That Sadeer Farjo's matrimony this April will be a lifelong blessing with his bride.
That Sacred Heart Church in Roseville, MI., continues to stand up, and, speak up, to be a people's parish, like the pilgrim people of God.
That Ken Kaucheck stands tall once more as parishioners welcome him!
That the religious leaders take bolder positions to lift up Detroit, and, the vulnerable young, especially, in, and, outside the womb, among us.
That the poor find in me, and, others, supportive companions of the Gospel.
That children are secure in schools.
That 2013's fresh start stirs hope, and, aims to help the common good.
That Ray and Renia's 35th anniversary of marriage be a blessing to Jennifer, Matt, among others.
That this winter's weather be free of icy, dangerous sidewalks, especially for those challenged by nature's glassy ice.
That condominium boards be formed in how to serve beyond being self-serving leaders. That they learn how to lead with rules and regulations applied to all, incuding themselves. Is is true that condo boards everywhere are disruptive, and, problematic?
That education, and, growth, be a priority for me in new time.
That I keep praying, and, reading, regularly and daily.
That Theology On Tap morphs and mends many in the metropolitan Detroit, MI., area.
That Woof, my snowy white, Bichon Frise, continues to be the gift he is for others, for me.
That the struggling, print media newspapers, find a buyer to keep a paper coming to my porch daily.
That good news is part of our culture once more.
That life continues to be a blessing.
That I look out for the lost and left out, among those pressed and packed at the bottom.
That the personnel problems of parishioners, ecclesiastical leaders, and, the pope imagine a way to thrive beyond clusters and mergers.
That health, wellness, and, faith grip us all.
That the Christmas season is celebrated through mid-January, and beyond.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Merry Christmas
The mayor of Bethleham is pleased that all the hotel rooms are filled in that town where Jesus the Christ was born centuries ago. And, believers, are perhaps, even more glad to ring in "peace on earth goodwill toward all" in this time of national discord, school massacres, and more.
Although the economy is bad there in the Little Town of Bethleham, also, the first female mayor, is upbeat according to reports.
While, elsewhere, and, especially here in metropolitan Detroit, everyone wants in on a good party, it seems. Amid the heartache and desolation, the calming consolation of "Silent Night" sings out in churches across the universeral Catholic world, along with other Christian edifaces.
"Hark the Herald Angel Sing" resounds with vibrant voices of hope-filled victory over vice, sin, guns, and, other weapons of mass destruction. How I long for this peace, even if for a moment in time!
Welcome aboard Jewish, among other faith tradition, including Muslims and their love of Mary.
A Huntington Woods, Michigan rabbi was wrapping gifts the other day when we talked on the phone about the January 21st observance of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with an 8:30 am breakfast and service at Unity Temple near Palmer Park and McNichols and west of the Woodward Avenue area in Detroit. She steers the Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network (DION), an intra and inter-faith coalition of diverse clergy, among other various faithful of all faith traditions, who aim to lift up Detroit and its young people, accoridng to DION's mission.
Saying "Merry Christmas," is a greeting that many of my acquantances who are leaders of Jewish, Christian, Muslims, and more, repeat with a reverential respect these days leading up to tomorrow, Christmas Eve, the day before the observance of the Nativity, the anniversary celebration of Jesus' simple and humble birth by way of a maiden who "did not know man." Talk about town tongues wagging about that mystery when Jesus seemed to quietly sneak into our reality, thanks be to God!
What is observed seems to fulfill prophetic and Bible beliefs about one who is to come to make straight the way.
At 10 pm Mass at Saint Thecla Chuurch on Nunelly near Groesbeck and Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township on Christmas Eve, deep feelings of faith will reverberate within me as I lead Christ's Mass, meaning, Christmas, there amid the faithful, and, in Hamtramck, MI., at 12 noon at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church on Conant, north of Caniff on December 25th.
Little else thrills pastors more than serving parishioners these high, holy days.
A diverse population of accents will ascend into the Romanesque Hamtramck ediface with middle easterners and southern Asians, in what is, perhaps, the most enthnically diverse town in America where immigrants migrated to work at the Dodge automobile plant in this town the size of Harrison Twonship, where I reside.
Bells will ring as incense rises like smoke to fill the olfactory nerves of one's nose amid choir voices singing out "Ave Maria," and more. At the table of the Word, and, the altar of sacrifice, both feeding troughs like the crib of Jesus, the faith will flock, and, be fed. Later, parents, will present their youngsters, the size of the kindergarteners in Newtown, CT., to the Christmas crib of shepherds, angels, Magi and more.
For a brief moment in time, all will be calm and bright, perhaps, in a declared and respected cease fire filling the air in that ancient part of our world where many believe forgiveness, peace and healing was originally born.
Light shines. And, a star is born.
I'll pray that we heed the plea of this new-born King, this Jesus who is "the way, the truth and life," that is not a metaphor, but a reality, yet to guide and grip us in a firm embrace.
Following that, my family will feast on turkey, ham, and, a hearty meal. Stories will be shared.
And, some oplatek, a thin wafer of bread, an ancient Polish practice, will be broken as we greet one another with "Merry Christmas" that runs through mid-January, 2013.
Although the economy is bad there in the Little Town of Bethleham, also, the first female mayor, is upbeat according to reports.
While, elsewhere, and, especially here in metropolitan Detroit, everyone wants in on a good party, it seems. Amid the heartache and desolation, the calming consolation of "Silent Night" sings out in churches across the universeral Catholic world, along with other Christian edifaces.
"Hark the Herald Angel Sing" resounds with vibrant voices of hope-filled victory over vice, sin, guns, and, other weapons of mass destruction. How I long for this peace, even if for a moment in time!
Welcome aboard Jewish, among other faith tradition, including Muslims and their love of Mary.
A Huntington Woods, Michigan rabbi was wrapping gifts the other day when we talked on the phone about the January 21st observance of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with an 8:30 am breakfast and service at Unity Temple near Palmer Park and McNichols and west of the Woodward Avenue area in Detroit. She steers the Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network (DION), an intra and inter-faith coalition of diverse clergy, among other various faithful of all faith traditions, who aim to lift up Detroit and its young people, accoridng to DION's mission.
Saying "Merry Christmas," is a greeting that many of my acquantances who are leaders of Jewish, Christian, Muslims, and more, repeat with a reverential respect these days leading up to tomorrow, Christmas Eve, the day before the observance of the Nativity, the anniversary celebration of Jesus' simple and humble birth by way of a maiden who "did not know man." Talk about town tongues wagging about that mystery when Jesus seemed to quietly sneak into our reality, thanks be to God!
What is observed seems to fulfill prophetic and Bible beliefs about one who is to come to make straight the way.
At 10 pm Mass at Saint Thecla Chuurch on Nunelly near Groesbeck and Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township on Christmas Eve, deep feelings of faith will reverberate within me as I lead Christ's Mass, meaning, Christmas, there amid the faithful, and, in Hamtramck, MI., at 12 noon at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church on Conant, north of Caniff on December 25th.
Little else thrills pastors more than serving parishioners these high, holy days.
A diverse population of accents will ascend into the Romanesque Hamtramck ediface with middle easterners and southern Asians, in what is, perhaps, the most enthnically diverse town in America where immigrants migrated to work at the Dodge automobile plant in this town the size of Harrison Twonship, where I reside.
Bells will ring as incense rises like smoke to fill the olfactory nerves of one's nose amid choir voices singing out "Ave Maria," and more. At the table of the Word, and, the altar of sacrifice, both feeding troughs like the crib of Jesus, the faith will flock, and, be fed. Later, parents, will present their youngsters, the size of the kindergarteners in Newtown, CT., to the Christmas crib of shepherds, angels, Magi and more.
For a brief moment in time, all will be calm and bright, perhaps, in a declared and respected cease fire filling the air in that ancient part of our world where many believe forgiveness, peace and healing was originally born.
Light shines. And, a star is born.
I'll pray that we heed the plea of this new-born King, this Jesus who is "the way, the truth and life," that is not a metaphor, but a reality, yet to guide and grip us in a firm embrace.
Following that, my family will feast on turkey, ham, and, a hearty meal. Stories will be shared.
And, some oplatek, a thin wafer of bread, an ancient Polish practice, will be broken as we greet one another with "Merry Christmas" that runs through mid-January, 2013.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Print Media Struggling
Months ago, a parishioner who works for The Detroit Free Press told me before Mass one Sunday evening that the Freep was buying the bankrupt Journal Register Media, including The Macomb Daily, and, The Oakland Press, among other local, sister papers.
Late tonight, I heard that the Journal Register will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in January.
The Oakland Press re-invented itself with a journalism laboratory, citizen journalists, and more.
As a citizen journalist myself, I learned a lot about writing a news story. For example, Roger at The Oakland Press told me to write down everything I wanted to tell readers about at any event I was covering. Note the opening sentence, with all else following in separate paragraphs with tansitional devices and a summary of the story in the final sentence.
Mistakes happened.
Life is like that.
Yet, I learned from them. For example, when I asked the guy sitting next to me at Mass to jot down his name at St. Dennis Church in Royal Oak, MI., he must not have heard me, since he wrote down his parent's names, and, all his siblings in the order of birth.
It was too late when I figured that out, and, a complaint was made by this guy's brother. He wasn't at church that Sunday, nor did he call me when I left a voice message, although he did accept my apology.
I asked the subject sitting next to me for his city of residence, and, he pointed to Madison Heights nearby as I pointed to it, confirming that the names at the top were his, as I assumed the gal sitting next to him was related since she chimed in also. Again, I think he had a hearing problem but would not admit it. What a blunder. I quoted his deceased parents in the paper,in fact.
The brother was upset, but, I didn't hear back from the guy I interviewed for a story about the final Mass at St. Dennis Church. His brother seemed to challenge the error.
Live and learn.
I'll miss The Oakland Press, and, the front page stories I wrote for it, and, for The Macomb Daily.
What the future of Journal Register is, I do not know.
I bet the Free Press is the highest bidder, however.
It could use some subscriptions as its sales dwindled since a nasty strike decades ago.
I wish the editors and reporters at the Journal Register well. May they find employment.
It is a tough time for print media.
And, for employment.
Late tonight, I heard that the Journal Register will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in January.
The Oakland Press re-invented itself with a journalism laboratory, citizen journalists, and more.
As a citizen journalist myself, I learned a lot about writing a news story. For example, Roger at The Oakland Press told me to write down everything I wanted to tell readers about at any event I was covering. Note the opening sentence, with all else following in separate paragraphs with tansitional devices and a summary of the story in the final sentence.
Mistakes happened.
Life is like that.
Yet, I learned from them. For example, when I asked the guy sitting next to me at Mass to jot down his name at St. Dennis Church in Royal Oak, MI., he must not have heard me, since he wrote down his parent's names, and, all his siblings in the order of birth.
It was too late when I figured that out, and, a complaint was made by this guy's brother. He wasn't at church that Sunday, nor did he call me when I left a voice message, although he did accept my apology.
I asked the subject sitting next to me for his city of residence, and, he pointed to Madison Heights nearby as I pointed to it, confirming that the names at the top were his, as I assumed the gal sitting next to him was related since she chimed in also. Again, I think he had a hearing problem but would not admit it. What a blunder. I quoted his deceased parents in the paper,in fact.
The brother was upset, but, I didn't hear back from the guy I interviewed for a story about the final Mass at St. Dennis Church. His brother seemed to challenge the error.
Live and learn.
I'll miss The Oakland Press, and, the front page stories I wrote for it, and, for The Macomb Daily.
What the future of Journal Register is, I do not know.
I bet the Free Press is the highest bidder, however.
It could use some subscriptions as its sales dwindled since a nasty strike decades ago.
I wish the editors and reporters at the Journal Register well. May they find employment.
It is a tough time for print media.
And, for employment.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Newtown Victims Get Shrine Dedicated to Them from Care of the Soul's All Faiths Festival
Hearts are broken.
Even the yellow smiley face baloon secured on a string near a makeshift shrine for the "angels" has a band-aid on its left cheek. That's hopeful thinking for survivors who prayed Tuesday in front of the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville, MI., with an Advent Tea following for all at the interfaith service. The Care of the Soul and Companions' All Faiths Festival hosted the event marking 23 days of preparation and anticipation of God's light before Christmas Day when believers hold that Jesus the Christ was born in Bethleham, near Nazareth where he grew up in a troubled Palestine then, and now.
Like a litany, the list was read for 26 people, the participants in the prayer service, called, angels.
The killer, and, his mother, were also remembered as the group sang, "Silent Night," and "Hark
the Herald Angels Sing."
At Gratiot and Utica Road, cars honked as they joined in the prayer, it seemed, December 18, 2012.
The "Our Father" was prayed, while media bolted for comments for the early aftenoon news that dark, wintry day of 36 degrees.
Faith, and, its inner resource, will see the parents, siblings, teachers, and Newtown, CT, residents through this horror of a massacre with an assault weapon that killed 20 5-6-year-olds in Sandy Hook Elementary School last week Friday.
More flowers, a butterfly, and candles adorned the shrine on Wednesday as caregivers maintain it through Christmas - the Nativity, when Jesus the Christ was born centuries ago in the greatest story ever told in the Bible.
"Let the little children come unto me," words from the Christian Scriptures in Matthew's Gospel, said by Jesus, were noted on a sandwich board sign, and read by mother and grandmother, Linda Beaumont of Madison Heights, MI.
A procession of passersby frequent the shrine daily now. A teddy bear or two crowd the sign that notes in bold, black letters: 26 Angels.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
And, God, help us with this nation's obsession with weapons of mass destruction. Are the words of Jesus that those who live by the sword, die by the sword, words I believe in personally?
I do.
Other groups, including a metropolitan interfaith council of clergy and citizens, incldug Victor Beggs, and Robert Brutrell, plan a remembrance vigil for tonight in Beverly Hills, MI., on the west side of the metropolitan area.
Hearts are broken everywhere. They hurt and ache for the little angels.
We are literally dying over guns.
God help us in our insanity, and, the out-of-control gun cartel in this country I so love.
Even the yellow smiley face baloon secured on a string near a makeshift shrine for the "angels" has a band-aid on its left cheek. That's hopeful thinking for survivors who prayed Tuesday in front of the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville, MI., with an Advent Tea following for all at the interfaith service. The Care of the Soul and Companions' All Faiths Festival hosted the event marking 23 days of preparation and anticipation of God's light before Christmas Day when believers hold that Jesus the Christ was born in Bethleham, near Nazareth where he grew up in a troubled Palestine then, and now.
Like a litany, the list was read for 26 people, the participants in the prayer service, called, angels.
The killer, and, his mother, were also remembered as the group sang, "Silent Night," and "Hark
the Herald Angels Sing."
At Gratiot and Utica Road, cars honked as they joined in the prayer, it seemed, December 18, 2012.
The "Our Father" was prayed, while media bolted for comments for the early aftenoon news that dark, wintry day of 36 degrees.
Faith, and, its inner resource, will see the parents, siblings, teachers, and Newtown, CT, residents through this horror of a massacre with an assault weapon that killed 20 5-6-year-olds in Sandy Hook Elementary School last week Friday.
More flowers, a butterfly, and candles adorned the shrine on Wednesday as caregivers maintain it through Christmas - the Nativity, when Jesus the Christ was born centuries ago in the greatest story ever told in the Bible.
"Let the little children come unto me," words from the Christian Scriptures in Matthew's Gospel, said by Jesus, were noted on a sandwich board sign, and read by mother and grandmother, Linda Beaumont of Madison Heights, MI.
A procession of passersby frequent the shrine daily now. A teddy bear or two crowd the sign that notes in bold, black letters: 26 Angels.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
And, God, help us with this nation's obsession with weapons of mass destruction. Are the words of Jesus that those who live by the sword, die by the sword, words I believe in personally?
I do.
Other groups, including a metropolitan interfaith council of clergy and citizens, incldug Victor Beggs, and Robert Brutrell, plan a remembrance vigil for tonight in Beverly Hills, MI., on the west side of the metropolitan area.
Hearts are broken everywhere. They hurt and ache for the little angels.
We are literally dying over guns.
God help us in our insanity, and, the out-of-control gun cartel in this country I so love.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Principal Protected, Shielded Her Students
She didn't save her life.
The principal at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT., allegedly ran toward the killer in her attempt to protect her students. She died in the fray. And, did what she had to to protect her students.
She lost her life.
And, laid it down for the sheep to use the metaphor Jesus uses as told by the Gospel writers.
Lose your life to save it, the Good Book says.
She did just that.
Her sacrifice follows the Christian guidance of Jesus, the New Testament, or, Christian scriptures distinguished shepherd.
What a way to exit, that is, to shield the sheep, as it were, when trouble and evil lurks.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
A remarkable and impressive woman.
I am heartborken over the action she took to try to stop the killer.
She lost her life to lift the life of others.
The principal at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT., allegedly ran toward the killer in her attempt to protect her students. She died in the fray. And, did what she had to to protect her students.
She lost her life.
And, laid it down for the sheep to use the metaphor Jesus uses as told by the Gospel writers.
Lose your life to save it, the Good Book says.
She did just that.
Her sacrifice follows the Christian guidance of Jesus, the New Testament, or, Christian scriptures distinguished shepherd.
What a way to exit, that is, to shield the sheep, as it were, when trouble and evil lurks.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
A remarkable and impressive woman.
I am heartborken over the action she took to try to stop the killer.
She lost her life to lift the life of others.
Monday, December 17, 2012
My Family Is Fractured
When a family member dies, a father is affected.
At least, this one, affectionately called, "Father," is indeed touched and poked with pain when parishioners perish.
Profound pain at the loss of the innocent lives. 26 of God's creations gone now.
Moms also are clearly left with grief also. A lot of it. A parent's nightmare.
Little lambs of God. And older angels, servants of these youngsters and society.
I'm angry. And, more.
Protecting families rests on parents, and adults. After all, it does take a village to raise a child.
As youngsters, my sisters and brothers would fall down the stairwell of our two-story, aluminum-sided home on Detroit's east side near the City Airport, not far from Lynch Road and Van Dyke.
At times, I'd fall into the radiator on the landing where another dozen steps awaited my footsteps.
Once upon a time, I recall crying only after my dad picked me up from another fall in that stairwell. When he swooped me up into his arms with a prompting from my mother, I weeped.
Not before when the bruise first afflicted me.
Now, in dad's hands, however, I felt safe.
Very safe.
Safe enough to cry.
Perhaps it's that way wit the 20 youngsters now. And, the six adults, teachers, a counselor, their principal. They're safe now.
Yes, safe in the arms of God. Away from the harm, and, at times the culture of death that is consuming us in its doubt, despair, even the denial about this land's attachment and obsession with guns killing our kids, and more.
My kids.
It seems that few civic and clergy leaders, let alone police chiefs and other first responders, want to begin a national conversation about guns. Why not?
Will it require some change?
To do more, to morph, in fact, to keep my kids safe and secure.
Perhaps, now, they will.
Hopefully, they'll join me Tuesday Dec. 18 at 12 noon at Roseville, Michigan Sacred Heart Catholic Church for an interfaith vigil to remember. To feel the grief. To act. And, to be together once more when these national tragedies are as common as blwoing one's nose.
The litany list of victims will be read. Names of my family. My kids. Their father."
We'll sing the hymn, "Silent Night."
We'll be family. Yet, a fractured family wanting to do more to protect children, among others.
We'll pray.
We may look up now, knowing that more angels are watching to tell us we need to do more when it comes to gun control in this nation I love.
"We can never do enough for families," noted the late and loved, Cardinal John Dearden of Detroit, a shepherd, one who enjoyed being called, "Father," also.
After all, he was.
Like myself.
At least, this one, affectionately called, "Father," is indeed touched and poked with pain when parishioners perish.
Profound pain at the loss of the innocent lives. 26 of God's creations gone now.
Moms also are clearly left with grief also. A lot of it. A parent's nightmare.
Little lambs of God. And older angels, servants of these youngsters and society.
I'm angry. And, more.
Protecting families rests on parents, and adults. After all, it does take a village to raise a child.
As youngsters, my sisters and brothers would fall down the stairwell of our two-story, aluminum-sided home on Detroit's east side near the City Airport, not far from Lynch Road and Van Dyke.
At times, I'd fall into the radiator on the landing where another dozen steps awaited my footsteps.
Once upon a time, I recall crying only after my dad picked me up from another fall in that stairwell. When he swooped me up into his arms with a prompting from my mother, I weeped.
Not before when the bruise first afflicted me.
Now, in dad's hands, however, I felt safe.
Very safe.
Safe enough to cry.
Perhaps it's that way wit the 20 youngsters now. And, the six adults, teachers, a counselor, their principal. They're safe now.
Yes, safe in the arms of God. Away from the harm, and, at times the culture of death that is consuming us in its doubt, despair, even the denial about this land's attachment and obsession with guns killing our kids, and more.
My kids.
It seems that few civic and clergy leaders, let alone police chiefs and other first responders, want to begin a national conversation about guns. Why not?
Will it require some change?
To do more, to morph, in fact, to keep my kids safe and secure.
Perhaps, now, they will.
Hopefully, they'll join me Tuesday Dec. 18 at 12 noon at Roseville, Michigan Sacred Heart Catholic Church for an interfaith vigil to remember. To feel the grief. To act. And, to be together once more when these national tragedies are as common as blwoing one's nose.
The litany list of victims will be read. Names of my family. My kids. Their father."
We'll sing the hymn, "Silent Night."
We'll be family. Yet, a fractured family wanting to do more to protect children, among others.
We'll pray.
We may look up now, knowing that more angels are watching to tell us we need to do more when it comes to gun control in this nation I love.
"We can never do enough for families," noted the late and loved, Cardinal John Dearden of Detroit, a shepherd, one who enjoyed being called, "Father," also.
After all, he was.
Like myself.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
We're Wired for Love, Meaning, Purpose, Gratitude
The fabulous four, I call them:
1) Love: We're wired for love and charity. It's in our DNA. War is not what we're made for, yet more energy is placed in fighting, it seems, than in loving, lifting up life in charity. We pray for peace, and pay for war, go figure!
2) Meaning: It comes from reaches out and looking out for each other; from getting to know one another on our street, next door.
3) Purpose: Why did God make me? To know, love and serve God. Without a purpose, people perish.
4) Gratitude: A grateful heart is a hopeful and healed heart. It is. Really. An attitude of gratitude is a pure prayer. Single-minded beyond a double-mind.
The fabulous four. They are.
Really, for me, perhaps for you?
1) Love: We're wired for love and charity. It's in our DNA. War is not what we're made for, yet more energy is placed in fighting, it seems, than in loving, lifting up life in charity. We pray for peace, and pay for war, go figure!
2) Meaning: It comes from reaches out and looking out for each other; from getting to know one another on our street, next door.
3) Purpose: Why did God make me? To know, love and serve God. Without a purpose, people perish.
4) Gratitude: A grateful heart is a hopeful and healed heart. It is. Really. An attitude of gratitude is a pure prayer. Single-minded beyond a double-mind.
The fabulous four. They are.
Really, for me, perhaps for you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)