; Mary of the Visitation was
a musician; Alphonse, the first superior, was one of the few who spoke English;
Mary of Mercy was a talented artist, and Mary Agatha had the gift of humor to
lighten tired hearts. Each one also
brought limitations: Florentine was
described as the “perfect” teacher, Mary of Calvary possessed an “insubordinate
spirit,” Mary Arsinus was physically and mentally frail, and Alphonse was
restless and impatient. They were
ordinary women.
As today’s reading from Corinthians
reminds us, there are many gifts – and the twelve foundresses did possess many gifts;
gifts which were given for the benefit of all. No one sister could have achieved what the
twelve did as a community of sisters.
They did not accomplish the founding of so many schools in such a short
time simply because they were hard workers, or because they were committed to a
common cause, or even because they were incredibility talented. They accomplished much because our twelve founding
sisters were convinced that the Spirit of God was working in and through them even
as they tried to bring the Kingdom of God, to the wilds of Portland. The
sisters understood that they were part of God’s mission – to bring sight to the
blind, freedom to the oppressed, and glad tidings to the poor.
So, how is it for
us?
Blessings, Carol
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
University Ministry Events
Happy October!
During the first week of classes University Ministry hosted two events.
On Monday, September 24th we celebrated Mass with Archbishop John Vlazny. The Archbishop was on campus for his annual visit and to attend the first meeting of the Trustees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Members of our community: students, staff, faculty, and trustees gathered together to pray and to thank the Archbishop for his on-going support of Catholic education and of our university.
On Tuesday, the 25th we were honored to celebrate Yom Kippur with our very own Rabbi Rob. Rob is a graduate of our Master of Divinity program and he is an adjunct faculty member in our School of Business. Rob led a group of 25 through the rituals of Yom Kippur and he took time to explain the meaning and history of each ritual. For many of us the experience was a powerful reminder that we are human, we fail, and we need to ask one another and God for forgiveness.
The coming days we will focus on social justice: climate change and human trafficking. MUSAC (Marylhurst University Sustainability Advisory Council) is helping us host a movie called Sun Come Up. In the movie we learn about the worlds first climate change refugees. We will meet in Wiegand at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 4th (Which happens to be the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). On Saturday, our science department is hosting a climate change conference. It begins at 10:00 in Commons and is free of charge! Finally, next Tuesday, the 9th we will begin our monthly brown bag gatherings to discuss human trafficking.
Blessings on your week!
Carol
During the first week of classes University Ministry hosted two events.
On Monday, September 24th we celebrated Mass with Archbishop John Vlazny. The Archbishop was on campus for his annual visit and to attend the first meeting of the Trustees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Members of our community: students, staff, faculty, and trustees gathered together to pray and to thank the Archbishop for his on-going support of Catholic education and of our university.
On Tuesday, the 25th we were honored to celebrate Yom Kippur with our very own Rabbi Rob. Rob is a graduate of our Master of Divinity program and he is an adjunct faculty member in our School of Business. Rob led a group of 25 through the rituals of Yom Kippur and he took time to explain the meaning and history of each ritual. For many of us the experience was a powerful reminder that we are human, we fail, and we need to ask one another and God for forgiveness.
The coming days we will focus on social justice: climate change and human trafficking. MUSAC (Marylhurst University Sustainability Advisory Council) is helping us host a movie called Sun Come Up. In the movie we learn about the worlds first climate change refugees. We will meet in Wiegand at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 4th (Which happens to be the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). On Saturday, our science department is hosting a climate change conference. It begins at 10:00 in Commons and is free of charge! Finally, next Tuesday, the 9th we will begin our monthly brown bag gatherings to discuss human trafficking.
Blessings on your week!
Carol
Monday, September 24, 2012
Welcome Back!
I hope that this new academic year is filled with good things for all of our students, faculty, and staff. Learning is exciting and exhausting. Some days everything connects, makes sense, and we see all sorts of possibilities for applying our knowledge to the real world. Other days, well... not so much!
As with many things in life learning is not a straight line. Instead, learning is a spiral. As we learn new ideas those ideas touch upon previous knowledge and in that moment of touching new possibilities are created. Learning also challenges us to let go of what we think we know; we may feel frustrated as we realize how much we have to learn.
We learn best in relationship -- whether you are in an on-campus class, or sitting in your living room, you need to develop relationships with your teachers, classmates, the scholars you study -- those relationship will help you understand yourself better. So take the time to talk to your classmates, feel free to disagree with the authors of your textbooks, ask your instructors questions -- be engaged!
Blessings on your journey!
Carol
As with many things in life learning is not a straight line. Instead, learning is a spiral. As we learn new ideas those ideas touch upon previous knowledge and in that moment of touching new possibilities are created. Learning also challenges us to let go of what we think we know; we may feel frustrated as we realize how much we have to learn.
We learn best in relationship -- whether you are in an on-campus class, or sitting in your living room, you need to develop relationships with your teachers, classmates, the scholars you study -- those relationship will help you understand yourself better. So take the time to talk to your classmates, feel free to disagree with the authors of your textbooks, ask your instructors questions -- be engaged!
Blessings on your journey!
Carol
Friday, June 15, 2012
Happy Summer
Summer is always filled with expectations -- maybe we remember the long summer vacations of childhood and hope that we'll feel that sense of freedom this summer. Maybe we recall the camping trips, vacations, and long evenings of past summers and hope that this summer will be a time for making good memories.
Whatever our expectations for summer, it is good to remember that summer is a time of fullness, of warmth, and it does call us to a more relaxed and playful pace.
No matter how you fill your days: work, study, care of family, travel, time with friends... I hope that each of you find in this season a sense of renewal, rest, and relaxation. Let us also not forget our neighbors who might be in need: the elderly neighbor who might need a new fan for the hot days of summer; the young mother who needs a bit of time to herself during the long summer vacation; the homeless who may need us to share our abundance via a local service agency.
Blessings to each of you and no matter how busy you may be... don't forget to take time to be and to rejoice in the beauty of summer!
Carol
Whatever our expectations for summer, it is good to remember that summer is a time of fullness, of warmth, and it does call us to a more relaxed and playful pace.
No matter how you fill your days: work, study, care of family, travel, time with friends... I hope that each of you find in this season a sense of renewal, rest, and relaxation. Let us also not forget our neighbors who might be in need: the elderly neighbor who might need a new fan for the hot days of summer; the young mother who needs a bit of time to herself during the long summer vacation; the homeless who may need us to share our abundance via a local service agency.
Blessings to each of you and no matter how busy you may be... don't forget to take time to be and to rejoice in the beauty of summer!
Carol
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
More Thoughts on Human Trafficking
May 11, 2012
A diverse group of about 25 -- students, faculty, and staff joined together on Tuesday, May 8th to learn more about Trafficking.
We learned about local Human Trafficking from the perspective of two members of the local task force on Trafficking -- a police officer and an FBI agent.What we heard sparked an energetic discussion about how we can impact change by taking steps to change laws so that the criminals (pimps and Johns) in the metro area can be held to greater accountability for their crimes.
We also hold in mind the countless children, women, and men who are trafficked across our planet. Some are sold into the sex trade, others are used for dangerous or difficult labor working long hours in horrific conditions, still others are used as domestic servants.
At Marylhurst we are united with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in their public stance to end human trafficking.
Our next gathering on Trafficking will be held on Tuesday, June 12th from 12:00 - 1:00.
Those of you in the Portland area might also be interested in a panel on Trafficking which will be held at West Linn Lutheran Church (right down the road from the university) 20390 Willamette Dr. (hwy 43) on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00 pm.
A diverse group of about 25 -- students, faculty, and staff joined together on Tuesday, May 8th to learn more about Trafficking.
We learned about local Human Trafficking from the perspective of two members of the local task force on Trafficking -- a police officer and an FBI agent.What we heard sparked an energetic discussion about how we can impact change by taking steps to change laws so that the criminals (pimps and Johns) in the metro area can be held to greater accountability for their crimes.
We also hold in mind the countless children, women, and men who are trafficked across our planet. Some are sold into the sex trade, others are used for dangerous or difficult labor working long hours in horrific conditions, still others are used as domestic servants.
At Marylhurst we are united with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in their public stance to end human trafficking.
Our next gathering on Trafficking will be held on Tuesday, June 12th from 12:00 - 1:00.
Those of you in the Portland area might also be interested in a panel on Trafficking which will be held at West Linn Lutheran Church (right down the road from the university) 20390 Willamette Dr. (hwy 43) on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00 pm.
Monday, April 9, 2012
President Obama's Easter Message
(Easter) is an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I'm sure for some of you, it's also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured -- not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.
For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him, Jesus told His disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, "If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me." And yet, in the end, He confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, "If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered His fear, that we're able to celebrate the resurrection. It's only because he endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of the world that he burdened -- that burdened His soul that we are able to proclaim, "He is Risen!"
So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.
We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are times where we have questions for God's plan relative to us -- but that's precisely when we should remember Christ's own doubts and eventually his own triumph. Jesus told as much in the book of John, when he said, "In this would you will have trouble.
"But take heart!" "I have overcome the world." We are here today to celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation.
For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him, Jesus told His disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, "If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me." And yet, in the end, He confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, "If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered His fear, that we're able to celebrate the resurrection. It's only because he endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of the world that he burdened -- that burdened His soul that we are able to proclaim, "He is Risen!"
So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.
We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are times where we have questions for God's plan relative to us -- but that's precisely when we should remember Christ's own doubts and eventually his own triumph. Jesus told as much in the book of John, when he said, "In this would you will have trouble.
"But take heart!" "I have overcome the world." We are here today to celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lent
This Wednesday Christians begin the season of Lent. The word "Lent" actually means springtime. Growing up I always thought that had to do with the season -- since Lent comes in the spring, but then I realized that is only true for half of the world. For the other half of the world Lent comes in fall. So, what might this season of spring time really be about?
I offer, if I may, the idea that Lent is springtime because it is the time for us to care with attention to our spiritual roots. It is the time for us to make sure that we are giving our spiritual life the attention it deserves. Just as the spring plants won't grow if they don't get a good balance of sun, warmth, and moisture -- so too our spiritual lives won't continue to grow if they do not get a burst of life in the spring time.
Lent is a time to rededicate ourselves to practices of spiritual discipline -- a word we don't like in American society, but it is through disciplines that we grow. Committing to a spiritual practice for the season of Lent means that we don't have to decide each day whether or not we will do that discipline -- we've already decided. Practicing a discipline helps us to not spin our wheels.
So, blessings on you as you practice a spiritual discipline for Lent whether it be: spiritual reading, daily prayer, daily Mass, the Rosary, sitting in silence, taking walks each day, getting enough sleep, fasting, adding random acts of kindness... Blessings!
I offer, if I may, the idea that Lent is springtime because it is the time for us to care with attention to our spiritual roots. It is the time for us to make sure that we are giving our spiritual life the attention it deserves. Just as the spring plants won't grow if they don't get a good balance of sun, warmth, and moisture -- so too our spiritual lives won't continue to grow if they do not get a burst of life in the spring time.
Lent is a time to rededicate ourselves to practices of spiritual discipline -- a word we don't like in American society, but it is through disciplines that we grow. Committing to a spiritual practice for the season of Lent means that we don't have to decide each day whether or not we will do that discipline -- we've already decided. Practicing a discipline helps us to not spin our wheels.
So, blessings on you as you practice a spiritual discipline for Lent whether it be: spiritual reading, daily prayer, daily Mass, the Rosary, sitting in silence, taking walks each day, getting enough sleep, fasting, adding random acts of kindness... Blessings!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Spring?
We've been blessed with amazing weather these last few days -- today not so much. It seems like life is often that way -- we have times where all seems to go well, the sun is shining, the air is soft and we feel energized and ready to take on what ever comes our way. Then our natural need for some quiet time steps in and we find ourselves faced with a cold, cloudy day. We tend to judge the cold and cloudy days as a disappointment, but are they really? Can we learn to stop and attend to the graces and the beauty that may be found when the brightness of the sun is muted?
Evelyn Underhill speaks of mysticism as unity with reality. Today seems like a good day for us to focus on reality and how in touch we are with it.
Blessings,
Carol
Evelyn Underhill speaks of mysticism as unity with reality. Today seems like a good day for us to focus on reality and how in touch we are with it.
Blessings,
Carol
Monday, January 23, 2012
New Discoveries
I just finished two weeks of residency for my Doctor of Ministry program at WTU in Washington DC. The time was filled with readings, classes, discussions, and enjoying the company of my cohort peers. One of my discoveries during the two weeks was the English woman Evelyn Underhill. I was so impressed by her perspective on interfaith relations, on her understanding that Christianity requires more than just a "social" commitment (meaning casual), and on her personal life of deep prayer lived in the midst of the everyday concerns of life that I decided to write a paper on her works and her life. So over the next few weeks I'm going to share my learnings about Evelyn with you. If you're a fan of hers I'd love to hear why she is important to you.
Blessings to you, and to me, as we discover the wisdom of Evelyn,
Carol
Blessings to you, and to me, as we discover the wisdom of Evelyn,
Carol
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Year Greetings
2012, remember when that date seemed a life-time away? Well it is here, so now what?
Each new year brings with it the opporutnity for us to take stalk of our lives and to consider not only who we are, but who we wish to become.
Some make resoultions, some take time to reflect, some just celebrate. All is good.
I hope that as we enter this new year that each of us is able to rejoice in what is good -- good in the world, in our homes, with our families and friends, at work and school, with our own lives. I hope each of us can take some time to really be present to the moment that is, not the moments that have been or the moments that are yet to be, but just to the moment that is right now.
So, happy 2012! May this be a year of memorable and joyful moments.
Blessings,
Carol
Each new year brings with it the opporutnity for us to take stalk of our lives and to consider not only who we are, but who we wish to become.
Some make resoultions, some take time to reflect, some just celebrate. All is good.
I hope that as we enter this new year that each of us is able to rejoice in what is good -- good in the world, in our homes, with our families and friends, at work and school, with our own lives. I hope each of us can take some time to really be present to the moment that is, not the moments that have been or the moments that are yet to be, but just to the moment that is right now.
So, happy 2012! May this be a year of memorable and joyful moments.
Blessings,
Carol
Monday, December 19, 2011
Almost Here
The Christmas Season causes mixed feelings for many people. For Christians it is the high festival of the year -- the celebration of God loving humanity so much that God became one of us in the person of Jesus. Yet this focus is often lost by the stress of the holiday season: cards, gifts, decorations, food, and the expectation that we should all be happy and joyful -- all the time.
For those who are not Christian, or for those who do not believe in God, I imagine that it comes down to a choice -- to join in the party, or to hold fast to your deeper belief system and refrain from all the Christmas fuss.
So, I wish all who are Christian a very blessed Christmas a true celebration of the key festival of Christianity. For all those who are not Christian, I wish you a blessed and joy filled new year. As we continue to walk the path of learning and understanding one another's beliefs let us never go for the lowest common denominator -- instead let us remember that our beliefs are diverse, and that is a good thing, it brings richness. Let us respect the deep meanings of the many religious celebrations -- even those we do not celebrate, or understand.
Let us make 2012 a year of celebrating richness instead of trying to not offend by being too: Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, Muslim....
Happy New Year and happy celebration of all significat religious feasts!
Carol
For those who are not Christian, or for those who do not believe in God, I imagine that it comes down to a choice -- to join in the party, or to hold fast to your deeper belief system and refrain from all the Christmas fuss.
So, I wish all who are Christian a very blessed Christmas a true celebration of the key festival of Christianity. For all those who are not Christian, I wish you a blessed and joy filled new year. As we continue to walk the path of learning and understanding one another's beliefs let us never go for the lowest common denominator -- instead let us remember that our beliefs are diverse, and that is a good thing, it brings richness. Let us respect the deep meanings of the many religious celebrations -- even those we do not celebrate, or understand.
Let us make 2012 a year of celebrating richness instead of trying to not offend by being too: Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, Muslim....
Happy New Year and happy celebration of all significat religious feasts!
Carol
Monday, November 28, 2011
Advent Waiting
We wait all the time. We wait in line, we wait for test results, we wait for planes, we wait at traffic lights, we wait for children to get ready for school, we wait, we wait, and we wait.
Waiting is a fact of life, so the question becomes, how do we wait?
During Advent we are called to wait with purpose, with intent. We are called to open ourselves to new and amazing possiblities.
I invite you to make these weeks of Advent a time of intentional waiting... at the stop lights and every where else you find yourself waiting for the not yet.
Carol
Waiting is a fact of life, so the question becomes, how do we wait?
During Advent we are called to wait with purpose, with intent. We are called to open ourselves to new and amazing possiblities.
I invite you to make these weeks of Advent a time of intentional waiting... at the stop lights and every where else you find yourself waiting for the not yet.
Carol
Friday, November 18, 2011
Gratitude Attitude
It is once again that time of year, when we turn our attention to thoughts of gratitude. Some of my Facebook friends have a practice of daily gratitude -- where each day he or she posts something that happened during the day for which he or she is grateful. Wow! A lot of work, if you ask me, but I can't help but admire the zeal behind the idea.
A wonderful mental health practice is to end each day by naming five things you accomplished during the day and five things for which you are grateful.
Why is it important to be grateful? Who cares anyway? Well, in the great scheme of things when we can practice a gratitude attitude we tend to be happier, we tend to appreciate the people in our lives more, we are able to let go of those daily frustrations with greater ease... so who cares? We all do! When we practice gratitude we are easier to be around and our positive energy can inspire others.
So whether you post each day on Facebook, or keep a priviate list, or just take a moment each day to appreciate someone or something -- let's make this habit of gratitude, not just a once a year celebration, but an attitude for life.
Blessings as you celebrate gratitude,
Carol
A wonderful mental health practice is to end each day by naming five things you accomplished during the day and five things for which you are grateful.
Why is it important to be grateful? Who cares anyway? Well, in the great scheme of things when we can practice a gratitude attitude we tend to be happier, we tend to appreciate the people in our lives more, we are able to let go of those daily frustrations with greater ease... so who cares? We all do! When we practice gratitude we are easier to be around and our positive energy can inspire others.
So whether you post each day on Facebook, or keep a priviate list, or just take a moment each day to appreciate someone or something -- let's make this habit of gratitude, not just a once a year celebration, but an attitude for life.
Blessings as you celebrate gratitude,
Carol
Monday, October 31, 2011
All Saints/All souls
I love the feasts of All Saints and All Souls -- I love them because it is the time of the year where we intentionally celebrate those who have walked this journey before us. We remember all of the men and women -- famous, and not so famous -- who strove to follow a path to God.
Elizabeth Johnson borrowing from St. Paul describes the Communion of Saints as the crowd up in the stands cheering us on as we run the race of our faith journey. They are all on our side, they all wish us well, and want us to succeed. We as Catholics, as well as people from almost every major faith tradition, believe that those who have died care about us, are connected to us, and long for our happiness.
So let us celebrate the Saints with a capital "S" and the saints with a lower-case "s" -- one and all.
Blessings,
Carol
Elizabeth Johnson borrowing from St. Paul describes the Communion of Saints as the crowd up in the stands cheering us on as we run the race of our faith journey. They are all on our side, they all wish us well, and want us to succeed. We as Catholics, as well as people from almost every major faith tradition, believe that those who have died care about us, are connected to us, and long for our happiness.
So let us celebrate the Saints with a capital "S" and the saints with a lower-case "s" -- one and all.
Blessings,
Carol
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fall Meditation
As we journey through these beautiful days of Fall, it is important to stop and take pause. Maybe I should say, that we're somehow drawn to stop and take pause. For some reason Fall is a season that draws us inward, to the source of life. As we notice the leaves changing colors and the light becoming filtered something within us calls us to nest, to slow down, to take a moment to be reflective.
I hope that these glorious days of Fall find you with a bit of time to enjoy and to ponder.
Carol
I hope that these glorious days of Fall find you with a bit of time to enjoy and to ponder.
Carol
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Blessed Marie Rose Durocher
Yesterday, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the foundress of the the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary, the founders of Marylhurst University.
Marie Rose was not a strong woman, physically; in fact she was ill most of her life and died on her 38th birthday. But during her brief time on earth she touched people deeply.
We remember Mother Rose because she was a woman of passion -- passion for God, passion for justice, passion for the needs of the poor and under-served. For me, Mother Rose is a powerful reminder of what happens when we allow ourselves to be transformed by the flame of God's love. Parents who had been hesitant to allow their daughters to join the newly formed religious community changed their minds after one brief encounter with Mother Rose. Why, I ask? I believe it is because she was so deeply open to God's love that she radiated God's presence to those she met. Does this mean that life was easy for her, no. She like the rest of us struggled with misunderstanding, fatigue, obstacles, and injustice -- but she had a broad, deep vision which gave her hope, even in the face of despair.
My prayer for all of us, no matter what our faith tradition might be, is that we become alive with the energy of the holy -- that we become signs and prophets of God's peace and justice.
Blessings on your journey,
Carol
Marie Rose was not a strong woman, physically; in fact she was ill most of her life and died on her 38th birthday. But during her brief time on earth she touched people deeply.
We remember Mother Rose because she was a woman of passion -- passion for God, passion for justice, passion for the needs of the poor and under-served. For me, Mother Rose is a powerful reminder of what happens when we allow ourselves to be transformed by the flame of God's love. Parents who had been hesitant to allow their daughters to join the newly formed religious community changed their minds after one brief encounter with Mother Rose. Why, I ask? I believe it is because she was so deeply open to God's love that she radiated God's presence to those she met. Does this mean that life was easy for her, no. She like the rest of us struggled with misunderstanding, fatigue, obstacles, and injustice -- but she had a broad, deep vision which gave her hope, even in the face of despair.
My prayer for all of us, no matter what our faith tradition might be, is that we become alive with the energy of the holy -- that we become signs and prophets of God's peace and justice.
Blessings on your journey,
Carol
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Prayer is an important part of our ministry at University Ministry. We've received the following prayer requests in the last few days -- I invite you to hold these intentions in your heart.
"Please pray for my 2 year old son. also that I am able to complete fall term positively. That I can find peace in my relationship with my son's father."
"Pray for me, as my future is unclear. I need a job and a direction."
"Please pray that my mom's health improves and that she regains her vision that has suffered as a result of diabetes. Her name is Gloria."
"That 9/11/11 will be a day of peace for all peoples."
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Prayer, Justice Cafe, and Homecoming Week
Did you know that your University Ministers are here to pray for and with you?
If you have a prayer request please send it to us, and we will be happy to pray for you. You can send a request via email (chiggins@marylhurst.edu), reply to this blog, slip a request under the door of Marian 104, or leave your request in one of the envelopes located on bulletin boards throughout campus. No need to use your name, unless you wish for us to pray for you by name.
Coming soon -- we are going to join with other young men and women throughout the United States and Africa to discuss justice issues in a program called, "Justice Cafes". These cafes are sponsored by IPJC (Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center), an organization dedicated to the work of justice funded by members of Catholic religious orders. More to come on this exciting project.
Also, on October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis. There is a nation wide call for people to "Take the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor." You may find out more information about this amazing project via their website -- CatholicClimateCovenant.org. It is a free resource, so feel free to share and pass it on to others you know that care about the earth.
Many blessings, as we slide into September!
Carol
If you have a prayer request please send it to us, and we will be happy to pray for you. You can send a request via email (chiggins@marylhurst.edu), reply to this blog, slip a request under the door of Marian 104, or leave your request in one of the envelopes located on bulletin boards throughout campus. No need to use your name, unless you wish for us to pray for you by name.
Coming soon -- we are going to join with other young men and women throughout the United States and Africa to discuss justice issues in a program called, "Justice Cafes". These cafes are sponsored by IPJC (Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center), an organization dedicated to the work of justice funded by members of Catholic religious orders. More to come on this exciting project.
Also, on October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis. There is a nation wide call for people to "Take the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor." You may find out more information about this amazing project via their website -- CatholicClimateCovenant.org. It is a free resource, so feel free to share and pass it on to others you know that care about the earth.
Finally, On Wednesday, October 12th we will be holding the first of five interfaith panels as a part of the Marylhurst's Homecoming events. This first panel will be on Sustainability. We are scheduled for 6:30 pm in the Old Library, with the panel beginning at 7:00.
Many blessings, as we slide into September!
Carol
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