Have you ever felt overwhelmed by something you had to do? Some duty or responsibility that just seemed un-do-able no matter which way you looked at it?
Sometimes it's because we’re afraid by the sheer scope of the task. Or, maybe, it’s the demands and hardships it places on our loved ones. Other times it may be because we don't even know where to begin. We may even ask “Why, God?”
It’s been 8 years since I wrote my first blog in the fall of 2011, three months before our growing parish community took possession of our new building and opened our doors to the world. There was an air of uncertainty, but also hope and anticipation as we approached this new chapter in our history. Looking back, it’s easy to forget how different this space was going to be from our cramped little red brick church. Yet at that point in time it was all still a dream - just a part of our imagination.
The fall season could mean a lot of things. For me, the leaves on the ground signify the re-emergence of my youth ministry programming, the swap of flip flops to scarves, and the digging out of my command start key fob. Amongst those things, which cause me to both rejoice and grit my teeth with endurance, I am also immensely pleased to find myself in the midst of another volleyball season.
Well if it ain’t one thing, it is another!
Out of the blue a blood vessel bursts in my eyeball. No pain, no discomfort, no change of vision, nothing other than it looking horrible. I would not even have known there was anything happening with my eye if people did not ask, “what did you do to your eye?” So off to the optometrist to get it checked. I had to get it checked…all my church moms were strongly suggesting I get it checked. So I went and got it checked. All is good. It is just a burst blood vessel and everything else looks just dandy. (no pun intended)
With the recent snowfall, it seemed like autumn would be like our spring: a season that almost wasn’t. But a few days later the snow has melted and the landscape once again shows its colours of vibrant gold, rust, and reds.
Running out of wine at the Wedding at Cana was not the Blessed Mother’s problem, but she made it her concern. I want to be one of Mary’s concerns.
I Met a Lady
By Rosa Caswell
I met a lady. She was so beautiful it was soul splitting. I hoped she would tempt you, but tempting is a low art to her. She hides in a land no one ever wants to go. I stumbled into this land a while ago, but only met her yesterday. I never wanted to be here, fought it, avoided it, feared it. But now I might not ever leave. She is that beautiful. That kind.
I sit down to write this on September 11th. It’s a date that stands out in many people’s memories. Where were you on September the 11th, 2001? I was near Ottawa, taking part in training for NET Canada. Several of my teammates were American, and one of the Canadians had a friend who worked a block from the Twin Towers. They were huddled around the only TV, trying to find out – and make sense of –what was happening. There was tension in the air, some fear, some sadness, and a lot of confusion. It was a memorable day.
Changes By Jim Nakoneshny
With the Labour Day weekend now behind us, we are into the start of the unofficial New Year. September has always felt more like a New Year to me than January, likely because of the many changes it brings. Young children are starting school, older students are off to University, summer exploits are behind us as lawn chairs and camping gear are packed away for another year. A new season of meetings and activities is starting, fresh TV episodes are starting to air and, in general, there is a sense of purpose in the air.