Christmas 2007

Christmas this year was nice but a little sad and different since it was the first Christmas without Grandma.
My parents and I picked up Grandpa and went to Uncle Bob's house.
Everyone who was there included: Grandpa, Aunt Deb, Uncle Ted, Aunt Teresa, Uncle Gary, my parents, Uncle Bob, Emily, Debra (my Uncle's girlfriend), and Debra's kids (Kaylin, Jackson, and Caroline). We had fun and lots of good memories to share!

To check out pictures go to www.xanga.com/Crosswalkgurl and go to December 26, 2007

Las Posadas

I went to Mass last night and a few minutes before it started I saw my parents walk in (of course they sat with me). It was the night that St. Pius' sister Parish (St. Adalbert's) joined so it was more crowded than usual and Mass was spoken half in Spanish and half in English. Father Bob gave the homily in English first and then repeated it in Spanish (his Spanish is pretty good).After Mass I introduced my parents to Fr. Bob and he was really happy to meet them =]

Fr. Bob had told me earlier in the week that he was asked to be St. Joseph for the Las Posadas (a Catholic tradition that retells, through song, the journey of Mary & Joseph seeking shelter). He told me it would be fun and that I should go. My parents saw the sheet (explaining about the tradition) that he gave me and wanted to go too.

*Edit*
We went to the Posada tonight...Fr. Bob did a good job as Joseph. When we got to the "shelter" there was food & music...we also got to meet some new people from St. Adalberts too! =)

He knocked on several doors, each time making the same desperate plea. “My wife is very pregnant and my donkey is hungry,” Joseph said. Each time, the response was the same: “No lugar.” That is Spanish for “No room.” Joseph and his wife, Mary, moved on, undeterred. Finally, an innkeeper reluctantly allowed them use of a bar, where, alongside the livestock, Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus.
Since learning it from Spanish missionaries in the 15th century, Mexicans have long celebrated Las Posadas, Spanish for “hotel” or “inn,” a re-enactment of the first Christmas.

Tonight, Latino members of St. Adalbert Church in South Bend shared the tradition with members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. A group of about 200 people walked around the block near St. Adalbert Catholic Church, knocking on the doors of a church building, a home and the parish rectory, where priests live.

At the last stop, the church’s Heritage Center, Joseph and Mary - played by St. Pius associate pastor the Rev. Bob Lengerich, 26, and St. Adalbert member Evelyn Gonzalez, 13 - finally were granted entrance. Inside, the crowd enjoyed live music, ate Mexican pastries, drank champurrado, a Mexican form of hot chocolate, and cracked open a pinata.This was not the Sponge Bob- or Scooby Doo-shaped pinata now commonplace at many children’s birthday parties, but a Sputnik-shaped traditional one. Each of its seven points represents one of the seven deadly sins: greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath and lust. Cracking the “sins” with a stick yields little treats and treasures, a reward for keeping faith in Jesus Christ.


So here are some events I am going to this week:
~ Tuesday = Work on Christmas Presents; Advent Taize Prayer Service @ 7
~ Wednesday = Work 10-4; Advent Lessons & Carols @ 7
~ Friday = Finish up Christmas shopping/wrapping presents, pack for vacation
~ Saturday = Work from 10-4; Leave for Grandpa's house
~ Sunday = Go to Uncle Bob's for Christmas

Religious Discnerment

Yesterday I talked to Fr. Bob about my discernment. I talked to him about what a few people have told me and that I also heard a commerical interruption on WHLY during the program I was listening to. After Mass this morning my radio program was interrupted by the same thing so I called Fr. Bob and told him. He said, "Wow, well there's more confirmation. Pray about it and ask God." So I asked him how you ask God and pray for discernment - what exactly to say. So he told me the Bishop taught him a prayer in high school which goes like this:

"Holy Spirit, help me to find my vocation"

I wrote it out and put it up in my room to remind me to ask the Holy Spirit for help.

~ I showed Fr. Bob the elfyourself I made of him, Fr. Dan, and both Fr. Bill's. He laughed so hard and got a big kick out of it that he had to watch it twice. He even sent it to some of the staff @ St. Pius and showed it to Fr. Bill.

~I went the the Eileen Ivers Christmas concert tonight (at DeBartolo )...it was loads of fun! The St. Pius choir sang a few songs with Eileen & her group. Father Bob sang with the St. Pius choir and he got so into the songs (dancing & singing his heart out), lol.

First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent! I love the Liturgical Seasons of Advent and Lent the best! During Advent and Lent such beautiful music is played at all the Masses. It's such an awesome way of preparing our hearts for Jesus Christ! The prayer services every week are also very helpful in preparing.

Last Saturday Father Bob told me about the Advent Lessons & Carols that took place at St. Bavo's tonight (he was the one that officiated). The Marian High Schol Liturgical Choir sang and the teens from the Antioch youth group did the readings.One of the songs performed was called "Breath of Heaven" Dr. Holland's daughter (Rachel) sang it and has such a heavenly voice to do so!




The verse that stood out to me was this:
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan

I was reflecting on this for a while and thought to myself - I think it's so awesome that God chose Mary out of all women to be the Mother of His son, Jesus! To be the Mother of God's Son - our Savior - is such an honor. I have so much respect for her and the fact that she was pure and sinless. It's no wonder we as Catholics are to honor her as our mother - she is our mother too. She offered her "yes" and all she was to Jesus and for the world even though she must have been afraid.

Have a blessed Advent/Christmas season Everyone!

Bad Day

Today was a bad day =[ My dad is in Mexico on a business trip and I had been trying to get a hold of him to tell him the news. My mom called me around 9:30 this morning and wanted me to go in to school to tell them the news and that she would need Lindsey to stay longer. That was hard for me to tell them. It just seems so unreal!
The school counselor offered to talk to me so I sat there for a little bit.

After that I went to St. Pius around noonish and saw Fr. Bob. When I told him what happened he said, "Oh Katie, I'm so sorry!" and gave me a hug. He told me to join them for the senior luncheon. I didn't eat anything but I sat with them.

After the luncheon I stopped in at work and told Mary Catherine, Sandi, and Lisa what had happened. They all gave me a hug.

When I finally got a hold of my dad to tell him he was shocked and we both cried.
How am I gonna get thru this?

It's Not Fair!!!

I can't sleep at all! Last night I prayed a decade of the rosary for the people I wrote down on my list (including Grandma) and then I put in a CD called "Sanctuary" and was in bed at around 10:30. The last song I remember hearing was Jesus, Lover of My Soul. Right before I fell asleep I remember hearing these lyrics:
"Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past.
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last"

At 2:00 this morning my mom called me to tell me to pray because Grandma took a turn for the worst and fell out of bed. Mom put the phone up to Grandma's ear so I could tell her I love her and was praying for her. I told her "I love you Grandma and I'm praying for you a lot a lot a lot!"

I got up and just paced around telling God not to take her because I just lost Gypsy (our dog) almost a year ago. Tyler called about 5 minutes later and it calmed me down a bit. After talking to Tyler I tried calling my mom back but got no answer.

Then at 3:00 my mom called me to tell me Grandma had passed away. =[ It's just not fair!!!!

I went over to the Pawlaks (my mom told me to call them because I need to be with someone) and then I went to Luke's apartment but he and his room mates just played on the computer.

Still Not Out

My dad and I just got home...my mom is staying behind to take care of Grandma this week (she got a sub to cover for her).Well Grandma is still not out of the hospital. Friday was both my grandma and Tyler's birthday. Uncle Bob, Tyler, Mom, Dad, me, Uncle Gary, Aunt Teresa, Uncle Ted, and Aunt Deb were all in town to see my grandma and grandpa. We spent basically the whole weekend at the hospital. We got cake for the birthdays but it didn't seem right. I keep getting a gut feeling something isn't right. I was able to go to the store with Uncle Gary and I was asking him if he thinks Grandma will get better. He told me she's a strong woman and he's sure she'll get better...part of me wants to really believe that but my gut keeps telling me i can't. =[

Saturday evening we all went to Mass at a nearby church. Since it was close enough, we all walked there. Grandpa stayed back with Grandma though.

I hope Grandma gets better....it sux to see her like this -- it's scary for me when she gets dry heaves. All this time I'm the one she takes care of when I'm sick but now I see the strong woman sick....it's scary!

Grandma was transferred

Update on my grandma:
She was transferred to Ball Memorial Hospital. They still can't figure out what is wrong with her. Please keep her in your prayers! Luckily we'll all be together over the weekend.

Crazy Weekend

I'm back from the crazy weekend. My mom's sisters and brother also came in town this weekend and my aunts are going to be staying the entire week to help grandpa and be there for my grandma.
The doctor thinks Grandma has double pneumonia.
Ok so this is kinda funny --> When I arrived on Saturday (I drove by myself) it was around 1ish so since there is a burger king next to the hospital I stopped there for lunch before going to my grandma's room.
I went to my grandma's hospital room to say hi to everyone and just be there and then about 10 minutes later my mom's aunt linda comes in to see Grandma. When she saw me she said, "You wasn't at burger king was you?" When I told her I was she felt so bad because she thought it was me but wasn't sure. She told Uncle Larry she thought it was me but wasn't sure and she didn't want to come up to me and ask in case it wasn't though...she kept going on how bad she felt, lol.

Anyway, my aunts, uncles, and maybe one or two of my cousins are supposed to be together next weekend for an early thanksgiving.
Hopefully Grandma will feel better by then?

Hartford City

My, mom, Luke and I went to Hartford City today so we could help my grandpa get my grandma checked into the hospital. We left around 9 this morning and called grandma & grandpa's house but kept getting no answer. We finally found out grandpa had taken grandma to the hospital so we went straight there instead of going to the house. It was shortly after lunch when we got there so we went to grandma's hospital room.
Luke and I stayed for a while and then headed home; Mom stayed behind (she is staying for the weekend) tho.

I came back home tonight because I wanted to go to Mass tonight at St. Pius. It was in remembrance of all those who've died over the past year and I figured since I was planning on going anyway I'd pray for my grandma.I saw Fr. Bob after Mass and talked to him about my grandma. When he asked what her name was and I told him he said, "Of course I'll pray for Grandma Julie!".

Since I dont work this weekend I'm going back tomorrow to be with everyone this weekend.

Please Pray

My mom got an e-mail from her aunt (which was also forwarded on to my uncle and aunts) yesterday saying that my grandma didn't look good at all and in her opinion needs to be in a hospital.
My grandma has had a cold for about a month now and it hasn't gotten better yet. My mom talked to Grandma and Grandpa on the phone last week and my grandma said she has trouble breathing when she is up and around too long but is doing a little better. Early this morning my grandpa called my mom and told her that my grandma was having problems breathing and that she told him she heard his tapes..the only thing is he didn't have his vidoes on (he tapes gospel music - quartets usually). He just didn't know what to do anymore so he went into the other room and cried and prayed "Jesus Help Me". My mom told him that since it's come to that point where he can't do anything, she needs to be put in the hospital and that we'll be coming out this weekend to help and make sure things go smoothly when she gets checked in.

Feast of All Saints Day

Happy Feast of All Saints Day!!!!!

Work

I'm excited about tomorrow! First I work from 10-3 and then I'm going to Holy Cross Parish for the Karaoke night (It's a fundraiser for WYD that Katie thought of) Oh and I am officially Kasi's sponsor! I'm so excited for her and for the others =]

Philly for the first time since july

Today was a pretty good day -- i worked 10-3 and then i went to the Philladelphia Cafe @ 7-9 for the Young Adults Scene.
I went one other time back in July but I decided to go again and it was really nice. I had a nice chat with Katie and Caitlin...also with Helen's mom. Young Adult Scene meets every Tuesday evening at the Philladelphia Cafe so I'm gonna do that from now on....then on Friday the 26th there is a Karaoke Night @ Holy Cross Parish in South Bend. I'm going to go to that also.

Church Directory

I'm really glad I volunteered to help out with the photo directory tonight. I got to meet Lillian and I saw Kassi (from RCIA) there. We got to talk for a while - she was helping her mom with the Brownies group there.
There were 2 families that didn't end up showing up for their scheduled photo appointment so we got done a half hour earlier. Oh and I also saw Ed Eberhardt there too!

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today we celebrate our gratitude and love for Jesus through our respect for the cross. The cross was once the greatest symbol of shame. Criminals who died by the sword were spared the "branding" of crucifixion.Jesus chose to do the most for us to obtain our salvation. He took on the suffering of the cross. With that suffering came the shame. The cross has become the most sacred Christian symbol. When the cross has the image of the suffering Christ on it, that cross is called a crucifix. The crucifix on our bedroom wall and the crucifix or cross around our neck are important. They remind us that Jesus paid a price for us.For centuries relics of the true cross have been cherished by devout Christians. It is believed that Emperor Heraclius recovered pieces of wood from the cross of Jesus in 629. He and his group of pilgrims honored the relics and invited all the people in the area to join them. Even before that time, Christians honored and loved the symbol of the cross. The word "cross" can also mean the sufferings that come our way. When we accept them lovingly and with patience as Jesus did his cross, we become "cross-bearers" like Jesus. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world!

Work

Training was pretty good today. I feel good about this job and for once I wasn't nervous to start the first day. Everyone there is so nice and family oriented. I even met Cat's kids (Nicholas is in 8th grade & Maddy is in 6th).I work again from 1-4 Thursday & Friday and then I will get my schedule either Thursday or Friday.

*Edit*
Lisa was the one training me yesterday and during our conversation i found out that her son went to Holy Cross. He was a sophomore when I was a freshman - small world!It's so amazing how God works in people's lives and connects people together. I've seen God work in my life so much lately and I really appreciate and am thankful for what he has done in my life!

Blessed Mother's Birthday

Today is the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday! Happy Birthday Mother Mary!!!!!

Mysterious ways

God sure does work in mysterious ways!!!
So I had an on-the-spot interview today and found out I got the job! It's an awesome story of how it came into place.

*Edit*
Last night @ RCIA Fr. Dan talked about the first chapter of Genesis (about Creation) and how all that God created on each day was linked in a specific order. I'll have to get the outline that he wrote on the board but oh man was it ever awesome. It was the first time I had actually realized that. And he was also saying that is how life works for us - every event is connected somehow or another leading us to where God wants us. I'm seeing it more and more each day.

Discernment

People are going to take a lot of journeys in their lifes. Some may be longer/shorter than others, some may be tougher, happier, painful than others. Everyones journeys are different, never the same, never identical. As much as they are all different and don't resemble, one thing about all journeys taken in life are alike in one aspect; you learn from it. Everyone learns something from their journeys, but what is learned is different than others. You may learn what you did wrong, what someone else did wrong, or what made you happy and what didn't, or even what made you the person you are today. I have to face it. And I know it's hard, and it's going to be hard for a while. But I want to be strong for my friends, my family, but most of all for myself. I want to be happy again, I want to move on with my life from this journey. I need to be proud of myself, and I'm going to try to be. I need to keep telling myself my real feelings are just as important to others rather than hiding it from the world, especially those closest to me. I'm not only lying to those I love, but also to myself. I need to focus on myself and changing both spiritually and morally. My pride has gotten in the way too much this summer and the devil has been tempting me and "telling" me things that aren't true -I've been weak and I can't let it happen any longer!!! I won't! I need to fight him off so I don't hurt the people I love or the future people I will meet in life. I want to chage - too much of my past has had a hold on me and as much as it's hard to let it go, I know I need to. It's not going to be easy.........
After much prayer and consideration I have decided to help in any way with RCIA. On Sunday Fr. Dan had mentioned that people were signed up for RCIA but there were no sponsors. He told the congregation that even if we feel we need a refresher course or if we feel God is pushing us towards helping in any sort of way to come.
He said it can be a way to meet the candidates and maybe become a sponsor - I need to do this for myself. I feel it may help in a way and I'd be helping others in the long run.
Today at 7 is the first session (it continues until the Easter Vigil). Please keep me in your prayers as I go through a long process of discernment and Letting go and Letting God.
I will keep all of you in my prayers as well!

Eucharistic Congress

I had such a nice time today. BK's workshop was really awesome and gave me a lot of insight. I could really relate to what he was saying since I'm going through some of the stuff he was talking about.fr dan was really awesome too! I got a copy of his "top ten dating tips". My favorite one would have to be this:

"Your future vocation must govern & shape your expression of love in any current relationship."
Corollary: Pray every day for the wife/husband God may be preparing you to marry.
Corollary: Pray for your boyfriend/girlfriend before & after each date, mindful that he or she, too, has a destiny.

Also this is one I liked and agree with:
"Discuss, know, and respect the sexual limits of your date: If you feel too awkward talking about these things in the light of day, you are certainly unprepared to act them out in the darkness."

Overall it was a fabulous day (except for the weather).Now I am waiting for my parents to pick up Chinese food for dinner (ahhh i am so hungry).

Schedule for Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Eucharistic Congress at ND. The first workshop I'm signed up for is called "Survivor: Dating Game". It's from 1:30 - 2:10 and Father Dan is giving that workshop.
My parents are signed up for a different session which starts at 11:30. They registered one car tho so I can't drive. I dunno what I'm gonna do until mine starts....I'm gonna be bored. lolThe 2nd workshop I'm signed up for is called "Lost?" and BK is giving this workshop. I'm looking forward to it. He's really good!

~Well, my laundry is almost done so I'm gonna finish with that.

Anyway...here is the schedule of events for the Eucharistic Congress at ND:
9:30 – Noon Information Table — Joyce Center

10 a.m. Ecumenical Prayer Service — Basilica of the Sacred Heart

11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Workshops — Session I

11:30 – 2 p.m. Lunch on your own (picnic or food for purchase)

2 - 3 p.m. Workshops — Session II 4:30 = Mass

Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption (Catholic): August 15th

The Feast of the Assumption is an important day in the Catholic religion. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin, the mother of Jesus Christ. This feast commemorates two events - the departure of Mary from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.

The Church's official doctrine of the Assumption says that at the end of her life on earth Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven.

Some mistakenly believe Mary "ascended" into heaven, which is incorrect. It was Jesus Christ who ascended into heaven, by his own power. But Mary was assumed or taken up into heaven by God.

Pope Pius Xll, in 1950, defined that Mary "after the completion of her earthly life...was assumed body and soul into the glory of Heaven." Her body wasn't allowed to corrupt nor was it allowed to remain in a tomb. Though there are claims by some cities about possessing her temporary tomb.

In the early Christian centuries relics of saints and those who gave their lives for the faith were jealously guarded and highly prized. Many cities claim the mortal remains of saints, both famous and little-known. But there are no records of Mary's bodily remains being venerated anywhere.

The holiday is celebrated annually on the 15th of August.

Father Dan's first day

I had a nice evening - Mrs. Pawlak invited me to dinner again (she made Spaghetti) and then I went with her to her grand-daughter's baseball game. We came back to her house and played boggle until about 10:30ish.
Today was Fr. Dan's first day starting out as pastor at Queen of Peace. He'll do a great job. =) But he'll need some prayers because it's quite an adjustment. After all, he had been at St. Pius while he was a deacon and was associate pastor there when he was ordained....so becoming Pastor is quite a change.

WI

Last weekend I went to WI with Bethany, Mary, and their parents. It was really fun!!!
The Best Western Hotel that we stayed in had wooden geese as decoration practically everywhere we went. There was even a goose lamp hanging above one of the tables. haha.


Saturday was fun - Bethany had registration that day so I got to see what the school looked like while we were there. I'm so happy for her - I think she'll like it there.

Me and Bethany in WI (that's part of the campus)


Bethany and Mary at the hotel

Virginia Tech

Pray for those whose lives were affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy.
Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord
And let your perpetual light shine upon them
May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!!!!! JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY - ALLELUIA!

In other news - my cousin Amber is pregnant with her 2nd child! woohoo!!!

MI City and River Walk

I've had a pretty good week so far. Here is what happened some of the days:
~ Tuesday night into Wednesday morning was interesting. Bethany's dad ended up having to go to the hospital so her mom stayed with him until she had to go pick up Angie from the airport which meant we had the whole day to ourselves. We went to the river walk to hang out with Amber and her sister and took some photos.
We ended up ordering pizza and hanging out with Sam when we got back. Later that evening (around 11:30) Bethany was talking to a friend of hers on AIM. Sam and I ended up dropping Bethany off at the friends house so she could hang out. She told us she'd end up staying there for about an hour and that she'd call us when the hour was up so Sam drove around for a while and we ended up parking and listening to music. We both fell asleep and when I woke up around 1:15ish and noticed Bethany hadn't called I woke Sam up to ask if Bethany had called her, which she hadn't. So we both startd worrying cuz it's not like her to do this. We went back to the friends house and Sam locked the doors & told me to stay in the car while she went to knock on the door (Luckily she had her pepper spray with her becuase it was in a bad area of town, lol). There was no answer so she came back in the car and we both called her cell phone several times but no answer there either. We drove past the house again and I saw a light on upstairs. Sam got out and went over to the side of the house to throw a rock at the window to get their attention but nothing happened. So finally we called Jonathan and asked for Angie's cell phone #. We finally got a hold of Bethany and she told us it wasn't the right house. She found that out after we had dropped her off.

Wednesday I went with Sam and Bethany to Michigan City to the outlet mall. It was pretty fun but it sure was cold compared to 70 degree weather the day before. I have pictures from that.

Bethany and Sam on the dalmation puppy


Sam and Bethany on pooh


Sam and me with the donkey


Pictures from the River Walk

Bethany and Amber


Bethany on Sam's back


Bethany, Amber's sister, Sam, and me


Bethany and me


Me, Bethany, and Sam


I think Sam was trying to fly or something....lol


Don't make her mad or she might throw rocks at you